When the pastor announces to the congregation during worship to “Open your Bibles” nowadays, that command comes with it more options than we had just a few short years ago. For many, it now means opening an app on our smartphones or tablets instead of reaching for the traditional printed text. So, is Bible software right for you?
While using such technology might still be frowned upon by some individuals (and churches, too!), its acceptance continues to grow. But the questions is, is it right for you and why even consider it?
Before I go any further, I have the utmost respect for those who have their printed Bibles with them, especially those you can tell get used a lot. You know the ones I’m talking about: dog-eared pages, looks like it has been through a warzone, and when it is opened, there are sometimes more notes and highlights than the actual text. God bless those folks.
I get it. Some people just love the feel of God’s Word in their hands and the precious joy of thumbing through the pages. Not everyone is cut out for the Bible in software form.
But one word of caution: God’s Word is God’s Word, regardless of format. The printed book most of us have in our homes was not the original format of Scripture, but rather in scrolls. Believing the book itself is sacred is putting man’s invention over the very Word of God. In other words, it is not the format that makes His Word holy, it is His Word that makes it holy.
Why use Bible Software?
Quite simply, access.
Using Bible software opens up a world of study that could never be accomplished with a single printed text. At your fingertips you can see various translations of the Bible such as ESV, NKJV, KJV, NASB, and so on. You can view Scripture in the original languages of Hebrew and Greek and do on-the-spot word studies while the pastor is delivering the sermon. Bible software allows you to view countless commentaries to help you understand and connect various passages to help see the unity of Scripture in a way you have never seen before. You can view maps and timelines to get a better context of what life was like for the Biblical writers and where they traveled.
The possibilities are endless. If you are a Sunday school teacher or small group leader, Bible software will revolutionize the way you prepare your lessons.
One of the best products on the market is Logos. I use it in my own study. I can create reading plans, devotions, prayer lists, and many other tools to help me grow in my discipleship. There are so many options with Logos, that I can assure you there is a version for your budget. Logos makes it easy to get started.
If you want to take your study to a higher level, check out Logos today and then let me know how it has helped you grow closer to God.
