A few weeks ago one of our church members approached me after the morning worship service with a request. He wanted my recommendation on solid Bible study resources. He said that he wanted to dig deeper into God’s Word and that he wanted to learn how to study the Bible for himself. Systematically studying the Bible was going to be his New Year’s resolution. I immediately thought of several resources that have proven helpful to me in my own personal study of the Bible. However, I did not want to overwhelm him with too many recommendations. That is when I remembered hearing about a new magazine called Bible Study Magazine. The magazine was supposedly designed to help people focus exclusively on the Bible and Bible study. I requested a free copy of Bible Study Magazine for review. Let me share with you some of my thoughts about this new magazine and the reasons why I can heartily recommend it to my friend and to you.
The magazine is published by Logos Bible Software. It is described as “a non-denominational publication dedicated to providing readers with tools and methods for Bible study, as well as insights from respected Bible teachers, professors, historians and archaeologists.”
The first thing I noticed about the magazine is that it is printed on quality paper that does not have a high gloss. This is important to me because I hate it when the glare of my reading light makes it impossible to read the text without constantly shifting the page. (Am I getting old?)
Next, I glanced at the contents page to preview the issue. Articles included discussions about the Dead Sea Scrolls, how to choose a Bible translation, biblical archaeology, an interview with Josh McDowell about biblical apologetics, a Greek word study, and an article from a mother’s perspective on finding time for God in the midst of a hectic schedule. I later discovered that each of these articles were well written and informative. I believe they were designed to inspire you to appreciate the richness of God’s Word and to motivate you to study it.
However, the heart of the magazine centers on actual Bible study. Each issue contains an on-going Bible study that gets you in the Word, discovering truths for yourself. The November/December issue introduces a study of the Book of Hebrews. The study is titled, “Facing Today With The Book of Hebrews.” The article gives a helpful step-by-step and week-by-week guide to studying the book. I appreciate the fact that the study guide prompts one to pray and to rely on the Holy Spirit for illumination as you study God’s Word. After all, Bible study is more than a mere academic exercise! I also realized immediately that this study requires that you actually have the Bible open as you follow its recommended study approach. Too many “Bible Studies” are only commentaries on the Bible. A person can merely read the commentary without ever actually studying the Bible. Bible Study Magazine gives you the guidance you need to allow the meaning of God’s Word to unfold before your eyes. This magazine will help you to observe what the passage is saying, interpret its meaning in context, and then apply its message to your life. This is a true, inductive Bible study method that is sorely missing in many Christian’s lives.
As with other magazines, there are several advertisements, but not too many. You will also see several references to Logos Bible Software as a way to do further research on a passage or topic. This is understandable since they are the ones publishing this magazine. I own, use, and recommend Logos, but you do not have to own the software to benefit from the magazine.
If you desire to dig into God’s Word for yourself and draw closer to the Lord, then I recommend Bible Study Magazine to you. I have already subscribed to Bible Study Magazine and eagerly await my next issue.
