Resources I Love

I tried to keep this list somewhat small but still provide several options for each category. If a resource is not free, you will see a $ to the left of the link. 

1. Bible Apps

• Youversion Bible App FREE app to access dozens of translations of the Bible. Audio listening is available for many translations as well. Highly recommend this free resource.
• Logos Bible Software Mobile App Best used as a support for the Desktop App (see section below on Logos Bible Software). It can be used as a stand-alone and has multiple helpful tools available, but there can be a learning curve to know how to use this. 
• Here is a 10 minute tutorial I made about using the mobile app.

2. Bible Dictionaries

• $ Holman's Illustrated Bible Dictionary Link is Amazon ($25 new) I have this one and have learned a great deal from it. So far, I really like it.
  
• $ Zondervan's Compact Bible Dictionary Link is Amazon ($17 new paperback) I do NOT have this one, but it is another option and seems to be highly recommended by Amazon customers.

3. Study Bibles

• $ Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible Link is Amazon (Around $35 or $40 new) This is my favorite Study Bible so far, I've learned so much about the culture which is extremely valuable when studying the Bible.
• ESV Study Bible Online Free study Bible online. Click "Global Study Bible" on the side for information. Click "Introduction to Matthew" and click the expand arrows on the right top corner of that panel to expand it if you want. This will give you background information on the book you are about to read.
  

4. Audio Bible Apps

• $ Dwell Bible App (Audio Bibles)
• 7 Day Free Trial
• Lifetime Membership or Yearly Subscription available
• Always look for discount codes if deciding to purchase or subscribe
• Youversion Bible App - as mentioned above, it is free and you can listen to chapters of the Bible in most translations.
• The Word of Promise - A dramatic reading of the Bible with actors and music and sounds. Beautifully done. Books of the bible can actually be found on YouTube for free. They do have an app, but to listen I think you will have to pay for the audio. You can also purchase CDs or buy it as an audio book, but the app seems great if you want to follow along with the words.

5. Bible Study Software: Logos

• Logos Bible Software That link is to download Logos 9, the FREE version of the software. ($ Logos 10 is the newest version and is therefore not free. There are many levels of the paid version.) There is also a Logos In-Browser Website that can be used in your internet browser without downloading software. Create a free account.
• Overview Video of Basic Logos Features To see if you might like Logos 9, watch this 5 minute video I made of an overview of the features I use that are available in Logos 9.
• Tutorial on Getting Started with the Free Version of Logos Bible Software. This is a 23 minute tutorial I made demonstrating how to use some of these basic features.

6. Videos

• Bible Project Their videos and resources help people experience the Bible as a unified story that leads to Jesus. With visually captivating graphics that help us picture the story in a clear way, their goal is to help people experience the Bible in a way that is approachable, engaging and transformative. They produce free Bible videos, podcasts, classes, and educational Bible resources to help make the biblical story accessible to everyone everywhere. Videos are also available on YouTube.
• Bible Thinker (Mike Winger) Helping you learn to think Biblically about everything. Mike Winger is a Pastor who now does online ministry in the form of answering questions and addressing topics both from the Bible and current day. He never answers a question with his own advice separate from biblical wisdom, but always thinks from a Biblical perspective, knowing that wisdom is from above. Mike Winger's videos are also available on YouTube.
• How to Faith a Life on YouTube. So far, what I've seen of her content is that her videos are fun, helpful resources on encouraging us to study the bible, accessible to beginners as well! This is in italics because I haven't seen too many of her videos and I'm not sure where she stands on all theological views, but I LOVE her passion and excitement for Women to be studying and evangelizing - that Women are called by Jesus - and with all that I 100% Agree!!!

7. Websites

• Reasons to Believe Discover how scientific research and clear thinking consistently affirm the truth of the Bible and of the Good News it reveals.
  
• Reasonable Faith Writings, videos, podcasts, and more that address a variety of biblical and scientific topics. See Dr. William Craig answer the question of the week posed by readers like you.
  
• Stand to Reason Trains Christians to think more clearly about their faith and to make an even-handed, incisive, yet gracious defense for classical Christianity and classical Christian values in the public square. Logical answers and arguments in a variety of forms: videos, articles, podcasts, and more.
  
• GotQuestions.org This is a good place to start with a question if you wanted to find an overview or some scriptures to research, but I wouldn't just end here. Their answers are pretty good, but they do have a particular theology and so you will see that in the answers. But I find they make very good arguments, just supplement with more research.
• Logos In-Browser Program Website Mentioning this again because it is so good. You can download the software also.

8. Free Online Commentaries (so far)

    note: it's always good to read more than one commentary where you can.

• Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete) It was written in 1706 originally, the language is a little thick (like Old English maybe?) but it's got some great insight and goes phrase-by-phrase.
• Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Concise) Again, the language is a little bit thick, but it's good. Note: this concise version SKIPS verses and so you may not see information for the verse you are trying to understand.
• Wiersbe's Bible Exposition Commentary of the New Testament (this is a PDF, if opened on your phone I think it will download.) I especially loved this commentary's insight on John 10!!! I learned so much about Shepherding and the allegories of that chapter. 
• Wiersbe's Bible Exposition Commentary of the Old Testament (this is also a PDF and will likely download if you open the link on your phone.) 
• A few additional free resources from Bible Gateway listed here.

9. Free Online Seminary

• AWKNG Yes, FREE Seminary! These courses are EACH worth between $200 and $400 but they made them all free as of September 2024. The courses are worth the money, but now you don't even have to pay. This seminary is online and started by the late Michael Heiser with the vision: "AWKNG is a ministry on a mission to awaken people to a deeper understanding of the bible. With a vision to see Biblical understanding accessible to all, with no exceptions, we are here to help you on your learning journey."

10. Books

• "Risen Motherhood: Gospel Hope for Everyday Moments" by Emily Jensen and Laura Wifler
• "Mama Bear Apologetics: Empowering Your Kids to Challenge Cultural Lies" by Hillary Morgan Ferrer. Yes, written for moms, but I think it's a great book for everyone who is an adult. A similar book would be "Faithfully Different: Regaining Biblical Clarity in a Secular Culture" by Natasha Crain, but I think Mama Bear is an easier read and a little more applicable.

11. Others / Parenting:

• Risen Motherhood offers hope for moms through their book, social media, and podcasts, always bringing the gospel to the center.
• Scripture Lullabies is a musical artist that makes beautiful music that is not just for children. Their lyrics are based on verses from the Bible and the music is actually beautiful and gentle, not like some children's music. We often listen to it throughout the night, and it never gets too loud or annoying.
• Movie reviews from PluggedIn by Focus on the Family. Instead of watching an entire movie before taking my kids to see it, I can read the review on PluggedIn for all concerns separated by categories:
• Positive Elements
• Spiritual Elements
• Sexual Content
• Violent Content
• Crude or Profane Language
• Drug and Alcohol Content
• News: The Pour Over emails. Your politically neutral, Christ-first news source. This is a free subscription you get 3 times a week with news written by Christians all over the world laced with scripture to remind us what to do with the information: pray and trust God and get our orders from Him. If emails aren't your thing, they also have a short (about 10 minutes a few times a week) well produced podcast. 

Getting started with studying the Bible? Check out my blog post for some general advice here!