Bible Archives - Kristi Woods

How to Do a Bible Word Study

September 24, 2019 by Kristi 22 Comments

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Have you ever wondered how to do a Bible word Study? Maybe you’re looking for a new study method, are uncertain where to start, or simply aren’t sure what a word study is–let alone how to approach and complete one! Read on, my friend. There’s a method here for you.

But be warned. A Bible word study will not only deepen your knowledge of the Bible, but God might use it to help grow your faith–in a most unexpected way 🙂

This post contains affiliate links.

What is a Bible Word Study?

This type of study focuses on a single word found in the Bible. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? It is!

Others may handle their studies differently, but I typically focus on the Greek and/or Hebrew meaning, and dive into Bible verses containing the focus word. I’ll often also use a dictionary and Bible concordances.

What Study Resources Do I Need?

The list below contains several resources needed to complete a Bible word study. Not all are must-haves, but the more resources we use, the better understanding we often gather. And the great part? Many of these remain free to use online. If you prefer to flip pages and hold them in your hands, never fear. They’re widely available as well.

Chosen Word (You decide, isn’t that great?)
Time
Notebook and Paper
Bible
Concordance (Strong’s, back-of-the-Bible versions)
Dictionary (Vine’s Bible Dictionary, Webster’s 1828)
Online Resources (BlueletterBible.org, BibleStudyTools.com, BibleGateway.com)

How to Do a Bible Word Study

Below, I’ve listed my approach to study Bible words. If you have other steps, we’d love to hear them. Feel free to add them in the comments below.

1. Identify Your Word

Ever wondered how to handle anger, worry, or discouragement? Maybe a verse containing love popped out one day. At the surface, its meaning seemed evident, but what if there’s more than one meaning? (There is, by the way.) Here are three ways of identifying your word:

It causes you to pause when reading this word in the Bible.
It centers around subject matter you’re wrestling with in real life: jealousy, anger, worry, envy, courage, fear, and so forth.
You simply want to know more about a word in the Bible. These are perfect words for a study.

2. Use a Concordance

Many Bibles house a concordance in their back pages. Not all contain this tool, but the ones that do will typically advertise it on the packaging or in the table of contents. It’s a handy resource.

Concordances list words alphabetically and provide a record of verses containing the focus word. Bible versions typically don’t include every scripture involving the focus word–they simply don’t have space–but this is an excellent place to begin. Read through the verses listed. Note the ones that speak to you.

In lieu of a concordance, open a browser and search for “Bible verses about ________.” (I used courage in the sample link.) Sometimes the verses listed online contain different ones than your Bible’s concordance.

3. Refer to Strong’s Concordance

This big book (really big!) contains thousands of words. There’s a reason it’s called The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. It’s a read for word nerds and students like you and me because inside awaits a wealth of information.

541699: The New Strong&quot;s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, Large-Print Edition

The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, Large-Print Edition

This tool alphabetizes the words and verses containing them, but it displays a number as part of the equation, too. This number corresponds to either a Greek or Hebrew word found further back in the book. (Or, there’s a free online version at BlueLetterBible.org.) The numbers then designate a definition. This helps us better understand the correct usage of, for example, love.

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4. Read a Bible

With a definition and listing of verses in hand, dive into the Bible. Read the various passages and see how the unit of language is used. What circumstances surround its usage? Who are the people using it? Are there similar situations or tag-along words noticed?

Try reading several Bible versions. Different ones explain the text in a variety of ways–and some may be easier to understand than others.

5. Ask God

This one should probably be in the #1 position. Our Father gives wisdom. Pray, asking Him for understanding, insight, and wisdom from Above. He’s wonderful at giving the insight we need.

Which Bible Should I Use?

Investigate several Bible translations to find the one(s) that work best for you. I either read from or use the ones listed below for comparison:

NIV (everyday language, word-for-word translation

003560: NIV Woman&quot;s Study Bible, Leathersoft Rich Rose

NIV Woman’s Study Bible, Leathersoft Rich Rose

AMP (LOVE this one for expanding words and further understanding without pulling out all the other resources)

KJV and Amplified Parallel Bible, Large Print, Hardcover

KJV (correlates to Strong’s Concordance well & is in the public domain)

NLT (easy to read)

NLT Abundant Life Bible

MSG (easy-to-read and modern paraphrase)

Message Slimline Bible–soft leather-look, brown/pink

WEB (public domain)

Available Bible Word Studies

Releasing TODAY (9/24/19) is a Bible word study birthed after the Holy Spirit launched one word into my atmosphere. That word? Believe.

In late 2018, God dropped an unexpected word into my thoughts, and it churned for quite some time. That word? Believe. I thought I understood its meaning and application. I was wrong.

I began investigating this word and how it intersected—truly intersected—my life. What did I believe and under what circumstances? Did I trust God and His promises during the good but not the bad? Why and why not? As time passed, He began to unfold a newer, deeper understanding.

What if God desires to reconstruct or dig a deeper foundation on what and how you believe as well? If you’re interested in pursuing God’s insight and will in this area, make sure to visit this page to learn more about the study or here to purchase it.

Release Bonus

As a bonus for September, this downloadable word study will be $2 off the normal price–just $4.99 versus $6.99. Grab your copy now!

(PS KristiWoods.net subscribers received an opportunity earlier in the month to win a free copy. Don’t miss out on future opportunities. Join now.)

***The winner of the free copy of Created to Believe is Marissa K. Marissa, I’ll be emailing you soon. Congratulations!

How to Study the Bible by Topic?

Interested in how to study the Bible by topic? See my guest post over at Susan B. Mead’s site to find helpful information for your Bible study endeavors.

Vine’s and Other Dictionaries

I also use Vine’s Bible Dictionary (available in print or at BlueLetterBible.org), commentaries (also available at BlueLetterBible.org), and Webster’s 1828 Dictionary for further helpful insight. (As a young Christian, Joyce Meyer often recommended the Webster’s 1828 Dictionary. I found it helpful and am passing it along in case you do as well.)

501501: Vine&quot;s Concise Dictionary of the Bible

Vine’s Concise Dictionary of the Bible

9803X: Webster&quot;s American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828 Edition

Webster’s American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828 Edition

And so we have it — how to do a Bible word study. Let us know in the comments below how God impacted you through a word study.

5 Ways to Grow Your Faith Today

September 17, 2019 by Kristi 20 Comments

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Looking for ways to grow your faith? If you’re whispering, “Yes,” then you’ve landed in the right place. Read on! Here are 5 ways to help you grow in faith.

This post may contain affiliate links.

The Importance of Growing in Your Faith

Little by little, day by day, we learn to hear His voice, to trust God, and to soak in His love. But just as a toddler doesn’t enter their bed one night a youngster and rise the next morning an adult, a strong faith doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and intentionality on our part–seed-watering on God’s. According to 1 CO 3:6, it is He who causes the seed to grow. And that’s a good thing. So God, as we venture through this list together, we look to and trust You to become stronger in our faith.

Grow Your Faith Through Salvation

What Does the Bible Say about Good Works and Salvation?

According to Ephesians 2:8-9, good works don’t, well, work when it comes to salvation. No matter how many good acts we offer, it’s only the unmerited favor, that which we know as grace, of Jesus Christ that saves us.

Here are three Bible passages addressing good works or salvation:

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.”
(Eph. 2:10 WEB)
“[T]hat if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.For with the heart, one believes resulting in righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made resulting in salvation.”
(Rom. 10:9-10 WEB)
“[F]or all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;”
(Rom. 3:23 WEB)

What Was Jesus’ Role in Salvation?

Without Jesus, there would be no salvation. He stars in that role–thank goodness! Acts 4:12 makes it clear. Salvation is found in no one else.

God sent His only Son because of love. According to John 3:16, all who believe in Jesus will have everlasting life.

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Grow Your Faith Through Prayer

What the Bible Says about Prayer

The Bible tells us to pray, or communicate with God, continually in 1 Thessalonians 5:17. God’s Word also urges prayer in place of entertaining anxious thoughts in Phil. 4:6 and sounds a call for healing in James 5:16.

How Should a Beginner Pray?

Simply talk with God—that’s how a beginner should pray. It’s a conversation with our Father, one that can be silent or spoken, short or long, eloquent or not so much.

The beautiful part about prayer is that our Father hears. According to Matthew 6:8, He knows our needs before we mention them to Him.

And if you’re still uncertain how to pray, use this passage as a guideline.

“…Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” (Matt. 6:9-13 WEB)

Bible Studies

How Do You Do a Bible Study?

A flurry of Bible study methods await us. We can simply read the Bible daily and study the verses we encounter. There are topical studies, the SOAP Method, inductive or word studies, and so many more approaches to understanding the Bible.

Bible Studies for Adults

Here are several Bible Studies I’ve enjoyed over the years or ones that come highly recommended. There’s also a new one on the list–right there at the bottom. 🙂 Created to Believe: A Bible Word Study, a downloadable study, RELEASES September 24, 2019. (Btw, it’s on sale for just $4.99 through Sept. 30. The price goes up to $6.99 come October, so grab your copy soon!)

Experiencing God Workbook: Knowing and Doing the Will of God, Member Book, Updated

Uninvited, Study Guide with DVD
By Lysa TerKeurst

205876: Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out and Lonely

Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out and Lonely
By Lysa TerKeurst

334124: To Live Is Christ: The Life and Ministry of Paul, Member Book

To Live Is Christ: The Life and Ministry of Paul, Member Book
By Beth Moore

430477: It&quot;s All Under Control: A Journey of Letting Go, Hanging On, and Finding a Peace You Almost Forgot was Possible, Softcover

It’s All Under Control: A Journey of Letting Go, Hanging On, and Finding a Peace You Almost Forgot was Possible, Softcover
By Jennifer D. Lee

430519: It&quot;s All Under Control Bible Study: A 6-Week Guided Journey

It’s All Under Control Bible Study: A 6-Week Guided Journey
By Jennifer D. Lee

424573: Crash the Chatterbox: Hearing God&quot;s Voice Above All Others

Crash the Chatterbox: Hearing God’s Voice Above All Others
By Steven Furtick

Crash the Chatterbox DVD
By Steven Furtick

542857: Battlefield Of The Mind 2-in-1, Book and Study Guide

Battlefield Of The Mind 2-in-1, Book and Study Guide
By Joyce Meyer

365488: The Bait of Satan, 20th Anniversary Edition: Living Free from the Deadly Trap of Offense

The Bait of Satan, 20th Anniversary Edition: Living Free from the Deadly Trap of Offense
By John Bevere

558109: The Bait of Satan, Interactive Study Guide

The Bait of Satan, Interactive Study Guide
By John Bevere

Becoming His Princess Bible Study by Wholly Loved Ministries

Created to Believe: A Bible Word Study by Kristi Woods

Purple oval with white words announcing the Created to Believe Bible study — Click **here** to learn more.
Click **HERE** to purchase.

Reading the Bible Daily

Do I have to Read the Bible Every Day?

The beautiful part about God is that He doesn’t force us into anything–not even reading the Bible every day. In fact, He doesn’t strong-arm us into reading it ever. But why miss the golden opportunity to commune with God and learn from Him through His written Word?

What are the Benefits of Reading the Bible Daily

Ephesians 6:17 calls the Bible a sword. It’s used offensively and defensively–but we must know what’s in the Bible in order to use it effectively. Through Scripture, we’ll know about God, how to handle relationships and disagreements, how important offering forgiveness is, and how to love others. We’ll also find encouragement for life’s rough seas and those times of calm.

As a lamp for our feet and a light for our path (PS 119:105), God’s Word helps us navigate life’s path. And the more we spend time among those beautiful words of His, the more likely we are to walk in His righteous ways. Why not read the Bible daily?

Community with Others

What Does Being Part of a Community Mean?

We weren’t created to live life alone. God offers community for our benefit. Genesis 2:18 introduces us to the first community of people: Adam and Eve. Eve was created as a “helper.” Likewise, being a part of others’ lives helps us just as we help others, too.

In the Old Testament, we find a community with the Israelites. Some of people were judges, priests, artists, kings, and so forth. They lived together and helped one another.

New Testament verses refer to us as part of a body (1 Co. 12:12-27.) Each body part has its specific gifts–for helping take care of others. Also, the five-fold ministry of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers mentioned in Ephesians 4:11-16 lists various members of the spiritual community who were given skills and gifts to help mature God’s people.

What are the Types of Community?

Types of community today within the Christian world include:

Church
Small Groups
Sunday School Classes
Discipleship/Mentoring
Outreach
Missions
Family
It can also include friends, school, neighborhoods, and so much more.

Grow Closer to God

God helps us grow our faith and grow closer to Him. He causes us to grow–and that’s good. Very good. It all begins with Jesus and salvation.

So go ahead, grab your Bible and read it daily. Dig into Bible studies, and rely on prayer often. And don’t forget to involve yourself in a community of others–or several of them!

If you’d like to be a part of our community here at KristiWoods.net, you’re invited. Simply subscribe by clicking on the graphic below. You’ll receive access to free prayer printables, professions based on Scripture, ministry downloads, and other faith tools. You’ll find tools to help you, ones supporting these 5 Ways to Grow Your Faith Today.

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Feeling Left Out? This Is Where You Belong

June 18, 2019 by Kristi Leave a Comment

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Feeling left out?

Wondering where you belong?

Safe to say most of us have found ourselves playing the part of the outsider at one point or another.

As Christians, we hold hope in our citizenship in the household of God. So when the feelings rumble, let truth roar.

Welcome to this month’s second memory verse from 2019’s #WhoamI Bible memory verse program.

When we’re faced with feeling left out, grab truth and walk boldly with it.

Our God leaves no one out that accepts an invitation to His table.

But How Do I Become a Christian?

You might be asking this question. Or, as with my story, you might think “good” and going to church get us to heaven.

Go here to dig further.

God has more in store for us. He invites us to His house–that we’re assured of heaven.

Ready to learn more?

New?

Have a desire to learn God’s Word by heart?

Check out this post or this Pinterest board to learn more about hiding God’s Word in your heart, being ready when the spiritual battle rages.

What Does the Bible Say…

Do you ever wonder what the Bible has to say about growing up? Maybe you’re a parent who longs to guide your children well. Or an interested grandparent or auntie. Hey, how about a Jesus girl who simply likes to dig in or tackle life topics?

For all of the above, yes! Take a peek at this recent iBelieve.com piece. Let me know your thoughts below, and feel free to add your insight on growing up as well.