People often ask me for Bible study recommendations and usually I have some suggestions. Over the years, I’ve had a lot of experience with Bible studies from many different angles. I have been a student of the Bible and a “consumer” of Bible study curriculum for almost 30 years. I have also taught Bible study, chosen curriculum for church ministries, and written Bible studies.
But recently, a conversation I had with a friend got me thinking about the Bible studies that have had the greatest impact on my own life. I want to share those with you today.
First, I want to emphasize that our first source for growing in our faith and in our knowledge of God is His Word. The Bible should always be our primary study book. The Holy Spirit is our teacher; we need no other. But God has also given us gifted teachers with great biblical insight. Their material can supplement and enhance our personal study of the Bible.
I’ve lost count of the number of study books I’ve used over the years. However, these three stand out because each of them profoundly affected my faith. They guided me into a deeper understanding of Scripture. Each provided multiple “aha” moments by connecting some biblical dots or making me aware of an aspect of God’s character or ways I had somehow missed before.
They are deep and thoughtful. It’s obvious the authors walk closely with God and take the teaching of His Word very seriously. I know two of the authors personally and their lives match their writing. And although I trust their teaching, I also check everything they write against the Bible. So far, I have not been disappointed.
Here are my top three:
- Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby & Claude King – This study highlights truths from Scripture that helps readers know how God works in the world and how He relates to us.
- Live a Praying Life by Jennifer Kennedy Dean – This study wipes out our misconception about prayer by pointing us to what the Bible says about its purpose and working.
- Believing God by Beth Moore – Too many Christians settle for belief in God when we could believe Him.
I have done some Bible studies over the years that have encouraged me in a particular area or increased my knowledge of God. Others have wasted my time. But these three address foundational truths of our faith and directly impacted my relationship with God. The first two I’ve done more than once, and I know I would benefit from doing all of them again.
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you done these? Are there others that God used mightily in your life?
I have done Believing God, and I’ve read the book experiencing God. I would definitely say they’ve impacted my faith.
Hi Kim! Thanks for stopping by!
I thought Believing God was awesome, as well! We are going through “Behold Your God” by John Snyder in Sunday School, and it has really impacted me. It’s a good check for making sure you are viewing God biblically instead of in a mainstream, worldly way.
Thanks for sharing the recommendation for “Behold Your God.” Sounds like something I would be interested in as well!