Lisa Notes: Do you know the bones of your Bible?

While the heart of the Bible is Jesus, the bones of the Bible can help us find our way to him.

But in this age of Bible apps and tablets and iPads, just how well do we know the bones of our Bible? When we can type in the verse notation or do a word search, is there any reason to memorize the books of the Bible anymore?

Why learn the bones?

1. See the big picture
Without knowing the overall skeleton, you can lose sight of the central theme of God’s consistent love that holds the stories together. When you work a jigsaw puzzle, you look at the picture on the box first and often, then you can more easily put the pieces in the right place.

2. Delight in details
But while the Bible is one big love story about God, it’s also a series. Many smaller stories are captured in its 66 individual books. Each story holds value. By keeping books in context (Song of Solomon is a book of poetry; Ezekiel is a major prophet), you can more accurately interpret what you’re reading and can better apply it to your life.

3. Look for help
Once you know the overall purpose of each book, you can look more efficiently for specific helps. If you have a friend in deep mourning, direct her to the Psalms for comfort. Or if you’re struggling with a child’s rebellion, turn to Proverbs for wisdom. Be prepared for opportunities to share Jesus through your knowledge of his truths.

4. Use it easier
The more familiar you are with the books (Luke come before Acts), the easier it is to find your way around. You’ll be less frustrated when looking up verses to share and you’ll waste less time in your studies.

5. Find your story
Will you be more Christ-like by memorizing the books of the Bible? Nope. But the more you know the book, the more you’ll discover—and love—about the Author. And you’ll realize he’s inviting YOU to be a part of his story as well.

Where to start

Begin with the big bones. Learn how men have set up the library: two main divisions (Old and New Testaments), which are subdivided into smaller sections (books of Law, books of History, etc). While these are man-made categories, they’re still helpful in interpreting that poetry books are more metaphorical, for example, and that Pauline epistles are more practical.

Then, if you haven’t already, memorize all 66 books. It’s not too late, regardless of how old (or young) you are. And it’s not that difficult (music helps greatly!).

To go deeper, review a summary from each book; read more about the approximate 40 authors; put a timeline together.

God breathed life into the people in our Bibles. As we read about them, we learn about him. And the Word becomes flesh again in us.

Resources

Some of my favorites:
Bible Gateway – a searchable online Bible in over 100 versions
E-Sword - free downloadable Bible study software
Do Not Depart’s top 10 online Bible study tools
66 Love Letters by Dr. Larry Crabb
What the Bible Is All About for Young Explorers based on the classic by Dr. Henrietta Mears
Reproducible Maps, Charts, Time Lines & Illustrations by Gospel Light

* * *

Do you have a favorite Bible study resource?

REVISED FOR THE ARCHIVES
ORIGINALLY POSTED AT DO NOT DEPART

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barbarah 65p · 631 weeks ago

Excellent post, Lisa. All good points, but I especially like seeing how the individual parts fit into the big picture.
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1 reply · active 631 weeks ago

Lisa notes 103p · 631 weeks ago

Have you ever participated in a Walk thru the Bible program? We did the Old Testament program a few years back, and I loved seeing the great way they tied things together. I'd recommend it for all ages.
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elizabethfstewart 38p · 631 weeks ago

And now onto the next generation...been working with the grandkids on singing the books of the Bible. :)
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What a wonderful grandmother you are! Your grands are blessed to have such a godly woman to look up to. I hope I can be that someday when I have grandkids.
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tisdalehelen 2p · 631 weeks ago

Lisa, so enjoyed your post today. That's where my "sweet spot" is; studying the Word! I wanted to tell you "30 Days To Understanding The Bible" by Max E. Anders is a great workbook I have had & referred to for over 10 yrs. now. Thankyou for your reminding me to get back in it!
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2 replies · active 631 weeks ago

Thanks for recommending another resource, Helen! Sounds like a great one, especially if it's one you can continue to refer to over and over. Those are proven worthy.
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fancyhorse 20p · 631 weeks ago

I have that same book, tisdalehelen! I'm in the process of using it, a chapter a day. I find it very helpful.
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greenpeach06 25p · 631 weeks ago

I love this, Lisa! Excellent reasons why we need the whole Bible in our hands, not *just* an electronic version (although those certainly have a place).
Can I also recommend getting a good study Bible? They're great resources for adding background info, book themes, and other tidbits that tie the whole Book together.

Glad you made the recommendation--yes, a good study Bible is very important. I still pull mine out when I'm researching a passage or topic, regardless of how many online helps I also have. It's good to have access to both formats.
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Brooke Espinoza · 631 weeks ago

This is great, Lisa! I have, and love, the Walk Thru the Bible app "OT39." It is great for learning, or reviewing, the OT books of the Bible. They even have a summary for each book which is very well done. NT27 is currently in the works and is set to be available this year. I can't wait!
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I had not heard of that app, Brooke. Sounds wonderful! Thanks for sharing it. I'll have to look into it.

Suzanne · 631 weeks ago

Very thoughtful post, Lisa. So glad Elizabeth at Dogfur & Dandelions pointed me this way. One additional thought about knowing the bones of your Bible -- sometimes you'll have a verse in mind and know the book it's found in, but can't place the reference closer than a chapter or two. When you know your Bible (yes, Elizabeth, I agree with the whole paper & binding priority), your eyes will remember where that passage is on the page in YOUR Bible. You get to know it as a friend and counselor.

I look forward to exploring more on your blog!
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Good point, Suzanne. I do that same thing! I might not can remember the exact verse number, but I may remember it's halfway down, right side of the page, so I can find it. :-) Thanks for stopping in.
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