Recommended Resources
Everyday Sites
These are websites to visit everyday.
Verse for today from Bible Gateway.
Unreached People Groups from Joshua Project.
Daily Devotions from Moody Bible Institute.
Print Resources
To get the most from studying the Bible it is necessary to have some resources that have been specifically designed for the purpose of aiding the believer in this process. Some may claim that all they need is the Bible for the Holy Spirit will be their guide in leading them to understand the Bible. Yes, the Holy Spirit is essential in this process but specifically designed resources by those relying on the Holy Spirit will be of great benefit for a proper understanding of the text of the Bible. The following print resources are recommended to all who seek to better understand the text of the Bible.
Study Bibles
Study Bible are designed to give general information like English meaning of selected Hebrew or Greek words. These Bibles also have an introduction to each book of the Bible so readers can easily understand what the book is teaching. These Bibles usually have a short but good concordance that will help in finding a single verse or group of verses about a specific topic. Also, one of the best features of these Bibles is the inclusion of many cross-refences for each verse so that readers can turn to other passages of the Bible that will help in understanding a particular teaching of the Bible.
The following Study Bibles are listed in alphabetical order and not necessarily listing the best recommendation to the least recommended. It is the opinion of the Servant’s Place that the Study Bibles by John MacArthur are the ones that believers should first acquire. They have the most study notes of any Study Bible and the notes point to a pre-millennial viewpoint of the coming kingdom of Jesus Christ. The cross-reference system is very extensive providing the reader with a wealth of information about what the Bible teaches on a specific topic.
They also have an excellent introduction to each book of the Bible and contain many charts and maps that will be of great benefit to a fuller understanding of the text of the Bible.
Holman Christian Standard Bible Study Bible, Holman Bible Publishers
King James Study Bible, Second Edition, Liberty University, Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Life Application Study Bible, Zondervan Publishers and Tyndale House Publishers, KJV, NIV, NKJV, NLT.
MacArthur Study Bible in various English Versions: ESV, NASB, NKJV, NIV.
NASB Study Bible, Zondervan Publishers
NIV Study Bible, Zondervan Publishers
NKJV Study Bible, Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Ryrie Study Bible, Moody Publishers: KJV, NASB
Bible Concordances
The best Bible concordances are those that are exhaustive in that all the words of the Bible are included. Those that have the word Strong’s in the title include the Strong’s system of indexing all of the words and also contain a dictionary of Bible words according to the Strong’s Numbering System. Other exhaustive concordances have an alternate numbering system that is an improvement to the older Strong’s system. Many people will usually only acquire one concordance due to its size and weight, but it is worthwhile to have a concordance specifically for a English Version.
ESV Exhaustive Concordance, Crossway Publishers. (Strong’s numbers are not included)
KJV Strong’s Exhaustive Bible Concordance, Zondervan Publishers, Thomas Nelson Publishers
NASB Exhaustive Concordance, Zondervan
NIV Exhaustive Bible Concordance, Zondervan Publishers (Uses Goodrick/Kohlenberger numbering system)
Bible Handbooks
One volume Bible handbooks are useful for understanding the outline and the major themes and a description of the content of each book of the Bible, as well as many archeological articles regarding Bible locations and items discovered in Israel and other countries. They usually come in illustrated editions with many charts, maps and pictures.
Halley’s Bible Handbook, Revised and Expanded, Zondervan Publishers.
Holman Illustrated Bible Handbook, Holman Bible Publishers.
The New Unger’s Bible Handbook, Moody Publishers.
What the Bible is All About, Author: Dr. Henrietta Mears, Tyndale House Publishers.
Bible Dictionaries
One Volume Bible dictionaries are a very helpful reference that will provide brief but useful articles on many topics, people and places in the Bible. These one-volume dictionaries are not as expensive as encyclopedias and can be kept on a desk for quick reference.
The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary, Revised and Expanded, Moody Publishers.
Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Holman Reference.
Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary, New and Enhanced, Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Zondervan Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Zondervan Publishers
Bible Commentaries
The choice of a Bible commentary can be very subjective in that most commentaries are written within the confines of a particular theological viewpoint. The recommendation of the Servants Place is the acquisition of commentaries that present pre-millennial, conservative and evangelical viewpoints.
Single Volume Commentaries
Believer’s Bible Commentary, Second Edition, Thomas Nelson Publishers Inc.
King James Bible Commentary, Thomas Nelson Inc.
Life Application Commentary, New Testament, Tyndale House Publishers.
The Moody Bible Commentary, Moody Publishers.
Two volume Commentaries
The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Old and New Testaments, David C. Cook Publishers.
The Wiersbe Bible Commentary, David C. Cook Publishers
Commentary Sets
Commentary Sets are very expensive to purchase, and not all volumes within a particular set may be recommended. This short listing of recommended sets contains many recommended single volumes that will be of benefit to acquire for the home or Church library.
Everyman’s Bible Commentary, Moody Publishers.
Swindoll’s Living Insights, New Testament, Charles Swindoll
The Expositors Bible Commentary, first edition, Zondervan Publishers.
The MacArthur New Testament Commentary, Moody Publishers.
The New American Commentary, Old and New Testaments, B&H Publishing Group.
Other Recommended Books
In addition to the books listed above there are others that would be of great value to have at home. The following is a list of the top recommendations from Servant’s Place. Some are theology books that are for reference, while others are books that should be read often.
Basic Theology, Charles Ryrie
Biblical Doctrine, John MacArthur
Desiring God, John Piper
Future Israel, Barry Horner
Great lives Series, Charles Swindoll
He Will Reign Forever, Michael Vlach
Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther. Roland H. Bainton
Holiness, J. C. Ryle
Knowing God, J. I. Packer
Let the Nations Be Glad, John Piper
Living By the Book, Howard Henricks, William D. Hendricks
Major Bible Themes, Lewis S. Chafer, John Walvoord
Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis
Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan
Premillennialism, Michael Vlach
Providence by John Piper
Reading the Bible Supernaturally, John Piper
Systematic Theology, Wayne Grudem
The Battle for the Beginning, John MacArthur
The Chronicles of Narnia Series, C. S. Lewis
The Gospel According to Jesus, John MacArthur
The Joy of Fearing God, Jerry Bridges
The Knowledge of the Holy, A. W. Tozer
The Messianic Hope, Michael Rydelnik
The Moody Handbook of Messianic Prophecy
The Moody Handbook of Theology, Paul Enns
The Problem of Pain, C. S. Lewis
The Treasury of David, Charles H. Spurgeon
Things to Come, J. Dwight Pentecost
Online Resources
There seems to be an unlimited number of online resources for Bible Studies. The following listing is just a sampling of possible Websites for Christians to discover and explore. These recommended sites will provide a wealth of information. Christians should be discerning when using online resources because these sites often do not reveal their theological viewpoints.
These online resources are listed in alphabetical order and not in recommended order.
Answers in Genesis is a website devoted to the truth of a “young-earth” creation as stated in Genesis chapters 1-11. The founder of the site, Dr. Ken Ham has developed a team of experts on the fact of a young-earth creation and has included a wealth of materials, (articles, books, videos, blog etc.) on the site to provide Christians with a vast array of content to define and defend a young-earth creation viewpoint.
Description from Bible Gateway Website:
Bible Gateway is a searchable online Bible tool hosting more than 200 versions of the Bible in over 70 languages that you can freely read, research, and reference anywhere. Including a library of audio Bibles, mobile apps, devotionals, email newsletters, and other free resources, Bible Gateway equips you not only to read the Bible, but to understand it. Bible Gateway is a member of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. We continue to add new translations, languages, add functionality to Bible Gateway to help you conveniently engage the Bible and make it an integral part of your everyday life. Bible Gateway Plus takes Bible study to an even deeper level with instant digital access to 50+ premium resources that enhance your understanding of each passage
Description from Bible Hub Website:
Our mission:1) Increase the visibility and accessibility of the Scriptures online. 2) Provide free access to Bible study tools in many languages. 3) Promote the Gospel of Christ through the learning, study and application of God’s word.
Our Organization: Bible hub is a production of the Online Parallel Bible Project. This project is privately owned and supported for the express purpose of sharing Bible study tools online. Most of our work is done by volunteers with an interest in using their technological skills to this end. Please see our contact page for additional information.
Our History: The Online Parallel Bible Project began in 2004 as Bible.cc, which provided a parallel, verse by verse view of 8 translations. Soon, many new tools were developed to support the parallel site. These began as separate sites, but our feedback led us to develop a single integrated platform. Thus, in 2007 several sites were integrated to form Biblos.com and later BibleHub.com.
Description from Bible.org Website:
We are a nondenominational Bible based site that exists to freely share the good news from God to the entire world so you can KNOW the Truth about life and eternity. This Truth comes from Knowing GOD and having a relationship with Jesus Christ as it says in John 14:6-7 Jesus replied, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you have known me, you will know my Father too. And from now on you do know him and have seen him.” To help you search and find these truths, we provide free access on the Internet to over 20,000 articles which represent the finest, most trustworthy biblical truths and materials from Pastors and Scholars around the world. We also desire to come along side the Church and help it fulfill the Great Commission commandment from Christ which is recorded in Matt 28:19-20.
Bible Outlines
The Bible Outlines.com by site creator Paul Apple, is an extensive web site of Biblical resources, including Bible text outline, commentaries in .pdf format, Gospel introduction material, topical studies, audio sermons, blogs and links to various internet sites. For E-books search under the Scripture Studies heading. Paul states on his home page: “My passion is helping others understand and apply the Scriptures through the Big Idea concept and preaching outlines of each book.”
Description from Bible Project Website- Terms of Use:
We are a crowdfunded project that produces media and other Content to help people everywhere experience the Bible as a unified story that leads to Jesus. Everything we make is available for free because of the generous support of people like you. BibleProject believes in sharing what we produce with as many people and groups as possible around the world. We want our resources (including, but not limited to all our videos, posters, visuals, podcasts, classes, audio, notes and other Content) to be used free of charge by all audiences to advance knowledge and discussion of the Bible. (Please refer to all the content of the Terms of Use of this Website.)
Description from Bible Study Tools Website:
BibleStudyTools.com is the largest free online Bible website for verse search and in-depth studies. Search verses using the translation and version you like with over 29 to choose from including King James (KJV), New International (NIV), New American Standard (NASB), The Message, New Living (NLT), Holman Christian Standard (HCSB), English Standard (ESV), and many more versions of the Holy Bible.
Our rich online library includes well known and trusted commentaries including the popular Matthew Henry Commentary, concordances like Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance and Naves Topical Concordance, Bible dictionaries, Biblical encyclopedias and historical Christian and church books including Fox’s Book of Martyrs. Our library of resources also includes Bible reading plans, Parallel Bible, and many other additional Christian resources including dictionaries and encyclopedias. For a more in-depth study of Scripture, our website offers Greek and Hebrew Interlinear for the New and Old Testament, lexicons for original Greek and Hebrew reading of Scripture, as well as popular Church history books. Our most popular content, Bible verses by topic, provides Biblical encouragement and wisdom for all of lives situations and events. Search over 200 topical verses to meet your need, or sign up for our daily bible to receive a verse by email to start your day.
Description from Blue Letter Bible Website:
HOW THE BLB IS DESIGNED: 1. BIBLE-CENTERED: We view the Bible as central to our study resources. We intentionally designed the website to include study tools that are linked directly to Bible passages. 2. POWERFUL STUDY TOOLS: Dig deep into the Word using commentaries, encyclopedias, maps/images and much more. One of our most used tools is the Lexicon search, which gives users immediate access to the original Hebrew and Greek words. 3. QUICK AND EASY SEARCH FUNCTION: In one spot, you can search Scripture by word, verse or multiple verses. 4. PERSONALIZED EXPERIENCE: Use some features more than others? Create a customized homepage and sidebar to include exactly what study tools you want.
Description from Plano Bible Chapel Website about Constable’s Notes:
Dr. Constable’s Notes, authored by Dr. Thomas L. Constable, provide commentary on all 66 books of the Bible and contain over 12,000 pages of material in PDF format. Dr. Constable taught at Dallas Theological Seminary for 45 years and served as the Chairman of its Bible Exposition department for 13 years. He now spends most of his time upgrading these notes. These notes are intended to help you to understand the Bible better. Use of Notes Policy: Expository Notes Copyright Policy. Unauthorized translation, republishing, file duplication, website or email distribution of any portion of this copyrighted material in any form, without the express written consent of Dr. Thomas L. Constable, or his appointed representatives, is strictly forbidden. You may use these Bible study notes for your own personal study or for teaching a class. You may download a copy to your computer, print, or make paper photocopies for a class or Bible study group but charge only the cost of copying. You may NOT make changes and then attribute the Notes to Dr. Constable.
The online description (about us) of the David Jeremiah Ministries is very extensive. It is recommended that this description be read online to understand the full scope of this ministry. David Jeremiah ministries involves, broadcast (Turning Point: radio, television and online); print (magazines and books); digital (daily e-devotions, full ministry information); new media (facebook, twitter, instragram) kids ministries (Airship Genesis) and live events.
Description from Desiring God Website:
Desiring God began inauspiciously in 1994 when John (founder Dr. John Piper) handed off the church’s tape ministry to his assistant, Jon Bloom. What started with tapes and John’s books, Desiring God has blossomed into an international web ministry with 14,000+ free resources and 3.5+million monthly users. Today, John serves as lead teacher for the ministry. Our Resources: Everything we create and distribute here at Desiring God exists to guide you toward everlasting joy in Jesus Christ. Here are a few of our most popular resources:
(Ask Pastor John): Life is hard and often leaves us asking tough questions about God. Listen to John Piper answer these questions from the Bible.
(Look at the Book): Can we really hear from God by reading the Bible? Absolutely! Watch John Piper study a short passage of Scripture (with color-coded highlights) and learn to know God through his word.
(Solid Joys): By fueling our minds with truth day after day, our hearts will grow to see God as a satisfying treasure. Read or listen to a short, God-centered devotional from John Piper for every day of the year.
We also have thousands of articles, sermons, books, and podcasts.
Description form Discover the Book Ministries Website:
DTBM is a partnership of people from everywhere John Barnett has ministered (SC, CA, NY, MI, RI, OK, etc.) who help spread God’s Word through taking the lessons already taught to a local church and making them available free of charge all over the USA and the World. John Barnett founded DTBM in 1998, as a non-profit 501c3 Oklahoma incorporated, outreach ministry. Currently DTBM is sending evangelistic and Bible teaching materials (books, study guides, CDs, radio shows, web-based materials, etc.) to over 160 countries around the world. The main offices are in Tulsa but there are other locations we support for translation work (in Russia, Jordan, Brazil, Korea, etc.) and to produce daily broadcasts.
Description form Enduring Word Website:
Enduring Word exists to promote the work of Christian discipleship and evangelism worldwide, mainly through the publication and dissemination of the Bible teaching work of David Guzik and likeminded people. When David Guzik was a young pastor in Simi Valley, California, he (among many other pastors) was asked to send his teaching notes to the developers of a new internet Bible research site: Blue Letter Bible. In the late 1990’s, David’s material first appeared on the Blue Letter Bible, and was found to be a valuable resource.
David’s Bible resources – both in text and through audio and video – are used by many thousands of people every day. Many pastors, Bible teachers, and everyday Christians find these materials helpful. It’s important to us at Enduring Word to keep access to our resources free. Books are available for purchase, and David’s content is also available on Bible study software platforms such as Logos, Biblesoft, and Mantis. Yet, the core materials are used all over the world without charge.
Description from Gotquestions.org Website:
“Got Questions Ministries seeks to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by providing biblical, applicable, and timely answers to spiritually related questions through an internet presence.” GotQuestions.org is a ministry of dedicated and trained servants who have a desire to assist others in their understanding of God, Scripture, salvation, and other spiritual topics. We are Christian, Protestant, evangelical, theologically conservative, and non-denominational. We view ourselves as a para-church ministry, coming alongside the church to help people find answers to their spiritually related questions.
We will do our best to prayerfully and thoroughly research your question and answer it in a biblically based manner. It is not our purpose to make you agree with us, but rather to point you to what the Bible says concerning your question. You can be assured that your question will be answered by a trained and dedicated Christian who loves the Lord and desires to assist you in your walk with Him. Our writing staff includes pastors, youth pastors, missionaries, biblical counselors, Bible/Christian college students, seminary students, and lay students of God’s Word.
Grace to You is the teaching ministry Pastor John MacArthur containing thousands of print and digital sermons and other resources, available free online. For a description of the beginnings of this ministry view the “about” page on the Grace to You website.
Insight for Living is the resource Website for Dr. Charles Swindoll. Partial description from the Insight for Living Website: Our Mission. Insight for Living Ministries is committed to excellence in communicating the truths of Scripture and the person of Jesus Christ in an accurate, clear, and practical manner so that people will come to an understanding of God’s plan for their lives, as well as their significant role as authentic Christians in a needy, hostile, and desperate world. Our Ministries. How do we fulfill this mission? Since 1979, the Insight for Living radio broadcast, with its extensive national and international reach, has been the ministry’s major vehicle in teaching the truths of Scripture and for presenting a message of genuine hope and encouragement to a worldwide audience. The broadcast is the initial step in our mission to teach the Bible, proclaim the Gospel of Christ, mentor and train international pastors and ministers, and provide uplifting messages from the Scriptures that touch the hearts of our listeners around the world. Insight for Living Ministries is also committed to walking alongside our listeners after the broadcast ends, by providing support and prayerful encouragement via biblically trained pastoral counselors, Searching the Scriptures studies, Touching the Heart gift books, MP3s, and much more. See full description on the “about” page of the Insight for Living website.
Description from Open the Bible Website:
Open the Bible (formerly Unlocking the Bible) grew out of a two-year journey of preaching and reading through the Bible at The Orchard Evangelical Free Church in 1999 and 2000. Colin Smith, now Senior Pastor at The Orchard, served as the preaching pastor throughout these two intentional years of reading through Scripture. The journey led to the publication of a series of four books entitled Unlocking the Bible Story, followed by 10 Keys for Unlocking the Bible, Unlock the Bible in 30 Days, 10 Keys to Unlock the Christian Life, and The 10 Greatest Struggles of Your Life. The daily broadcast was launched in 1999 and has seen steady growth throughout the years. Currently the radio program reaches 2.5 million listeners. In addition, through the use of podcasts, our mobile app, and social media, the ministry impacts millions of people around the world with its Gospel-centered content.
Precept Austin is an amazing collection of thousands of print and digital resources covering every book of the Bible. It is the number one recommended online resource by Servantsplace.org. To discover more about this Website and its founder, see “a testimony to Gods grace” on the Precept Austin website.
Ray Stedman.org is the online resource for the teaching ministry of Pastor Ray Stedman. For a description of the of this ministry see the core values section of the Ray Stedman.org website.
Description from Studylight.org Website:
Since March 22, 2001, StudyLight.org has been providing quality Bible resources to the Christian Internet community. Starting with a handful of Bibles and reference tools, we have grown to be the online resource leader. Although the site might give the impression of being maintained by a large team of developers, it is only an impression. The truth is that StudyLight.org was and is the result of one person with the support of a handful of contributors. Maintained from his home in Gdansk, Poland, Jeff Garrison has been able to turn a passion for programming into a full-time ministry.
As the lead developer of Goshen.net, Devotionals.net, ReligionToday.com, and BibleStudyTools.net, Jeff could hone his skills for site development. He would put those skills to good use after being downsized from his position as the sole developer of the Bible tools on crosswalk.com in January 2001. While the first several years had their struggles, StudyLight.org has been able to rise to the top and become a well-respected site for studying God’s word. Today the site hosts more Bibles and study resources than most Bible software packages.
The following pdf file of these Recommended Resources can be downloaded and saved to your computer.
Resources – Servants Place for pdf