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In Christianity, Bible study is the study of the Bible by ordinary people as a personal religious or spiritual practice. Some denominations may call this devotion or devotional acts; however in other denominations devotion has other meanings. Bible study in this sense is distinct from Biblical studies, which is a formal academic discipline.
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In Catholicism
Devotions are forms of prayer which take place outside the official liturgy (Mass and Liturgy of the Hours). While the faithful are asked to participate in the liturgy, devotions are strictly optional, though highly recommended, and must take place outside of the liturgy to avoid any confusion. In the Latin rite, devotions include the well-known Rosary, the Cross, the Lectio Divina and the Angelus. Devotions typically have specific approval of the hierarchy.
In Evangelical Protestantism
This term can refer to a period of time set aside to study the Bible and pray in an effort to build a stronger spiritual relationship with God. This time is often spent alone or with a small group of people.
Whereas the notion of 'quiet time' refers more often than not to individual devotionals of daily frequency or multiple times during a week, 'a Bible study' often connotes a less frequent—often weekly—meeting of a group of people for devotional study of the Bible and spiritual accountability. When used this way, a Bible study is also often referred to as a "small group", especially when the focus is on some aspect of a Christian's walk with God other than the study of the Bible according to some specific plan.
In a number of Evangelical Protestant groups, the term also refers to an individual story or message that follows the above format. Pastors and ministers who speak using stories as opposed to sermons are said to be giving a "devotion(al)" or "devotionals".
Methods
Many devotional books, or devotionals, are available in retail stores today. These books contain directed Bible studies often incorporating stories or anecdotes that convey Biblical principles, similar to the parables used by Jesus in his ministry. A notable example is My Utmost for His Highest, written by Oswald Chambers. Many Christian stores dedicate an entire section to these types of books, but in some countries they are available at secular stores as well, often shelved in the "inspirational" section.
Some Christian communities (e.g. Christadelphians) have Bible reading schedules, like the one suggested in the Bible Companion, for example, as one tool to help them with their study of the Bible. Such schedules take people systematically through the entire Bible, reading approximately four chapters per day (in the case of the Bible Companion), which allows the reader to keep context in their studies through the different books of the Bible, and ensures different areas are not neglected.
Proverbs Daily Study
Many people use Proverbs as a daily study and guide to increase their wisdom and understanding. There are 31 chapters to Proverbs so reading one chapter a day, allows readers to complete the book of Proverbs in one month, but it is common for people to continue to read one chapter a day as part of their daily routine. There are many resources available like Daily Audio Bible which covers a chapter of Proverbs every day. Readings are available online, through iTunes, and MP3s. A Daily Proverb selects one verse a day from each chapter and makes them available by email, online, through Twitter, Facebook, and RSS. Many others combine a study of Proverbs, Psalms, and one of the Gospels, reading a chapter of each every day.
See also
References
External links
- aDailyProverb
- Online Bible Studies
- Bible Studies on Public Transit (Protestant Christian - simple Bible studies placed inside buses, subway systems and other public venues.)
- Christian Daily Articles (Tithing, hundredfold return, Christmas, baptism, preachers and churches and other interesting articles)
- King James Bible with Study Aids Cascading Bible
- Bible Study Guides and Essential Bible Study Tools at the American Bible Society's Bible Resource Center
- Bible Study Tools at Christianity.com with 29 translations, devotionals, reading plans, etc.
- Bible Study Planet
- Bible Study Articles
- Bible Study Exposition Online -- Free Online Resource for Bible Study Guides
- SpiritsWord Daily Devotional - A challenging and encouraging Christian daily devotional. Archived devotions are sorted by subject.
- Biblize - A search engine dedicated to finding and comparing verses from popular Bibles in various languages.
- Bible-Glory.com - A resource site dedicated to the study of the Bible.
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