Bible Study Tools

Not Sure Where to Start?

We recommend the following resources as a way to learn from the Bible and take action steps to grow in your faith.

S.O.A.P.

S.O.A.P. is an acronym for “Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer.” The words stand for the 4 steps in a method for studying your Bible.

  • Scripture | Complete the “S” by reading the scripture. Don’t just skim through it, but really think about what it means. Imagine what the people involved were experiencing. Write down a verse or two that really stood out to you in your journal. It can be the passage from the front page of the Grace Community Fellowship website, or any other passage you wish. Consider reading it from a different translation to get a different perspective.
  • Observation | Complete the “O” by writing down observations about the scripture you just read. You may want to write your own summary of the passage, but more importantly, think about what God has to say to you through this part of his word.
  • Application | Complete the “A” by writing down how this Bible passage applies to you right now, in your daily life. For example, in the parable about the prodigal son, which character do you identify with most: the loving and merciful father, the son who squanders his life and then repents or the resentful older brother? Do you see similar situations in your life right now? How can you respond in the way Jesus taught?
  • Prayer | Complete the “P” by writing down a prayer. This is a personal message from you to God, so don’t worry about getting the perfect words down. Just make it honest and heartfelt. Remember that God always listens, and already knows your needs. He just wants to hear from you.

Here is an example to help you picture how this might look…

Tue, May 1 – John 15:1-8

S: This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit showing yourselves to be my disciples.

O: Disciple isn’t a title you just get. A disciple is a person who is known by his or her actions. Actually, it’s not the action he does, but it’s the results or fruit of his actions that make him a disciple. Not the flurry of activity. This fruit is a byproduct of a connection to God. It’s God’s activity through our work that produces fruit. Our job is to remain connected to his power and ability as we obey him.

A: I must stay close and connected to Christ so that as I follow his commands he might make my efforts fruitful.

P: Father, help me to be fruitful. Help me to see the fruitfulness of my life.

Bible Reading Plans

Looking for a Bible reading plan? Look no further… We’ve assembled 10 here to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a short two-week plan or something more comprehensive like the entire bible in a year or less.

2 Week Guided Tour | This plan contains 10 different 2-week tours of the Bible to choose from, including “Two Weeks on the Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ”, “Two Weeks on the Holy Spirit”, and “Two Weeks on Women of the Bible” and more.

30 Days in the Psalms and Proverbs | Two different 30 day plans, one covering selected readings from Psalms, and one covering all of Proverbs.

30 Stories You’ve Probably Never Heard | A 30 day trip through some of the lesser known stories of the Old Testament.

30 Days for New Christians | 30 Days of reading covering selections from both the Old and New Testaments.

30 Days with Jesus | Short reading plan covering the high points of Jesus’ life.

180 Days Guided Tour | 180 day tour through the Bible with at least one chapter from each book.

New Testament Reading Plan | Read the entire New Testament in 63 days.

The Bible in One Year | Read the entire Bible in one year. Readings from 4 different books each day.

60 Day Overview of the Bible | Overview of the Bible with selected readings from Genesis to Revelation.

90 Day Overview of the Bible | Read the entire Bible in 90 days with readings from the Old Testament and New Testament each day.

25 Memory Verses

Right Now Media

RightNowMedia.org provides a Netflix-like delivery of video content for personal or small group use. Everyone can access this wonderful growth tool. Simply contact us and we’ll get you setup with the free access.