How to Study the Bible for True Understanding

Start with the Lord’s Prayer every day throughout the day

Understanding Descriptive vs. Prescriptive Scripture

When we read Scripture, we must remember that some passages are descriptive—telling us what happened—while others are prescriptive, instructing us on how to live. The book of Job is a powerful example of this. Job’s speeches about his own righteousness are not commands for us to imitate; they are part of a larger narrative where he is responding to friends who wrongly accuse him of sin. His friends insisted that Job must have done something terrible to deserve such suffering, but they were speaking from human reasoning, not divine truth.

The story reveals something deeper: Job’s suffering was not punishment. It was a test, and God allowed it—not to destroy Job, but to prove his faith and ultimately bless him. In the end, Job came through the trial refined, restored, and twice as blessed as before. His story reminds us that God remains sovereign and in control over everything, even when we cannot see the purpose behind our pain. What looks like loss may be the very place where God is preparing increase.

These podcasts and Bible studies have opened my eyes to the true meaning of Scripture. They reveal the Bible as a unified story—from Genesis to Revelation—showing Jesus woven throughout every book. Through this journey comes the deeper revelation of God’s command: to have no other gods before Him, and to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind.

More than simply following those commands, it is about learning to live with joy and love in every circumstance, even amidst the challenges you or a loved one may face.

Discerning the Right Spirit — Not Every Voice That Sounds “Religious” Is From God

Job’s friends claimed that “a spirit” revealed to them that Job was at fault.Job 4:12–16 (focus on v. 15). This is Eliphaz speaking to Job: A word was secretly brought to me… A spirit passed before my face; the hair of my flesh stood up.”

But it was the wrong spirit. Their words sounded spiritual, but they did not reflect the heart or truth of God. This is a warning for us today: not every voice, impression, or “spiritual insight” comes from the Holy Spirit.

A New Testament example makes this even clearer. In Acts, the sons of Sceva tried to cast out demons “by the God whom Paul preaches.” They used spiritual language, but they had no relationship with God and no authority. The evil spirit answered them, attacked them, and overpowered them. Their story shows that misidentifying the source of a spirit can lead to destruction.

This is why discernment is essential.
Only by studying the Word, knowing God’s character, and listening for His voice can we recognize which spirit is speaking. The Holy Spirit leads into truth, peace, conviction, and alignment with Scripture. Any voice that contradicts God’s Word, produces confusion, or accuses without hope is not from Him.

When we know the Word, we can recognize the Shepherd’s voice—and reject every false one.

Apps that will help you study

Download on your phone, pad or computer

Download this app on your phone, pad or both.

Study the Story of the Bible With Free Tools | BibleProject™– has videos of all the books of the bible to make it come alive and REALLY understand a book before you read it. Listen and watch the video first, then read the bible for fuller understanding.

Little background on Bible Project:

Tim Mackie: A theologian with a Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible and Jewish Studies, he serves as BibleProject’s lead scholar and creative director. His background includes pastoral ministry and teaching at Western Seminary.

Jon Collins: A creative producer and writer and cohost, he brought his experience in crafting explainer videos to help make complex biblical themes accessible. Together, he and Tim envisioned a way to communicate the Bible’s story through engaging animation and together they discuss each chapter of the bible to bring it alive–ESPECIALLY with those YouTube Videos.

Bible Recap

The Bible Recap | Read, Understand & Love the Bible in 365 Days is another bible app that makes reading Bible chapters even more clear. Tara-Leigh Cobble makes bible reading so easy. I always listen to her recap first then read the chapters for clarity and those great: OH, THAT is what that means!!!

Tim Keller

Reading Tim Keller’s books for years had always been awe inspiring then I discovered Gospel in Life online and podcast and immediately downloaded it. His teaching has been life and mind changing forming to help me understand the bible even better.

His information:

• Ordination: Presbyterian Church in America (PCA)
• First pastorate: West Hopewell Presbyterian Church in Virginia (served 9 years)
• Academic role: Faculty member at Westminster Theological Seminary, where he and his wife Kathy engaged in urban ministry.
• Redeemer Presbyterian Church:
  • Founded in 1989–2017 in Manhattan after Keller was recruited by his denomination.
  • Grew into a diverse congregation of over 5,000 weekly attendees, primarily young professionals.
  • Incredible thoughtful preaching, cultural engagement, and emphasis on mercy ministries.

Through the Word with Kris Langham and other teachers

• Offers reading plans, devotionals, and topical studies
  • Focus on clarity, context, and practical application
  • Available through their app and YouVersion reading plans

Life Church: Senior Pastor & Founder: Craig Groeschel

• Founded the church in 1996 in Oklahoma City. Largest-attendance church in the U.S.
  • He’s also known for leadership books, the Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast, and his emphasis on practical, everyday discipleship.
• What Life.Church is known for:
  • The YouVersion Bible App
  • Life.Church created and maintains the YouVersion Bible App — one of the most widely used Bible apps in the world.
  • Digital Ministry Innovation
    They pioneered:
  • Church Online
  • Free sermon resources
  • Free worship music (Life.Church Worship)
  • Free kids curriculum (Open Network)
  • Multi‑Site Model
    Dozens of physical campuses across multiple states, all sharing the same teaching each week.

Saddleback Church -Rick Warren and other Teachers

• Rick Warren founded Saddleback Church and pastored for more than 40 years before stepping into new teaching, podcasting, and ministry endeavors—all with the same mission of helping people draw closer to God.

Global Ministry Impact

• Rick Warren founded:
• The PEACE Plan — a global missions strategy
• Pastors.com — resources for church leaders
• Daily Hope — a teaching ministry with devotionals and broadcasts

Rick Warren is best known for writing The Purpose Driven Life, one of the best‑selling Christian books in history. Its central message — “You were made for a purpose” — has shaped millions of believers worldwide.

He also wrote:

• The Purpose Driven Church
• The Daniel Plan
• Numerous devotionals and ministry resources

Ministries and Global Help

So Many God‑Honoring Ministries — Let Your Search Lead You to the Right One

The ministries listed above are simply a few that I personally use and appreciate. But there are countless others available, offering every kind of help, teaching, and encouragement you may need. With a little time, prayer, and purpose in your search, you’ll discover exactly the resources God has for you. It’s also helpful to use a mixture of ministries so you can gain many perspectives as you learn and grow in understanding.