The best Bible study books are those that direct the reader toward experiencing God’s presence. Beyond information, they lead the reader toward transformation.
Bible study books can be extremely helpful in your spiritual journey. As you dive into the Word of God with the help of a great book, the Word of God often comes alive in a new way. The best Bible study books are those that direct the reader toward experiencing God’s presence. Beyond information, they lead the reader toward transformation.
What Makes a Bible Study Book Great?
Through the years, there have been many Bible study books written. The best ones are those who lead the reader on a personal transformational journey. James wrote, “Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the Word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like” (James 1:22-24). The point is, we don’t study the Word to get more information. We study the Word to be transformed into the image of Christ. As we study and enter in, the Holy Spirit transforms us more into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18).
The best Bible study books include personal reflective questions and exercises that focus on receiving the truth found in God’s Word on a heart level. Often the temptation can be to read God’s Word without opening our hearts to what the Holy Spirit is speaking. The best Bible study books help the reader to open their hearts and engage experientially with God and His Word.
Another characteristic of a great Bible study book is that it addresses a strongly felt need. The Bible is our authority for all manners of life and godliness. So, when we approach studying it with a felt need in mind, we are able to discover wisdom from God. Bible studies that are great will have strong practical applications to the reader’s life. They include ways to apply what the Word is teaching.
Finally, a Bible study that’s great includes special features. For example, it might include a suggested prayer response or activity. Or, it might include songs to listen to that will prompt your worship. It might include coloring pages or suggested songs. It will include special features that help you experience the presence of God and not just gain knowledge about Him. It will help lead you toward transformation.
5 Best Bible Study Books
1. Breaking Free by Beth Moore
While this Bible study came out in the late 90s, the message is still relevant today. Beth does a deep dive into selected passages of Isaiah and draws several parallels between the captive Israelites and Christians today. Beth teaches believers to tear down strongholds in their lives and to overcome those with the truth of God’s Word. By doing that, the reader will enjoy the freedom that Christ promises.
I remember when this Bible study came out, all the women whose lives were dramatically changed as they began to tear down strongholds. God has used this Bible study to transform the lives of thousands. It is definitely in the best Bible study category.
2. Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer
Over a decade ago, Priscilla wrote Discerning the Voice of God. It was so well received that in 2017, she released a revised and expanded version that included new stories, illustrations and exercises.
In this profound Bible study, Priscilla helps the reader to discover how to have clear and daily communication with God by walking in humble obedience. As you journey with Priscilla, you’ll grow in your ability to study the Word of God daily, you’ll gain practical tips for discerning the voice of God in your personal life, and you’ll strengthen your intimacy with Christ.
This Bible study features leadership tips, lots of stories and illustrations, insights from Dr. Tony Evans, and insightful exercises to help you after you complete the study.
3. The Godly Kings of Judah: Faithful Living for Lasting Influence by Cynthia Cavanaugh
In this excellent Bible study, the reader is invited to study the lives of the goldy kings found in 1 and 2 Kings and 1 and 2 Chronicles. Cynthia Cavanaugh is an excellent Bible teacher who does a great job at bringing the scriptures alive. In this powerful 8-week Bible study, Cynthia demonstrates the practical process of repentance, renewal and revival. This process can be lived out in our own lives. Cynthia leads the reader on an inspiring adventure to create lasting influence. I highly recommend this Bible study for anyone in leadership who wants to leave a godly legacy. The Bible study includes daily Bible reading as well as thought-provoking questions. The reflective exercises included will inspire the reader and leave them wanting more.
4. Discovering Good News In John by Pam Farrel & Jean E. Jones and illustrated by Karla Dornacher
This ten-week Bible study of the Gospel of John gives a beautiful account of Jesus’s mission and ministry. The reader will be transformed as they journey through the gospel culminating in the beautiful account of the resurrection. The study includes fresh insights into the gospel, according to John. The authors do an amazing job of helping the reader understand the historical context and culture in which Jesus taught. The reader will enjoy learning about the community in which Jesus lived and the celebrations in which Jesus participated. The ten-week study is filled with practical applications and motivating devotional thoughts.
One amazing feature of this Bible study is the creative coloring pages that feature hope-filled and worship-inspired Bible verses. The reader will fall in love with Jesus as they journey through this amazing study of the Gospel of John.
5. Our Father: A Six Week Study of The Lord’s Prayer by Becky Harling
We are living in a time when anxiety, fear, depression and uncertainty are all on the rise. People are disappointed and disenfranchised with religious practices. Yet, now more than ever, people need to return to praying the Our Father. Millions of churchgoers have heard the Lord’s Prayer many times. The question is, do they understand the deep invitations tucked within? Tucked within this magnificent prayer are six invitations: The invitation to know God as Father, the invitation to worship, the invitation to surrender, the invitation to ask audaciously, the invitation to find freedom through forgiveness, and the invitation to live victoriously.
Father wounds are ever so common, yet, Jesus offers us healing for our souls with the Lord’s Prayer. In this six-week journey, you’ll reclaim the beauty, boldness, and blessing offered through the Our Father prayer.
This Bible study includes a playlist of worship songs that correlate with each day of the study. As the reader enters into worship and prayer, they will experience God’s presence, and their lives will be changed.
In the spirit of transparency, I am the author of this Bible study. I am excited about it because, as I began to study the Lord’s Prayer in depth, my own life was changed. Therefore, it’s my joy to tell you about this study and invite you to dive into the prayer Jesus taught us to pray. I believe at the conclusion of this study, you will find yourself more in love with Jesus and more passionate about following Him.
Conclusion
Bible study books are a tremendous tool for our spiritual journeys. While there are many studies out there to choose from, the five listed above are, in my opinion, among the best Bible studies of all time. You won’t be disappointed as you put the time and effort into opening your Bible and diving into any of these Bible study books. Your life will be changed, and you will experience greater intimacy with Christ.
Photo Credit: Unsplash/AlexandraFuller
