By Aleena Denison
• Can be done nearly anywhere
Today we can go just about anywhere and still have contact with people via the internet and cell phones. Interestingly, we can even get internet on our cell phones. Communication through the internet and cell phones is considered almost completely necessary, so there are relatively few people without access to one or the other, and many have both. It's also not uncommon for people to spend much time on either one.
A benefit of online Bible study is that, with all the ways to access the internet, people aren't limited to having to be in a certain place. Study can be done at home, at work (as long as it's appropriate timing for the work schedule), while traveling, etc. The only hindrance is that there are so many other things online vying for attention that one may not be interested in studying the Bible online. But, for those who want to learn and grow, there are endless tools, and not a lot to hold them back.
• Makes a great evangelism tool
With the internet becoming more popular, online Bible studies can be great tools for evangelism. If you have friends or acquaintances who have questions regarding spiritual things, yet aren't willing to sit through a Bible study, offering them a website study may be the ticket. According to statistics taken 3 years ago, some 30% of internet users simply surf the web, not looking for anything in particular and just passing the time. It's not very often that someone will turn down a web search, unless he is completely disinterested in the topic offered.
Also, if online Bible study is offered, web surfers may run across the sites, and out of curiosity, may stick around to read a bit.
• A variety of methods
Don't like to read? Even those who don't like to sit down and read a book don't seem to have a problem bringing up the internet and reading on numerous topics. I don't want Christians to think that I'm saying that they don't need to crack a Bible, for we should desire nothing more than learning what God has to say to us. But it's not a problem to search Bible studies online to help with understanding passages. In fact, today it's often easier to look for specific Bible study topics online rather than find a local Christian bookstore which might or might not have the desired topic of study. However, even if you don't like to read, I encourage you to not throw out books altogether.
Like to get down to details? Often on the internet, people will post different information about the same Bible study topics. Sometimes the information is the same, but there are times when you'll find a new nugget of information that you didn't see before or is explained differently and in such a way as makes perfect sense to you. The quickness and easy access can be very helpful and can save quite a bit of time.
Like to study debated issues? Of course, with the internet being world wide, you'll run across many views on the same topic. Bible studies with different views can be a way to understand the principles/doctrines of various religious groups. I warn you to be cautions in this, however. Make sure that you know solidly what the Bible says, because there are many who prepare Bible studies that teach Scripture falsely.
Aleena Denison has a heart for seeing the message of the Bible presented in a clear way,and is dedicated to sharing Jesus with the lost and helping believers see their responsibilities in evangelism, discipleship, and Bible study. For more information and free downloads, see http://www.goodseed.com
Source:www.isnare.com |
