God’s Word
and the Tools We Use
God is the source of His Word. Throughout history, He has used men, written Scripture, and available tools to help His message be taught, copied, shared, read, and studied.
Understanding the Foundation
The Bible did not begin with a printing press, a modern English translation, a phone, or an app. God is the source.
God Is the Source
God is the source of His Word.
The Bible teaches that Scripture was given by inspiration of God.
The message did not begin with man’s personal ideas.
God Used Men
God used inspired men to speak and write His message.
Men preached, taught, copied, carried, and shared the Word.
Using men did not make God’s message man’s message.
Tools Help Carry the Message
People have used different tools throughout history to help communicate and study.
The tool may change, but the tool should always point people back to Scripture.
God Used Men to Speak, Write, Teach, and Spread His Word
Throughout Bible history, God used people.
He used Moses. He used the prophets. He used the apostles. He used preachers and teachers.
When Paul preached the gospel, Paul did not become the source of the gospel.
When Peter preached Christ, Peter did not become the source of the message.
When inspired men wrote Scripture, they did not replace God.
They were servants being used in the work of God.
The Bible in Different Translations
Today, people study the Bible using different translations. Many people have a translation they prefer for reading, study, teaching, or personal devotion.
The King James Version is a faithful English translation that many people prefer and use regularly for study and devotion.
Other people may use the New King James Version, New American Standard Bible, NIV, ESV, or another Bible translation.
God’s Word existed long before the modern English translations we read today.
A modern English translation is not the source of God’s Word.
God is the source.
Translations help readers access and study Scripture in languages and wording they can understand.
The purpose should be to carefully read, study, understand, and obey the Word of God.
From Handwritten Copies to the Printing Press
The way written information was reproduced changed through history. The message of Scripture did not begin with the machine used to print it.
Handwritten Manuscripts
For many centuries, written Scripture was copied by hand.
This required time and careful work.
Written copies allowed Scripture to be read, taught, and passed to others.
The manuscript did not create God’s message.
It was a means of carrying written words.
Johannes Gutenberg and Printing
In Europe, Johannes Gutenberg became closely connected with the development of movable metal type printing.
Instead of copying every page by hand, movable letters could be arranged, inked, pressed onto a page, and used again.
This changed the way books and written information could be reproduced.
Gutenberg did not create Scripture.
He did not inspire Scripture.
Printing was a tool that helped reproduce written material.
The Printing Press Was a Tool
There was a time when printing itself was new technology.
Today, people may look at a printed Bible and think of the printed book as the traditional way Scripture is received.
But Scripture existed before the modern printed Bible.
How God’s Word Has Been Shared Through Changing Platforms
Man has used available tools to communicate. The tools change. God’s Word remains the message.
Handwritten Manuscripts
Scripture was written and copied before modern printing.
Printing Press
Printing helped reproduce written information more efficiently.
Printed Bibles
Printed copies placed Scripture into homes, churches, and communities.
Radio and Television
Bible preaching and teaching could be carried through electronic media.
Computers and Internet
Scripture became searchable and digital Bible study became easier to organize.
Phones, Apps, and Web Apps
People can read, hear, study, and organize Bible study from devices they carry.
Tools That Help Us Study God’s Word Today
Technology can help people spend more time reading, studying, remembering, and returning to Scripture.
Read Scripture
Open and read Bible passages for study.
Listen to Scripture
Hear Scripture read aloud and follow along.
Highlight Verses
Mark important verses and passages.
Take Notes
Record lessons, questions, thoughts, and study information.
Search Words and Topics
Search Scripture and study Bible subjects.
Compare Translations
Review Scripture using different Bible versions.
Memorize Scripture
Practice passages and work on remembering God’s Word.
Save and Continue
Return to reading, notes, and Bible study progress.
Why Create a Bible Study Web App?
A person may use the knowledge, ability, and technology available today to create a tool that helps others study God’s Word.
🌎 Bilingual Bible Study
A future Bible study tool designed to help people study the same Bible passage when one person understands English better and another understands Spanish better.
John 3:16
The selected English Bible version would appear on this side.
Example: KJV, NKJV, NASB, NIV, or another available versionJuan 3:16
La versión bíblica seleccionada en español aparecería en este lado.
Spanish Bible version selected for studyScripture
God’s Word is the standard.
Scripture is not replaced by the Bible study tools people create.
Bible Study Tools
Study tools may help people search, organize, compare, remember, and return to Scripture.
The Tool Should Point Us Back to Scripture
“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 17:11
From God to the Bible in Your Hands
The journey can be understood simply.
GOD REMAINS THE SOURCE. HIS WORD REMAINS THE MESSAGE.
The purpose of the tool is to help people read, study, understand, remember, and obey God’s Word.