Referencing Scripture wisely

I wrote over 5,000 words last week. Three blog posts. A chapter. Comments and tweets and status updates. Each of these words were about my Christian faith. They included Bible verses, stories from the Bible, and teaching references. 

What a responsibility, right? 

As Christian communicators, using the Bible and speaking of our faith is key. 

It also requires research. Text taken out of context is just not an option. 

In today’s Tuesday Tip, let’s explore three ways to reference scripture wisely. 

1. Read it in context

Before quoting scripture, read it first in context. 

Read a few lines and then the entire chapter. Discover why it was said, who said it, who heard it, and in what circumstances. 

2. Go deeper

• Read the passage in a second version of the Bible. Sometimes a different version allows you to see it in a different light. 
• Read a commentary on the passage. Look for cultural or contextual nuances that you might miss if reading a stand-alone scripture or picking a scripture from a Google search. 
• If you really want to take it deeper, check out underlying root words in the passage. You might be amazed at the depth of a scripture or teaching that emerges. 

3. Use available resources 

One amazing paid resource is LOGOS. It’s pricey but one of the most comprehensive Bible study/research/library programs available. 

There are several free and semi-free Bible research sites online. Listed are a few of the more popular sites:

Bible Gateway

Bible Hub

StudyLight

Blue Letter Bible 

YOUR TURN

Choose one of the free sites and explore. You might be amazed at what you find right at your fingertips! Make sure to also leave a comment on the COMPEL blog about your favorite resources!