My favorite online Bible

By Pastor Tom Anderson

I’ve been using Bible Gateway for years and I’m very enthusiastic about all the resources and capabilities that have been added. It’s also an app for your phone or iPad.

First and foremost, it's a powerful Bible search engine. Use the search bar to look up chapter and verse, a whole book, a key word or even a topic. You can choose the translation you prefer from the drop-down menu. Bibles in every major world language are available.

Once your search is complete the results are displayed. You can change the translation, or you can click “all” and see your selected verse displayed in over 50 different English translations. You can also hit “parallel” to display up to 5 different versions in side-by-side columns.

When you are finished with your search you can share it on social media, print it out or have it read out loud. What a great way to study key Bible words and capture the nuances of various English translations.

Click on “Read the Bible” on the left margin column and you’ll find the advanced search option to target your search to just one book or a series of Biblical books that you select. You can search on multiple words or whole phrases. You will also find 16 different personal reading programs that will take you through the Bible in 90 days, one year, chronologically or through the Gospels in 40 days.

Click on “Study Tools” and select “Scripture engagement”. Here you can take a 20-minute survey on the Christian life designed by Taylor University in Indiana. We were created to have a deep, meaningful, engaging relationship with God. We know it in our souls. But with so many other voices competing for our attention, it can be challenging to break through the noise to figure out how to live out the Christian life on a daily basis. That’s why the Christian Life Survey was developed—to give you new ways to think about your walk with God. It will provide insights into your spiritual priorities and areas of focus that can help you engage better with Scripture.

You can be tutored in a host of different ways to engage with the Bible: journaling, memorizing, meditation, singing, public reading, praying scripture and more.

Bible Gateway offers free access to several Bible Dictionaries and commentaries–notably the IVP New Testament commentaries. For a $4 a month subscription you get access to over 50 commentaries, dictionaries and study Bibles.

Under “explore more” you’ll find a ton of free daily devotionals by such luminaries as C. S. Lewis, Charles Spurgeon and Deitrich Bonhoeffer. You’ll find a list of devotionals for women, men, families, leaders and those wishing more Bible knowledge. Bible Gateway is not just a search engine, it's a fantastic resource for personal spiritual growth. I recommend you spend some time exploring it soon!