Bible study

There are several styles of Bible study. These include:

Devotional
The focus of study is on life-application. Scripture is often applied to real-life situations, and authors of devotional studies often include personal stories related to a particular concept. The goal of these studies are to produce meaningful life change from an understanding of Scripture.

Technical
Often, original Greek or Hebrew texts are involved. Raw information derived from these studies may appear uninteresting, but when applied to other styles of study, prove to be quite useful and sometimes required for interpretation of complex passages.

Topical
Often included as part of a systematic theology, topical bible studies may or may not include life application, but almost always focus on factual items that can be read directly or synthesized from other information (with proper understanding, see Technical above), including other sections of Scripture. This is where most doctrine is formed.

Historical
A study of historical events as written in the Bible. These studies may also include other primary sources outside of the Bible, for example, archaeological records or scientific papers written on ancient civilization. Like technical studies, these can often appear to be dry, but like the Technical studies, historical context can sometimes be vital for proper interpretation of a passage.

Block-reading
An attempt at simply reading a large portion of Scripture. Depending on one's level of focus and the style of writing used in a particular book being studied, this may or may not be an interesting approach to Scripture. However, the possibilities of personal application as well as use in other studies makes this style of study invaluable.

Depending on one's personal preferences, one may perform study in a variety of ways. Here are a few of the most popular:

Written guide: Often used in topical and devotional study, a pre-written guide is used along with whatever is being studied. Writers insights are presented along with references to specific sections of Scripture, usually followed by a prompt for the reader(s) to write/discuss his or her thoughts, insights or feelings.

Free-form
The reader(s) simply chooses a style and subject, and begins reading. The effectiveness of this style depends on one's particular level of interest and focus.

Independent
Study is taken alone. This may be free-form or guided, depending on one's personal preferences.

Small-group
Members participate in either a free-form or guided discussion of a particular topic. For devotional studies, additional benefits might occur, such as accountability groups. Often there is a leader who makes preparations before every study session.

Large-group (aka Sermon)
One person delivers a prepared message to a large group of people. This is often the preferred method of church operation, as a large number of small groups may be hard to manage and keep all on one topic. Usually pastors deliver a sermon, however most churches may often allow guest speakers (for example, pastors from other churches) and some even allow local members of the congregation to speak.

Online study tools

 * Bible Verse Look-up in various translations from Bible Gateway
 * Additional Resources from Bible Gateway
 * Online theological journals
 * Online theological glossaries
 * Online Bible maps
 * Online theological dictionaries
 * Online theological encyclopedias
 * Online theological commentaries

Online Devotionals

 * Spurgeon's Morning and Evening

Personal Software

 * Logos Software
 * Bible Works
 * PC Study Bible
 * e-Sword Free Windows Bible Software

Books

 * Ryken's Bible Handbook: A Guide to Reading and Studying the Bible, by Leland Ryken, Philip Ryken, and James Wilhoit (First chapter (pdf)