Computer Bible research tools are not necessarily for everyone. While it is true that Bible research can be more efficient on a computer than with books, this does not mean that such is always the case. The computer is only more efficient if it is readily available and if the Bible student can use that computer properly and in a godly manner. Books well used are certainly more efficient than a computer not used! Books that produce godliness and wisdom are more to be desired than computer programs that distract from the same.

If you have already effectively and spiritually incorporated the computer into your daily Bible study, you know by experience that a computer Bible study tool can be very efficient. There are many Christians, though, who do not yet use a computer, who use it only occasionally, or who use it only for an occupation other than Bible study, and who are asking themselves the question, “In making further additions to my Bible study library, should I obtain books or should I turn to computer software?” Let me offer some tips that might help you answer that.

First, if you do already have a computer, ask yourself if you are committed to using that computer for your daily Bible studies. It is one thing to own a computer or to have access to one and even to use that computer for various other tasks; it is quite another thing to integrate the use of the computer into your personal daily Bible study routine. There are many people who own computers but who do not have ready access to that computer every day for their Bible study. Perhaps the computer is shared by several family members and is kept in a central location for that purpose. If that is the case, you might not be in the habit of using the computer for your daily Bible studies even though there might be a computer in your home. If such is the case, I would recommend that you continue to purchase and use books until you can obtain a computer which is used strictly by you for your own studies. For Bible software to be practical for you, it must be readily available every time you do Bible research. The computer must be handy, it must be turned on, and it must be mastered. Otherwise, you will tend not to use the computer for Bible study even if you own Bible search software because it will not be convenient. Owning Bible study software is not the same as using Bible study software!

Second, if you do not already have a computer, ask yourself if you are truly committed to obtaining one, mastering it, keeping control of it, and then actually using it for Bible study. Many computer programs are purchased which are not used. This is a waste of money. There is a real learning curve with computers. The personal computer is easier than ever to use, but to master its use still requires dedication and time. Children seem to take to them naturally, but that is not usually the case with us “older foggies.” If you are contemplating purchasing a computer and incorporating it into your Bible study routine, I would encourage you to go for it. It is doubtful that you will regret it IF YOU ARE COMMITTED TO GIVE ENOUGH TIME TO THE PROJECT TO GAIN A MASTERY OVER IT. Otherwise, you are probably wasting your time and money. As noted previously, books well used are certainly more efficient than a computer not used.

Third, are you easily distracted from your study of God’s Word? Do you find yourself daydreaming a lot? Do you find your attention drawn away from the Lord by the thought of other things entering in? If so, you might be wise to avoid trying to incorporate the computer into your Bible studies. I have used a computer every day for a dozen years and I am sold on its value, but I also have a ministry somewhat different from that of many preachers, because of the publishing and contemporary research aspects. I do not believe the computer has produced more godliness in the ministry and I do not believe it is absolutely necessary for the ministry. It can as easily be a distraction and a hindrance as it can be a help. I have seen preachers waste many hours simply playing with their computers. One can play with his computer even when he isn’t using computer games! A man might say, “Look at all the time I save with my Bible search program.” That is no doubt true, but the other side of that is to consider all the hours you might be wasting by merely playing around with your computer. Each man must answer these questions for himself. A man who is able to use his books without distraction to study God’s Word in such a manner that he draws near to the Lord and increases in holiness and wisdom is far ahead of the man who has owns and masters the most expensive Bible software but who frequently gets distracted from godly worship of Christ and serious meditation on God’s Word by the bells and whistles of his software and of his computer system.

It is also important that a man get the right software. An important challenge was contained in a note I received recently from a brother in the Lord: “I love Logos [Bible software] but I would not suggest it to anyone unless they had excellent computer skills and the right computer. Also, I believe Logos is an excellent tool for the advanced student of the word but not for everybody. When I first purchased Logos, I spent all my time ‘playing with the computer’ rather than studying God’s Word. I was ready to toss Logos. If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn’t buy Logos even though I do realize its potential.” In contrast to Logos, which has a higher learning curve, are programs like Parsons Quick Verse, which are easier to use.

I am saying that there is danger with the technology. High technology does not equate to deep spirituality. It can be a servant, or it can be a master. Each man must make this determination for himself. I am merely saying, don’t be intimidated into putting away your books unless you are certain that is God’s will for you. The greatest sermons ever preached and the greatest Bible study tools and commentaries ever made were produced with BOOKS WITHOUT COMPUTER ASSISTANCE! If you can use a computer effectively and spiritually for your Bible study, that is great. If not, that is also great.

“Sell your shirt and buy books.”

--Charles Haddon Spurgeon’s advice to the preachers in his school

[For suggested Bible study resources (books and software), see the author’s article "Foundational Bible Study Tools" under the "Bible Study Tools" section of the End Times Apostasy Database at the Way of Life Web site -- http://www.wayoflife.org/]