Bible Gateway: Awesome Tool for Ministers, Parents and Research

Ever found yourself wondering about a Biblical passage or a Bible story? Perhaps it comes in the form of thoughts such as "I know the Bible says that...I am just not sure where in the Bible it is." Or simply questioning the way the Bible has been quoted thinking something like, "Can that be right?" Or more common perhaps just questioning what the Bible has to say about something. Whatever you're looking for, the search engine, Bible Gateway, can help (http://www.biblegateway.com/). Though there are so many great things about this on-line resource that you will discover when you get there, here are five great reasons to check it out...and get answers!

1. Keyword Search: Searching for a keyword is the fastest way to find something on Bible Gateway. If you want to know what the Bible has to say about Sex...type in sex. If you want to confirm the exact wording of a scripture, type in what you do know...and select Search. If you want to know more about a character like David...type in David. It is as simple as that. What you will get is a list of all the verses of the Bible that contain your key words and a "preview" of what that scripture is. It makes for fast scanning and easy finding!

2. Context: So many times the Bible is misquoted or taken out of context. You can search for verses by keyword as mentioned, but once you find your verse you have the option to view the whole chapter, or the whole book. This usually offers better understanding of single scriptures - knowing the context.

3. All Versions: One of the great things about the Bible its rich history and origin. Over the years, there have been versions of the Bible which have the same end, but verse by verse may offer different meaning. Latin words, Greek words and more can offer different insight to a scripture, so exploring multiple versions the Bible can become less of a mystery. Bible Gateway allows you to revert to any version of the Bible: King James, NIV (New International Version, NAS (New American Standard) etc...Great Feature!

4. Commentaries: Under Additional Resources on Bible Gateway are multiple tools but perhaps none that are as deep as the Commentaries offered. Written by theologians, these commentaries can add more meaning to what you are reading. Through links to other passages that shed light on times, places, customs and people, history truly comes to life!

5. Convenience: Nothing beats a website that is easy to use other than accessibility. You may not have a hard copy of the Bible everywhere, but most likely have a cell phone (with Internet Access) or a laptop (with Internet Access) or simply Internet Access. Even in your own home, you may be on the computer downstairs, but your Bible is upstairs. Access the Bible anywhere with Bible Gateway.

Once you discover the easy searching, fast access to context, explore version and commentaries, you may refer to Bible Gateway more than you think (especially because it is so darn convenient!)