Between 5 to 7 billion Bibles have been published.
A topical Bible study is a method of studying the Bible that focuses on a specific topic or theme. This method of Bible study can be used by individuals or by groups (Typically small groups).
Systematic theology and topical Bible study
See also: Systematic theology
Systematic theology is a discipline of Christian theology that formulates an orderly, consistent and coherent account of the Christian faith and beliefs.
It addresses theological topics one by one (e.g. God, sin, salvation) and attempts to summarize all the biblical teaching.[2]
Topical Bible study
Thompson Chain Reference Bible and topical Bible study
See also: Thompson Chain Reference Bible
The Thompson Chain Reference Bible is a topical study Bible originally published in 1908, and currently published by Zondervan. This approach to study the Bible via a "chain system" of interlinked verses is a terrific way to learn the entire Bible with its harmony among its different parts.
Frank C. Thompson, as a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church of Genesee in New York and disappointed with the study Bibles of his day due to lack of material as well as cohesion, in 1890 he first wrote down his "thought suggestions" on paper and in the margins of his personal Bible. These in turn were seen by his parishioners, who, in addition to his wife, encouraged him to complete his work and get it published. Gradually, his "thought suggestions" went from one verse to the next related verse, connecting them into what he called "chains" of specific topics; the work was completed in 1908, and based upon the King James Version. In 1913, he would partner with B. B. Kirkbride and create a new publishing company, producing five editions over more than a century before the rights were sold to HarperCollins in 2020[3]. Thompson himself would supervise each edition until his passing on May 3, 1940 in Santa Monica, California[4].
According to the website Church Source:
| “ | With a patented reference system beloved and acclaimed for more than five generations, the Thompson® Chain-Reference® Bible is unparalleled in its ability to enrich personal devotions, topical study, and sermon preparation. This easy-to-learn, easy-to-use system enables you to see the breadth of Scripture’s teachings on thousands of topics. With over 100,000 references listed in the Bible’s margins, covering over 8,000 topics, the chain-reference system is an ideal tool for comprehensive topical study. You can also expand your Bible study with even more tools, including biographical sketches, an archeological supplement, and outlines of each book of the Bible. The Thompson Chain-Reference Bible allows Scripture to interpret itself without commentaries.[5] | ” |
Academic study on Bible memorization: Topical Bible study vs. memorizing entire books of the Bible
See also: Bible memorization
External links
- How To Do A Topical Bible Study – A Step-by-Step Guide
- Topical Study: How to Study Themes in Scripture
- How to Study the Bible by Topic
- How Do I Study a Specific Topic in the Bible?
Videos:
- How to do topical Bible studies - video playlist, video playlist
References
- ↑ The Bible is the best selling book of all time, Guinness Book of Word Record
- ↑ Systematic theology, Theopedia
- ↑ https://www.harpercollinschristian.com/blog/2020/12/03/harpercollins-christian-publishing-acquires-the-thompson-chain-reference-bible-assets/
- ↑ https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/33694741/frank-charles-thompson
- ↑ Thompson Chain-Reference Bibles