Bible Software: What do you use?

Being an effective user of time can be a difficult task. As pastors, missionaries, and others serving the Lord in ministry, we have to manage our time carefully. I know for many the biggest part of their time is usually spent studying for their sermons. So with that in mind, I wanted to share some Bible programs I have used to help me study more effectively.

Power Bible - This is probably one of the easiest Bible software programs to use. "The Power Bible CD-ROM includes 22 Bible translations, six Bible dictionaries, 11 topical references, 20 commentaries, and over 700,000 cross-references, all for only $19.00*, including postage!" What I like best about Power Bible is being able to have the original languagues interlined with the English translations. Power Bible will also give you a preview of a verse or Hebrew/Greek word if you rest your mouse on it. A bubble window pops open with a mini preview of what that verse is or the meaning of the word you are looking at. That helps you be more effective as you don't have to click to go to that passage or reference book and come back to where you were.

Online Bible - I used this program a lot when I was a student in college and seminary. The main reason why is because it was free! And it still is. Their Basic package contains:

- the Online Bible Edition 2.00.04

- King James Authorized Version Bible

- Easton's Dictionary

- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

- Greek and Hebrew Lexicons

- OLB Theme Index

- Morning and Evening Devotional.

Nelson's eBible - I just recently purchased this software and from all that I have done with it so far, it may replace Power Bible for me. One feature that I really like about this software is it has the student in mind. When you copy and paste information from it, eBible will automatically include a footnote for your paper or message. It has several different formats like Turabian, etc. The nice part about this is you can also add more books and reference materials to it. Meaning it may cost more, but you do save space on your bookshelf.

Why use a Bible program? I think the main reason that I have used a Bible program is it decreases my time searching thru reference books like Strongs, Vines, etc. With these programs that kind of flipping pages searching is over. What could take several minutes now only takes a few seconds. This so it makes me a better manager of my time and more effective as a pastor.

I realize their are more Bible programs out there (i.e. Quickverse, e-sword, swordsearcher, etc.), but these are the ones I have used and can speak with some knowledge. I definitely recommend looking at the ones I mentioned and search for others as well. I never payed more then $20 for the above software I mentioned. However, with some demo-ing and testing I'm sure you will find a program that will suit your needs. It would also be great for you to share your Bible program with us. You can tell us in the comments below.