Quite frankly, there are many translations of the Bible. The original was written over a 2,000 year period, first in hebrew and later in greek, so translation differences shouldn't be surprising. Indeed they give hints of real meaning to you. And interpretations of the meaning also vary. That's why there's so many churches!

But the uniqueness of the ancient message is its demand that you be the reader and you be the judge. It's your life. And, we hope, your faith.

Just reading the Bible is a good thing to do! When you read, imagine the author slowly writing with a quill on animal-skin or reed-paper. A careful choice of words. Probably sitting in a room with a dirt floor. Sounds of life outside. Writing for hours on end, for you to read. The writer meant something. The pages were copied through the centuries. But the words are still there for your consideration.

BIBLE GATEWAY This is a popular site above that allows you to both read selected Bible books and passages, or even better, search for a word or phrase. There's several translations to choose from. If you're not familiar, the King James is probably the most traditional.

BIBLE NET USA Some folks like to just read a little each day and think about it. There are many internet sites that provide this. This site provides both daily readings and other resources as well. Very interesting is an emailed reading for you. How convenient!!

AUDIO BIBLE Just a little busy?! This site provides an audio reading of desired Bible passages. Plus (kind of interesting!), it also plays any passages that you search! Try 'love' or any other interesting word!

LARGE LISTS If you'd like a larger list of sites to try, here's a good site. You won't believe just how many sites are available. You might benefit also by comparing Bible versions ... remember ... you're the judge.

Christianity has been around for quite a while! So, there's a lot of writings you might want to also read. Some of these are from the early Christians. Some more recent. None of them tell you the 'truth' ... only you can make that determination. But they do represent the thoughts of other believers. The sites listed here are only a sampling of what is available.

ANCIENT FATHERS These sites are similar to others, providing links to writing of the early believers. At first you might view them as 'boring' or 'old-fashioned'. Well, you'd be right! But they are very valuable in seeing how people closer to the early times thought. It can assist you in your thinking as well.

BIBLE TEXTS This site is a sample of subjects, where they appear in the Bible, and how they might be viewed. The site-author is no longer with us, but some of the opinions are interesting and each tied to specific verses. Again, you are the one responsible for what you conclude. It remains as your life and your future.

GOSPEL SYNOPTICS As you read about the life of Jesus, you'll quickly find there's four versions! Back during the roman empire, the Christians were spread out, with writers in different places. Unique about the Bible, the early Christians didn't 'hide' the differences. It was important not to change the originals. So, you'll find differences in the 'reporting'. Does this mean they're unreliable? Nope. Actually, I personally find them more reliable, because they're honest. They let me see the original reporting and judge accordingly.

BIBLE RESEARCH Some folks like to do a little research on their own. (or at least read about other researchers!) This site delivers! This will give a good feel for what's available. At first, you might be a little surprised ... so much discussion! But again, the Bible is open to all, including you!

There's quite a number of sites that offer free Bible software to put on your computer. I personally have a lot of purchased software, but I enjoy the free ones as much or more. Mainly, they're easy to use! The one's below are, in my opinion, the better ones. Regarding translations, generally the free software has the older translations. Less correct? I don't think so. Just older english!

SWORD PC BIBLE SOFTWARE This is an extensive collection, including the Bible software and 'modules' of various versions, dictionaries and commentaries (discussions). You can add 'modules' as you like, keeping it simple or rather extensive (including the original Hebrew and greek)!

eSWORD PC BIBLE SOFTWARE OK, I'll admit it. This one's my favorite. In addition to just reading, I like to compare the original greek (several included). Plus I love maps ... this one has bunches plus teaching illustrations! 'By the way', each of these free packages really APPRECIATES any help!

eSWORD BIBLE SOFTWARE for POCKETPC This is also by Rick Meyers (very helpful Christian) but for the little Pocket Pc's. In addition to good reading, dictionaries and all, it's unique in showing BOTH the greek strongs numbers AND syntax tags for the various greek versions (plus english lookup). If you research greek much, clicking on the words with your mouse can get a little tedious with other software!

DO IT YOURSELF A (few) folks like to write their own Bible software (like me for instance!). This site has some of the more common translations, plus a greek variant version. All are downloadable to your PC for use in your software. This site also has an on-line Bible plus access to dictionaries, commentaries and on and on!

Why pay for software when it's free?! Commercial software has the more modern translations and also more resources (copyrighted). Translating requires a bunch of researchers and thus funding. But you see a lot more, so it can be worth it. The packages here, again, are a sampling of what is available. If you do any amount of studying, having a commercial package is definitely of value.

ON-LINE BIBLE SOFTWARE This is an example of more affordable Bible software that is available. The name is a bit confusing ... originally they started out as on-line but now have a large collection of translations and modules that come on purchasable CDs each not much more than a meal for two at a restaurant! Visit the site and take a look at the listings.

BIBLEWORKS PC SOFTWARE This is one of the more popular packages for more serious Bible study. The user interface is a little more intuitive than Logos (below) and the available translations, dictionaries, studies and commentaries are both extensive and constantly growing. If you're interested, I'd strongly recommend talking with other users (usually among local churches) concerning this vs Logos below to make sure it fits your needs. Neither has 'test-drives'.

LOGOS (Libronix) BIBLE SOFTWARE I use this software (the Ancient Languages package). It is 'library' oriented, meaning there's a large number of published books which are linked together for ease of use. It certainly has 'power' but you need a little patience and study to get its full value (comes with a video learning disk).

POCKET BIBLE SOFTWARE If you have a 'tiny' computer such as a Pocket PC, Smartphone, Palm, iPod or Blackberry, PocketBible is a really well-programmed piece of software. I hate to admit it, but even when using a PC-based Bible, I turn to my itty-bitty because it's so convenient to find things. Well recommended. Especially useful, when you're 'waiting' somewhere (dentist etc).

OLIVE TREE BIBLE SOFTWARE This software is also for small computers ... iLumina, Palm, PocketPC, Smartphone, Symbian, BlackBerry and even Java-based devises (eg Motorola RAZR, ROKR). It too includes an extensive collection of Bibles, dictionaries and commentaries. In contrast to Pocket Bible above, it provides more emphasis on the original works (hebrew/greek) and also the basis for translation. So, when a passage gets a little 'sticky', Olive Tree can be quite helpful.

THE BRICK TESTAMENT This is rather unique approach to the Bible. It illustrates the stories in brick constructions. And more oddly, in a rather graphic way. Your first reaction might be surprise. But then ... that is indeed what is in the Bible! It illustrates how the stories were retained no matter ones comfort level. Think about it.