Believers today can benefit from a host of modern tools to access and understand the biblical text. Smartphones enable Bible reading with unique mobile apps, respected commentaries are only a few clicks away, and dynamic sermons from Christian pastors worldwide are freely available.

YouTube reigns as the world’s largest video platform by far. Every single day more than one billion people watch over five billion videos. For videos to succeed on YouTube, it often takes more than a simple selfie-cam. From editing to lighting and sound, the short videos released by many YouTubers have risen to Hollywood production standards.

Five popular YouTube channels provide new and innovative ways to dive in deeper to the Bible. They show Scriptures are more than words on a page. Christians worldwide see the truths of the ancient text as an active force changing lives and cultures. To explore the channels, just click the title in the headline.

1. The Bible Project Presents God’s Word in Graphics

The Bible Project was launched in 2014 by two friends who met at Multnomah Bible College in Portland. Since then, their team has produced over 150 fully-animated short videos that reveal the narrative of the Bible.

Now used in many churches’ young adult and youth groups nationwide, the videos have proven effective to increase Bible literacy and generate open discussion. The non-profit group offers study guides, timelines, and other graphics resources free to download.

2. I Am Second Reveals Personal Testimonies

Few means of spiritual engagement are as powerful as one person sharing their story in their own words. Since 2008, the I Am Second movement has harnessed this power to great effect with short, first-person videos. Their work has introduced millions of people to the gospel and inspired believers worldwide to boldly live their faith.

Discussion guides are available free online for each testimony. Notable artists and speakers include rap artist Lecrae, surfer Bethany Hamilton, HGTV’s Chip and Joanna Gaines, St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols, Sean Lowe of The Bachelor, and Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson, among many others.

3. Bethel Music Invites Believers to Worship God

In addition to learning God’s Word, Christian faith grows through active worship and prayer. Ministers say it’s more caught than taught. Worship playlists on YouTube span a wide range of musical and liturgical styles. Yet one music label has become a central touchpoint for emerging worship artists.

Along with “homegrown” songs from Bethel Church in Redding, California, Bethel Music has made space for worship leaders across the U.S. The label’s recent (and controversial) hit “Reckless Love” from Cory Asbury has already been performed by Michael W. Smith, Passion and, most notably, Justin Bieber. Asbury originally hails from the 24/7 worship culture fostered at International House of Prayer in Kansas City, Missouri.

Other Bethel artists have come from churches in North Carolina, Texas, and Virginia. They’re also giving back. With church facilities barely spared from the devastating Carr Fire, Bethel Church is offering assistance to the thousands who’ve recently lost homes.

4. The Underground with Joel Richardson Gives Global Gospel Insights

It’s lamentable that few Christians have a passion to understand world events in light of the gospel. Those who do rarely pair that zeal with knowledge and passion to communicate insights to a broad audience. Joel Richardson is one such voice: a Bible teacher, Middle East expert, short-term missionary at times, and New York Times best-selling author.

As one connected to friends in Israel, Iraq, and other nations facing crisis, Richardson’s half-hour videos explore current events in light of biblical prophecy. His missions mindset also keeps the plight of persecuted believers fully in view. Sometimes he even breaks news, as when Richardson called on President Trump to fire General Michael Flynn months before the Administration made that move.

5. Alpha Course Expounds the Foundations of Faith

Presenting the basics of Christian faith in short videos, the Alpha Course has been viewed and discussed by millions of people worldwide. It has now been translated into 112 languages and used in all variety of Christian denominations.

Christian minister Nicky Gumbel, based at the Holy Trinity Brompton Church in London, England, first filmed his 15 teaching sessions in the early 1990’s. A former court barrister, Gumbel brings a unique humor, openness, and concise logic to exploring the core questions people grapple with in considering Christianity.

The new high-definition sessions recently filmed are ideally paired with discussion guides offered by Alpha International. It’s one of many influential new-media tools available to explore timeless truths.

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