Free Scripture Study & Discipleship Tool

Iron Sharpener Help & Installation

Install Iron Sharpener on your phone, tablet, or computer, prepare it for offline use, and learn how to use the Disciple Maker and Disciple Journal.

What Is Iron Sharpener?

Iron Sharpener is a free Scripture study, discipleship, teaching, and journaling tool created by Restored Daily Ministries. It brings Bible reading, study resources, teaching preparation, personal reflection, and prayer into one place.

Completely FreeNo subscription required
No AccountOpen it and begin studying
Works OfflineAfter one online preparation
Private JournalEntries stay on your device
Public-Domain Scripture and Study Sources Iron Sharpener uses the World English Bible (WEB), a public-domain Bible translation. Its study library is built from public-domain dictionaries, topical resources, Bible backgrounds, book overviews, and commentaries. Biblical Doctrine is an original Iron Sharpener synthesis and presentation prepared from Scripture and those public-domain source materials.

Install Iron Sharpener

Choose your device below. Always begin by opening Iron Sharpener in the normal browser on the device where you want to install it.

iPhone

Safari or Google Chrome both work well. Keep the iPhone online during the first open.

  1. Open Safari or Google Chrome and visit Iron Sharpener.
  2. Tap the Share button.
  3. Tap View More, then choose Add to Home Screen.
  4. Confirm the name Iron Sharpener, then tap Add.
  5. Open Iron Sharpener from the new Home Screen icon while still connected to the internet.

iPad

Safari or Google Chrome both work well. Keep the iPad online during the first open.

  1. Open Safari or Google Chrome and visit Iron Sharpener.
  2. Tap the Share button.
  3. Tap View More, then choose Add to Home Screen.
  4. Confirm the name Iron Sharpener, then tap Add.
  5. Launch it from the Home Screen and allow the first page to finish opening before preparing offline use.

Android Phone

Google Chrome is recommended. Menu wording can vary slightly by phone.

  1. Open Chrome and visit Iron Sharpener.
  2. Tap the three-dot menu beside the address bar.
  3. Choose Add to home screen.
  4. Tap Install when Chrome offers to install the web app.
  5. Confirm the app name and placement.
  6. Open Iron Sharpener from the Home Screen while connected to the internet.

Android Tablet

Use Chrome or the tablet browser that provides an Install App option.

  1. Open Chrome and visit Iron Sharpener.
  2. Open the three-dot menu.
  3. Choose Add to home screen or Install app.
  4. Confirm the installation.
  5. Find the Iron Sharpener icon on the Home Screen or in the app drawer.
  6. Open it online once before beginning the offline preparation.

Windows PC

Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge can install Iron Sharpener as a desktop app.

  1. Open Chrome or Microsoft Edge and visit Iron Sharpener.
  2. In Chrome: Open the three-dot menu, choose Cast, save, and share, then choose Install page as app. You may also see an Install icon in the address bar.
  3. In Edge: Open the three-dot menu, choose Apps, then choose Install this site as an app.
  4. Confirm the name Iron Sharpener and complete the installation.
  5. Open Iron Sharpener from the Start menu, desktop shortcut, or taskbar while connected to the internet.
  6. Prepare it for offline use if you want the Bible and study resources available without internet access.

Mac

Use Google Chrome for the same installed-app experience, or Safari to add Iron Sharpener to the Dock.

  1. Open Chrome or Safari and visit Iron Sharpener.
  2. In Chrome: Open the three-dot menu, choose Cast, save, and share, then choose Install page as app.
  3. In Safari: Select the Share button and choose Add to Dock.
  4. Confirm the name Iron Sharpener and complete the installation.
  5. Open it from the Dock or Applications while connected to the internet.
  6. Prepare it for offline use if you want the Bible and study resources available without internet access.
Small first-launch display note for computers: When the teaching side is first opened in dark mode, a cream area may briefly appear behind the dark-green page. This does not affect Scripture, notes, Journal entries, or offline use. Open Disciple Journal, then return to the teaching side. The background will match the dark green and should remain corrected afterward.

Prepare It for Offline Use

Installing the Home Screen app and preparing it for offline use are two separate steps. Complete the preparation while you have a reliable internet connection.

One-Time Offline Preparation

  1. Open the installed Iron Sharpener app while connected to the internet.
  2. Tap the Online / Offline Ready status at the bottom of the teaching side.
  3. Choose Prepare Offline Use.
  4. Keep the app open and the screen awake while the Bible and study-resource library are saved.
  5. Wait until the status confirms that Iron Sharpener is Offline Ready.
  6. Close and reopen the app once, then test it without internet access.
Do not remove the Home Screen app, clear browser website data, or use a private/incognito browser if you want to keep offline resources and locally saved Journal entries. Before deleting the app or clearing website data, use Export All Entries and save the downloaded HTML file somewhere secure. On a PC, that backup can be restored with Import Backup. On a phone or tablet, mobile import is not available, but you can open the saved HTML backup and manually copy any needed entry back into the Journal.

Walk Through the Tool

Iron Sharpener contains two connected sides. Use the Disciple Maker for Scripture study and teaching preparation, and the Disciple Journal for personal study, prayer, and saved reflection.

Teaching & Study

Disciple Maker

  • Choose a Book and Chapter: The full chapter opens for reading and study.
  • Teacher Tools: Highlight, underline, circle, box, focus, copy, and erase Scripture markings.
  • Study Resources: Open Bible backgrounds, dictionaries, Nave’s Topical Bible, Biblical Doctrine, commentaries, Book Overviews, and Built-In Cross References.
  • Teaching Notes: Save a main point, outline, or presentation note for the selected passage.
  • Application & Prayer: Record practical application, prayer points, encouragement, repentance, and pastoral response.
  • OBS Focus: Use a clean Scripture presentation view for teaching or recording.
Personal Study & Prayer

Disciple Journal

  • Scripture: Read a full chapter or follow an exact Scripture reference from a study resource.
  • Journal: Work through the guided Personal Study Guide or use the freewrite option.
  • History: Open, search, and revisit previously saved entries.
  • Mark: Highlight, underline, circle, and mark words or verses during personal study.
  • Tools: Use the same Bible study resources without leaving the Journal side.
  • Export: Download the current entry or all Journal entries as a readable HTML backup. Save it in Files, Downloads, iCloud Drive, Google Drive, or another secure location.

Following Scripture References

When a study resource includes a Bible reference, Iron Sharpener opens the exact verse or verse range while keeping the visible heading simple.

1. Tap a ReferenceFor example, Romans 8:1–4.
2. Read the PassageThe exact verses open in the Scripture section.
3. Use Scripture BackReturn to the chapter you were studying without losing your place.

Protect Your Journal

Your Journal entries are designed to remain private and stored locally on your device. Because they are not tied to an online account, regular backups matter.

Your Entries Stay on Your Device

Restored Daily Ministries does not receive or read your Journal entries. Your entries remain in the browser or installed Home Screen app on the device where you created them.

Back Up Regularly

Choose Export All Entries and save the downloaded HTML file somewhere secure. The backup can be opened and read on any device.

On a PC: Use Import Backup to restore the saved file.

On a phone or tablet: Mobile import is not currently available. Open the saved backup and manually copy any needed entry into a new Journal entry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Open a question below for a clear answer.

Is Iron Sharpener free?

Yes. Iron Sharpener is provided free by Restored Daily Ministries.

Do I need to create an account?

No. You can open the tool and begin studying without creating an account or signing in.

Can I use Iron Sharpener without internet access?

Yes. First install it and complete Prepare Offline Use while connected to the internet. Wait for the Offline Ready confirmation before disconnecting.

Where are my Disciple Journal entries saved?

They are saved locally on the device and browser or Home Screen app you are using. They are not automatically stored in an online ministry account.

Will my Journal transfer automatically to another device?

No. Before changing devices, choose Export All Entries and save the downloaded HTML backup somewhere secure. On a PC, use Import Backup to restore it. On another phone or tablet, mobile import is not available, but the exported file remains readable and you can manually copy any needed entry into a new Journal entry.

Can I import a Journal backup on a phone or tablet?

Not currently. Mobile and tablet versions provide Export Journal, but Import Backup is available on the desktop/PC version. Keep the exported HTML file as your readable backup and manually copy any needed entry into the mobile Journal.

What happens if I delete the Home Screen app?

Offline resources or locally saved data may be removed depending on the device and browser. First choose Export All Entries and save the downloaded HTML backup. After reinstalling, run Prepare Offline Use again. A PC can import the backup; on a phone or tablet, open the backup and manually copy any needed entries.

Why does the first offline preparation take time?

Iron Sharpener is saving the Bible and a large study-resource library to your device. Keep the app open, remain online, and allow the process to finish.

Can I install Iron Sharpener on a computer?

Yes. On Windows, use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge to install the site as an app. On Mac, use Chrome to install it as an app or Safari to add it to the Dock. You can also continue using Iron Sharpener in a normal desktop browser without installing it.

Why do I sometimes see cream behind dark mode on the computer app?

On the first desktop launch, the underlying page background may briefly remain cream. Open Disciple Journal, then return to the teaching side. The background should match the dark green and remain corrected afterward. This visual hiccup does not affect saved data or offline readiness.

Which Bible translation does Iron Sharpener use?

Iron Sharpener uses the World English Bible (WEB), a public-domain Bible translation.

Are the study resources also from public-domain sources?

Yes. The study-resource library is built from public-domain dictionaries, topical resources, Bible backgrounds, book overviews, and commentaries. Biblical Doctrine is an original Iron Sharpener synthesis and presentation prepared from Scripture and those public-domain source materials.

Can Restored Daily Ministries read my Journal?

No. Journal entries remain locally on your device unless you personally export or share them.

Troubleshooting

Most setup problems can be corrected with one of these steps.

Install Option Missing

Confirm that you opened Iron Sharpener in Safari or Google Chrome on iPhone/iPad, Chrome on Android, Chrome or Edge on Windows, or Chrome or Safari on Mac. Use the browser’s Share, Apps, or three-dot menu and do not use a private or incognito window.

App Seems Outdated

Open the live website once while online, close the installed app completely, and then reopen it.

Offline Tools Missing

Reconnect to the internet, open the Offline Ready panel, and run Prepare Offline Use again without closing the app.

Preparation Was Interrupted

Return online and restart Prepare Offline Use. Leave the screen awake until the completion message appears.

Journal Entries Missing

Make sure you are using the same device, browser profile, and installed app. Check whether browser data was cleared.

Low Device Storage

Free some storage space before preparing the complete offline Bible and study-resource library.

Cream Behind Desktop Dark Mode

Open Disciple Journal, then return to the teaching side. The underlying canvas should switch to the matching dark green and remain corrected.

Ready to Study the Word?

Open Iron Sharpener, choose a passage, and prayerfully begin. May the Lord use His Word to sharpen, restore, strengthen, and equip you.