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How do I read the Bible? - 11/12/2008 5:26:51 PM
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mfcf1994
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I have been saved for a long time. I listen to christian radio and pray often and feel close to God. Lately, I've felt compelled to read the Bible, but I don't know where to start or how? Do I just pick a page or is there a "good starting point"? I want my relationship to become even stronger and I know it will through reading His word, I just don't know how!
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RE: How do I read the Bible? - 11/12/2008 5:39:29 PM
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pryze
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just open and read.... its a good idea to start in the new testament tho...
www.youngpryze.blogspot.com
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visit my blog at...
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Grace and Peace
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RE: How do I read the Bible? - 11/12/2008 5:49:17 PM
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ames01
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I agree with starting in the New Testament, especially if it's your first time actually sitting down and reading through the Bible. I've often heard the book of John suggested as a great place to start. It's the apostle John's eyewitness account of Jesus's earthly ministry, and it's fairly easy to read.
The Old Testament has a wealth of good information for Christians, but it's easy to get bogged down in some of the early books. That's why I would suggest starting with the New Testament. Read the Gospel accounts of Jesus's life and ministry as you get into the routine of daily Bible study, and then tackle the O.T. once Bible reading has become a habit.
I think there might be some suggested Bible reading plans available on Crosswalk. Something like that might help you, too.
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RE: How do I read the Bible? - 11/12/2008 5:54:36 PM
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pryze
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thats so true ...u will definatley have to go back to the old testament but to understand the basis of your faith (CHRIST) the new testament is where its at...also if you are going through any kind of issues maybe you can read scripture that can help you with tha first
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visit my blog at...
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Grace and Peace
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RE: How do I read the Bible? - 11/12/2008 6:23:08 PM
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LCannon
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For relatively seasoned saint Paul's 'prison epistles'(Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon) might be a good choice. Galatians and Ephesians both have six chapters so:
1. Commit yourself for a week.
2. Read, (aloud; reading aloud doesn't allow my mind to wander. Praying aloud work, too!)a chapter a day with the emphasis, obedience.
3. Rest a day(Sunday?) commit, read(aloud)a chapter a day with the emphasis, unity with the church, local and universal, and Jesus' teaching.
4. Rest a day(Sunday?) commit and since you've read(aloud)the book twice you're ready to memorize key verses to you.
Philippians and Colossians have four chapters so at a chapter a day you'll read(aloud again)both books in two weeks three times before memorization. Philemon has a single chapter so read(aloud)Philemon daily for six days with the same emphases.
John 15-17 is another encouraging and challenging to use the same format. Paul's letter to the Romans is a glorious and daunting challenge. Daniel, the triad of the Samuels/Kings/Chronicles and the gospels are always good to refresh; I could go on...
< Message edited by LCannon -- 11/12/2008 6:36:58 PM >
_____________________________
"It may be that when the angels go about their task of praising God they play
only Bach. I am sure, however, that when they are together en famille they
play Mozart and then too our dear Lord listens with special pleasure."(Karl Barth)
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RE: How do I read the Bible? - 11/12/2008 6:35:38 PM
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delete123
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I believe starting in the Gospel of John is best and just read forth from their. Some say you should skip to Romans after that, in which I have.
Everyone has their idea what is best, but pray asking and start reading. No matter where you start the answer will bring you to the same answer.
Blessing
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RE: How do I read the Bible? - 11/12/2008 6:35:45 PM
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TorchHeart
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quote:
I've often heard the book of John suggested as a great place to start. It's the apostle John's eyewitness account of Jesus's earthly ministry, and it's fairly easy to read.
That might be because John gives the most details about Christ, himself, in comparison to the other 3 Gospels. Christ actually speaks about himself more in John, and so you get more of an idea of who he is and why he's on Earth, while the other three focus more on (for lack of a better term) historical accounts.
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RE: How do I read the Bible? - 11/12/2008 6:44:07 PM
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LCannon
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From: Lebanon, OR
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Another interesting study is taking the gospels as 'personalities of Jesus'.
1. Mark(Jesus as Servant/sacrifice/ox of Revelation)
2. Matthew(Jesus as King of the Jews)
3. Luke(Jesus as a(the)Man)
4. John(Jesus as Deity/eagle of Revelation)
_____________________________
"It may be that when the angels go about their task of praising God they play
only Bach. I am sure, however, that when they are together en famille they
play Mozart and then too our dear Lord listens with special pleasure."(Karl Barth)
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RE: How do I read the Bible? - 11/12/2008 7:10:00 PM
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bravjim
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All great advice. John is usually recommended as the starting point because it is here where Jesus is portrayed as divine. It is the first place where being born again is mentioned, lists Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life. It also has the best section on the final discourse between Jesus and His disciples, pertaining to Him sending the Holy Spirit so that we can abide in Him, just as He abides in the Father and the Father in Him. Move from there to Romans which gives the foundation of the Christian theology, justification by faith and not by works; from there, go through the rest of the epistles. Avoid Acts until after you've read the rest of the epistles, then go back. Then you can read the remaining gospels, and move back into the Old Testament.
You should also get a bible companion book, such as Adventuring Through the Bible. It gives a great overview of each testament, as well as each section of the bible. It then walks you through each book. It will help you to understand the overall value and how it comes together. Read it in combination with each chapter and each section, so that you can get the overview, and then read the passages to see the depth.
The old testament is important because it is the section of the bible that pretty much prepares your heart for what is in the New Testament. People can relate to it because it pretty much encompasses human experience in the natural man, thus preparing the heart for the redemption that comes through Jesus in the new testament.
However you go through it, take the time to go through it. As you read, the words will come alive in your heart, and you will move into a greater relationship with Christ.
_____________________________
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfilll the lust of the flesh.
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RE: How do I read the Bible? - 11/12/2008 7:27:44 PM
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delete123
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Do yourself a favor read the bible and then decide if you then want to buy an aid or even a study bible. But read it without any additives first and allow God to speak to you directly without any interference from a mans opinion may have to lend to your learning.
JMHO
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RE: How do I read the Bible? - 11/12/2008 8:41:52 PM
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deermousie
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Drop by the local Bible book store and look through the Bibles. Pick the one easiest to read; I like the New International Version because it's easy and accurate.
Like others have said, start in the New Testament, as it explains the Old Testament. Matthew is the first book in the NT.
If you read three chapters a day, you can read the whole thing in a year. It's a gold mine, and every time you read it you'll dig out more gold. You'll never get to the bottom of it!
Jesus (who is the Logos, the Spoken Word - the Bible is the written Word) said that we are to dwell/abide/live in His Word, and then we can ask whatever we will and He'll do it. Pretty cool promise! It says we need to ask according to His will, too, but that becomes easier the more you read. Note all the promises - they are yours forever! Yay!
The Bible never contradicts itself, so when you have a problem, see what it says about that topic elsewhere and get God's balance. It's a marvel.
Happy reading! God is going to give you maturity and godliness through this, and there's a blessing just for reading Revelation (but don't expect to understand it.  It's prophecy of the future and once it happens then we'll look back and see it was actually pretty clear. Prophecy is like that. ) God bless you!
_____________________________
Want to know where a certain word or phrase in the Bible is found? www.biblegateway.com Yay!
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RE: How do I read the Bible? - 11/12/2008 9:38:32 PM
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makarizo
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first learn about Jesus.
the gospels are the best place for that. the book of Isaiah is a good first OT book to read.
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RE: How do I read the Bible? - 11/12/2008 9:46:03 PM
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Child4Jesus
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You open it up, look at the words, and read them. LOL.
You should start in the Gospels and get to know Jesus. Move on to the epistles to see what Paul, Peter, John, James, etc say about Jesus why He came and what we are to do.
_____________________________
In Christ,
Richad
The greatest heresy to American Christianity is that if you ask Jesus to come into your heart, he definitely will.
Paul Washer
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RE: How do I read the Bible? - 11/12/2008 10:13:18 PM
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Dancre
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First of all, realize the Word of God is just that, the Word of God. It's not history, not a book, but a love letter from God. YEs, open the book and just start. God will lead you. Also ask God to open the eyes of your heart so you can see what He wants you to see, not what others want you to see. Have faith in Him that as Paul had prayed in Eph 1:18
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,
1:19
and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength,
1:20
which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,
1:21
far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
And enjoy it. I love reading God's word!!! I see so much!!!
kim
quote:
ORIGINAL: mfcf1994
I have been saved for a long time. I listen to christian radio and pray often and feel close to God. Lately, I've felt compelled to read the Bible, but I don't know where to start or how? Do I just pick a page or is there a "good starting point"? I want my relationship to become even stronger and I know it will through reading His word, I just don't know how!
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RE: How do I read the Bible? - 11/13/2008 12:27:24 AM
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jmjphe
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Well you my want to clear your head and examine the various parts of your life. Are you in a relationship? Do you want to know more about the life of Jesus CHrist? What sort of career field would you want to pursue? how old are you? what curveballs of life throw you off the most? do you have problems controlling your temper? All sorts of things. THe bibles guids from there and instills in you the knowledge that catches like wildfire and you will see changes in your reactions and what you hold valuable. Pray on this, and keep fellowship with others, even coming here and reading.
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