RE: Why don't you read your Bible? (Full Version)

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phyl2 -> RE: Why don't you read your Bible? (6/18/2008 1:04:50 AM)

quote:

quote:

ORIGINAL: phyl2

On the other hand, a person can miss a lot of detail when they read through so quickly.

I know I learned a lot more in a Bible study group that studied a few verses or paragraphs at a time than I did in another group that covered the whole Old Testament in a few weeks.

I would venture to say that you understood less than you thought. The Bible is a whole, not a handful of verses here and there.


We didn't study "a handful of verses here and there". We studied a book of the Bible, a few verses at a time, being very careful to notice the context and to bring in what the Bible says in other areas that corresponds to the passage we were studying.



ta_mosquito -> RE: Why don't you read your Bible? (6/18/2008 10:00:14 AM)

Trinity_3,

There are some versions of the Bible as MP3's that are free since they're in the public domain - ASV, WEB, KJV, Young's Literal...

CLICK HERE for the listing on librivox.org.

You may want to try something like that first instead of buying CD's only to find that they don't work for you.



Focusing -> RE: Why don't you read your Bible? (6/18/2008 11:27:45 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Trinity_3persons

I have not tried it but I have a feeling that it would be more beneficial for me to actually read the Bible instead of trying to listen to it on a CD. My mind tends to wander as well and I'm not sure if I would hear and process the CD that I may try to listen to.

I really like the audio CD ... it doesn't take the place of diving into the Word in the written form, but I have found that listening to the way it is read has helped me understand more of the scripture. I keep little tabs in the front of my Bible that I keep in my car, and as I'm listening to the audio CD and something comes up that I want to go back and read and understand (maybe even something that clicks in my mind and I want to do a more in-depth search about it), then I stop the CD, and when I get to a red light, I put a little tab there. I has worked really well for me. [:)]



Trinity_3persons -> RE: Why don't you read your Bible? (6/18/2008 6:05:33 PM)

Thanks Tricia and Focusing! [:)] I'll have to look into those options. =)



SusieD -> RE: Why don't you read your Bible? (6/19/2008 12:48:27 AM)

JimboFletch,


quote:

I would venture to say that you understood less than you thought. The Bible is a whole, not a handful of verses here and there.

I will grant you that a lot of detail might be missed reading from Genesis to Revelation, but each time I do it I discover things I've not seen before. Until I was in my early 20s, I'd never read the Bible through and was surprised at the greater clarity I had after my first time.

If you don't do the first (read AND understand), how do you know how you're doing on the second (bearing fruit)?




I agree 100% This has been my experience too.


Lufia
quote:



For me it is kind of weird because i've been saved only about 3 months ago. The first day i gave myself to Jesus i learned by HS that i could not say anymore the name of the Lord in vain, which i used to do. It happened to me just like that. 3 days ago i learned that it is the 3rd commandment!!! I am reading the Bible now, but the HS is giving me lessons everyday and teach me faster than i can read the Bible!!!


What a great testimony!



Trinity:

quote:

SusieD, thanks for your sugguestion about my trying to listen to the Bible on CD. =) No, I have not tried it but I have a feeling that it would be more beneficial for me to actually read the Bible instead of trying to listen to it on a CD. My mind tends to wander as well and I'm not sure if I would hear and process the CD that I may try to listen to. I'll never know really unless I try, though. I know it wouldn't hurt to try and see how it works for me. Thanks for sugguesting it. =)



Try it, it might work well for you. I was really surprised at how much my husband retained from listening to his cds. He is usually the “mind-wandering” type too!

Doer:

quote:

Love has taught me more than the bible ever could have.
because of Love I produce fruit.


For me I would have to say it was the bible that taught me how to love! I honestly would not be very good at it at all without the teachings from the scriptures!

quote:

Jesus said "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (Joh 13:35)


Well, something has gone completely awry!!! I don’t know too many believers who can be identified by their love for one another. I am not saying of course that it never happens, but it is the exception, not the norm.



Covaan_Meshuga -> RE: Why don't you read your Bible? (6/19/2008 8:09:25 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Trinity_3persons
SusieD, thanks for your sugguestion about my trying to listen to the Bible on CD. =) No, I have not tried it but I have a feeling that it would be more beneficial for me to actually read the Bible instead of trying to listen to it on a CD. My mind tends to wander as well and I'm not sure if I would hear and process the CD that I may try to listen to.

That's exactly why having it in audio is good. You listen and read at the same time.



Cloak -> RE: Why don't you read your Bible? (6/19/2008 8:20:13 PM)

Sometimes reading the Bible can be fairly daunting job, that's why I always read some other Christian books to help me better understand what was meant in such situations.

In addition, the Bible was written in an era very far from ours in a culture that differs from our present culture; hence it would be really difficult to fathom it easily.

With these people I can't help but sympathize with them! [;)]



Roberta_ -> RE: Why don't you read your Bible? (6/21/2008 1:25:49 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: SusieD

Once I suggested that we all read Galatians and talk about it the next week...you should have seen the "are you crazy?" looks that I got!


Is it possible that they thought you were trying to make them feel like you were holier than they are?



ae10u -> RE: Why don't you read your Bible? (6/21/2008 2:35:21 AM)

I get what Susie was getting at when she suggested they pick up the pace at their Bible study.
Nothing wrong with her suggestion.

There are many ways to read the Bible - slowly, quickly, or thematically (eg all scriptures on prayer) etc.

Sometimes I look at a verse and emphasise each word, to see how the verse would read if that word were the main focus.

Eg. For GOD so loved the world that
or For God SO LOVED the world
or For God so loved THE WORLD

Some times I read the Bible for inspiration. Here the details are unimportant, big interventions by God are the point.

Sometimes I read the Bible to nit-pick. This is not as invalid as it sounds. In the details one can often find clues which unlock other scriptures. For instance, in Luke 6:1, Christ's disciples eat corn on the second sabbath after the first. When one looks for the first sabbath, it cannot be found. In researching this and thinking about it, I found that a specific Holy Day Sabbath or First Day of Unleavened Bread seemed to be the "deuteroprotos" Sabbath in question - when the first sheaf of barley was supposed to be harvested, and by rubbing grain in their hands, the disciples were fulfilling this "waving/rubbing of a sheaf before the Lord" as commanded in Leviticus 23:11 11 And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the sabbath the priest shall wave it.

From this I came to see that the phrase "morrow after the sabbath" or deuteroprotos really refers to the sabbath morning - not day after the sabbath. All this is totally irrelevant to most Christians, but fascinating to me as part of the bigger jigsaw puzzle. Thus I concluded that the disciples were not actually breaking the Sabbath as they were accused, but were fulfilling another command - which Leviticus commands to be done on the Sabbath morning, but the mainstream Jews performed the day after the Sabbath.



makarizo -> RE: Why don't you read your Bible? (6/21/2008 4:27:20 PM)

quote:

Doer:

quote:

Love has taught me more than the bible ever could have.
because of Love I produce fruit.


For me I would have to say it was the bible that taught me how to love! I honestly would not be very good at it at all without the teachings from the scriptures!

quote:

Jesus said "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (Joh 13:35)


Well, something has gone completely awry!!! I don’t know too many believers who can be identified by their love for one another. I am not saying of course that it never happens, but it is the exception, not the norm.

serving Christ & receiving the Holy Sprit is not the norm..... so what are you getting at?

1Co 13:2 If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothin

in MT 5, in the sermon on the mount, Jesus says:
For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes(doctors of the law) and Pharisees(Acts 26:5), you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. "
surpasses" means their righteousness was not good enough.

just reading did them no good.

"taught me how to love"
according to this passage,it is: trials>perseverance> proven character > hope.
Rom 5:5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

'knowing the bible well' is a seed of arrogance that becomes a stumbling block to those who do not keep their priorities straight.

so along with "why don't you read your bible" is "why don't you pray" and "why don't you obey", and "why are you hearer, and not a doer" and "why isn't Christ at the center of your life"

I don't believe it all starts and ends when one reads the bible...... if you do, I disagree.

I am more inclined to believe it starts and grows when one is sharing their faith, and then that gives one a hunger for the word.



CherishedbyGod -> RE: Why don't you read your Bible? (6/21/2008 7:53:07 PM)

The OP really grates on me. I am a studier not a reader. Does that mean I have not grown in the past 30 years?

I fail at reading but I love to study. It is because I have been given the gift of teaching and love to dig deep.

I know people in a particular denomination who exhude superiority because they read 20 pages of the Bible a day...

But they are about the least Christ-like people in the way they witness and look straight down their noses at anyone that does not come up to "their" standard.

Sorry....I needed to vent. Reading is great. But don't put us all in a box, OK?



Cloak -> RE: Why don't you read your Bible? (6/21/2008 8:48:02 PM)

[:D] [:D][:D] Thanks Cherished for the laugh, bless you!



LBolt -> RE: Why don't you read your Bible? (6/21/2008 9:00:34 PM)

"In all thy getting get understanding" Proverbs 4

It's beautiful to read alot of Bible. But how much of it do you actually understand and know? Do you study history? The hebrew culture? Do you look up words? Do you read the TaNaKH and understand it? Do you realize that most of the NT is a quote and exposition of the OT principles and instructions addressing problems and controversies in a particular locale? Do you realize that Paul addressed alot of issues dealing with Oral Law (or Oral Torah) and that this is commonly understood be many believers/ theologians as the written Torah? Do you understand Judiasm and it's basic teachings and how this was often the controversies Paul addresses in Romans, Acts and Galations? Which is why many believers belief we don't have to do certain things because it seems like it referring to old Jewish stuff and that it's not for "the church" today.

Jesus faced similar opposition and dealt with it with the TaNaKH. I commend you on your bible reading, SusieD, it's very admirable. Where as I don't read piles of chapters in a sitting, I like to read the context, historical references and look up words in the Strong's, pray and allow what is said to sink in. Did you realize that in Bible days, scripture scrolls were not readily in the hands of common folks because it was very expensive to have one made. They normally used Lambs skins or hides from another animal. Unless you were a priest, prophet or king you probably did not see a scroll until Sabbath rolled around and it was read by a priest or attendant. The scriptures had to be memorized through reciting it. So alot of people did not have access to the bible like we do today.

I agree alot of folks don't read their Bible. However there are folks who read their Bibles with Hellenistic lens' over their eyes and still missed the point. That's why I said, "In all your getting get understanding."



CherishedbyGod -> RE: Why don't you read your Bible? (6/21/2008 9:26:53 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Cloak

[:D] [:D][:D] Thanks Cherished for the laugh, bless you!


Well I am not sure why it made you laugh but everytime I see the thread pop-up it bothers me[:D] I could not resist any longer and I lost my self-moderation[;)]



CherishedbyGod -> RE: Why don't you read your Bible? (6/21/2008 9:35:31 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: LBolt

"In all thy getting get understanding" Proverbs 4

It's beautiful to read alot of Bible. But how much of it do you actually understand and know? Do you study history? The hebrew culture? Do you look up words? Do you read the TaNaKH and understand it? Do you realize that most of the NT is a quote and exposition of the OT principles and instructions addressing problems and controversies in a particular locale? Do you realize that Paul addressed alot of issues dealing with Oral Law (or Oral Torah) and that this is commonly understood be many believers/ theologians as the written Torah? Do you understand Judiasm and it's basic teachings and how this was often the controversies Paul addresses in Romans, Acts and Galations? Which is why many believers belief we don't have to do certain things because it seems like it referring to old Jewish stuff and that it's not for "the church" today.

Jesus faced similar opposition and dealt with it with the TaNaKH. I commend you on your bible reading, SusieD, it's very admirable. Where as I don't read piles of chapters in a sitting, I like to read the context, historical references and look up words in the Strong's, pray and allow what is said to sink in. Did you realize that in Bible days, scripture scrolls were not readily in the hands of common folks because it was very expensive to have one made. They normally used Lambs skins or hides from another animal. Unless you were a priest, prophet or king you probably did not see a scroll until Sabbath rolled around and it was read by a priest or attendant. The scriptures had to be memorized through reciting it. So alot of people did not have access to the bible like we do today.

I agree alot of folks don't read their Bible. However there are folks who read their Bibles with Hellenistic lens' over their eyes and still missed the point. That's why I said, "In all your getting get understanding."


Great post. I can't sit down with my Bible without doing word studies and am increasingly studying history and the Hebrew culture. I am no scholar but I cannot just sit down and read. Every time I try it the Holy Spirit stops me to study a particular verse, word, etc[;)]...and a long time after that the Holy Spirit might be through with me after He brings cross-references to my mind and keeps me digging...I would be starved without that!



stellaluna -> RE: Why don't you read your Bible? (6/21/2008 11:09:34 PM)

I can't imagine why any Christian would not read the bible. I don't care if you read one verse a day or one book. I don't care if you memorize or not. I don't care if you don't know whether Habakkuk comes before or after Micah (or if you can even spell Habakkuk). I'm pretty laid back about this stuff, BUT the majority of Christians I know IRL never open a bible. Never. I'm not exaggerating. I just had this conversation a few weeks ago. This is what I heard:

"I pray so I don't have to read it."
"I don't understand it."
"It doesn't make sense."
"I haven't read it, but I wonder if all of it is true."
And my favorite: "I don't even own one."

Yes, this was a conversation with other Christians. Or people saying they're Christian. I frankly think zero bible reading (or listening) is lazy and not Christian at all. I think the bible is an important way we learn about the nature of God and it's also an important way for Him to communicate with us. Never in history have Christians been so blessed to have the holy scriptures at our disposal. I'd like anyone to justify to me why they don't take advantage of that.

And to the OP, I have also suggested during a bible study that we read ahead for our next meeting and been met with stony silence and things like "I just don't know if I'll have time for that." If your life is so busy that you can't read a half dozen verses out of the bible, you have some serious issues. [8|]



stellaluna -> RE: Why don't you read your Bible? (6/21/2008 11:11:52 PM)

Now that I'm off my soapbox, I wanted to add that I have read through the bible several times in the past twenty years. It takes me a long time to do that now because back in the day I never had a study bible to distract me. I'll spend half an hour on just a few verses now because I'm poring over all the support material. [:D] When reading in the NT, yes, I typically read an entire book at once.



Roberta_ -> RE: Why don't you read your Bible? (6/22/2008 12:25:42 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: stellaluna
(or if you can even spell Habakkuk).


I always thought it was fun to pronounce it. [;)]



Covaan_Meshuga -> RE: Why don't you read your Bible? (6/22/2008 2:49:06 PM)

To those who cannot say that they have read their Bibles cover-to-cover:
I understand what you are saying. However, for myself, it's not that the L-rd is leading me off to study subjects and words; for me, it is more like I start reading, and curiosity gets the best of me.

It think it has to do with my ADD (diagnosed) [You, too?] and the fact that I am mildly dyslexic, so reading is not easy. If I try to read not passages, I retain absolutely nothing, and I see no reason for reading without retention. Therefore, it is best if I stick to short portions or that I not simply read but study. This satisfies (or renders less harmful) both the ADD and the dyslexia. Studying helps the ADD mind to focus better.

Regardless, I have decided that because of the heavy, disdainful criticism I have received because at my age, I have never read the Bible cover-to-cover, I will never do it. Period. I neither want to deal with the pride I would gain for that accomplishment nor do I want to ever have to tell someone I have done it because of their disdain for those who have not and because I know the shame of one who has not.

Have I read all of the Bible? Probably.



Roberta_ -> RE: Why don't you read your Bible? (6/22/2008 3:09:00 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Covaan_Meshuga

To those who cannot say that they have read their Bibles cover-to-cover:
I understand what you are saying. However, for myself, it's not that the L-rd is leading me off to study subjects and words; for me, it is more like I start reading, and curiosity gets the best of me.

It think it has to do with my ADD (diagnosed) [You, too?] and the fact that I am mildly dyslexic, so reading is not easy. If I try to read not passages, I retain absolutely nothing, and I see no reason for reading without retention. Therefore, it is best if I stick to short portions or that I not simply read but study. This satisfies (or renders less harmful) both the ADD and the dyslexia. Studying helps the ADD mind to focus better.

Regardless, I have decided that because of the heavy, disdainful criticism I have received because at my age, I have never read the Bible cover-to-cover, I will never do it. Period. I neither want to deal with the pride I would gain for that accomplishment nor do I want to ever have to tell someone I have done it because of their disdain for those who have not and because I know the shame of one who has not.

Have I read all of the Bible? Probably.


As I stated earlier, I read the entire Bible an average of 1.5 times a year.

And yet, I find your posts to be some of the most Biblically accurate and inspiring posts around. I can only think of a small handful of people whose posts minister to me as much as yours do. Covaan, I don't think that you realize how awesome you are and what a great gift you are to me (and I'm sure to plenty of others here.)

My uncle graduated from high school with a third grade reading level. He owns a Bible and refers to it. However, reading is not for him. He's one of the most theologically sound men I have ever met.



Covaan_Meshuga -> RE: Why don't you read your Bible? (6/22/2008 8:01:45 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: DenimDiva
As I stated earlier, I read the entire Bible an average of 1.5 times a year.

And yet, I find your posts to be some of the most Biblically accurate and inspiring posts around. I can only think of a small handful of people whose posts minister to me as much as yours do. Covaan, I don't think that you realize how awesome you are and what a great gift you are to me (and I'm sure to plenty of others here.)

My uncle graduated from high school with a third grade reading level. He owns a Bible and refers to it. However, reading is not for him. He's one of the most theologically sound men I have ever met.

Oh, wow. You are so kind. This is sweet of you to write. Thank you so very much.

But DenimDiva, please do understand that I can step on people's toes. I am a rough person who says that I intend. I hope I can always be this for you and all here.



LBolt -> RE: Why don't you read your Bible? (6/22/2008 9:44:27 PM)

This may come as a shock...but a lot of early believers didn't own a bible scroll yet they had faith! Faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God.

Covaan, you-----rough??? Nooo!! LOL



Roberta_ -> RE: Why don't you read your Bible? (6/22/2008 10:12:02 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Covaan_Meshuga
But DenimDiva, please do understand that I can step on people's toes.


Toe stepping can be interesting. Done it lots of times here!! Keeps people moving. [;)]



tracydolls -> RE: Why don't you read your Bible? (6/23/2008 3:12:50 AM)

My hubby is not a very good reader. Cannot read the Bible with out help. ( I found an audio CD for him)But he got the most important part down. Love. He can share the Gospel without one quote. Doesnt need words!

I know people that can quote the whole Bible practically and don't have love.

I have an ex-boyfriend who went to theologian school, has a pastor liscense and knows that Bible. But still pays $200 a week to a shaman.

The saddest part to me is the Christians who go to Church and that verse given that week is all they'll get.

In a discussion with a Christian that has been saved for 25 years, I wanted to show a Scripture, she forbade me from picking up her Bible! She has apartment full of Bibles, Chrisitian books, etc. Said she doesnt feel like hearing all that! [8|] I was like how can 2 Christians discuss anything and not read the Bible?


Every time I pick up the Bible, I learn something new! Reread something and finally get it. I make a game out of the names, say out loud, to get thru them.



Ecc 1:18 For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.


I have had people tell me it's too scary. To read. I'm like what?



SusieD -> RE: Why don't you read your Bible? (6/23/2008 6:00:15 AM)

quote:

The OP really grates on me. I am a studier not a reader. Does that mean I have not grown in the past 30 years?

I fail at reading but I love to study. It is because I have been given the gift of teaching and love to dig deep.


Reading and studying/digging deep are not mutually exclusive. I do both. How do you know the context of what you are studying if you are not reading it all in context. That is where I think many non-readers miss the mark.

quote:

Is it possible that they thought you were trying to make them feel like you were holier than they are?


No, I honestly don't think that was the situation. I wasn't saying "Hey, I read my Bible for 2 hours a day and every good Christian should do the same..." I merely made the suggestion that during the week we could all read the book of Galatians and share at the next study whatever God put upon our hearts to share about it. They all looked at me like I was crazy to suggest they read a whole "book".

quote:

'knowing the bible well' is a seed of arrogance that becomes a stumbling block to those who do not keep their priorities straight.


I totally agree with this!

quote:

so along with "why don't you read your bible" is "why don't you pray" and "why don't you obey", and "why are you hearer, and not a doer" and "why isn't Christ at the center of your life"


Umm....do I have to address every one of these in order to legitmately discuss reading the Bible? This is the Bible folder, so I was asking about reading the Bible. That doesn't mean that I am not concerned with other aspects of our christian walk.

quote:

I don't believe it all starts and ends when one reads the bible...... if you do, I disagree.


I don't disagree at all. Sounds like you are reading way too much into my post.

God has blessed us to live in a time and a nation where we have the ability and freedom to read and study our Bibles. I am just astounded at the number of christians who do not see the need or have the desire to do so.

quote:

It's beautiful to read alot of Bible. But how much of it do you actually understand and know? Do you study history? The hebrew culture? Do you look up words? Do you read the TaNaKH and understand it?


Yes, I do all that. I am not saying that people should just read the Bible and not do any indepth study. I do both and they compliment each other.



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