How to Study the Bible... Advice?

Kathy

Kathy

This thread is being written as a complementary discussion to the thread I posted about buying a new Bible. As with that thread, please feel free to move this if I have placed it in the wrong location. :)

1. What to Read First?

Once I have my new Bible I am going to need to consider how best to actually use / study it. From what I have researched, it is commonly suggested to read Matthew --> John --> Mark -- Luke --> Through the NT, then through the OT. I have a background in the OT already. It's been a while since I read it but I have done so. The NT outside of the Gospels and Revelations is completely new to me. I have no idea how or why I ended up reading that way and I know it needs to be fixed.

Anyone have thoughts on how reading should go? Is there a logical order or should I just start somewhere? The Bible is such a large book with so many parts that it can be very overwhelming to make a decision.

2. Online Bible Study Groups -- Good idea or Not?

Do you think studying the Bible via the internet with others is a productive idea? One of the sites I've been following is planning a study of Acts in August and I've been considering whether I should join that or not. I realize that online study does not replace the need for a Church (can't remember the verse but I'm pretty sure it's in Hebrews it says church is important?) but as I do not drive any currently do not have anyone who can / will take me to a church, I figure I should do what I can / study where I can / go where I can. At the same time though, I am definitely open to insights from others.

3. Is there anything else beyond the Bible that might be worth reading?

That question might be misleading, so I will try to clarify it.

(1) The Bible is the only written source that can give us the Word of God.

(2) With that said, though, reading huge chunks of the Bible and not thinking / reflecting on what is being read is generally counter-productive. (From my own experience, at least? And by this I mean something like someone gobbling up all four gospels and not thinking about what is being read.)

(3) Despite the Bible being the only place to get the written Word of God, I am going to assume that there are other books out there that may enhance one's knowledge and understanding as a Christian. (Please correct me if I am mistaken or if this is some form of false idea that I have been taught.) Provided that this is true, I am looking for suggestions. :)

4. Your thoughts on memorizing verse?

Do you see value in this? Does anyone have any thoughts on which things (off hand) would be really valuable to memorize and know? It's all from God and therefore its all useful, but I'm pretty sure that even with a pretty solid memory I'm not likely to memorize the whole thing and be able to recite it in order book by book. Thoughts?

Thanks very much for your time. Have a great day! :)

Kat
 
5 Course Spiritual Diet: (Make your own meals too!)

John 1:1-14, John 6:31-67, Matthew 6:9-13

Appetizer: Faith Luke 12:22-32
Soup: Blessings Matthew 5:1-16
Salad: Hope Revelation 4, 7:9-13, 21:4-5, 22:1-5
Entree': Love John 17
Dessert: Protection Ephesians 6:10-18
 
Above all....pray about it and let the Holy Spirit lead you. Even when buying a Bible (which imforgot to say in the other thread) i think studying with others is a great idea. Just make sure that what they are saying lines up with the Word of God (Bible) and if the Holy Spirit gives you any red flags...be quick to listen.

Studying and trying to learn about what Jesus preached and is like..helps us to know the Father and be able to have a better relationship with them. Helps to build our trust if we know that we can trust them.

Being that you are home bound for now. I do believe that being apart of an online group or church would be your church till you can make it to a building. The Bible says to not forsake the assembling of yourselves together....which is what you would be doing via the internet. But pray and really take the time to seek God in where to plug in. He knows where He wants for you to be, andin being obedient you will be fully blessed :)

Grace and peace be yours in abundance!
 
Hmm..see my answers to the other post.

As for reading the Bible, I would recommend reading it straight through. Genesis to Revelation. It may take you a year or so, but its worth it.
In some translations the order of the books is slightly different, but..dont worry too much about this. You will get the full counsel of God this way. read chunks at a time, like chapters.

Its the greatest story ever told.
 
Kathy said:
This thread is being written as a complementary discussion to the thread I posted about buying a new Bible. As with that thread, please feel free to move this if I have placed it in the wrong location. :)

1. What to Read First?

Once I have my new Bible I am going to need to consider how best to actually use / study it. From what I have researched, it is commonly suggested to read Matthew --> John --> Mark -- Luke --> Through the NT, then through the OT. I have a background in the OT already. It's been a while since I read it but I have done so. The NT outside of the Gospels and Revelations is completely new to me. I have no idea how or why I ended up reading that way and I know it needs to be fixed.

Anyone have thoughts on how reading should go? Is there a logical order or should I just start somewhere? The Bible is such a large book with so many parts that it can be very overwhelming to make a decision.

2. Online Bible Study Groups -- Good idea or Not?

Do you think studying the Bible via the internet with others is a productive idea? One of the sites I've been following is planning a study of Acts in August and I've been considering whether I should join that or not. I realize that online study does not replace the need for a Church (can't remember the verse but I'm pretty sure it's in Hebrews it says church is important?) but as I do not drive any currently do not have anyone who can / will take me to a church, I figure I should do what I can / study where I can / go where I can. At the same time though, I am definitely open to insights from others.

3. Is there anything else beyond the Bible that might be worth reading?

That question might be misleading, so I will try to clarify it.

(1) The Bible is the only written source that can give us the Word of God.

(2) With that said, though, reading huge chunks of the Bible and not thinking / reflecting on what is being read is generally counter-productive. (From my own experience, at least? And by this I mean something like someone gobbling up all four gospels and not thinking about what is being read.)

(3) Despite the Bible being the only place to get the written Word of God, I am going to assume that there are other books out there that may enhance one's knowledge and understanding as a Christian. (Please correct me if I am mistaken or if this is some form of false idea that I have been taught.) Provided that this is true, I am looking for suggestions. :)

4. Your thoughts on memorizing verse?

Do you see value in this? Does anyone have any thoughts on which things (off hand) would be really valuable to memorize and know? It's all from God and therefore its all useful, but I'm pretty sure that even with a pretty solid memory I'm not likely to memorize the whole thing and be able to recite it in order book by book. Thoughts?

Thanks very much for your time. Have a great day! :)

Kat
Click to expand...
Hi Kat,
On the questions:
1. I recommend starting with:
Matthew for the main details, then
John for a better grasp of who Jesus is, then
Romans for what is means to be a Christian
From there then choose subjects and use the computer to find them in the Bible. For History, Genesis, Exodus, 1 & 2 Samuel. For wisdom, Proverbs, Psalms, Ecclesiastes. For Christian living, Paul's, Peter's, and John's letters to the Church.

2. Many churches have van service which will pick you up. Just phone the churches you might like and see if they have such a service. When you find a good church, they will invite you to Bible studies and come pick you up. Any good group of Christians would help you with your needs.

3. 1 Thessalonians 5:21
KJV-Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
NASB-But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good;
NLT-but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.

Check out lots of different sites and opinions, but check out what they say. Look for opposing views to challenge their ideas. Always verify all concepts with the Bible. If what they espouse is against scripture, learn from it how some try to endorse their own worldview pretending to be Christian. What is interesting is that some have true interpretations on some topics, while at the same time they have false beliefs on other topics. Others may mix truth with lies, so beware. Those who espouse a teaching should always back it up with scripture. If they don't, their views do not hold any credibility with me.

A good site I like to check out is <gotquestions.org>

4. Memorizing verses word for word isn't as important as memorizing important concepts taught in the Word of God. Your favorite verses you will end up memorizing just because you want to.
There are many examples of people who memorized large portions of scripture but didn't live like they knew them. The main idea is to put the concepts into your life and live them.
Romans chapter 8 is one of my favorites but I don't have it memorized, but I can tell you many of the elements contained within the chapter.

BTW, from your posts I can see you have a great attitude about this. I love seeing that.
Blessings
John
 
Abdicate said:
I've not found anything :( I too wish it because I'm going on vacation for 46 days starting the end of Aug and I will only have an iPad while we move. The only site I know that has Hebrew and Greek stuff is http://www.blueletterbible.org
Click to expand...
The only other one that i have seen is my sword for android. But i was told that it was not as good. But i may go and get it back, because it was close to what you were putting up.

The olive tree app has an installation for the ipad. Might want to check out if they have greek and hebrew dictionary. I do know that they have a greek Bible, but its not in english. And i believe that they have a Strongs concordance available.
 
Kathy said:
This thread is being written as a complementary discussion to the thread I posted about buying a new Bible. As with that thread, please feel free to move this if I have placed it in the wrong location. :)

1. What to Read First?

Once I have my new Bible I am going to need to consider how best to actually use / study it. From what I have researched, it is commonly suggested to read Matthew --> John --> Mark -- Luke --> Through the NT, then through the OT. I have a background in the OT already. It's been a while since I read it but I have done so. The NT outside of the Gospels and Revelations is completely new to me. I have no idea how or why I ended up reading that way and I know it needs to be fixed.

Anyone have thoughts on how reading should go? Is there a logical order or should I just start somewhere? The Bible is such a large book with so many parts that it can be very overwhelming to make a decision.

2. Online Bible Study Groups -- Good idea or Not?

Do you think studying the Bible via the internet with others is a productive idea? One of the sites I've been following is planning a study of Acts in August and I've been considering whether I should join that or not. I realize that online study does not replace the need for a Church (can't remember the verse but I'm pretty sure it's in Hebrews it says church is important?) but as I do not drive any currently do not have anyone who can / will take me to a church, I figure I should do what I can / study where I can / go where I can. At the same time though, I am definitely open to insights from others.

3. Is there anything else beyond the Bible that might be worth reading?

That question might be misleading, so I will try to clarify it.

(1) The Bible is the only written source that can give us the Word of God.

(2) With that said, though, reading huge chunks of the Bible and not thinking / reflecting on what is being read is generally counter-productive. (From my own experience, at least? And by this I mean something like someone gobbling up all four gospels and not thinking about what is being read.)

(3) Despite the Bible being the only place to get the written Word of God, I am going to assume that there are other books out there that may enhance one's knowledge and understanding as a Christian. (Please correct me if I am mistaken or if this is some form of false idea that I have been taught.) Provided that this is true, I am looking for suggestions. :)

4. Your thoughts on memorizing verse?

Do you see value in this? Does anyone have any thoughts on which things (off hand) would be really valuable to memorize and know? It's all from God and therefore its all useful, but I'm pretty sure that even with a pretty solid memory I'm not likely to memorize the whole thing and be able to recite it in order book by book. Thoughts?

Thanks very much for your time. Have a great day! :)

Kat
Click to expand...

Most important of all, ask the Holy Spirit for revelation as you read.
Read firstly for enjoyment and to witness the character of God at work through the ages.
Do not try to make rules about God. He is not a machine.
Get hold of several bibles of different styles and translations.
Do not be afraid to annotate and underline.
Get a stack of Post-it notes and every time you see links either underline or stick a post it note in till you come back.

Many people treat the book itself with far too much reverence, which means they take more care of the paper than they do of the message. That's why I have lots of bibles around so I can compare translations, although I confess I mostly do it on line now. Nevertheless my regular bible is full of decades worth of red underline and my own cross reference links.
These notes and links are so valuable that whenever it is falling apart, I go through it page by page and transfer the notes to the replacement bible, which usually comes from Amazon.
 
Something that i was reminded of is to look for all of the references to "in Him" and "through Him" so that you can see what God is promising you.

Blessings
 
1. What to Read First?
I started with a cover to cover approach, but that was in addition to what was brought up in study groups and what I looked up whenever I got curios about something.
However you decide to do it, don’t stress over it.
Pray, relax, read, and pray some more.
It is a record of what God has shown His people through the ages and is part of a conversation between Him and you.

2. Online Bible Study Groups -- Good idea or Not?
That depends on the group. If they consistently point you to scripture as a whole (rather than harping over a few chosen points), then it will probably be worthwhile.
That said there is no substitute for face to face shared study and fellowship.
Text based discussions allow for far too much misunderstanding and can be either frustratingly slow or frustratingly fast.

3. Is there anything else beyond the Bible that might be worth reading?
Definitely, and I’m sure that between everyone here you would end up with a list of books and writings that could keep you busy for decades.

4. Your thoughts on memorizing verse?
It’s worth remembering that the chapter and verse divisions we are familiar with were added later. They are not necessary for understanding, study, or simply just reading.
I have always had a very hard time remembering it by chapter and verse, and after more than a quarter century there are only a few passages that I can give you the address for.
However, I do know what it says and with one in hand I can usually find a given passage pretty easily.
Focus more on hearing what the Holy Spirit is telling you through and in it more than committing it to memory.
 
Francis Drake said:
...These notes and links are so valuable that whenever it is falling apart, I go through it page by page and transfer the notes to the replacement bible, which usually comes from Amazon.
Click to expand...
It's always been a sad thing for me when my bible gets worn beyond salvage, but also kind of cool. It almost feels like I'm starting all over again when I get a new one.

When I first left home I met a guy who grew up in church, but did not know the gospel or have a bible of his own.
At the time my bible (the first one I read completely through) was falling apart and held together solely by good wishes and tape. It was full of notes and underlined copiously.
I gave that bible to him so that he would have one.
It wasn't until some time later that it dawned on me that he may have thought I was dumping my trash off on him.

Memories....
 
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