Need help do not know where to begin.

Carly · Not So Newbie Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 8

I have been trying to do bible study at home. I am not a part of a church. I can't seem to find the right one. Getting ready to move and we are going to try the churches there. But for now I just need a starting point. I try to study by picking a subject and reading about it. But most often find mysef not really understanding it. I have several Bibles. King James, NKJ, Life Application Study Bible nes living translation. I prefer my Master study bible along side the NLT. I read and understand some then get lost. I have just started the book of Revelation Ive been told it is a good book. But for someone who does not know the bible or what most of the words mean I have to take alot of time looking words up. And even doing that I find it difficult. Please can someone help me. I want to know the word of God.

Van

The Bible says we are to assemble together, to learn from those you know, those whose life demonstrates Christ. I would not pick Genesis or Revelation (where scholars disgree fundamentally concerning doctrine or teachings of these books) but would suggest you read (just read) in a translation you can understand (NKJ or NAS or NIV) the books of Deuteronomy and Isaiah. This will give you an overview of the OT. Then I would read Luke and Acts. This will give you an overview of the NT. Then I would tackle a small book for study, many people enjoy Philippians.

Final note of caution: Beware of so-called "God knowledge" that does not help you become more Godly.

"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." Philippians 2:3-4.

After studying to the best of your ability a small book, ask yourself three questions:
What was the intended message of the author to his audience. What principles that are timeless (appropriate then and now) are contained in the message. How can I apply these principles to my life such that I reach up to God, fellowship and serve my fellow Christians, and reach out to a lost world with the message of Christ?

May God Bless you.

Van

A little bit more. After you try to get a handle on a small book, you might like to look at my "A study in Matthew" posted here under the book of Matthew. It shows you my effort (no double flawed) to figure out the timeless principles (teachings and commands) contained in the Book.

Nobby

Hi Carly,
I want to welcome you to Christian Discussion.com, Glad to have you with us.
Please feel free to Post on any of the forums! I will tell you the debate forums, they get wild! We try to allow free speech.
Vulger & bad language, "Not Allowed"
I moved your thread/post over here because the Suggestion Box is a place we use to discuss ways to improve this board!(You can also use it for that.)
The Noah's Lounge is a very good place to get aquainted and discuss the bible.
No heated debating over here.

Cary I pretty much agree with Van! If I think of something I will post it later.
You should get more people to answer your post over here.
God Bless You.
Nobby
PS I believe were going to have bible study in the near future.
------------------
Jesus wept!

[This message has been edited by Nobby (edited 01-17-2003).]

Carly · Not So Newbie Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 8

Thank you so very much for replying. I will turn my attention over to these books. What do you mean by "God knowledge"?

quote:
Originally posted by Van:
The Bible says we are to assemble together, to learn from those you know, those whose life demonstrates Christ. I would not pick Genesis or Revelation (where scholars disgree fundamentally concerning doctrine or teachings of these books) but would suggest you read (just read) in a translation you can understand (NKJ or NAS or NIV) the books of Deuteronomy and Isaiah. This will give you an overview of the OT. Then I would read Luke and Acts. This will give you an overview of the NT. Then I would tackle a small book for study, many people enjoy Philippians.

Final note of caution: Beware of so-called "God knowledge" that does not help you become more Godly.

"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." Philippians 2:3-4.

After studying to the best of your ability a small book, ask yourself three questions:
What was the intended message of the author to his audience. What principles that are timeless (appropriate then and now) are contained in the message. How can I apply these principles to my life such that I reach up to God, fellowship and serve my fellow Christians, and reach out to a lost world with the message of Christ?

May God Bless you.

Van

Jesus explains in Matthew 25:31-46 that He will not evaluate us based on whether we believe in 6 -24 hour creation, pre-tribulation rapture, scripture alone or church traditions. No, the test is whether we love our Lord and our God, and based on that love we love one another, keeping all the teachings of Christ as best we can. Knowledge that fosters factions, feeds pride, facilitates holier than thou attitudes runs afoul of the simple, kind and generous teachings of Christ. Yes, we must study to show ourselves approved, accurately handling the Word of God, and standing firm against the clever stories of men who teach a different gospel, but the trap is to get sidetracked.

"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things." Philippians 4:8

victoria

Hi Carly...Welcome to our group. You seem to have a searching heart and you know, God is always pleased with us when we are seaching to know Him better. I can promise you this, He will aid you in your desires to do that and will put people and circumstances in your path to ensure your growth. The desire that you have is one that he wants each of His kids to have. So you are blessed to have such a willing heart.

You asked for ideas and help with study. Like you, I used to really struggle with how to learn and apply what I was reading. There is so much in His Word and it seems like when you want to know so much and there is is just too much to learn... it kind of gets overwhelming at times.

May I suggest a couple of things that might help you a little bit?

There are many different kinds of study in my opinion. One is to just read and see how awesome God's revelation is to us. There is devotional study. You are attempting to worship and honor God and glean wisdom and understanding. Then there is a deeper kind of study which is slow and time consuming but it is amazing how you will grow in taking that kind of study time. Not getting in a hurry but allowing God to show you truth and real depth of meaning has an immeasurable value. There is nothing like it really. And you seem to be at this place.... So.. I can tell you how I came to a more study in that way.

I was blessed to meet an incredibly studied lady that used an "inductive study method". I bought that kind of bible five years ago, and it has been incredible for me. The bible is called, The New International Inductive Study Method Bible. It comes in all versions of the bible. I happen to prefer the New American Standard, but you can buy it in the NIV or NKJ, or almost any version.

The thing that is awesome about this particular bible is that in the front of each bible, there is 30 to 40 pages of very specific ways by which you can study in the inductive method. Since I began doing so, it is amazing how God has worked in my study and life. And the good news is that most christian bookstores do have these bibles.

It sounds like you are much like me in that I have so many bibles and study guides. But since I bought this bible, I never use commentaries, etc. I use the Word to understand the Word and it is through the inductive method that I am able to do so. I believe the publisher is Harvest House. But your bookstore will know if you call it by the name above.

I want to mention one more little thing. The inductive study methods says, Always... Always.. start with a prayer for the Spirit of God to guide and help you see things that you never saw before. I can promise you, He always answers that request for me.

God Bless you Carly. Please let me know if you have questions, and again... welcome. You will find wonderful people here and you are most welcome.

My best to you for the New Year and to your study,
Victoria

~Mindy~ · Tadpole Joined: 21 Aug 2002 Posts: 29

wow! a bible study is such an awesome idea, when you study with other people they can notice things that sometimes you miss. i have bible studies at school, at church and over the phone with my friend. they really encourage and help you to learn God's word. about your question, to help start, ask a pastor for help or maybe get a bible with study helps but most importantly pray that God would erveal his word to you in new ways, ask Him to hide His word in our heart that when you are witnessing to others, you'd know just what to say and youd have scriptures to back it up! Good luck!!
God Bless, and let me know how your studies go
~Mindy~