|
Users viewing this topic:
none
|
|
Login  | |
|
Where do I start learning the Word? - 8/19/2008 2:11:24 PM
|
|
|
ChelaW
Posts: 154
Joined: 7/30/2008
Status: offline
|
I don't have much foundation in the Word. I know several scriptures here and there that I picked up from sermons at church, but I've never really sat down to do my own reading.
Well, now is the time for me to start! But where exactly should I start? It's so overwhelming to me.
Do I just open it up in Genesis & read cover to cover, front to back? Or should I try another strategy?
Also, I cannot attend a Bible Study, so I'm on my own with this. Thanks!
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Where do I start learning the Word? - 8/19/2008 2:29:48 PM
|
|
|
Child4Jesus
Posts: 467
Joined: 5/24/2005
From: Long Island, Nassau, Elmont, NY
Status: offline
|
You can start wherever you want. As for suggestions. Proverbs is good. Psalms. The gospels. The epistles.
_____________________________
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
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Where do I start learning the Word? - 8/19/2008 3:16:13 PM
|
|
|
Wild-Rose
Posts: 427
Joined: 1/11/2006
From: Upstate NY
Status: offline
|
I would say start with the four Gospels. Get to know Jesus. I understand that you are a Christian, I'm just saying, get to know Jesus and everything he said and did in the gospels. After that, the OT and the rest of the NT make more sense.
_____________________________
Wild-Rose
Rejoice that your name is written in heaven. Luke 10:20
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Where do I start learning the Word? - 8/19/2008 3:24:29 PM
|
|
|
deermousie
Posts: 1946
Joined: 9/26/2007
Status: online
|
I agree. Start with the New Testament, because it will explain the Old Testament that you'll read later.
I'd start with Matthew 1, and read to the back. Get a version you can read easily (King James Version - KJV - is historical but it's in 400 year old English and I don't understand all of it. I like New International Version for starters, or even Living Bible which makes the OT read like a soap opera. Only, it's true).
Happy reading! And bless you for wanting to dig into God's Word - it's His love letter to you, but even more: it has history, prophecy, poetry, erotic literature (why not - God made it!), law, and what will happen at the end of the world (expect that to be difficult to understand. A lot of us aren't sure about it, but when it happens it will become crystal clear). And promises! Lots of promises, and God doesn't lie. Enjoy the feast!
_____________________________
Want to know where a certain word or phrase in the Bible is found? www.biblegateway.com Yay!
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Where do I start learning the Word? - 8/19/2008 3:27:28 PM
|
|
|
beamerjx3
Posts: 12
Joined: 3/15/2007
Status: offline
|
Every time that I started to read the Bible from Genesis, I always got lost somewhere after Leviticus. I suggest starting from the New Testament and read the whole thing from there and then go to the Old Testament. Also try getting a guide like " Through the Bible in One Year". Different ones offer explanation and insight and a schedule to help keep you on track.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Where do I start learning the Word? - 8/19/2008 3:54:29 PM
|
|
|
drussell52
Posts: 223
Joined: 4/24/2008
From: Michigan
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: deermousie
I agree. Start with the New Testament, because it will explain the Old Testament that you'll read later.
I'd start with Matthew 1, and read to the back. Get a version you can read easily (King James Version - KJV - is historical but it's in 400 year old English and I don't understand all of it. I like New International Version for starters, or even Living Bible which makes the OT read like a soap opera. Only, it's true).
Happy reading! And bless you for wanting to dig into God's Word - it's His love letter to you, but even more: it has history, prophecy, poetry, erotic literature (why not - God made it!), law, and what will happen at the end of the world (expect that to be difficult to understand. A lot of us aren't sure about it, but when it happens it will become crystal clear). And promises! Lots of promises, and God doesn't lie. Enjoy the feast!
[/
Chelaw, hi and hi everyone else. Like the answer, start wherever you want, but remember the Bible police will show up at your door unless you really start where you want.....Just teasing a bit. Seriously, I wish someone had told me to pick a Bible character and study them and make notes about what you discover. Since you are new to faith seemingly or so it sounds, I would recommend you go right to the source and spend a few weeks reading and rereading the sermon on the Hill in Matthew 5, 6, and 7. Each time, ask Jesus to impress something on your mind, note it on a card, then do the same thing for several other times through. You can use whatever version fits your fancy Chelaw. I like the ESV or NASB because they contain chapter titles and subtitles within a chapter. Have fun, be consistent and keep asking questions, glad you do!
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Where do I start learning the Word? - 8/19/2008 4:33:18 PM
|
|
|
LCannon
Posts: 1223
Joined: 2/22/2007
From: Lebanon, OR
Status: offline
|
Here I go, again!
1. Commit yourself for a only a week.
2. Paul's letter to the Ephesians has six chapters, one per day. Read a chapter a day, aloud,(reading aloud tends to make me concentrate and doesn't allow my mind to wander as much)with the emphasis on obedience.(Actually any of Paul's 'prison epistles can be done in like manner.)
3. Rest a day(Sunday?), commit yourself to another week, Ephesians again, aloud, again but the next week's emphasis is unity with the Holy Spirit and the church, local and universal.
Since you have read Ephesians twice in two week your ready to memorizing!
Another valuable study is the Gospels:(by the 'numbers')
Mark(Jesus as a servant, the ox of Revelation)
Luke(Jesus as a man)
Matthew(Jesus as King(of the Jews),
John(Jesus as Deity, the 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)
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Where do I start learning the Word? - 8/19/2008 4:39:34 PM
|
|
|
sparkleingsnow
Posts: 3844
Joined: 1/9/2007
Status: offline
|
Matthew, Mark, Luke and John (the Gospels) will teach you about Jesus and what He said and did. Much of the rest of the New Testament will teach you about how He wants us to live, believe, conduct ourselfs, like truely loving others.
1.) Pray before you start to study and ask the Lord to help you understand what He wants you to learn from it today.
2.) Don't worry about trying to read a certain amount each day, but study it, even if it's only a few verses. Let the Holy Spirit help you with understanding it. There are Bible study tools online (like crosswalk.com) that can help you understand. (I know you said you can't join a Bible study group, but I hope the Lord will make a way so you can. It's a good place to ask questions. But it doesn't replace your own personal Bible study. You can also post questions here, and we will do our best to answer them.)
3.) Reflect on it. Think about what you've just read.
The Bible is full of tresaures throughout. Enjoy, and enjoy growing in the Lord. God Bless.
< Message edited by sparkleingsnow -- 8/19/2008 4:46:17 PM >
_____________________________
Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is
within me, bless his holy name.
Psalm 103:1
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Where do I start learning the Word? - 8/19/2008 5:33:22 PM
|
|
|
beamerjx3
Posts: 12
Joined: 3/15/2007
Status: offline
|
Another good way to get started since you cannot join a Bible study would be to tune into a radio broadcast. You could do that online too. Lots of them go through a book or a passage at a time and you could follow along. Also you could subscribe to a daily devotional by mail or e-mail.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Where do I start learning the Word? - 8/19/2008 6:58:03 PM
|
|
|
solarflare
Posts: 798
Status: offline
|
There is a tremendous amount of material available....my only caution, is that not all of it is good. I think sparklingsnow put it down very simply for you and it is not a difficult plan to follow.
There is no special or right way to do this. All of the Bible is God's Word.
The New Testament is a good place to start. As Wes stated, a commentary is also very helpful. Most Bibles nowdays have notes right in them. Don't be afraid to question. Remember, God knows your heart - better than you do - you can completely trust Him at all times!
God bless you.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Where do I start learning the Word? - 8/19/2008 9:06:04 PM
|
|
|
iheartgmc
Posts: 55
Joined: 7/12/2008
Status: offline
|
I would suggest reading the Book of John while also getting a visual with the movie the Gospel of John. OMG.. that movie and that chapter of the book changed my world!! After John, I read Luke and Matthew. They are pretty much the same, but awesome great reads about the gospel.
_____________________________
artists I'm listening to this month:
Our World Redeemed by FLAME (for the fourth month)
Heart Revolution by Hillsong
Portable Sounds by tobyMac
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Where do I start learning the Word? - 8/19/2008 9:26:46 PM
|
|
|
KnowJesus
Posts: 271
Joined: 7/21/2006
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: iheartgmc
I would suggest reading the Book of John while also getting a visual with the movie the Gospel of John. OMG.. that movie and that chapter of the book changed my world!! After John, I read Luke and Matthew. They are pretty much the same, but awesome great reads about the gospel.
iheartgmc....You took the words right out of my keyboard :)
Yes, the book of John is an excellent place to start.
You might invest in a good study bible, also. One of my favorites is the Life Application Bible. It's easy to read, and loaded with good related info. I wish, I'd had it when I was a young Christian.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Where do I start learning the Word? - 8/19/2008 10:26:00 PM
|
|
|
4IMPersuaded
Posts: 360
Joined: 11/17/2007
From: Florence, KY
Status: offline
|
ChelaW, I am so glad you asked this question... Though I love all of the Word, I think the majority of your answers are good ones-- start with the Gospels. You may find comfort in the fact that they tell the story of the same man, so the stories often overlap. You see Jesus from four different perspectives. My favorite is John-- I especially love the way that he refers to himself as "the disciple that Jesus loved." Isn't that awesome? He was Jesus' half-brother, so it was true, but Jesus loves all of us so much that he would have come for each of us if we were the only ones here!
Anyway... I don't recommend just reading the Bible alone, though it stands alone in its perfection. Most people need a little guidance, at least to get started. I agree with the poster that suggested getting some guidance material-- a six or ten-week study book so that you can learn alongside the author. A good commentary is also very valuable-- Beleiver's is good and so is MacArthur's and the Word Bible Commentary.
God bless you! So many Christians rely solely on the verses fed to them by their pastor and don't bother to read for themselves. Careful! You won't be able to put it down! 
|
|
|
|
 New Messages |
 No New Messages |
 Hot Topic w/ New Messages |
 Hot Topic w/o New Messages |
 Locked w/ New Messages |
 Locked w/o New Messages |
|
 Post New Thread
Reply to Message
Post New Poll
Submit Vote
Delete My Own Post
Delete My Own Thread
Rate Posts |
|
|
Forum Tools
Printable Version
Where do I start? The Bible is a Book about God senting His Son the Lord Jesus Christ to earth as our Savior to redeem mankind. So why not read about these events as they occurred in chronological order as Luke recorded them in the Gospel of Luke. Then read about how the story of Christ is continuing today in the life of the Church by reading the Book of Acts, a Book also written by Dr. Luke. Then maybe study Mark or John or wherever you choose to go. 
2 Tim.3:16+17 "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man od God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
