Want to study the bible!

[raptorschild]

I want to read the bible cover to cover, but I am thinking I would not understand it without reading some sort of summarized version written in a language that makes sense.

Anyone have any ideas?

I was brought up lutheran if that matters.

[shinnookums]

Have you been to a Christian bookstore? There are lots of Bibles with commentary and study helps. Reading a modern translation like NASB or NIV is a must.

[raptorschild]

Have you been to a Christian bookstore? There are lots of Bibles with commentary and study helps. Reading a modern translation like NASB or NIV is a must.


No i havent, but there are about 3 of them in town that I know of. Are the translations accurate, or is there a "ton" of interpretation?

[SaksMoJet]

A few years ago I bought a Comparative Study Bible. Thee 4 translations are NIV, KJV, NASB, and AMP. It's been really helpful since they are compared side by side on the page (2 translations per page).

Hope this helps. PM if you have any questions.

:pray:

[rimrock]

I’m excited for you. :excited:

First off of the various translations NIV is really a good one to read, it’s really about the best for comprehension. Other translations are good for other purposes but NIV overall well better serve you for reading thru the text.

Another point and IMHO an important one…don’t start with Genesis and read cover to cover. Rather commit to reading thru the New Testament first, start at Matthew and go thru Revelation…generally speaking it will just go better for anyone to work through the NT first.

[DAB]

I’m excited for you. :excited:

First off of the various translations NIV is really a good one to read, it’s really about the best for comprehension. Other translations are good for other purposes but NIV overall well better serve you for reading thru the text.

Another point and IMHO an important one…don’t start with Genesis and read cover to cover. Rather commit to reading thru the New Testament first, start at Matthew and go thru Revelation…generally speaking it will just go better for anyone to work through the NT first.

Great advice

[Dullhook]

I want to read the bible cover to cover, but I am thinking I would not understand it without reading some sort of summarized version written in a language that makes sense.


This is indeed good to hear, brother! One excellent guide is: "Adventuring Through The Bible...A Comprehensive Guide To The Entire Bible" by Ray C. Stedman. He does a great job of integrating and cross-referencing each book of the OT and NT in a manner that is understandable and projects it's wisdom.

Another point and IMHO an important one…don’t start with Genesis and read cover to cover. Rather commit to reading thru the New Testament first, start at Matthew and go thru Revelation…generally speaking it will just go better for anyone to work through the NT first.

Some good sage advice from brother rimrock. The Old Testament can be rather confusing and poses many questions especially in the books of Leviticus through Deuteronomy. We must keep in mind that the OT points toward the coming of the Messiah Jesus Christ and the answer to sin and redemption after the fall of man. Personally a good place to start would be with Genesis up until chapter 10 (farther if you become captivated which is likely :wink:) This will show God's creation of heaven and earth and all that exists including His centerpiece...mankind. It will show man's rebellion against God, his fall into sin, and takes you through Noah and the great flood. Then as rimrock suggests shifting to the Gospel of Matthew which reveals the genealogy of Christ, from His divine coming, ministry, death, to His resurrection which reconciled us to the Father by paying the price for our sins. From there right through Revelation and the true hope of all Christians. You are in for some blessed and exciting times, my friend! :wave:

[Sweet Melissa]

I already sent this link to raptorschild, but maybe some others can benefit from it. I just started reading chronologically thru the NLT, for something different.

http://eword.gospelcom.net/year/

[rob allen]

for what you want to do i would want to keep it simple but thurough

1. read and use "Studying. Interpreting and applying the bible by Walter Henrichsen and Gayle Jackson.

2 I would recommend as a bible the NIV Zodhiates Greek/ Hebrew key study bible..

to understand and apply the bible correctly you need to understand not only the content but also the context and on top of that some of the origional language..

whatever tools you choose to use make sure they are written by peoples who's primary purpose is to get to the intent of the writer.

[rimrock]

...Personally a good place to start would be with Genesis up until chapter 10 (farther if you become captivated which is likely :wink:) This will show God's creation of heaven and earth and all that exists including His centerpiece...mankind. It will show man's rebellion against God, his fall into sin, and takes you through Noah and the great flood. Then...shifting to the Gospel of Matthew which reveals the genealogy of Christ, from His divine coming, ministry, death, to His resurrection which reconciled us to the Father by paying the price for our sins. From there right through Revelation and the true hope of all Christians...

Oh I like that Dullhook...a read thru the Scriptures starting with Genesis than moving to the NT is a great idea. Can't believe a DUCK came up with such a good idea...who says miracles don't occur today. :wink::D Hehe love ya brother!

[happybrew]

Oh I like that Dullhook...a read thru the Scriptures starting with Genesis than moving to the NT is a great idea. Can't believe a DUCK came up with such a good idea...who says miracles don't occur today. :wink::D Hehe love ya brother!

We start our kids off on Genesis and then to the Gospels.

[brshooter]

I am more of a reader than a studier. There are so many wonderful and exciting stories in the bible. Just enjoy the bible. When you enjoy it, you are much more likely to reach for it and read it again.
I commute almost an hour each way to work. I have the complete bible on my ipod. I plug that into my car stereo on my commute. Some days, I will get home and end up sitting in the car parked in the driveway listening until I get to a stoping point.

[PapaHog]

There is great advice posted in this thread.

I like the idea of listening in the car. I do a lot of driving and will look into this.

[Grantspastor]

All good advice. Like Rimrock, I like the NIV. Just another thought...because the Bible is God's Word it is alive and powerful. When you read..say a simple prayer and ask the Holy Spirit who inspired it to give you clarity and understanding

[halfrack]

you are about to embark on a great study, one that will benefit you in more ways than you can imagine. Let me encourage you to get a Book by hendricks and Hendricks, "living by the book". This will help you to understand how to read the Bible for your personal growth and understanding. Your adventure will be like mining for gold and worth the effort you give it. It will be a profitable study 2 Timothy 3:16-17 with great reward.:thisbig:

[raptorschild]

Hey....great advice. The Pm that was sent to me was very helpful as well. great website!

Thank you all so much!

Jake

[brshooter]

There is great advice posted in this thread.

I like the idea of listening in the car. I do a lot of driving and will look into this.

Ken,
check out

http://www.faithcomesbyhearing.com/

They have the bible on mp3 disks. Only 4 disks. Think it costs about $30.00. Many audio bibles are in cd audio and can use 60 plus disks. Different readers for different chapters to change it up a bit.

I have the NAB, but they also have the NIV, KJV, RSV, and several other options.

[PapaHog]

Thanks Bill.

[garbageman]

All good advice. Like Rimrock, I like the NIV. Just another thought...because the Bible is God's Word it is alive and powerful. When you read..say a simple prayer and ask the Holy Spirit who inspired it to give you clarity and understanding

I think this is the best advice in the whole thread. The holy spirit can give you meaning and personal application in both the old and new testament.

God Bless you reading.

[Got One!]

I personally recommend starting with the New Testament, but you can't go wrong anywhere with the good book :D