Is anyone else terrified of reading the Bible?

Bryan H said:

I can't be the only one. Many Christians have experienced the feeling of God actually speaking to them while reading the Bible. They feel the promises are meant for them and in most cases I believe they are. However, the ones that stick out for me are those when the Lord is rebuking, chastising, and condemning. The worst one I experienced was when someone donated a Bible at work (Goodwill). I had opened it and set it on the table. The automatic doors opened up and the wind flipped through several pages. I thought to myself "ah, this must be the page God wants me to read" I walked over and the first words I read were "your sins will not be forgiven and I will not keep my promises to you". I think it was in Romans. That was a couple of years ago and I haven't read the Bible since.

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I have tried to look up what verse you could have possibly read that says anything like that, and I suspect you misread a verse. If I were you, I certainly would start reading the New Testament, and you will see that what you think you read is not the heart of God, and was not directed at you.

Bryan H said:

...when someone donated a Bible at work (Goodwill). I had opened it and set it on the table. The automatic doors opened up and the wind flipped through several pages. I thought to myself "ah, this must be the page God wants me to read" I walked over and the first words I read were "your sins will not be forgiven and I will not keep my promises to you".

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timothyu said:

If one wants to see this in a supernatural way, then who says it was God that blew the pages to that scripture? Why not the Adversary trying to discourage? Seems to have worked.

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Hi again Bryan, one last thing, I think brother Timothy makes a very important point here. So, if you want to know what God's will is for your life, the method that you used above is not the best approach

We can discuss what that might be if you'd like to however

--David
p.s. - actually, this short lecture should prove to be both interesting and useful to you if you'd care to listen to it, as it directly addresses this very subject.

.

SkyWriting said:

Maybe that was Paul. Paul never met Jesus and he never saw the rubber hitting the road.

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Did they have rubber back in St. Paul's day Or do you mean that he never saw the rubber meeting the road because he was blinded by the light that surrounded Jesus when he met Him on the road to Damascus .. Acts 9:1-9, 22:6-11?

Thanks

--David

Bryan H said:

I can't be the only one. Many Christians have experienced the feeling of God actually speaking to them while reading the Bible. They feel the promises are meant for them and in most cases I believe they are. However, the ones that stick out for me are those when the Lord is rebuking, chastising, and condemning. The worst one I experienced was when someone donated a Bible at work (Goodwill). I had opened it and set it on the table. The automatic doors opened up and the wind flipped through several pages. I thought to myself "ah, this must be the page God wants me to read" I walked over and the first words I read were "your sins will not be forgiven and I will not keep my promises to you". I think it was in Romans. That was a couple of years ago and I haven't read the Bible since.

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You need to learn much more about scripture and then it won't scare you so badly. Remember that God has done all of the hard stuff for you. The hardest part for us to do is to trust him as our Father.

It's kinda that little kid standing at the edge of a pool with their Daddy saying " Jump, don't worry, I'll catch you. " The kid is scared until it finally let's go and jumps into their father's loving arms. Then, they believe and it becomes easy.

God is just like that.

Bryan H said:

I can't be the only one. Many Christians have experienced the feeling of God actually speaking to them while reading the Bible. They feel the promises are meant for them and in most cases I believe they are. However, the ones that stick out for me are those when the Lord is rebuking, chastising, and condemning. The worst one I experienced was when someone donated a Bible at work (Goodwill). I had opened it and set it on the table. The automatic doors opened up and the wind flipped through several pages. I thought to myself "ah, this must be the page God wants me to read" I walked over and the first words I read were "your sins will not be forgiven and I will not keep my promises to you". I think it was in Romans. That was a couple of years ago and I haven't read the Bible since.

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God doesn't operate through hocus pocus. That is witchcraft. You needn't spend your life in fear you didn't divine the signs right.

Read the Bible. It doesn't have just a verse here and there for you. It is ALL for you.

A_Thinker said:

I've read the Bible through a couple times ... and I've never seen this particular passage. The closest to it is where Jesus tells the non-believing Pharisees that their sins would not be forgiven unless they believed in Him.

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Actually, I can't seem to find the verse either where it says, "your sins will not be forgiven and I will not keep my promises to you." Maybe it was a different translation. I don't doubt that something similar is in the Bible though (probably somewhere in the judgement oracles).

@Bryan H, the Bible is meant to be read in context.

I've heard a preacher say once that if we randomly open the Bible and think God's speaking to you, that's treating the Scripture like a tarot.

Context is essential.

Bryan H said:

I can't be the only one. Many Christians have experienced the feeling of God actually speaking to them while reading the Bible. They feel the promises are meant for them and in most cases I believe they are. However, the ones that stick out for me are those when the Lord is rebuking, chastising, and condemning. The worst one I experienced was when someone donated a Bible at work (Goodwill). I had opened it and set it on the table. The automatic doors opened up and the wind flipped through several pages. I thought to myself "ah, this must be the page God wants me to read" I walked over and the first words I read were "your sins will not be forgiven and I will not keep my promises to you". I think it was in Romans. That was a couple of years ago and I haven't read the Bible since.

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I used to be afraid of Scripture, now I LOVE God's Word and find endless beauty, strength, encouragement, Love, etc. there. The Holy Spirit speaks to us through His breathed-out words.

What's depressing is people talking ABOUT it. Be careful as you peruse this forum, there are many who promote fear that would push you away from God. God wants you to come near, through the Lord Jesus Christ via his Death, Burial and Resurrection. Trust in His finished work for your complete salvation!

Try to find an audio Bible you like and just listen to whole letters, Psalms, etc. Let the wisdom pour in! I've heard tons of Scripture while riding my bike or working through the years. He changed my life, and still is, through it.

He is generous! Paul speaks of the "unsearchable riches of Christ". God is a "much more" God, not a stingy one like all of Satan's fake versions. For a basic primer is just how awesome God is, start with Psalm 107. Pay heed to the last stanza.

Bless you!

Bryan H said:

I can't be the only one. Many Christians have experienced the feeling of God actually speaking to them while reading the Bible. They feel the promises are meant for them and in most cases I believe they are. However, the ones that stick out for me are those when the Lord is rebuking, chastising, and condemning. The worst one I experienced was when someone donated a Bible at work (Goodwill). I had opened it and set it on the table. The automatic doors opened up and the wind flipped through several pages. I thought to myself "ah, this must be the page God wants me to read" I walked over and the first words I read were "your sins will not be forgiven and I will not keep my promises to you". I think it was in Romans. That was a couple of years ago and I haven't read the Bible since.

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So, did you happen to read the rest of the chapter this verse came from? Context makes all the difference. I've had moments where I had similar thoughts (i.e. maybe God is trying to speak to me in some way), but when I looked at the surrounding context, it seemed pretty unlikely! Not that God can't speak to you through something like that, but ask yourself why the loving and faithful God of the Bible would want to make you terrified to read His scriptures? I agree with others on this thread who said it is more likely that the devil used that situation to disturb you.

I have had times when I was reading the Bible, or sitting in church, when a random thought would pop into my mind to distract me from God's word or message. These thoughts were what I would call of a paranoid nature. Something I wouldn't really believe, but what would cause me great discomfort. At first I felt guilty for being distracted, and honestly disturbed at the nature of such weird thoughts, but then I realized that was exactly what the evil one would want: me to be so distracted by my own mind that I was consumed and missed the experience at hand. Since then, if I ever have a paranoid thought of some kind, I take it captive and give it over to God, who always gives me grace in such weaknesses.

Bryan H said:

I can't be the only one. Many Christians have experienced the feeling of God actually speaking to them while reading the Bible. They feel the promises are meant for them and in most cases I believe they are. However, the ones that stick out for me are those when the Lord is rebuking, chastising, and condemning. The worst one I experienced was when someone donated a Bible at work (Goodwill). I had opened it and set it on the table. The automatic doors opened up and the wind flipped through several pages. I thought to myself "ah, this must be the page God wants me to read" I walked over and the first words I read were "your sins will not be forgiven and I will not keep my promises to you". I think it was in Romans. That was a couple of years ago and I haven't read the Bible since.

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Keep reading. The same fire which burns and consumes is also a welcome and cozy friend warming us on cold nights.

The fear or deep concern you are experiencing is the Holy Spirit calling you to live and walk according to Him in all love and purity.

Find a church if you have not already done so and study the Bible with fellow believers.

CharismaticLady said:

I have tried to look up what verse you could have possibly read that says anything like that, and I suspect you misread a verse.

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A_Thinker said:

I've read the Bible through a couple times ... and I've never seen this particular passage.

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ChicanaRose said:

Actually, I can't seem to find the verse either where it says, "your sins will not be forgiven and I will not keep my promises to you."

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I found a passage in Galatians where Paul was arguing against the Judaizers,

"Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace." Galatians 5:2-4 NKJV

Bryan H said:

I can't be the only one. Many Christians have experienced the feeling of God actually speaking to them while reading the Bible. They feel the promises are meant for them and in most cases I believe they are. However, the ones that stick out for me are those when the Lord is rebuking, chastising, and condemning. The worst one I experienced was when someone donated a Bible at work (Goodwill). I had opened it and set it on the table. The automatic doors opened up and the wind flipped through several pages. I thought to myself "ah, this must be the page God wants me to read" I walked over and the first words I read were "your sins will not be forgiven and I will not keep my promises to you". I think it was in Romans. That was a couple of years ago and I haven't read the Bible since.

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I used to be, until I gained some understanding or what it was say....and what it wasn't saying.

Bryan H said:

I can't be the only one. Many Christians have experienced the feeling of God actually speaking to them while reading the Bible. They feel the promises are meant for them and in most cases I believe they are. However, the ones that stick out for me are those when the Lord is rebuking, chastising, and condemning. The worst one I experienced was when someone donated a Bible at work (Goodwill). I had opened it and set it on the table. The automatic doors opened up and the wind flipped through several pages. I thought to myself "ah, this must be the page God wants me to read" I walked over and the first words I read were "your sins will not be forgiven and I will not keep my promises to you". I think it was in Romans. That was a couple of years ago and I haven't read the Bible since.

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If the rebukes to the wicked scare you imagine how the rewards of the righteous will lift you up.
You just gotta choose which you are going to be.

SkyWriting said:

The only unforgivable sin is rejecting the Holy Spirit.

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Do you have a specific verse for that?

ChicanaRose said:

Actually, I can't seem to find the verse either where it says, "your sins will not be forgiven and I will not keep my promises to you." Maybe it was a different translation. I don't doubt that something similar is in the Bible though (probably somewhere in the judgement oracles).

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Couldn't it have been The Book of Mormon, and not the Bible at all?

Bryan H said:

I can't be the only one. Many Christians have experienced the feeling of God actually speaking to them while reading the Bible. They feel the promises are meant for them and in most cases I believe they are. However, the ones that stick out for me are those when the Lord is rebuking, chastising, and condemning. The worst one I experienced was when someone donated a Bible at work (Goodwill). I had opened it and set it on the table. The automatic doors opened up and the wind flipped through several pages. I thought to myself "ah, this must be the page God wants me to read" I walked over and the first words I read were "your sins will not be forgiven and I will not keep my promises to you". I think it was in Romans. That was a couple of years ago and I haven't read the Bible since.

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how do you know the door opening and wind blowing and turning the pages of the bible was from God? Why would you think God does not desire you?

an easy method to read the bible is called discovery bible study. It responsibly shows you how to read scripture asking the same simple questions that allow natural revelation from God (not waiting for wind coming through open doors to turn the pages). It's incredibly simple and even designed for non-believers and is best in groups, even lead my non-believers.

what keeps you grounded is scripture, not human understanding, that is like "a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind" (James 1)

it's not a plug to buy something or ask your email or click on advertisings nor is it pushing denominational beliefs. it walks through scripture using 30 passages from Genesis to Jesus and each asking the same questions:

• What does this story tell me about God?
• What does this story tell me about people?
• If this is really God's word, what changes would I have to make in my life?
• Who am I going to tell?

keep to what the passage you read says and leave anything outside alone. this is to keep you focused on the passage and grounded in what you are reading not what something else says. there are many online resources that explain this method, the main website is Discovery Bible Study – A safe place to see for yourself what the Bible says. an easy to follow one online is found at https://studies.discoverapp.org/?language=en but you may also download the app "disover app" from any of the app stores and follow it through there.

Jesus said to Peter "this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven." and this is the goal. not "flesh and blood" revelation but from the Father in heaven. this guide helps to naturally draw out the latter, not the former.... but it's best done in groups so get some people together and do it together, regardless of their understanding of God or scripture, anyone is ready to start this study, just follow the guide and at the end expect a revelation from God about who he is and who you are in his eyes and the steps to follow.

Bryan H said:

I can't be the only one. Many Christians have experienced the feeling of God actually speaking to them while reading the Bible. They feel the promises are meant for them and in most cases I believe they are. However, the ones that stick out for me are those when the Lord is rebuking, chastising, and condemning. The worst one I experienced was when someone donated a Bible at work (Goodwill). I had opened it and set it on the table. The automatic doors opened up and the wind flipped through several pages. I thought to myself "ah, this must be the page God wants me to read" I walked over and the first words I read were "your sins will not be forgiven and I will not keep my promises to you". I think it was in Romans. That was a couple of years ago and I haven't read the Bible since.

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Do you profess being a Christian? When Christ visits you as a thief in the night, you will absolutely know it and you will absolutely know that Jesus is The Christ and that The GodHead is very real. I had read in the Bible before my experience. I had also professed being a Born Again Christian. It wasn’t until around 16 years later that Christ came to me. I was super excited because I knew immediately that God’s Word was being revealed to me in a way that I absolutely knew was miraculous. That was the beginning of my understanding. The Fear of The Lord is the beginning of Knowledge. My excitement was soon turned to be terror. Very soon after having my eyes and ears opened I was walking out of our bedroom around 8 pm one Friday night and was suspended over the lake of fire. There was nothing I could do about it. I prayed in fear for help if memory serves. The vision ended but for me, I was literally suspended over the endless lake of fire. There was no difference between actually being suspended over the lake of fire and the vision. That was my first experience with The Fear of The Lord (See Proverbs 1:7). It was not my last experience with The Fear of The Lord. Perfect love casteth away fear. Love can be a strong motivator but fear is also a strong motivator. Christ Himself was made of quick understanding in The Fear of The Lord.

Isa.11

1. [3] And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:

That happened to me about 28 years ago. The Good Lord has chastised and scourged me. I had drifted from The Lord Jesus The Christ and deserving of all of the punishment I received. I deserved more than I got. I pray today that I will no longer need those punishments but only God knows. I suggest that you immerse yourself in The Word of God. I also suggest that you use the King James Version of The Bible. I have found that the aforementioned version is best at describing the Spiritual mysteries revealed. There is no escaping your destiny. It should be much better for you to read God’s Word than to ignore It. The most exciting day of my life was when Christ removed the blinders I was wearing and opened my eyes to The Truth. There is no arrogance involved in what I continue to experience. It’s been sometime since I’ve had a vision. I’ve experienced Heaven in a vision that was so wonderful that I can’t do it justice. The perfect Love and security of Heaven must be experienced to understand. I pray that you seek The Truth as one of the great promises in God’s Word is seek and you shall find. I was in fasting when I was awakened. Remember that “man shall live by every Word that Proceedeth out of The Mouth of God”.

JIMINZ said:

Do you have a specific verse for that?

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Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall (all) become like wool.

Matthew 12
31 Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.

Mark 3
29 But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”—

Luke 12
10 And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.

1 Timothy 1
13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.

Hebrews 10
29 How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has spurned the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace?

Bryan H said:

I can't be the only one. Many Christians have experienced the feeling of God actually speaking to them while reading the Bible. They feel the promises are meant for them and in most cases I believe they are. However, the ones that stick out for me are those when the Lord is rebuking, chastising, and condemning. The worst one I experienced was when someone donated a Bible at work (Goodwill). I had opened it and set it on the table. The automatic doors opened up and the wind flipped through several pages. I thought to myself "ah, this must be the page God wants me to read" I walked over and the first words I read were "your sins will not be forgiven and I will not keep my promises to you". I think it was in Romans. That was a couple of years ago and I haven't read the Bible since.

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There is a person in your future who is in need. They will say they were afraid to read the Bible for two weeks...and you will understand them deeply.
What greater gift can God offer than understanding the trials of others?

SkyWriting said:

Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall (all) become like wool.

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Does not apply to the Holy Spirit.

SkyWriting said:

Matthew 12
31 Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.

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Once again This verse does not apply, it only says Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is unforgivable.

This is something which we all agree.

You have posted a verse which does not say what you said when you misrepresented Scripture. ...Below.

SkyWriting said:

The only unforgivable sin is rejecting the Holy Spirit.

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SkyWriting said:

Mark 3
29 But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”—

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SkyWriting said:

Luke 12
10 And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.

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SkyWriting said:

1 Timothy 1
13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.

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SkyWriting said:

Hebrews 10
29 How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has spurned the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace?

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I have clumped all of these verses which do not apply because they do not say what you said Blasphemy was.

That is why I asked for Scripture from you, the Scripture below is the only Scripture which in fact does apply. ...Nothing else.

Mat 12:24-32
24) But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.
25) And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:
26) And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?
27) And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges.
28) But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.
29) Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.
30) He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.
31) Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.
32) And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

What you said is not what Jesus said, The Pharisees were attributing the work of the Holy Spirit to Satan (Beelzebub) that is Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which will not be forgiven.

It isn't rejection of, it's Slander of.

Bryan H said:

I can't be the only one. Many Christians have experienced the feeling of God actually speaking to them while reading the Bible. They feel the promises are meant for them and in most cases I believe they are. However, the ones that stick out for me are those when the Lord is rebuking, chastising, and condemning. The worst one I experienced was when someone donated a Bible at work (Goodwill). I had opened it and set it on the table. The automatic doors opened up and the wind flipped through several pages. I thought to myself "ah, this must be the page God wants me to read" I walked over and the first words I read were "your sins will not be forgiven and I will not keep my promises to you". I think it was in Romans. That was a couple of years ago and I haven't read the Bible since.

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We are to be careful to not ascribe all signs and coincidences to God. There is an enemy walking around like a roaring lion. As scripture shows, he can even use scripture to confuse or scare us. Keep God's promises close to heart. He loves you and he died for your sins!