bible study

[DLT]

I've been working with the NIV Study Bible as well as the NIV Life Application Bible. It's funny, though. Sometimes the extensive notes seem to get in the way of the text, and I find myself receiving more revelation from just reading the Scripture without referring to the notes. Maybe the man-made explanations are getting in the way of the true meaning of the Scripture? I do, however, really enjoy the introductory notes to te individual books, and the character studies are fascinating to me.

DLT

 

[visionary]

By the inspiration of the Lord you have wanted to study his word, by his inspriation you will be guided in what you need for your daily life with him, it may be a passage here and a quote there. prayerful study and committment to the teachings of Jesus to your heart will guide you to a closer walk with him. May you be blessed by all the suggestions, and find that path the Lord has for you in your walk with Him

 

[Symes]

I've been working with the NIV Study Bible as well as the NIV Life Application Bible. It's funny, though. Sometimes the extensive notes seem to get in the way of the text, and I find myself receiving more revelation from just reading the Scripture without referring to the notes. Maybe the man-made explanations are getting in the way of the true meaning of the Scripture? I do, however, really enjoy the introductory notes to te individual books, and the character studies are fascinating to me.

DLT

You have made a good point. Man made notes can get in the way of the Holy Spirit. When that happens it is just good to go back and see what the bible is saying.

 

[clinzey]

The Lord talks to you as you read the stories as told by Matt, Mark, Luke, and John the things of the spirit that He wants to understand will come upon your heart as this applies to you in your situation.

Really, God talks to you? Oh, you're being figurative, like some of the material in the Bible. The Bible, while having eternal relevance, was written to and for people thousands of years ago. The situations and language talked about and used will not be picked up by modern readers without assistance.

 

[Symes]

Clinzey

Really, God talks to you?

You have to listen and be prepared to do what God tell you.

 

[clinzey]

You have to listen and be prepared to do what God tell you.

Again I ask, "Really? God talks to you?" It's not as simple as people like to make it seem. You can't simply read the text and let the Holy Spirit interpret. What the heck does that mean? If God doesn't speak audibly to you then it must mean something else. If you're simply reading and whatever you're feeling is the Holy Spirit interpreting, then that's brainless reading. God gave us minds, and in order to understand the Bible we have to be able to read it in light of its own history and context. Sensitive to the Spirit, yes, but not just touchy-feely stuff.

 

[Symes]

Again I ask, "Really? God talks to you?" It's not as simple as people like to make it seem. You can't simply read the text and let the Holy Spirit interpret. What the heck does that mean? If God doesn't speak audibly to you then it must mean something else. If you're simply reading and whatever you're feeling is the Holy Spirit interpreting, then that's brainless reading. God gave us minds, and in order to understand the Bible we have to be able to read it in light of its own history and context. Sensitive to the Spirit, yes, but not just touchy-feely stuff.

I believe at times God does talk in an audible way to people at times. God has told me things, not in relationship to Bible study. I once heard a voice say to me to pray. I looked around and no one was there and then again the words as clear as a bell told me to pray. I prayed and that prayer was answered in the best way possible.

When it comes to Bible study we must be willing to be led by the Spirit. There is no point in saying that we will accept part of God's Word and not another section. If we have that attitude then nothing will work.

 

[clinzey]

When it comes to Bible study we must be willing to be led by the Spirit.

Led by the Spirit, yes, but led as we use our brains. It's not just a matter of reading and leaving it up to God. Put out a little effort.

There is no point in saying that we will accept part of God's Word and not another section. If we have that attitude then nothing will work.

Not tracking with you here -- what are you saying?

 

[HomeBound]

Again I ask, "Really? God talks to you?" It's not as simple as people like to make it seem. You can't simply read the text and let the Holy Spirit interpret. What the heck does that mean? If God doesn't speak audibly to you then it must mean something else. If you're simply reading and whatever you're feeling is the Holy Spirit interpreting, then that's brainless reading. God gave us minds, and in order to understand the Bible we have to be able to read it in light of its own history and context. Sensitive to the Spirit, yes, but not just touchy-feely stuff.

I know this wasn't to me. I would just like to agree with your post.

I've seen a lot of great responses to your question on this thread. What needs to be understood is, there are a lot of people who read the Bible differently, according to the level of growth they are currently at. There are so many different reference materials in Christian bookstores. My only suggestion is to just read it. Read the Bible as much as you can. At first it may not make all sense, but after a while, your spirit will in a sense, connect with it.

 

[tqpix]

To study the Bible, first I read the KJV, then if I'm a bit confused, I refer to the NIV. Sometimes, I even use a Bible dictionary like Nelson's New Illustrated Dictionary of the Bible (Nelson Publishing) and The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (Hendrickson Publishers), and a concordance like The Strongest Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible: 21st Century Edition.