Hello & need some help

[cwiehle]

Greetings all,
I floated around for a while until I decided this is where I should probably post.

About a year ago, in search of answers to my questions, I became a member of a forum which discussed the Bible and Christianity. I became discouraged and quit posting after one of the moderators posted this(below in italics). We were having a discussion about miracles, and I stated I had a hard time believing in miracles in this day and age.

This confirmed my suspicions that you are an Empiricist at heart. This means that all knowledge is restricted to the five senses (given the Empiricist's view)............The reason I bring this up is that, without going beyond the five senses, you will never be able to come to accept God's existence, the possibility of miracles, and so forth

Needless to say I beacame very discouraged in my search for faith. I came to a personal conclusion that my faults lay with my lack of knowledge in the Bible and it's historical value and accuracy. I am currently reading "The Case For Christ" which is a bunch of collected interviews validifying Christ's existence. I feel myself drifting though while I read it because it lacks emotion and seems very argument, counter-argument.

I don't understand how certain people just believe without a doubt, and their faith is 100%. I want tobe a 100% believer but first I have to understand the answers to my questions.

Have any of you been in my situation? How did you overcome the snags that hindered the growth of your faith? Any suggested readings?

My family and I are currently attending a Baptist Church here in town. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[llghoney]

Are you currently reading the bible as well?

 

[cwiehle]

Are you currently reading the bible as well?

No, only because I don't know which one to buy, I know there is quite a few different variations. The last time I read the Bible, which was a long time ago, I couldn't understand it so I want one that's fairly easy to read but holds somewhat true to it's original text. Maybe we should start there, which Bible do you recommend?

 

[llghoney]

I read the KJV but your may want to read the version like the NIV. I was just reading a post the other day of people talking about the different Bible versions. I will try to find out.

 

[xray01]

Try the New King James Version. It's like the King James Version, but without the thee and thou etc. It's easy to read, and it's the version which I will buy next. I agree that the NIV is also easy to read.

I was brought up using the KJV, and can understand it OK most of the time, but I find the NKJV or the NIV useful as well.

My husband had problems reading and understanding the Bible, so he brought one of almost all the different versions, but has settled on the NKJV.

I hope this helps.

 

[cwiehle]

It does help. I am going to get a NKJV.
Thank you

 

[llghoney]

I would also advice getting into a Bible study or Sunday School. It helps in reading the bible.

I couldn't find that thread of all the Bibles. Sorry!

 

[cwiehle]

The wife and I may try a Bible study group after service.

I would also advice getting into a Bible study or Sunday School. It helps in reading the bible.

I couldn't find that thread of all the Bibles. Sorry!

 

[cwiehle]

Can someone explain to me what Health, Rep, and Blessings mean on the rh side.

 

[llghoney]

Sounds good that is a good start!!!

God Bless you!

 

[mshillje]

The suggestion regarding getting involved in a bible study will be extremely helpful to you. In a group discussion, where a teacher brings up a specific point, and everyone actively makes comments and asks questions, is just about the best way to learn about Christ, his mission on earth (to establish his church), salvation & the victory over Hell that was purchased through his sacrifice, and utter FAITH in God. You will get so much more meat this way than a simple church service.

I would also say that you should thumb through different versions of the bible, to see which one seems to be your "language". All versions are pretty much verified as being accurate (there is some controversy in this area, but please people let's not get into a version debate here, the OP is looking to build their faith), so I think that the version that you choose is whichever you are most comfortable with the choice of words used.

I would also say that, the act of reading the bible is one thing, and you garner certain information by doing that, but studying the bible (which means studying God's message & intent, which also means that you don't just read one particular passage, but you read other related passages in tandem with the message that you are studying) really gets you into the heart of the scriptures. My favorite study bible, and I highly recommend it, is the Life Application Bible. It's cover is red, with a picture of a pine tree on the front. They make it in a couple of different versions, mine is NIV. This bible has detailed character and historical references and explorations, and provides common theological thinking around almost every single verse in the scripture.

One final thought: in Luke chapter 17, Jesus' disciples requested that He increase their faith. They were genuine in their request. Jesus told them that if they only had the "faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree 'be uprooted and planted in the sea' and it will obey you." The lesson was that the amount of faith isn't as important as its genuineness. Faith is complete and humble obedience to God's will, readiness to do whatever He calls us to do, no questions asked.

Good luck in your pursuit of faith! Letting go & letting God is just about the hardest thing for us humans to do.

 

[llghoney]

Can someone explain to me what Health, Rep, and Blessings mean on the rh side.

The best way to explain these is to look at the top of the page & go to FAQ. YOu will find out about using CF (christain forums). I was a little lost to when I fisrt came on here. still don't know everything!

And WELCOME!

 

[kayd1966]

I have KJV, NKJV, NIV & the Message...I grew up with the KJV but use the NIV now because I can understand it better. When I am just sitting and reading (like you would any book...I read the Message.

There is a book called The Stranger On The Road To Emmaus, by John R. Cross. There is also a DVD set and workbook but I'm not sure how much they cost. I found the book at a second hand store and its excellent at explaining how the parts of the Bible fit together. Here is a link to it:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1890082147/103-3881691-6678208?v=glance&n=283155

If you click on the picture of the book, you can read the back cover which pretty much sums up the book...hope this helps.

God Bless you as you search His Word

 

[cwiehle]

Thank you all, lot of info here so I will go over it tonight and let you know if I have any q's.
Thanks again
Chris

 

[oIgo]

NKJV Nelson study Bible is the one I ike. I have had NIV, KJV, amplified, ASV, and I find I like the NKJV the best for me. A really awsome book to read about faith is called the 4th demention by ? Chowe? I am sorry I don't remember his name but he is a foriegn pastor from Korea? If you find it read it. It is awsome.

 

[MarsHill]

You should never use a "para-phrase" Bible as your sole means of study. If you use the Amplified Bible or Message Bible, etc always have a good translation available as your main source. I stick with the three following translations---

NKJV, updated NASB, and what may the best- the ESV.

You will learn to walk by faith over time. Every believer walks at a different pace. You must remember that you do not have to have an answer for "everything" before you can believe in "anything." Your faith in what Christ has done for you must start at the Cross and the Empty Tomb. Everything else comes after.

Try to read a little book called "Dinner With a Perfect Stranger" by David Gregory. You can find it at most bookstores and even at Wal-Mart in their Christian book section.