Help please on Bible study...

[Storm_Arriving]

Hello,

I have a few questions, (hope thats ok) but first a very short background on myself....

I have been "born again" or at least said the Sinners Prayer 3 times in my life. Without going into great detail, each time I have done so, I never truly felt changed (though I was genuinely honest) and something negative has happend shortly after. I have never truly felt saved since the first time and it was suggested to me by a Pastor that maybe I wasn't.
I have always been aware that there is a God and at times have felt his presence. I have explored other faiths extensively but something always pulls me away and drags me back to the Christian faith. There is something about this faith (Christian) that sits in the back of my mind but I cannot put my finger on it. I am beginning to feel that maybe "I" am the problem and I am some how holding myself back from embracing this faith.
I long to feel what I see in other Christians. Happiness.... true happiness. I have been thinking lately that if Gods only record in this World lies in the Bible, then I should give it an honest study. Maybe then, I can break through this barrier that I have seemingly built for myself. To that end here are my questions.

First, could anyone possibly direct me or suggest to me the best way in order to study the Bible. I have read the New Testament over a few times in the past and have read parts of the Old Testament. Reading it casually was alright but I want to read it in order to get specific answers out of it and although I have read the New Testament over a few times already; I am surprised by how much I can miss.

My second question is: what translation of the Bible do you feel is best? I have a KJV, NCV, and a NLT version. If need be, I could also go to my local library to get a different version or buy another one from the book store.

Lastly, are there any other resources that I could use to help me better understand the Bible and Christianity as a whole.

Hopefully the post was not too long. It just seemed to pour out and I wanted to let everyone know where I was coming from.

Thank you,

Darnell

 

[GreenMunchkin]

Hi

Before I start, may I ask what precipitated that pastor suggesting to you that you aren't saved? Only, it's up to God, and God alone... no single person can tell us whether we're saved or not. I really think your pursuing this is wonderful - it's how we build a relationship with Christ - but please don't let other people presume to label/judge your faith

First, could anyone possibly direct me or suggest to me the best way in order to study the Bible.

You know, I was in the same boat, and then I bought a Year Long Study Bible for Women. There are ones for chaps, too. If you combine it with a concordance or commentary book, it'll take you through the entire Bible in a year. Where before I dipped in and out and didn't really know what I was doing, I now read it every day without fail and it's become a lot more structured. It's hugely beneficial.

I'd also suggest possibly attending an Alpha course, or even Bible studies at a local church, if there are any meetings near you? I don't know if any of us can begin to understand the Bible on our own because it's so multi-faceted, and there are nooks and crannies and hidden treasure and hints and clues and prophesies and little pathways absolutely everywhere - all of which ultimately points to Christ as Saviour. So it's worth being a part of a group to discuss it all with, if you're able.

That being said, studying alone is wonderful, too, because you'll still be spending time with God and getting to know Him better. That's always good

My second question is: what translation of the Bible do you feel is best?

My Year Study Bible is an NLT, but I jive better with NIV, to be honest. It feels a little more reverent while being wholly readable... for example, some of the language in the KJV is beautiful:

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

Contrast with:

Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

But I find KJV almost indecipherable at times, and the most important thing is spending time reading the Bible. If you want to contrast and compare, have a look at Bible Gateway. It's actually an excellent resource.

Lastly, are there any other resources that I could use to help me better understand the Bible and Christianity as a whole.

The best one I know of is e-sword. It's mostly free unless you want to buy stuff, and it's got commentaries, dictionaries, Bible versions... it's really quite wonderful.

Also, I really think this forum is a wonderful resource because there are some amazingly knowledgable Christians here, and you'll be able to find people who are discussing pretty much anything and everything.

That you're so keen to get to know Him better honestly makes me believe there's already something between you and He. That's an awesome place to start

 

[Aibrean]

You might never ever feel anything if that's what you are expecting. There is a process. Repent and be baptized. The Holy Spirit works faith through baptism.

Acts 2:38
And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

I would suggest looking first to the church you are attending. I will tell you, I've been to churches of 4 different denominations. The Lutheran church(es - I've been to two) I attend now is the only one where I've ever "felt" anything. I personally like the way the ESV words are translated. I would definitely consider getting a study Bible.

 

[LutheranChick]

You might never ever feel anything if that's what you are expecting. There is a process. Repent and be baptized. The Holy Spirit works faith through baptism.



I would suggest looking first to the church you are attending. I will tell you, I've been to churches of 4 different denominations. The Lutheran church(es - I've been to two) I attend now is the only one where I've ever "felt" anything. I personally like the way the ESV words are translated. I would definitely consider getting a study Bible.

Yes, a study Bible is very helpful. One out right now is the Concordia Self-Study Bible, you can order here: http://www.cph.org/cphstore/categor...d_description=Concordia Self-Study Bible&NU=0 That is an NIV translation

These is a new self-study Bible coming out Oct 31 for the ESV translation- The Lutheran Study Bible. I am planning to order that one, and if you pre-order, you can save quite a bit off the list price: http://www.cph.org/cphstore/product...tion=&find_part_desc=the+lutheran+study+bible
You can get more info and see samples of that Bible here: http://www.cph.org/cphstore/pages/resources/tlsb/

I apologize if I sound like a sales pitch- I don't mean to. I honestly believe these are very good study Bibles.

Also keep in mind that faith is a gift from God. You can strengthen that faith by reading the Bible and hearing God's word, but don't think that just because you don't 'feel it' you don't have faith.

 

[Aibrean]

I'm on the Facebook group for the new Lutheran Study Bible I can't wait!!

 

[Norbert L]

There's the handy dandy search engine in your browser. You just need a key word or two when looking into or comparing doctrines, there's plenty of papers on subjects. Just remember compare everything someone else says with your Bible, don't take their conclusions for granted. Why? Cause it's only human nature for any person to gain a convert to their brand xtian way of thought, even atheists do the same. The National Secular Society does have a section dedicated to "debaptism".

Btw... Pray!

 

[Aibrean]

Also, make sure to read things in context!

 

[LutheranChick]

I'm on the Facebook group for the new Lutheran Study Bible I can't wait!!

I ordered mine today, plus an imprinted one for my step-daughter, when she gets confirmed. Hurry up Oct 31! (Oh what am I doing- wishing the summer away when we haven't even had any yet!)

 

[Aibrean]

They just tease us with their new twitter excerpts daily.

 

[adimus]

When studying the Bible, it is always wise to continually ask yourself "What is the point the author is trying to make here?" That way you can safely get through a lot of the things that require more education or background knowledge. Don't get tripped up on what you don't understand enough.

It ain't those parts of the Bible that I can't understand that bother me, it's the parts that I do understand.
- Mark Twain

If you truly seek a relationship with God than your conclusions will be the opposite.

 

[Storm_Arriving]

Before I start, may I ask what precipitated that pastor suggesting to you that you aren't saved?

Thank you for all the great advice! I will be downloading the e-sword Bible shortly and the bible gateway site looks great.

To answer your question: the pastor never out-right said I was not saved; he just suggested that maybe my feelings were right and that I was not.

In any event, my path up until now has been a rocky one (actually, more of a mountain) and I have fallen far from that "narrow road", but hopefully I will be able to get back on track.... having that conviction that I am saved.

Thanks again for your time.

Darnell

 

[Storm_Arriving]

You might never ever feel anything if that's what you are expecting. There is a process. Repent and be baptized. The Holy Spirit works faith through baptism.

I never thought about that. Maybe not getting baptized was part of the problem?! Have to look into that one.

Thanks for the suggestion on getting a study Bible. I plan on getting one within the next few weeks.

Darnell

I apologize if I sound like a sales pitch- I don't mean to. I honestly believe these are very good study Bibles.

Also keep in mind that faith is a gift from God. You can strengthen that faith by reading the Bible and hearing God's word, but don't think that just because you don't 'feel it' you don't have faith.

No problem, thanks for the suggestions. I definitely appreciate any help that I can get.
Also, it is true that feelings come and go. Hence they are not a good measuring stick but this feeling is in the "gut" if you know what I mean. Its this feeling that gives me the certainty of the existence of God.

Thanks again for your help.

Darnell

 

[Storm_Arriving]

There's the handy dandy search engine in your browser.

Thanks... I have used that extensively and it is usually what leads me into trouble, lol.

Darnell

It ain't those parts of the Bible that I can't understand that bother me, it's the parts that I do understand.
- Mark Twain

If you truly seek a relationship with God than your conclusions will be the opposite.

Thats a pretty famous quote and I have heard it before. But, you bring up an even better point.

Thank you,

Darnell

 

[Aibrean]

I would try different churches/denominations as well.

 

[Storm_Arriving]

Thanks, I am going to check out this church that is near me this Sunday.

Darnell

 

[GreenMunchkin]

Thank you for all the great advice! I will be downloading the e-sword Bible shortly and the bible gateway site looks great.

To answer your question: the pastor never out-right said I was not saved; he just suggested that maybe my feelings were right and that I was not.

In any event, my path up until now has been a rocky one (actually, more of a mountain) and I have fallen far from that "narrow road", but hopefully I will be able to get back on track.... having that conviction that I am saved.

Thanks again for your time.

Darnell

Hi again

When you say your path has been a rocky one, honestly, in so many ways, that's such a blessing. I really believe that the enemy messes with people the more he knows God has a plan for their lives. Once you're back with God and right with God, he may have plans for you and all the work you'll do for the kingdom, and having walked a difficult path, you'll be even better equipped to reach out to and support others who are struggling in the same way.

I don't know if our feelings are what matters... not even having an internal sense of conviction that we're saved. Our feelings are too flighty and whimsy-like to count on... I guess, the question is, do you believe that Christ died for you? Is He the Lord of your life? Cos, that's what makes you saved I think too often we tie ourselves up in knots, expecting to exhibit the same characteristics/behaviour as other Christians, and so if we don't, we question our salvation.

If you love Jesus, if you believe He died for you and you accept that gift, you're a Christian. The rest is just a question of becoming closer to Him and really submitting to Him and I really think that comes with time.

 

[Storm_Arriving]

I think too often we tie ourselves up in knots, expecting to exhibit the same characteristics/behaviour as other Christians, and so if we don't, we question our salvation.

This hits home with me a little bit. When I said the "sinners prayer" for the first time in my life, I was sixteen years old. I was living at the Salvation Army Hostel at the time; a group of Christians were serving us dinner that night and afterwords talked with us. All I remember was being so moved and convinced that this was right. So when they asked us if we wanted to accept Jesus into our lives, I accepted. I was very sincere and believed I believed... if that makes sense.

Coincidently, I had been doing laundry that day in the "Men's" area and after they left I went to check on it. And when I got up there it was gone. I mean someone had taken all of my clothes! Well needless to say I lost my sanity temporarily and was full of rage. I mean not 15 minutes after I had been saved and all my clothes had been stolen. In reflection that is not the worst part. I think the worst part was the amount of negative anger I exhibited afterwords, as well as the thoughts I was thinking. That is ultimately what led me to question whether I was saved that night.
Its quite obvious that being saved is not synonymous with being changed right away. That is what is so confusing. Why are some people seemingly changed instantly? I have seen this happen with other people and have read quite a few testimonies that describe the same thing. Is it that we must hit rock bottom first? These are some of the major questions I have that bug me and I think are holding me back. Hopefully these questions will be answered when I study the Bible more in detail.

Thanks again for your time and I do agree with you in part with our feelings being too flighty but they are the thing that drives us most often.

Darnell

 

[GreenMunchkin]

In reflection that is not the worst part. I think the worst part was the amount of negative anger I exhibited afterwords, as well as the thoughts I was thinking. That is ultimately what led me to question whether I was saved that night.

A perfect example of how satan attacks us as soon as we accept Christ. You were a kid in a hostel... having your clothes stolen was one of the worst things that could have happened. Of course it made you angry, and you were literally a new born Christian. It will have been impossible to hold onto Him and praise Him throughout.

Its quite obvious that being saved is not synonymous with being changed right away. That is what is so confusing. Why are some people seemingly changed instantly?

I honestly don't know. Some are, some aren't. Some experience fireworks when they come to Christ, some feel nothing whatsoever. Have you heard of Brian Welch? He used to be in Korn. When he became a born again Christian, God rescued him from a drug addiction that would have killed him within a year, and within a month he was baptised in the Jordan River and doing missionary work in India. When I became a Christian, God rescued me from a way of life that would have killed me within 5 years or so, and 3 years later, am still learning and it's a slow process. But it doesn't make me any less saved than Brian Welch. It just means God has different plans for us both, and those plans involve different paths.

Your path will be different to everyone else's - perhaps slower, perhaps quicker. But along the way, He'll be re-shaping you and turning you back into the person He made you to be.

Being a Christian dosen't mean being perfect - we each mess up every single day - and if we were, Christ would never have needed to die for us. We have bad thoughts, we're still mean, we can be arrogant... we sin. But we repent and resubmit to Him. That's being a Christian

 

[packermann]

Hello,

I have been "born again" or at least said the Sinners Prayer 3 times in my life. Without going into great detail, each time I have done so, I never truly felt changed (though I was genuinely honest) and something negative has happend shortly after. I have never truly felt saved since the first time and it was suggested to me by a Pastor that maybe I wasn't.

My perspective is going to be different than what you are used to. I used to be Protestant but now I am Catholic. Your experience is one of the reasons I rejected Protestantism.

Protestant Evangelism says that you pray the Sinner’s prayer only once in your life. That is when you become “born again”. But they also say that if you’re life did not radically change for the better, then maybe your Sinner’s prayer was not sincere enough, or maybe you did not really understand what you are doing. So your Pastor, just to be on the safe side, suggested you pray the Sinner’s prayer again. In order words, you needed to “born-again” again! This is the problem with Protestant Evangelism that only the spiritually sensitive seem to be aware of. How do I know that my “born again” experience is valid? It leads to undue introspection.

The Catholic view is much different. Being “born-again” does not depend on having a certain experience with God. We associate being “born-again” with water baptism, which for the most part happens to infants. So this takes of being overly-instrospective. I am not going to worry about whether I was sincere when I was born again. As an infant, sincerity is irrelevant. And infant is not even aware he is being baptized. In John 3, Jesus said that we must be born of “water and Spirit”. In Acts 2, when Peter gave the first sermon, he must to the people that they must “Repent and baptized for the forgiveness of sin, and you shall receive the Holy Spirit”.

What is more important to the Catholic is your day-to-day walk with God rather than what happened in the past. The issue is living for God today, not which Sinner’s prayer you made in the past that was valid.

I have always been aware that there is a God and at times have felt his presence. I have explored other faiths extensively but something always pulls me away and drags me back to the Christian faith. There is something about this faith (Christian) that sits in the back of my mind but I cannot put my finger on it. I am beginning to feel that maybe "I" am the problem and I am some how holding myself back from embracing this faith.

I long to feel what I see in other Christians. Happiness.... true happiness.

I hope you will seriously consider the Catholic faith. The Catholic faith has historically and even now the biggest chunk of the Christian faith. For the first 1500 years, all Christians held to Catholic dogma and practiced Catholic customs. They believed in purgatory, they believed in the sacraments, they prayed to Mary, etc. It is hard for me to believe that these Christians were not valid Christians until Martin Luther. And most Christians today are Catholic Christians. There are a billion Catholics in the world. The largest Protestant denomination is only a fraction of that.

First, could anyone possibly direct me or suggest to me the best way in order to study the Bible. I have read the New Testament over a few times in the past and have read parts of the Old Testament. Reading it casually was alright but I want to read it in order to get specific answers out of it and although I have read the New Testament over a few times already; I am surprised by how much I can miss.

Again, as a Catholic, I would encourage you to read the Bible along with the Catechism of the Catholic Church. In the back, Catechism of the Catholic Church, there is an index of Bible references. So as you read the Bible, you can see how 2,000 years of Christianity took those verses you are studying.

Jesus Christ said in Matthew 19 that the “gates of death and hell shall not prevail” against His Church. Protestants want to say that the Church lost the gospel and it took a Martin Luther to re-discover it, which warranted the Protestant split from the Church. But if the Church ever did lose the gospel, then that means that the gates of death and hell DID prevail against His Church. That would make Jesus to be liar! Protestants want to say that the Church fell into idolatry – worshipping Mary and other saints, and praying to statues. But if that was true, then that means that the gates of death and hell DID prevail against His Church. Once I realized this promise from Jesus, I could no longer remain a Protestant.

My second question is: what translation of the Bible do you feel is best? I have a KJV, NCV, and a NLT version. If need be, I could also go to my local library to get a different version or buy another one from the book store.

I would recommend a good Catholic version of the Bible. Try the NAB or the Douay. For 1500 years all Christians used the Bible that was based on Jerome’s translation. Then Martin Luther and the other Reformers came along with some new ideas. But the problem was that the Bible contradicted these ideas. So Luther and the other just took them out of the Bible. They took 7 books out that were in the Bible for the first 1500 years. I know that my Protestant brothers would strongly disagree with my interpretation of what happened, but I would like to encourage you to investigate for yourself. But please keep an open mind and read both sides.

And while you are doing that, I would encourage you to read the books of the Bible that the Protestants reject – especially Sirach, which is very beautiful. I think you will see how powerful these books are, and how they are just as much the Word of God as the others.

Lastly, are there any other resources that I could use to help me better understand the Bible and Christianity as a whole.

I suggest you read the Early Church Fathers. You can find a lot on them in the internet. Just google “Early Church Fathers”. Many of the Early Church Fathers were disciples of the apostles. For instance, Ignatius of Antioch was a disciple of the Apostle John. Polycarp was a disciple of the Apostle Paul. Although the writings of the Early Church Fathers are not the Word of God, they would know better than anyone else what they taught because they were so close to the Apostles .

Suppose you died, and there were two newspapermen who wanted to write your obituary. One newspaperman read everything you ever wrote – letters, email, this forum, etc. Suppose the second newspaperman not only read everything you wrote, but he also interviewed people who were close to you – your wife, you brothers and sisters, your parents, your friends, etc. Who would have a more accurate picture of what you were like? Obviously, it would be the second newspaperman, who spent time with people who actually knew you.

This is why it is important to know the Early Church Fathers. These were the closest friends of the Apostles. If anyone would know what the apostles taught, it was them. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus gave the command the apostles to “makes disciples of all nations” Jesus did not ever command the apostles to write the Bible. Instead, they spent most of their time building disciples. In their spare time they wrote gospels and letters. And they only did that whenever they heard of problems in church they had founded. And most of the apostles never wrote anything down. The main way they passed on the truth was passing it on orally to their close disciples. In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul wrote to Timothy that what Timothy heard from Paul should be passed on to faithful men, who should then pass it on to others. This is how the Early Church passed on the truth. There was no printing press back then. So there were no mass copies. The average Christian back then probably never had a chance to read any letter of Paul or any of the gospels. Also illiteracy was very high. And to top it off, the Church did not determine the canon of scripture until AD 397. So that means that the average Christian would not know which was genuine scripture and which was a forgery. The only thing the average Christian knew were the Early Church Fathers. The Early Church Fathers said that they had the truth, not because of a some verse in the Bible, the Bible was not canonized yet. Instead, the Early Church Fathers said that they had the truth because they were disciples of the apostles, and they received the truth directly from apostles.

So what I am saying is that reading the Bible is not enough. But by understanding their disciples can you start to understand what the apostles were actually teaching.

Darnell,

I realize that what I write here is going to ruffle some feathers here. And I know that it is against the rules to discuss this matter with anyone other than you, since you opened this thread. So if you have any questions about the Catholic faith, please send me a private message and I will try to answer the best I can.


I have been a Protestant for 12 years before I came back to the Catholic Church. I can relate to some of the experiences you had and I would be happy to share them with you.


My prayers will be with you,
Paul

 

[emmauk007]

Hello , I just saw your post today about you wanting to know more about the bible. The Bible can give you satisfying answers to many of lifes questions i.e. ▪ Why do we suffer?

▪ How can we cope with life’s anxieties?

▪ How can we make our family life happier?

▪ What happens to us when we die?

▪ Will we ever see our dead loved ones again?

▪ How can we be sure that God will fulfill his promises for the future?

And for somebody new like yourself, how can you trust the bible? This was also important for myself as I always viewed the Bible as just a good book. If you would like to know the answers to any of the questions above, or you need any help then please feel free to e-mail me at emmauk007@yahoo.com and I will do my best to answer your questions scriptually.

Thankyou

Emma