How to study the bible

[JackB03]

Im curious how you do this. I am new and people keep telling me to start from the new testament, but I just wanna really study this and remember alot of scriptures!

Thanks,
Jack

GOD BLESS

 

[clint25n]

What is your goal here? Just trying to understand where you are coming from and what you are asking.
Are you simply trying to memorize passages? Understand theology? Learn Bible stories?

I would advise beginning by 1) joining a Bible study group at a good Bible believing church 2) enjoy watching Bible movies 3) read books such as John, Romans, Corinthians, Proverts, etc.

It might be a good idea to get an mp3 player and a good MP3 version of the Bible. I recommend a good NIV revision with nice sound effects to keep you sharp. I can recommend the one I use or good Christian movies we like if you are interested, just ask.

You can also download many mp3 sermons to the mp3 player. I enjoy John Piper's sermons found at desiringgod.org

They are free, well categorized and have many wonderful messages.

clint25n

 

[clint25n]

What is your goal here? Just trying to understand where you are coming from and what you are asking.
Are you simply trying to memorize passages? Understand theology? Learn Bible stories?

I would advise beginning by 1) joining a Bible study group at a good Bible believing church 2) enjoy watching Bible movies 3) read books such as John, Romans, Corinthians, Proverts, etc.

It might be a good idea to get an mp3 player and a good MP3 version of the Bible. I recommend a good NIV revision with nice sound effects to keep you sharp. I can recommend the one I use or good Christian movies we like if you are interested, just ask.

You can also download many mp3 sermons to the mp3 player. I enjoy John Piper's sermons found at desiringgod.org

They are free, well categorized and have many wonderful messages.

clint25n

 

[JackB03]

What is your goal here? Just trying to understand where you are coming from and what you are asking.
Are you simply trying to memorize passages? Understand theology? Learn Bible stories?

I would advise beginning by 1) joining a Bible study group at a good Bible believing church 2) enjoy watching Bible movies 3) read books such as John, Romans, Corinthians, Proverts, etc.

It might be a good idea to get an mp3 player and a good MP3 version of the Bible. I recommend a good NIV revision with nice sound effects to keep you sharp. I can recommend the one I use or good Christian movies we like if you are interested, just ask.

You can also download many mp3 sermons to the mp3 player. I enjoy John Piper's sermons found at desiringgod.org

They are free, well categorized and have many wonderful messages.

clint25n

My goal is to really learn about GOD and Jesus and how everything came about. Id like to learn the messages from the scriptures, so I can share with others. I seen the audiobibles and movies, but dont know which one to get. Id love a recommendation. To be honest, I am a more visual person, that understands better when I see and hear it. I hope this helps.

Jack

 

[clint25n]

These are my favorite movies.

The Gospel of John found on imdb.com

THE BIBLE COLLECTION TNT - Complete 12 DVD Set found on Ebay

The Ten Commandments found on imdb.com (2006 TV version)

 

[JackB03]

Thanks for the recommendations. On imdb.com, how do you play the movies?

GOD BLESS,
Jack

 

[Pat-n-Cat]

Awana international has some really great books that mimic the children's books yet are written at an adult level. There are four of them in the "Bible-Based Series." Each book asks a series of four questions and gives eight answers to each of them with Scriptural backup and corresponding devotional work. The intent is to memorize the verses that go with each question. I am almost done with the fourth book now and some of the questions that have been discussed are Why did God give us the Bible, Who is God, Who is Jesus, Who is the Holy Spirit, What does God want me to know about my family now and in the future, how can I grow spiritually, why should I go to church, what should I know about angels, the devil, and the future, etc. They have very foundational truths that build on each other successively.

The website is www(dot)awana(dot)org
Once you are on the website click on "shop for myself" and then enter Bible-based series in the search box. Each book costs less than seven dollars.

 

[JackB03]

Thanks again for everyones help. I will do all those things. Im still trying to figure out how to play the videos on IMDB.com

Thanks and God Bless,
Jack

 

[psalm1:3]

I think a great place to start would be the book of John. The other 3 gospels of Jesus Christ are great too, but John gives us a better insight. Plus, the beginning of the New Testament is the climax of the holy bible. Everything before points to His arrival, and everything after reflects on his word and work of the church.
Then after read the rest of the books in the New Testament, and then start from Genesis all the way through till the end of the Old Testament.
Going through the Old Testament with a knowledge of who Jesus was and his mission on earth will help you to understand the Lord who spoke in the Old Testament.
Some people find the Old Testament confusing because of all the things that he required his people to do that we no longer practice, such as circumcision and sacrifice of the lambs, but just know that that was what he required from his people at that time. And whatever he requires of us now is also expedient because we obey and do not question.
So if you are confused while reading it, know this. That just as you obey his commands now, accept the commands he gave his previous followers. With believing in the Lord and his infinite wisdom, I have the faith that he will reveal all things to you in time if you are faithful and live with the Spirit.

Good luck on your adventure with Heavenly Father and his loving son Christ Jesus.

 

[JackB03]

Thank You again,

You are the second person to tell me to read "John" first. So I think I will go that route.

God Bless,
Jack

 

[iamangelicangel]

Some people find the Old Testament confusing because of all the things that he required his people to do that we no longer practice, such as circumcision and sacrifice of the lambs, but just know that that was what he required from his people at that time. And whatever he requires of us now is also expedient because we obey and do not question.
So if you are confused while reading it, know this. That just as you obey his commands now, accept the commands he gave his previous followers. With believing in the Lord and his infinite wisdom, I have the faith that he will reveal all things to you in time if you are faithful and live with the Spirit.

Thanks for this. This is also something I've struggled with. I find the Old Testament really difficult to read because it doesn't seem to apply to me. I'll try to read it the way you suggested.

 

[JPaLmA450]

This is about the 3rd time I've heard to start from The New Testament. Any Specific book to start in?

 

[heron]

This is about the 3rd time I've heard to start from The New Testament. Any Specific book to start in?

John.
Just a little joke.

The reason -- he talks about Jesus' ministry, but focuses more on the insights and spiritual depth. (In the beginning was the Word... compared to the begat listing).

When I was a new Christian, I loved Ephesians and Galations.

I find the Old Testament really difficult to read because it doesn't seem to apply to me.

Eventually you'll find comfort in things you'd never expect would be reassuring. If we read it hoping to find our perk-up for the day, then it could drag us down. But reading the full stories of how things progressed brings an appreciation for God's sense of fairness and the ways He defends us.

After living in a corrupt world and seeing friends bruised by all sorts of injustices, it's really nice to read the law of Moses and see that God tried to involve the spiritual/social community in protecting people's rights.

The Laws include things that protect mothers from spending the whole Sabbath cooking for their extended families, and not getting a chance to relax and socialize. Making sure farmers set aside the edges of their crops for poor people and those from out of town.

The prophecies that frighten people are often about corruption within leadership. If we read them as though God is mad at us, then we lose the point that God was fighting to protect people who were oppressed. The whole story was often about deception in God's name, greed that took from the common man, and needy who were neglected.

It's scary to see God so vigilant and determined, but it can also be reassuring when the world around us winks at corruption, or releases criminals back into society.

 

[dies-l]

This is about the 3rd time I've heard to start from The New Testament. Any Specific book to start in?

If you are looking for greatest understanding, I would start with Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Acts. Then I would go back to the beginning of the Bible, and read Genesis and Exodus. Then, I would read the rest of the New Testament. Then the rest of the Old Testament.

The reason that I suggest this approach is a follows. The Gospels, Acts, Genesis, and Exodus are essentially stories. They are realtively easy to read and attention grabbing. The Gospels help us to understand who Jesus is, what he said, and what he did. This is a necessary context for all Bible Study. Acts tells the story of how he impacted the lives of his followers and what he accomplished through them in the early Church. The rest of the New Testament is filled with more complicated theological discourses that, in many ways, require at least a cursory understanding of Jewish history, culture, and theology. This is why I suggest going back to Genesis and Exodus before reading them. I also might suggest that you find a brief survey of Israel's history, such as what is often found in many good study Bibles. This will provide the context that will be helpful in understanding the rest of the New Testament.

This is what I have found to be helpful, but the most important thing is just reading it for understanding.

 

[heron]

As you can see, there is logic in all sorts of approaches, so just ask God where to start, and dig in.

 

[Andrew B.]

Thanks again for everyones help. I will do all those things. Im still trying to figure out how to play the videos on IMDB.com

You can't play movies there. You can only find out more about movies there. The first time I watched Gospel of John, I rented it from Netflix. Maybe you can rent one.

As for where to start, IMO read John first. Then read Mark to get a second account of what Jesus said and did. Then Acts to understand the Holy Spirit working through the Apostles. Then take a break, and perhaps, reread some of what you already read.

After that, I don't have a strong opinion. I found parts of the Bible hard to read, because I was not ready for them yet. So I'd say not to force it. Perhaps try Genesis and Exodus at this point. If you are struggling with this, jump over to Ephesians. Or read either Romans, Matthew or Luke.

What helps a lot is a pastor who will help you along, and a good Bible commentary. I am working with a priest who helps me with the rough spots and I have a couple Bible commentaries here to explain some of the meaning of the scriptures.