So many questions

[lmd0137]

Sorry to post so many questions so close together, but being so new to this faith I need some guidance, advice, and clarification. Here are some of my questions:

1.) What does it mean when people say we need to have a personal relationship with God?

2.) What are the differences between the many different versions of The Bible, and which version should I be using ??

3.) What is the best way to approach Bible study, and what are some good resources for Bible study??

4.) I want to become a good Christian, but there is so much to learn, how do I know where to begin??

5.) Is there somewhere I can go for good advice to all of my questions??

Any suggestions to help lead me on this journey are appreciated, whether it be advice, links, resources or suggested reading material. I am open to learning and would like to learn as much as possible on this journey. Thank you for your time and assistance.

~Lauren~

 

[aiki]

Sorry to post so many questions so close together, but being so new to this faith I need some guidance, advice, and clarification. Here are some of my questions:

1.) What does it mean when people say we need to have a personal relationship with God?

The Bible teaches us that when we are converted we are adopted into God's family as His children. (Ro. 8:12-17) God becomes a Heavenly Father to every one who is born again. This is the nature of the relationship into which every believer in Christ is delivered. Through faith in Christ's salvationary work, you have direct access to God. (Heb. 10)

2.) What are the differences between the many different versions of The Bible, and which version should I be using ??

This is something you ought to study out for yourself. There is plenty of information you can find via a simple net search. I use the KJV for memorization purposes and the NKJV and occasionally the NIV for purposes of study. Really, along with whatever version you choose, you should also have an interlinear Greek-English New Testament, an interlinear Hebrew-English Old Testament, a Strong's concordance and an Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words. I would also recommend getting your hands on some good commentaries too.

3.) What is the best way to approach Bible study, and what are some good resources for Bible study??

I've already begun to answer this in my answer to your last question. There are some basic spiritual disciplines that you need to establish right now. Your study should revolve around understanding what these disciplines are and how best to develop them. Perhaps you have access to a new believer's discipleship course at your church? If so, get involved.

4.) I want to become a good Christian, but there is so much to learn, how do I know where to begin??

As I said above, start with the basics. Realize, too, that God changes you as you fix your mind upon Him. You cannot make yourself better; you can only produce more of you. A big part of being a child of God is simply getting out of His way so that He may make you a "vessel fit for His use."

5.) Is there somewhere I can go for good advice to all of my questions??

Any suggestions to help lead me on this journey are appreciated, whether it be advice, links, resources or suggested reading material. I am open to learning and would like to learn as much as possible on this journey. Thank you for your time and assistance.

Here are some truly excellent sources for you:

Welcome to Thru the Bible Radio--The Bible Study Program Taught by Dr. J. Vernon McGee! - Thru the Bible Radio
Reasonable Faith:
Welcome to Ravi Zacharias International Ministries
Stand to Reason: Stand to Reason: Equipping Christian Ambassadors with Knowledge, Wisdom, and Character.

God bless, sister!

Selah.

 

[PROPHECYKID]

1.) What does it mean when people say we need to have a personal relationship with God?

To have a personal relationship with God mean to know God for yourself. That means you must do the things that you will do with lets say a spouse or a close friend in order to build that relationship. It means you must spend time with God, in pray and in the bible. It means you must tell others about the God that you are getting close to. But having an experience with God also helps to build that relationship. By this I mean, experiencing the hand of God in your life either by answered prayer or God working out something for you where it never seemed possible. When you have a personal testimony of God working in your life then you will know him better and trust him more and live for him.

Also take this into consideration. As we consider building a relationship with God we have to realize that sin separates us from God. But God is always ready to forgive us our sins and cleanse us. If we look in the bible we will this relationship being affected by sin. Remember to have a personal relationship with God means to know him.

1Jn 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
1Jn 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

The people here who God does not know work iniquity which is sin. Sin has separated them from God because they are professed Christians who say they know God but are disobedient to him. Those who really know him are obedient to him because they understand what makes him happy and sad. They know him personally. But spend time in the word and in prayer and in sharing God's love to others. Then you will have an experience with God to build that relationship even more. Because of that relationship it will change your life more and more everyday to the life that God expects of you.

2.) What are the differences between the many different versions of The Bible, and which version should I be using ??

One difference is the translation of some of the greek and hebrews words used. A greek or hebrew word might have 2 different meanings in english. Different versions might use another word. Another difference is that some versions try to simplify the English to make it easier to read. While that is good it also means that the translators must have a very good understanding themselves in order to make it simplier. My advice to you would be to use the King James Version but you can use other versions to assist if you think the KJV might be difficult at times to understand. I use a bible software named E-Sword which allows me to download different versions so I compare many passages of scripture in different versions to try to understand it better. It also gives the original means to many of the greek and hebrew words used. It is a very good tool.

3.) What is the best way to approach Bible study, and what are some good resources for Bible study??

The best ways to approach bible study is to try to let the bible do most of the work. I mean, if you are studying a particular topic, try to find as much scriptures as you can which speaks about that topic. I forgot to mention that you must pray first and ask God's guidance. You may not be able to understand everything at first but God will reveal things in time. As for good resources for bible study I can recommend a very good book. The name of the book is "Studying Together" by Mark Finley.

4.) I want to become a good Christian, but there is so much to learn, how do I know where to begin??

You can begin with the words of Jesus. As a Christian the most important thing to remember and practice is love. Love for God and love for your fellow men. Once you have love, everything will fall into place. But let me stress that love is an active word. Saying you love God will get you nowhere. The beautiful thing about having a relationship with God is that all of this becomes covered. Once you know God and have a relationship with him you will keep learning everything you need to know to be a good Christian.

5.) Is there somewhere I can go for good advice to all of my questions??

A good site you can use to ask your bible questions is Bibleinfo.com | Answers to Life's Questions. Of course you can ask your questions here and I am sure myself and many others will be willing to assist.

~Lauren~[/QUOTE]

 

[OldWiseGuy]

Sorry to post so many questions so close together, but being so new to this faith I need some guidance, advice, and clarification. Here are some of my questions:

1.) What does it mean when people say we need to have a personal relationship with God?

2.) What are the differences between the many different versions of The Bible, and which version should I be using ??

3.) What is the best way to approach Bible study, and what are some good resources for Bible study??

4.) I want to become a good Christian, but there is so much to learn, how do I know where to begin??

5.) Is there somewhere I can go for good advice to all of my questions??

Any suggestions to help lead me on this journey are appreciated, whether it be advice, links, resources or suggested reading material. I am open to learning and would like to learn as much as possible on this journey. Thank you for your time and assistance.

~Lauren~

That's ok, we all have questions when we are first called. I believe anyone coming into the faith must read the bible from cover to cover as soon as possible. Not as a religious text, but as a novel, a work of literature, a history book. If your minister has not assigned this to you I am right now. Trust me on this. You will establish a foundation of basic knowledge that cannot be gained from sermons, bible studies, or discussions on these forums. Don't tell family, friends, or even others in your church, as some will attempt to discourage you. Just set aside some time each day, go to a quiet place (no music), kick back and enjoy the greatest story ever written. Don't strain to understand everything as you go along, you won't, so just move right along. For the beauty and majesty of the prose read the KJV or an older RSV if you can find one. (You will be crying by the end of the book of Genesis). God Bless. owg

 

[Mr Dave]

Sorry to post so many questions so close together, but being so new to this faith I need some guidance, advice, and clarification. Here are some of my questions:

Ask away Lauren, we like questions. Welcome to the site

1.) What does it mean when people say we need to have a personal relationship with God?

I won't repeat everything that everyone else has said, it's correct and there's no point saying it all again. I'd just say that it means that God is not some far away 'super-controller' watching us from a distance, but that He is here living amongst us and has called us friends (John 15:15).

2.) What are the differences between the many different versions of The Bible, and which version should I be using ??

Have a look at a few different ones and see what 'suits you' best. Some are more literal interpretations ((N)KJV, (N)RSV, NASB...) and some are less literal and try and convey the meaning (NLT, GNB, The Message...). An example of this difference is Psalm 23:5; literal translations say ...you anoint my head with oil... whereas less literal translations recognise that this may not mean anything to a modern reader and express what is meant by the anointing (GNB says ...you welcome me as an honoured guest...). Personally I prefer the NRSV.

3.) What is the best way to approach Bible study, and what are some good resources for Bible study??

If you are new to Bible study, I'd say start by reading through a gospel (Mark - it's recognised as the oldest, and is also the shortest, so covers all 'the stories of Jesus' without the padding of the others, which is good but Mark will give you a flavour of what it's all about). It might be worth getting a study Bible or an annotated Bible that gives you extra bits of knowledge as you go through. Your local Christian Bookshop will stock Bible study notes, so they would be good, they take you through a book and ask questions and help you glean more from the texts. The shopkeeper will be able to help you decide which ones would be best for you.

4.) I want to become a good Christian, but there is so much to learn, how do I know where to begin??

Your local church. Be with other Christians and learn from them (we're good here but there's no substitute for being with people).
Micah 6:8 "What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Read Mark 12:28-34 as well.

5.) Is there somewhere I can go for good advice to all of my questions??

Local church again, the minister/vicar/priest/pastor (whatever they call themselves) should be able to respond to your questions, as well as other members of the congregation who you feel comfortable with asking questions.

Any suggestions to help lead me on this journey are appreciated, whether it be advice, links, resources or suggested reading material. I am open to learning and would like to learn as much as possible on this journey. Thank you for your time and assistance.

~Lauren~

Have a poke around this site and the other links mentioned. If you want links to anything specific, I'll see what I can do

 

[Emmy]

Dear Imd0137. A good way to start is by following Jesus`s loving advice. Matthew, chapter 22, verses 35-40, tells us of a Lawyer who asked Jesus: " Master, which is the great Commandment in the Law?" Jesus said to him: " Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great Commandment. The second is like unto it. Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two Commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." Love is what God/Jesus wants from us, selfless and unconditional. Jesus also told us: who loves me will follow my Commandments. Jesus came to Earth to show us God as He really is: a loving Heavenly Father, who wants us back again, to live with Him and our brothers and sisters for eternity. Jesus paid the prize to God`s Holy Law, which we could not pay. We had moved too far away from God, there was no-one left without sin or transgression. Jesus died for us, that we might live again, His Blood paid our debt, and now we are reconciled to God. Christianity is not only a Religion, it is also a loving relationship with our Saviour Jesus Christ. God is Love, and it is Love which will lead us all the way. The Bible, God talking to us, will explain it more in detail. I say this with love, Imd0137. Greetings from Emmy, your sister in Christ. P.S. A good way to start is: treat all we know and meet, as we would like to be treated, and God will bless us, and show His approval. Also, Jesus will give us His Love and His Joy, to share with each other, life will be enjoyable.

 

[seashale76]

Any suggestions to help lead me on this journey are appreciated, whether it be advice, links, resources or suggested reading material. I am open to learning and would like to learn as much as possible on this journey. Thank you for your time and assistance.

Hey, Lauren. It never hurts to do your research. It is a very big commitment and it shouldn't be one you go into blindly.

I will post a few things that it certainly wouldn't hurt for you to read that explain the Christian faith fairly well.

What Is Most Important
The One
Introduction to the Bible
Excerpts from the Orthodox Church by Bishop Kallistos Ware (part 1)
Excerpts from the Orthodox Church by Bishop Kallistos Ware (part 2)
OCA - The Orthodox Faith

Here is some advice for you. Pray! Through prayer you will find yourself open to the direction of God's will for your life.

To get you started, here are some helpful resources regarding prayer:
P r a y e r
Let us
Abbreviated Prayerbook
The Message of the Lord's Prayer

May God continue to guide you to Himself.

 

[oi_antz]

Sorry to post so many questions so close together, but being so new to this faith I need some guidance, advice, and clarification. Here are some of my questions:

1.) What does it mean when people say we need to have a personal relationship with God?

God is a person, and we are able to communicate with Him in our mind by prayer and worship. Christians who have a relationship with God are given a relationship with the Holy Spirit, which is the spirit of God sent to remind us of the teachings of Christ. Whenever we pray to God or have a conversation with Him, it is the Holy Spirit we are talking to. There are many thousands of other spirits, which is why some people claim to know a different God, but there is only one Holy spirit, it is common to all Christian denominations and any Christian who maintains their relationship with God will have no trouble discerning the spirits they are talking to.

2.) What are the differences between the many different versions of The Bible, and which version should I be using ??

Find one that you like to read. Some translations can be a bit hard to read, requiring more effort to translate and make meaning from. I personally like "The Living Bible", it's very easy to read. Go to your local 2nd hand book shop and browse through their Bibles until you find one you like to read.

3.) What is the best way to approach Bible study, and what are some good resources for Bible study??

I always like meeting in a group for Bible study, it's nice to have cookies and coffee and a good chat about the meanings we derive from study.

4.) I want to become a good Christian, but there is so much to learn, how do I know where to begin??

Begin with the things that are on your mind. Either you'll have to cut some sin loose or find satisfaction knowing that they aren't sins at all. Repentance is a very personal matter between yourself and the Lord, no-one else has a right to convict you of sin so don't let them do it unless they back it up with scripture and you believe they are right.

5.) Is there somewhere I can go for good advice to all of my questions??

Sadly many churches are closed during the week, I've been in your position where you just want to drop-in somewhere and have a chat. Whoever you decide to see, make sure they confess they know Jesus personally and can represent Him to you. If you don't trust that they know Jesus, don't rely too much on it, you need the best advice you can get and it will only come from someone who actually knows the spirit of God.

Any suggestions to help lead me on this journey are appreciated, whether it be advice, links, resources or suggested reading material. I am open to learning and would like to learn as much as possible on this journey. Thank you for your time and assistance.

~Lauren~

I suggest trying to get a copy of The Living Bible (Tyndale house publishers), it really makes easy work of reading, and you can always have your NIV or NKJ on hand for cross-referencing. Read Luke 5, Matthew 13, Matthew 15 right through and don't stop there! If you have any specific questions, ask on these boards it is interesting to see the various questions people find in their search for Jesus.