Starting out!!?

[Psychedelica]

Hello, well i've read the bible before...well mostly just skimming it, and reading things from all different sections. but, i never really TOTTALY read it. Me and my little sister want to do a bible study, to get closer to God and let him speak to us thru his words...me and her - like every saturday or sunday. But - i don't really know WHERE to start in the bible exactly, and how do you study the bible exactly??? Where's a good place 2 start and all? I have a bible with old and new testament. thank you to anyone who replies!

 

[holyrokker]

Click on this link. They have several diffent plans depending on what you want.

http://www.backtothebible.org/devotions/journey

Another EXCELLENT place to start is at

http://www.cresourcei.org/daily.html

It's a two-year program that has morning and evening reading times.

 

[StAnselm]

I'd recommend starting with the Gospel of Mark. It's short, but it also (like of of the Bible) has nots of layers of meaning. Most importantly, though, it talks about Jesus.

After you've read Mark, you can gradually work through all the other books - maybe John next, then Acts, Romans, Ephesians??? Then some OT books? I'm studying Ruth at the moment, which is great.

But I wouldn't really recommend reading from Genesis through to Revelation in order...

 

[aesthetic]

I would recomend this:

Mathews gospel
Isahia Chap 40-65
Ephesians
Dueteronomy
Johns gospel

in that order.


Then when you have time down the road, a really good study of Genesis, then Romans.

May God bless you in your studies

 

[StAnselm]

Yeah, when I suggest a list of biblical books, it doesn't mean that aesthetic's list is not equally good. Perhaps it is better alternating NT and OT. Though I don't really like the suggestion of just reading the last bit of Isaiah - might as well go through the whole thing, though if you do that you might want to put it down the list somewhat.

The important thing is to get started!

 

[Psychedelica]

Wow, thanks to everyone who replied so far...question though...i got me and my sister a notebook each to do bible studies..BUT...what do i write in there? not really sure how to go about the whole thing??? THANKS!

 

[StAnselm]

Ah, good question. This is an excellent method that I have used in the past, both by myself and in groups:

Read the passage, and write down the following things:
1. A title that sums up the passage
2. A key verse, or a verse that speaks especially to you (or maybe a key word)
3. Five facts that God is giving you in the passage (one sentence each)
4. A lesson that you think God may have for you (one sentence)
5. A prayer that you can pray arising out of the passage (one sentence)

I found the titles were tricky to think up at first, but one gets better with practice.

There are many good ways of studying the Bible, but I can highly recommend this one if you're starting out...

 

[aesthetic]

Wow, thanks to everyone who replied so far...question though...i got me and my sister a notebook each to do bible studies..BUT...what do i write in there? not really sure how to go about the whole thing??? THANKS!

St Anslem had some good suggestions. Also when doing a study, I think it is a good idea to zero in on prochecy and quotes from the Old Testament to the New, and cross reference them. That's why I listed Isaiah and Deuteronomy above. They are the most quoted books of the OT in the NT writings. (Psalms being a big source also).

 

[JohnJones]

Start with the book of Hebrews.

 

[daveleau]

If you are just starting, you might want to look at some Bible study books at your local Christian bookstore. There are several that are either topical (look at specific issues) or go through books of the Bible systematically. For a start, I like the Max Lucado "Life Lessons". The only drawback is that there is no teacher's edition to guide you to the right answers. But, if you are stumped you could ask your pastor to look over your results after you are done with a lesson. That'd be a good idea regardless.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t..._books_1/102-4352087-1045750?v=glance&s=books

John or Romans is where I would start. These are very good starting points. Then maybe work to another NT book like Hebrews or James and then maybe go to an OT book, like Psalms or Genesis. I would stay away from the prophetic books until you have done a fair amount of study in other parts. Revelations, Isaiah, Jeremiah can be difficult to interpret for someone new to studying.

God bless you for your efforts and I will pray that you both succeed and continue this for a long time.
Dave

 

[JohnJones]

When I said start with Hebrews I didn't mean start there and read from that point to the end. I'd suggest reading Hebrews then the gospel of John, then the book of Acts, then Matthew, Mark, and Luke and then the rest of the New Testament. Why start with Hebrews? To get a basic understanding of sacrifice, why Jesus had to die on the cross, and some good explanation of some Old Testament practices that will be mentioned in the gospels.

 

[JohnJones]

When I said start with Hebrews I didn't mean start there and read from that point to the end. I'd suggest reading Hebrews then the gospel of John, then the book of Acts, then Matthew, Mark, and Luke and then the rest of the New Testament. Why start with Hebrews? To get a basic understanding of sacrifice, why Jesus had to die on the cross, and some good explanation of some Old Testament practices that will be mentioned in the gospels. Then, the gospel of John is good because it begins with presenting Jesus as God (as Hebrews does too) and it contains many of the most important truths, such as the necessity and nature of the rebirth. Then Acts because you see conversions, how people were saved thus how you must be saved.

 

[sandman]

Psychedelica
Everyone has different ways of studying and learning…what works for one may not work for another. Find what works best for you and your sister and stick with that.

One of the most important things in studying is not how much you read, but what you retain and understand from reading. As you continue to put on the Word in your lives God will give the increase, both in knowledge and understanding. I would definitely agree with StAnselm’s statement

“But I wouldn't really recommend reading from Genesis through to Revelation”

at least not now as it can sometimes be confusing to the new Bible student; at least it was for me when I started. I think the best way I can help you is to give you a simple overview of the Bible

The basic topic from Genesis 3:15 to revelation 22:21 is Jesus Christ

The seven Church epistles Romans, I & II Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossiansand I & II Thessalonians are addressed directly to those of us in this age of Grace, the Church administration; those of us born again in the body of Christ…in other words …you.

There are some portions as seen between Romans 9 and 12 that Paul (by revelation) is addressing Israel, and then the Gentiles in chapter 11; although it may seem confusing, it’s not, as long as you read what is written and to whom it is written.

To simplify matters Romans Ephesians and Thessalonians are doctrinal epistles for the walk of the believers in the Body of Christ the remaining church epistles are either reproof or correction epistles to get the believers back to the right believing of the doctrine
I & II Timothy Titus and I will include Philemon {although there is some disagreement with this} these are called the Pastoral Epistles these are written to the Church but are directed towards leadership within of the Body of Christ.

Hebrews is not addressed to the church in the sense that we know the Church established on Pentecost. It is addressed to born again believers but those who have never walked in the freedom of the new birth; those who are still zealous for the law.

James Much like Hebrews was written to the Christian Jews of the dispersion, “the twelve tribes scattered abroad”. Those born again who seemed to want to put themselves under the law. I & II Peter, I II & III John and Jude closely align themselves to this category also.

The reason so much of this seems applicable to many of us is that we find ourselves not believing the doctrinal Epistles of Romans Ephesians and Thessalonians and desire to put ourselves under the law.

The four Gospels give the account of the life and walk of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ from four different perspectives Matthew as the King Mark as the Servant Luke as the Man and John as the Son

Although the Gospels are vitally important in our understanding of what Jesus Christ accomplished by his walk, death, and resurrection it must be noted that Jesus Christ came to minister to Israel the Bride. Israel rejected him and killed their King, the Bridegroom. The church of the bride is at this time held in abeyance and picks up again in Revelation The Gospels are not addressed directly to us; they are for our learning as is all of the Old Testament. All of the Old Testament including the four Gospels are addressed to either the Jews or the Gentiles but the Epistles as noted above are specifically addressed to the Church of the Body.

Now this is an area that can get somewhat involved so at this time I won’t go into any depth. But please note that there is a big difference between the two {both bride and body} that if not distinguished will cause you much confusion.
Acts is the fulcrum point between the Old and New Testament it shows the rise and expansion of the first century Church

The Old Testament books are divided up into various categories or administrations depending on who you talk to, but I will not delve in to that at this time. Just keep in mind that The Epistles as I stated above are addressed directly to you as members of the Body of Christ.

I hope this helps and is not to confusing, if it is I apologize.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`


God Bless

sandman

 

[johnd]

Hello, well i've read the bible before...well mostly just skimming it, and reading things from all different sections. but, i never really TOTTALY read it. Me and my little sister want to do a bible study, to get closer to God and let him speak to us thru his words...me and her - like every saturday or sunday. But - i don't really know WHERE to start in the bible exactly, and how do you study the bible exactly??? Where's a good place 2 start and all? I have a bible with old and new testament. thank you to anyone who replies!

Best place to start is prayer. Jesus said (referring to the Holy Spirit):



John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.



Pray the Holy Spirit guide and teach you the truth in God's word.



The Bible was written by some 40 men on three continents over thousands of years. Yet the consistency of it reveals the inspiration of the writers. Now read what the Bible says about these prophets:



2 Peter 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.



Holy Ghost is old English for Holy Spirit.



As believers in Jesus the Holy Spirit dwells in you. Get to know him by seeking his tutelage in Bible study and reading. Seek his advice in your daily life. He cares about you!

John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Next, I believe a good purposeful place to start Bible reading is the Proverbs. It reads like a forward to the entire Bible. My wife and I do devotions in this book every day (31 chapters and roughly 31 days a month), reading a chapter a day aloud responsively (I read a verse then she reads a verse). Each month we change who starts reading first to ensure we both read the entire book.

The Bible is like Star Wars will be once the last episode is out. It is complete and we do not have to wait for the next episode to come out like so many did in history’s past. This gives us greater ability to understand what the Bible is about. In the past the people of God could only go on what revelation they had at the time.

The Bible is about Jesus Christ.

John 5:39 You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life.

Luke 24:25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

That must have been some Bible study!

The Bible is about Jesus Christ and how he set out to save humanity from sin and death starting at the beginning (square one) in Genesis. How he accomplished it on the cross (in the Gospels Matthew Mark Luke and John). How he conquered death and rose from the grave that we might have eternal life, and how he set out to spread the Good News (which is what Gospel means) to every human being through his disciples (The Acts and the epistles); a message and discipleship that lives on to this very day (that is the Church).

The next thing I would say is persist in your study and reading. All hell wants to keep you off your knees in prayer and off your elbows in Bible study, so be aware that weariness, the phone, the door bell, you name it, everything will try to keep you from reading the most important book ever written.

Remember to personalize what you read and study. This is God’s gift to you. His love letter to you. He is not some impersonal power and the Bible is not some textbook to merely read about him…

John 16:27 No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me {Jesus} and have believed that I came from God.

There are two testaments in the Bible (New and Old) because there were two covenants (which is another word for testament). This is why:

Galatians 3:24 So the law {the Old Testament} was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith {the New Testament}. 25 Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.

But that does not mean we ought not study the Old Testament. If for no other reason we want to know more about Jesus we ought to study the Old Testament. For the scriptures Jesus spoke of in John 5:39-40 and Luke 24:25-27 were the Old Testament scriptures. The New Testament hadn’t been written at the time.

So a good division of study time in both testaments is advisable.

Bible scholar Chuck Missler says to begin in the back of the book (Revelation). He says that reading it first will give you some idea about what to study in the Bible because each symbol in Revelation is explained elsewhere in the Bible.

I recommend Proverbs and then the Gospels. And maybe dipping into Revelation out of curiosity. Then Genesis, Isaiah, the Psalms (which are excellent devotionals and were the hymns of the Old Testament).

God bless.

 

[StAnselm]

This is not the right place to argue the point, but I need to say that I disagree with you, sandman - all of the NT is addressed to the New Testament church, and we are one with them, so we can believe that it is addressing us also.

The Gospels are not addressed directly to us

Well, they are written to Christians, and so can apply directly to us as well. So I have to stick to my guns in starting with one of the gospels.

 

[sandman]

St Anselm



I agree this is not the place to argue and I hope this is not construed as such.

I do want to clarify a few points:



Although the gospels are placed in the New Testament we must remember that the division of the Old and New is mans division, not Gods. Now I wouldn’t necessarily place it in the Old, but by the same token, not New either.

Jesus Christ was a minister to the circumcision

Romans 15:8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:

We do not belong to the circumcision We belong to the Church of God where there is neither Jew nor Gentile

Jesus Christ was the completion, the fulfillment of the Old Covenant.

I spoke of the administrations within the Old Testament: one of these is referred to as the Law Administration initiated under Moses; this was terminated when Jesus Christ came; initiating the Christ administration…….the Grace Administration then began in Acts. So they are not quite Old but not new either…………….

all

of the NT is addressed to the New Testament church

But here is the thing….and don’t get the wrong idea I love the gospels they are a great place to start out………..I hope I didn’t convey likewise. But they are not addressed to us the Church of the Body they are addressed to the Church of the Bride, Israel; there were no Christians until after Pentecost, the name came from those believers referring to themselves as having Christ-in them.

Again going back to that which I inked in my previous post: Jesus Christ came to the lost sheep of the house of Israel…..Israel rejected him they killed their king, the devil thought he had won……..

That is until God pulled out of his spiritual sleeve the mystery that had been hid in God the mystery of the one body “which none of the princes of this world knew for had he known he would not have crucified the Lord of glory”.



I realize this is not the place to further our discussion on this matter. I think what I will do is start thread on this subject where we can post at length.

God bless

sandman

 

[SkyAngel]

This is such a great thread for those of us who are either starting out or rediscovering the bible. Thank you to all for the great posts. I have decided to use the Back to the Bible reading plan (I use the blended one) which was mentioned in the first reply post and I am re-reading the Gospel of John since I recently re-dedicated my life to Christ and want to get serious about studying the bible. I think these suggestions are a great way to study! Thanks again!

Blessings,

SkyAngel

 

[Shalia]

Hello, well i've read the bible before...well mostly just skimming it, and reading things from all different sections. but, i never really TOTTALY read it. Me and my little sister want to do a bible study, to get closer to God and let him speak to us thru his words...me and her - like every saturday or sunday. But - i don't really know WHERE to start in the bible exactly, and how do you study the bible exactly??? Where's a good place 2 start and all? I have a bible with old and new testament. thank you to anyone who replies!

When I first started, someone told me to "start in John, and work outwards". I'd tried starting from Genesis before, but got bogged down in begats and gave up before I ever found God. Starting in John worked for me.

 

[In Christ Forever]

This is such a great thread for those of us who are either starting out or rediscovering the bible. Thank you to all for the great posts. I have decided to use the Back to the Bible reading plan (I use the blended one) which was mentioned in the first reply post and I am re-reading the Gospel of John since I recently re-dedicated my life to Christ and want to get serious about studying the bible. I think these suggestions are a great way to study! Thanks again!

Blessings,

SkyAngel

You might consider getting the NIV chronological bible, especially for the OT, as it is written according to the way the events happened. Try browsing at one some time. Yes, the gospels are the best place to start and I do love John's .
God bless.