Suggestions Requested! Second time through the Bible

[BenjamintheWolf]

If anyone considers themselves moderately well studied:

Did you use any specific methodology when attempting to digest the word in its entirety? I say this with the understanding that repetition is key. Everything was far more impactful the second time I read. I'm considering character by character note taking after I've read through a couple more times.

Thank you all and bless you.

 

[Humble me Lord]

The first time I read its entirety, I read the NIV, because it was easier to understand. The second time KJV and some Greek/Hebrew study tools. I got so much more out of it.
Isn't it amazing the more you read, the more you want to read and learn?
Praise the Lord ! This is where I derived my Berean attitude from.
2 Timothy 3:16-17

 

[frienden thalord]

Just feast on the words of truth.......
I just spend and spent hours daily in it..........
just reading it................its like eating fresh honey.............
be blessed and praise the LORD.............

 

[Winken]

In 1985 I encountered two exegetical studies that set me on a new course of Bible study. I haven't stopped since. I've written 3 books and a ton of commentaries based upon two simple truths: 1. The Holy Spirit is our teacher. His plain sense revelations are sufficient. WE must not seek to complicate them with our own mind-mental-emotional gymnastics. 2. He will call to our attention the audience within a certain time frame as the key to our comprehension. Once I got that down, I was able to read the Bible through without MY distinctives.

Biblical exegesis is what the Spirit originally was saying through its author in a passage. To whom was it written then, and to whom does it apply today? He'll straighten that out if we stand aside!

 

[ToBeLoved]

One thing I see (and I'm not saying you, but just in general) is that people do not understand when they read God's Word which covenant the words pertain to.

There is a huge difference between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant.

The Old Covenant was the schoolmaster that lets us know we all need a Savior. After our Lord's death, we have the New Covenant in His blood.

Read Romans more than once. This grounds us in who we are in Christ.

We are not only saved by His blood, but we are sons and daughters of God. Co-heirs with Christ to the Father. His Kingdom is in a very real sense our Kingdom and we are a Family. God's Family.

 

[Phil 1:21]

Try reading it in chronological order. There are several study plans online for this. You can really get a perspective on the OT timeline when you read it that way. Also, because you read the same story from different books back to back, it reinforces the message a lot better.

 

[GandalfTheWise]

Each of us is different and at a different season in our life. There are times where different styles of reading and study will be of the most benefit. I've observed a few general styles that have benefited different people at different times.

1. Simple devotional reading of a few passages or pages. I.e. This is an "okay God, what do You have to say to me today?" type of reading that is more akin to prayer and meditation. It is not bound by strict rules of interpretation and hermeneutics. It is about God speaking a fresh word to you for you for a limited application for a limited time. God might make some particular verse or passage leap out at you with a meaning you need to hear at that time. I know I've had times where particular verses (disregarding proper hermeneutics and context) have leapt out at me in a way I needed at that time.
2. Extensive reading of the entire OT and NT. Most people find that the first few times reading the Bible through give an incredible boost to their knowledge of scripture. Some people use the same version over and over (thus reinforcing particular phrasings of things in their memory); others use various versions. Some people continue to do this for most of their lives (e.g. read the Bible through in a year every year). Other people might spend a few years reading the Bible through, go to other styles for a few years, and then re-read the Bible every couple years or so.
3. Book by book study where you spend some length of time reading and re-reading a particular book (or set of books) and use a number of resources such as Bible dictionaries, history books, and *several* commentaries (not just one!) to get a better sense of the original background where this book was written.

Some people like to memorize scriptures; others prefer to read a lot and then paraphrase from memory and look things up as needed.

I think there needs to be a healthy balance between devotional (what do I need to hear from God at this moment) and more scholarly study (what is God saying for all time and applicability to the church and world as a whole).

The bottom line is doing what is best for you at this stage in your walk. I've known some people that after decades are still reading the same Bible through one time per year. My pastor loves the one-year Bible and has been using it for ages. Speaking for myself, every couple of years, it's been best for me to switch what I'm doing.

 

[BenjamintheWolf]

In 1985 I encountered two exegetical studies that set me on a new course of Bible study. I haven't stopped since. I've written 3 books and a ton of commentaries based upon two simple truths: 1. The Holy Spirit is our teacher. His plain sense revelations are sufficient. WE must not seek to complicate them with our own mind-mental-emotional gymnastics. 2. He will call to our attention the audience within a certain time frame as the key to our comprehension. Once I got that down, I was able to read the Bible through without MY distinctives.

Biblical exegesis is what the Spirit originally was saying through its author in a passage. To whom was it written then, and to whom does it apply today? He'll straighten that out if we stand aside!

not familiar with the term exegis but ill be looking into it thank you.

 

[1watchman]

There might be many ways to read the Bible, and here are a few thoughts:
> Try to have a good Bible Version ---not just one that is popular or in very simple language, and use a sound Bible study and dictionary for references. I use the Old Scofield Edition of the KJV mostly, for it has good study notes and commentaries showing why some words are not the best meaning; and it does not take away the original texts of the KJV. The NKJV might be helpful for some cross references to help in understanding, but has some glaring errors, though better than many of the new versions.

> For new Bible searchers I suggest they first be clear about true salvation of our soul ---reading John 1; John 3; John 14 to hear God speaking about His "...so great salvation" and how to be "born again" (note also 1 Jn. 5:10-12).

> After one is saved (born again) one should read daily in the New Testament through Gospels, Acts, The Epistles; and once a week read in the Old Testament from Genesis forward to understand Creation, the mind and ways of God in dealing with man; God's dealings with His covenant earthly people, Israel; and appreciate all showing the coming of man's real eternal salvation in God's beloved Son: Jesus, the Christ of God in this age ---the fulfillment of God's purpose for mankind, and the making of a "Bride" (the Church) as a heavenly people forever.

> All Bible reading should keep in mind that it is from the beginning an unfolding of truth in order (many types in the OT) and fulfillment of the hope in the NT; and keep in mind that there are NO contradictions in the Bible. If one thinks they see contradictions, one can be sure they have misunderstood or are mis-applying a verse.

These few thoughts might be some help to serious seekers. Look up always!

 

[Gluttonous Winebibber]

If anyone considers themselves moderately well studied:

Did you use any specific methodology when attempting to digest the word in its entirety? I say this with the understanding that repetition is key. Everything was far more impactful the second time I read. I'm considering character by character note taking after I've read through a couple more times.

Thank you all and bless you.

I considered up until Matthew about getting to know God, how he dealt with different scenarios, what he values, which built up importance of the rest. You can read it again and again and get new insight each time, because it is not your insight(1 Corinthians 2:10-16).