Understanding the Bible

[Katya]

I'm trying to read the bible, but I gotta tell you, it's get's really confusing. I don't know whether to take it literally of figuratively. Just when I think I understand something, then I will read something that would make me rethink my understanding. Is it always like that, or is there an easier way?

 

[marc]

It does get easier. You'll gain new insights everytime. It is important when you do decide that you understand something that you keep an open mind that you may find your understanding to be wrong later. Try reading entire books at a time without spending to much time trying to understand every detail, after you've read a book through completely then go back and read it slower and more methodically. Lots of times you will spend hours dwelling on one item of understanding only to find it explained 2 chapters later. I would advise a bible with cross references. This way it will direct you to where the answer is somewhere else in the scriptures.

The most important thing of course is to pray that the Holy Spirit reveal the truth to you while you read.

In Christ

Marc

 

[klewlis]

Marc's advice is good. It may also be helpful to join a beginners' Bible Study or Alpha course or something along those lines, to help you get started.

 

[Oblio]

This is one of the inherent problems with personal interpretation of the Bible, and why God gave us his Church to interpret His word.

 

[dougp01]

Katya,

Reading the bible is very important for any Christian and it does get easier with time. It is especially helpful to read with other believers as well as alone in devotionals. As was mentioned earlier, the Alpha Course or some other new believer's class can be helpful.

One thing to keep in mind, there have been many people over the centuries that have studied the bible all their lives. There is so much depth to the content that even after a lifetime of study, new discoveries and revelations are often found. It is a book full of life. If you see something that appears to be a contradiction, don't give up. Remember the bible is true and without error. If I have trouble with a particular passage, I have to realize the trouble is not the bible, it is me. Ask God to reveal His word to you and even pray over the passage as you read it.

God bless you,

-doug

 

[Reformationist]

Marc and dougp01, great advice. Wisely counseled.

Oblio, well, I'll just say that your advice for the OP left much to be desired.

God bless

 

[KennySe]

I'm trying to read the bible, but I gotta tell you, it's get's really confusing. I don't know whether to take it literally of figuratively. Just when I think I understand something, then I will read something that would make me rethink my understanding. Is it always like that, or is there an easier way?

The Bible was written by many men over a number of centuries, in a number of styles.

It is sort of like a newspaper. Would you read the Sports Section the same way that you read the front page, or the food recipe in Section D?

As Oblio remarked, we are instructed by St. Peter not to read the Bible through private interpretation.

Yes, it is good that we read the Bible, but we must have the pillar which is the Church.

 

[marc]

As Oblio remarked, we are instructed by St. Peter not to read the Bible through private interpretation.

Yes, it is good that we read the Bible, but we must have the pillar which is the Church

1john2:27
"As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him."

katya,
Be very careful about "the Church traditions" and test everything against the bible. If anyone has to "teach" you what the bible says, they are probably a cult. They can definitely expound on it and help understand it, but if you don't see what they see, be cautious.
If you don't agree with anyone, you're probably starting a cult yourself!
acts 17:11 "These(the Bereans) were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."

Be a Berean!

In Christ

Marc

 

[Katya]

Thank you everyone for the great advice. Just today i signed up for a bible study class not far from where I live. I'm really looking forward to it. I know if I keep at it, it will get easier to understand. I just have to remember not to give up. So thank you all again for the advice. I really appreaciate it.

 

[KennySe]

Thank you everyone for the great advice. Just today i signed up for a bible study class not far from where I live. I'm really looking forward to it. I know if I keep at it, it will get easier to understand. I just have to remember not to give up. So thank you all again for the advice. I really appreaciate it.

Katya,
this is wonderful news.

Peace be with you.
Kenny

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1 Timothy 3:15
But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth

Romans 12:4-5
For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another

 

[obediah001]

Dont know where you are but "Thru the Bible radio J Vernon McGee" opened the Bible up for me & taught me how to study the Word & understand it too.

 

[pmarquette]

Understanding is a gift of the Holy Spirit , a function of the new birth , having spiritual eyes and ears .... a new heart that can receive what is being said
Rom 10:8But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, [even] in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

Rom 10:9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Rom 10:10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.