Sufficient Self's Bible Study Group

[Wannabefree]

Lets do it this way. Since FF mentioned that we are a democracy so lets vote.
I know Miss_thenorth and savingdogs are for it.

So where does everyone else satnd?

I'd rather do John myself. It has turned out to be very interesting for the tenth time even

 

[FarmerJamie]

Lets do it this way. Since FF mentioned that we are a democracy so lets vote.
I know Miss_thenorth and savingdogs are for it.

So where does everyone else satnd?

I'd rather do John myself. It has turned out to be very interesting for the tenth time even

Ya'll let me pick the current chapter - thank you! I will be honest, if Revelations is chosen, I'll bow out until we move onto a new book.

 

[BarredBuff]

Well thats 2 to 3 without me voting...........theyre still more members to vote.

 

[Denim Deb]

While Revelation is an interesting book, I feel that for the good of the group we should stick w/books that will be more helpful to everyone.

As for studying the Bible, this is not pointed at anyone person.

1st, in order to REALLY study the Bible, you need to be a Christian. Otherwise, while you may enjoy the stories, enjoy the majesty of the language, etc, it will basically remain a book of mysteries to you. The reason being is that the true teacher of the Bible is not man, but the Holy Spirit. John 14:26 says, But the Comforter, who is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatever I have said unto you. And John 16:13 says, Nevertheless, when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself, but whatever He shall hear, that shall He speak, and He will show you things to come.

At first, when you start to study the Bible, you'll probably be believing things because that's what you've been taught. But, as you grow, that will change. If you read the story of the woman at the well in John 4, it says in verse 39, and many of the Samaritans of that city believed on Him for the saying of the woman, then in verse 42 it says, Now we believe, not because of thy saying; for we have heard Him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world. In Acts 17:10-15, we have the story of the Bereans. They searched the scriptures daily to be sure that what they were being taught was correct.

Like James, I like to pray b4 I study to be sure that I'm opened to the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit. As for other things, you need to find the way that best suits you, whether it's studying the Bible in the original language, comparing verses, or whatever, the important thing is to just leave yourself open to the guiding of the Spirit.

 

[Dace]

I don't feel that I am ready to face revelations myself. I would like to get thru more of the bible before I am ready to face that one.

As for my earlier question, thank you for all of the input I appreciate you all taking the time to advise me. I feel as if I am standing before a giant 2 story delicious buttercream covered cake, and I am completely overwhelmed with the thought of eating it....one forkful at a time is really the only way.

Like so many of you, I tend to just immerse myself in things that interest me and really dig deep to know all that I can.....but this is not a simple topic. It runs so deep and is so profound, I think that i am just settling on doing the best that I can to dig my way thru.


My chronological bible is a one year study....broken up into 12 month sections. I have decided to read one month per week....which should only be about 20-25 pages per day. I think I can tackle that....if it proves to be too much I can back down to one month in two weeks. I think that once I have that under my belt I will be better prepared to go back and dig deeper into books that i did not really understand.

Also, for some reason in church this morning I felt different. I know it sounds weird but I just felt so much more connected to the words...along with a better understanding was a strong desire to really spend more time learning....it was really exciting!

Thank you for al of the support in my quest for better understanding of God's word....you all are the best!

 

[BarredBuff]

Dace Im more of music person. I connect with hymns and songs. I went to a church in the city today and it just wasnt the same. The preacher wasnt red in the face or anything.

 

[Dace]

While Revelation is an interesting book, I feel that for the good of the group we should stick w/books that will be more helpful to everyone.

As for studying the Bible, this is not pointed at anyone person.

1st, in order to REALLY study the Bible, you need to be a Christian. Otherwise, while you may enjoy the stories, enjoy the majesty of the language, etc, it will basically remain a book of mysteries to you. The reason being is that the true teacher of the Bible is not man, but the Holy Spirit. John 14:26 says, But the Comforter, who is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatever I have said unto you. And John 16:13 says, Nevertheless, when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself, but whatever He shall hear, that shall He speak, and He will show you things to come.

At first, when you start to study the Bible, you'll probably be believing things because that's what you've been taught. But, as you grow, that
will change. If you read the story of the woman at the well in John 4,
it says in verse 39, and many of the Samaritans of that city believed
on Him for the saying of the woman, then in verse 42 it says, Now we
believe, not because of thy saying; for we have heard Him ourselves,
and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world. In
Acts 17:10-15, we have the story of the Bereans. They searched the
scriptures daily to be sure that what they were being taught was
correct.
Like James, I like to pray b4 I study to be sure that I'm opened to the
leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit. As for other things, you need
to find the way that best suits you, whether it's studying the Bible in
the original language, comparing verses, or whatever, the important
thing is to just leave yourself open to the guiding of the Spirit.

Deb....I get what you are saying and I know that God is in my heart and is working to show me and teach me, maybe that is why I am so eager to learn what I do not know. I think that I am just looking at the logistics of HOW to study. What resources can I look to to achieve what God has put upon my heart? The desire to better know and understand the bible and to draw closer to God.

 

[Denim Deb]

Yep, that's why you're eager to learn.

 

[Farmfresh]

Just in case ... I also would love to study the book of John again.

 

[BarredBuff]

Just in case ... I also would love to study the book of John again.

I wouldn't care too......its probably really good.