How to Study the Bible

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K

Kainos

Guest
#1
Hey God bless you all! I wanted to make a post about some tips and ways that would really help benefit your bible study time! These are ways that I have learned to study the bible. I have always been fascinated with the Word of God and I am pursuing a career in theology. So if you have any ways you study the bible a part from what I mention it would not only benefit the community but myself as well. God bless and I hope this edifies every reader!

Matthew 11:15 Whoever has ears, let them hear.
This is quite obvious but this verse does not literally mean if you have ears to listen. So the message is quite simple when we study the bible we ourselves must have a willingness to open our hearts to what scripture says. "We pray to God for revelations but we do not receive one simply because we treat God's Word as an option". When I heard this it shook me and brought full circle as to why we may have ears but can not seem to understand the will of God. His Word requires obedience and is not to be treated as an option. With that said I hope you take it into heart to obey and know God's truth not based on man made customs (denominations) but what the Word says. (I identify as Pentecostal Christian in case anyone misinterprets).

After you have opened up your heart to what the Word and Spirit has to say to you now you get down into the actual pages.

First: learn the author of the book you choose to read. Get to know what the bible says about him and his story.
Learn about their profession, calling, struggles and victories. (Side note: learning dates is beneficial as well)
Why? Because each author has a powerful testimony that we can relate to on a personal level. You will also learn that God chose ordinary people to do great things. Further more you will fall into awe of the knowledge God reveals to these people about sciences that were not facts or even acknowledged up until modern days. Affirming a divinely inspired Word from God (2 Tim.3:16)

Secondly: when reading get to know the chapter as a whole and not just the sentence.
Why? Too often we read a verse and take it out of context.
Learn whom the author is speaking directly to (even though the Bible is for all generations knowing the initial reason for the writing will better your understanding the meaning of it and apply it in today's world).

For example: The book of Revelations is often misunderstood as a book of events to understand the end times which is false. Matthew 24:36 "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." So anyone who claims to know how the world will end and what specific events will happen or the day and hour is a false prophet. (Matthew 24:24) Using what I have spoken about so far you would learn that John's writing in Revelations is to the churches in Asia. They were suffering persecution from Rome and so many of the symbols John uses represents Rome their persecutors and it is for that reason he uses symbols they would only understand to prevent Roman officials from intercepting a letter. Any word against Rome would have caused harsher persecution. So you learn that John is not giving a time line of events but he is actually encouraging the church of that time and every other generation to persevere in their faith and to remember "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelations 21:4. Revelations is a great study of encouragement which you can learn more about and its symbols.

SO as you can see learning about who the letter is being written to can be a huge eye opener. You will learn about "Why" and the struggle its application is associated with.

Thirdly: it is important to understand universal language in the bible versus cultural language.
Wait what does that mean?
Here is some scripture to help understand.
"Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard." Leviticus 19:27
First notice I changed the version of the bible I use. Wording is very important in translation but I will come back to this and why later.
Once again using what we have learned so far you would learn that this was a cultural law so that the people of God would not imitate a specific hair cut style (not shaving of the beard) that surrounding people used in their pagan worship.

Woah! Hold on so if this verse is just a cultural law and you claim there are others does that mean we not follow those laws? and why are they even in the bible if we don't need to follow it?

The most important aspect of the cultural laws in the bible that we must grasp are its principals. There are many forms of idolatry in our current culture that we blindly follow. Especially in a self image generation. Though specific to the Israelite's we need to grasp the meaning here and understand God wants his children to be set a part and not participate in idolatry whatever form it may be in. (Matthew 5:14-16, 1 Peter 2:9, Deuteronomy 14:2, Romans 12:2) I don't want to bombard you with too many verses here but these are some that show us God wants us to be set a part. This doesn't mean shun people because then the gospel becomes invalid it simply means to be a light and show people who God is through your love and actions.

I know it is difficult to discern what is acceptable and not acceptable in modern times as the bible does not specifically mention every little thing. This is where the willingness to accept correction from God comes in. Your prayer will be in vain if you present a certain area of your life to God to ask for direction to then only treat it as an option or to think "well God isn't saying anything so it must be okay". Do not confuse God's silence with His approval. Be diligent in prayer and be humble in your requests.

Before I move on here is some advice for decision making.
1 Peter 2:16 "Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God's slaves."
1 Corinthians 8:13 "
Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall."

Moving on to universal language. Well do I really need to? It is quite obvious isn't it?
The bible says "do not murder" so whatever generation reads this murder is wrong, only God can give and take life.
Pray to God if you struggle with discerning between the two for guidance by the Holy Spirit.

Fourthly: here comes the different Bible versions!
Translations are difficult that is all. How do I know which translation is correct and accurate enough?
Each version of the bible was written by different denominations and backgrounds so according to that as well as the English language of the time it is written it can be difficult to read or hold different meaning. Understand language changes over time and that a Word can change meaning drastically over time.

For example the bible speaks of slaves. Ephesians 6:9, Colossians 4:1, and quite a few others including old testament speak of how we should treat slaves. So according to modern English we associate slavery with racial discrimination yet understanding this word in biblical times we learn that slaves were people who owed a debt to anotherperson. So they would have to work off their debt as a slave and many times people actually willingly entered into this service simply for the luxury of having a roof over their head and food to eat. Now the bible does speak of slavery that we now more commonly associate the word with here Exodus 21:16 "
And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death."

With that said you can see how words change, meanings change and so it is important to use multiple versions of the bible to see the different language. I currently use KJV, NTL, NASB and occasionally NIV. Understanding that the word used then can mean something entirely different in today's world is important in your studies as well as knowing translations.

I would suggest you learn the definition of certain words in its original context as well, which would further your understanding of what is being written because sometimes a word is difficult to translate and so a different word in English is used to help get the idea of what is being said but it may not hold up as well as the actual definition of the word. Why then use that word? Simply because you would change too much of the authors original writings and the actual word in English may not fit properly in the sentence of the English translated version. (We don't want to seem uneducated now do we? right?)

Lastly: be careful with outside resources such as the internet.
The internet is a great place to help narrow things down and quickly find certain things as opposed to reading the entire bible and memorizing word for word so you can reference back to it (if you are capable of that you are beyond blessed no sarcasm intended). When using any outside resource be sure to compare notes on what the community of believers especially credited leaders, and theologians have to say about it. Sometimes people will add bias in the interpretations of scripture to push their own agenda so please be wise, pray and ask for discernment.

There you have it. This is how I study scripture. I hope this was edifying. Comments and feedback are welcome and remember if you have different methods please share as it will benefit all of us including myself. I want to leave this thread of with this final word.

Remember that knowledge without love is meaningless. It is not how well we speak or how much we know that will save people (though knowledge is important) but it is the love and transforming power of the Holy Spirit that will change the lives of your family, friends, coworkers and fellow human. Go in peace God bless you all.

 

Desertsrose

Senior Member
Oct 24, 2016
2,824
207
63
#2
Hi Kainos,

Great post!

I also would suggest the Inductive Method. Observe, Interpret, Apply.

Observing the text to get the birds eye view, the whole of the book and then digging in
. As we are digging in we're interpreting the text. And then we're asking how what I've learned applies to me and how can I change, what is God asking me to do.

We mark key words and then we make lists of the key words.

Like 3 John for instance. It's a very short book of the bible like Jude.

1 The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.
2 Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.
3 For I was very glad when brethren came and testified to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth.
4 I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.

5 Beloved, you are acting faithfully in whatever you accomplish for the brethren, and especially when they are strangers;
6 and they have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.
7 For they went out for the sake of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles.
8 Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers with the truth.

9 I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say.
10 For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words; and not satisfied with this, he himself does not receive the brethren, either, and he forbids those who desire to do so and puts them out of the church.

11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.
12 Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself; and we add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true.

13 I had many things to write to you, but I am not willing to write them to you with pen and ink;
14 but I hope to see you shortly, and we will speak face to face.

15 Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.

This is just an example. I'd have other key words marked as well. On my list I'd have truth as a key word.

3 John - Key words
Truth
v.1 John loves Gaius in the truth.
v.3 Brothers came to John and spoke of Gaius's truth, how he's walking in the truth.
v.4 It brings joy to John when his disciples (children) are walking in the truth.
v.8 Support men who are fellow workers of the truth.
v.12 Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone and the truth itself speaks of well of him. The author adds his testimony and those he's writing to know that he speaks the truth.

Testify/Testimony
I won't list the verses here, but studying this way I would continue on. I just wanted to show how I do it. I would probably add love/beloved, prosper, along with others and I always add God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, the author the recipients.

Geographical areas I would underline. Time frames (when, then, now, tomorrow, that day, etc) I'd highlight with a green circle or just the green color.

So I'd be asking the who, what, when, where, why and how as I'm reading the scriptures.

Who - John writing to Gaius. And God,
Diotrephes and Demetrius would be added as well.
What - what's going on for John to write to Gaius. It could be an event, a teaching, what's the main subject.
When - at what period of time is this happening, or being written, or when will it happen.
Where - where was it said or where is this happening.
Why - asking why John is writing to Gaius, why did this happen, why at this time, why this person, etc.
How is it happening, how will it happen, how is it illustrated.

I would also mark key phrases especially if they are repeated.

I'd mark contrasts and comparisons.

Comparison
2
Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.

John wants Gaius to prosper in all respects in the same way that his soul is prospering.

Contrast
13 I had many things to write to you, but I am not willing to write them to you with pen and ink;
14 but I hope to see you shortly, and we will speak face to face. John has many things to write, but instead he wants to tell him face to face.

Conclusions like therefore, for, for this reason, finally.

Then we do chapter themes, segment divisions and write down the purpose of the book and the main theme of the book.

As we interpret we keep in mind that context rules, we seek the whole counsel of God and not isolated verses, and scripture interprets scripture. We don't base our understanding and convictions on an obscure passage of scripture. And we interpret literally unless it's obvious that God is speaking metaphorically. We look for the single meaning of the passage - we let the passage speak to us, not read into the passage our own interpretation.

Well this has taken forever to write and it's time for supper so this is a good place to stop. It basically says everything to understand the Inductive Method. :) Hope it's helpful to someone.
 
K

Kainos

Guest
#3
Desertsrose that was an amazing suggestion. I am definitely going to add this to the way I study. Great insight really splendid thank you for your input. Who, what, where, when and how is so important. Really like the way you search for key words, key points and something repeated. Thank you.
 

Billyd

Senior Member
May 8, 2014
5,034
1,473
113
#4
Hi Kainos,

Great post!

I also would suggest the Inductive Method. Observe, Interpret, Apply.

Observing the text to get the birds eye view, the whole of the book and then digging in
. As we are digging in we're interpreting the text. And then we're asking how what I've learned applies to me and how can I change, what is God asking me to do.

We mark key words and then we make lists of the key words.

Like 3 John for instance. It's a very short book of the bible like Jude.

1 The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.
2 Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.
3 For I was very glad when brethren came and testified to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth.
4 I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.

5 Beloved, you are acting faithfully in whatever you accomplish for the brethren, and especially when they are strangers;
6 and they have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.
7 For they went out for the sake of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles.
8 Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers with the truth.

9 I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say.
10 For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words; and not satisfied with this, he himself does not receive the brethren, either, and he forbids those who desire to do so and puts them out of the church.

11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.
12 Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself; and we add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true.

13 I had many things to write to you, but I am not willing to write them to you with pen and ink;
14 but I hope to see you shortly, and we will speak face to face.

15 Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.

This is just an example. I'd have other key words marked as well. On my list I'd have truth as a key word.

3 John - Key words
Truth
v.1 John loves Gaius in the truth.
v.3 Brothers came to John and spoke of Gaius's truth, how he's walking in the truth.
v.4 It brings joy to John when his disciples (children) are walking in the truth.
v.8 Support men who are fellow workers of the truth.
v.12 Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone and the truth itself speaks of well of him. The author adds his testimony and those he's writing to know that he speaks the truth.

Testify/Testimony
I won't list the verses here, but studying this way I would continue on. I just wanted to show how I do it. I would probably add love/beloved, prosper, along with others and I always add God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, the author the recipients.

Geographical areas I would underline. Time frames (when, then, now, tomorrow, that day, etc) I'd highlight with a green circle or just the green color.

So I'd be asking the who, what, when, where, why and how as I'm reading the scriptures.

Who - John writing to Gaius. And God,
Diotrephes and Demetrius would be added as well.
What - what's going on for John to write to Gaius. It could be an event, a teaching, what's the main subject.
When - at what period of time is this happening, or being written, or when will it happen.
Where - where was it said or where is this happening.
Why - asking why John is writing to Gaius, why did this happen, why at this time, why this person, etc.
How is it happening, how will it happen, how is it illustrated.

I would also mark key phrases especially if they are repeated.

I'd mark contrasts and comparisons.

Comparison
2
Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.

John wants Gaius to prosper in all respects in the same way that his soul is prospering.

Contrast
13 I had many things to write to you, but I am not willing to write them to you with pen and ink;
14 but I hope to see you shortly, and we will speak face to face. John has many things to write, but instead he wants to tell him face to face.

Conclusions like therefore, for, for this reason, finally.

Then we do chapter themes, segment divisions and write down the purpose of the book and the main theme of the book.

As we interpret we keep in mind that context rules, we seek the whole counsel of God and not isolated verses, and scripture interprets scripture. We don't base our understanding and convictions on an obscure passage of scripture. And we interpret literally unless it's obvious that God is speaking metaphorically. We look for the single meaning of the passage - we let the passage speak to us, not read into the passage our own interpretation.

Well this has taken forever to write and it's time for supper so this is a good place to stop. It basically says everything to understand the Inductive Method. :) Hope it's helpful to someone.
I also recommend that you find a partner(s) to study with. Matthew 18:20
 

Desertsrose

Senior Member
Oct 24, 2016
2,824
207
63
#5
Desertsrose that was an amazing suggestion. I am definitely going to add this to the way I study. Great insight really splendid thank you for your input. Who, what, where, when and how is so important. Really like the way you search for key words, key points and something repeated. Thank you.
Actually I can't take the credit. :) I do Kay Arthur studies and this is the way she teaches, The Inductive Method. I'm glad you like it.....I hope it will be helpful and useful as you pursue your career in theology. I like visuals as well like charts and maps. I like to see the place I'm studying about.
 

Johnny_B

Senior Member
Mar 18, 2017
1,954
64
48
#7
You los\t me when you called it the book of RevelationS, it is the book of Revelation or as other languages put it the Apocalyptic book. Either way the name does not suggest it was only written for that time. Besides what fear would John of had concerning Rome they had boiled his in oil and dropped him on the island of potmos. To understand the book of Revelation you need to understand all OT prophecy. Like the mark of the beast, Ezekiel speak of a mark and they received it because they mourned the abominations that were taking place in the Temple, were those in Revelation take it because they are art of the abominations taking place in the Temple.

Keep it in context, when reading the word. No revelation, seek the truth of the word of God, because it is the revelation of God.

I am sorry to hear you are pursuing a career in theology, it sound like you first purpose is the career and you chose theologian, it's a calling not a career.
 
Jan 21, 2017
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#8
You lost me at secondly. Why would John write with such great detail about future events just to comfort churches under persecution?

 
Mar 28, 2016
15,954
1,528
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#10
One thing I am learning I believe is how the word faith is used (how do we hear God) throughout the scriptures having it in respect to whose faith is in view... that of God or the things of men. The things of men are said in the scriptures to offend God. Learning the difference is crucial.

Like Kanios suggested how are we to develop ears to hear to hear what the Spirit of Christ, the Holy Spirit of God is saying?

The scriptures are God’s interpretation to us called the hearing of faith.(the unseen) That faith is in respect to the faith of God. Galatians 3:1-5 By it, it works in us to give us His understanding as to what the scripture refers to as a work of faith or a labor of love, the free gift we are given . This is not of us unless any person boast he is in place of God,(like Popes) they would be blaspheming his Holy name by which he calls us towards Him.

Studying to learn the meaning of the spiritual matters not seen, (the faith principle) is needed in interpreting the parables. Christ spoke not without them in order to hide the spiritual meaning from the lost and disinterested and give it those he is drawing towards Himself. Again He informs us that without parables he spoke not. It would be like the parable Kanios mentioned in the beginning. a key in understanding the wisdom of God
of God.

lMatthew 11:15Whoever has ears, let them hear.

A hidden key in understanding the wisdom of God

1Co 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

The Holy Spirit teaches us how we are to understand the spiritual meaning of the parables in order that we might have the wisdom of God (comparing that not seen to that not seen or faith to faith

2Co 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
 
Jan 27, 2013
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#11
knowing the difference between what the bible calls a jewish person , and what the bible calls a christian person.

and what they believe in, are two different things or two different religions, in the new covenant, will save you some real time and effort, when it come to context of scripture.
 
K

Kainos

Guest
#12
You los\t me when you called it the book of RevelationS, it is the book of Revelation or as other languages put it the Apocalyptic book. Either way the name does not suggest it was only written for that time. Besides what fear would John of had concerning Rome they had boiled his in oil and dropped him on the island of potmos. To understand the book of Revelation you need to understand all OT prophecy. Like the mark of the beast, Ezekiel speak of a mark and they received it because they mourned the abominations that were taking place in the Temple, were those in Revelation take it because they are art of the abominations taking place in the Temple.

Keep it in context, when reading the word. No revelation, seek the truth of the word of God, because it is the revelation of God.

I am sorry to hear you are pursuing a career in theology, it sound like you first purpose is the career and you chose theologian, it's a calling not a career.
Thank you for your feedback! I apologize if I caused any confusion sometimes what makes sense to us in written form may not be so to others so I try my best. To clarify what you seem to have misunderstood by your comments I never said John was in fear. I said the churches under Roman rule which included churches from Asia were suffering persecution and you are right to say you need to know OT prophecy to interpret that is exactly why he wrote the way he did to prevent Roman officials from intercepting any letters that would then cause more persecution of the church because he does speak against Rome. I also clearly stated this word John gives to the churches about the perseverance of their faith continues on to every generation.

As for your comment about a career in theology I find it interesting how you try to call me out on a passion of mines. You say keep it in context which I do yet fail to show how studying the Word of God requires a calling? Quite baffled how you would make such an opinion when the bible constantly encourages seeking knowledge and wisdom.

Once again sorry if I caused confusion, I reread the material and felt I was clear but I guess not enough. God bless you have a nice day.
 
K

Kainos

Guest
#13
You lost me at secondly. Why would John write with such great detail about future events just to comfort churches under persecution?

Hey God bless! Thank you for the question. I clearly see you are trying to make a joke out of me with the Shaq O Neil gif. I felt I made myself clear enough but I guess not sorry brother. The book of Revelation is to encourage followers of Christ to be steadfast and hold true to the faith no matter what persecution we may suffer. He even has powerful visions of Jesus one day coming to destroy evil once and for all. Yes it should comfort and encourage all believers that Jesus is coming and he will return to allow us to share in His final victory. Revelation is not a book to figure out when the end times will come as I mentioned already only the Father knows and would not try to give us blueprints to figure it out. If that is what you believe I am not sorry I have spoken the truth. I hope when you read Revelation that you may be comforted and encouraged to know that no matter how bad your situation may get that Jesus has the final word and all his children will share in his victory! God bless you brother! :D
 

Ahwatukee

Senior Member
Mar 12, 2015
11,162
2,380
113
#14
You los\t me when you called it the book of RevelationS, it is the book of Revelation or as other languages put it the Apocalyptic book. Either way the name does not suggest it was only written for that time. Besides what fear would John of had concerning Rome they had boiled his in oil and dropped him on the island of Patmos. To understand the book of Revelation you need to understand all OT prophecy. Like the mark of the beast, Ezekiel speak of a mark and they received it because they mourned the abominations that were taking place in the Temple, were those in Revelation take it because they are art of the abominations taking place in the Temple.

Keep it in context, when reading the word. No revelation, seek the truth of the word of God, because it is the revelation of God.

I am sorry to hear you are pursuing a career in theology, it sound like you first purpose is the career and you chose theologian, it's a calling not a career.
Greetings!

You should take your own advice, for the word "Apokalupsis" translated as "Revelation" means something that is being uncovered that was previously hidden.

It is good to have knowledge of the OT to gain a better understanding of Revelation, such as the book of Daniel who prophesied of that coming ruler, that little horn, the antichrist, but I can read the book of Revelation and know what it is saying without having to understand the OT. For example, I don't need to read the OT to understand what the seals, trumpets and bowl judgments are and their resulting fatalities. I don't have to read the OT to understand who the dragon is or what its heads and horns represent. And that because the information is all contained within the book of Revelation.

I think that the biggest help in the OT is aiding in the understanding of who the woman of Revelation 12 is which is revealed in Genesis 37:9-10.

But for the most part, Revelation is a self contained book, meaning that anyone can know what it is saying without consulting the OT and that because the answers are found in Revelation itself.
 
K

Kainos

Guest
#15
Ahwatukee great insight you have shared!
 
Dec 2, 2016
1,652
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#16
Hi Kainos: You are still a young man and we all have to learn, I have studied the bible daily for over one half a century...believe me, you have been deceived by whoever told you to study the bible in the way you are presenting it. You read the bible first of all as a book that God is using to speak to you personally. If you study the bible by taking the obvious interpretations then all things will explain themselves in time. The bible is a book by God to those who want to live for God, the human writers were just instruments of the Lord.
 
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K

Kainos

Guest
#17
Hi Kainos: You are still a young man and we all have to learn, I have studied the bible daily for over one half a century...believe me, you have been deceived by whoever told you to study the bible in the way you are presenting it. You read the bible first of all as a book that God is using to speak to you personally. If you study the bible by taking the obvious interpretations then all things will explain themselves in time. The bible is a book by God to those who want to live for God, the human writers were just instruments of the Lord.
Hey God bless brother! Thank you for your honest feedback! I love to learn so I love to teach and will always be a student of Christ! Amazing to hear the time you have spent studying the Word!

I understand the Bible is something personal and I should have been more clear on it but that is why I opened about the willingness to first allow the Word and Spirit to speak to you so scripture can be understood. I also concluded with a short Word about the transformation power needed through love and the Holy Spirit so I am well aware of the intimacy God seeks in a relationship with Him.
The Bible may be personal but it is not just for myself I need to know what scripture says, and learn to defend what I believe especially in a world where people are confused and constantly text scripture out of context like atheist so often do. This guide is to help people go deeper into the Word of God so that when they are asked tough questions, or someone proclaims a false gospel, or a honest questioner is confused and needs help they wont stand baffled without a clue of what to say. So I do not really understand how I was deceived, it would be better if you gave some advice on studying the bible since you have been doing so for so long to help edify myself and the community as opposed to saying I am wrong. I addressed how we should live for God with a couple of scripture as advice as well. Not sure if you were just stating that or accusing me of not.

Thank you for your input brother God bless!


@ the general viewer
It seems a lot of assumptions are being made. In no way is this guide the ABSOLUTE way one must study it is simply some tips to help you if you don't know how to get started or even take ideas to help better your studying and I am looking for ways to better myself as well which has already been stated.
 
Jan 21, 2017
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#18
Hey God bless! Thank you for the question. I clearly see you are trying to make a joke out of me with the Shaq O Neil gif. I felt I made myself clear enough but I guess not sorry brother. The book of Revelation is to encourage followers of Christ to be steadfast and hold true to the faith no matter what persecution we may suffer. He even has powerful visions of Jesus one day coming to destroy evil once and for all. Yes it should comfort and encourage all believers that Jesus is coming and he will return to allow us to share in His final victory. Revelation is not a book to figure out when the end times will come as I mentioned already only the Father knows and would not try to give us blueprints to figure it out. If that is what you believe I am not sorry I have spoken the truth. I hope when you read Revelation that you may be comforted and encouraged to know that no matter how bad your situation may get that Jesus has the final word and all his children will share in his victory! God bless you brother! :D
So are you saying that the entire vision is completely made up? SMoke and mirrors? Only to provide comfort no matter how bad it gets?
I dont know man, we have a lot of examples of that already in the old testament with Job for example.
 
B

BeyondET

Guest
#19
Nice post... :)

Afew I use,

KJV Cambridge edition.
1852 Syriac peshito, trans by James Murdock.
TPS tanakh 1917
The Septuagint, Koine Greek
Hebraic roots version

sometimes the NIV rarely though but nonetheless useful for things.
 
Dec 2, 2016
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#20
I remember reading the vision by Margret McDonald about the time of Christ return. It was very well written and contained much of what is taught in the bible, however right in the middle of all that good stuff she suddenly dropped a bomb, she said something that was absolutely untrue, then she went right on with the good stuff. So it is with this young man Kainos, much of what he said was true, then he dropped the bomb, Revelation was just to make folks feel better and not really a description of the future as it says that it is. Revelation was not written to make anyone feel better(it certainly does not do it for me) Revelation was written to show the servants of God those things which must shortly take place.