christian book study

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gypsygirl

Senior Member
Sep 19, 2012
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#1
how many of you would be interested in participating in a book study, assuming the book was of relevant interest to you?

+ what i'm proposing is those interested in sharing this experience will read a book together and share our insights along the way, using some questions that i'll periodically post to help guide or encourage discussion.

+ the extent of your participation is purely up to you, and what you feel led to share, such as any "light bulb moments" or points of disagreement as well, all with the goal of enhancing the learning experience and discussion.

+ i have started off by choosing a book that i think will lend itself particularly well to this kind of discussion, and very relevant to all christians. this book can be purchased between $9.99 (electronic/kindle) and $11.99 (hard copy) and would be the only expense to you. details about the book to follow in another post.

+ my vision for this idea is not a stressful, or ambitious "project", but rather a more leisurely-paced, pleasant and low-stress opportunity, for those of us who are seeking growth and learning.

+ after we get through the first book, we can re-group and decide if we want to continue, and what book (or format) we care to follow. also, if someone else wants to take ownership or guide the next discussion, that is fine with me--i would just like to see us give this a try.

+ the point of this post is to gauge whether others would be interested in trying this "experiment along with me, as a group". i have no set expectations, as we can establish pace and other necessary particulars as a group. but first, we need to find out who would like to give this a whirl. : )

if you are interested in this, as a concept, please comment indicating that in this thread, along with any concerns or suggestions you might have.

please note: that by expressing interest, you are not committing to anything, but simply indicating that you would be open to trying this out as a group.

 
M

MidniteWelder

Guest
#2
That sounds nice
Can we study the bible?
 
U

Ugly

Guest
#4


Ok. I'm done. :rolleyes:
 
H

hishealingred

Guest
#5
I've been seeing a few people say this and this word is completely new to me so I looked it up and just, I'm just letting you know what it means in BIBLICAL TERMS (DUN DUN DUN):

"Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain." Exodus 20:7

Also I say I would be interested too.
 

gypsygirl

Senior Member
Sep 19, 2012
1,394
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#6


my suggestion for a book to start off with is love focused, by bob and judy hughes.

on amazon, this book is currently reviewed at five stars
.

however, it's being sold on the author's web site for a cheaper price. the authors' website also features a pdf overview of the book as well.

i have elected this book to start with because i have read part of it, and think it lends itself for this kind of discussion and group participation particularly well for the following reasons:

+ subject: it's relevant for all christians, because it addresses all relationships as well as our identity and walk with God, with adequate scriptural context and references.

+ easy to read - i think it will appeal to most in that respect

+ a good length - 218 pages

+ format - available in both hard copy, kindle and electronic, download format, priced $11.99 and $9.99 respectively

read the pdf overview here
 
Apr 17, 2014
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#8
i would assert that any book that is based upon, references, directs us to, and encourages us to study the bible, along with deepening our relationship with God would be "studying the bible".

the proposed text can be found here.
Why not study an important doctrine of the Christian faith instead of a self help type book?
 
R

Raine

Guest
#9
I am definitely up for trying this. :)

What I have seen that is actually more helpful is if the leader reads ahead and posts questions for us to think about prior to reading the chapter. Then when we read it, we are actually more aware of what to look for and actually gain more insight. Just a thought. :)
 
M

MidniteWelder

Guest
#10
i would assert that any book that is based upon, references, directs us to, and encourages us to study the bible, along with deepening our relationship with God would be "studying the bible".

Using the logic of your assertion that any book that does these things could also mean the book of Mormon meets this criteria and therefore would in effect be:
"Studying the bible"

A simple "no" would have sufficed ma'am :)
 
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gypsygirl

Senior Member
Sep 19, 2012
1,394
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#11
Why not study an important doctrine of the Christian faith instead of a self help type book?
i think that's an excellent idea, and certainly one worth considering. it's been my experience that many of us are already involved in bible studies in our own areas, whereas, for some of us, the opportunity to read a text together can be a shared opportunity that not everyone can easily participate in.

in fact, if you or someone else would like to head up that study, i would certainly consider participating in that.

many excellent bible studies utilize guides, texts and supplements to foster understanding and study. i would consider this book among that group.

however, at this junction, i would like to find out whether others are interested in coming together to read a christian book and discussing how we can apply the discussed biblical principles and insights to our lives.
 

gypsygirl

Senior Member
Sep 19, 2012
1,394
60
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#12
I am definitely up for trying this. :)

What I have seen that is actually more helpful is if the leader reads ahead and posts questions for us to think about prior to reading the chapter. Then when we read it, we are actually more aware of what to look for and actually gain more insight. Just a thought. :)

i like that idea raine... it's actually one of the reasons why i chose this book. because i'm already a decent ways into this, thus not making a blind recommendation.

and i like the idea of posting the questions ahead, rather than after -- thank you!
 

seoulsearch

OutWrite Trouble
May 23, 2009
14,940
4,581
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#13
Using the logic of your assertion of any book that does these things would include the book of Mormon also meets this criteria and therefore would be in effect
"Studying the bible"

A simple "no" would have sufficed ma'am :)
In all fairness, a simple, "A Christian book study group is an awesome idea!!" would have well sufficed instead of a snide, "Can we study the Bible?"

OF COURSE as Christians we are to study the Bible, that goes without saying. But God also speaks to us in different ways and enlightens us from different angles.

While I was lying in the hospital after a suicide attempt many years ago, a young nurse's aid, also a Christian, gave my Mom a copy of Philip Yancey's "Disappointment With God" for me to read because a year ago, she had been in the same place I was, and in the same hospital. Second only to the Bible, it is, for me, the most influential book I've ever read. I've read it so many times I had to buy a second copy because the first was falling apart. (And no, it did not become a substitute; I have 6 different Bibles, all of which I have read cover-to-cover.)

I have always been interested in crafts and needlework, but have NEVER been able to learn from books and manuals. I can read a technique until I'm blue in the face but don't quite "get it" until I see the actual process demonstrated live or on video. It doesn't negate the validity or value of the written instructions at all, but rather, serves as an aid to my own comprehension, which is how I view trustworthy Christian books and accounts of how people live out their lives as Christians.

We all have our own unique "Rosetta Stones" that help turn on the "light" to understanding something better, and I believe God sets it up that way on purpose. Some people understand God better with the help of music and art. (God told Jeremiah to visit the potter as an example of what He would tell Him.) Others will grow in faith through groups and books such as what Gypsy is suggesting.

Studying nothing but the Bible or historical Biblical texts might sound more "spiritual", and works for some people, which is wonderful, but I doubt God assigns any "extra spiritual credit" to those who think they're closer to the Lord because of it.
 
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gypsygirl

Senior Member
Sep 19, 2012
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#14
You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to seoulsearch again.
 

phil36

Senior Member
Feb 12, 2009
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#15
Count me in Gypsygirl..

How will it be done.. something like a chapter a week or something like that?
 

seoulsearch

OutWrite Trouble
May 23, 2009
14,940
4,581
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#16
Studying nothing but the Bible or historical Biblical texts might sound more "spiritual", and works for some people, which is wonderful, but I doubt God assigns any "extra spiritual credit" to those who think they're closer to the Lord because of it.
When I say, "those who think they're closer to the Lord because of it," they may very well indeed be closer to the Lord than what they would be without such reading or study.

What I meant to say in full was, I doubt God gives extra spiritual credit to those who only read such things AND THINK THEY ARE CLOSER TO GOD THAN OTHERS (therefore, superior in their Christian faith and walk) because of it.

If you have the gift of being helped by engaging in nothing else but such readings, wonderful!! However, that doesn't give anyone the right to cut down, criticize, or imply that someone else and their ways of understanding are somehow inferior or less spiritual.

God designs us to seek Him in different ways, all of which, if Biblically sound, are equally valid.
 
Apr 17, 2014
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#17
I am not questioning the validity of a study being led by a guide, those kinds of studies are some of the most effective studies.

In my experience though, no one is willing to participate in a bible study with me on the essential doctrines of the faith.
 
Apr 17, 2014
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#18
All kinds of biblical study must be consulted, study aid's as well as the biblical text. Balance.
 

gypsygirl

Senior Member
Sep 19, 2012
1,394
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#19
I am not questioning the validity of a study being led by a guide, those kinds of studies are some of the most effective studies.

In my experience though, no one is willing to participate in a bible study with me on the essential doctrines of the faith.
well, until you are able to find/organize a study based upon your desired topic, you're welcome to join us. while i haven't finished this book yet, i have found it to be very insightful and helpful in strengthening my own faith and application of God's word.
 

seoulsearch

OutWrite Trouble
May 23, 2009
14,940
4,581
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#20
I would also like to suggest that for those who are dead-set on having a study about certain books (the Bible only or historical documents only, etc.) and are inflexible to what Gypsy has suggested, please make your own thread about what you would like to review and start your own studies.

Gypsy has taken her own time and resources to inquire about this in the interest of Christian growth and fellowship. Since SHE is the one pioneering the study, should she not also have the right to choose the first book to be read???!!

I find it very disheartening that some people are already being so mean-spirited and critical without putting in the work to starting their own group. It's all too easy to say, "I want to do this instead," without putting in the actual work to do it.

Please, at least have a little respect for the person willing to put in the work.