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To the OP - read How to Read the Bible For All Its Worth by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart.
Fee is a renowned Greek scholar and he has written numerous commentaries and books on the Bible. This book is introduction to hermeneutics, which is how you interpret the Bible. He basically goes through all the genres and explains what they mean in terms of understanding what you are reading in the Bible. He deals with translation, and how there is no perfect Bible, but we can be certain of all the basic doctrines of the Christian faith. Every Seminary I took classes in recommended this book as a basic introduction to understanding the Bible!
As for Jason, I now understand why you have such faulty doctrine. It comes directly out of thinking we don't need to learn Greek and Hebrew because they're "dead languages"!!! And that we can rely on the archaic and antiquated KJV, which is based on the embellished Byzantine texts, which are only the majority because people continued to speak Greek. Hence there were more copyists, especially in the Byzantine Empire! Earlier Manuscripts are much more reliable. You can trace copyists mistakes through the Textus Receptus to the exact place where the words were added. That is the science of manuscript criticism.
Exactly what language was the Bible written in, do you think, Jason?? Try the language of the day. The language the Old Testament prophets and writers used was Hebrew, with a bit of Aramaic in Daniel. The New Testament was written in Koine Greek, or common Greek, because it was the common language everyone, including Jesus, spoke! Not a dead language at all!
In fact, a knowledge of Greek and Hebrew can GREATLY enhance your Biblical studies. It also is helpful knowing at least some basic grammar. This is because the grammar of both Hebrew and Greek is very different than English, which is why you can never get a "perfect" or "inspired" English TRANSLATION!!
I cannot not begin to tell you how much the study of both of these languages has enhanced my understanding of the Word of God. And also helped me grow spiritually, which is what I think the OP was asking. I am not saying at this point, everyone needs to learn Hebrew and Greek. But for those with a hunger to read God's word with an understanding in the original languages, I know that it is a rewarding and exciting process, to both learn and use the languages.
Jason, you need to read:
The King James Only Controversy: Can You Trust Modern Translations by James R White if you want to know the truth about how faulty the KJV is. He also answers the lies of people that propagate this nonsense that KJV is the only invited version!
Fee is a renowned Greek scholar and he has written numerous commentaries and books on the Bible. This book is introduction to hermeneutics, which is how you interpret the Bible. He basically goes through all the genres and explains what they mean in terms of understanding what you are reading in the Bible. He deals with translation, and how there is no perfect Bible, but we can be certain of all the basic doctrines of the Christian faith. Every Seminary I took classes in recommended this book as a basic introduction to understanding the Bible!
As for Jason, I now understand why you have such faulty doctrine. It comes directly out of thinking we don't need to learn Greek and Hebrew because they're "dead languages"!!! And that we can rely on the archaic and antiquated KJV, which is based on the embellished Byzantine texts, which are only the majority because people continued to speak Greek. Hence there were more copyists, especially in the Byzantine Empire! Earlier Manuscripts are much more reliable. You can trace copyists mistakes through the Textus Receptus to the exact place where the words were added. That is the science of manuscript criticism.
Exactly what language was the Bible written in, do you think, Jason?? Try the language of the day. The language the Old Testament prophets and writers used was Hebrew, with a bit of Aramaic in Daniel. The New Testament was written in Koine Greek, or common Greek, because it was the common language everyone, including Jesus, spoke! Not a dead language at all!
In fact, a knowledge of Greek and Hebrew can GREATLY enhance your Biblical studies. It also is helpful knowing at least some basic grammar. This is because the grammar of both Hebrew and Greek is very different than English, which is why you can never get a "perfect" or "inspired" English TRANSLATION!!
I cannot not begin to tell you how much the study of both of these languages has enhanced my understanding of the Word of God. And also helped me grow spiritually, which is what I think the OP was asking. I am not saying at this point, everyone needs to learn Hebrew and Greek. But for those with a hunger to read God's word with an understanding in the original languages, I know that it is a rewarding and exciting process, to both learn and use the languages.
Jason, you need to read:
The King James Only Controversy: Can You Trust Modern Translations by James R White if you want to know the truth about how faulty the KJV is. He also answers the lies of people that propagate this nonsense that KJV is the only invited version!
Have this book. Didn't do much for me.
Dear MB: Read the sample at Amazon and see if it is for you or not.
Here we go again.
Jesus said beware of the Scribes.
Who are the scribes today?
Think about it.
Do a side by side comparison of the KJV versus the Modern Translations. The changes are for the worse and not for the better. Certain doctrines or truths have been watered down and or eliminated (Please go back within this thread and see my previous posts about the KJV). Also, the devil's name is all over the Modern Translations. Many verses are removed in the Modern Translations. Good verses. Some Modern Translations make subtle changes that are just heresy.
See, the pharisees attacked Jesus. Kind of like what everyone here is doing to me (When I am not desiring to debate such a thing). Everyone is getting all ape crazy when we should be getting going bananas over Jesus Christ and the gospel.
This has been refuted. I seen a couple of refutations against this silly book. It has no basis or fact resting upon the Bible itself. The "No-Perfect-Word-of-God-For-Our-Day" Postion cannot be found in Scripture. However, finding Scripture that backs up the truth that the Word of God is perfect and preserved for our day can be found.
But please. Just stop. You are the third person to jump down my throat on this off topic discussion. I am honestly not interested in debating it at this time. Please just stop.
Dear MB: Read the sample at Amazon and see if it is for you or not.
Here we go again.
Jesus said beware of the Scribes.
Who are the scribes today?
Think about it.
Do a side by side comparison of the KJV versus the Modern Translations. The changes are for the worse and not for the better. Certain doctrines or truths have been watered down and or eliminated (Please go back within this thread and see my previous posts about the KJV). Also, the devil's name is all over the Modern Translations. Many verses are removed in the Modern Translations. Good verses. Some Modern Translations make subtle changes that are just heresy.
See, the pharisees attacked Jesus. Kind of like what everyone here is doing to me (When I am not desiring to debate such a thing). Everyone is getting all ape crazy when we should be getting going bananas over Jesus Christ and the gospel.
This has been refuted. I seen a couple of refutations against this silly book. It has no basis or fact resting upon the Bible itself. The "No-Perfect-Word-of-God-For-Our-Day" Postion cannot be found in Scripture. However, finding Scripture that backs up the truth that the Word of God is perfect and preserved for our day can be found.
But please. Just stop. You are the third person to jump down my throat on this off topic discussion. I am honestly not interested in debating it at this time. Please just stop.
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C
Definitely not true, Brother. Even the youtube that Jason posted is Theology that's based upon study into the original language.
I never said that we all must do this and certainly know that those without money and computers certainly couldn't but God has called some to study the original language that our NT was written in for a personal reason. I do have my personal reason, that GOD basically forced me to. I was more into missionary and health care work before - but He was very unquestionable in His leading or forcing me to get into more intensive study and I believe more than anything - it was to strengthen my own faith, with what I've had to face in my life and will face in the future.
With each exegesis or search for cross-references etc. my faith has only grown more solid then ever.
I've had a very different life than most and that from birth -- lived in many homes with different people to raise me and much trouble after I was old enough to be on my own from who I married.
I went to Bible college back in 1979 just to get grounded and to learn hermeneutics because I NEEDED to Know what He had taught and have it be from His Book and no one else, because I was always so easy to fool before I got saved.
I don't teach - I just like to give out free things to people who may also like to learn on their own.
Every ounce of energy of study was covered with continuous prayer because I knew that without His "Spirit of Truth" leading and guiding, that without Him I can do Nothing and know that every second of the day.
I know my faults very well. I live with me 24/7, as no one else can. I know how the enemy would love us to compromise here and there to keep friends. But thankfully, some dear person told me that you don't lose "Friends".
I just love my HUSBAND and want to know everything humanly possible about Him - that's all my studies have been for.
E
Did you know that just about every book ever written has been refuted by someone? Even the Bible has been refuted. James R. White is a good writer but because someone doesn't "believe" in what he says they will refute it. Have you read any of his books? Have you read that book in particular? If not then how can you say it's a "silly book" unless you read it.
While I have agreed with some Calvinist's articles in the past, I would not actively seek out any of their books or writings knowingly because I am strongly against Calvinism. James White is a Calvinist. I also seen him speak in a few videos and he is a fake. He can't defend his position Biblically. It's all.. "Man made history" and "These old texts say this." But what does the Bible say today? Can your position be proven Biblically? I also read a few lines of the rebuttal of his book to know it is a joke. Don't need to buy a book that I would just burn after reading 10 pages into it.
Anyways, getting back on the topic of "Bible Study Tips."
If you find that an online discussion of the Bible or live Bible Study is not for you, then I would encourage you to buy a journal and take notes on the Word of God for yourself. Include your conversations with God in the journal, too; And place dates and things you learned or things that you were corrected on, etc. In other words, think of it as a diary. Make sure you include the steps of how to approach Scripture that you feel are necessary in your Study.
Hope this helps.
And may God bless you.
If you find that an online discussion of the Bible or live Bible Study is not for you, then I would encourage you to buy a journal and take notes on the Word of God for yourself. Include your conversations with God in the journal, too; And place dates and things you learned or things that you were corrected on, etc. In other words, think of it as a diary. Make sure you include the steps of how to approach Scripture that you feel are necessary in your Study.
Hope this helps.
And may God bless you.
E
Not trying to be a jerk or anything but why are you "strongly against" Calvinism or actually reformed theology? (Many people mix Calvinism with reformed theology). You can PM me on this if you want as to not totally derail the thread.
Ok let's look at it this way then. We know there are a couple different translations of the Bible. Now I know your KJV only view and if you want that view it's up to you. But when reading other translations do they teach a "different" Gospel or the same Gospel? Do they teach a different theology? Do they teach a different doctrine? This would be my point.
There is actually only one translation that teaches something completely different (that i personally know) than the translations that we as Christians use. That translation is the "New World Translation" of the Jehovahs Witness. (I don't know much about Mormonism but I have heard the same about them).
The NIV, KJV, ESV, NKJV, ect ect all teach the same doctrine, theology and Gospel only using different words. Each one of them also has errors as they were "scribed" by fallible men from original text. But the message is the same.
When I study I personally use more than one translation, NIV, KJV and NKJV, because I might like the wording different in one than the other. For example; propitiation in KJV and NKJV compared to sacrifice in NIV.
In fact the language used in the KJV is considered a "dead language" as it is not used in common speaking in today's culture. Now this doesn't mean it's useless it just means we don't speak it today just like some of the Bibles "original" language.
If you want to believe in KJV only that's fine but don't "beat" someone up because they "prefer" a different translation.
No translation we have today is "perfect" in its wording but the message of the Gospel is. The Gospel is the important thing not the words used.
Ok let's look at it this way then. We know there are a couple different translations of the Bible. Now I know your KJV only view and if you want that view it's up to you. But when reading other translations do they teach a "different" Gospel or the same Gospel? Do they teach a different theology? Do they teach a different doctrine? This would be my point.
There is actually only one translation that teaches something completely different (that i personally know) than the translations that we as Christians use. That translation is the "New World Translation" of the Jehovahs Witness. (I don't know much about Mormonism but I have heard the same about them).
The NIV, KJV, ESV, NKJV, ect ect all teach the same doctrine, theology and Gospel only using different words. Each one of them also has errors as they were "scribed" by fallible men from original text. But the message is the same.
When I study I personally use more than one translation, NIV, KJV and NKJV, because I might like the wording different in one than the other. For example; propitiation in KJV and NKJV compared to sacrifice in NIV.
In fact the language used in the KJV is considered a "dead language" as it is not used in common speaking in today's culture. Now this doesn't mean it's useless it just means we don't speak it today just like some of the Bibles "original" language.
If you want to believe in KJV only that's fine but don't "beat" someone up because they "prefer" a different translation.
No translation we have today is "perfect" in its wording but the message of the Gospel is. The Gospel is the important thing not the words used.
C
I found it online in PDF format to download here - http://stockholmlife.se/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/How_To_Read_The_Bible.pdf
Thanks, Angela!
I have used spiral notebooks taking notes from Bible study as we ll as listening to sermons and in classes. I wish I had a computer way back when I started that, but most fill boxes in storage that would take a couple of pickup loads to move. It's interesting to look back, though having very limited time for that. I was 'learning' things in the 1970's and 80's that I'm only very recently understanding. A lot of knowledge is given before we need it, in the very nature of education, things the apostles knew long ago that most of the world will never catch. As I hear the Spirit more clearly as I grow in the Lord it is He who gives the spiritual comprehension of what has been in my memory. I think the main point I am trying to get at is that however I do it, do it. Keep packing it in the mind (soul), feeding your new creature spiritman. I believe the born again inner spirit man and the Holy Spirit come to understandings well before the soul does. Our mind takes time to regenerate, starting off quite cluttered with many lifetime distractions.
That's something to run some searches on! I use the free Olive Tree Bible app on my cellphone, better than the ones I paid for. There are several free downloadable Bibles our Bible lovers here can select versions in, and do fine word, phrase, and topic searches with.
Insisting on always understanding everything in the moment of studying it is likely to slow down the reading of the Word too much. Just reading or hearing it daily ushers in faith that leads to more wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. It will take the rest of our lifetimes to comprehend what God meant for us to get while in the flesh. When we are changed we will instantly understand it all, no veils left to interfere.
That's something to run some searches on! I use the free Olive Tree Bible app on my cellphone, better than the ones I paid for. There are several free downloadable Bibles our Bible lovers here can select versions in, and do fine word, phrase, and topic searches with.
Insisting on always understanding everything in the moment of studying it is likely to slow down the reading of the Word too much. Just reading or hearing it daily ushers in faith that leads to more wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. It will take the rest of our lifetimes to comprehend what God meant for us to get while in the flesh. When we are changed we will instantly understand it all, no veils left to interfere.
This is not a KJV discussion thread; And I already said before I am not interested in debating it at this time because I have written a lot on this topic for many years (Supporting my findings with Scripture). If you are interested in what I have to say on the KJV subject go back into this thread and find the link I provided in one of my posts here that talk about the evidences that back up the KJV as the divinely inspired Word of God.
This is also not a Calvinism thread; I have debated again Calvinism for many years (Using Scripture and logic), too. I have debated the topic of "free will" here at CC already. If you are interested in what I have said, just Google the keywords...
free will judgment farce Jason0047 site:christianchat.com
within Google's search bar.
This is also not a Calvinism thread; I have debated again Calvinism for many years (Using Scripture and logic), too. I have debated the topic of "free will" here at CC already. If you are interested in what I have said, just Google the keywords...
free will judgment farce Jason0047 site:christianchat.com
within Google's search bar.
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Yeah, I find it hard to write hand written letters today like I used to in the past with ease because I have not done so since school. I have typed out all my written work or documents on computers. I mentioned it to MB because it is probable that he may be doing a lot of hand written work at school. I say go with whatever method feels the most natural to a person (Either writing in a journal or typing out a digital document on their computer or Ipad).
In fact, there is a really great app for taking notes in the Ipad. It is an index card app. In the app, it looks like real index note cards on a cork board. You select the note cards you want (That have a Title of your choosing), and you can click on the note card, and it flips around for you to type on the other side (at great length). I would recommend this for folks who want to take notes on the Bible if they have an Ipad. If they don't own a computer or an Ipad, they can create a free personal blog by accessing the internet thru their library and post personal blogs (That they may want to publish to the public later down the road).
In fact, there is a really great app for taking notes in the Ipad. It is an index card app. In the app, it looks like real index note cards on a cork board. You select the note cards you want (That have a Title of your choosing), and you can click on the note card, and it flips around for you to type on the other side (at great length). I would recommend this for folks who want to take notes on the Bible if they have an Ipad. If they don't own a computer or an Ipad, they can create a free personal blog by accessing the internet thru their library and post personal blogs (That they may want to publish to the public later down the road).
Just click here to check it out at the Itunes Store:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/index-card/id389358786?mt=8
Note: This process will probably work best if you have an apple Blu Tooth Keyboard, too.
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Yeah, but I type really fast and it is natural for me.
I feel my thoughts can be conveyed very quickly and naturally with typing (Which I am so grateful to the Lord that I took typing class way back in high school).
Note to MB: If you haven't done so already, or if you don't type fast, please pick up a typing class (if one is available at your school). So worth it in the long run (Well, that is if you plan to have a computer or digital tablet with a blu tooth keyboard or something in your future).
I feel my thoughts can be conveyed very quickly and naturally with typing (Which I am so grateful to the Lord that I took typing class way back in high school).
Note to MB: If you haven't done so already, or if you don't type fast, please pick up a typing class (if one is available at your school). So worth it in the long run (Well, that is if you plan to have a computer or digital tablet with a blu tooth keyboard or something in your future).
M
This may be a long shot question... but I really wanna get into my bible and start looking past the face value of it.
I mostly use my AKJV as my main text of choice with others a NKJV study bible should I lack undestanding of what the text is saying. My study bible also has a very very helpful topical study section where it lists a list of scriptures relevant to each subject, and is very full..
I also have a full bible commentary which has been really helpful and expands on the scripture...
Now heres my question...what do I actually do? lol I tend to open up my study bible at a subject, read the scriptures of a subject and then sit there thinking, "what next?" I don't know what I am actually doing... my church doesn't any bible studies, and so I feel like I am in a bit of a rut. Is there any point writing out scriptures in a notebook, since they are all listed in a topical section in my bible? BAH i dunno...
Help is welcome!
I mostly use my AKJV as my main text of choice with others a NKJV study bible should I lack undestanding of what the text is saying. My study bible also has a very very helpful topical study section where it lists a list of scriptures relevant to each subject, and is very full..
I also have a full bible commentary which has been really helpful and expands on the scripture...
Now heres my question...what do I actually do? lol I tend to open up my study bible at a subject, read the scriptures of a subject and then sit there thinking, "what next?" I don't know what I am actually doing... my church doesn't any bible studies, and so I feel like I am in a bit of a rut. Is there any point writing out scriptures in a notebook, since they are all listed in a topical section in my bible? BAH i dunno...
Help is welcome!
LearningChrist - YouTube
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You just need to do what do jason...not have a working computer with printer. kinda makes me have to hand write everything lol
kinda makes me have to hand write everything lol
Apple users: https://www.olivetree.com/store/home.php?cat=262&free=on&language=0&sort=title_popular
Android users: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=biblereader.olivetree&hl=en
Oh well, I tried the link and that won't be the exact one you need. I have many already installed and they know it, and I'm not paying attention to how a new user gets in. You'll figure it out. This is a bit of a problem done from an Iphone while talking to clients. I gave my ipad away due to it's size, but it looks like I need one for the sake of my eyes. Whatever device you have there is likely an app that will make printing stuff out obsolete.
As for another Bible Study tip:
Well, I would also pray for discernment again after hearing various teachers. I even encourage people to check out the Scriptures on anything that I say in God's Word and to then pray over it. For I am not interested in my Truth; But God's Truth. I am not perfect and nobody is else is. Only Jesus Christ is perfect and and only the Spirit can lead a person into all truth. So my encouragement is to squeeze every resource that is available to you (But yet also on the other hand, be cautious in what people say or teach, too). In other words, seek, seek, seek, and pray, pray, pray; And then research like crazy. Truth takes time (In studying God's Word diligently). Sometimes what you think you know will be changed later on (By the leading of the Spirit). It's not an overnight process.
Well, I would also pray for discernment again after hearing various teachers. I even encourage people to check out the Scriptures on anything that I say in God's Word and to then pray over it. For I am not interested in my Truth; But God's Truth. I am not perfect and nobody is else is. Only Jesus Christ is perfect and and only the Spirit can lead a person into all truth. So my encouragement is to squeeze every resource that is available to you (But yet also on the other hand, be cautious in what people say or teach, too). In other words, seek, seek, seek, and pray, pray, pray; And then research like crazy. Truth takes time (In studying God's Word diligently). Sometimes what you think you know will be changed later on (By the leading of the Spirit). It's not an overnight process.
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