Starting to read the bible

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A

AllanSnackbar

Guest
#1
OK I'm going to sit down and try reading a bible. I've never been a believer but I'm not closed minded.

I've dismissed other religions because of their lack of relevance in today's society (the Asian gods) or because they are represented by backwards idiots (Muslims)

I've got my problems with Christianity too, but alot of that is down to admitted ignorance of the bible so I'm going to give it a chance.

Christianity appears to be the most relevant religion of all the others, and seems to attract fewer nut cases than the others so I'm prepared to devote some time to reading the source material.

No doubt I'll hit some hurdles and I'm aware it won't fit in with what I percieve to be 'reality' at times, but I'll be as open as I can.

There seems to be some very knowledgable people here so I hope to take advantage of your expertise and perspectives.

Wish me luck!!
 

crossnote

Senior Member
Nov 24, 2012
30,742
3,670
113
#2
Read Matthew 5:19-48. If you see you are guilty as charged then read the Book of John.
If you don't see yourself guilty under God's righteous standards then whatever, it's just an intellectual pursuit of religion.
 
A

AllanSnackbar

Guest
#3
Read Matthew 5:19-48. If you see you are guilty as charged then read the Book of John.
If you don't see yourself guilty under God's righteous standards then whatever, it's just an intellectual pursuit of religion.
Shouldnt I read if from beginning to end in its entirety? I don't see a value in just the odd verse here and there.

Your already Making it sound like I won't do too well lol
 
May 30, 2015
1,179
7
0
#4
OK I'm going to sit down and try reading a bible. I've never been a believer but I'm not closed minded.

I've dismissed other religions because of their lack of relevance in today's society (the Asian gods) or because they are represented by backwards idiots (Muslims)

I've got my problems with Christianity too, but alot of that is down to admitted ignorance of the bible so I'm going to give it a chance.

Christianity appears to be the most relevant religion of all the others, and seems to attract fewer nut cases than the others so I'm prepared to devote some time to reading the source material.

No doubt I'll hit some hurdles and I'm aware it won't fit in with what I percieve to be 'reality' at times, but I'll be as open as I can.

There seems to be some very knowledgable people here so I hope to take advantage of your expertise and perspectives.

Wish me luck!!
You are doing a GREAT thing!


I won't wish you luck, as there is no such thing, but I am now praying for you, that you will meet the Saviour in a profound way through the reading of His message to you!
 
P

purgedconscience

Guest
#5
Hi Allan.

I'm happy to hear that you're going to read the Bible with an open mind. Where do you plan on beginning? In the Old Testament or the New Testament? If you plan on beginning in the Old Testament, then it's imperative for you to know that Jesus can be found all throughout the Old Testament. Please consider the following two scriptures and there are many more just like them:

Luke chapter 24 verses 13 thru 32

And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.
And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?
And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass therein these days?
And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:
And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.
But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;
And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.
And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.
Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?
And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.
But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.
And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.
And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

After His resurrection from the dead, as Christ walked with two men on the road to Emmaus, He opened the scriptures unto them and expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself and these things were found in the books of Moses or the first five books of the Bible and all the prophets. When you read these books, pray first and ask Jesus to open the scriptures unto you as well and ask Him to show you Himself in the scriptures. He'll do it, if you but ask Him to.

Luke chapter 24 verses 36 thru 48

And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.
And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
And he took it, and did eat before them.
And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures
,
And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
And ye are witnesses of these things.


Again, after His resurrection from the dead, Jesus appeared unto His disciples and opened their understanding that they might understand the scriptures by showing them all things which were written in the law of Moses or the first five books of the Bible, the prophets and the psalms in relation to Himself. He'll open your understanding as well, if you but ask Him to.

May God lead you and guide you into all truth by the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, as you seek Him.
 
A

AllanSnackbar

Guest
#6
Hi Allan.

I'm happy to hear that you're going to read the Bible with an open mind. Where do you plan on beginning? In the Old Testament or the New Testament? If you plan on beginning in the Old Testament, then it's imperative for you to know that Jesus can be found all throughout the Old Testament. Please consider the following two scriptures and there are many more just like them:

Luke chapter 24 verses 13 thru 32

And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.
And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?
And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass therein these days?
And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:
And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.
But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;
And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.
And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.
Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?
And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.
But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.
And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.
And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

After His resurrection from the dead, as Christ walked with two men on the road to Emmaus, He openend the scriptures unto them and expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself and these things were found in the books of Moses or the first five books of the Bible and all the prophets. When you read these books, pray first and ask Jesus to open the scriptures unto you as well and ask Him to show you Himself in the scriptures. He'll do it, if you but ask Him to.

Luke chapter 24 verses 36 thru 48

And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.
And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
And he took it, and did eat before them.
And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures
,
And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
And ye are witnesses of these things.


Again, after His resurrection from the dead, Jesus appeared unto His disciples and opened their understanding that they might understand the scriptures by showing them all things which were written in the law of Moses or the first five books of the Bible, the prophets and the psalms in relation to Himself. He'll open your understanding as well, if you but ask Him to.

May God lead you and guide you into all truth by the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, as you seek Him.
I'm going in from page one.

Thank you for your well wishes :)


I've heard many out of context criticisms of the bible in regards to rape and slavery etc. If I go through it entirely I can make my own mind up.
 
P

purgedconscience

Guest
#7
As you read the Old Testament, Christ will be found in different ways.

One way that He'll be found is in types such as the Passover lamb, the scapegoat, the brazen serpent which Moses lifted up upon a pole, etc., etc. All of these types, as well as many others just like them, point to the suffering Savior Who sacrificed His Own life that we might be saved.

Another way that Christ will be found is in prophetic utterances which foretold of different aspects of Christ's life, ministry, death, resurrection from the dead, ascension back to the Father, His second coming, etc., etc.

Yet another way that Christ will be found is in direct First Person speaking. Yes, Christ can be heard speaking directly a multitude of times in the Old Testament.

If I can be of any assistance to you, then please don't hesitate to ask. You can always PM me if you don't want to ask questions publicly.
 
P

purgedconscience

Guest
#8
I'm going in from page one.

Thank you for your well wishes :)


I've heard many out of context criticisms of the bible in regards to rape and slavery etc. If I go through it entirely I can make my own mind up.
Sometimes, reading the Bible is like reading the newspaper or a history book. In other words, it will give details of rapes and such things, but this doesn't mean that God ordained such rapes. It's just a historical record of what transpired.
 

crossnote

Senior Member
Nov 24, 2012
30,742
3,670
113
#9
Shouldnt I read if from beginning to end in its entirety? I don't see a value in just the odd verse here and there.

Your already Making it sound like I won't do too well lol
It's a Book of Redemption. First you must see your need to be redeemed, otherwise it's just religion.
 
A

AllanSnackbar

Guest
#10
OK we have a flag up in Genesis with the day and night cycles being referred to as being in place before the sun was created.

Obviously science throws in a spanner there..

But It's not a huge problem. For a while I used to switch the heating on manually when I came home from work and manually switch it off around 9pm.

However I don't need to manually control it anymore because I've set a timer to do it automatically.

So is it safe to assume God may have "manually controlled" the day and night cycle initially.. Was happy with it so then set things in motion so they took care of themselves on their own? Like my timed heating? Lol.

Don't worry I won't be doing this every verse. Just want to get a feel for how I'm approaching it.
 
A

AllanSnackbar

Guest
#11
It's a Book of Redemption. First you must see your need to be redeemed, otherwise it's just religion.
No, that sounds like cherry picking to me.
 

crossnote

Senior Member
Nov 24, 2012
30,742
3,670
113
#12
No, that sounds like cherry picking to me.
No, it's going to the heart of the matter. But do your own thing, I was only trying to help.
You wont understand the bible as intended until you've been born again...John 3.
 
A

AllanSnackbar

Guest
#13
No, it's going to the heart of the matter. But do your own thing, I was only trying to help.
No I appreciate your sentiment. But I shouldnt have to jump to selected books and passages first.

I have to take it all in.
 
Feb 7, 2015
22,418
413
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#14
It's a Book of Redemption. First you must see your need to be redeemed, otherwise it's just religion.
I normally don't agree with Crossednotes (LOL), but, he's right. If you're just looking for a Science book, you're barking up the wrong tree.
 

crossnote

Senior Member
Nov 24, 2012
30,742
3,670
113
#15
No I appreciate your sentiment. But I shouldnt have to jump to selected books and passages first.

I have to take it all in.
More than sentiment, it's 40+ years in the bible.
But it's your choice.
God's Peace.
 

Blain

The Word Weaver
Aug 28, 2012
19,212
2,547
113
#16
Hey Allen, when I first began I was told to start with the new testament so that I can learn who Jesus is and what it means to be a Christian. The old testament requires a great deal of discernment and understanding of who God is which many experienced believers still have not obtained. The Old testament is good for sure but there are parts of it that unless you truly know the heart of God you will get the wrong idea of him.

Here is what I did maybe it will help you. I started with the four gospels mathew mark luke and John then I went acts then i went to everything past that in the new testament. I also read psalms which was my favorite I call it the book of encouragement and I read proverbs the book of wisdom both in the old testament but are very helpful. But a word of advice however you decide to read the bible I would stay away from revelations for a while because it's a very confusing and deep book
 
A

AllanSnackbar

Guest
#17
I'm well aware I'm not reading a science book.

I'm reading what is regarded as the perfect word of God. If the stuff your referencing is so important why isn't it at the front of the book?

Let's just imagine I'd ñever heard about the bible. If I found it lying around and decided to start reading it. I would naturally read it from the beginning. Now your saying its not the right way to do it?
 

crossnote

Senior Member
Nov 24, 2012
30,742
3,670
113
#18
I'm well aware I'm not reading a science book.

I'm reading what is regarded as the perfect word of God. If the stuff your referencing is so important why isn't it at the front of the book?

Let's just imagine I'd ñever heard about the bible. If I found it lying around and decided to start reading it. I would naturally read it from the beginning. Now your saying its not the right way to do it?
I never said it's the wrong way. May God lead you in your reading. Good bye.
 
Feb 7, 2015
22,418
413
0
#19
I'm well aware I'm not reading a science book.

I'm reading what is regarded as the perfect word of God. If the stuff your referencing is so important why isn't it at the front of the book?

Let's just imagine I'd ñever heard about the bible. If I found it lying around and decided to start reading it. I would naturally read it from the beginning. Now your saying its not the right way to do it?
Where did I say that?
 
A

AllanSnackbar

Guest
#20
Where did I say that?
I'm just saying.. I was advised to jump straight to Matthew and John. Someone else said they started with the New Testament.

What's wrong with just going cover to cover?