Reading the entire bible.

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Aug 22, 2022
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#1
When reading the bible front to back as I have done a couple of times I find I skim over the lists of names and lists of battles for example such as in Chronicles. Do you think it is important to read them carefully?
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
25,045
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#2
When reading the bible front to back as I have done a couple of times I find I skim over the lists of names and lists of battles for example such as in Chronicles. Do you think it is important to read them carefully?
At least once, yes. While it is generally recognized among Christians that these texts have limited didactic value, remember that the Holy Spirit can speak to you through (or about) any passage of Scripture... and it is quite edifying when He reveals little nuggets of knowledge and wisdom when (and where) we least expect it.
 

fizzyjoe

Well-known member
Oct 22, 2018
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#3
At least once, yes. While it is generally recognized among Christians that these texts have limited didactic value, remember that the Holy Spirit can speak to you through (or about) any passage of Scripture... and it is quite edifying when He reveals little nuggets of knowledge and wisdom when (and where) we least expect it.
Quite well put, I myself prefer to let the Holy Spirit teach and lead my words rather than fret too much on exact details, and on a side note Hi Dino😀
 
Mar 4, 2020
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#4
When reading the bible front to back as I have done a couple of times I find I skim over the lists of names and lists of battles for example such as in Chronicles. Do you think it is important to read them carefully?
You never know what you’ll miss if you don’t carefully read the names. For example, did you ever carefully look at the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1 and Luke 3 then compare them? There’s some interesting things there if you weren’t already aware. Maybe you knew, but let me know. (y):)
 

HealthAndHappiness

Well-known member
Jul 7, 2022
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Almost Heaven West Virginia
#5
When reading the bible front to back as I have done a couple of times I find I skim over the lists of names and lists of battles for example such as in Chronicles. Do you think it is important to read them carefully?
I found myself reading them out loud and increased speed with practice. When I get to a name that I'm curious about, I sometimes go check out other cross references on them. I'm not sure how much they benefit you. God personalizes and speaks to believers individually with insights. They are listed for a reason, but I wouldn't get bogged down. That tends to sometimes discourage you from getting through the entire Bible. I would recommend the following.
Daily schedule Bible reading in the morning. Other times too as habits develop. Don't worry about the strictness of missing a schedule of so many chapters per day. Just do it and don't beat yourself up when you fail.
Keep a good quality pen to write cross references when they come to mind.
Getting an overview is more important right now than studying. In the long run, you will need to be familiar with the big picture. Word studies, however are beneficial in addition to regular reading on topics you are interested.
 

SueZ

New member
Aug 21, 2022
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#6
When reading the bible front to back as I have done a couple of times I find I skim over the lists of names and lists of battles for example such as in Chronicles. Do you think it is important to read them carefully?
I do the same thing...and feel that if God wants or needs me to read those books and chapters again, that He will give me spiritual focus to do so!
 

awelight

Well-known member
Aug 10, 2020
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#7
When reading the bible front to back as I have done a couple of times I find I skim over the lists of names and lists of battles for example such as in Chronicles. Do you think it is important to read them carefully?
Reading the names or the genealogy given in Scripture, both Old Testament and New, will give you a better sense of who these individuals are and the amount of time passage. Matthew, in the New Testament for instance, goes a long way to show the lineage of Jesus Christ because he was writing about Christ from a particular point of view. He wrote about Christ as the perfect King. Thus, he needed to show and prove to the Jews, that Jesus Christ had the proper bloodline to inherit David's Throne.

Reading the Bible, several times, from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21, will give you a good birds eye view of God's revelation to mankind, however, I would suggest, when you are ready, to begin studying the Doctrines of Scripture. You will get a much greater blessing, by rooting yourself solidly in Doctrine. There are three great Doctrines - Theology, Christology and Soteriology. There others but these three are critical for understanding the truth of what God has revealed. Theology is the word study of God. Coming to know who He is in His essential nature and all His attributes. Christology is the word study of Jesus Christ. The God-Man. Both fully Divine and fully human. Soteriology is the word study of Salvation and all of it's components.

When I say study these Doctrines - I don't mean get books on the subject but rather, concentrate your study of the Bible in these areas - one at a time. In theology, for example, read every passage about what God said - About Himself and to mankind. His being and Covenant promises. Get to know every aspect of what has been revealed of God by God. It is He you worship. Get to know Him like your Father. Do the same for Jesus the Christ and then come to know how Salvation works, both legally and spiritually.

If you study in this way, one Doctrine at a time, you will be firmly rooted in the truth and will not be blown around by the various errors and falsehoods you may encounter. Be like those in Beroea. When someone teaches you something or tells you something, search the Scriptures to see if it is true:

Acts 17:10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Beroea: who when they were come thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
Acts 17:11 Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of the mind, examining the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so.


Do this and the outcome will be as this:

Eph 4:14 that we may be no longer children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error;
Eph 4:15 but speaking truth in love, may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, even Christ


Sorry this got so long. Hope it may help you in your growth. May God keep you safe and from deception.

 

Moses_Young

Well-known member
Sep 15, 2019
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#8
Yeah, I force myself to read every last word. Not to remember them, but at least to read them.
 
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pottersclay

Guest
#9
When reading the bible front to back as I have done a couple of times I find I skim over the lists of names and lists of battles for example such as in Chronicles. Do you think it is important to read them carefully?
Genealogy is very important to the jewish people, events such as wars and such establish a time line of actual history.
The names might be another expression of Gods intent...this might intrest you to investigate more.

The genealogy of noah... meaning of names

Adam....first man sinned
Seth.....so GOD sent another.
Enoch....so men called upon the name of the Lord.
Methuselah......his death shall bring
Noah...confort and peace to his people.

Just a little tidbit...😄🤗
 

oyster67

Senior Member
May 24, 2014
11,887
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#10
I do the same thing...and feel that if God wants or needs me to read those books and chapters again, that He will give me spiritual focus to do so!
Me too, but it is pretty cool that someone added up all their lifespans to give us a general timeline for things.

Welcome to the community, sister Sue! :)
 

Mofastus

Active member
May 23, 2019
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#11
When reading the bible front to back as I have done a couple of times I find I skim over the lists of names and lists of battles for example such as in Chronicles. Do you think it is important to read them carefully?
Their names are written in a book, to help you get your name written in a book.

Luke 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.


2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

2 Timothy 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.