What method do you use to approach the bible ?
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The TPT footnote speaks to their interpretation:
"Differences of opinion between believers expose our hearts. Mature ones will overlook offenses and faults in order to maintain the precious unity of the body of Christ. Immature ones will cause splits, divisions, and cliques around their respective opinions. The ones whom God approves are those whose hearts remain pure in spite of petty differences."
The TPT interpretation focuses more on the importance of community and harmony rather than on the importance of having the correct answer.
"Differences of opinion between believers expose our hearts. Mature ones will overlook offenses and faults in order to maintain the precious unity of the body of Christ. Immature ones will cause splits, divisions, and cliques around their respective opinions. The ones whom God approves are those whose hearts remain pure in spite of petty differences."
The TPT interpretation focuses more on the importance of community and harmony rather than on the importance of having the correct answer.
When i was going through the process of becoming a Christian, I read the Bible like one would read a book.. before reading sessions i would ask God to help me understand what i was reading..
I would encourage everyone to use the same method at lest once in their life time..
The Bible is not a collection of verses.. It is a collection of Books and Letters that should be read as Books and letters in context..
I would encourage everyone to use the same method at lest once in their life time..
The Bible is not a collection of verses.. It is a collection of Books and Letters that should be read as Books and letters in context..
The Bible is literal, metaphorical, and allegorical, but not entirely one or the other.
Where the Bible is to be understood literally, use a literal approach.
God's word also uses metaphors to describe realities, such as: "I am the door." Jesus is not saying he is a 3x7 foot oak door on hinges, but that he is whom all must go to to get through to heaven.
Jesus used parables as allegories to describe realities about the Kingdom of God, repentance, who is saved, etc.
Where the Bible is to be understood literally, use a literal approach.
God's word also uses metaphors to describe realities, such as: "I am the door." Jesus is not saying he is a 3x7 foot oak door on hinges, but that he is whom all must go to to get through to heaven.
Jesus used parables as allegories to describe realities about the Kingdom of God, repentance, who is saved, etc.
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I agree we should bear with one another and not be puffed up with pride in our knowledge. That doesn't negate the fact that there is a right and a wrong. However, those with a more correct understanding shouldn't quibble over trivial matters.
Post-modernism will have none of this though. Anyone who says they have a more "correct" understanding will be dismissed as old fashioned and stupid.
Post-modernism will have none of this though. Anyone who says they have a more "correct" understanding will be dismissed as old fashioned and stupid.
So, the Bible should focus on "Can't we just get along" instead of informing its readers of the truth? The Word of God is the correct answer to man's problems, containing the Gospel of Christ, as well as tons of moral living truths.
BTW, the TPT isn't a translation of the Scriptures & has added phrases that's nowhere in the Greek or Hebrew text.
Newer "versions" of scripture should never be blindly trusted as accurate. They are to be "proven" to be accurate, and exposed when they're not.
BTW, the TPT isn't a translation of the Scriptures & has added phrases that's nowhere in the Greek or Hebrew text.
Newer "versions" of scripture should never be blindly trusted as accurate. They are to be "proven" to be accurate, and exposed when they're not.
The main takeaway should be that there are multiple interpretations of the passage. The first interpretation presented was not a necessary interpretation. I happen to find the TPT interpretation more compelling than the one that was mentioned in this thread.
If I made an assumption that something was necessarily true when it wasn't, I would want someone to correct me too. I would rather be proven wrong so that I can be more correct in future.
I believe I correctly called TPT an interpretation. If you read their mission statement, they say as much. They attempt to bring scripture into a readily understandable parlance because of differences in cultural nuances between then and now. An example is in the parable of the talents they translate it as "a million dollars". It is similar to listening to a sermon in some cases, and the footnotes give insight into the translators' reasoning and references to source material. Even they don't think their work is perfect as they have made revisions to their works. By all means, take TPT with a grain of salt, but it has its uses. I don't agree with everything TPT says, but it adds perspective that may help lead to what someone finds to be the most compelling answer.
Picking on TPT is beside the point, either the interpretation of that passage stands on its own merits or it doesn't.
If I made an assumption that something was necessarily true when it wasn't, I would want someone to correct me too. I would rather be proven wrong so that I can be more correct in future.
I believe I correctly called TPT an interpretation. If you read their mission statement, they say as much. They attempt to bring scripture into a readily understandable parlance because of differences in cultural nuances between then and now. An example is in the parable of the talents they translate it as "a million dollars". It is similar to listening to a sermon in some cases, and the footnotes give insight into the translators' reasoning and references to source material. Even they don't think their work is perfect as they have made revisions to their works. By all means, take TPT with a grain of salt, but it has its uses. I don't agree with everything TPT says, but it adds perspective that may help lead to what someone finds to be the most compelling answer.
Picking on TPT is beside the point, either the interpretation of that passage stands on its own merits or it doesn't.
1. The Bible is to be read and studied in its plain literal sense, as much as possible (95-99% of the time). That does not mean that there are no layers of deeper and spiritual meanings which may also be noted.
2. There are also metaphors, figures of speech, proverbs, parables, symbols, and types, which need to be recognized, based upon Gospel truth and Bible truth.
3. The meaning of some words may not be perfectly clear unless one consults a concordance or lexicon, and also takes the context into account. A text without context is a pretext. Also certain concepts, such as justification by grace through faith, are not common to human understanding. They are believed by faith.
4. Readers need to understand that there is a continuity from Genesis to Revelation. At the same time the Bible is not a textbook of theology, and not everything is stated explicitly. Many things are implied and must be spiritually discerned.
5. Doctrines must be established by comparing Scriptures with Scriptures, while keeping in mind the character of God and Christ, and Gospel truth throughout. At the same time we are commanded to be doers of the Word and not hearers only.
6. Those who are relatively new to the Bible should try and learn rather than expound their own ideas, particularly in the area of eschatology (Bible prophecy). Prophecies are a critical part of divine revelation.
7. Christ is the heart and soul of the Bible, so one must look for Him in the most unlikely passages. Many Bible characters are "types" of Christ.
8. Prior commitment to the teachings of certain denominations or teachers should not be allowed to interfere with what is actually revealed in the Bible. The traditions of theologians and denominations often undermine the truth.
9. Words, (even singularity or plurality) can establish truth. So words must be treated with respect. And that is why the King James Bible should be the sole Bible to rely upon (using as many Bible study tools as necessary e.g. Bible Hub).
Many modern translations have played fast and loose with words, as if they do not matter. Therefore meanings and even doctrines have been changed.
10. The Bible is a divine revelation and a spiritual book. Therefore it can only be comprehended with the assistance of the Holy Spirit, who gave the words, and actually selected them in the original manuscripts. And without the New Birth, no one can see or enter into the Kingdom of God.
2. There are also metaphors, figures of speech, proverbs, parables, symbols, and types, which need to be recognized, based upon Gospel truth and Bible truth.
3. The meaning of some words may not be perfectly clear unless one consults a concordance or lexicon, and also takes the context into account. A text without context is a pretext. Also certain concepts, such as justification by grace through faith, are not common to human understanding. They are believed by faith.
4. Readers need to understand that there is a continuity from Genesis to Revelation. At the same time the Bible is not a textbook of theology, and not everything is stated explicitly. Many things are implied and must be spiritually discerned.
5. Doctrines must be established by comparing Scriptures with Scriptures, while keeping in mind the character of God and Christ, and Gospel truth throughout. At the same time we are commanded to be doers of the Word and not hearers only.
6. Those who are relatively new to the Bible should try and learn rather than expound their own ideas, particularly in the area of eschatology (Bible prophecy). Prophecies are a critical part of divine revelation.
7. Christ is the heart and soul of the Bible, so one must look for Him in the most unlikely passages. Many Bible characters are "types" of Christ.
8. Prior commitment to the teachings of certain denominations or teachers should not be allowed to interfere with what is actually revealed in the Bible. The traditions of theologians and denominations often undermine the truth.
9. Words, (even singularity or plurality) can establish truth. So words must be treated with respect. And that is why the King James Bible should be the sole Bible to rely upon (using as many Bible study tools as necessary e.g. Bible Hub).
Many modern translations have played fast and loose with words, as if they do not matter. Therefore meanings and even doctrines have been changed.
10. The Bible is a divine revelation and a spiritual book. Therefore it can only be comprehended with the assistance of the Holy Spirit, who gave the words, and actually selected them in the original manuscripts. And without the New Birth, no one can see or enter into the Kingdom of God.
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I approached the bible by studying the new testament, putting as much of it to memory as I could. I was told Christ made a change, so it was silly to learn how it was before Christ when Christ told us how it was now.
Someone insisted that was a backward way to approach scripture, I should try approaching it from the standpoint of learning the Torah so I knew the God that scripture told us about. I spent several intense years studying Torah and at the same time how the Torah was fulfilled in the new testament. It was absolutely wonderful.
Now I study scripture through a concordance, exploring all scripture has to say about any one subject like love, salvation, works, rewards, grace, etc.
Someone insisted that was a backward way to approach scripture, I should try approaching it from the standpoint of learning the Torah so I knew the God that scripture told us about. I spent several intense years studying Torah and at the same time how the Torah was fulfilled in the new testament. It was absolutely wonderful.
Now I study scripture through a concordance, exploring all scripture has to say about any one subject like love, salvation, works, rewards, grace, etc.
I read it with the sunday class I go to, but also from start to end on my own!
Even before becoming a member of the faith, I valued the bible, as with any other religious text, because it does provide a view into the past. The culture etc.
When reading start to end on my own, i go very slowly, because I am reading it in multiple languages. I go over any differences, and I meditate on the passages, and try to take a lesson from everything I read. I write my thoughts down in a notebook immediately after.
When I go into bible study then, I also like to hear others takes on what they believe should be taken from it. If I feel like I've missed the point, or lost touch with the point, I like to go back to it, until I feel like I've understood it. Since I'm really new, its nice to have people who have been understanding and reading for years, whereas i have only been doing it for a small bit.
Even before becoming a member of the faith, I valued the bible, as with any other religious text, because it does provide a view into the past. The culture etc.
When reading start to end on my own, i go very slowly, because I am reading it in multiple languages. I go over any differences, and I meditate on the passages, and try to take a lesson from everything I read. I write my thoughts down in a notebook immediately after.
When I go into bible study then, I also like to hear others takes on what they believe should be taken from it. If I feel like I've missed the point, or lost touch with the point, I like to go back to it, until I feel like I've understood it. Since I'm really new, its nice to have people who have been understanding and reading for years, whereas i have only been doing it for a small bit.
Precious friends, I read through God's Precious Word at least
once a year. Half of it I read backwards, making it interesting
the new things I "see" doing so. {knowing "the end" first?}
Deep "study" is an entirely Different matter, using:
(1) “Let ALL things be done Decently and In Order!”
(1 Corinthians 14:40 KJB!)
(2) Study ALL Scripture Rightly Divided! :
“Study to shew thyself Approved unto God, a workman that
needeth not to be ashamed, Rightly Dividing The Word Of Truth!”
(2 Timothy 2:15 KJB!)
(3) Never Ever add to, Or take away From, God’s PURE And Holy Word!
{ Including "God's Contexts!," [Prophecy] Rightly Divided from [MYSTERY]! }
(Deuteronomy 4:2, 12:32; Proverbs 30:5-6; Revelation 22:18,19 KJB!)
(4) Be noble students :
“These (in Berea) were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in
that they received The Word with all readiness of mind, and
searched The Scriptures daily, Whether Those Things Were So!”
(Acts 17:11 KJB!)
(5) Build Sound Doctrine, God’s Way! :
(5a) “For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept;
line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little!”
(Isaiah 28:10 KJB!)
(5b) Find ALL Related Scriptures For A Specific doctrine! :
”ALL Scripture Is Given By Inspiration Of God, And Is
Profitable For Doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness : that the man of God may
be perfect, throughly furnished unto ALL good works!”
(2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJB!)
(5c) Compare ALL Related Scriptures to learn and know a
Specific doctrine! :
“Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s
wisdom teacheth, but Which The Holy Ghost Teacheth;
comparing spiritual things with spiritual!”
(1 Corinthians 2:13 KJB!)
{Comparing Scripture With Scripture!}
“Simplicity” in CHRIST! (2 Corinthians 11:3 KJB!) Amen?
(6) The Best "Interpretive" Commentary On The Bible Is :
The BIBLE Itself!
NEVER ever interpret The Many Plain Scriptures
by the "few" difficult verses, But, ALWAYS Always
Interpret the few Obscure/Difficult/Dubious verses
By ALL Of The MANY Plain and Clear Passages Of
God’s Pure And Holy Word!
+
ONE Final Excellent Rule for Knowledgeable Bible study! :
(7) In order to Honor The Father And The SON (John 5:22-23 KJB!),
in Preparation For Judgment, Always keep {Uppermost} in mind :
”Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do,
do ALL to The Glory Of God!” (1 Corinthians 10:31 KJB!)
-----------------------------------
And then we ALL, who are "Called Into Fellowship With
God's SON, The LORD JESUS CHRIST" (1 Corinthians 1:9 KJB!), And,
"Endeavouring For The Unity Of God's Spirit In The Bond Of
PEACE!..." (Ephesians 4:3 KJB!), can obey God's Exhortations! :
”...speak...the things which become Sound Doctrine!”
(Titus 2:1 cp "SAME mind And judgment!" 1 Corinthians 1:10 KJB!)
Amen?
Would the Results of following All of God’s Rules Above Be:
“That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in
love, and unto all Riches of the Full Assurance Of Understanding,
to the acknowledgement of The Mystery Of God, and of the Father,
and of CHRIST!” (Colossians 2:2 KJB!)?
---------------------
Precious friend(s), Please Be Very RICHLY Blessed!
once a year. Half of it I read backwards, making it interesting
the new things I "see" doing so. {knowing "the end" first?}
Deep "study" is an entirely Different matter, using:
(1) “Let ALL things be done Decently and In Order!”
(1 Corinthians 14:40 KJB!)
(2) Study ALL Scripture Rightly Divided! :
“Study to shew thyself Approved unto God, a workman that
needeth not to be ashamed, Rightly Dividing The Word Of Truth!”
(2 Timothy 2:15 KJB!)
(3) Never Ever add to, Or take away From, God’s PURE And Holy Word!
{ Including "God's Contexts!," [Prophecy] Rightly Divided from [MYSTERY]! }
(Deuteronomy 4:2, 12:32; Proverbs 30:5-6; Revelation 22:18,19 KJB!)
(4) Be noble students :
“These (in Berea) were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in
that they received The Word with all readiness of mind, and
searched The Scriptures daily, Whether Those Things Were So!”
(Acts 17:11 KJB!)
(5) Build Sound Doctrine, God’s Way! :
(5a) “For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept;
line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little!”
(Isaiah 28:10 KJB!)
(5b) Find ALL Related Scriptures For A Specific doctrine! :
”ALL Scripture Is Given By Inspiration Of God, And Is
Profitable For Doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness : that the man of God may
be perfect, throughly furnished unto ALL good works!”
(2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJB!)
(5c) Compare ALL Related Scriptures to learn and know a
Specific doctrine! :
“Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s
wisdom teacheth, but Which The Holy Ghost Teacheth;
comparing spiritual things with spiritual!”
(1 Corinthians 2:13 KJB!)
{Comparing Scripture With Scripture!}
“Simplicity” in CHRIST! (2 Corinthians 11:3 KJB!) Amen?
(6) The Best "Interpretive" Commentary On The Bible Is :
The BIBLE Itself!
NEVER ever interpret The Many Plain Scriptures
by the "few" difficult verses, But, ALWAYS Always
Interpret the few Obscure/Difficult/Dubious verses
By ALL Of The MANY Plain and Clear Passages Of
God’s Pure And Holy Word!
+
ONE Final Excellent Rule for Knowledgeable Bible study! :
(7) In order to Honor The Father And The SON (John 5:22-23 KJB!),
in Preparation For Judgment, Always keep {Uppermost} in mind :
”Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do,
do ALL to The Glory Of God!” (1 Corinthians 10:31 KJB!)
-----------------------------------
And then we ALL, who are "Called Into Fellowship With
God's SON, The LORD JESUS CHRIST" (1 Corinthians 1:9 KJB!), And,
"Endeavouring For The Unity Of God's Spirit In The Bond Of
PEACE!..." (Ephesians 4:3 KJB!), can obey God's Exhortations! :
”...speak...the things which become Sound Doctrine!”
(Titus 2:1 cp "SAME mind And judgment!" 1 Corinthians 1:10 KJB!)
Amen?
Would the Results of following All of God’s Rules Above Be:
“That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in
love, and unto all Riches of the Full Assurance Of Understanding,
to the acknowledgement of The Mystery Of God, and of the Father,
and of CHRIST!” (Colossians 2:2 KJB!)?
---------------------
Precious friend(s), Please Be Very RICHLY Blessed!