Posted: 9/11/2009 9:18:02 PM EDT
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I have a request y'all, more particularly for those here who are Christians. When I first read the Bible (as opposed to having it read to me or at me,) I approached it as is my wont and went at it in a linear fashion, reading from Genesis to Revelation in order. Over the years since, while I have re-read it many times, I have tended to approach it the same way––-but I hear many folks suggest that people new to it begin at a certain place. I would like to get some suggestions from Christians as to where they would suggest I start reading the KJV, made as if I had never read it. I am trying a different approach to hopefully broaden my understanding of the impact of the Bible here, so I would ask that any suggestions flow from personal experience, not merely a rote answer based on what someone else has suggested––-something that actually affected the suggester is what I am looking for.
Thanks in advance folks. |
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First off I'm glad to see you are using the KJV stick with it...
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. make sure that you are right with God...saved, born again, trusted the Lord Jesus as your saviour...or you will not see or understand what you are reading Acts 8:27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, Acts 8:28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. Acts 8:29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. Acts 8:30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? Acts 8:31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. Acts 8:32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: Acts 8:33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. Acts 8:34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Acts 8:35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. Acts 8:36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? Acts 8:37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Acts 8:38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. Acts 8:39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing if you have done that...look at your life and get rid of the open sin in your life...1 John 1:9 where you can fellowship with the Lord. I would start with John, and when you get done with that....I would read it again....and see what the Lord will reveal to you.... But first thing you have to do is pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and teach you. take the time to cross ref scripture with scripture Tim 2:15 and look up the meanings of any words in question to make sure that you fully understand what is being said and who is speaking to who. but like I said the most and foremost thing is Prayer. hope I could help... |
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Quoted:
I have a request y'all, more particularly for those here who are Christians. When I first read the Bible (as opposed to having it read to me or at me,) I approached it as is my wont and went at it in a linear fashion, reading from Genesis to Revelation in order. Over the years since, while I have re-read it many times, I have tended to approach it the same way––-but I hear many folks suggest that people new to it begin at a certain place. I would like to get some suggestions from Christians as to where they would suggest I start reading the KJV, made as if I had never read it. I am trying a different approach to hopefully broaden my understanding of the impact of the Bible here, so I would ask that any suggestions flow from personal experience, not merely a rote answer based on what someone else has suggested––-something that actually affected the suggester is what I am looking for. Thanks in advance folks. scotchymcdrinkerbean, When you read and study the Bible, do you feel that you are being led by God's Holy Spirit, about your study? Not tring to be a super-spiritual smart-alec here, but I would think from my own experiance and the witness of other Christians concerning the study of God's Word is that He (Holy Spirit), who the Bible calls the''Teacher"" would show you through His direction where to study in the Word, and also why you are studing there as God almost always gives conformation, so the seeker of the Word will know that they are on track with Him. This confirmation process that I was stating about above in all actuality is more than likley, at least in my case, is proving Himself one hundred percent of the time, but sometimes I miss some hidden material or root meanigs concerning discerning God's Word for various reasons that do not benifit me. Some of it is my attitude on occasion. Let me know Brother! Thanks, SAE |
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scotchy, I think the biggest thing I would suggest is that you ask the Lord to reveal himself to you as you read. Beyond that, my personal experience is an odd and winding road, far different from most, so it makes it a bit difficult to say that what worked for me will work for you.
One unsolicited suggestion, if I may: there are significantly better translations of the Bible than the KJV. Better in the sense of actual scholarly translation, in using the most complete and reliable ancient manuscripts, and in the sense of less obscure use of language. I would suggest the ESV (English Standard Version), the NIV (New International Version), or the NASB (New American Standard Bible). |
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Quoted:
It depends on when and why I am reading it SAE––––I am seeking here to get a feel for how approaching it from certain starting points might affect the direction that my thoughts about it go, perhaps in a manner different than they do normally. How is your prayer life right now? Strong and on a consistant basis? Thanks, SAE |
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Two for one:
hcook: I agree with you, and tend to do most of my reading out of the RSV––-this request is about trying to see things differently than I normally do when reading the Bible, so the fact that other people have had different paths is a part of my intent here. I am using the KJV for this for two reasons––first, because it seems to be the most popular historically, and secondly, because my RSV is currently tied up in a side by side comparison reading with The Koran Interpreted by Arberry. I want to simultaneously approach the KJV in a different manner than I normally would in part as a counterpoint to my other reading. SAE: Strong, and fairly consistent. |
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A tool I like is eSword. It's free, and there are many different versions of the Bible available for free download. It allows you to read the same scripture in multiple versions and compare how it's translated. Another thing I really like is that the Hebrew and Greek are available so you can see the literal meaning and compare it. I hope it's helpful to you.
I grew up in what was basically a cult. A little of this, a little of that, extremely little (if any) in the way of correct doctrine. The major thing I got from it was a very solid knowledge of the Old Testament. Praise God that I have been freed from that! I now have a profound appreciation for the New Covenant and I tend to very quickly see how the Old is fulfilled in the New. |