Bible reading

[Sandtick]

Why is it that I am unable, for the life of me, to read the Bible and get to the root of the message. If it wasn't for the Pastors in my Church or the members in my "Growth Group" explaining things to me I would never learn anything. Things just seem to go over my head a lot. Is this typical for a lot of you out there?
SDPete

 

[7centsworth]

Alot of what i read does too, that is why i bought a study bible. It has notes at the bottom of the page that helps explain the verses.

 

[Ma Betty in MO]

using other scriptures to verify what you are reading! I have the King James Tompson Chain Version of the Bible and it is easier to trace each scripture all the way through from the Old to the New Testament! By seeking God earnestly to show you what it means He will but sometimes we need to ask more than once! I think everyone who reads the Bible and listens to the Preaher understands John 3:16 about being saved and water baptized! I had read the Bible most of my life but didn't understand it until I asked of God in Jesus' name and when baptized in the Holy Spirit of God in my 50's, made it a whole lot easier to get the understanding and godly wisdom! God says to study, diligently, to show yourself approved as a workman of His! I hope this helps, as researching was the best way for me to learn and know what the Scriptures reveal! Oh, another thing you are like a young child starting to school, you are being fed the milk of the word and then later as you grow in wisdom and faith, you will be fed the meat of the word....too much would most likely strangle or confuse a new Christian! Ask and you shall receive; seek and you will find! Bro Martin is better educated than I am, so I believe he could give you some really helpful pointers on being able to study and learn! May God Bless you to be able to study, learn and have knowledge of the Holy Bible...His absolute truth!!! Amen! ;angel: Ma Betty

 

[steve in so la]

reading is what your pastors have over you. As you go through life reading your Bible you will understand things a little at a time. And will be able to explain things to others like the pastors do to you.
The more you read the more you understand. And it does take reading a little almost every day to get a handle on things. Steve in so az

 

[BARKER]

Not one person here has ever woke up one day with a Full woring knowlege of the Bible. It has and will come with time. That is the beaity of the Bible. Just when you think you've learne it well you find even more. Do Not give up. Your on a New Journey. but the trip is well worth it. There is no magial answer. There is no XYZ so to speak. The thing about the Bible is that it will always apply to and it's meaning derived from your very own lifes experiences. It does not delete your past but expounds on it and gives you a new way to look at it and reconcile it before Christ thus drawing you closer to Christ with each passing day. Keep going to your groups and talking to otther Christians. DO NOT be afraid to ask questions ok. There are good people here. They feed me and walk me twice a day !!!! There are no dumb questions. Only the ones not asked ok. That is why we all need each other as a Family in cChrist. I hope this helps. If you want you can PM me anytime ok. I'll help all I can ok. Best wishes. PEACE:RONB

 

[Sailorman]

A good commentary like Matthew Henry's can also help and aren't very expensive. If you're having trouble understanding the particular translation you might try one with a language construction that's easier to read. I've taken a liking to the ESV, English Standard Version. The good translations aren't changing anything, just saying it in a different construction.

Work through one of the Gospels. Then maybe First John and Ephesians. These are pretty straight forward and there's a lot of meat there to chew on! Read a chapter and then think on it a bit. If you have a reference Bible check out the notes. Check the commentary out. Before you know it you'll have the hang of it and can work further in for the rest of your life!

 

[Mike from MI "Iron Brigade"]

All of us learn to understand the word at different places in their walk. Count it as a blessing that you have people to help you along the way. Each time you get ready to read, spend time praying first. Ask the Lord to give you understanding of what you are about to read. Be sure to get away from all distractions too. I will pray for you also.

 

[TreasureDigger]

Mike is right. Pray and ask for understanding as you read. The Holy Spirit is the BEST teacher you could EVER have. Commentaries and such are also a help... if you get the right ones. However, I found that a few I have tried to use did not actually line up with the scripture. Just be careful when/if choosing something like that to use as a help.

Lisa

 

[TURNMASTER]

Pretty much what they said, and pay attention to what Ma Betty said (and every one else), follow the chains a bit. It will reinforce or help to explain hard to understand or very deep verses and concepts.

I will add this, When I find I am having a hard time with a verse or chapter I will revisit it every day for a week or two. I will follow chains, I will read the commentaries (study bible) and I will cross reference to other translations and discuss with other (mature) Christians. I spent 2 to 3 weeks on John 1:1 thru John 1:5. I would continue on in my study but would revisit these 5 verses daily in prayer and reading. I cross reference between 4 or 5 translations. My primary bible is the NIV study bible. Not the mens study, women's study or any other targeted study. Though I can see where they do have there place. Both of my daughters have (or had) a teen study and it was good at the time (milk). I cross reference to King James, New King James, Amplified, American Standard and one other I can not think of at the moment (ESV?).

An easy way to do this is with the Blue Letter Bible (online), I will do the online search at work some times. I keep the Amplified Bible in my tool box at work, no study notes and limited chains, just the Word of God.


Re read what all of these people said all valid and you will use over time.
Jeff

 

[TURNMASTER]

Also I listen to the local Moody Bible or Seventh Day Adventist radio station, good mix of music and various pastors from around the country. You should check what they OR any preacher teach against the written Word and eliminate those who are not biblically sound.

Jeff

 

[SeniorSeeker]

Hello Pete,

From my perspective, there are two things you must consider prior to reading your Bible. 1. Go to God, in prayer, asking that He grant you understanding, wisdom, and knowledge of His Word and 2. Consider your physical condition, at this point in your life with what you're going through right now. Since beginning my cancer drugs, I've had a loss of memory and or ability to remember. Lean on Christ and you'll not fall behind.