Quote:
Originally Posted by buzzoff1031
Forgive me if this topic is discussed elsewhere, but I generally access this site from my phone, which makes it difficult to do searches. Anyway, I want to know how to get started reading and studying the Bible. I'm 28 and, as yet, have not read through the Bible, nor have I read it with any consistincy. I WANT to read the word. I want to study. I just don't know where to even start. Some say keep a notebook. Some say mark your Bibles. What do I mark? Of what do I take notes? How much do I read a day. Where in the Bible do I start? How much should I study. Sorry if these questions seem dumb, but, despite having grown up in a kjv church, I feel lost!
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buzzoff1031,
There are no hard fast "rules" as to where you should start to read the Bible. I recommend starting at Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes; and then after reading through Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes several times, I would recommend starting with the Gospel of John in the New Testament, and then read through the Apostle Paul's "Epistles" (Letters) Romans - Philemon.
You should have a Concordance (to look up the English words
only - never mind the Hebrew & the Greek "definitions") an electronic Concordance (SwordSearcher) is far faster and more convenient than a book.
Read slowly and take your time. I recommend that you DON'T mark your Bible, especially when you are just starting out. You will end up with marks, cross references, and notes that you may regret later on. Instead get some letter size yellow note pads and write down any questions, comments, or cross references that you think are appropriate and check them out with the Concordance.
I have some "guidelines" on how to study the Bible at this link:
http://av1611.com/forums/showpost.ph...7&postcount=10
I also have a little longer study on "How To Study The Bible" on my web site
http://www.thywordistruthkjv.com/.
At some point you will have to find a Bible believing church where you can not only receive instruction, but where you can worship God together with born again brethren, and where you can fellowship together with them. A Christian without a Bible believing church is like a "fish out of water"; God instituted the church to preach the Gospel; instruct the brethren; and to meet the needs of His children (born again saints).
From reading your "Threads" & "Posts" you sound like a very confused young man with a lot of serious problems. Those of us on this Forum can only do so much for you (we aren't a church). You need some personal counseling (Biblical "counseling" -
NOT psychological "
counseling") from a genuine Bible believing man (or men) who can meet with you "face to face" and try to help you iron out your problems and answer some of your many questions.
You need to establish some "stability" in your life, and you need to get "rooted" in the word of God - instead of being "carried about with every wind of doctrine". [
Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;]
No one can live your life for you, and it's impossible for us to know how to advise you, when we know so little about you and your situation. But this one thing I do know - you have got to determine in your heart to seek out God and His Holy word, and if you are not sincere, I can guarantee you that God is not going to give you very much discernment or understanding of His Holy word.
To be honest with you - I am "
puzzled" by your Threads & Posts. I have noticed on several occasions (by your comments) you seem to
know more about the Bible - or should I say "bibles" (Old Scofield, the New Spirit-Filled Life Bible, the Evidence Bible, The Student Bible, and Strong's & Vines, etc.) than you are leading us to believe. In the Thread on "Lordship Salvation" In your Post #10 - you demonstrate "
more familiarity" with the Gospel of John than you should have, if you haven't read the Bible very much.
I suspect that you are being deceptive, and may not be
who or
what you portray yourself to be. If you are "
playing" with us and "
leading us on", I would advise you to think twice about what you are doing. And if you are
not "
leading us on", you need help - more help than we can give. In either case, after 7 "Threads" & 42 "Posts", it's obvious to me that unless you determine in your heart to seek the Lord and turn away from the chaos and confusion in your life, there is very little I can do for you other than pray.
Proverbs 26:18 As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,
19 So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?