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How do you use a Thompson Chain Reference Bible?

Discussion in 'Bible Versions & Translations' started by Jkdbuck76, Jan 17, 2016.

  1. Jkdbuck76

    Jkdbuck76 Well-Known Member
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    I have one. I don't get it.

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  2. Internet Theologian

    Internet Theologian Well-Known Member

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    I had one years ago. You follow the number references and look them up in the back of the bible where it gives you additional passages where the topic is found. I believe they were enumerated as 4 digit numbers. Then there is an index as well to find topics and Bible references. It's been 30 years since I had one though!

    How long have you had it? You'll probably get used to it in time.
     
  3. Jkdbuck76

    Jkdbuck76 Well-Known Member
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    Like bible software before there was bible software?

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  4. Internet Theologian

    Internet Theologian Well-Known Member

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    That's a great thought! Yes, it is like 'manual' Bible software. Good point.
     
  5. Revmitchell

    Revmitchell Well-Known Member
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  6. preachinjesus

    preachinjesus Well-Known Member
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    If possible, could you be more specific? Rev's video will help for sure. I've been using a Thompson since I was a senior in high school. I now have it as part of my Accordance software. It's a valuable resource for studying and preparation.

    Basically you just follow the chain. There's an index in the back if you want to see all the references corresponding to a number.

    I can add more but you'll need to be more specific.
     
  7. Rob_BW

    Rob_BW Well-Known Member
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  8. Deacon

    Deacon Well-Known Member
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    Step #1 - read the introduction
    Step #2 - follow step #1

    It's the simplest form of bible study/commentary based on the premise that the bible has themes that can be followed through the text.

    Rob
     
  9. KJVBaptistMan

    KJVBaptistMan New Member

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  10. Internet Theologian

    Internet Theologian Well-Known Member

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  11. Internet Theologian

    Internet Theologian Well-Known Member

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  12. Kevin

    Kevin Active Member

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    My Thompson Chain has some brief instructions on how it works at the beginning. I have had it for 35 years, but as I remember I just started using It, and learned as I went.

    I still use the Thompson Bible, but usually it is the version I have on the computer.
     
  13. Jkdbuck76

    Jkdbuck76 Well-Known Member
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    So I just follow the chains and that's it? Nothing else?

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  14. preachinjesus

    preachinjesus Well-Known Member
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    I don't know about anyone else's methods, but, in general, this is precisely what I do. Sometimes when studying a passage I look to see what topics are mentioned in Thompsons and check, via the index, back and forth to see if there are relevant secondary texts I might draw upon.

    Other times, usually when I'm preparing a topical lesson, I will begin in the index and find appropriate passages to support my lesson or sermon. Of course doing proper exegesis on the one or ones chosen.

    The other supporting material such as the various Bible book introductions have been helpful to point to whilst teaching when someone asks about a background question or something about the book. The archeological and Bible atlas materials have also helped on preparation and presentation. The maps are nice too. :)

    Hope that helps.
     
  15. Revmitchell

    Revmitchell Well-Known Member
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    This thread is not about "study Bibles". It is about a particular brand of reference Bible. The article you posted is flat out wrong. It presents the issue as something being wrong with "study Bibles" when in fact the author is really talking about "versions". Most people know to be careful of commentary whether it is in a study Bible or it is its own book.

    Honestly the entire article looks like nothing more than KJVO slander which has no credibility.
     
  16. Jkdbuck76

    Jkdbuck76 Well-Known Member
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    Thanks, everyone.

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