how to?

Hi King,

We have two Bible studies going below. Clint's is fast and mine (with the help of my husband and some others) is slow and much more detailed. These at least are free!

Bible study begins by reading the Bible. Get to know it so that when someone tries to 'explain' what something 'means' to you, you will know if it really squares with Bible or not. Otherwise you can get yourself awfully confused listening to all kinds of people say all kinds of different things. Your English is good and the Bible is not difficult.

Apologetics is being able to give a reasoned defense of something. In the case of the Bible, you need to know it enough to be able to give that defense.

One thing that can give you a lot of thoughts on any given part is just using your computer search engine. My favorite one is www.google.com

I will often look for websites that are Jewish, because they are going to have some interesting insights that may not be available to us in our non-Semitic world. For you, it will make a lot more sense even first reading in some areas than it made to some of us who were unsure of customs and such. I think you are in an excellent position to just sit down and read. If you do that, decide what sort of thing you want to start with.

History: start with Genesis, the first book

Poetry/philosophy/prophecy: start with Psalms (middle of the Bible)

The story of Jesus as history: Matthew and Luke are both excellent. Matthew was one of the disciples and Luke was a Greek doctor who researched what had happened. We know he must have interviewed Mary, because his gospel is the only one which gives us details only Mary would have known.

The identification of Jesus as God: the gospel of John.

Basic theology: Romans is excellent -- Paul's letter to the church at Rome.

Those are all possible starting places. Take your pick and feel free to ask any questions you like.

Do NOT try to deal with the last book of the Bible, Revelation, until you have read ALL the rest of the Bible first. Why? Because there is symbolism in the last book which is already used and explained in various places earlier in the Bible. Those who do not know this can come up with some really weird ideas about what Revelation is talking about!

A basic rule of thumb is that Bible explains Bible. Secondly, the New Testament explains the Old.

And again, either by email to any of us you like or on the Bible study forums or here or wherever, feel free to ask what you would like to ask and I know we will do our best to answer you.

You have a grand adventure ahead...!

 

Helen gave you some very good advice! I would print that out and reflect on what she had to say as you read through the Bible.

If you would like to read a book that is not to technical and is very readable and clear, consider purchasing a book called: “How to read the Bible for all its worth.” By Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart. You will find a lot of the same advice Helen gave you and a very good section on Jesus as well as Revelation. Helen’s caution about Revelation should be considered very seriously and the fore mentioned book explains this well.

If you are interest in Jesus as myth or fact here is another good book you could seek out. “The case for Christ” by Lee Strobe.

Hope all this helps you. I believe God is leading you somewhere, keep your heart open and your supposition closed.

God Bless
-Garret

 

As far as how to study the Bible, I have long been a fan of the inductive study method. Check out Precept Ministries Canada. These folks offer 2-3 day conferences that start folks in this method and there are a number of ongoing studies in local churches that utilize this method.