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hi y'all - here to learn

Discussion in 'New Member Introductions' started by iThinkStuff, Mar 21, 2022.

  1. iThinkStuff

    iThinkStuff Member

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    hi everyone - I'm a long time Christian, first time poster looking to deepen my roots and learn more about Christ. I've studied the Bible all my life, but perhaps haven't understood it nearly so well as I ought.

    Consider this my new leaf.

    That being said, what are some good sources of information I could use to learn more? And how does one go about picking a "good" local congregation to join?

    Thanks in advance,
    iThinkStuff
     
  2. Deacon

    Deacon Well-Known Member
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    Welcome!
    So refreshing to hear someone is a learner.

    it has been awhile since I’ve church-searched but my first step was to find those closest and review their statements of faith.
    At the very least it narrows the field a bit.

    Rob
     
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  3. iThinkStuff

    iThinkStuff Member

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    Much thanks! Been doing just that lately. I guess the one upside of the pandemic is most churches are busy posting their sermons online and trying to attract people in the virtual world. For that I am grateful.

    Any good books you'd recommend on increasing my scriptural awareness? Other than (but of course including) the Bible, that is.
     
  4. Deacon

    Deacon Well-Known Member
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    I’m a bibliophile.
    I’ve slowed my reading down over the past few years, maybe 2 books a week, …the eyes are getting weaker.
    What are your interests and passions?

    Rob
     
  5. iThinkStuff

    iThinkStuff Member

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    Well I recently finished reading "Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes" by Richards and O'Brien, and am currently working through "Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes" by Kenneth Bailey. I am trying to get at the context of the scriptures - what's being said without being said, that kind of thing. So many parables have been only partially understood, no matter how many times I've read them, so I'm hoping to get a more complete and personal understanding of them.

    Anything on Isaiah is always good, too.
     
  6. Iconoclast

    Iconoclast Well-Known Member
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    Www.sermonaudio.com Two million free sermons online.

    Monergism.com 800 free Ebooks available listed in alphabetical order.
     
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  7. iThinkStuff

    iThinkStuff Member

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    Thanks for that - love me some free books, of course :)
     
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  8. kyredneck

    kyredneck Well-Known Member
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    Welcome to the BB ITS.
     
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  9. tyndale1946

    tyndale1946 Well-Known Member
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    Don't forget its a two way street and since you are a long time Christian, don't forget your thoughts too... Teacher/learner, Learner teacher... Their are all sources of resources on here and my suggest is you familarize by navigating this board and if you need any help... DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK!... Looks like you started already... You got a good mindset... Welcome to the Baptist Board... I'm Brother Glen:)
     
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  10. iThinkStuff

    iThinkStuff Member

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    Thanks Brother Glen! Appreciate the sentiment.

    I'll just throw this out there - I've come to mistrust my thoughts on scripture somewhat. At 40 years old, I've come to understand that a lot of what I thought the scriptures were saying isn't anywhere close to reality. A lot of false doctrine, poor interpretation, and outright misinformation has gotten in the way of what would otherwise be a very productive 35 years' worth of study.

    I'm trying to reset somewhat - let the scriptures speak for themselves, try to hear Jesus in them wherever possible, and correct the years of misguided indoctrination I've received. Open to teaching what I know, but only if it is founded in truth first.
     
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  11. tyndale1946

    tyndale1946 Well-Known Member
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    Been there in my 50 years in the church, if you are not learning, what good is it?... 35 productive years have not been a waste and I wouldn't look at it that way... Its called growth, sometimes we have to fail to grow... I think my favorite part in scripture is not the successes of the saints, but their failures... A saint... Ain't... If a preacher stands up in the pulpit and says I'm nothing like you... Head for the door... I welcome brethren on here with all their warts, imperfections and failings in life... We are ALL here to learn... NOBODY!... Has it ALL together!... Let God be true and everyman a lair!... Find truth on here that satisfies YOU... See a different truth, examine it, claim it, or move on... Remember it is YOUR service to God, not someone else's... Brother Glen:)
     
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