There are hundreds of thousands of christian books and everyone is always recommending I buy a new one. The problem is that one can read so many books and rarely read the Bible, and or have so many books they do not comprehend the CONTENT of the books. Certain books outside the Bible I believe are vital for all believers and yes every christian needs them. Books like The Way of the Master, Radical, and the Gospel According to Jesus are just a few. How do you practice discernment on the books you read? Some books are very obvious that they are not Biblical and to be avoided. Books such as "Heaven is For Real" "Your Best life Know" "The Purpose Driven Life" "Quitter" or anything by Brian Mclarren, Rob Bell, and just about anything from Charismatic authors and such, however others can be harder to discern, especially if the author is unknown. Do you only read books that your church recommends? Thats the strategy of some and it may be a good one, in order to practice discernment.
Discernment with christian books..
Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by evangelist6589, Jan 9, 2014.
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evangelist6589 Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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InTheLight Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
In another thread you mentioned you were seeking financial advice to get out of your (significant) debt. How can you say you want to get out of debt and seemingly buy three or four books per month?
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evangelist6589 Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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InTheLight Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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I don't buy books on systematic theology, doctrines of various stripes, or any other book that purports to explain the Bible and what it teaches. I read the Bible -- The Key Word Study Bible edited by Spiros Zodhiates, a good chain-reference work with the key words of every verse throughout the Bible labeled with their Strong's number. I also use two good biblical lexicons, one in the Hebrew, one in the Greek, and study inductively. That is the only way to allow the Holy Spirit to speak to me without a "filter" -- reading someone else's opinion into the Word because I've read their opinion and then subconsciously superimpose that opinion on the text.
No one needs the Bible explained to them. With the proper tools and preparation, the Holy Spirit does a far better job of that than any man ever did.
The books I buy deal with addictions, psychology and counseling. That's my profession. But I do screen them through the filter of the Bible. That's the only way they become valid. -
Books are an investment. A Bible, a concordance, and a good set of commentaries is all one needs.
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Then minus preachers and teachers, too.
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I can only speak for myself, here.
I read history, science, biographies.
I do not read philosophy, theology, or any other interpretive or speculative thought.
I do not read fiction, unless it is in pre-1600 English lit., and this is for the purpose of contextualizing colloquial phrasings.
I read Wycliffe, Tyndale, Darby, AV, RVA'09, and the Bible in various Native American tongues.
I read posts on Internet forums. -
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:laugh: :laugh: :thumbs: :applause: -
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My pastor is an excellent exegetical preacher. I learn from him as well. But my Bible study is done without filters. That's exactly what I said. It's not nonsense. What shows up on this Board as "sound biblical teaching" often is, however. Maybe they shouldn't read so much invalid "theology." -
exscentric Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
Eph 4 is about edification/perfecting of the saints - we have so many mature saints these days we know that is the church today don't we.
Seems if God wanted to communicate with man He did not do a very good job of it if man cannot understand it without the benefit of highly educated leaders.
Let me see now where did I put that list of must reads from the first century? How did those guys do it without the benefit of thousands of years of writings of men? -
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Oh, maybe you two should let God know preachers are outmoded and aren't needed any longer as He prescribed in His Word, and then you can get a divine message to tell you the next move for the kingdom and implement it.
Let us know. :wavey: -
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exscentric Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
:laugh:
Come on, ever hear of common sense? Preachers, as in those that take their work seriously, are not outmoded, can never be, but most preachers I hear are pablum spewers and doing a poor job of that. We can learn of the Word from reading it, from hearing it taught and even sometimes in messages from rotten preachers.
To ridicule some that choose a certain method for personal study is a little arrogant IMHO. And I know my opinion is wrong so do not bother telling me :)
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