Where does it come from?

Amen, Sister Lea -- Preach it!

I prefer to discuss with you.
I don't care to debate with a non-board member.
(and that is what happens a poster brings
a long post from some non-board member
to talk about -- we end up debating
with a non-board member.)

 

Common sense and a concordance. Perhaps that oversimplifies it since most of us probably have a grounded faith and draw upon prior Bible studies, books we've read, classes we've taken, discussions we've had, etc. without realizing it.

I have mostly interjected thoughts into discussions and avoided debating.

 

I generally do not post something I got from another source. Although I have if it says what I I already believe and know scripture to say, and they say it better then I can. I think out the topic, and answer according to what I know the bible says, I go to scripture, generally use a concordance and a greek hebrew dictionary.

 

Lots and lots of books!!!

Books are good!!

 

Well if you know Greek and Hebrew, Jewish and Church History, as well as Jewish idioms, culture, and geography I guess you could go by your gut. Of course in order to know all that you would have to use books, notes and everything else.

 

Exegesis is always past tense. It is not "What does it means to me", but rather what did it mean. All of scripture is past tense. It is historical. Therefore its correct interpretation is always past tense. However, some but not all of it may be applied in the present tense.

Good study requires a thorough search of the historical background behind the book you are studying.

 

Certainly allowing the Holy Spirit to lead you in your studies and asking Him to reveal the mysteries of Scripture are important. However, adding a Bible dictionary, a concordance, and a good commentary would provide you with wonderful tools to start with. The best part is that you can have these and more at your disposal for free. There are tremendous resources available for free with the Online Bible and E-Sword programs (also free).

 

Amen! I have only a small Christian reference library in home (about 3,500 volumes) , but I have access to large university libraries (several million volumes) .

 

Lea:

If you simply do a search on Google or Yahoo using the noun names "Online Bible" or "E-Sword", the search engine will provide you a link to these sites.

 

Some people use comic books. No kidding!

HankD

 

Amen brother!

Lon

 

Yes, I have noticed that myself.

 

I've always been told that the Bible is as relevant today as it was when it was written. I'm with Lea. I go by what it means to me. Before I read I pray for understanding.

I have been accused of having a "logical" mind. My boss is always telling me that I see things the way they should be instead of the way they usually are. My son even calls me Ms. Spock. lol
Now, I don't have any degrees and haven't traveled all over the world to study ancient religions so I'm sure many will say that I can't understand scripture without those things, but I know those things don't give understanding without prayer. There are many people in the world with book knowledge who have no common sense or head and heart knowledge.

 

I think everyone starts and comes from different places and perspectives. We have people here who are highly knowledgeable. Some have really good insights from their experience. All have "gifts" to be able to share and edify others. Though, some would rather win an argument than win a friend or help someone understand something. If, or when, I get that way, please pray for me!

I think a person should study, persue the good and remain humble. One should pass along the insights they have and always be willing to learn something from everyone. I'm sure the Bible, in so many words, says that somewhere, doesn't it?