Do we read the Word for what it says?

[Guest He's taking names]

my first post...yey!

"When studying the bible I usually will have a topic in which I will find all scriptures that pertain to that topic to gain a biblical understanding of it."

how do you find all of this usually...do you simply use study bibles? or do you just know the word alot better than me?

the reason I ask is this is exactly how I would like to read my bible, but more often than not I find that study bibles don't include EVERYTHING that pertains to a subject...just a few choice verses the writer of the notes has chosen.

Yes, there is always the index...but not always does a verse include the exact words of it's subject...

any help on this?

..off topic a little i know, sorry!

[Guest bobdamitch]

To start out studying the Bible...I suggest a KJV with commentary by Scofield.

(I do disagree with Scofield from time to time.) Also..I would suggest a Bible dictionary as well as a Strongs concordance.

THe best way I have found to LEARN the BIBLE is to know what your convictions are...then read...beginning in Genesis....then beginning in John..then James, I John, Titus and Jude, then you may be ready for Hebrews....after reading Ezekiel. Read the New Testament and study all the reference passages in the margins if it is not clear as to what is referred to or what is being said.

The Bible does not contradict itself....Line upon Line....Precept upon Precept....here a little, there a little....the Bible agrees with its' teaching.

THAt is why the Book of James becomes very important....because some of the dogma people pend their entire thesis on is not followed there.....and like it or not, as I told some people on the radio the other day.....things will come to pass just as prophecied.....and James holds up whether we believe it or not.....

[other one]

After reading the bible many times, a lot of my study is looking for particular verses that pertain to a subject and reading to make sure of the context of the verse so as not to pick and take a verse here and a verse there that may or may not really pertain to what I am studying.

While I have have decided on many things, I am always open to other scripture that might shead a different light on what I believe the bible says.

It starts with reading it from front to back two or three times at the very least to get the overall context of what everything is about.

Just my 2 cents worth

[Dad Ernie]

Greetings Bogdamitch,

THere is no way you can do it....but HOW do you convince someone who is "ignorant" that the Word should be studied...."line upon line....precept upon precept, here a little, there a little"?

My point was the CONTEXT of the words "line upon line...." is what the Pharisees did. There is SO MUCH scripture regarding the study of the Word, that certainly more appropriate ones can be found to replace that saying. If you are at all familiar with the word, you should be able to find several, but if you can't, I will be happy to point you in the right direction.

Blessings,

Dad Ernie

[Guest bobdamitch]

The entire question reflects that the Word should be OPENLY studied, not with a closed mind as to the entire Bible, except as it reflects dogmatic or doctrinal supporting texts. WHat it means is that the word should be studied overall, gleaning the essense of Godliness from all the Scriptures....not just selected passages.

I remind you that those you speak of disparagingly...casting myself in their mold, so to speak, hardly reflects the true picture. While some rend clothing and toss dirt into the air, and even cut themselves with rocks and stones....er...At least I have YET to do that....and although I do learn something from time to time, I do not reflect it with a high studious forehead, coming from hitting myself with my palm when someone tells me a shocking truth, shouting "oui vey!!"

Some of the doctrines ardently held by some...ie....infant baptism....baptismal regeneration.....exclusionary atonement or redemption....have no scriptural basis. The book of James, for instance, read in context, reflects on some dogma adversely....hence is virtually ignored by those who cling to dogma. Such is seen in some doctrines which exclude satan from any obversations or cause and effect.