2007-04-20 10:48:23 · 13 answers · asked by *gasp* it's me! 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Attitude toward Bible Study
I. Faulty Attitudes
A. The Negative: I won’t be able to understand anything – so why try.
B. The Closed Heart: I don’t believe everything that the Bible teaches. Plus, if I learn too much I will have to change my life.
C. The Lazy: If I tried I could understand more than I do, but what I read seems rather hard and somewhat dull.
II. Helpful Attitudes:
A. The Positive: Through the help of the Holy Spirit, I too can understand and have insight into God’s Word, I may not understand everything... .
B. The Receptive: God asks of me only an open heart and mind so he can reveal Himself to me.
C. The Expectant: I am coming to God’s Word to let it speak to me.
D. The Faithful: I cannot expect much from my Bible study unless I discipline myself to work.
2007-04-20 10:56:55 · answer #1 · answered by Ask Mr. Religion 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The most profitable Bible reading starts, not by reading, but by praying. If any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep on asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching; and it will be given him. But let him keep on asking in faith, not doubting at all.” (James 1:5, 6) Before opening your Bible, ask God to help you recognize points in your reading that need to be applied in your personal life. Associate new things learned with previous knowledge. Fit them into “the pattern of healthful words” you have come to recognize. (2 Timothy 1:13) Ponder episodes in the lives of God’s servants of the past, and ask yourself how you would have acted under similar circumstances.—Genesis 39:7-9; Daniel 3:3-6, 16-18; Acts 4:18-20.
Do not read just to cover pages. Take your time. Dwell on what you are reading. When intrigued by a certain point, look up the cross references if your Bible contains such. If the point is still not clear, make a note to do further research later. As you read, mark the texts you especially want to remember or copy them. You may also add personal notes and cross references to the margin. I usually set aside a block of time for Bible reading, but by following these suggestions, sometimes several hours pass before I realize it.
2007-04-20 18:20:52 · answer #2 · answered by babydoll 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Like all textbooks at school, some of them suit you, and others are not suiting you.
When I don't like one text book, I get another one that is written in a style I can read.
In this light, you can read the Srimad Bhagavatam (which is free online, google it), or the Koran. Or for a short commentary upon the teachings of Jesus one can read the Gospel of Thomas (which contains only teachings, and no narrative). I have found that for me, to understand most of the allergorical stories within the holy scriptures, I needed to have to read lots of scriptures from different religions. I now see the bible as one tool in a tool kit. In order to build a house, I have to use many tools.
2007-04-20 18:03:12 · answer #3 · answered by Yoda 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call your local Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses and ask for a free home bible study...You'll never find reading the bible boring again
www.watchtower.org
2007-04-20 17:56:03 · answer #4 · answered by Here I Am 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Join a good Bible study group from your church. Don't have a church? There are usually plenty around if you ask your best friends, or look in the phone book. But, be careful or you'll get involved with a cult. Try standard churches like Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, etc. and avoid Mormon, Jehovah's Witness, Watchtower, etc as they are not what I'd call mainstream. I don't mean to cut them down, but this is just my opinion.
2007-04-20 18:01:18 · answer #5 · answered by hillbilly 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Pray and meditate on it and read with understanding, I've had people who have told me they have read the bible all the Thur several times and if you ask them a question they don't know what your talking about. So read from the heart with faith and understanding.
2007-04-20 18:00:43 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Read it as a Shakespearian Action/Adventure, and you'll be amazed.
It might also help to pray before reading it, asking the Holy Spirit to give you understanding. He will keep you awake.
2007-04-20 17:53:22 · answer #7 · answered by Bobby Jim 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Read the :
Douay Rhiems
or
New American Bible
2007-04-23 22:08:27 · answer #8 · answered by cashelmara 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a daily devotional and read it each day and read the whole chapter of the verse given for the day.
2007-04-20 18:03:28 · answer #9 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try reading a Kids' version with lots of great pictures! Believe it or not, a lot of adults do this.
2007-04-20 18:06:18 · answer #10 · answered by Brigid O' Somebody 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋