need help reading the bible {Christin's only}?

Question

I'm trying to read the bible. the experience of which is like hitting myself over the head with a frying pan. I already have trust issues with god. I'm trying to work them out. the bible is not helping. I wont to have a relationship with god but it's hard.

the problems are:

1. I don't agree with a lot of his opinions.

2. reading the bible is hard.

3. believing in him is the only way to get saved.

can someone help.

to Rowan K. the problem is I do believe in it. don't agree with it but o believe in it.

Answer 1

I know that you're going to think that I'm crazy. But not believing everything the Bible says does NOT make you a bad Christian. I'm a Lutheran, and there is no way that everything in the Bible is true or applicable today. The Bible was written by humans. There is no proof that any of the passages came directly from God. It is possible to believe in God without following the Bible. If you live a good life and treat others well, you will be saved. I honestly don't think that God would truly have us believe some of the things that our fellow humans have written. There is nothing wrong with believing what you choose, as long as you respect your version of a higher being, other people, and your own life. I feel like I have a better relationship with God when I'm on my own, enjoying the wonderful things that God has given me in my life, rather than sitting in a pew next to some intolerant people, or trying to force-feed myself ridiculous material (not all of it, but some) from an ancient text. If God is as good as everyone says, he'll understand.

Answer 2

Which version have you been reading?

Yes, reading the Bible can be very hard but there is an easier way to do it without the pressure.

www.blueletterbible.org

This website has lots of different translations of the Bible. Some are easier to understand than others.

The fact that you want a relationship with Him (I am assuming that you are talking about God) is the first step to getting one.

Try the Living version of the Bible and see if it is easier to understand.

Best wishes to you.

Answer 3

Quit worrying about God as this scary being who will punish you if you cannot have a good relationship with him. God is not like that. If you want to have a healthy relationship with God, experience it with people. Treat others with respect, help the needy, show concern for God's creations.. those are the things that God wants you to do. Reading the bible, going to Church, and obeying all these weird laws like not eating meat on Fridays during Lent are things that God is not worried about.

You're not expected to find God, God finds you. You just have to open yourself to God. Meaning you must get rid of your false self and let your Real self break free. And having a debate about God's laws and concerning about salvation are examples of false self. You're creating this separation between yourself and God. You're seeing God as Big guy upstairs. God does not want you to believe in him only because you will receive salvation. God actually hates that because that's showing your false self.

Besides the bible should not be taken literally. The writers of the bible wrote it in a way the audience can connect to. And when I mean audience, I mean the contemporaries of these bible writers. Why do you think Mark, Matthew, Luke and John are different? They had different audiences that's why.

Answer 4

Come to the Word of God like a love letter to you personally. Read the book of John first, in the Bible translation called the Messenger. It is awesomely clear to this generation.
Read Matthew, Mark and Luke and John and Romans and Acts first. Then read one chapter in Old Testament, and one chapter in the New Testament each day, until finished. The Chronological Bible called Daily Bible will help.
Ask the Lord to open up your heart, and read, trusting He will do this, like a little child.
The Bible is on Fire- in that it is a thing that is Living- The Logos, or the Word, is names for Jesus, and this is the story of Jesus and you.
It is Living, in that it is Alive, and it is like no other book, as it is the Word of God, and will start actually changing you from the inside out; thats' why it is called Living because it is Christ Himself doing the work as He is the Word. He is Alive. His Word was given for this purpose, to do a work in you, and impart or give Christ Jesus to you personally, until you give Him your life, and then He comes' into you to live His life through you and your life through only His Power. His Word is the Power of God. He spoke and the world came about. He is the Power of God, because He is God come down in human flesh.
Go toward Him, and He changes' you. The Living Word is worth knowing, because it is powerful as it is God-breathed and all Holy Spirit; which, if living or brought inside you and your mind makes' you a new person with a new heart.

Answer 5

No, to alter right into a Christian you ought to settle for Jesus as your savior, confess your sins and repent (exchange your concepts approximately sin). To advance and study greater approximately God you study the bible. i might commence with Paul's letters (commence at Romans) - on account it incredibly is the main ideal to Christians in my view. next i might end the recent testomony and then address the previous testomony. the 1st few books of the previous testomony if no longer elementary examining and once you're commencing off, you will benefit maximum from Paul's letters. stable success, and e mail me in case you go with suggestion.

Answer 6

Okay first of all pray before you read the Bible.

Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.

Proverbs 1:23
King James Version

God will teach you

And here's some websites that will teach you the words of God

Answer 7

Ask God to help you understand the scriptures. If you have accepted Jesus to be your Savior and Lord He will send the Holy Spirit to reveal the scriptures to you.

The Bible says:

1 Corinthians 2:14 But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.


One problem I see already. You said:

I don't agree with a lot of his opinions.

God doesn't have opinions. He has commands. He has statements of fact.

Answer 8

This is a book by a trusted spiritual author.. Watchman Nee on " how to study the bible"
I know that u want to read it but this booklet will touch some matters on how to go about reading too



http://www.ministrybooks.org/watchman-nee-books.cfm

Look up
How to study the Bible

All the best
sandy

Answer 9

Start out with Matthew, and make sure you have a modern bible in language you can easily read. God doesn't give opinions, he sets standards and rules. To have a good relationship you have to follow the rules. This site is a good place for asking questions about verses you don't understand. Pray to God for understanding and to find the truth of his word. If someone special comes to your house after praying for the truth, welcome them. God Bless your efforts.

Answer 10

The fact is that you still have to "renew your mind", and reading the Bible is a good way to do that. BUT, have you already accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? If you have, then you will be able to understand the Bible better, with the help of the Holy Spirit; but pray and ask God to help you understand and to speak to you through his word, when you are going to read it.

Maybe you have begun with the Old Testament? It is not a good idea. Better you start with the New Testament; I suggest to you begin with the gospel of John, and then the other books of the New Testament.

If you have any particular bible question, feel free to email me.
God bless you.