PineFarmMom Posted March 16, 2009 Share Posted March 16, 2009 I don't have time for a class. I spend about 1/2 hr to an hour each morning reading the Bible and praying. I am wanting to get more of a method to my madness. I read an article on Bible Study by John Macarthur and the book by Kay Arthur "How to study your Bible." I so see the benefits of reading and rereading a book of the Bible. John Macarthur even said to just pick a small NT book and start reading it once per day for a month, then sometime mid-stream to outline that book on index cards, etc., and you'd get more familiar with the book and its purpose. I think he said in 2 years you'd have gone through the whole NT thoroughly. Then he suggested reading the OT through once per year. I do have a Strongs Hebrew/Greek dictionary, and I use online commentaries at times. I find it maddening to read the same book of the Bible and anaylyze it like that repeatedly for a month. I have some ADD tendencies, and I think that is part of my problem. I have done a Kay Arthur study with a group and gotten much from it, but to apply that on my own is difficult because I don't stick to it and it feels intimidating. At this point, I do have a fairly good overview on the books in the NT, not as much as the OT, though I do love the OT. I'd just like suggestions on how any of you have gotten deep into God's Word. I'm also at a point where I'm seeing soooo much mishandling of scripture within the church itself that I'd like to get a handle on God's Word to see what different scriptures actually mean and not what people just really, really want them to mean, kwim? :001_smile:I'd like suggestions on how to go forward, any resources that would be good, etc. Teresa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Virginia Dawn Posted March 16, 2009 Share Posted March 16, 2009 What I usually do is decide how I want to focus on what I read. For example, I might read through the New Testament taking note of all statements made as commands. Another time I might read through it paying special attention to prophecies and how they were fulfilled. Or I might break out my comprehensive concordance and do a personal study on a topic that interests me. I compare a couple of different versions of the scriptures and try to read different view points on that time in history and how it affects (not necessarily Christian) what I am studying about. I guess what I'm saying is: gather resources and try to make up your own method of study, you'll probably get a lot more out of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2abcd Posted March 16, 2009 Share Posted March 16, 2009 You sound like most people... wanting to do something, but needing accountability/support. It's always easier for me to set up a date and time with friends (or my husband) and then I don't want to let them down and so my goals are reached! LOL Here are some links to some good online distance learning options: http://www.wels.net/jump/ndlw http://streams.wels.net/video/?series=wkw-communicating-christ-today However you do it, you'll want to remember some of the basic interpretation helps like "Scripture interprets Scripture." (Meaning you can't just pull one verse as proof of something if the rest of Scripture doesn't support it. Look at the context, the audience, etc. to see why it was said the way it was.) HTH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PineFarmMom Posted March 16, 2009 Author Share Posted March 16, 2009 "At this point, I do have a fairly good overview on the books in the NT, not as much as the OT, though I do love the OT." I wanted to rewrite what I said above. I wrote it wrong. I have a BETTER handle on the NT THAN on the OT. I made it sound opposite there. Virginia Dawn, Thanks for the input. Yes, I do often do word studies and find those helpful. I have wanted to go through the Gospels and see how Jesus handles conflict and "wrangling with words" when speaking to others, so that might be a helpful thing, how to lovingly talk to people (I miss the mark there so often). Like I was noticing how when Jesus talked to people, often he'd tell them "Go and sin no more" or "Go and do likewise." It hit me that he didn't spend years trying to convince them. He just told them and seemed to move right along. I might read through the NT with that type of thinking involved. Again, my ADD tendencies often distract me when I go with a plan like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PineFarmMom Posted March 16, 2009 Author Share Posted March 16, 2009 Here are some links to some good online distance learning options: http://www.wels.net/jump/ndlw http://streams.wels.net/video/?series=wkw-communicating-christ-today However you do it, you'll want to remember some of the basic interpretation helps like "Scripture interprets Scripture." (Meaning you can't just pull one verse as proof of something if the rest of Scripture doesn't support it. Look at the context, the audience, etc. to see why it was said the way it was.) HTH Thanks!! Yes, the scripture interprets scripture is exactly what I'm wanting. I want to be able to connect scripture with other scripture so I can more thoroughly establish what to stand firm on and what to take as a one-time instance in my Bible. I'm thinking a chain reference would help with that also. Teresa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6packofun Posted March 16, 2009 Share Posted March 16, 2009 (edited) I am currently doing a study of the Old Testament using a good study Bible, some commentaries and the free Bible "Class Books" (just study questions for each book of the Bible!) here: http://www.padfield.com/ (We are not a part of this denomination, but even though there are some doctrinal differences I have not found anything off-putting in the questions so far. It's a good, free resource!) I'm also doing Balancing the Sword which you can find through Timberdoodle or Rainbow Resource. It's a big 2-volume set of questions and cross referenced Scritpures for every book of the Bible. http://www.timberdoodle.com/Balancing_the_Sword_Volumes_1_and_2_p/155-255.htm Edited March 16, 2009 by 6packofun .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AuntieM Posted March 16, 2009 Share Posted March 16, 2009 (edited) Another book along the lines of How to Study Your Bible is one called Living by the Book by Howard Hendricks. It's great! I agree with another poster who said that even if you don't want a group study, accountability is key. If you can drum up just one other person, that would probably spur you on. You know, iron sharpens iron! Or as some of my southern girlfriends like to say, it makes us steel magnolias (in a good way!). My high school son and I are doing Balancing the Sword. It has been great! It has prompted some great discussions and has kept me accountable. Check it out! You can keep it as simple as answering the questions, or, when you feel prompted, there's room in the margins to do word studies and record any insight you gain (after the study) from commentaries. ETA: At first glance, BTS may appear simple. Don't let it fool you! It will get you examining the text. I have participated in numerous, in-depth Bible studies over the years, and I am seeing things that I simply never saw before - words that were there all along! The Spirit will show you what He has for you each day you pursue the Word. So don't just think of it as lightweight Q&A. Edited March 16, 2009 by AuntieM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mazakaal Posted March 16, 2009 Share Posted March 16, 2009 I love Precept Bible study materials. Even if you don't go to a group Bible study you can buy the materials and do them on your own. You've already read Kay Arthur's book, so that gives you an idea of what you'll be doing. The book studies from Precept Ministries gives you detailed instructions for particular books of the Bible. They have lots of different types of materials available depending on how in-depth you want to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hapax Legomena Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 I'd just like suggestions on how any of you have gotten deep into God's Word. AuntieM recommended Howard Hendrick’s books. I agree with her. Hendricks has written not only a book called Living By the Book, but also a companion workbook by the same name. You would probably enjoy both. For many years Hendricks taught a Bible study and hermeneutics course at Dallas Theological Seminary. Many graduates of the seminary have called it the single best course they took at DTS. A few years ago Hendricks and his son published these two books that are a good representation of the course in written form. I'm also at a point where I'm seeing soooo much mishandling of scripture within the church itself that I'd like to get a handle on God's Word to see what different scriptures actually mean and not what people just really, really want them to mean, kwim? I'd like suggestions on how to go forward, any resources that would be good, etc. These materials will give you some very useful tools you can use to understand what the Scripture means and avoid hermeneutical errors often made by well-meaning people who use unsound approaches. I'd like suggestions on how to go forward, any resources that would be good, etc. Another book you might enjoy is a 96 page paperback by Oletta Wald, The Joy of Discovery. Before Hendricks wrote his own books, he made The Joy of Discovery required reading for his course. It is very brief but packed with tools you can use. I find it maddening to read the same book of the Bible and anaylyze it like that repeatedly for a month. I have some ADD tendencies, and I think that is part of my problem. Here’s a suggestion: if an approach seems a bit maddening, don’t use it. There are a variety of ways to approach Bible study. Some people enjoy the re-reading of a book repeatedly. Hendricks has some exercises that follow that concept. However, if that approach is not helpful for you, skip those exercises. My pastor used to read a psalm and a chapter of Proverbs each day. At the end of five months he would complete the Psalms in its entirety and the Proverbs five times. Some people like that method; others like something else. May the Lord bless you as you continue to study His Word. It sounds as if you are on the right track already. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackie in AR Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 I love Precept Bible study materials. Even if you don't go to a group Bible study you can buy the materials and do them on your own. You've already read Kay Arthur's book, so that gives you an idea of what you'll be doing. The book studies from Precept Ministries gives you detailed instructions for particular books of the Bible. They have lots of different types of materials available depending on how in-depth you want to go. :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlockOfSillies Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 (edited) One more book... LOL. Living by the Book by Howard Hendricks and his son... what's-his-name. PPBBTTHH. Where's my brain... Never mind. I agree with Auntie M. Edited March 17, 2009 by FlockOfSillies should've read Auntie M's post. Bother that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frontier Mom Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 Another book along the lines of How to Study Your Bible is one called Living by the Book by Howard Hendricks. It's great! I agree with another poster who said that even if you don't want a group study, accountability is key. If you can drum up just one other person, that would probably spur you on. You know, iron sharpens iron! Or as some of my southern girlfriends like to say, it makes us steel magnolias (in a good way!). My high school son and I are doing Balancing the Sword. It has been great! It has prompted some great discussions and has kept me accountable. Check it out! You can keep it as simple as answering the questions, or, when you feel prompted, there's room in the margins to do word studies and record any insight you gain (after the study) from commentaries. ETA: At first glance, BTS may appear simple. Don't let it fool you! It will get you examining the text. I have participated in numerous, in-depth Bible studies over the years, and I am seeing things that I simply never saw before - words that were there all along! The Spirit will show you what He has for you each day you pursue the Word. So don't just think of it as lightweight Q&A. Thanks. I just downloaded "Living By the Book" on my Kindle. Awesome!! I was thinking about looking into Balancing the Sword for next year or the year after for my two oldest. Now I think I definitely want to take this approach. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oakblossoms Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 These are excellent http://www.covenantseminary.edu/learn/worldwideclassroom/ I finally after many tries started reading my bible straight through. It's been really helpful. I use the study notes and blb to look up alternate translations to really help my understanding. I feel like God has really blessed that time and the days I forget are never as good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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