How to understand the bible

smokeman · 05-12-2006, 08:32 PM

I have read the bible once and I have failed to understand it....I started again on it and it doesn't seem to be getting any easier for me..Some things I understand others I have no clue on what it is talking about...Other than bible study classes what is the best way to understand it...I would like to unlock what it has to say but it seems like fort knox to me...I want to see what it tells me about it and not what other people says it means..I want my own perspective and understanding of the words..How have any of you learned to read and understand it out side of bible study????

cataway · 05-12-2006, 09:00 PM

i have something relatively new its a bible study aid that I'm quite shore will help you its called

What Does the Bible Really Teach?

if you want one I'll get it to you

Grasshopper13 · 05-13-2006, 12:02 AM

Smokeman

In my case, I just read and then thought about the verses I'd just read.
Always try to answer a few simple questions when reading the bible.

#1 Who is the writer speaking to.
#2 What is the writer trying to convey.
#3 Why was the writer writing it.
#4 Does this apply to me?

As you read and answer these questions, you'll find more questions coming up. When they do come up, do the research in the bible to find the answers.

I've found that the Bible has deeper levels of meaning, but you have to first grasp the face meaning before, you will realize the deeper ones. Start out by just taking the bible for what it says. Don't look for deeper meaning at first, it'll come at various times in your life.

GH

Chuck7 · 05-13-2006, 04:14 AM

Dear Smokeman,
Reminds me of me. IN October of 1976 while in the army, I was informed :since I was still an E 1 private after one year and was a royal goof off I would be getting dis honoralbly discharged from the service. I was depressed. We were just getting ready for a 30 day war game at Eglin's Airforce Base. I decided to read my New Testament through. I decoded the Words off the page and none of them registered. I read the entire New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs. Proverbs mad some sense but that was it. NOTHING

However; the Lord began to convict me gently and started changing my way of looking at things. I had a desire to get saved but saw my flesh was way to weak to make the commitment.

Not many days I got miracuopously saved. THEN....my eyes were open and the Scriptures made alot of sense. They seemed to jump off the page .

C7
PS God's Word working in me kept me fromn being discharged and sent me to the WHite House as part of the Honor Guard 14 months later.

Rebel Hog · 05-13-2006, 08:14 AM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: Grasshopper13

As you read and answer these questions, you'll find more questions coming up. When they do come up, do the research in the bible to find the answers.

GH

Exactly, this is a must!

smokeman · 05-13-2006, 09:53 AM

Thanks for the replys all...I will have to try that...Just take my time and try not to get frustrated when I can't make it out....I guess asking the holly spirit to help couldn't hurt either..If I get stuck on something and can't find the answers I will post on here if it's allright... Again thanks for the replys and help...I will try this first cataway and if I can't manage I will be getting that book you mentioned.. Again thank you all...

Chuck7 · 05-13-2006, 09:57 AM

Thanks for the replys all...I will have to try that...Just take my time and try not to get frustrated when I can't make it out....I guess asking the holly spirit to help couldn't hurt either..If I get stuck on something and can't find the answers I will post on here if it's allright..{This is fine but be careful ,many of us hold very radical different views} As you strive to obey what youdo understand, God will open your understanding more}.
C7

Rebel Hog · 05-13-2006, 10:04 AM

Strong's Concordance - King James Version:

Strong's Concordance

motor · 05-13-2006, 10:46 AM

I assume that you are born again believer and if so I find that prayer is a must and don't just read it,meditate on it and allow the Holy Spirit to lead and direct you..I have been reading the bible for 70 years and i still come across things i don't fully understand..So don't get discouraged, keep reading, praying and meditating..

dkhamner · 05-13-2006, 10:57 AM

This is only my opinion and you can take it for what its worth.... not much! but anyway. I would like to start by saying that I have just prayed a prayer for you and I am believing that you will get your understanding.

You dont have to answer this on here but in your heart, are you saved, borned again? If not I know that this is the first step.I read bible before I wassaved and I got nothing from it, I guess I read it tosee if I wanted to believe it and try to clean up before I gave my life to Christ. Didn't work.

Always praybefore you read and ask theHoly Spirit to give you understanding and thank him for it before you read.

Try getting a bible that is easier to understand. I read the New Living Translation and love it. My dad gave methe NLT Study bible for my B-day last year and its wonderful. I started out reading the King James but I aint educated enough for it sounds funny. I dont talk that way.

I will continue to pray for you.Dont hold anything I said personally its only my advice.
God Bless You.