Bible Studying?

[DaRock]

This is what my current Pastor said, "The best study bible is the NRSV Oxford Annotated / the best bible to simply read as a devotional but not for study is Eugene Peterson’s translation called The Message."

[AsburySkinsFan]

This is what my current Pastor said, "The best study bible is the NRSV Oxford Annotated / the best bible to simply read as a devotional but not for study is Eugene Peterson’s translation called The Message."

I would agree with the NRSV (I personally use the Harper Collins Study Bible) but the Oxford is top notch too, very much meat and potatoes in there so be ready for a full meal and do not expect a hot fudge sundae. I'm not a big fan of The Message just because I'm not a fan of paraphrases, but Peterson does a good job in that it sounds like someone telling you the story conversationally, so I understand why it appeals to so many, its just not my personal choice and I wouldn't condemn any who read it devotionally, just don't bring it to an in depth Bible study. My personal devotion Bible is the New Living Translation (and that was before I met Dr. Lawson Stone).

[Lombardi's_kid_brother]

don't start with John, whatever you do. Matthew and Mark are $$$$. John is absolutely terrible. If you start there you'll quit after 30 minutes.

I would just start with the NT in the order it is. Or you could start with MArk, the oldest. But Matthew is the best, imo.

I bought a Catholic study bible and I've really enjoyed it. The notes in it are incredible- but they don't necessarily steer you in any way, they simply provide fact and context.

The OT is tedious. No getting around it. The first 200 pages are awesome, then it's a snoozefest. The NT is actually quite great, especially the gospels. jmo

I laughed! I cried! It was better than Cats!!!

I guess the question is, What are you reading for?

For faith reasons?
Literary reasons?
Historical reasons?
To put current events in context?

[BigMike619]

I would start with Proverbs personally. Even if you are skeptical Proverbs is just a great book for rules to live your life by. It is how to be good to each other and how to give in order to receive. that is my refreshing book that I read whenever I need to feel something...

[zoony]

For faith reasons?
Literary reasons?
Historical reasons?
To put current events in context?

Yes!

[AsburySkinsFan]

I guess the question is, What are you reading for?

For faith reasons?
Literary reasons?
Historical reasons?
To put current events in context?

How about to become part of the story, and to own the history as our personal story?

[Zguy28]

All the small group leaders at my church read this book and they love it. Its the rare book book that provides scholarly content and still maintains easy readability.

http://www.amazon.com/How-Read-Bible...4940298&sr=1-2

"The primary task of Bible study is to determine what the Scriptures meant at the time they were written and how that meaning applies to us today. This vital guide focuses on the historical contexts of the Bible and explains differences between the Old Testament narratives, the Epistles, Gospels, Parables, Psalms and more. It's a practical approach to Bible study -- one that makes good sense and is easy to understand. This new edition includes, among other changes, a new section on the Song of Songs and an updated list of recommended commentaries and resources."

Great reference MGS!

Have you ever read Understanding the Bible by John Stott?

Gordon Fee is fantastic, and any book that does the following gets a big thumbs up from me.
"Product Description
Helps people read the Bible as a whole; and even when the whole is narrowed to whole books, helps readers to see how each book fits into the grand Story of the Bible."

This IMO is one of the biggest problems we face today in regards to scripture reading in that it is seen as 66 parts rather than 1 whole story of the redeptive story of humanity by God.

I like Gordon Fee as well. I have a set of commentaries which he edited.

Good stuff, especially Matthew which was written by R.T. France.

[Veretax]

www.ebible.com has the ability to look up verses and has a "study help" that you can view in its study mode. As for versions, I prefer the NKJV (New King James Version) it is much better and more up to date in its language, and I use a Macarthur Study bible to go with it.

If your looking for something to help along with it there are lots of Commentaries, and it depends on what kind of help you are looking for.

[rebornempowered]

The Reformation Study Bible is available this week from Ligonier for a donation of any size. It was mentioned previously by myself and Zguy28 (I think).

You can make a donation and get the Bible from this link: http://tinyurl.com/56ccqx

[gsuggs]

I have a New Living Translation that has daily devotion. I like it better than just starting at Genesis and reading to Revelation.

[AsburySkinsFan]

I have a New Living Translation that has daily devotion. I like it better than just starting at Genesis and reading to Revelation.

Two years ago, at my last church we went through the "Bible in 90 Days" study, it was fantastic, the people got the panoramic view of the Bible much like looking at an assembled puzzle as opposed to looking at each piece individually.

[brandymac27]

Two years ago, at my last church we went through the "Bible in 90 Days" study, it was fantastic, the people got the panoramic view of the Bible much like looking at an assembled puzzle as opposed to looking at each piece individually.

You know, something like this might not be a bad idea for a thread topic. I mean, for people like me who have just recently started going to church, but don't really go to Sunday school, this could be a good idea. I read the Bible on occasion, but I feel like I would read it more often if I had other people to help interpret some of it.

[SnyderShrugged]

Two years ago, at my last church we went through the "Bible in 90 Days" study, it was fantastic, the people got the panoramic view of the Bible much like looking at an assembled puzzle as opposed to looking at each piece individually.

I would love to have been able to take part in that! Oh, and Brandy, I love your idea! Sign me up!

[brandymac27]

I would love to have been able to take part in that! Oh, and Brandy, I love your idea! Sign me up!

Well, I could start the thread, but I was hoping somebody with more knowledge than myself would volunteer to be the "teacher" (Asbury- maybe?). Any volunteers to help out with this?

[AsburySkinsFan]

Well, I could start the thread, but I was hoping somebody with more knowledge than myself would volunteer to be the "teacher" (Asbury- maybe?). Any volunteers to help out with this?

I'd be willing to help, but as far as "teacher" I'd prefer a community study and group input as we have many various traditions representative here and I wouldn't want to exclude any voices. We'd also have to be respective of varying interpretations of the text (within reason of course) especially in those places where our traditions find opposition. We'd also need to operate ourselves respectfully....*gulp*.... We'd have to decide how we are going to schedule the study, that way we aren't going too slow or too fast, thus leaving time for all who wish to participate. And we'd have to simply ignore the trolls.

The big question would be...where do we start? It was mentioned earlier in this thread Matthew, and I'd be happy to start there.