Advice about buying a Bible and Studying it...

[Kathy]

A few days ago I was working to put together the topic list for a scrapbook of 40 things I wanted to do before I turn 40. (I'm currently 33) By the time I got to the end I had a list of random things like "Publish my first novel", "Go to Disney World again" and "Get a Siamese cat and name it Zakariah." ... When I was struggling to figure out what number 39 should be, a random thought entered my head and I wrote it down: "Read the Bible and get to know Jesus and God.". I did -not- start my list with anything like that in mind. It was suppose to be a fluffy, silly thing. But once I had written that down, it took over. I still have my list for later (Because what's wrong with a kitty named Zakariah?) but this has become priority one.

With that said, I went to my shelf and looked for either of my old Bibles. Both are -gone-. I don't know how, I don't know why, I just know they're not there. So I guess that means it's time for a new one. Since I'm about to sink a sizable amount of cash on this (my research tells me I should get one I really like because ideally I'll be spending a lot of time with it) I've been going around and trying to get answers to a few key questions before I make a purchase.

1. How do I go about establishing and maintaining a relationship with God? And perhaps more directly important, with Jesus?

The church I attended as a child really didn't clarify this. I thought I was taught the Bible as a child, but as I prepare to study it occurs to me that I don't really have a solid concept of who Jesus is, what he stands for, etc. If I am to let Him into my heart, I would assume it would be good to fix that.

2. What advice should I consider when choosing my new Bibles?

I'm buying two. The first is going to be a physical Bible that will likely get scripture marked, notes made in it, etc. during study. The second is a Bible on my Kindle. Why two? I have arthritis that tends to hit my hard in my wrists if I have to hold anything heavy for a substancial amount of time, and I'm legally blind so I do need a Bible that is large print.

3. Do I want these Bibles to have the same, or different, translations?

I owned an EV and a KJV before they went missing. I'm curious whether I should pick two Bibles that match, or deliberately get two different ones so I can work to glean what is being said in a verse by comparing the two translations? Do I want two more literal versions or do I want a more literal version and a more readable version? Which version do I want for Kindle vs. Print?

4. There are so many different types of Bibles: regular ones, study ones, devotional ones, parallel ones, Bibles that are written to be read over 365 days... How do I use this to help make two smart purchases?

Any thoughts or advice on making the right selections? Do I want a more featured Bible (study Bible, for example) on my Kindle and a more simple one to reduce the book's weight for the physical copy? Do I want to invert that to keep moving around on the Kindle less of a hassle? Do I eventually need to consider a third Bible?

5. How do people actually feel about someone getting a Bible for Kindle? Does that make sense? I'm not sure how people have reacted to the whole eBook thing.

For now I'm studying on my own (we'll get to that) but I'm curious if its a social faux pas to bring a Kindle with me if I do go to a church or study with others later.

6. I intend to read the whole Bible, but from what I've been researching starting in Genesis and going through til the end is not necessarily the best way to do that. Thoughts?

From what I've been reading, the suggested reading order should be Matthew, John, Mark, Luke, Read the rest of The New Testament (which I've never done, save for two studies on Revelations, of all things. How did that ever happen??) And then go back and study the Old Testament (which I am academically familiar with, but which I hope will have fresh insight from having read the New Testament.)

7. What are your thoughts on Audio Bibles?

I do not believe this is a replacement for owning one's own personal Bible. However, from an academic standpoint I know I am an auditory learner. Should I eventually look into this to enhance my Bible reading and other studies?

8. Any suggestions for further or complimentary studies?

Much like my Bibles, a lot of my other books have gone missing. Stuff I've read includes Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis, The Case for Christ / The Case for Faith by Lee Strobel and Bad Girls of the Bible: And What We Can Learn From Them by Liz Curtis Higgs. I know that right now I need to be certain that my studies of the Bible (and most notably the New Testament) come first, but I love cross reading with other materials. (My grandparents got me into that.)

9. How do you guys feel about online Bible study groups?

I cannot drive and do not have access to anyone who would currently be willing to take me to a church each week. I am aware that doing stuff online is not / should not be a substitute for real life fellowship. It can enhance that; it shouldn't (I would think?) replace it. Still, it's currently the best option I see available for now. I have my eye on a study starting in August that is going to look at the Book of Acts. Should I do that?

10. Should I start researching various denominations to figure out where I fit in?

On one hand, I believe that despite going to different churches we're all praying to the same God. On the other hand, finding fellow Christians who can help with my growth is likely something I am going to want to examine. Should that wait? Would I be putting the cart before the horse? Or is this a step that may help me be more determined to figure out a way to actually get to a church and start attending?

Thanks so much for taking the time to read all that. I know there is a lot there. Any thoughts or suggestions anyone can give on the topics here is most welcome. Have a great day!

 

[reba]

WOW!
Most our human relationships are established by talking to one another.. In todays jargon the Scriptures are Gods facebook !
Talk to Him, the hard part for me is remembering to listen
Most of us here have some form of electronic Bible.. Plus our personal favorite Out of habit i like the KJ.
as for different translations. If the slight differences dont blow your mind why not have them different....
I would start with a 'regular one' . Read it/them as you see fit...
Audio Bibles one can not write notes in
Most one line study groups have agendas.. Kinda the same as the different denominations some good some not so good... that is between you and God.

Thanks for dropping by...

 

[Brother Mike]

The first step is learn how to be led by the Holy Spirit............. all the questions get answered then. Your suppose to be learning, and your suppose to be physically where God has designed you to be. That pretty much nixes out the traditional denominations as most a clueless on how to hear God.

Spirit Led:
http://www.flcbranson.org/freedownloads-serieslist.php?category=Holy Spirit

 

[WIP]

Welcome to CFnet Kathy!

I prefer to reference more than one version. I like the New King James Version (NKJV). It's a little easier for me to read than the KJV because it uses more modern words. I usually use this version when quoting on CFnet. I also like the New International Version (NIV). I have both of these in print form. On my phone I have the Revised Standard Version (RSV) and I also like that one. I also frequently use the Bible Gateway internet site. There you can access quite a number of Bible versions. The English Standard Version (ESV) is a popular version as well as the New Living Translation (NLT).

I recently listened to the dramatized audio version found on biblegateway.com. It is based on the NIV version but the addition of some sound effects and various voices helped bring it to life for me. Especially "The Revelation of Jesus Christ."

Hope this is helpful.

The best advice I can offer though is prayer. Read His word, study His word, meditate on His word are all great and necessary but communication directly with God is without doubt the most important thing you can do. You may experience an instantaneous change or like me it may take time (years). Open up your heart and mind to the Holy Spirit and be patient as He does things in His own time.

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."
Romans 8:28 NKJV

 

[Kenny_ms]

As I read your post, first thing I was going to recommend is you pushing getting to know Jesus and God to number 1 on your list, and though it would have been hard for me to decide between that and the cat, I think you made the right decision in prioritizing as you did.

I'd say maintaining a relationship with both Jesus and God is a lot like a child getting to know a parent or even a big brother/sister or anyone for that matter that the child admires so much they want to be just like them and are constantly mimicking things they do or did.

Were you just wanting to study up now before you make any decisions or were you, if you aren't already, also wanting to get saved, and then learn what it means to be saved or basically how to act, once you are, should you decide to?

On the Bibles, if it were me, I'd buy just one and use a free Bible software for study, that's all I use. Not that it's not a good idea to have a hard copy but I rarely use mine. Also, and again, this is if it were me, I'd go with a King James Book Bible because as I understand it, it was the first translation we can understand well, but while less would be lost in translation to newer versions, some will be lost in the ability to understand the KJV over later Bibles. You can look at other references online or in your software for that or even just buy a different understandable reference in hard copy like you suggest. You might check to see what one is the best as far as fewer misinterpretations, I hear some are worse than others but not an authority on that either. Kindle, Audio Bible, an online Bible, Free or bought Bible software, nothing wrong with any of those things, often they work much better than a book. I get a sense you feel that may be a tiny bit (just a tiny bit) on the sacreligous side to use electron Bibles/software or whatever, if not, just ignore my wild imagination but if so, I think god would want us to use the best means possible and had the electronic stuff been around back then, I have no doubt that's what they would have used. Can't beat a good ol' Book Bible though, especially if the power goes down...that may be just the time when we need it the most.

I use the The Word free software, and maybe others can recommend something much better, I'm hardly an authority on Bible software. Here is a link to the download site: and if you have any questions on the download and I can't answer them, maybe someone else can:

http://www.theword.net/

I cannot drive and do not have access to anyone who would currently be willing to take me to a church each week. I am aware that doing stuff online is not / should not be a substitute for real life fellowship. It can enhance that; it shouldn't (I would think?) replace it. Still, it's currently the best option I see available for now. I have my eye on a study starting in August that is going to look at the Book of Acts. Should I do that?

Me too and don't worry about it. I could get a car and do that but it's something I gave up a couple years ago for other reasons so, I don't worry about it at all. Maybe I'll fix mine someday. This right here is real fellowship but even if you didn't have this and had none, I wouldn't blame myself if you have no other real choice. We have the Bible Study you mentioned and yes, I recommend it, whether it be here or another site. Find where and what works best for you by trying it all within reason.

I would read the Whole Bible, anyone who says that's not necessary, well, I guess that's possible or possible to get what you need, enough to get to Heaven, but before I go on, you may find you just want to read it all once you get started. But, yes, I might read the first of the new testament first if you want to. To me it would depend on if I were saved or not, because we want to get there as fast as possible and the new testament skips right to the nitty gritty of that....the rest can come later.

If we didn't cover everything you asked, ask again and glad to see you seeking.

 

[brother Paul]

Welcome Kathy...some really good suggestions here...a bit of opinion cannot help but enter in...for me the bottom line is forget commentaries until after you have read it yourself even if a passage or concept is difficult (commentaries are sometimes denominationally persuasive and often create too many questions). Pray as you read and ask God to speak to you from the text (He will)...things that stand out to you most are what is for you exactly where you are...grow with that. After you have read it and taken notes then get or access a few commentaries and a good Bible dictionary if you feel the need...

My preferences are also KJV or NKJV and as a very expensive but really good insightful presentation I recommend The Majority Text Greek New Testament Interlinear [Thomas Nelson] on Amazon.com! I believe because it is based on those manuscripts known and possessed by the majority of apostolically founded churches and accepted most universally by all Bishops at the beginning of the 4th century (though not completed until later) I trust it. As for the critical text versions I know many who love the NIV, I do not...I prefer the NASB and the original two part RSV (thats where opinion and preference enter in), but which ever you choose, the Lord will speak to the sincere seeker from within its pages. The letter is secondary to the Spirit in every regard.

I do have one area of disagreement though...I believe you must read the scriptures Jesus, the Apostles (proper) and Paul all got their understanding from...it provides the background and meaning of many NT ideas and events and prophecies (which I found confusing without the OT's progressive revelation)

Also for study the parallel online Bibles are great...I think any study of the OT is enhances by Youngs literal and any pre-JPS Masoretic...

Seek, seek, seek, and you will find....knock, knock, knock and it WILL be opened to you...ask, ask, ask, and He will provide the answers...and please stay on board and ask questions

In His love

Paul

 

[reba]

Kathy has become a member this thread will be move to The Lounge...

 

[Rollo Tamasi]

Hi Kathy, again.
I use NIV.
I don't say it's the best or the worse.
I use it because it is easy to read English and it has headings in every chapter to help remind you where things are.

I suggest you pick one Gospel, one of the letters, and one book from the Hebrew Scriptures to start with, like Genesis, or Psalms, or anything that stands out to you.
That gives you a little bit of everything to start with.

Denominations: Pick any Bible believing church near you.
Hopefully they will show you the love of God as we all should do.

"Repent for the Kingdom of God is near".
Turn to God
See Jesus dying for you on the cross
Give your heart to Jesus
That's a good starting point.

 

[Corn Pop]

Dont buy a bible. Just go to a real true church and ask for one and get it for free. Thats why people give tithes so people without a bible can freely have one. Bibles are suppose to be free as Gods gift is free.

 

[Corn Pop]

God knows what hes doing.Thats what the tithe is suppose to be for. Dirty money goes in to printing bibles and it comes out clean as a free gift to anyone. Sadely many pastors think the tithe its a blessing from God for there personal use.

 

[OzSpen]

Kathy,

Welcome to CFnet. I'm pleased you've joined us as a guest. Why don't you consider joining us on a regular basis?

To establish your relationship with God/Jesus, I consider there are three primary areas that need attention:
(1) Pray daily - regularly and at critical times;
(2) Use a regular Bible reading plan so that you get into the Word - both OT and NT - daily. I use one of the plans from Heartlight Bible Reading Plan but there are others online. The link I've provided will guide you to read through the entire Bible every year. That's a wee bit fast for me, so I complete the Bible about every 18 months.
(3) You need the people of God, so worshipping and studying with a group of Christians weekly is critical for growth. See Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV).

As for Bible versions, so many of them are online. I use the Biblegateway where there are numerous English and other language versions. For me, I like two types of versions:
(1) Formal equivalence (more literal) and my choices are the English Stand Version and the New American Standard Bible.
(2) Dynamic equivalence (meaning for meaning translation) and I choose the New International Version and the New Living Translation.

I have an NIV study Bible and my wife has an ESV study Bible - hard copies.

As for which church to attend, why don't you join us here for a discussion on which churches are most suitable for you in your stage of growth with the Lord? I urge you to start threads that deal with the issues you want to discuss.

I look forward to hearing some more from you.

Your Aussie brother in Christ,
Oz

 

[OzSpen]

Dont buy a bible. Just go to a real true church and ask for one and get it for free. Thats why people give tithes so people without a bible can freely have one. Bibles are suppose to be free as Gods gift is free.

If people can afford to pay for a Bible, they should not drain the church of these resources that could be spent elsewhere: 'Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you' (James 1:27 NLT).

 

[Free]

Just a quick note to say that right now on Amazon, there are three different Kindle versions of the ESV that are free (not the Study Bible and two of them might be the same with a different name). And for those of us without a Kindle ereader, there is an app for every platform, mobile and desktop.

 

[OzSpen]

There is a difference. Its a dirty bible thats been sold. When it comes out clean thats good. I would rather take free resourse from the church than make a wolf profit from Gods word.

Its about spreading the gospel not just feeding the poor and looking after widows with church resources.

The true Church will never be drain of resourse if the pastor does whats right.

That's not addressing the issue I raised about people being able to afford the Bible.

 

[Corn Pop]

If every tithe went to Gods will his kingdom would be massive by now. Sadely many wolves are trying to hold it back by keeping the tithes while giving there members entertainment and a feel good servive in exchange.

It would be interesting to know how much modern day christians acturally know about the true Jesus. There is a big deception and alot of false information being told.

 

[OzSpen]

If every tithe went to Gods will his kingdom would be massive by now. Sadely many wolves are trying to hold it back by keeping the tithes while giving there members entertainment and a feel good servive in exchange.

It would be interesting to know how much modern day christians acturally know about the true Jesus. There is a big deception and alot of false information being told.

That's still not addressing the issue I raised about people being able to afford to pay for their Bible (whether in print, online or with an app).

Also, you are promoting the use of a tithe. Please defend the tithe as a NT way of giving.

 

[OzSpen]

Its all about being clean and keeping the word clean. When a bible is printed with dirty currency God washes it and it comes out clean as a free gift. Not for someone to profit.

So do people profit when you post on a forum (CFnet) that takes money (dirty currency - to use your language) to operate?

 

[reba]

This is not anyones personal thread for bickering .. and the topic is
Advice about buying a Bible and Studying it...
Staff says

 

[Kathy]

Hello, all. Thanks for all the useful feedback. I spotted that free ESV you guys mentioned and grabbed that for now. I had two Bibles that seem to have vanished on me, and that was the translation I had from the church I attended as a child / teen.

As for why I want to buy a Bible physically from a shop as opposed to getting one from a church?

(1) I do not drive and have no guaranteed plan as to when / how I will easily be able to attend a church locally. (I have cerebral palsy, arthritis in my legs and am legally blind.)

(2) I need to make sure that the physical Bible I choose is written in a print size, font and color that I can actually read. My physical Bible will hopefully be used to keep track of studying, so it will be open when I am using Kindle / tablet / whatever it compliment it. Flipping between it and any other resources on the same device seems counter-productive.

I'm slightly confused about our current debate: are we talking about the fact that paying money for things relating to God and claiming that is offensive? Or are we talking about the idea that money and all that comes with it is offensive since man cannot serve both God and money?

I'm also appreciative of the reading plan that was linked and I think the idea of choosing and studying various Bible books in tandem is actually a pretty neat idea.

Still totally interested in hearing any other ideas or thoughts if anyone has them. Have a great day!

 

[Rollo Tamasi]

Stay focused Kathy.
The side issues are people venting their frustrations.