CF.net you inspire me

[electricaluser]

I have been thinking of reading the bible again for a long time, and well being here has inspired me to do that. But I realize I am still missing something, some understanding that I need to get the process started, once I find that I am going to read the bible cover to cover.

 

[YosefHayim]

All these ingredients on the pack of twinkies I decided is inspiring me to never buy them again. And fast. For a year.

But seriously. Read the bible.

Start with the first verse with the Gospel of John, then read Genesis.

In the beginning [was the λόγος, and the Word was with God, and the Word was] God et [who] created the heavens and the earth. John 1:1 and Genesis 1:1 combined.
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But don't forget the most important: John 3:16, Romans 10:9, Ephesians 2:8-10

 

[Blake]

1 Corinthians 2:6-16

Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glorification. None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written,

“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,​

nor the heart of man conceived,
what God has prepared for those who love him,”​

God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For what person knows a man’s thoughts except the spirit of the man which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is from God, that we might understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who possess the Spirit.

The unspiritual man does not receive the gifts of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. “For who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.​

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That certain something is spiritual revelation. Pray sincerely that the Holy Spirit reveal the Bible to you.

 

[AirDancer]

As YosefHayim recommended, begin your reading with the first book in the Bible: Genesis. After you read a chapter, sit back and consider what you've read before proceeding to the next chapter.

Importantly, prior to actually commencing the reading - whether it's your first day or your 200th - say a prayer:

"Hello, Lord, I'm curious and I'm hungry to learn more of Your word. I freely admit I'm not perfect in either deed or thought. And although I am not worthy, it is my desire to have my eyes, my heart and my mind opened to Your grace and Your way. Help me to understand what Your word says, and bless the time I spend in reading and studying Scripture."

Obviously, you'll phrase the prayer in your own style.

When you reach Psalms, you'll want to spend a bit more time on each Psalm. (They are each amazing!)

The first few times I read the Bible, I read it straight through from cover to cover. Then I decided to alter the readings, and found that the link below offers a reading plan that is rather delightful. The site provides a myriad of options:

http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-reading-plan/

Be blessed!

 

[YosefHayim]

As YosefHayim recommended, begin your reading with the first book in the Bible: Genesis. After you read a chapter, sit back and consider what you've read before proceeding to the next chapter.

Importantly, prior to actually commencing the reading - whether it's your first day or your 200th - say a prayer:

"Hello, Lord, I'm curious and I'm hungry to learn more of Your word. I freely admit I'm not perfect in either deed or thought. And although I am not worthy, it is my desire to have my eyes, my heart and my mind opened to Your grace and Your way. Help me to understand what Your word says, and bless the time I spend in reading and studying Scripture."

Obviously, you'll phrase the prayer in your own style.

When you reach Psalms, you'll want to spend a bit more time on each Psalm. (They are each amazing!)

The first few times I read the Bible, I read it straight through from cover to cover. Then I decided to alter the readings, and found that the link below offers a reading plan that is rather delightful. The site provides a myriad of options:

http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-reading-plan/

Be blessed!

For a while I prayed "Jesus, lead me into truth and protect me from lies".

Lately, I've added "...and perfect me in your love."

God is Logic/Truth, but he is also Love. Cherish knowledge in wisdom, but always remember love lest you be puffed up. For scripture says "Faith, hope, and chairty: the greatest of these is Love".

 

[AirDancer]

For a while I prayed "Jesus, lead me into truth and protect me from lies".

Lately, I've added "...and perfect me in your love."

God is Logic/Truth, but he is also Love. Cherish knowledge in wisdom, but always remember love lest you be puffed up. For scripture says "Faith, hope, and chairty: the greatest of these is Love".

So true!

Our prayers - our conversations - with our Lord should never be uncomfortable. There are times when I start mine with a "Hi, Lord, it's me again." He knows who we are, and He knows why we've come before Him in prayer.

I'm just thankful that He loves me and that He is always ready to listen to my prayers!

 

[electricaluser]

The only reason people don't read the bible is because of other peoples expectations, and the reason people have expectations is because they fear when other people learn.

 

[electricaluser]

I've decided to read through the gospels again because I'm starting to realize that they contain information that's essential to my world view. You will notice that I have said a lot of things about God, love and desire, and all of it comes from this one verse

Genesis 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

Everything

Now I think what more can I learn if I read more.

 

[electricaluser]

I have the process I needed and I understand why Jesus is the way the truth and the light now, so change my status to Christian.

 

[YosefHayim]

I have the process I needed and I understand why Jesus is the way the truth and the light now, so change my status to Christian.

It is not by works, but by faith you have been saved. Through faith we are counted righteous. Through faith we are given power to become adopted sons of God; he calls us his children. He calls us more than that. He calls us fearfully and wonderfully made, friends, brothers, heirs, a holy nation, priests, and kings. Every thing is for God, and for his glory alone. All of heaven rejoices when one lost sheep is found. The Holy Ghost draws you, and you believe the miracle upon the cross at Calvary, and God sees his only begotten son in you, and they say "Let's celebrate and have a feast, for he was lost and now he is found, he was blind and now he has sight, and the dead is raised to life." They turn out the lights, they bring out the glow sticks, they drop the disco globe, and pillars of fire and thunderings shoot forth for fun, and they crank up the music because the blood of Christ has redeemed one sinner.

I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. Luke 15:7-10​