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RE: Why don't you read your Bible? - 6/23/2008 7:12:43 AM
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makarizo
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quote:
ORIGINAL: SusieD
quote:
'knowing the bible well' is a seed of arrogance that becomes a stumbling block to those who do not keep their priorities straight.
I totally agree with this!
quote:
so along with "why don't you read your bible" is "why don't you pray" and "why don't you obey", and "why are you hearer, and not a doer" and "why isn't Christ at the center of your life"
Umm....do I have to address every one of these in order to legitmately discuss reading the Bible? This is the Bible folder, so I was asking about reading the Bible. That doesn't mean that I am not concerned with other aspects of our christian walk.
quote:
I don't believe it all starts and ends when one reads the bible...... if you do, I disagree.
I don't disagree at all. Sounds like you are reading way too much into my post.
I probably did put way too much into your post....lol.
I have been a Sunday School teacher for soooo long, and know that for some kids, reading the bible comes so easy, and for others it is a big struggle, sometimes accompanied with much guilt which soon leads to indifference.
feeling inadequate because one cannot read their bible as fast and as consistently as someone else is unacceptable.
indifference is the monster I -as a teacher- have fought against so frequently..... the challenge was *how can I make the bible look more interesting and more practical *
some, maybe most 'Christians' will never get into the habit of doing daily devotions- for many various reasons, none of the reasons are very good ones (imo).
the amount of bible that you are able to read is commendable, and to a few (including me) it would be inspiring, but my experience has taught me that quantity is not the same as quality, and that if person "A" cannot read as much as person b - who is telling everyone how much they are capable of reading.... person A will be tempted to just back off.
and once they have backed off with the excuse of - I am not good at reading the bible, or it doesn't make sense, or I find it hard to concentrated, or I don't have the time... then the other areas (the ones that you called 'other aspects') begin to get re prioritized.
I like you choice of words.....
Aspect: a feature that is linked to many parts of a program, but which is not necessarily the primary function of the program
for me, the simpler answer to the OP question is: "indifference", and the answer to why is there indifference is all I see.
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RE: Why don't you read your Bible? - 6/23/2008 10:02:15 AM
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SusieD
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quote:
I have been a Sunday School teacher for soooo long, and know that for some kids, reading the bible comes so easy, and for others it is a big struggle, sometimes accompanied with much guilt which soon leads to indifference.
feeling inadequate because one cannot read their bible as fast and as consistently as someone else is unacceptable.
Yes, this is true.
Earlier when I posted that I read the NT through every month, I wasn't putting that as a standard that I think people should meet...but more as hopefully some inspiration and an idea. I realize that not everyone, perhaps not even most can do this. I have always been an avid reader, I love to read and it comes easily to me. I also have more time and opportunity to read than many.
I wish there was more discipleship in this area (and in all areas really!!). More encouragement and help. I think lots of people try reading the Bible and get overwhelmed and bored and give up. But it is something that if you persevere at you will be rewarded...after a while it will begin to come together and you will get so much out of it. But it takes time and diligence.
quote:
the amount of bible that you are able to read is commendable, and to a few (including me) it would be inspiring, but my experience has taught me that quantity is not the same as quality, and that if person "A" cannot read as much as person b - who is telling everyone how much they are capable of reading.... person A will be tempted to just back off.
First of all, thank you. As I said before (and I typed it before I got to this part of your post) I was hoping it would be inspiring to some. I feel I need to say that I don't go around spouting off to people how much I read the Bible. I agree with you that quantity does not equal quality...but I do think there is some overlap there.
That was a little bit rambly!
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Susie
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RE: Why don't you read your Bible? - 6/23/2008 10:54:50 AM
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Covaan_Meshuga
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When I wasn't working outside the home, I did apply about 20 times the amount of time to the Bible than I do now. I really regret that, but I also know that my G-d-given job has many spiritual and personal benefits as well.
I only get one week paid vacation per year, so during those times, I usually take my Bible, trusted books for consultation re the Bible, and (lately) one novel, which I will attempt to read. While I spend much time in the camper with my Bible, because I get excited over the things I study, the taking-a-novel-thing can be very disappointing. It is nice, though, to have few interruptions, distractions, and responsibilities, so that concentration can be maximized.
SusieD, you asked how studying can be productive without context. There are more ways to get the context than just straight chapter-to-chapter read-throughs. Believe me. Those of us with reading difficulties will devise ways to get the important jobs done.
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Abiyah
"Ladies and gentlemen, there are things that you will only be able to learn by the weakest among us, and when you snuff them out, you are the one that loses." ~~Gianna Jesson, 1977 LA, CA, saline abortion survivor
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RE: Why don't you read your Bible? - 6/23/2008 11:31:40 AM
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stellaluna
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For me, reading the bible through doesn't mean reading the bible cover to cover. There are lots of ways to read and I don't think cover to cover is always the best way.
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RE: Why don't you read your Bible? - 6/23/2008 11:42:23 AM
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SusieD
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quote:
For me, reading the bible through doesn't mean reading the bible cover to cover. There are lots of ways to read and I don't think cover to cover is always the best way.
I agree. I can't say I have ever read the Bible "cover to cover". But someday (hopefully soon!) I am going to read it all in chronological order.
I don't really have any particular order I read in. I pray and ask the Spirit which book I should read next. Sometimes I just randomly pick a book to read, other times I just keep reading the next one in order. Sometimes I read the same book over and over again for several days.
I also have my favorite books that I read more often, until I get a new favorite one! LOL
Julie
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Susie
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RE: Why don't you read your Bible? - 6/23/2008 12:42:18 PM
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LBolt
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Am I the only one, but does it seem like when you are reading, you get sleepy all of a sudden, even if the passage is getting good. If you are ever having problems sleeping...just pick up your Bible and read, it heal you of insomia easily! LOL!
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Wisdom is the principle thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding...she shall give to thine head an ornament of grace..---Proverbs 4:7
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RE: Why don't you read your Bible? - 6/23/2008 6:14:26 PM
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makarizo
Posts: 3006
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quote:
ORIGINAL: LBolt
Am I the only one, but does it seem like when you are reading, you get sleepy all of a sudden, even if the passage is getting good. If you are ever having problems sleeping...just pick up your Bible and read, it heal you of insomia easily! LOL!
Est 6:1 During that night the king could not sleep so he gave an order to bring the book of records, the chronicles, and they were read before the king.
.....Just had to share this verse because your post made me think of it!!!
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RE: Why don't you read your Bible? - 6/23/2008 6:27:41 PM
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Focusing
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quote:
Est 6:1 During that night the king could not sleep so he gave an order to bring the book of records, the chronicles, and they were read before the king.
Yes, LBolt, I too have fallen asleep many times while reading my Bible. Certainly not on purpose. It seems to be more often while reading the OT. 
However, I must comment that while reading through the discussion I had taken the OP more as a "If I can do it, why can't you" ... and I need to apologize for that, because that wasn't your intention. I wish I had more time to read my Bible, but as long as I'm putting on the armor of God every day and keeping myself in the Word, even if it's just a few verses each day, I'm okay with that. For now. At this point in my life.
A friend and I were discussing this subject earlier, and my comment was that God teaches us all different things in life. He's read the Bible many times over, and God uses him to help me understand as I read and study. He makes it come alive for me by pointing me to other areas of the Bible and connecting it. It's like a giant puzzle with the pieces spread all over a huge table, and our discussions help bring some of the pieces together to give me glimpses of the story, helping it make more sense. I am very blessed to have a friend like that. 
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There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven
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RE: Why don't you read your Bible? - 6/23/2008 6:41:19 PM
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Covaan_Meshuga
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Focusing
However, I must comment that while reading through the discussion I had taken the OP more as a "If I can do it, why can't you" ... and I need to apologize for that, because that wasn't your intention.
Zzzzzactly. Of all the people who have brought this subject up, SusieD has been the least judgmental.
We believers who have reading problems really chaffe about this subject, and I, as such a believer, can sometimes read something into their comments that was not even intended.
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Abiyah
"Ladies and gentlemen, there are things that you will only be able to learn by the weakest among us, and when you snuff them out, you are the one that loses." ~~Gianna Jesson, 1977 LA, CA, saline abortion survivor
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RE: Why don't you read your Bible? - 6/23/2008 10:31:58 PM
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endless_night
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I love the fact that the bible tell us to read daily but it doesn't tell us how fast to read it. I like studying the bible verse by verse and sometimes I like reading the whole entire book. The bible have so much meat to it, that I can't read it all in one seating.
When I read a novel, most of the time, I only read it once and I skip over parts. When I read the bible, I read every word and I read it over and over again (meaning, I can read the book of Matthew 50 times as oppose to a novel). I've also realize something about myself, I read faster than I think I do. So if I spend 30 minutes reading the bible, I seem to drift off.
I don't give myself a specific time to read the bible, I do feel extremely guilty if I don't read the bible that day.
< Message edited by endless_night -- 6/23/2008 10:42:33 PM >
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The Fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praises endures forever.
Psalms 111:10
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RE: Why don't you read your Bible? - 6/23/2008 11:04:39 PM
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Cloak
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Covaan_Meshuga
To those who cannot say that they have read their Bibles cover-to-cover:
I understand what you are saying. However, for myself, it's not that the L-rd is leading me off to study subjects and words; for me, it is more like I start reading, and curiosity gets the best of me.
It think it has to do with my ADD (diagnosed) [You, too?] and the fact that I am mildly dyslexic, so reading is not easy. If I try to read not passages, I retain absolutely nothing, and I see no reason for reading without retention. Therefore, it is best if I stick to short portions or that I not simply read but study. This satisfies (or renders less harmful) both the ADD and the dyslexia. Studying helps the ADD mind to focus better.
Regardless, I have decided that because of the heavy, disdainful criticism I have received because at my age, I have never read the Bible cover-to-cover, I will never do it. Period. I neither want to deal with the pride I would gain for that accomplishment nor do I want to ever have to tell someone I have done it because of their disdain for those who have not and because I know the shame of one who has not.
Have I read all of the Bible? Probably.
I totally empathize with that. Trust me Aby, up to now I read a daily devotional that explains a small segment of the Bible each morning.
I honestly find it so frustrating to read the Bible alone and by itself. The only exception is a few chapters in both OT and NT.
So I can understand that since I myself do Not do it!
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Blessings!
And My God shall meet ALL Your Needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4: 19)
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RE: Why don't you read your Bible? - 6/24/2008 2:28:52 PM
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stellaluna
Posts: 4293
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In my readings around the board today, I spent some time in the Lakeland Revival thread (Theo) and the Religion Poll thread (CE). I believe that lack of bible reading figures largely in both: being deceived by heretical teaching and thinking more than one religion is the path to God.
That's one reason, concerning people I know IRL, that I push bible reading: to test, test, test, always test!
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RE: Why don't you read your Bible? - 6/24/2008 3:18:04 PM
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bgwill3
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Reading the Bible is important. I was the kid in 8th grade who won all the trivia contests in youth group at the church. (Dorky, right? lol) But I was also an emotionally hurt kid, and it is only by the goodness and mercy of God that I am still alive. One reason that I dove into the Bible at such an early age is because I found it very difficult to "make friends" as a kid. So it is nothing I can boast in because I am nothing without the grace of God.
I find that there is danger on either extreme, whether not reading the Bible at all, or knowing it backward and forward. On the one hand, ignorance is no way to live as a Christian, and the Scriptures demonstrate the immutable will of God, a reliable guide when one allows the Holy Spirit to enlighten his or her mind. I have always thought of the Bible as life's textbook and instruction manual, written by God himself, to show us how to navigate this earthly existence. As such, why wouldn't I read up to learn about my Savior and Best Friend?
On the other hand, as some have stated, those of us who become experts are often the ones who are more willing to debate than to offer encouragement to fellow believers, and we are more likely to be intractable.
I myself have asked forgiveness, more than once, when I hear someone preaching what I thought of as a "poorly delivered" sermon, because the person mispronounced the names of people and places in the OT (a few minutes with Strong's would help), or because he misquoted Scripture (notes???), or because he misapplied Scripture or dismissed its proper context. The Spirit can speak truth by whichever vessel, even if that vessel is not an expert grammarian or a biblical scholar. I recognize that I don't have all the answers, and that even if I can quote a passage, I may be blinding myself to its truth if I don't approach the Word humbly.
After all, Satan knows Scriptures well; and those who manipulate and twist Scriptures to their own benefit are experts in it as well. Many Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, and others, know the Bible better than some Christians, for obvious reasons. Moreover, faith comes by hearing, and the Lord intends for us to reach the unsaved through the word being preached, not through the word being read. Otherwise he would have said, "Just print copies of the Holy Writ and distribute to every man; and so shall ye be saved." Salvation, truly, can occur when one is alone with a Bible, reading for himself. But I believe that growth in the Lord includes reading the Word for oneself, but is not limited to that: we have to keep on assembling with believers, and we should be willing to receive from and submit to the leaders in our local assembly whom God has appointed.
As for reading cover to cover, its a good idea. With a newborn believer who asked me once (a friend of mine), I suggested that he start with the gospels, and read them first; afterword, reading through Genesis and Exodus; then going to the Wisdom texts (Job, Psalms, Proverbs) interspersed with the historical texts. He had set out to read from cover to cover, but I told him that the Bible was not written in one sitting, from cover to cover, so it might be easier to read thematically, or to find a good bible-in-one-year schedule. Anyhow, I am with Jeremiah & Paul: "Let him who boasts, boast"--not in how many times he read cover to cover, nor in how many Greek words he can expound upon, nor even in how many demons he cast out or tongues he spoke in--but rather, let him boast "in the Lord."
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RE: Why don't you read your Bible? - 7/15/2008 4:06:18 PM
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dduuggyy
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A Great subject of discussion SUSIED!...You are correct and most of all who are the real Christians? only GOD knows that....a true and honest Christian with a great desire and passion to serve the almighty will "READ" HIS or HER Bible regardless of the circumstances. Calling a person a Christian or whomever may personally commit to the title is a mere statement that may not relate to a lifestyle and that is what a Christian is (a Christ like life). Sometimes you can listen to a person and they will probably tell you where they are going or have been but yet the lifestyle will overshadow all verbal statements (talk is cheap and actions speak) No we all have sin in our bodies but there is a sin of inquity (lifestyle) and sin of forgiveness. Maybe another question to pose is to ask how many have read the entire Bible from Gen-Rev. Great job Susied....blessings to all who strive and keep the commitment to the truth of life.
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RE: Why don't you read your Bible? - 8/14/2008 11:30:21 AM
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Fledgling
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I have sat down to read the bible many times and not completed it. I am finally fully enthralled with the bible and can hardly put it down.. and I think its because I using the Bible in a Year program on this site along with e-sword, and also I have all the help from the community on this Forum... So now I can Finally understand what I am reading and also I have people who answer my questions when I dont.. Its wonderful :-)
Blessings to all of you :-)
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