Approaching the Bible

Have you ever wondered is the Bible REALLY God's Word? Well, I could just say "Yes it is" if I am a believer, OR I copuld say "No, it is NOT" if I were not a believer. The most important thing for you (the reader) is to have YOU read it, and make up your own mind.

There are many who say it is just a book, written by men. There are many who doubt it's authenticity historically. They question it's content. Call it "myths" and "fairy tales". Then there are those who say it is the VERY Word of (the Living) God.

How can you possibly hope to reach a conclusion of your own with so much conflicting "opinion". Let me give you a few suggestions. (BTW, if you read my profile, you will quickly come to know my position on the matter. But I must add, that I was not always of my current conviction). I have been on both "sides of the fence" if you like.

This is by far the most critical! Your attitude, when coming to the Book, will determine what you will find in it. I don't mean you have to believe before you start, but looking for fault will reveal fault. Looking with criticism, will find objections. If you think it's confusing, boring, complicated, hard to understand etc, it will give you what you seek. It is a really hard thing to do, but it is possible, to approach it with an open (heart and) mind. For example, if you believe in the Theory of Evolution, and you read thta God created everything (in six days), just read on.Take the information, and store it in your memory. Don't just dismiss it because of a particular, pre-existing bias.

Similarly, when you read that Jesus was born of a virgin, though it's not a common occurence in human reproduction, do the same thing. Just store it in memory, unbiased (as best you can).

Say to yourself, " I come with no preconceptions, and will let IT speak for itself." This one point will make all the difference.

That sounds a bit strange to some, but hear me out for a moment. It is a Spiritual Book, authored by God Himself (potentially at this moment,- - - remember, you are approaching with an open heart and mind.) It will reveal things to you, the reader, if you are seeking to know the Truth. So, it stands to reason, that you ask Him, ( the Author) to show you what He is saying. In other words, to give you the understanding! (Interpretation, if you like).

The prayer can be as simple as . . . " God, if you really wrote this Book, and it's all about You, show me that it's real".   Or. . . "God, help me understand what I read".  I can tell you all sorts of stuff, but it's NOTHING, in comparison to what He wants to show you. And if you are genuine, sincere and want to learn, He WILL answer you.

Many people start to read it like an convetional book. Open the front cover, go to chapter one, and start reading. This might work for some, but mostly not.You need to realise one thing. The Bible is a "book of books", or more accurately, written records of information.  Yes they were penned by humans, but the content is "not of this world", in many ways.

There are letters to people, letters to churches, books of poetry, history, visions and dreams, legal documents, instructions in rituals etc. So, it may nopt be so abvious as to the "flow" from one to another (book). The advice of many scolars and teachers is to read the "Gospels" first, (that is, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) followed perhaps by Psalms and so on. There are many options, and good reasons for each, but the key is to start.  I like the Gospels for starters, because they "reveal" Jesus Christ" to us. He is the central figure, and the culmination of all the writings of the Book. Without Jesus Christ, ther is NO Christianity.

Let me say that one more time, in case you missed it, "There is NO Christianity, without Him." Someone said that the Old Testament is "Christ concealed" and the New Testament is Christ revealed". It's all about Him. But the most awesome thing is that for Him (Jesus), it's ALL about YOU, (and me).

I hope this will inspire you to find out for yourself  what the truth about the Bible is. There are numerous books written to aid the study of your Bible, but none of them will do in you what the Bible content can (and will do, if you take it in) do. Countless lives have been changed, both in our lifetimes, and generations past. I have been where you are, and now I am here, but one thing I can safely say, "I would NEVER go back, to what and who I was before. Not because of fear, but because if a living convition within."

God blessyou on your own "journey" of discovery.