Aldeer.com Forums Alabama Deer Talk Aldeer General Forum Is There A Good Book to Learn Jesus and Religion?

Just like the title says. Some of us older folks never grew up in a religious environment. So when we are old and start sitting in Sunday School, the discussion is usually involved with those who are already experienced in religion and the Bible. They assume all those attending in the same age group have been involved so to speak. But after reading aldeer, it's obvious that humans have various interpretations of the Bible. Is there one book out there that provides the basics? One would think the Bible does, but your discussion on here proves otherwise.

J Vernon McGee commentary… I love mine.
But once you read it (Scripture) enough, you will understand.

I’d look at a study bible. It explains what’s being said.

That's a big reason I don't participate in theological discussions here. It does nothing but create confusion for non believers when we stray from the simple Gospel message and dive into theology. Personally, I'd start in Matthew and read the 4 gospels first and use a good study Bible. That along with prayer will answer most questions for non and new believers.

Yep..and I'd start in John.

Yes start in John.

One of my favorite tools in my Bible study “toolbox” is the Enduring Word Bible commentary. There’s a website version and an app. I don’t use it as my only reference, but it definitely helps point me in a direction for further study. I would also highly suggest prayer before your study time. Ask God to use the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth in His word to you. If I can be of any more help, feel free to shoot me a DM.

Study bible, even a kids study bible can be great

All these responders have given good advice, but I’d just like to congratulate you on being obedient to the Lord and wanting to grow through study. You are in the minority in this fallen world. 2 Timothy chapter 2 says for us not to argue over a few words, but to study the Word. As you read His Word, it is reading you and changing you.

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:11

Well, there is a lot to unpack here. I think I would start with something like the Bible Project. It can give you a lot of information about what is going on when a certain book of the Bible was written, the historical context, etc. Read ahead of what will be discussed the next week. That will let you know what is coming.

There are many doctrines and denominations in the Christian faith. Many will tell you that you must have a doctrine (complete knowledge of your belief). My experience has been that the deeper you go into the weeds the taller and thicker the weeds get. Opinions and interpretations will vary. The basic belief that Jesus was / is God, died for us and made a way for us to live with Him after death is paramount. If you read a translation you are comfortable with the Bible will become your source for information and comfort over time. I’m not saying discussion isn’t healthy. I’m just suggesting holding on to the basics and not getting hung up in details.

Are those study Bibles teaching the truth , that being they don't add to or take away from scripture ? If they are teaching the truth , I'd be interested in one , what's a good one?

I’ve got a Mcauthur study Bible. It’s kinda adds more cultural historical background to me, which a lot of times really helps.

Great advice. This is where you learn the truth about salvation

I have a book on my desk at work titled "Jesus Calling" (Sarah Young). It has one devotional for each day of the year, albeit from the author's perspective. However, each devotional is followed with references to the relevant scripture. Read one page a day and the associated scripture for a year and you will have a great start in reading the bible and making your own mind up about what the scripture means. You need to be able to make these interpretations on your own so that when the lies come you can identify them.

I've had this book for years, cycling through this book and I still learn something each time I read the associated scripture. The author imparts her own biases in the narrative material but has the courage to back it up with scripture references.

I would highly recommend "The Bible Recap with Tara Lee" as a great place to start. You will read the entire bible in chronological order over 365 days. Each day you read a small portion and then watch about an 8 minute video that explains what you just read. You can listen or watch the videos. Tara Lee does a great job explaining and encouraging you to stick with it and complete reading the entire Bible. It can be started anytime and when you miss a day or two you can just pick back up where you left off. I had never read the entire Bible until I did this several years ago and I am doing it again this year.

Probably the best way to get the most out of the bible is to find a good bible study group. A good group really helps to strengthen and build your faith and knowledge.

https://www.thebiblerecap.com/

The recap is free and she has all the videos on youtube. I recommend starting it with a few family or friends to be able to discuss and keep you on track.

As you seek Jesus, He will draw nearer to you and you will feel the Holy Spirit's presence growing within and providing the understanding you are seeking. By the way, I feel certain the Holy Spirit helped with your posting!! I will pray for your progress!

I agree with that!!

Hard things are worth doing!

She does a good job and it is enjoyable to listen to.

Agree on a good student/study Bible and "The Bible Recap".

Also, the best advice I can give you is to understand the context behind EVERYTHING you read in the Bible. A quote I often hear is "A text without context is just a pretext to anything you want it to mean". It's why so many passages are misunderstood or misinterpreted (or sometimes intentionally misrepresented). Remember, the Bible was written for you, but it was not written to you. Any time you're reading the Bible, you need to start by asking (and answering) 3 questions:

1. Who is doing the writing?
2. Who are they writing to?
3. Why are they writing it?