Should we bother with Bible Study?

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Permalink Reply by Axe Elf on January 10, 2019 at 10:32pm

It sounds a little like you already have your mind made up, but you asked for thoughts, so I'll add mine.

I'll answer the first two questions together:

What is your opinion in regards to knowing scripture?

Is it important that we know what the bible says?

It's good to know scripture, sure--but I think it's even more important to understand scripture--to know what the Bible says, and not just what is written in it.  A lot of evil has been done (and is still being done) in God's name by people who know what is written in the Bible, but don't have a clue as to what the Bible says.

"You [Samaritans] do not know what you are worshiping [you worship what you do not comprehend]."  --John 4:22

"They are ambitious to be doctors of the Law (teachers of the Mosaic ritual), but they have no understanding either of the words and terms they use or of the subjects about which they make [such] dogmatic assertions."  --1 Timothy 1:7

Is there any benefit to memorizing, studying and recalling scriptures from the bible?

To the extent that it brings you closer to God and/or makes you more mindful of walking with God, sure.  If it feeds your selfish ego or gives you a reason to love others less, then it's probably doing more harm than good.

Does knowing what it says make a difference in your 'every day' living?

As I mentioned before, knowing what it says (not just what is written) makes all the difference in how it affects your life.  If the Bible doesn't make a difference in your life, then you haven't understood what it says.

Do you watch Christian movies and listen to Christian music as a replacement of bible study, and do you think that's enough?

I don't really do either of those things much, so I would say no to the first question, and maybe to the second question.

Do you think it's outdated, offensive, over-used, not relevant or boring?

Bible study can certainly be all of those things, but it is not necessarily any of them.

(All citations from the Amplified Bible.)

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Permalink Reply by Carla on January 13, 2019 at 9:51pm

Hi Axe,

Welcome to AAG.  I really like what you said about 'understanding' scripture--knowing what it says instead of just what is written!  I agree that's an important distinction. 

Reminds me of John 5:39You pore over the Scriptures because you presume that by them you possess eternal life. These are the very words that testify about Me, 40yet you refuse to come to Me to have life.

You really don't listen to Christian music?  Why not?

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Permalink Reply by Axe Elf on January 13, 2019 at 10:56pm

Most Christian music is so slickly and commercially produced that it just doesn't appeal to me.  I can't say I NEVER listen to Christian music, but when I do, it largely begins and ends with Larry Norman.

35-40 years ago, when I was in high school and college, there were a few other Christian rock bands I listened to, like Petra, Daniel Amos, Resurrection Band, Servant, etc., but even then there were very few that made anything that sounded like "real" music that wasn't scrubbed clean for CCM radio airplay.

They just don't make 'em like the original any more...

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Permalink Reply by Carla on January 14, 2019 at 6:43am

Oh yeah...I get that.

I do listen to it because the message is uplifting, but I understand what you're saying.

There are a few that stand out as 'better' IMO.  Zach Williams, Third Day and Casting Crowns.

A secular Christian group (sounds contradictory I know, but not sure how else to describe them--lol) that is quite popular is U2.  They're pretty great! ;-)  

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Permalink Reply by Axe Elf on January 14, 2019 at 11:12am

Yeah, I wasn't really including bands whose members may be Christian, but whose music isn't explicitly Christian, like U2.  Alice Cooper is another one, although he did put out a trilogy of albums (about 20 years ago now) that dealt pretty explicitly with Christian themes--"The Last Temptation," "Brutal Planet," and "Dragontown"--although in typical Alice Cooper fashion, from the "dark side" as it were.

I've heard of Third Day and Casting Crowns, and though I hadn't listened to any Zach Williams before, from this sample I would throw all three into that category of overproduced pop pablum that I actively avoid.  Sorry.

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Permalink Reply by Carla on January 14, 2019 at 12:27pm

Lol. That’s okay. 

I didn’t know Alice Cooper has put out Christian music.  It’s not my personal taste, but my husband loves him. 

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Permalink Reply by Bill Stoughton on January 12, 2019 at 9:37am

You are cheating yourself if you don't read the Bible. How else are you going to learn who God really isor what He expects of you.  You will never learn what you have in Him

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Permalink Reply by Carla on January 13, 2019 at 9:44pm

Amen Bill.  I completely agree.

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Permalink Reply by Colby on January 13, 2019 at 8:08am

The Bible is the written word of God. It is a treasure trove of wisdom from God.  It is the absolute and final authority in matters of faith, worship and morality.  By reading and studying the Bible, we can learn about God's plan for our salvation and how to lead fulfilling lives. The Apostle Paul sums it up nicely:

"You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood,

and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation

that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.

All Scripture is inspired by God

and is useful to teach us what is true

and make us realize what is wrong in our lives.

It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work."

(Tim 3:14-17, NLT)

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Permalink Reply by Carla on January 13, 2019 at 9:45pm

Amen and Amen Colby.  It's nice to see you back here.  Always love hearing from you.

Blessings, Carla

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Permalink Reply by Colby on January 14, 2019 at 11:32pm

Thank you, and God bless you, Carla.

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Permalink Reply by Glorious on February 1, 2019 at 10:24am

I personally think bible study is important because I read the bible and sometimes things aren't always as clear as other things. I believe its important to understand what the word says however knowing every scripture verbatim not so much. I believe you don't need to be a walking, talking bible in order to evangelize. As long as we have a good understanding of what the word says and represents enough to lead a lost soul to Christ that's what matters the most. Jesus wants our hearts, he's not concerned with what we memorize from the bible. As we all know anyone can memorize a scripture and may know what the entire bible says and not have a pure loving heart.

I do believe we should know what the bible says for our everyday living because it teaches us the right way of living and if you don't know what the bible says concerning certain things, it's possible for you to miss out on God's mercy and grace and possible blessings.

I think listening to music is a form of praise but it does not substitute study. I think it imperative that we do both. Studying the word keeps us grounded and keeps our mind where they belong, on Jesus. Our praise is giving God the glory he deserves.

I can only speak for myself when I say I don't find anything about the bible boring, so bible study intrigues me more than reading it alone because I receive deeper understanding with no confusion and I get all of my questions asked.

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