Questions about Christianity and reading books

[brendathebee]

why do christians start by reading books from other christians. Is it not important to read the bible first and then if the need arise start acquaint myself with how others feel. I sometimes am confused about the differences in christian living and following.
I just want to read the bible, i started reading other books such as Joyce Meyers and a very nice read it was but it still never completes me like the bible. how did any of you manage at first.

[tt1106]

Yes, Brendathebee, it is very important to read the Bible, probably the most important thing. Only through God's word, can we truly know God and have the Holy Spirit revealed. Having said that though, commentaries and Books cna certianly give us greater insight into the scripture and provide a nexus to modern day trials and testimonies. It is important to discern and to test what the author is saying against the light of scripture, but there are certainly alot of wonderful Christian Authors and Christian stories that benefit our walk with Christ.
In regards to the question about living the life, simply, I didn't. I was an atheist until a couple of years ago and came to Christ on my knees. I never got up. I stay there and worship him on my knees, thanking him for putting up with my unbelief and saving me for that moment when I accepted him and was transformed. Now it's a matter of daily prayer, study and fellowship with him and only through his Grace and strength do I remain faithful. It get's less difficult though. When we sin, our guilt and shame keep us speerated from God which leads to more sinning. Only through that reconciliation can we become better. Once we learn to heed to the spirit instead of rebelling against it, amazing things happen. It's not how many times you fall down, it's how many times you get up.

Blessings sister


tt1106

[TrophyofGrace]

why do christians start by reading books from other christians. Is it not important to read the bible first and then if the need arise start acquaint myself with how others feel. I sometimes am confused about the differences in christian living and following.
I just want to read the bible, i started reading other books such as Joyce Meyers and a very nice read it was but it still never completes me like the bible. how did any of you manage at first.

If all you want is to read the Bible, then just read the Bible! It is, after all, the only Book that you need as a Christian and it is important to read it first and foremost. You're right; no other book will complete you like the Bible does.

Also, after you get a good grounding in the Scriptures it'll be easier for you to discern the spirit of truth and the spirit of error in the writings of other Christians.

[Athanasius]

why do christians start by reading books from other christians. Is it not important to read the bible first and then if the need arise start acquaint myself with how others feel. I sometimes am confused about the differences in christian living and following.
I just want to read the bible, i started reading other books such as Joyce Meyers and a very nice read it was but it still never completes me like the bible. how did any of you manage at first.

Start with scripture, mature in the word and then move into other books, which can themselves be profitable, assuming one is spiritually mature enough to distinguisth between good and bad, sound and unsound teaching. Christians generally believe in sola scriptura, scripture is the final authority. However, that doesn't mean there aren't other books and writings which are profitable to ones faith, assuming they align with scripture. There isn't anything wrong with reading just scripture. I tend to read a lot of books outside of scripture, mostly because of the people I deal with and the sort of 'thing' I do.

[RUN2GOD]

The Bible saved me. I was so confused by what everybody else kept telling me,"you have to do this" or "you can't do this" or you won't be saved and you'll burn in hell forever. No offense to anyone who can be totally without sin, but I could never meet up to the standards of some of the churches i've been to. When I started reading the Bible to get my answers, I realized I could be saved and am by the grace of God, saved. I started simply with my conscience, and did a "clean house" on the tons weighing on my heart.Accepting the forgiveness that God offered through the blood of Jesus Christ, lifted that weight praise God. I do my best to keep myself clutter free, daily. I do sense your faith, and that is all you need. I am praying for you, and if you need me, you know where I'll be.

[tango]

why do christians start by reading books from other christians. Is it not important to read the bible first and then if the need arise start acquaint myself with how others feel. I sometimes am confused about the differences in christian living and following.
I just want to read the bible, i started reading other books such as Joyce Meyers and a very nice read it was but it still never completes me like the bible. how did any of you manage at first.

You're right, it's easy to spend so much time reading Biblical commentaries that we don't actually read the Bible at all. Commentaries are good but they aren't God's word, they are one person's interpretation of God's word.

Sometimes commentaries can be useful to understand the context of a particular passage but it's important not to lose sight of Jesus and the one book that contains wisdom beyond any other book.

[brendathebee]

Thanks everyone for replying to my message, i just am so confused right now, i know living a wordly life is wrong. i struggle with this everyday. It led me to no where, i am not saying i am a good person because i am not good. only god is good. the fact that he tolerates us, man, he is great. our ability to change moods daily if not monthly or annually. but he gave us free will. I only realised that he was losing me when he allowed the unthinkable to happen to me, i was engaged to someone that i loved even more than myself. The whole relationship was shattered and i was left with no one. I was hurt terribly and it took me nearly three years to get over this anger. I still struggle with the unfairness of life but i realised god allowed it because of what i was becoming. I was a christian but some way down the line, i lost faith in him and i started to become to worldly. Something he warned me of as a growing christian.
I do regret having a relationship with the individual but I think I needed pain to understand god better and the plans he have for me.
I recently understood why it is unhealthy to carry hate and anger towards others.
I am by nature a very loving person, and am willing to sacrifice everything for anyone but this relationship was drowning me, irrespective of how much i loved this person.
I need a relationship with God because i miss the pureness he offers me, i miss talking about him with others and the excitement. I came on this forum because i want to socialise more with christians in my daily life and in my moments alone in my room.
I think I should never leave my mind wander and I want to learn more. I think I am becoming hungry for more knowledge;-) I hope that is a good thing.
I do have a few questions. I guess my first would be, how do u manage with non- believers?? I mean they do have a tendency to judge you if you act a certain way. I am human and will always make mistakes but people have such high expectations from christians. How do you guys and gals cope with non-believers and praying. I have started spending at least 30 minutes each morning to medidate on gods word and in the evening as well.

[brendathebee]

run to god how long have you been a christian and thanks for the friend request

[RUN2GOD]

You're very welcome. My name is Regina, and both me and my husband were saved about 16 years ago, Easter 1993. For this day, I thank the church for being there, because I heard my Savior call that day. Honestly, though, there were years of confusion and backsliding, on both of our part. He called me back about 5 years ago, not through the preacher this time, but through His Word in the Bible. The old me really did pass away. I had to remember that no one but God is going to judge me in the end, and he knew and loved me unconditionally. Like a parent loves their children, even though they know their kid is not going to always do the right thing, that's how God loves us. When our Father saw that the written laws,churches, and sacrifices weren't enough to save His children from sin, that is when He sent the ultimate sacrifice, Jesus Christ(sinless). It's the greatest love of all, which God is love.
Please excuse me for rambling, but it's my favorite subject. Faith,family,friends
I hope this has helped some.

[Gypsy]

brendathebee,
Welcome. I think it's awsome that you found your way here. Christian books are cool because sometimes it's neat to have a look at another persons walk. It can be tremendously inspirational and oftentimes can helpfully get you to look at something in a new light, but you yourself said it best:

it still never completes me like the bible.

in 2 Timothy:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness

-It's straight from the Big Guy and is really all you need. When people/organizations start to make you feel as if it requires more for you to understand God's will (i.e. need the bible to be interpreted for you by them or to consider sources other than scripture to be devine truth) it's a big red flag (to me anyway) that it's teaching something other than Christianity.

I do have a few questions. I guess my first would be, how do u manage with non- believers?? I mean they do have a tendency to judge you if you act a certain way. I am human and will always make mistakes but people have such high expectations from christians. How do you guys and gals cope with non-believers and praying. I have started spending at least 30 minutes each morning to medidate on gods word and in the evening as well.

What do you mean by "manage"? I often hear Christians say "being Christian doesn't make me flawless - it makes me forgiven." and that's true. As Christians we know that we are sinners. That we still struggle daily with temptation and trying to adhere to His will for us, we've just asked for help to do it - help from the only one who is capiable of managing us.

What do you mean "cope with non-believers and praying"? Do you mean praying for them? or praying in front of them? Do you have a lot of friends/family that you feel awkward in front of having started to pray?

oh the library computer is about to log me off. I'll post and log back on. Sorry I don't have time for spell check.
God Bless and you will be in my prayers.

[brendathebee]

Run 2 god that is a very long time, wow but i could only imagine the difficulty in remaining in his grace. For me it is all about discipline. Something that i lack and i am fighting for. Today I was in a christian chat room and one of the members shocked me with his statement, his exact words were I have to force myself to pray and read the bible each day but I do love god, I could not understand. Maybe you have an idea of what he means.
I told him, if i have to force myself to do something then i prefer not to continue. I understand discipline is about breaking bad habits to either receive good or in some cases bad habits. I think god want us to praise him with a full smile not a robot behaviour. Did u ever struggle with this, forcing yourself to praise god...??

[brendathebee]

TT1106, i find it amazing, so you were an atheist, i wanted to reply to your comment on other topics, but i am limited. but how did you change, what changed you...?? I would like to hear about your story. I mean i have met a few atheists and they are head strong on their belief about god. They dont believe and u just cant convince them. One of them he was a bit convinced but he was like still..... how come i cant hear his voice. How long did it take you to realise that you were meant for a greater cause

[brendathebee]

Hi Gypsy,

THanks for your inspirational words. I meant with manage , deal with non-believers. Dealing with them everyday can be quite difficult. Nice people dont get me wrong but the subjects, the way they think about the world. I am one to always respect others but i guess the more i understand the will of god it becomes quite difficult. I am going to head off now, just wanted to explain what i meant. I guess i will log on later and see what is up with the forums again.

[RUN2GOD]

For a long time, I didn't feel worthy enough to praise God. I really thought I had to live a perfect life, before I deserved His love. It doesn't work like that, perfection was never a requirement for forgiveness, only repentance and acceptance. Perfection was sacrificed on the cross, saving us from the burden of our sins. Praising God comes naturally when you accept that forgiveness. It is a daily process, ask Him daily to renew you.
I am really glad God led me to this forum, and to you. Believe it or not, I needed this today, and you've been a blessing to me.

[brendathebee]

thank you regina, i just cam home from a friend and will make some time for the bible, i do have a question. why is itfor years some churches only preach the positive things concerning the bible. they have sugar coated some of the characters. some of them just like me and u struggle. mmm. dont u think it is time for honesty