Troubled with having christian books and bible commentaries...

[Dani H]

I love commentaries mostly for the historic background of various passages. Really helps me to put certain things in their proper context!

[Twin2]

In my opinion, as long as you do not allow the reading of other books to replace your time with God - praying and Bible reading especially, and the books truly are not conflicting scripture, than there should not be any harm in reading them. If somehow they interfere with your ability to serve God, you might give them up. I do not read a lot for pleasure, but if I do read, I want a book about living this Christian life, whether it be a teaching book or a fictional novel. A few books stand out in my mind that have encouraged or inspired me. One in particular taught me some Bible truths that I had not quite grasped until that particular time in my life. The fictional novels have reminded me of Bible principals. Isaiah 55:11 tells us "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." I have read fictional books from Christian authors who have included scripture and it seemed those scriptures were encouraging to read then. Most times I would have to say that what I have read in those books has led me to either investigate scripture further or to pray on the things the authors wrote about. Another point, leisurely activities of any sort, like being on the computer, watching television, listening to the radio, or even visiting with friends can be good or bad. If you approach those activities such that you do not compromise the teachings of the Bible then they should not be sin. If they cause you to compromise, than they could be sin. As with anything, consider the scriptures and pray about this matter. If you seek him on the matter, he will send conviction if there's something wrong with it.

[Br. Barnabas]

Sounds like a good practice for your might be Lectio Divina or Spiritual Reading, it is an ancient practice of the church. It has four steps.

Primer: Take a minute or two to just prepare your heart for some time with the Lord, clear your mind of all the things that you need to do in the day or have done. Sit in a relaxing place. Maybe write down your worries or things you need to do as a way of getting them off your mind before focusing on the Lord.

First: Read. Read a passage until you come upon a word that jumps out at you. This might be a word or phrase that God has put on your heart or just some word that sticks out that God is trying to educate you about.

Second: Mediate on the word or phrase. In this step no thoughts or material is off limits, think about the word or phrase, look it up in a dictionary, look up the verse it is in in a commentary, think about it. Chew on the word, think about all its aspects, meanings, what it stirs up in you. Chew on the word like a cow chews its cud, get all the important information from it that you can or feel is necessary; but just sit with it thinking on it and studying it.

Third: Prayer. Pray about the word, ask the Lord what he is trying to tell you with this word. Does this remind you of someone you need to pray for or a situation you need to pray about. Ask God where this word is touching your life today. Ask God if there is anything that he wants you to change or do in response to the word. Ask God if he is inviting you to change in any way in response to the word. No prayer is off limits in this time, let the Spirit led you to pray about what ever comes into your mind and heart.

Fourth: Contemplation. This is a time to try and clear your mind and just sit with the Lord. Clear away your words and just sit in the presence of the Lord. Let him love you and minister to you and possibly speak to you. This is a time where he might answer your questions you asked in prayer or he might just minister to you in silence with his presence. This is a time to rest and relax, in some cases to escape from the day or prepare for the day.

I believe that this might help with your not wanting to rely on commentaries or other Christian books, since it gives you a chance to use them but also let the Spirit speak to you and led you.

[TrustGzus]

It's interesting how all over the place the replies are. Probably not much help for Mr. King. So here I add to it.

I have thousands of books and I cherish them. I read about 4-5 Bible chapters every day. I have many, many commentaries. I am thankful for them.

People say "it's just someone's opinion." Well, so is their post. Modern Christians are arrogant. I have no reason to doubt that the commentaries I own are written by born again, Spirit-filled men (or women) of God. All of them have more formal education than I do in these issues. Now, they are not theopneustos (God-breathed). Commentaries can err. Indeed, when one commentary says the Bible teaches X and another says the Bible teaches non-X, someone is mistaken.

That being said, the "me and God and my Bible" approach of many Christians is a haughty approach that has no place in the Christian walk. I need the body, whether they are living friends of mine or deceased writers. I take what they say. I do my best to be a Berean (Acts 17:11). That means sometimes they say something that impacts me and changes some thing(s) in my life and sometimes I don't agree with what they write. However, I always take commentaries seriously.

[Mr King]

Hello!
First of all I apologize for a late response and I wanted to read the posts and to think about this....

I find posts on here to be very helpful and encouraging and do thank you all!

As I pondered more about this issue I began to realize and came down to this one question: Which or Whom do I treasure more- knowledge or a living relationship with Jesus Christ? I chose and choose Jesus Christ so help me God. And yes! Knowledge is essential but not itself alone. When I did this...wow...I experienced peace and closure to God in Christ and I cannot even explain it and like in the Bible that says; And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7. How awesome is that!!!

I forgot what I've read in AW Tozer's book- The Knowledge of the Holy and find it so humbling with his spiritual knowledge that he shares with us in this book.

Again thank you all for your valuable time to reply to my post in my time of need! I love you my brothers and sisters in Christ!