Book chosen: Colossians

Time / Date for discussion of the book: Saturday 03/02/2018 at 9pm GMT (lasting I believe approx. 1 hour but feel free to leave at any time).

Resources to read the bible (as well as the physical bible):

Youversion bible app
Olive tree bible app

Some guidance to help us understand reading the bible better:

1. Trust it

The Bible was inspired or 'God-breathed' (2 Timothy 3:16). God used the personalities of writers of the bible, but also guided their minds to that their words were his words too. We should treat them as Jesus did: as authoritative and entirely trustworthy. Jesus built his life and ministry upon God's commands and promises, obeying them even to the cross (Luke 24:27, 45-47).

2. See the lasting principle

For most, daily life is very different from the day's of Israel's tent cities in the wilderness, also from the life in the Roman empire. Where these differences exist we look to see the lasting principles - what do they teach about God or about serving him? For example, Jesus example of foot washing, for example, leads us to other forms of service and care for each other, also relevant for today (John 13:14).

3. Know the author

The bible's human authors were "carried" along by the holy spirit to give us God's word (2 Peter 1:21). So therefore we need holy spirit to be its interpreter. Knowing God personally as the Lord of our lives and Christ as our Saviour is the essential key to a proper understanding of the bible (prayer at the end for those who would like to do this). Also it is good to pray before commencing the reading by asking for God's help and guidance as you study his word.

4. See the background

Statements taken out of context can be misleading. Aim to understand the meaning and perspective of the passage as a whole. This will put into perspective the point of any verse or phrase within it.

5. See the whole picture

The bible has one author and is a harmonious whole. This means we should interpret individual passages in the light of what we know generally from Scripture and from other sections on the same subject. Some of James' statements, for example, could imply that our works helps to save us (James 2:20,24). The entirety of scipture contradicts this and therefore this interpretation cannot be right. (eg. Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:23-24). Re-realising this James is saying that genuine faith in Christ must result in good works.

6. Live it out

Aim in reading sciptures is to draw closer to God and live a life that brings praise to God. It is a good book but it is also to be obeyed to live a fuller life. Ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit to put it into practice.

(Continuation from 3.)

If you wish to know God personally and yet haven't made a committment towards him, so you will get the most out of this bible study please say the following prayer:

"Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen."

If it's the first time you've prayed this prayer or made a re-committment, please post below :).

Regards,

Brim59.

Oh boy, I do not know what to pick, there's just so many good books right there :)

I'll put in my vote, which will be the gospel of Matthew after my real name (also Matthew). Yes a lot of good books in the bible Dario :).

I'd go with Galatians or Colossians, for a lot of stuff the world often misses... but I'll try to make it regardless :)

Ok that's +1 to Colossians :).

Originally posted by Brim59:

Ok that's +1 to Colossians :).

It would probably be smart to start with a Gospel anyway, not that I'd expect the same exact attendance every time....

Well, with prayer anything is possible :)

Colossians is fine by me.

DEUTERONOMY

List updated :)

James, cause I am memorizing it soon

Colossians

List updated above.

Ok, I will go with Ecclesiastes just to be different :P

I'd say Gospels or NT somewhere to start ;)