As you have already discovered, there is a lot of disagreement among Christians about a lot of things. We are divided over what the Bible says about women in leadership, atonement theories (penal substitution vs Christus Victor, etc.), modes and meaning of baptism, the sovereignty of God (does God exhaustively control the universe or did He create us to be free moral agents?) and much, much more. In a previous series, I urged my readers to hold loosely those things that are not of eternal consequence. This week, I want to begin a series that is aimed at helping each of us get the most out of our Bibles.
Disclaimer
I am not claiming to see everything clearly nor am I asking you to agree with my positions. I aim to teach some basic truths about understanding the Bible which, hopefully, will help you get more out of it and will help you to experience the influence of the eternal Word more consistently.
First
First things first- read the Bible! Many who call themselves Bible students are simply students of Bible teachers. The Bible is infallible; our teachers (including me) are not. So read and read and read some more of it. Read daily. Bible commentaries are not bad, but if you are constantly focusing on what you read there (or what you hear in a podcast) instead of what you read in the Word of God itself, you won't get the nourishment you need. We are told to be like newborn babies and "long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation" (1 Peter 2:2 NASB). As you read God's Word, you will ingest it and that is the point. By "taking it in" you will find that the Holy Spirit will speak to you. He will reveal God's character to you. He will give you solace, wisdom and encouragement. He will show you God's promises. Focus especially on the New Testament. Immerse yourself in it. When you have "lived" there for a while, venture into the Old Testament, but don't leave the New.
More next week.