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Guide for new believers?

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newgene87:
I really didn't know how to title this but its just a concern of my own. I've stumbled upon this site 6 years ago and since then I've been through a mixture of confusion, revelation, stumbling, and strength in faith. I've gotten busy since then; joined the army, different schooling, jobs, normal life. I've never left it completely I always kept awareness of free wills myth noticing the truth of it in everyday life and watching people operate. Getting away from my point so yea :)...I'm yearning to "start over" in a sense with my study of Scripture. Does anyone have any advice or tips for this? Looking for something like "Rays Guide to Scripture" (in light of the truths of God) lol.cuz I started at genesis and getting to chapter 5 and 6, definitly the beginning of 6: it threw me off a little and quite frankly, Genesis is confusing: seeing how there seems to be two accounts of Noah gathering the animals into the ark; and its like why? How would, lets say, a new believer in Christ, ACCEPTING these truths begin to read scripture; without becoming confused with complexity of Scripture. Should I start at the gospels, genesis,  jump around? Maybe a good reference to a good Reading Plan? Anything would be appreciate because I want to get back to studying scripture without studying "topics". Like lords prayer, armor of God, etc.

Thanks you all. New to the forum; but this already feels like family. I love it

River:
Hi Newgene87,

   Your being guided by the Master, there is no better plan. Thank Him for what you have and be humble, beg Him to help you and to see things clearly. Your confusion, revelations, stumbling etc. are part of it. Let it flow! Keep reading and know that it doesn't all come at one time. Have faith and apply what you know. Your in good hands.  :)

River

Duane:
Been there!  One of the best things that I an suggest is that you send for a Concordant Literal Version so at least the wording will be more accurate than the KJV.  It is also layed out easier to read but the sentences read rougher because of the literal translation.
Other than that, it is just, go to the main page and read, read, read.  Also, follow up with the articles suggested by the moderators in helping others with their questions and concerns.  I found many valuable lessons that I wouldn't have found otherwise.
Hope that helps.  For me, I was in a "state of flux" for about a year, them all of a sudden the Lord opened my understanding and all the pieces just fell in place as a foundation for further learning.

JohnMichael:
Hi New,

The only "guide" I can think of was Ray's article of "Twelve Truths to Understanding God's Word" (http://bible-truths.com/twelve.htm).
Here's also a condensed version that Ray listed 7 Spiritual Keys (http://bible-truths.com/email14.htm#keys).
If you're interested, he also had a paper called "Praying by God's Rules" (http://bible-truths.com/praying.htm).

I would definitely second the suggestion to get a new translation of the Bible (such as the Concordant). I've been coming to notice in my own reading of Scripture that the KJV's easy flow and poetic language are also what makes it a hindrance. The pretty-sounding language and even pentameter are confusing, and by the time you finish a passage, you are confused as to what you actually read. I'd much rather have a version that I can understand what's being said over being woo'd by its pretty words, but I digress.

Hope this helps; In Him,
John

arion:
Hi Gene;

Welcome to the forum.  I would amplify on what John shared as perhaps the most critical teachings for you to absorb is the 'Twelve Truths To Understanding God's Word' and the link to the article.  A great audio for you that goes along with that is the Foundational Truths teaching from a bible study.  It is available here; http://bible-truths.com/audio/Bible%20Study%2002-03-08.mp3  If God opens our eyes to understand these truths it lays the groundwork for everything else that follows on.  The other thing I would say (and it's easier said than done) is not to beat yourself over the head trying to 'learn' all these things.  God has a plan for you and he will unfold the revelation of His word to you in His timing.  Obviously study, pray and do anything else you are lead to do but we can't learn one thing until it's God's time for us to learn it.  I'm sure we can all identify in reading a certain scriptures dozens of times and not getting much out of it and then the next time  WHAM!!!  It hits us upside the head and we see something we have never seen before.  God will get you where you need to be when you need to be there.

Doug

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