To much to read and study!

sermonindex Feb 8, 2008

I have been over whelmed in trying to study the Bible, Apologetics and Theology. Quite honestly it is intimidating coming on SI...the fast knowledge on here is impressive. Just can't learn fast enough. I never read the kind of books I am reading now. For the past ten or so years where just going to church as the typical Christian. but now I have to catch so much has changed.

What recommendations, Grace and Justification, or Hermeneutics and so forth...??

Just to much to read!!! :-)

T

tjservant Feb 8, 2008

Holiness: Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties, and Roots by J.C. Ryle

J

jlosinski Feb 8, 2008

Reformer,
I can relate to how you are feeling, I felt the same way shortly after I rededicated my life back to Christ, I still have to guard against feeling so overwhelmed. I guess a good principle is "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity..."

There are plenty of "religious people" that have book smarts concerning christianity, but are spiritually retarded, for lack of a better word.

You must rely only on the strength of God to guide you in all studies, it can be a tempation to our intellect and pride when we try to delve into the deeper things.

Keep it simple too, never neglect to read the bible as a first priority, I have found myself reading so many articles and books about christianity that I have forgotten that God's answers to the many theological and moral debates are right there in the Word, if we just look.

Anyway, I'm no expert either, just a security guard at the only hospital here in Fairbanks 8-) , but these are some thoughts that have helped me out.
Joe

S

SimpleLiving Feb 8, 2008

by reformer on 2008/2/7 19:54:44
I have been over whelmed in trying to study the Bible, Apologetics and Theology. Quite honestly it is intimidating coming on SI...the fast knowledge on here is impressive. Just can't learn fast enough. I never read the kind of books I am reading now. For the past ten or so years where just going to church as the typical Christian. but now I have to catch so much has changed.
What recommendations, Grace and Justification, or Hermeneutics and so forth...??
Just to much to read!!!

Isn't it wonderful?!

I'm glad someone else brought this up because I've really been wanting to! I didn't because I tend to post excitedly about things others must think are pretty silly.

I can't get enough! I wish I could chew and swallow the Word to make it a part of me! (I told you it gets silly... I can't seem to help it though!) I would love to line up a thousand computers and listen to a thousand of the great sermons on this site at one time!

I crave the Word and wisdom and understanding! It's energizing and exciting to me! I'm desperate to know Him more and more and more! But I'm not wise. Throughout eternity I doubt I'll ever even come to a full understanding of exactly what it truly is that Jesus did for us.

I used to feel the same way you described but I gave those feelings to God. I'm so weak in this area! Then, He reminded me:

2 Corinthians 12:9
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Don't be intimidated, brother. Just rejoice and trust the Holy Spirit. As Brother Keith Daniel says, "You're only as good as your quiet time."

R

roaringlamb Feb 8, 2008

What recommendations, Grace and Justification

A million times yes!!!!!!!!

Every aspect of the Christian life flows from knowing God's approval of you in His Son.

Two books that every believer should read-

Galatians Commentary by Martin Luther(Charles Wesley was converted when hearing a reading from this, of course John was converted upon hearing the introduction to Luther's commentary on Romans as well)

The Pearl Of Christian Comfort by Petrus Dathenus

If these two books are not used by the Lord to help you considerably in your walk, I don't know what will(I know the Bible first and foremost, but I think you know what I mean)

T

Tears_of_joy Feb 8, 2008

Brother, if I could recommend a book, that would be:

'~~[url=http://worldinvisible.com/library/nee/nchrlife/]~~The Normal Christian Life[/url]' by Watchman Nee

H

hmmhmm Feb 8, 2008

everything by Thomas Brooks , T.A Sparks also.... everything they have written is just so full of God

sermonindex Feb 8, 2008

Dearest Reformer,
May I share a little bit of what the LORD taught
me many years ago,when He was at the very first
drawing me(grace) unto Himself.He spoke to me through the Spirit..`not to get any materials
etc...etc...etc.Just get HIS WORD, and I will teach you.'( now be mindful,I did not know anything hardly of His ways, His will and His judgements.)He did not want my mind to be confused with everthing around me.Some things...
maybe true ..somethings maybe not true.
So first of all, I would sajest to you,to let Jesus teach you first by reading the Word and leting the GREAT teacher teach you through the Spirit.
Remembering Jesus said,(Jn.6:63)`The WORDS that I speak unto you, they are Spirit and they are LIFE'..so if they are (and THEY ARE !!)then they
must be Spiritually decerned.
HE is the great Counseler,..and through prayer and seeing your desire, He will help you.
When the Lord drawed me to first seek only Him in this area, I did not know that the scripture in 1 Jn.2:27 where it says:`But the anointing which ye have recieved of Him abideth in you,
and ye need not that that any man teach you;
but the same anointing teacheth you of all things,
and is Truth, and is no lie,and even as It hath taught you,ye shall abide in Him'.
Now may I add, He said` Take my yoke upon you , and learn of Me',which,I can see, you are so
desirous of doing.Isn't it such a blessing when God gives us a desire ?
thank you,and God bless you richly,
Ebeth

sermonindex Feb 8, 2008

tjservant wrote:
Holiness: Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties, and Roots by J.C. Ryle

Thanks I have been looking for a book on holiness. I read Finding the Reality of God -Paris Reidhead; it touched on that subject, but diffidently wanted something more specific. BTW...I would recommend that book by Reidhead.

sermonindex Feb 8, 2008

Tears_of_joy wrote:
Brother, if I could recommend a book, that would be:
'~~[url=http://worldinvisible.com/library/nee/nchrlife/]~~The Normal Christian Life[/url]' by Watchman Nee

I have it...but didn't finish. I read have of it. That is one issue I have I will start a book read half way through and then pick up another, then put that one down and pick up the first one...and start off where I finished. A vicious cycle!!!

sermonindex Feb 8, 2008

ebeth wrote:
Dearest Reformer,
May I share a little bit of what the LORD taught
me many years ago,when He was at the very first
drawing me(grace) unto Himself.He spoke to me through the Spirit..`not to get any materials
etc...etc...etc.Just get HIS WORD, and I will teach you.'( now be mindful,I did not know anything hardly of His ways, His will and His judgements.)He did not want my mind to be confused with everthing around me.Some things...
maybe true ..somethings maybe not true.
So first of all, I would sajest to you,to let Jesus teach you first by reading the Word and leting the GREAT teacher teach you through the Spirit.
Remembering Jesus said,(Jn.6:63)`The WORDS that I speak unto you, they are Spirit and they are LIFE'..so if they are (and THEY ARE !!)then they
must be Spiritually decerned.
HE is the great Counseler,..and through prayer and seeing your desire, He will help you.
When the Lord drawed me to first seek only Him in this area, I did not know that the scripture in 1 Jn.2:27 where it says:`But the anointing which ye have recieved of Him abideth in you,
and ye need not that that any man teach you;
but the same anointing teacheth you of all things,
and is Truth, and is no lie,and even as It hath taught you,ye shall abide in Him'.
Now may I add, He said` Take my yoke upon you , and learn of Me',which,I can see, you are so
desirous of doing.Isn't it such a blessing when God gives us a desire ?
thank you,and God bless you richly,
Ebeth

Amen to that. I agree we must read Gods word before anything else. You want to have God speak to conerning who HE is, not what others have written about, even though there interpretations you would agree with. I generally will read a text and then pray about it and get a theme concerning what God is saying to me. Once I feel that it is clear, I then will go to a couple of commentaries I trust and I see what they say about the subject.

sermonindex Feb 8, 2008

Quite honestly it is intimidating coming on SI...the fast knowledge on here is impressive. Just can't learn fast enough.

To be honest, I avoid it altogether. I occasionally take in a sermon here and there. Go at it at your own pace. Too much learning is not good anyway, unless it's quickened into your spirit man, it's just knowledge that puffs up.

There is a temptation to wanting to know more. On some issues I am slightly retarded and I thank God that I am.

S

SimpleLiving Feb 8, 2008

A woman once told Brother Leonard Ravenhill:

"I forget the things I learned with my mind and I remember the things I've learned in my heart."

This is very true.

T

tjservant Feb 9, 2008

I read Finding the Reality of God -Paris Reidhead; it touched on that subject, but diffidently wanted something more specific. BTW...I would recommend that book by Reidhead.

Thanks reformer

I too have read Finding the Reality of God by Reidhead. I would also suggest his other books:

Evidences of Eternal Life

and

Beyond Petition

J

jgraves11 Feb 9, 2008

One of the most uplifting books I have ever read is, the Attributes of God by A.W. Pink. It is only 70 pages but the truths contained within are limitless.

T

Talkn2u Feb 11, 2008

No need to feel overwhelmed...
this is such an exciting place in your Walk with the Lord.
As others have stated, just continue reading the Word of God, praying for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and He WILL lead you.

I believe that the reason you are feeling overwhelmed is that you may be wanting to add to your walk, what others are walking.

Yes, we so benefit and are blessed by what others have encountered and walked thru and are walking in presently...but God by His Spirit is taking you unto Himself.

You are spilling over, because there is such Fullness of Joy in the Presence of the Lord. Remain in His Word, daily, and you will be aware of His Presence which makes you just want to proclaim His Goodness to everyone around!

And don't ever be afraid or feel inadequate to "share" what the Lord is showing to you. We are all excited and encouraged by brothers and sisters who are walking on the same Road.

As hungry and thirsty you are right now, hold on tight, there is more to come....He rewards those who diligently seek Him!!!

Your Sister In Christ,
Bonnie
:-) :-)