by Rvaughn » Mon Sep 18, 2017 10:03 pm
In accord with my understanding the inspiration, inerrancy, authority, and sufficiency of the Bible, I study it as a source of truth, salvation, morality, ethics and beliefs. This does not mean that I think that there is no truth to be learned outside the Bible. For example, I believe nature teaches us there is a God, but that the Bible reveals that God to us in a way we cannot know by studying nature.
It should come as no surprise that the library of the Bible is my primary reading. I read a good bit of other stuff, mostly about theology, church history, genealogy, and music. If I want fiction I usually turn to a different medium. I read the Bible and study the Bible, which I view as slightly different approaches, though compatible and not always separate. In making the distinction between the two, first, I read through the Bible like I would any other book (or in this case, books). I just read through it for comprehension and understanding of what is written without stopping to "study". I also take time to study a certain book as a unit, study details of words, definitions, grammar and so forth. I read the KJV but like to look up how others have translated certain passages. I sometimes consult the Greek, or something someone has written about the original languages. Though I have studied Greek (a long time ago) I cannot sit down and read Greek with comprehension, so I expect that I can make more mistakes than the benefit I get from it, and only consider that as a matter of interest to which I don't give as much weight. I also consult what others have written, agreeing with Charles Spurgeon, "It seems odd, that certain men who talk so much of what the Holy Spirit reveals to themselves, should think so little of what he has revealed to others."
While I disagree with the way I feel some liberals and progressives seem to dismiss the Bible, we are not without problems on the conservative to fundamental end of the spectrum. In studying the Bible I try not to miss the big picture looking for the little picture, not to miss the haystack looking for the needle in it. Or as Jesus put it, we might carefully pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and yet omit the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith. I often say to my church, "I don't understand [this or that detail], but let's not miss the big picture.
Anyway, enough rambling, but maybe that presents a little of how my view of the Bible affects my own Bible study.