How to Read the Bible – A Three Step Plan (written for Catholics - valid for all)

taylormarshall.com ^ | September 30, 2013 | Dr. Taylor Marshall

[NYer]

How do you read the Bible? Today is the feast day of Saint Jerome, who once quipped, “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.”

“Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” – Saint Jerome

It’s a running joke that if you want to find a Bible verse, you ought to ask a Protestant and not a Catholic. Protestants read the Bible. Catholics not so much.

This raises the question:

Why Don’t More Catholics Read the Bible?

I think the answer lies in the fact that we Catholics go to Mass. The Holy Mass has at least two Bible readings every time. If you pray the Breviary or Liturgy of Hours, multiply that several times.

Joe Catholic says to himself, “Why should I study the Bible? I go to Mass. I hear it there. Check and check.”

There is something beautiful in this. For Catholics, Bible reading is liturgical. Hence, Bible reading remains chiefly a community experience.

Three Step Plan to Kick It Up a Notch

It’s good to listen to the readings from the Bible at Holy Mass. However, we also need a personal (even private) encounter with God in the pages of Sacred Scripture. All of the saints breathed Sacred Scripture. Scripture served as the grammar for their souls. They couldn’t communicate without it.

Here are some basic spiritual needs that you have every single day of your life:

1. Praise – Voicing your delight in God and His provision for your life. Gratitude destroys discouragement.
2. Wisdom – You need practical advice to navigate the complexities of life.
3. Challenge – You need to be lifted higher. You need to grow in your faith. You need to be inspired. You must be an intentional Christian.

So when you wake up tomorrow, do the following:

1. Read a Psalm. Start with Psalm 1. Make it your anthem of praise for that day.
2. Read at least one Proverb. Proverbs are the wisdom morsels of your day. There are 31 chapters. Why not read one chapter every day during the month. Oct 1 is Provers 1. October 31 is Proverbs 31. You get the idea.
3. Read a chapter of the one of the Gospels. This is your challenge. Your Savior challenges you in the four Gospels. He calls you to be not merely a nominal Catholic but a disciple. You cannot seriously read the Gospels and stay lukewarm. Christ speaks in a way that cannot be ignored.

“But I’m so busy. I don’t have the time!”

What? You’re too busy. Sorry, you just got served a yellow card:

That’s a yellow card. You’ve been warned…

Doing these three readings will take you only 3-5 minutes. That’s the time of a commercial break. It will change your life for good. I promise. It takes 21 days to make a habit, so give it 21 days and see if you aren’t hooked. Put the Bible on your night stand and read it in the mornings. Start fresh.

“Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” – Saint Jerome, Doctor of the Church

[aMorePerfectUnion]

“On which occasions were the “dirges” sung? Are the “dirges” your reason for leaving?”

Every time a song was sung, the Romans mumbled the words instead of singing to God with joy.

That was not why I left.

“Beautiful! Very glad to hear this. So, when the minister “exposed” “

The truth. That the context of the entire teaching Christ gave was not about communion. He was teaching Jews about His identity as the Bread of Life.

“I can appreciate non-catholics who grow up with nothing more than the Bible but am totally confused when..”

Any believer who comes to faith in Christ does not have just the Word of God. He has a living relationship with God and is in dwelt by the Holy Spirit. The “real presence” is false. We do this “in memory of Him until He comes”.

“That is very commendable. According to the Bible Itself, the Church is the “pillar of truth” (1 Timothy 3:15), not the Bible. Can there be more than one interpretation of the Bible?. The word “truth” is used several times in the New Testament. However, the plural version of the word “truth” never appears in Scripture. Therefore, there can only be one Truth.”

The church holds up the truth. The church isn’t the truth. God’s revelation is truth. Every Christian should hold forth the truth.

“The Reformation began with one rupture. Today, there are more than 20,000 christian “churches” all claiming to have the truth. The Bible is a religious book, not a scientific or a history “textbook.””

The Roman church failed and God bypassed it. You appear so worried about how God could possibly work in this situation. Most churches adhere to the historic creeds and find unity in Christ. Those that do not adhere to the truth as expressed in the creeds are not Christian churches. God can handle it.

[NYer]

Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit

He sent His Holy Spirit to lead the Church. According to Scripture, Christ wanted us to be one (John 17:22-23). We are all as a Church to be of one mind and to think the same (Philippians 2:2; Romans 15:5). There is only to be one "faith" (Ephesians 4:3-6), not many. For the Church is Christ's Body and Christ only had one Body, not many.

and his Holy Bible to feast on while he is gone...

Did Jesus Christ write down any part of the New Testament with His own hand? No, He did not. If the Bible was to be the sole authority of the Church, shouldn't the Founder have written down His Own teachings? Shouldn't He have at least stated something similar to the following: "the written works of My disciples will be the authority upon which My Church is based?"

Does the Bible state It is the sole or final authority of Christianity? No. Neither this statement nor anything even close to it appears anywhere in the New Testament. In fact, Christ said that the Church is to resolve disputes among Christians, not Scripture (Matthew 18:17).

[NYer]

Lots of quotes from the OT followed by a HUGE GAP to John 1. Am I to understand that Evangelical ministers ignore John 6?

[CynicalBear]

>> If the Bible was to be the sole authority of the Church, shouldn't the Founder have written down His Own teachings?<<

The written word was inspired by the Holy Spirit. Do you not believe that He and Christ are one?

>>In fact, Christ said that the Church is to resolve disputes among Christians, not Scripture (Matthew 18:17).<<

Matthew 18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church (ekklēsia): but if he neglect to hear the church (ekklēsias), let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

Ekklēsia
From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both) -- assembly, church.

That was talking about taking it to the local assembly of believers, not some hierarchical organization.

[verga]

You don't even get an appetizer there...

See post 59, the truth is with a Catholic Mass you get the entire meal soup to nuts.

[CynicalBear]

>>Am I to understand that Evangelical ministers ignore John 6?<<

I don’t know what “Evengelical ministers” do. Did you not read my post? It included this.

John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

You see, John 6 includes the words of Jesus saying that “the flesh profiteth nothing” and that “the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life”. Notice that “flesh profiteth nothing” part?

Again, after Christ said “the flesh profiteth nothing” why do Catholics still focus on the flesh?

[verga]

<>I>You ever get into that, let us know...

Read it twice cover to cover. the real Bible not the prot Readers Digest missing books version.

[WVKayaker]

Did Jesus Christ write down any part of the New Testament with His own hand? No, He did not.

Oh, but He did! Once again, we see an ignorant statement by a Roman Catholic. Blasphemy in Scripture is when another tries to take credit for God's work! Catholics try to claim authorship, but we know the truth!

John 14: 23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.

25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. ... -Love, Jesus

***

... Philippians 3: 1 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence.

If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.

7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. ...- Love, Paul (WRITING/speaking for Jesus!!!)

[verga]

But since most Catholics don't believe it is any more than a ritual,

Documentation of this please.

You are aware that when presented with the Eucharist the priest or minister says "The Body of Christ" and we are required to say "Amen." You are aware that it means I assent or I agree don't you?

[NYer]

That was talking about taking it to the local assembly of believers, not some hierarchical organization.

The local assembly of believers was the Catholic Church .. period. Scripture clearly established "offices" and a "hierarchy" among Christians. The offices of "bishop, priest (presbyter) and deacon" are mentioned in Scripture (1 Timothy 3:1,8; Titus 1:7 ). What else is this but "organization?" Or should we believe that any believer can "claim" to be a bishop, priest, deacon or even "apostle?" The word "office" is specifically used in Scripture (1 Timothy 3:1) to describe these positions.

Am I to understand that Evangelical ministers ignore John 6?

[verga]

So your religion picks an obscure verse

Prots find parts of the Bible obscure... even in one of the gospels. WOW I am incredulous.

[aMorePerfectUnion]

“Does the Bible state It is the sole or final authority of Christianity? No. Neither this statement nor anything even close to it appears anywhere in the New Testament. In fact, Christ said that the Church is to resolve disputes among Christians, not Scripture (Matthew 18:17).”

It clearly says it is the truth. It was widely recognized by Israel as Truth. The Scriptures were recognized and affirmed by Christ as truth.

When confronted by Satan, three times He responded by quoting God’s word. Not tradition. Not Jewish leaders.

Further. Early Church Fathers understood that all doctrine must be grounded in God’s truth.

[aMorePerfectUnion]

“See post 59, the truth is with a Catholic Mass you get the entire meal soup to nuts. “

Not so much. It is a plate that is small enough to hold just 27% of God’s Word over three years. Almost 3/4 is ignored in Mass.

There are whole courses you should eat!

[aMorePerfectUnion]

“The local assembly of believers was the Catholic Church .. period. Scripture clearly established “offices” and a “hierarchy” among Christians. The offices of “bishop, priest (presbyter) and deacon” are mentioned in Scripture (1 Timothy 3:1,8; Titus 1:7 ). “

No priest in that list of leaders. All Christians are priests.

The Catholic Church as it is today took more than a thousand years to ferment and add in many pagan customs. The early Church in Scripture was simply local gatherings of believers.

[smvoice]

I can tell you one verse where what is bound on earth was bound in heaven: Acts 1:26. When Matthias was made the 12th Apostle.

And I can give you one verse where what is loosed on earth is loosed in heaven: Galatians 2:9. When Peter, seeing the GRACE that was given to Paul, releases himself and the 11 from "going to the ends of the earth with the gospel of the kingdom, and gives Paul and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship that THEY should go to the Gentiles (heathen). Peter loosed himself and the 11 Apostles from the "Great Commission" for Paul's "Gospel of the Grace of God", given to him directly from the risen Christ.

[CynicalBear]

>> The offices of "bishop, priest (presbyter)<<

Presbyter does not mean “priest”. Let’s look at the Greek. It’s the Holy Spirit who inspired and who’s words they are. He knew which words to use to convey the message He wanted and didn’t use the word for “priest” except for when He called all believers “priest”. Never did He use the word for “priest” for any of the leadership.

1 Timothy 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop (episkopēs), he desireth a good work

episkopēs
Short Definition: visitation of judgment, oversight
Definition: (a) visitation (of judgment), (b) oversight, supervision, overseership.
[http://biblesuite.com/strongs/greek/1984.htm]

Now let’s look at the Greek word for “priest” that the Holy Spirit would have used had He meant “priest”.

1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood (hierateuma), an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

hierateuma
Short Definition: the act or office of priesthood
Definition: the act or office of priesthood.
From hierateuo; the priestly fraternity, i.e. Sacerdotal order (figuratively) -- priesthood.

Prolongation from hiereus; to be a priest, i.e. Perform his functions -- execute the priest's office.
[http://biblesuite.com/strongs/greek/2407.htm]

NOT ONCE does the Holy Spirit use the words which mean “priest” to apply to the leadership but He DOES use it for all believers.

[NYer]

It clearly says it is the truth. It was widely recognized by Israel as Truth. The Scriptures were recognized and affirmed by Christ as truth.

My question was: Does the Bible state It is the sole or final authority When confronted by Satan, three times He responded by quoting God’s word.

Again, you are referencing the Old Testament.

Early Church Fathers understood that all doctrine must be grounded in God’s truth.

"The church of God that sojourns at Smyrna, to the church of God sojourning in Philomelium - and to all of the congregations of the holy and Catholic Church in every place."
St. Polycarp ("The Martyrdom Of St. Polycarp," c. 135 A.D.)

"It is called Catholic then because it extends over all the world, from one end of the Earth to the other; and because it teaches universally and completely one end and all the doctrines which ought to come to men's knowledge, concerning things both visible and invisible, heavenly and earthly; and because it brings into subjection to godliness and the whole race of mankind, governors and governed, learned and unlearned; and because it universally treats and heals the whole class of sins, which are committed by soul and body, and possesses in itself every form of virtue which is named, both in deeds and words, and in every kind of spiritual gifts."
St. Cyril of Jerusalem ("Catechetical Lectures," c. 350 A.D.)

[jodyel]

Why do you want to be a good Catholic? Or a good anything? Being good won’t get you into the kingdom of God.

Why don’t you want to be a child of the Living God and have a personal relationship with Him?

I don’t like hellfire and brimstone teachers either, but just because I don’t like it doesn’t mean what they are preaching isn’t true.

I was also raised Southern Baptist and left for those same reasons. But thank God when my time came and I had my changed yanked hard and needed someone, Jesus was there to pick me up. Not a Catholic spouse or a Catholic friend or anyone else.

HE PICKED ME UP AND SAVED ME!

Until you know complete and utter dependence on God, others can always lead you astray no matter how kind or good-hearted their intentions.

My allegiance is to Him and Him only.

“You have enemies? Good. That means you’ve stood up for something, sometime in your life.” Winston Churchill

[CynicalBear]

>>Read it twice cover to cover. the real Bible not the prot Readers Digest missing books version.<<

You mean the ones the Catholics use with all the errors in them?

[jodyel]

OMG!!!

I am anti-catholicism, the false religion, not anti-catholic people...but I could sure make an exception in your case, vlad!!

LOL