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The Importance of Study

To study the Bible is one of the most rewarding things any individual can do, for within its pages are the treasures of life. Anybody can do it; one need not be a minister or part of the clergy to read and understand its basic lessons. It is a task that is strongly encouraged, though learning the Bible is not always easy and may take years. Without proper guidance from a teacher, discouragement can emerge, leading to frustration and discontentment. If an individual dedicates oneself to learning and living God's way as laid out in the Scriptures, it can become highly beneficial both physically and spiritually.

The words within the pages of the Bible are living and powerful but always take heed. Many errors have worked their way into the Christian faith through centuries of human, man-made traditions. One prominent example of this is demonstrated by an answer to an individual's Bible question on the www.BibleStudy.org website by Jack Lane. Concerning the three wise men of Matthew 2, he stated,

"Most people today honestly can't tell what is real and biblical on the one hand, and what has been added by men over the centuries on the other hand. Most people today are so locked into following the traditions of their culture, they don't really care if something is biblical or not."

-- "Where in the Bible does it say three wise men visited the baby Jesus?"

The context of this statement centers around what most Christians believe to be a biblical fact concerning the Magi offering their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Although nowhere in Matthew 2 (or the rest of the Bible) is it given the quantity of Magi, the purported idea of only three individuals remains a part of modern Christianity's culture and belief. Every year, at the celebration of Christmas, this error of assumption is demonstrated with the addition of the Magi into the Nativity displays. Though many individuals have declared this error openly, it is a wonder why this entrenched traditional belief still exists in so many modern Christian Churches.

Our belief, speech, and actions should always be in unison with God's way and the truth of the Bible. In no way are we to be caught up in the mainstream of society, culture, and church politics. Without thoroughly reading, researching, and studying the Bible on a personal level, how will one know what is Godly truth and what is not?

If the Scriptures are not discerned with proper research and study, deceptive errors, contradictions, and false traditions may develop. Such subtleties can make even the best-educated theologian become deceived and led astray, if possible. For this reason, always seek to ascertain what the Bible truly says, not by what you think, or believe, it says.

Remember...

1 Thessalonians 5:21 - AFV

21.   Prove all things. Hold fast to that which is good.

Only by doing so will you be able to do what is next...

1 Thessalonians 5:22 - AFV

22.   Abstain from every form of wickedness.

Books & Study Materials

For the sole purpose of helping others to know God and to understand the Bible more thoroughly, I have put forth a shortlist of books and study materials I feel are vital and necessary for every Christian to read and study. At the end of each description is a source location for the means of acquiring one for yourself. Keep in mind this list is by no means complete or your only source of study, but a good starting point for the beginning student.

The Holy Bible In Its Original Order

This modern English Bible is a proper, faithful translation of the Textus Receptus (Latin: "received text") with none of the common errors of the KJV or other modern English Bible translations. Along with essential study appendixes, the books of the Bible are placed in their proper canonical order.

    - The Holy Bible In Its Original Order can be read at AFaithfulVersion.org.

    - A softcover book can be purchased for a small donation at TheOriginalBibleRestored.com.

    - A digital (PDF) version can be purchased for a small donation at TheOriginalBibleRestored.com.

    - A phone or digital device App can be obtained for free by following the links at TheOriginalBibleRestored.com.

The Companion Bible by E. W. Bullinger

This Bible is a unique King James Version Bible that has notes and appendixes written by E. W. Bullinger. Though the information provided seems initially overpowering, Bullinger's notes and appendixes add to a thorough, objective study of the Scriptures. Though I cannot say that Bullinger's notes and appendixes are 100% perfect in understanding and doctrine in every minute detail, the vast majority of it is very, VERY close. The utilization of the "14 Rules for Bible Study" should always be applied as well as discernment of any conclusions.

    - View or download a variety of options (including PDF) the O.T. and N.T. (along with the Appendixes). There are 2 files to download at CompanionBible.Bullinger.1901-Haywood.2005.

    - View The Companion Bible (PDF), each Bible book individually from www.companionbiblecondensed.com.

    - View The Companion Bible (PDF), each Bible book individually from www.heavendwellers.com.

    - View The Companion Bible "Appendixes" (HTML), each one individually, plus "Other Notes Found In The Companion Bible" at www.heavendwellers.com.

    - View The Companion Bible "Appendixes" (HTML), each one individually, plus "Other Notes Found In The Companion Bible" at www.therain.org.

    - A hardcover book may be purchased at Amazon.com.

KJV Translation Errors

The King James Version Bible is a good translation to use if you have one, but it is not a perfect translation throughout. The KJV has several errors and segments of poor translation; this is undeniable. If this translation is to be used as a source of study, an accompanying list of those errors and their corrections is essential. Once all the known translation errors are cleared up, this Bible can serve you well.

    - A link to "KJV Translation Errors" can be obtained in the STUDY AIDS tab at the top of this page.

    - A hard/soft cover book may be purchased at Amazon.com or your local book store.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

This resource helps you, to a greater or lesser degree, go back to the original Hebrew and Greek words translated into English in the KJV Bible. Nearly every English word is referenced, showing the actual Hebrew or Greek word used (or its base) along with its definition. An exhaustive concordance is a helpful resource, but it does have limitations. One such limitation is that it does not have listings for phrases. Additionally, not explained is the structure of the Hebrew and Greek languages. When determining doctrine or defining complex linguistic expressions, a concordance should not be the sole determining source, for the original languages used in the Bible are a bit more complex than one may realize.

    - A Strong's Exhaustive Concordance can be obtained at a Christian bookstore.

    - A hard/soft cover book may be purchased at Amazon.com.

    - This resource may be utilized in The Holy Bible In Its Original Order at AFaithfulVersion.org when activated via the Advanced search icon in the upper right corner. Additional Bible websites utilize this as well, such as BlueLetterBible.org and BibleStudyTools.com.

    - This resource may be utilized in your own personal Bible Study software.

The Two Babylons

By Alexander Hislop, this book was first published in 1853 and then expanded in 1858 detailing the historical truth of the worship of Nimrod, and his wife, in their many existing forms throughout history. You will not have a fuller understanding of your Bible without first comprehending this vital information. Mainstream Christianity does not read, or study, this particular book. Some have even written against it. Furthermore, mainstream Christianity has fully embraced and cleverly intertwined into their beliefs and practices this pagan form of worship, unbeknownst to most of their laypeople. For this reason, this resource is of high importance. All Christians should know how to identify and avoid incorporating this idolatrous paganism into one's worship of God, for God forbids it (Deuteronomy 12:28-32)..

    - The Two Babylons (PDF), can be downloaded or read at CBCG.org.

    - The Two Babylons with pictures can be read at Archive.org.

    - A hard/soft cover book may be purchased at Amazon.com.

Judah's Sceptre and Joseph's Birthright

Originally published in 1902, an in-depth, lengthy book by J. H. Allen delving into the biblical and secular history of Israel. Within, Allen chronicles the fulfillment of the prophecies God made concerning the Sceptre promises to Judah and the Birthright promises to Joseph. Biblically and doctrinally, this study systematically shows how Bible prophecy relates to the modern-day countries of the United States and Britain. This book is key to properly understand the prophecies of the Bible, identify the countries involved in the end times, and to know the modern-day identity of the twelve tribes of Israel.

    - View Judah's Sceptre and Joseph's Birthright (PDF) at CBCG.org (near the bottom of the page under "Other Books:").

    - A hardcover book may be purchased at Amazon.com.

Rome's Challenge

Every Sunday keeping Christian must make an account on earth to one church body for why they keep Sunday holy. The Bible doesn't command it; only the Roman Catholic Church does. In a series of articles by The Catholic Mirror written in 1893, you will see that anyone who keeps Sunday holy, instead of Saturday, is denying the authority of the Bible and acknowledging the sole authority of the Catholic Church. "Rome's Challenge" is something every Sunday, and Sabbath-keeping, Christian should read.

    - "Rome's Challenge" can be read here.

    - "Rome's Challenge" (PDF), can be downloaded or read at CBCG.org.

The Christian Passover

This book delves comprehensively into the true knowledge, meaning, and understanding of the Christian Passover in the Old and New Testaments, which is essential to the covenant-keeping Christian. The author, Fred R. Coulter, goes into great detail in a step-by-step manner through this often misunderstood, misapplied topic. Upon a thorough study, you will come to understand the magnificent meaning of the Christian Passover and how Jesus Christ fulfilled its true nature. All covenant-keeping Christians who desire to follow God fully and truthfully should study this book!

    - The Christian Passover (PDF), can be downloaded or read at CBCG.org.