Christianity Oasis Member Forum & Chat Room

I am not exactly sure how to begin all of this. I yearn to know the Word of God and to everything there is to know about the bible, but I don't know how to study it. I've researched and researched and I can't find anything that suits my study needs. In order to learn something, I have to do it like we did in school. I need to read a certain chapter/topic and then have a test on it! But I can't seem to find any sites that will offer me printable tests in a given order. I'm a little OCD when it comes to organization so maybe that is what is stopping me. I don't know. I've read the entire New Testament and I remember a lot of things. But there are still things I don't remember. Or, I feel like one thing contradicts another and I can't remember which book the contradicting thing was in so that I can look back. I have trouble getting motivated to look at the Old Testament.

I believe in God and I want to know enough (plus some) to defend my beliefs. I listen to Pastor John Piper's podcast every morning. I really like him, but sometimes, I don't have a clue what he is saying. He's too smart!

I also want to know enough so that I can confidentally talk about the bible with my children and give them tests. I was raised to believe in God, but was never made to go to church or read the bible. In fact, we really didnt do anything except believe. So, here I am 33 years old, struggling to know the truth. I don't want that for my kids. I don't want them looking back and wishing I had sent them to church. My son goes to the Methodist church with me. I am divorced from my daughter's father and she attends a Christian church with him and her step-mother. My husband, step-father to my daughter and father of my son, is a non-believer. I'm not sure why. The rest of his family are believers. They don't really attend church regularly, but they do claim to be believers. I know he had a rough childhood, but I'm not sure that is an excuse. And most of the time, I don't know how to deal with him. I'm always afraid that I am not being a christian wife. On the other hand, I feel like I can't just sit back and let him use the F word in front of our children all the time. I don't want to undermine his authority, but I sometimes feel like he's overdoing it.

Greetings to you, my sister in Christ,
"How do I Begin?" You already have. It is my personal opinion that the best way to read and even study the Bible is to consider the uniquely beautiful souls through which God's word has been shared with us. Do not think of it as a contradiction but rather another take on the same or similar event. Ya know how, in life, 5 or 10 people can see the exact same event unfold but in retelling it, each has a different viewpoint? That's how I receive the Bible. It's amazing to know how many souls were touched and how many very unique people God's word has been shared to us through. Now, again, please know this is MY take. Others will have different opinions and I would never say they are wrong in their personal views... isn't life beautiful!

I would recommend this reading plan, for reading through the entire Bible:
http://www.christianityoasis.com/DailyB ... lendar.htm

Or This one if you would like to focus on the New Testament first:
http://www.christianityoasis.com/DailyBread/Forum.htm


and this is a GREAT resource for trivia, quiz and other fun "test your knowledge" games that may help you retain some of what you are reading.
http://www.christianityoasis.com/keywor ... Trivia.htm

As for your concerns about your husband, as long as you and your children are NOT in any danger, my advice would be to focus on your own growth for now. As you become more confident I am certain God will show you the best means of guiding your husband while honoring Him.

As you focus on yourself and your relationship with God, you may find this study awesome (I did!!!)
http://www.christianityoasis.com/Virtuo ... /Forum.htm

There is an awesome Study resource for Marriage that, in time, you may want to even suggest to your husband as a devotional you do together:
http://www.christianityoasis.com/TilDea ... /Forum.htm

Remember, one step at a time!! In anything we do, if we are reaching toward God it is growth. Our faith is not set to a specific deadline or time frame. God knows we grow at different speeds so Don't be too hard on yourself for not knowing as much as you think you should. The fact that you want to learn more is a beautiful testimony to God's Grace and Love.

Honored to be on this journey with you!

Peace & Luv in Christ,
Lani