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[6] An Inspiring Classic Personal "Studied Study Bible Story"
[7] Author’s Personal Bible Reading History (Up-dated 9-29-11)
[8] Bible Reader Story Questionnaire for Volunteers
[9] Satire From A Bible’s Point-Of View
[10] Bible Reader’s Interest Quest Questionnaire (Share Your Story!
Ohio Retired High School Teacher & Lay Pastor (First Preview Copy)
"The site looks great; it is a whole lot "cleaner" if you know what I mean. I mentioned a long time ago about staying with one or two type faces (fonts). … I am sure that lives are being changed and enriched because of your faithfulness. You need a video on Youtube to draw some attention to your site."
University of Alabama Graduate Student
After a brief review of the 2010 website my great nephew wrote: "Dear Uncle Virgil, … Thank you for taking the time to send me the link to your new website. I've not yet had the opportunity to explore it thoroughly, but just a cursory glance made it apparent that you have invested much time and energy to its creation. I look forward to reading through it in its entirety."
Later after a careful review he added some suggested revisions for the "Home" page and then added: "The background template looks very nice. It gives the webpage a "professional" feel. ... As for content, I think it’s great. The site conveys your message to your target audience in a clear and concise manner. I would hope that every new believer developing an interest in studying God’s Word would see your site before they’ve made the mistake of buying a Bible without footnotes."
Still later after added revisions of the web site he added this observation: “I think the website looks great. I like all of the aesthetic changes you made; It makes the text much easier to read. I enjoyed the 'Quotable Quotes' page, even if it stepped on my toes a bit. Too often, I read my Bible for the wrong reasons."
College Church, Wheaton, IL. Staff Member & Librarian
Keokuk Iowa, Music Teacher & Church Organist
11-17-10 ~ California Ministerial Colleque 1990-1995 Thanks for asking, Virgil. (I invited suggestions about improving the website),
11-17-10 ~ Bible Study Fellowship Friend of 2010
11-17-10 ~ Neighboring Ohio Pastor 1996-2003 Hi Virgil, I did a "10 second drill" on your site and think it is very attractive.
11-18-10 ~ Retired Pastor and Denominational Executive
11-20-10 Berwyn, IL, Homemaker & Bible TeacherVirgil.. Your website is awesome!
11-20-10 Winfield, IL Treasured website friend’s input from our first e-mail
11-27-10 College Church - Wheaton, IL Homaker & Bible Study Course Author:
NOTE: An on-going chronology of new suggestions are being duly recorded, dated, and documented as to source (including any"Anonymous" ideas) for future consideration. Your positive or constructive criticisms are welcome. This whole website process for the past four years is what it is because we have listened to many friends with helpful criticisms that have been beneficial. It is still being up-dated weekly. It is not a finished work!
&
The Bible Through! Here is a helpful poetic admonition: "I supposed I KNEW my Bible; Reading piecemeal, hit or miss;
Now a bit of John or Matthew;
Now a snatch of Genesis!
Certain chapters of Isaiah,
Certain Psalms (the Twenty-Third!)
Twelfth of Romans, First of Proverbs,
Yes, I THOUGHT I KNEW THE WORD!
BUT I found a THOROUGH READING Was a different thing to do;
And the way was unfamiliar
WHEN I READ THE BIBLE THROUGH!
We who tend to "PLAY" at Bible, Dip and dabble, here and there;
Just before we kneel, a-weary,
Yawning through a hurried prayer.
We who treat the CROWN OF WRITINGS
As we treat no other book --
Just a paragraph disjointed,
Just a quick, impatient look!
TRY A MOST WORTHWHILE PROCEDURE,
TRY A BROAD AND STEADY VIEW!
You will kneel in very rapture
When you've READ
THE BIBLE THROUGH."
Source Unknown
Postscript: Try doubling your Study Bible research pleasure by using TWO Study Bibles side-by-side! [3] Inspiring Stories About Bible Reading Achievements
These are the inspiring Bible Reading stories that have been shared with us to date. You, too, are invited to share yours with us for this list anonymously. 1980 – Decatur, Illinois ~ Godly Senior annually read 4 pages a day 76 times since age 9. [Read Below!] 1997 - Ashtabula, Ohio ~ A Shut in her 80s had read the Bible through 26 times. 2004 - Fremont, Nebraska ~A trio of ladies at a Study Bible Research workshop learned for the first time that they had all read the Bible through thirty times independently over the years. 2006 - Pastor & NBTS Seminary President Bill Myers ~ Annually read the Bible in multiple versions over more than thirty-five times several years ago and us still reading. 2010 - Wheaton ~ Retired College Professor completed the Bible more than 50-55 times. 2010 - Wheaton Lawyer ~ Read the Bible through 40 times since the 1970. [4] An Amazing Individual Bible Reading History Record I was very excited by this report of woman in our Decatur pastorate who almost never missed a service --- Sunday AM & PM and mid-week. She was quiet, un-assuming, and very sweet-spirited. While visiting in her home I reluctantly ventured to ask, "Have you read the Bible through?" Immediately she said: "Oh, yes.... every year since I was nine years old." I was non-plused and in awe. I was also curious to know what the total was. I responded: "I am not in the habit of asking a woman her age, but I would really like to know how many times you have read the Bible through."Simply and humbly she answered: "Seventy-six!" You do the math! Is that not an inspiring story? Her Christ-like life and spirit was a quiet testimony to the impact of a lifetime of faithful reading of God's Word. I have told this story times without number. I want to thank her again "W-I-G-T-H!" (When-I-Get-To-Heaven!) Any one who feels led to add their Bible reading story to this mostly anonymous list is welcome! You can e-mail them to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Your personal Bible Reading story record is welcome so we may add it to our website in order to inspire others reading this page. Revelation 1:3 is true no matter how many times it is read. "God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the Church, and He blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near." [5] Studied Study Bible Reading & Research Success Stories ~ Personal Story Testimonies Shared ~ You are invited to share yours, too! Our hope is that these personal success stories will show how one's life can be changed by reading deeply and researching "The Word." We are especially eager to find specific illustrations of how your life has been transformed by studying it with a family member or a friend --- "doubling your Bible research pleasure." Would you not agree that the whole point of Bible reading and application is to meet Jesus Christ and be transformed in His image? A Fifty Year Bible Student & Ladies Group Study Leader - Oak Park, IL.
University of Alabama Graduate Student After a brief review of the 2010 website my great nephew wrote: "Dear Uncle Virgil, … Thank you for taking the time to send me the link to your new website. . . . Recently, the Spirit has stirred within me a passion for reading God's Word. I've known Christ since I was nine years old, but until now had never devoted any significant time to searching the Scriptures. I therefore find my discovery of your website evidence of God's hand at work. ...
I currently use three study Bibles: The LASB (NLT 96), The Apologetics Study Bible (HCSB), and The ESV Study Bible. I currently use the ESV as my go-to Bible (I've come to prefer its more literal translation), but I regularly consult the other two as well. ... I began using multiple study Bibles fairly recently. My first study Bible, the LASB, belonged to "Nonnie" (maternal grandmother) and it was one of her favorites (it is one of my most treasured possessions). I've used it for quite a few years ." [6] An Inspiring Classic Personal "Studied Study Bible Story" Virginia Retired Nurse & Housewife - Life-long Bible Student After dinner one evening in our home a 1955 Wheaton College classmate of Evelyn's shared her Study Bible Story with us. She listened patiently as I shared my own personal passion for the LASB-NLT Study Bible. Her response was to reply politely: "I already enjoy using the NIV Thompson Chain. I will not part with it. I have worn the covers off and had it re-bound." After that I simply pointed out that she did not have to give up her favorite Study Bible. I expressed appreciation for her fine record of research Bible history and her obvious devotion to and love for God’s Word. (Few people ever have to re-bind their Bibles.)
She then agreed to hear my "sales pitch" about the seven research features of the LASB. I encouraged her to "Double Her Study Bible Pleasure" by using TWO study Bibles. "No two Study Bibles are alike. Each one has a unique contribution to our Bible research," I assured her. Sometime after she returned to her Virginia home she reported that she had purchased the LASB and was enjoying using it side-by-side with her Thompson Chain NIV. As years passed she found that she was making copies of LASB charts and inserting them into the pages of her NIV Study Bible. On July 13, 2010 she sent this note: "Thought of you both this morning as I was reading the Tyndale Bible Virgil recommended. I'm using it solely now. It is soooooo clear." When I asked her to share her "STUDIED STUDY BIBLE STORY" here is what she said:
"My cardboard-back LASB - NLT I gave away January of 2010, having bought on sale my bonded leather LASB-NLT in September 2009. I'm using it every day, often with my NIV, but more often alone. · My learning is best through pictures in my mind, and the NLT is soooo vivid, the scripture stays in my mind longer because I can so often see it.
· I have put homemade tabs on Bible pages designating Names of God, Master Index, Index to Personality Profiles, Index to Charts and Index to Maps by Book. I use them at least three times a week because I can get to them quickly. May have to replace them soon, but I'm careful.
· Time lines are great! I write them in at the top of the page at the beginning of each book (what was happening in the rest of the world when that book was written.
· Authorship and when written information is all included in the LASB and I can visualize Jeremiah and Amos and the rest (just wish I could remember all that I have read).
· Your LASB explanations and teachings that you glued into the front and back of my Bible I have read, and used partially. Placing the hand-made indexing in my Bible has given me more freedom in looking things up.
· Much of what I have read seems to be wonderful ideas for pastors to use for sermons.
· As far as I'm concerned ALL pastors should thoroughly absorb what you have accumulated and made available on the internet. It is a wealth for pastors who have run dry.
What more can I say than I'll be eternally grateful for the NLT for the simplicity and profoundness of it, plus the LASB (with Bible Indexing that I have incorporated with my "tabs"). So...........that's all folks!
She concluded by saying: "You are welcome to use whatever you like. Asking the Holy Spirit to reveal the written word in my heart and life is the most important!" [8] Bible Reader Story Questionnaire (Volunteer Anyone?) Let us include YOUR own story for "the rest" of this "Successful Study Bible Research Story" series on this webpage! You can e-mail YOUR STORY to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Every story about reading God's Word, no matter how few times or how many, has value, especially when our reading and research results in changed lives and produces Christ-like Character. Your own "Story" will bring blessing to someone of like experience or interests. Name (optional) _______________________________ This is mainly for your benefit! OPTIONAL INFORMATION IDEAS TO CONSIDER: Bible Study Experience: ___ Beginner; __ 1-5 years; __6-10 years; 11-15 years; __ Other: _____ Study Bible Owner Since 19__ or 20___ totaling _____ number of years; Study Bibles purchased. ( Please put the "Year" in front of any Study Bibles you own!) The most common Study Bibles are listed in order of publication dates: Feel free to write out your own account of how you started reading a Bible regularly. If you use a Study Bible, how has it changed your Bible reading and research habits and your walk with God? We look forward to YOUR STORY for the encouragement and inspiration we all need in our spiritual pilgrimage.
& Diary Of A Bible & JANUARY: A busy time for me. Most of the family decided to read me through this year. They kept me busy for the first two weeks, but they have forgotten me now. FEBRUARY: Clean-up time. I was dusted yesterday and put in my place. My owner did use me for a few minutes last week. He had been in an argument and was looking up some references to prove he was right. MARCH: Had a busy day first of the month. My owner was elected president of the PTA & used me to prepare a speech. APRIL: Grandpa visited us this month. He kept me on his lap for an hour reading from 1 Peter 5:5-7. He seems to think more of me than do some people in my own household. MAY: I have a few green stains on my pages. Some spring flowers were pressed in my pages. JUNE: I look like a scrapbook. They have stuffed me full of newspaper clippings - one of the girls got married. JULY: They put me in a suitcase today. I guess we are off on vacation. I wish I could stay home; I know I'll be closed up in this thing for at least two weeks. AUGUST: Still in the suitcase. SEPTEMBER: Back home at last and in my old familiar place. I have a lot of company. Two women's magazines and four comic books are stacked on top of me. I wish I could be read as much as they are. OCTOBER: They read me a little bit today. One of them is very sick. Right now I am sitting in the center of the coffee table. I think the Pastor is coming by for a visit. NOVEMBER: Back in my old place. Somebody asked today if I were a scrapbook. DECEMBER: The family is busy getting ready for the holidays. I guess I'll be covered up under wrapping paper & packages again...just as I am every Christmas. [10] Bible Reader "I.Q." ~ (Interest Quest) Your "Research ‘I.Q.’ Questionnaire ~ A Challenge! Which of the following have you already accomplished?
(Place the number of times in the blanks before the choices.)
__ Memorized the Books of the Bible: __ Old Testament; __ New Testament
READ THROUGH: __ The Gospels; __ New Testament; __ Psalms & Proverbs; __ Old Testament. ___ Different Versions: __ KJV; __ NKJV; __ NIV; __ LB; __ NLT; __ One Year Bible; __ Chronological Bible; OTHER: ______________________________________________
MEMORIZED KEY CHAPTERS: __ Psalm 1; __8; __ 23; __ 51; __ 100; __ 139; __ Matthew 5; __ John 1; __ John 3; __ John 14; __ John 17; 1 Corinthians 13 MEMORIZED SELECTED VERSES: (** Priority Verses ~ Choose 5 or 10 Favorites) __** Exodus 20:1-17+; __2 Chronicles 7:14; __** Psalm 1; **__ Psalm 23; __ Psalm 38:1-22; __ ** Psalm 51:1-17; __ Psalm 100 – (The Doxology); __** Psalm 121; __** Psalm 139:1-10, 23, 24; __ Isaiah 55:6-11; __ * Matthew 5:1-16; __ **Matthew 6:9-13 (Lord’s Prayer); __** Matthew 22:34-40; __ ** Matthew 28:16-20; __ * John 1:1-14; __** John 3:1-21; __ John 14:1-27 (**1-15); __ * John 15:1-17; __ John 17:1-26; __ Romans 6; __Romans 7; __Acts 1:8; __Acts 16:31; __**Romans 8:26-29; __** Romans 12:1-8; __1 Corinthians 1:17-31; __** 1 Corinthians 13; __2 Corinthians 5:17-20; __*Galatians 2:20; __Galatians 5; __**Philippians 2:1-11; __**Philippians 4:4-13, 19; __Colossians 1:18; __Colossians 3:16; __**1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; __ * 2 Timothy 2:1-16; __**2 Timothy 3:14-17; __*Hebrews 12:1-16; __James 1:1-27 (*1-17); __1 Peter 2:11-25; __*1 Peter 3:8-18; __**2 Peter 1:2-11; __1 John 1; __1 John 4:1-21: __**1 John 5:10-13; __*Revelation 1: 3; __**Revelation 3:20; __ Revelation 22:12-21. FAVORITE BOOKS: (Choose Three Favorites) __Genesis; __ Exodus; __ Joshua; __Ruth; __ 1 & 2 Samuel; __Ezra; __ Nehemiah; __ Esther; __Psalms; __Proverbs; __Isaiah; __ Daniel; __ Matthew; __ Mark; __Luke; __John; __Acts; __ Romans; __ Ephesians; __ Philippians; __Hebrews; __1John; __ Revelation. FAVORITE CHAPTERS: (Choose 5 to 10 Favorites) __Psalm 1; __Psalm 8; __Psalm 19; __Psalm 23; __ Psalm 38:1-22; __Psalm 51:1-17; __ Psalm 100; __Psalm 121; __Psalm 139:1-10, 23, 24; Psalm 119; Psalm 150; __Matthew 5-7; __Matthew 22; __Matthew 28; __ John 1; __ John 3; __John 14; __John 15; __John 17; __Acts 1-2; __ Romans 6; __Romans 7; __Romans 8; __Romans 3; __ Romans 6; __Romans 12; __1 Corinthians 1; __1 Corinthians 13; __2 Corinthians 5; __Galatians 2; __Galatians 5; __Philippians 2; __Philippians 4; __Colossians 1; __Colossians 3; __1 Thessalonians 4; __2 Timothy 2; __2 Timothy 3; __ 2 Timothy 4; __Hebrews 12; __James 1; __James 3; __1 Peter 2; __1 Peter 3; __2 Peter 1; __1 John 1; __1 John 4; __1 John 5; __Revelation 1; __Revelation 3; __ Revelation 22. FAVORITE BIBLE CHARACTERS: (Chronological Time List ~ Choose Five Favorites) __Noah; __Job; __Abraham; __Jacob; __Rachael; __Judah; __Joseph; __Moses; __Joshua; __Ruth; __Samuel; __David; __Daniel; __Ezra; __Esther; __Nehemiah; __Virgin Mary; __John the Baptist; __ Peter; __James; __John; __Mary & Martha; __Matthew; __ Mary Magdalene; __Thomas; __Paul; __Luke; __Timothy; __Lydia. FAVORITE BIBLE TRUTHS: (Alphabetical Topics ~ Choose Five to Ten Favorites) __Abiding in Christ; __Assurance; __Belief (Faith); __Christ-Likeness; __Courage; __Endurance (Patience) ; __Eternal/Everlasting Life; __Faithfulness; __Fear of God; __Fellowship; __Forgiveness; __Fruitfulness; __Gentleness; __Gifts; __Glorifying . God; __Godliness; __Goodness; __Grace; __Guidance; __Heart; __Heaven; __Holiness; __Honesty; __Humility; __Joy; __Kindness; __Knowledge; __Life; __Love; __Marriage; __Meditation; __Narrow Way; __New Birth; __Patience; __Peace; __Persecution; __Praise; __Prayer; __Pride; __Promises; __Redemption; __Repentance; __Resurrection; __Righteousness; __Salvation; __Satan; __Service; __Self-Denial; __Sorrow; __Stewardship; __Suffering; __Temptation; __Thanksgiving; __Tribulation; __Trust; __Truth; __Unity; __Will of God; __Word . of God; __Worship; __Youth. [Note: The Concordance and Topical Indexes or Charts will be great for researching these truths for devotions or to help you in planning group studies.]
Admittedly this questionnaire may be a challenge. You may not be able to make many entries...YET! Do not be discouraged. Consider it to be an on-going outline for your future reference tracking your Bible reading and research ambitions. Ask a friend to be your "accountability partner" in the spirit of Christ's promise of Matthew 18:20! "Where two or three are gathered together as my followers, I AM THERE AMONG THEM!" © by Virgil Reeve ~ 2010. All rights reserved, but permission is granted for the free use where Jesus Christ is the Matthew 11:28-30 "Teacher" and the goal is: "all to the glory of God!" 1 Corinthians 10:31. & [7] Author's Personal Bible Reading History You may want to ask this author this very fair question: ... "WHAT WAS YOUR OWN PERSONAL BIBLE READING RECORD?" Answer: In addition to my weekly study for two sermons on Sunday and mid-week group Bible study for over 40 years, here is my personal record. & Four times through the Bible. 1. In 1955 my first time through was as a required reading assignment for a Moody Bible Institute Bible synthesis course using my Scofield Reference Bible -- KJV. 2. In 1961-1962 for a Northern Baptist Seminary Bibles Survey Course our required reading assignment called for us to use the Revised Standard Version. 3. The third time was in our "Through the Bible" study series where I preached a sermon from each of the Bible books at Decatur, IL – 1982-3 using the Good News Bible as they congregation read along with me. 4. The fourth reading was in 1992 in a Chinese church pastorate. We used the NIVSB with the motto: "The Bible Thru In '92!" and we preached a single sermon from a key chapter or passage chosen from the Bible book of the week. At the same time I led a separate midweek overview study of the Bible book that the people had read with me that week. In Fremont, NE – 1984-5 we completed much of the Old Testament using The Open Bible in the New King James Version. & Over the past 60 years we have personally used 7 Study Bibles in 7 different versions. Now our Study Bible shelf holds over 20 different Study Bibles that are just to the left of my computer. Fifteen years ago in October of 1996 I began using the New Living Translation LASB until the 2004 edition became available. To date it is my favorite "go to Bible" that I use with my handy trim-line NLT "go-for" cross referencing Bible. My 2011 library desk has 8 of my favorite Study Bibles --- all published since 2000. In 2011 I have added the ESV Student's Study Bible, and my new favorite NLT Parallel Study Bible that condenses the Life Application Study Bible and the New Living Translation Study Bible into one. The Parallel Study Bible is my portable RESEARCH BIBLE to take to church and study groups. You may also be inclined to ask: "Are you bragging or complaining?" My answer a firm, "NEITHER!" I just wish I could go back to 1952 when I bought my first Scofield Reference Bible. I can only imagine what difference it would have made if I had had the NLT-LASB along with the NIVSB which have an everyday vocabulary with which to "Double My Study Bible Research Pleasure." Probably many faithful Bible readers are somewhat shy about what they may consider to be "bragging" if they talk about their Bible reading or research history. The Bible says: "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!" (Psalm 107:2) I, personally, am and have always been very INSPIRED by these kinds of testimonies. I feel sure that many others will also be encouraged and inspired by examples of Bible Reading Success. I encourage you to prayerfully submit YOUR STORY! &
NOTE: An on-going chronology of new suggestions are being duly recorded, dated, and documented as to source (including any"Anonymous" ideas) for future consideration. Your positive or constructive criticisms are welcome. This whole website process for the past four years is what it is because we have listened to many friends with helpful criticisms that have been beneficial. It is still being up-dated weekly. It is not a finished work! |