Bro. Brad Gilbert introduced us to Professor Grant Horner the first of this year. I looked over the Bible Reading System, printed out the PDF instructions, cut out the ten book marks, picked up a Bible we weren’t using and began the process Wednesday.
I have a problem, so quickly!! The Bible is the first study Bible I bought for my husband. One of Prof. Horner’s ‘Secrets to Success’ reads:
“Don’t look up anything you ‘don’t get’ – real understanding will come through contextualizing by reading a LOT of scripture over time. Get through the text!”
For me, that’s difficult. I analyze. I refer. I compare. Our study Bibles are designed for this. There are comments, there are cross-references. When I read, I check to see whether those things were so (Acts 17:10b). That’s not part of this system.
How I started is not part of his system, either. I neglected one suggestion:
“You also need to get ONE Bible, keep it, and do all your reading in it, so you learn where everything is.”
I have a Bible that I’ve carried since 1978. I know just about where to turn for any scripture. I might be a bit out of order with some of the Minor Prophets, or sing Paul’s epistles in my mind sometimes, but I can get there quickly. I opted not to use it because it is filled with highlights, dates, and it (too) is a study Bible – a bit more extensive than Beloved Husband’s bedside Bible. In it I have a multiple ribbon bookmark for the Roman Road; regular bookmarks for Sunday morning services where Pastor is doing a series; Sunday School’s study in Ephesians bookmark; and a couple of others I want to study for inclusion in a blog at a future date.
I could not imagine adding ten bookmarks to that Bible. However, for the novice Bible reader – or someone who has received a new Bible, I believe Horner’s System would be of help in building a close relationship with their Bible.
Second Daughter bought a new Bible last year. Just the right size to carry in her purse, yet big enough print to read well. It has taken her a while to be able to open to passages as quickly as her previous one.
So, for me, the Jury is still out, but the decision is “Which Bible should I use,” not “Does this reading system help?” It does. I can tell that in three days. It doesn’t help in memorization, it doesn’t help in doctrine, it doesn’t help in “understanding.”
It does help in familiarization. It does help build habit. It does help bring the word of God close. It does bring to mind some verses:
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17 KJV)
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11 KJV)
I've been doing it since the first of the year and it has helped to remind me how the Bible works together, 66 books as one Book. My main problem is remembering where I read what when I want to recall it later. But that may be the beuty of the system, you do it through a couple of times and that recognition comes.
ReplyDeleteThis reading schedule might help someone like myself more because this is what I consider reading for "devotion" and not study. After reading this, I will then study and read other parts of my Bible more in-depth for whatever sermons, lessons, etc. I am studying for that day. I have decided that I am going to stick this out for the year and reevaluate afterwards.
*beauty
ReplyDeleteI love my Open Bible, I have used one since my dh was in the seminar, I do write in it, I keep most my notes for teaching in it, I know it well, it soothes my soul when I even hold it. I have various preachers marked in it as I heard their sermons, and always my dh sermons, that way I know when he has preached a certain one when he asks, I never know what he will preach, but I have heard him preach the same scripture a numerous amount of times, and yet always a different way of bringing something important out. Like the word says nothing new under the sun.
ReplyDeleteI too say stick with one bible, use it until it falls apart, then copy important notes into the new one when needed.
Hey, I just came across your blog by doing a bit of blog-surfing and I'm glad I did! I've added myself as your newest follower, and I hope you'll check out my Christian devotional site as well: www.nocondemnation81.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed day!
In Christ,
Dakota
Hi Grammy -
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing this with me. I began today. Our Lord gave me a strong urge to do the plan and I will do so.
Typically, I read the Bible 2-3 times a day. Years ago, I read where a minister stated that if we can eat three natural meals a day, breakfast, lunch and dinner(some people)then we can eat three spiritual meals a day. Ever since I read that, I aim to read the Word of God a minimum of twice a day. That said, this is how the Lord led me on the subject plan...:
Do the Professor Horner plan in the early a.m.; around mid-day read (meditative/study/write mode)at least a chapter from a particular book in the Bible; and in evening/night, do "freestyle" reading, as the Lord leads. Of course, our Lord may lead to variations but that is the foundational plan that He gave me this a.m.
Like you, and others, I have a habit of study practice as I read the Word - cross-referencing, writing notes, etc. This morning, as I read from Professor Horner's plan, I automatically stopped to write something. The Lord stopped me and told me to do it as Horner said. I will get to study/writing later today.
I so appreciate that you shared this, Grammy. Again, thank you!
The plan info may be placed on my blog to refer others...
Note: I read where Professor Horner stated that he follows his plan but also does more in-depth studying of GOD'S word.
My recommendation is that the plan be used in addition to in-depth studies.