Church Bible Teaching Ministry; PO Box 292918, Nashville, Tennessee 37229-2918 -- 989-582-0848 -- info@cbtm.info www.cbtm.info
. . . Serving God's Church—the spiritual Body of Christ—with the timeless teachings of the Bible

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Bible Basics
The Bible is a big book. What is most important?
 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?”Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew 22:36-39).
Major Topics on This Site:
Latest 2019 Writings:
God's Compassion for Non-Christians Baptism & Receiving the Holy Spirit: How Does it Work? Who Does it? Love Marriage & Sex: For teens, young adults and old married folks Health and Healing What happens to people when they die? Christ Is Preparing Individuals, not Denominations, for His Kingdom Biblical Prophecy Tracts on Popular Subjects Less Common Teachings
Helpful Links to Other Sites:
Read or  search the Bible on-line: biblegateway.com Creation vs evolution links: ideacenter.org biblestudy.org
You have questions; the Bible has answers! Daily Bible studies: keyway.ca

Bible Translations Used

Unless otherwise noted, these are the Bible translations used on this site:

Articles 2018 and later:
English Standard Version (ESV)

Articles prior to 2018:
New King James Version (NKJV) or in a few cases New International Version (NIV)

Can I read the Bible myself or do I need someone to explain it to me?
 You can read it yourself. During the 1500s and 1600s, many independent-minded believers struggled and died so that everyone could have access to the Bible in their own language. You can read it from beginning to end or you can start in the New Testament. A "study bible" will give you information on the background of the book, to whom it was written, etc. Read it!
How can I best understand what I am reading?
Pray for understanding! God wants you to understand! Read every day. You will keep learning more as long as you live!
Can I pray about anything?
Think of God as a perfect parent. He can do absolutely anything for you, but He only will do what is good for you. If he rescues you out of every trouble, you would never learn to take care of yourself and treat others like you want to be treated. When you ask Him to make you into a godly person, He is paying attention! More on Prayer!
Which Bible translation is best?
 Translations excel in different areas. The Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek.
Literal translations attempt to find a corresponding English word for each original language word. But because each language has unique figures of speech, the result can be difficult to understand sometimes. The English Standard Version (ESV) and the New King James Version (NKJV) are some of the best literal translations.
Paraphrase translations attempt to convey the meaning most clearly in English. They are easiest to understand provided the translator rightly understands a passage. Years of historical doctrinal bias sometimes get in the way, making poor translations of some verses. This writer has found the New Living Translation (NLT) the best paraphrase
Other translations seek a balance between literal and Paraphrase. The most published Bible translation is in that category: New International Version (NIV).
Do I need to attend a church?
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:21, NIV).
You need to meet with other Christians, but you do not need to join a church denomination. The Apostle Paul taught believers not to align themselves with specific men (1 Corinthians 1:11-15; 3:2-10).
Be proactive. If you do not attend anywhere, check the Internet or phone books for churches, Bible studies and similar meetings near you. Keep trying to you find one where you can learn and be a blessing to others.

About the Author

Picture of Norman Edwards, about 2009

Norman Edwards is the author of all these pages and articles--unless otherwise noted. He has been a life-long Bible student, teacher and author and is now in his 60s. His career, in round numbers is:

The purpose of this site is to encourage everyone everywhere to study and better understand the Bible. Norman has not been a member of any religious denomination or sect since 1995. He does not study to confirm what he or a church group already believes. He reads the Bible, does research and writes what he understands through prayer and the Holy Spirit. Research usually consists of looking for other related scriptures, but also includes the meaning of Hebrew and Greek words and the historical context in which the Scriptures were written.

Yet he also believes that "iron sharpens iron" (Proverbs 27:17) and welcomes corrections and comments about his writing. The peer review of fellow believers has caused him to change his teaching on some subjects.

While Norman has written many hundreds of articles and it will be some years before they are all added to this site. He realizes he will not be able to study every subject of interest before he dies. He realizes this website needs improved organization and new software for a more modern look.

But the purpose of life has never been about doctrinal or technical perfection. It is about learning to love God with all are hearts and to love our neighbor as ourself (Matthew 22:36-40). God gives knowledge and many other spiritual gifts which we should use to His glory (1 Corinthians 12 - 14). But the greatest of these is love! (1 Corinthians 13:13).

This writer encourages Christians everywhere to:

God is very interested in answering prayers about these subjects. He will show you what to do. Be peaceful and gentle with others who are not as gifted or able as you—even with Christians who are clearly in error. God gave us time to bring us to where we are now, and we all still have more to learn!

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