You kind of sound like you're putting yourself in a higher/ better catagory than 'most Christians'.
Christians are Christ-followers = Christ-ones so please lets' Not say that 'most Christians' are walking in the dark.
And you're Also saying that unless a person reads the Entire Bible -- cover to cover -- they can't Really know God as He's meant To be known. Well -- that Is your perspective and your own perspective is important to You, but don't be condemning other Christians when they Don't. There are portions that Are harder to grasp -- my thing are the Minor Prophets. They Are written in the English language, but they don't make sense to me. There's plenty of Other Scripture that makes very Good sense to me.
Well what category would a person belong to: Was there not a "Great Commission"!
American Standard Version
"Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit:" After a person has been "born from above', that person has to be taught to be a "disciple" of Christ, and in order to be a skill disciple of Christ: That person has to "read and study" his bible so that person can rightly divide "The Word of Truth". That person has to study to show themselves to be approved unto God.
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness."
Yes i am saying that you cannot really know God like you should. The Written "WORD" is GOD! what part of " In the beginning was the "WORD". The Son of God, is the 'WORD', the Son of GOD is The Written "WORD", Jesus is The "WORD" wrap up in th flesh. Jesus is "Reveal" in the "Written WORD" Many christians do not understand what The Written WORD" is, They try to confine His nature, his being, Outside of "HIM", [The WORD], in most christians thought pattern, They just want a little of GOD,[The WORD].
The reason why some parts are harder to grasp, because GOD has not reveal that part to you yet, in most cases, the reason is you have not believed or obeyed, the things that He has already reveal to you in the written WORD. Don't try to figure it out, obey the hard truths that you do know. Romans chapter 1,, goes for true christians too! If you don't retain the already truths, reprobation will take shape in us too, to a certain degree. You cannot cherry pick "GOD" [The WORD].
I know these are hard truths, But Sue, There is more treasure there, treasure for you! things that you don't understand will come to light in "Hidden" places in "scripture'. Then time after time, You can be doing the dishes, washing your clothes, sweeping the floor, or setting the table, Then in a flash, those missing pieces you ponder or didn't understand will connect to other scripture or stories in "The Bible", they will act like connecting links traveling in light speed, it will overwhelm you! You will want to look around or call someone, to express how the "WORD" came to life to you. But it is impossible,
Then you will understand and compel others to start the process of become a Reader of God's WORD, for is hidden treasure there, "labor not for the food that perishes but for the food that :
"Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.”
"In a sense it seems too simple to get such a reward, and in another sense it is so hard' Is it a paradox? Answer; not really!
God never lies! "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
P.S. When i was young, i remember my uncle would tell me, when we were fixing things, he would say to me. C______, when you are working on things, make sure you have the right tools of a good brand for the job that you are applying yourself to, and your labor will be more delightful with less stress."
In my earlier bible studies i took that to heart.
1. "ISBE" [International Standard Bible Encyclopedia]
2. "Vine Dictionary of New Testament Words' earlier copyright.
3. "Strongs" concordance and "Youngs" concordance"
4. New Scofield, Reference or Study System,, KJV, Bible, copyright 1967 or 1990. only for a good reason. since i might have worn out about 5 of them i know the difference in later copyrights by comparing them in reading.
5. Reading bibles I favor: KJV, Oxford , NIV earlier versions Thompson Chain, ASV [American Standard], RSV [Revised Standard Version}] earlier versions.
earlier version for me would be 20th century, versions.
Internet versions of ISBE or Vines, Strongs or Youngs, or lexicons does not come to par.
These items in book form will make your studying enjoyable even as you are traveling across the dessert and barren lands of reading Your Bible. for all these item are bible and not man's opinion.
You will not be wasting you time! your journey will be thrilling with excitement if you take these items with you.
