First and Foremost, I highly recommend The Companion Bible, King James Version. (Sometimes referred to as the Bullinger King James Companion Bible.) If not The Companion Bible, then just a King James Version Bible. Why the KJV over newer translations? I compare it to the gossip chain...the further you get from the original (in this case the manuscripts) the less original truth you have in it. The unfortunate situation is most book stores and Christian stores do not stock the extremely valuable resource. However, there are some online stores which carry it and towards the bottom of this e-mail I will have another (most reliable) place you can order a hard copy (both in standard and large size print versions). There have been some free online downloadable versions in the past years; however, the one that was a complete and unaltered site no longer is up and running. If I come across another such site in the future, I will be sure to post its link.
Note that even with the KJV, as with anything done by man, some mistranslations from the Hebrew/Greek to English exist. One such example is the use of "fear" in some places of the Bible (e.g., fear God) where it should have been translated "revere" (e.g., revere God). The Companion Bible does a good job of pointing these out to you.
The Companion Bible "provides self-explanatory notes to greatly aid the serious Bible student in gaining the most possible from the Bible with special attention to the intent of the original Bible languages as found in the Massoretic Hebrew Old Testament Text and the Greek Received Texts. A great many of the notes from the Massorah are also included. The amount of overall information provided is vast. References are given when the English language does not convey the full intent of the original Hebrew/Aramaic/Greek languages. Figures of speech and idioms are specially noted. The spiritual significance of numbers are pointed out. First occurrences of important words are noted. Eastern manners and customs are explained as needed to throw light on the Scriptures. The meanings of Proper Names of persons or places are given where these are suggestive. Money, coins, weights and measures are referred in every case. Chronology is explained for Biblical years which are often found in durations rather than dates. Structures of the Books are given as a guide to interpretation and proof of their Inspiration. This great Bible is not a commentary, but rather provides all the information possible to allow the Bible student to learn God's Word directly without interference from preconceived traditions of men." (Shepherd's Chapel)
198 Appendixes of The Companion Bible are an "unparalleled amount of information by subject matter placed in order in which the subjects are raised in the Text of the Bible. With topics too numerous to name here these appendixes contain so much useful Bible background information that will provide many hours of additional relevant study." (Shepherd's Chapel)
Ethelbert William Bullinger (E. W. Bullinger) was born on December 15, 1837 in Canterbury, England. Educated at King's College, London, he was noted broadly for three works: A Critical Lexicon and Concordance to the English and Greek New Testament (1877); for his ground-breaking and exhaustive work on Figures of Speech Used in the Bible (1898); and as the primary editor of The Companion Bible (published in 6 parts, beginning in 1909; The Archbishop of Canterbury granted him an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree in 1881 in recognition of his Biblical scholarship.
The New Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible Indexed to the KJV text and cross-references to Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries. "The Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (Strong's) was first published in 1890 by Dr. James Strong who spent more than 35 years preparing it with the help of more than 100 linguists. It is perhaps the most copied Bible reference tool ever published. This work bridges the gap for the serious Bible student who does not have Hebrew and Greek language skills but desires to understand the intent of the original Bible languages as found in the Massoretic Hebrew Old Testament Text and the Greek Received New Testament Text. This accomplishment was achieved by Dr. Strong as he developed a complete concordance of English language words found in the King James Bible and then meticulously cross-referenced each to the original Hebrew/Chaldee and Greek words used in the original language received manuscripts. This new version contains easier to read print throughout." (Shepherd's Chapel)
Note that not all Strong's are "strong" as they have been as tinkered with as have the various translations (transliterations) of the Bible itself. The problem lies in the dilution of this great work and words deleted or altogether misrepresented. As I have gotten burned myself by purchasing Strong's from local bookstores and/or Christian stores, I now only purchase from one resource (listed below). If you already have a Strong's, one test to see if it is a "strong" version is if it has the following:
Kenite = 7014 in the Hebrew/Chaldee Dictionary = Qayin as being a descendant of Cain
Touch = 5060 in the Hebrew/Chaldee Dictionary = naga as being to lie with a woman
Beguiled = 5377 in the Hebrew/Chaldee Dictionary = nasha as being lead astray; seduced or 7411 = ramah as being betrayed; deceived; or 1818 in the Greek Dictionary = expatao as being seduced wholly
Smith's Bible Dictionary featuring definitions of Biblical terms and details about the Bible in general. "Faithful to the original nineteenth century 4 volume work by Dr. William Smith, this single volume abridgment is the work of Francis N. Peloubet and his wife Mary Abby Peloubet. For many decades this book has earned its reputation as a comprehensive and conservative based dictionary reference tool of the Bible. No other Bible dictionary offers more thorough information in such a handy reference form. The Smith's Bible Dictionary covers details and meanings about proper names, prophets, priests, kings, queens, tribes and nations along with traditions, customs and manners mentioned in the Bible. Additionally, various idols and gods are listed along with trees, herbs, flowers, vines, grains, clean and unclean animals. Ancillary subjects such as money, coins, weights and measures, diseases, illnesses and musical instruments are covered as well." (Shepherd's Chapel)
A good Bible Atlas is such a helpful resource that aids in bringing the Bible times, locations, battles, etc., into full focus during your study. I have numerous ones I have used over the years including online resources. Find what works for you, but I strongly suggest using one rather than glossing over names as it makes such a difference in your comprehension of the subject matter.
There are so many books I have utilized in my study and understanding, but the aforementioned are the primary (to date and ongoing). Later in my posts (as the subject arises), I will list other resources such as the line of E. Raymond Capt books on the Abrahamic Covenant and the scatterings of the Israelites after their captivities, where they are now, and how God's promises and covenants are still very much in existence today.
Why are some of these resources so much more difficult to find versus the commonplace in Christian bookstores, etc., across America? I believe for the same reasons that some of the information that I will be sharing with you upcoming is scarcely taught in churches of today. In Revelation God was only pleased with two of the seven churches; mathematically stated, He was only pleased with less than a third of the churches teaching. We will later explore what was displeasing in their teachings (and more to the point what they were not teaching), but for now I offer that as an explanation as to the scarcity of these materials. But hey, anything worth knowing is worth working for and anything worth having is worth searching for ;-)
The Shepherd's Chapel is where I have gotten a great deal (to most) of my study resources. They can be found at shepherdschapel.com or by phone at 800-643-4645 or by mail at P. O. Box 416, Gravette, AR 72736 and request their free introductory offer including Book List.
The Shepherd’s Chapel is the church I have studied with since 1991. The pastor is Arnold Murray and his son, Dennis Murray, also teaches. His other son, David Murray manages the business end of things (the satellite feed, cd/book distribution, etc.). They do not receive a salary as most ministries do. Pastor Arnold Murray said that was his agreement with God in the beginning, that he would teach His Word but he would not take a salary for it. TheMurrays
On the web site you can listen to daily Bible studies (via download or streaming) or you can watch them daily on cable or satellite (just look at your listings to find them). The Chapel archives one weeks worth of daily studies at a time. Note that one week of every month the Chapel airs their Sunday service lectures. You can also order full studies from the Chapel although you can download them just as well to listen to later.
One other note on Shepherd's Chapel's teachings. The Murrays teach Chapter by Chapter and Verse by Verse of each Book of the Bible. This is an important distinction in that their teachings are not based on traditions of men or man's agenda, but from the very Word of God and God's Message with nothing taken out of context. Again, don't take my word for this....check out for yourself anything that is posted here or that comes from anyone else as your journey with God is yours and you are responsible for your knowledge. You will only know what's what if you dig it out for yourself!
Note that even with the KJV, as with anything done by man, some mistranslations from the Hebrew/Greek to English exist. One such example is the use of "fear" in some places of the Bible (e.g., fear God) where it should have been translated "revere" (e.g., revere God). The Companion Bible does a good job of pointing these out to you.
The Companion Bible "provides self-explanatory notes to greatly aid the serious Bible student in gaining the most possible from the Bible with special attention to the intent of the original Bible languages as found in the Massoretic Hebrew Old Testament Text and the Greek Received Texts. A great many of the notes from the Massorah are also included. The amount of overall information provided is vast. References are given when the English language does not convey the full intent of the original Hebrew/Aramaic/Greek languages. Figures of speech and idioms are specially noted. The spiritual significance of numbers are pointed out. First occurrences of important words are noted. Eastern manners and customs are explained as needed to throw light on the Scriptures. The meanings of Proper Names of persons or places are given where these are suggestive. Money, coins, weights and measures are referred in every case. Chronology is explained for Biblical years which are often found in durations rather than dates. Structures of the Books are given as a guide to interpretation and proof of their Inspiration. This great Bible is not a commentary, but rather provides all the information possible to allow the Bible student to learn God's Word directly without interference from preconceived traditions of men." (Shepherd's Chapel)
198 Appendixes of The Companion Bible are an "unparalleled amount of information by subject matter placed in order in which the subjects are raised in the Text of the Bible. With topics too numerous to name here these appendixes contain so much useful Bible background information that will provide many hours of additional relevant study." (Shepherd's Chapel)
Ethelbert William Bullinger (E. W. Bullinger) was born on December 15, 1837 in Canterbury, England. Educated at King's College, London, he was noted broadly for three works: A Critical Lexicon and Concordance to the English and Greek New Testament (1877); for his ground-breaking and exhaustive work on Figures of Speech Used in the Bible (1898); and as the primary editor of The Companion Bible (published in 6 parts, beginning in 1909; The Archbishop of Canterbury granted him an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree in 1881 in recognition of his Biblical scholarship.
The New Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible Indexed to the KJV text and cross-references to Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries. "The Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (Strong's) was first published in 1890 by Dr. James Strong who spent more than 35 years preparing it with the help of more than 100 linguists. It is perhaps the most copied Bible reference tool ever published. This work bridges the gap for the serious Bible student who does not have Hebrew and Greek language skills but desires to understand the intent of the original Bible languages as found in the Massoretic Hebrew Old Testament Text and the Greek Received New Testament Text. This accomplishment was achieved by Dr. Strong as he developed a complete concordance of English language words found in the King James Bible and then meticulously cross-referenced each to the original Hebrew/Chaldee and Greek words used in the original language received manuscripts. This new version contains easier to read print throughout." (Shepherd's Chapel)
Note that not all Strong's are "strong" as they have been as tinkered with as have the various translations (transliterations) of the Bible itself. The problem lies in the dilution of this great work and words deleted or altogether misrepresented. As I have gotten burned myself by purchasing Strong's from local bookstores and/or Christian stores, I now only purchase from one resource (listed below). If you already have a Strong's, one test to see if it is a "strong" version is if it has the following:
Kenite = 7014 in the Hebrew/Chaldee Dictionary = Qayin as being a descendant of Cain
Touch = 5060 in the Hebrew/Chaldee Dictionary = naga as being to lie with a woman
Beguiled = 5377 in the Hebrew/Chaldee Dictionary = nasha as being lead astray; seduced or 7411 = ramah as being betrayed; deceived; or 1818 in the Greek Dictionary = expatao as being seduced wholly
Smith's Bible Dictionary featuring definitions of Biblical terms and details about the Bible in general. "Faithful to the original nineteenth century 4 volume work by Dr. William Smith, this single volume abridgment is the work of Francis N. Peloubet and his wife Mary Abby Peloubet. For many decades this book has earned its reputation as a comprehensive and conservative based dictionary reference tool of the Bible. No other Bible dictionary offers more thorough information in such a handy reference form. The Smith's Bible Dictionary covers details and meanings about proper names, prophets, priests, kings, queens, tribes and nations along with traditions, customs and manners mentioned in the Bible. Additionally, various idols and gods are listed along with trees, herbs, flowers, vines, grains, clean and unclean animals. Ancillary subjects such as money, coins, weights and measures, diseases, illnesses and musical instruments are covered as well." (Shepherd's Chapel)
A good Bible Atlas is such a helpful resource that aids in bringing the Bible times, locations, battles, etc., into full focus during your study. I have numerous ones I have used over the years including online resources. Find what works for you, but I strongly suggest using one rather than glossing over names as it makes such a difference in your comprehension of the subject matter.
There are so many books I have utilized in my study and understanding, but the aforementioned are the primary (to date and ongoing). Later in my posts (as the subject arises), I will list other resources such as the line of E. Raymond Capt books on the Abrahamic Covenant and the scatterings of the Israelites after their captivities, where they are now, and how God's promises and covenants are still very much in existence today.
Why are some of these resources so much more difficult to find versus the commonplace in Christian bookstores, etc., across America? I believe for the same reasons that some of the information that I will be sharing with you upcoming is scarcely taught in churches of today. In Revelation God was only pleased with two of the seven churches; mathematically stated, He was only pleased with less than a third of the churches teaching. We will later explore what was displeasing in their teachings (and more to the point what they were not teaching), but for now I offer that as an explanation as to the scarcity of these materials. But hey, anything worth knowing is worth working for and anything worth having is worth searching for ;-)
The Shepherd's Chapel is where I have gotten a great deal (to most) of my study resources. They can be found at shepherdschapel.com or by phone at 800-643-4645 or by mail at P. O. Box 416, Gravette, AR 72736 and request their free introductory offer including Book List.
The Shepherd’s Chapel is the church I have studied with since 1991. The pastor is Arnold Murray and his son, Dennis Murray, also teaches. His other son, David Murray manages the business end of things (the satellite feed, cd/book distribution, etc.). They do not receive a salary as most ministries do. Pastor Arnold Murray said that was his agreement with God in the beginning, that he would teach His Word but he would not take a salary for it. The
On the web site you can listen to daily Bible studies (via download or streaming) or you can watch them daily on cable or satellite (just look at your listings to find them). The Chapel archives one weeks worth of daily studies at a time. Note that one week of every month the Chapel airs their Sunday service lectures. You can also order full studies from the Chapel although you can download them just as well to listen to later.
One other note on Shepherd's Chapel's teachings. The Murrays teach Chapter by Chapter and Verse by Verse of each Book of the Bible. This is an important distinction in that their teachings are not based on traditions of men or man's agenda, but from the very Word of God and God's Message with nothing taken out of context. Again, don't take my word for this....check out for yourself anything that is posted here or that comes from anyone else as your journey with God is yours and you are responsible for your knowledge. You will only know what's what if you dig it out for yourself!
