Bible study recommendations

So as I get older, the more I realize I don't know about the Bible. I'm looking to study a few specific topics in the coming year and would like some recommendations.


The first thing I want to study is eschatology. Will there really be a "rapture"? What does the book of Revelation really mean? Stuff like that.


Any book, study or essay recommendations would be appreciated. And even though I believe openness theology, I would read stuff by those of other persuasions.


Thanks.

I used to read a lot of End Times stuff.  I quit.  To be honest, there are too many trains of thought and all are theory until one of them turns out to be right.

I just tend to let Jesus be the key to understanding prophecies in both the Old and New Testaments.  I also don't worry about it a lot.  I know what I think is right, but I am open to other ideas.  All I definitely know is that Jesus Himself said He would return in like manner as when He ascended.

So, as far as recommending books, I would mostly recommend prayer and read it yourself using Jesus' teachings as the keys.  Does that sound vague?  Probably, but it is all I would offer to anyone. 

Why?  I feel that people get fixated on the end more than they do on the One who is everything:  Jesus.  We fixate on our beliefs vs. everyone else's.  We fixate on End Times prophecies.  We fixate on demons/Satan.  In all of our fixations, we tend to leave out the importance of Jesus and a relationship with Him.  If that relationship is right, then the rest will work itself out as the Holy Spirit guides us into all truth.

Good advice alldat. Maybe I'll do that since no one has recommended anything yet...

I've never run into an impassioned, neutral discussion of all (major) views on end times, free will/predestination/sovereignty, dispensation/covenant, etc. I'd like to find one someday, and if not, I'd like to write one.

Just don't get the CMR Theology Bible study. (sorry, those jokes will never grow old… )

Driven wrote:

I've never run into an impassioned, neutral discussion of all (major) views on end times, free will/predestination/sovereignty, dispensation/covenant, etc.

This!  I have yet to see an online discussion that really got into deep theological waters stay friendly.  Eventually, someone throws a cloaked insult and the poo-poo hits the fan.

I still love Disciple's song when it comes to these matters:

I just know Jesus is the truth
I just know Jesus is the way
I just know Jesus is the life
I just know Jesus is my God!

Ba-da-da da-da--da-da--da-da da-dum



(Yes, you all just did the riff with your mouth guitar--its okay!)

This is cool.

Quote :

I would read stuff by those of other persuasions.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_eschatology#Orthodox_Judaism