How to Look at the Bible
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Liberty University *
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104
Subject
Religion
Date
Feb 20, 2024
Type
docx
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Uploaded by KidSeaLion3784
Thread: Learning Log
“First, the Bible is a story. More specifically, the Bible is a book of stories that are woven together to tell one complete story. It is essential to remember this as you study the Scriptures in their various genres”. (Cartwright and Hulshof, p. 3).
This quote resonated with me because I realized the other morning during my devotion time that every story and person in the Bible was just a more minor part of the story of Jesus and His redemptive plan. I was reading the genealogy of Jesus and realized God had the perfect plan since the creation. Now, when I read scripture and study it, the perspective I have is that this is just a little piece of the bigger story.
“God’s story details his plan. There should be a certain level of comfort in those five words. When we read the Bible, we are not reading a recap of a supreme being who is making it up on the fly. Instead, we are reading the plan of God as he works his will out in the lives of the numerous characters of the Bible. There are no random personalities, events, or circumstances. There are no unexpected situations. (Cartwright and Hulshof, p. 4).
This reminds me about how intentional God is, and He’s not or has not been flying by the seat of His pants. Instead, it highlights that there's a purposeful design in the deliberate unfolding of God's plan in the lives of the characters in the Bible, without any randomness or surprises. This idea adds a deep sense of order and intentionality to the narrative, making me appreciate the careful way God's plan unfolds even more.
“We are unable to live the kind of life required by God. We cannot live a life of total obedience at every turn and in every moment. In short, we are unrighteous. However, Jesus Christ can and did live a perfect and sinless life. He is righteous”. (Cartwright and Hulshof, p.
6).
This reminds me of a time in devotion when I was learning about the Holiness of God and thinking about how challenging it is to live up to God’s standards. As time went on, I started to learn that I need God to submit to Him and live according to His standards fully. And, Jesus lived as a perfect being and lived according to God's standards. That is a source of hope and inspiration as I embark on my journey with God.
“The outcome of God’s plan was to restore the relationship between
him and the crown of his creation, human beings. The relationship that was severed in the garden was restored through the life and work of Jesus Christ. We could easily assume that since we fractured the relationship, God is willing to restore it to its former significance. But this is not the case. While human beings are covenant breakers, God, the grand covenant keeper, remains faithful to the relationship he has restored”. (Cartwright and Hulshof, p. 7).
I have been one to always thank God for being faithful even when I’m not. And this quote reminds me of those very moment when I realize that God’s ultimate plan was to restore the relationship that was broken because of the fall in the garden, it brings joy to my heart. Like, the covenant keeping God desires a close relationship with me, so He intentionally planned how to redeem us back to Him.
“Having a basic grasp of how the Bible fits together is incredibly important. An understanding of the historical framework of the Bible
will provide you with a better perspective on any book or passage you study. It will also enable you to understand how each book, chapter, passage, verse, event, or individual fit into God’s big story”. (Cartwright and Hulshof, p. 16).
This quote reinforced the idea that it’s essential to know the historical background of the Bible. It will unlock a different perspective in what God is saying to us. It will also help with understanding the context of the Scripture as well. That’s why it’s important to have study tools to help get the text's deeper meaning.
“There are some common mistakes that readers of the Old Testament make. The first mistake is to approach the stories as primarily about us in the twenty-first century. Certainly, there are applications to be made from Old Testament stories”. (Cartwright and Hulshof, p. 23).
This quote was new learning because it discusses how we approach the Old Testament stories. It emphasizes the importance of getting the context right instead of trying to make it fit our modern world. I believe that’s why it’s important not just to read the Scriptures but to study them and research the meaning of the text.
“Instead, the Bible tells us the path that God chose in order for us to
redeem humanity.” (Cartwright, et al. p 29)
This concept spoke to me because it highlights how the Bible isn't just about rules; it shows us God's journey to redeem humanity. It's not a list of do's
and don'ts but a guide through God's specific path for our redemption. It feels personal, connecting with the transformative and redemptive aspects of the Bible's narrative, making me grasp God's chosen journey for humanity.
“Each command ought to remind us of the impossibility of sinners keeping God’s requirements as perfectly as he requires.” (Cartwright, et al. p 30)
This concept got to me because it highlights how tough it is for imperfect humans to live up to God's standards perfectly. It acknowledges our human flaws in sticking to those divine rules. It connects with a sense of humility, recognizing how impossible it is to follow what God expects flawlessly. Overall, this concept resonates by making me reflect on our human limits when meeting the high standards set by the divine.
“Many people believe that Scripture is written solely for this practical purpose of successfully navigating the rough terrain of life.” (Cartwright, et al. pg 31)
This quote resonates with me because the concept reveals a shared perception about the practical use of Scriptures in one’s journey and making decisions during challenging seasons. Sometimes, all I know to do is grab my
Bible and search the Scriptures for answers/ solutions. This quote highlights the relevance of religious text and how it’s a comfort and full of solutions.
“We should not be afraid of being honest with God.” (Cartwright, et al. p 25)
This quote reminds me of a time where I was afraid of being vulnerable before God when I prayed. I come from a background where I couldn’t express my feelings. But many years later I learned that God is concerned about every part of my life, even the parts of my heart that was hurt. Plus, God sees what’s in our hearts He’s just waiting for us to trust Him with it.
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