BIBLE104DISUCSSION1HOWTOLOOKATHEBIBLE1023
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Liberty University *
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Course
104
Subject
Religion
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
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4
Uploaded by CoachValorMole33
1. “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).
Studying the Bible as a story allows us to see the interconnectedness of its various parts and themes. It helps us understand the overarching narrative and the deeper meanings behind individual passages. By recognizing the Bible as a collection of stories, we can appreciate the richness and complexity of its teachings and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the Christian faith. This approach also allows us to engage with the Bible on a personal and emotional level, as stories have the power to resonate with our own experiences and touch our hearts in a unique way.
2. “God’s story details his plan. There should be a certain level of comfort in those five words.” (Cartwright and Hulshof, p. 3).
The idea of a greater plan brings comfort because it reminds me that we are not alone in the universe. It gives us a sense of belonging and purpose, knowing that our lives are part of a larger narrative. When faced with uncertainty or chaos, the belief in a greater plan provides reassurance
that there is order and meaning in the world. It allows us to let go of control and trust that everything will unfold as it is meant to.
3. "Those who have trusted God should find great comfort in the restoration of God. He is not simply saving us, setting us free, and then begrudgingly accepting us. Instead, he has purposefully set in motion a plan to restore the bond he had with his children before it was severed through sin." (Cartwright and Hulshof, p. 4).
This quote resonates with me because it reminds me of the unconditional love and forgiveness that God offers to those who trust in Him. It reassures me that God's desire is not just to save us from our sins but to restore the intimate relationship He once had with us. When I reflect on my own life, I am reminded of a time when I felt lost and disconnected from God. However, through
His love and forgiveness, I experienced a profound transformation. I felt a renewed sense of purpose and a deepening of my faith. This personal experience serves as a testament to the power
of God's restoration and reinforces the message of the quote.
4. “The outcome of God’s plan was to restore the relationship between him and the crown of his creation, human beings.” (Cartwright and Hulshof, p. 7). This quote serves as a powerful reminder of God's ultimate plan to restore the relationship between himself and human beings. It highlights the deep love and desire for connection that
God has for his creation, and it reminds us of the importance of cultivating a strong and meaningful relationship with him. As I reflect on this quote, I am inspired to deepen my own connection with God, knowing that it is through this relationship that I can find true fulfillment and purpose in life. May we all strive to nurture this divine connection and experience the profound joy and peace that comes from being in harmony with God's plan.
5. “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 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 fits into God’s big story”. (Cartwright and Hulshof, p. 16).
These words understanding and perceiving jumped out at me the most when I read this quote. By
understanding the historical context and framework of the Bible, it allows for a deeper appreciation and interpretation of any book or passage studied. For example, I recently had a discussion with a friend about a passage in the book of Isaiah. Without a basic grasp of the historical context and framework of the Bible, I would have struggled to fully comprehend the meaning and significance of the passage. However, with a deeper understanding of the historical background, I was able to appreciate the nuances and connections within the passage, which enriched our discussion and interpretation of the text.
6. “Those who study a New Testament passage need to identify its category of genre. A correct understanding of each genre helps set expectations for how a passage should be interpreted.” (Cartwright and Hulshof, p. 22).
This is the quote that spoke to me the most. I have always struggled to understand the specific genre and language used in the Bible. Throughout my years in Sunday school, I often found myself grappling with the specific genre and language used in the Bible. I remember feeling embarrassed and hesitant to ask questions because I believed that everyone else in the class had a
better grasp on the material. I would sit quietly, trying to make sense of the words on the page, but often feeling lost and confused. It was during these moments that I realized the importance of
seeking guidance from my elders and pastor, who were always willing to help me navigate the complexities of biblical genre and language.
7. “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.”. (Cartwright and Hulshof, p. 23).
Personally, I have often found myself guilty of this offense. When I face challenges or need guidance, I frequently turn to the Bible for answers. In doing so, I have caught myself reading passages from the Old Testament with a contemporary mindset, seeking direct relevance to my own life in the twenty-first century. However, upon reflection and further study, I have come to
realize the importance of considering the historical and cultural context in which these texts were
written. Even though there are biblical passages that address every possible concern, it is important to remember that the times in which the Old Testament was written are different from our own.
8. “Whereas the rest of the Bible is often appropriately described as God’s Word to us, the Psalms are really written to God. Therefore, the Psalms stand as unique among the rest of the literary categories, making it very important to understand how to interpret and use them”. (Cartwright and Hulshof, p. 25)
As I read this chapter and contemplated the significance of singing praises to God, it brought back memories of my childhood church and the joyous moments spent in worship. It reminds me of the power of praising God even in the midst of difficult circumstances. The quote reaffirmed the importance of expressing our praises to God, not only for the benefits we receive but also as a way to deepen our relationship with Him.
9. “We should not be afraid of being honest with God. Not only does he already know how we feel, but also it is through these moments of emotional honesty that God can use the Psalms in our lives”. (Cartwright and Hulshof, p. 25).
When we are emotionally honest with God, it opens up a space for the Psalms to have a deeper impact on our lives. By being honest about our own emotions and struggles, we can relate to the Psalms on a more personal level. One example of how emotional honesty with God has impacted
my life is when I was going through a period of deep grief and loss. By pouring out my heart to God, expressing my pain, anger, and confusion, I found solace in the Psalms that echoed my own
emotions. The words on the page felt like a divine response to my cries, offering comfort and hope in the midst of my despair. Through this experience, I realized that God was using the Psalms to speak directly to my heart, providing healing and leading me towards a deeper trust in Him.
10. “One of the biggest mistakes that someone can make when approaching the wise sayings of Proverbs is to see them as legally binding promises”. (Cartwright and Hulshof, p. 26)
The quote emphasizes the importance of not viewing the wise sayings of Proverbs as strict rules or guarantees, but rather as general principles to guide our lives. It reminds me that these sayings
should not be taken as absolute guarantees or strict rules, but rather as general principles to guide
our lives. By recognizing this, we can avoid the mistake of rigidly applying them in every situation and instead use them as valuable insights for making wise decisions in our daily live.
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