Bible 104

Reply to two Discussion :

1st Reply 

3 key ideas

The book opens this section of chapters with a really profound lesson that has been hinted to throughout the book, “There is no great knowledge for knowledge sake” (Grunewald, p. 173) This truth to echoed by other passages in this text that mention the importance of treating the Bible differently than other texts. We read other books to learn and grow and we read the Bible to secure our eternity and relationship with God, there should be a difference on how you treat it and the Bible should not just be a “knowledge grab”

Introductions are powerful and important as they set precedent for things to come. In all introductions, it is paramount to make sure that there are lessons and knowledge to be gained from the text and that there is a spark of interest or intrigue there. Greater than this, when it comes to the Bible, introductions are there to help prepare the hearts and minds of the readers and the power of the correct words comes into play in a major way.

Illustrations are an amazing tool for all types of communication and can be a powerful way to display a message or idea. Things like stories or antidotes are great ways to add something different to regular communication and can bring home a point that needs to be made. We can see this used in the Bible as Jesus used parables to give people eternal lessons and grant wisdom to those who listen.

2 things I have learned

A big take away from this text has been the ability to really truly and deeply observe the Word of God. This can be done in so many ways like: questioning, context, word study, history, and geography. I have touched on these a little earlier in the course but what I have learned from these things continues to amaze me. Understanding the many different background elements that go into the Bible have caused me to have a new appreciation for it and also get a lot more out of the text itself. My newfound understanding has also helped me to impact those around me, and help illuminate new ideas to those around me.

Another great thing I have taken from these chapters is that there are main ideas to passages in scripture. I understood there was always something to be learned but there is actually ways to isolate certain ideas in the scriptures that were meant to be illuminated. Sometimes it is easier to do than others but it is there and learned how to differentiate and learn from key things in scripture is a great tool to have in anyone’s belt.

1 way I can use what I read

After reading this text in depth, I can confidently say that I would be able to create a great Bible study from all the knowledge I have accumulated.  As stated above, the skills of observing the Word are amazing and can really change how you view the Bible and what you can take from the passages. This, coupled with different skills of referencing and cross checking through version could help bring so much to a Bible study. I also believe, with so many topics to dive into , the Word can illuminate so many ideas that we may have already thought we mastered.

2nd Reply 

3 key ideas: 

It is amazing that we have the ability to break down one Bible verse, whether long or short, and disect the meaning of the text to create a sermon. Learning God’s word not only helps our individual selves become spiritually enriched with vital information, but also gives us the opportunity to spread His word knowledge to others. I realize that this is one way for preachers to create their sermons, which is very organized. In order for a sermon to be effective, however, one needs to take time out and create an outline so that every piece of the particular Bible verse being evaluated is explained properly. The main idea, specifically, needs to be established first so that there is a reference point for the explanations. “Before developing an expositional outline, it is best to develop the main idea,” (Carthwright, et. al., p. 174).  

Creating sermons through our own personal experiences makes it easier to explain God’s scripture. It is less strenuous for an individual to relate to certain topics when examples of our everyday lives are expressed to them. We can use our circumstances that we have experienced and overcome in past and present situations and correlate them to Bible scripture as testimonies to prove what is meant behind the surface. “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God…” (2 Timothy 1:8).  

When creating a personal Bible study, thorough observations need to be made. In previous chapters that we have read, it is apparent that, in order to properly understand the Bible, we need to dive deeper into the context of what is being conveyed to us. We have the ability to do so with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, in the same aspect, we need to determine what we are going to study as well as provide insight on how the Bible is incorporated. Moreover, just as we did in disecting the scripture for general understanding, we have to ask the same interrogative questions to figure out if the reference is sufficient for the topic. Applying this tactic will provide a more concise observation. “You want to explore each verse by asking the six key questions (who? what? where? when? why? how?), as well as noting how grammar and structure help you understand the topic,” (p. 197).  

2 Things I have learned: 

The best type of outline for creating a Bible sermon would be an expositional outline. According to John Cartwright and Chris Hulsof, “The first step to developing sound expositional outlines is the science of observing what is going on in the passage,” (p. 179). Creating an outline helps organize the different ideas and to figure out if they are relevant to include in the sermon. Additionally, it assists in placing those ideas within the right sections. 

 Observation is key when effectively creating a Bible study. In order to stay in line with your topic, there needs to be precise observations made. For example, if an individual chooses a topic to discuss, he or she needs to ensure that they choose the right scriptures or Biblical text that relate to that topic. Observation assists with doing so by executing the necessary steps, such as reading over the scripture(s) to ensure they relate to the topic. “The focus of this step is to read and reread the book you are studying so that you become very familiar with its contents.” (p. 201).  

1 way to use what I have learned in this week’s reading: 

One way I can utilize what I have learned in this week’s reading would be to create a sermon of my own and present it to my family. Between the different situations that I have had difficulties overcoming throughout my journey of life so far and the ones that I have succeeded, especially financially, I can elaborate on how God has helped me realize my mistakes. Sometimes, people learn easier from others’ mistakes. Because I was not wise in my decisions, I was not able to properly prepare. In reading scriptures, such as Proverbs, I can choose a Bible verse that best suits my situation and then create an outline like the one in our textbook. 

Resources

Cartwright, John & Hulshof, Chris (2016). Everyday Bible Study. B&H Publishing Group. Retrieved from