The following comes from a selected chapter assigned as a part of the Biblical interpretation class that I hope to take this summer.
Summary
When composing a lesson to teach or preach, there are two focuses/perspectives that can be taken: 1) fallen-condition focus (FCF) and 2) redemptive-historical focus (RHF). The FCF takes the experiential perspective by focusing on Jesus as the remedy for our experience of the fall - sin, suffering, brokenness, etc. In considering a passage of scripture it asks the question, "What aspect of the fallen condition of mankind does this passage address?" Each passage reveals the ways that I, you, we, humanity need the grace of God. The RHF takes the theological perspective by focusing on God's divine plan of redemption, assuming that God has a divine plan. It asks each passage, "What aspect of the divine plan does this passage reveal?" Every passage in every book focuses on Jesus by revealing some aspect his person and work. Each book does this uniquely. "These two methods keep us from preparing messages that contain true statements and good counsel but are ultimately sub-Christian because there is nothing of the Savior in them."
My thoughts and opinions
The most important thing to notice is that all of scripture points to Jesus, period! Regardless of whether you are looking through red or green lenses, you still see Jesus; you just see him in a different light - by light of experience or theology.
As much as I like to ponder theology and learn more about it, my preferred perspective is the fallen-condition focus. It is probably the teacher in me, because I want everyone I teach to feel the weight of their need for Jesus, so as to accept him gladly. One of my favorite quotes says something like, "If they don't feel the weight of the problem, they won't care about the solution." If people do not agree that they need something/someone like Jesus, then all our words will fall on deaf ears. I want my audience to be captivated and convicted so that they are begging for Jesus' solution before I even finish. It seems simple to me, but how can your audience not be attentive if you are talking about something they agree with and for which they crave solutions? (I'll get off my soap box now.)
Another important consideration for the fallen-condition focus is what is meant by "fallen-condition". This does not only refer to sin, but anything related to living in a fallen world - sin, suffering, and frustrated longings. Suffering for example, may be experienced because of our own sin, someone else's sin, this sin-wrecked world (illness, death, natural disasters), persecution and Satanic/demonic oppression, or just plain ignorance. So fallenness encompasses more than just sinfulness.
My questions
Nope, I liked it way too much to have questions.
Resources
Doriani, D. Getting the Message: a Plan for Interpreting and Applying the Bible. (pp. 170-186) Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing
Showing posts with label continuing education. Show all posts
Showing posts with label continuing education. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Bible reading - part 3
(I finally finished this article on reading the Bible.)
Summary
Reading the Bible for Personal Application - Personal application of the Bible is a mystery. The contents of the Bible was written in a different time to different people in different situations. Essentially, we are reading someone else's mail. Yet, the Bible still speaks to us. Personal application can be expanded in the following ways. First, consolidate what you already learned. Chances are there are some passages that you listened to and connected with right away and thus they were, and may still be, very applicable to your life. Passages like these are usually straightforward where you can easily plug in your life's details. Secondly, look for those passages that are directly applicable. These are usually more general scriptures, such as those found in the Psalms. Finally, recognize that many passages are not direct for personal application, but tackling those passages to apply them personally can be very rewarding.
My thoughts and opinions
This was probably my least favorite part of this article. Though there was one part that I will take with me as I move on. One big advantage to digging into the less direct passages to apply them personally is that they provide a different perspective. These passages take one's focus off one's self and places them on the bigger picture. This decrease in focus on one's self may be just what one needs. The Bible is all about God, and thus our lives should be too. The Bible is not for our benefit but God's glory (albeit through changing us), so this refocusing perspective is crucial.
My questions
I guess I got nothin'.
Summary
Reading the Bible for Personal Application - Personal application of the Bible is a mystery. The contents of the Bible was written in a different time to different people in different situations. Essentially, we are reading someone else's mail. Yet, the Bible still speaks to us. Personal application can be expanded in the following ways. First, consolidate what you already learned. Chances are there are some passages that you listened to and connected with right away and thus they were, and may still be, very applicable to your life. Passages like these are usually straightforward where you can easily plug in your life's details. Secondly, look for those passages that are directly applicable. These are usually more general scriptures, such as those found in the Psalms. Finally, recognize that many passages are not direct for personal application, but tackling those passages to apply them personally can be very rewarding.
My thoughts and opinions
This was probably my least favorite part of this article. Though there was one part that I will take with me as I move on. One big advantage to digging into the less direct passages to apply them personally is that they provide a different perspective. These passages take one's focus off one's self and places them on the bigger picture. This decrease in focus on one's self may be just what one needs. The Bible is all about God, and thus our lives should be too. The Bible is not for our benefit but God's glory (albeit through changing us), so this refocusing perspective is crucial.
My questions
I guess I got nothin'.
Bible reading - part 2
Wow, I feel like I have just been overloaded with information! I thought I had a good understanding of what it meant to read the Bible as literature, but WHOA was I wrong! There is so much more that I never thought of and can/need to take into account when reading and interpreting the Bible.
Summary
Reading the Bible as Literature - There is a distinction that needs to be made between expository writing and literary writing. The Bible is literature, with means rather than just informing and stating abstract thoughts (expository writing), it explains those abstract thoughts through stories of concrete human experiences (literary writing). Authors do not write about characters, actions, and situations, but the use those to write about God, people and the world. There is a form to this book of theology, and it is literature. Thus, we must be able to understand the form in order to accurately interpret the theology of the Bible. [Whoa!] Taking all of this into account, there are then many things to consider - literary genres, literary subject matter (human experiences - which I have already mentioned), archetypes, motifs, stylistics, rhetoric, and artistry. "The Bible is a literary book in which theology and history are usually embodied in literary forms."
Reading the Bible in Prayer and Communion with God - That we could commune with the creator God is unthinkable. How is this possible? Because God took the initiative to reconcile with us poor, ungrateful, backstabbers. "The first thing to say about the Bible in relation to communion with God is that the message of how to be reconciled to God for the glory of God is the central message of the Bible." That is where we must start. But it does not end there. Communion here is defined as "not merely learning about God but enjoying fellowship with God in the truth he reveals about himself." The Bible is where God reveals himself, and therefore a place of communion. We pray to the Father, by the work of Christ, with the help of the Holy Spirit. Prayer encompasses confession, praise, thanks, requests, and others. God reveals himself in words through the Bible and prayer is our response to God using words (as opposed to responding through actions). The Bible not only reveals God, but gives us instruction, examples and encouragement about prayer. The Word allows us to pray, helps us to pray, and gives us our prayer - that God would be glorified and that others would be saved through faith in Jesus Christ.
My thoughts and opinions
In regard to prayer and communion with God, not as many things were new or impactful. Though a couple things stood out. "When we pray for God to do what only he can do, he alone gets the glory while we get the joy." What a sweet deal! We pray, God does the work, and we get to partake in the benefits of his glorification. Wow, how awesome is that! I just cannot get over that we get so much despite our undeserving of it. But then again, it is even there where he is glorified and we are satisfied. Huh, wonderful. :)
"We speak to God the Father, on the basis of Christ's work, by the help of the Spirit." This sentence made me think of how I and many others conclude our prayers - "in Jesus' name we pray, amen," or something to that effect. I just thought of how cool it would be to encompass the whole Trinity when concluding our prayers by stating that "we pray to you Father/Almighty God, etc., on the basis of the work of Christ, by the help/power of the Spirit within us, amen."
As for the Bible as literature, my mind was/is overloaded. In order to interpret the Bible the way I desire (really well, accurately, etc.), there is a lot that I need to learn (or remember from school). But the prospect of digging into literature is so exciting to me - it is more than just a boring, straightforward essay. It is a artistically written book, full of variety of forms to keep us entertained and engaged. We can (and should) read the book with vivid imaginations playing out the words on the page. We can engage with the concrete human experiences and learn truths and lessons vicariously (much less painful, might I add, than learning them on our own, the hard way). I think of a time when I was trying to memorize the whole chapter of Luke 15, and when I got to the story of the prodigal son I acted it out as a drama. For the first parable I drew a comic strip and for the second story I rewrote the story for modern times. Without really realizing it, I was taking advantage of the literary opportunity the Bible presents us with to relate to and engage with the scriptures. Now if that does not make reading the Bible exciting, I don't know what does!
My questions
Hmmm...I do not think I have any this time.
Resource
"Reading the Bible." (2008) English Standard Version Study Bible. (pp. 2567-2568) Wheaton, Ill: Good New Publishers.
Summary
Reading the Bible as Literature - There is a distinction that needs to be made between expository writing and literary writing. The Bible is literature, with means rather than just informing and stating abstract thoughts (expository writing), it explains those abstract thoughts through stories of concrete human experiences (literary writing). Authors do not write about characters, actions, and situations, but the use those to write about God, people and the world. There is a form to this book of theology, and it is literature. Thus, we must be able to understand the form in order to accurately interpret the theology of the Bible. [Whoa!] Taking all of this into account, there are then many things to consider - literary genres, literary subject matter (human experiences - which I have already mentioned), archetypes, motifs, stylistics, rhetoric, and artistry. "The Bible is a literary book in which theology and history are usually embodied in literary forms."
Reading the Bible in Prayer and Communion with God - That we could commune with the creator God is unthinkable. How is this possible? Because God took the initiative to reconcile with us poor, ungrateful, backstabbers. "The first thing to say about the Bible in relation to communion with God is that the message of how to be reconciled to God for the glory of God is the central message of the Bible." That is where we must start. But it does not end there. Communion here is defined as "not merely learning about God but enjoying fellowship with God in the truth he reveals about himself." The Bible is where God reveals himself, and therefore a place of communion. We pray to the Father, by the work of Christ, with the help of the Holy Spirit. Prayer encompasses confession, praise, thanks, requests, and others. God reveals himself in words through the Bible and prayer is our response to God using words (as opposed to responding through actions). The Bible not only reveals God, but gives us instruction, examples and encouragement about prayer. The Word allows us to pray, helps us to pray, and gives us our prayer - that God would be glorified and that others would be saved through faith in Jesus Christ.
My thoughts and opinions
In regard to prayer and communion with God, not as many things were new or impactful. Though a couple things stood out. "When we pray for God to do what only he can do, he alone gets the glory while we get the joy." What a sweet deal! We pray, God does the work, and we get to partake in the benefits of his glorification. Wow, how awesome is that! I just cannot get over that we get so much despite our undeserving of it. But then again, it is even there where he is glorified and we are satisfied. Huh, wonderful. :)
"We speak to God the Father, on the basis of Christ's work, by the help of the Spirit." This sentence made me think of how I and many others conclude our prayers - "in Jesus' name we pray, amen," or something to that effect. I just thought of how cool it would be to encompass the whole Trinity when concluding our prayers by stating that "we pray to you Father/Almighty God, etc., on the basis of the work of Christ, by the help/power of the Spirit within us, amen."
As for the Bible as literature, my mind was/is overloaded. In order to interpret the Bible the way I desire (really well, accurately, etc.), there is a lot that I need to learn (or remember from school). But the prospect of digging into literature is so exciting to me - it is more than just a boring, straightforward essay. It is a artistically written book, full of variety of forms to keep us entertained and engaged. We can (and should) read the book with vivid imaginations playing out the words on the page. We can engage with the concrete human experiences and learn truths and lessons vicariously (much less painful, might I add, than learning them on our own, the hard way). I think of a time when I was trying to memorize the whole chapter of Luke 15, and when I got to the story of the prodigal son I acted it out as a drama. For the first parable I drew a comic strip and for the second story I rewrote the story for modern times. Without really realizing it, I was taking advantage of the literary opportunity the Bible presents us with to relate to and engage with the scriptures. Now if that does not make reading the Bible exciting, I don't know what does!
My questions
Hmmm...I do not think I have any this time.
Resource
"Reading the Bible." (2008) English Standard Version Study Bible. (pp. 2567-2568) Wheaton, Ill: Good New Publishers.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Bible reading - part 1
I started reading an article in my English Standard Version (ESV) Study Bible as part of the readings for my next Institute of Biblical Studies (IBS) classes. The article is about reading the Bible (seems pretty simple right?). Here's what I have gotten so far:
Summary:
There are various ways to read the Bible - theologically, as literature, in prayer and communion with God, for personal application, and for preaching and public worship.
First things first, a few foundations must be laid. The Bible is the Church's instruction book. It is canonical, meaning it is the standard, literally the "measuring rod". It is God's instruction and standard for faith and life. Crucial to classification as canonical is the Bible's inspiration and unity. The Bible is God's self-revelation to humans, by means of divinely illuminated humans writing in their own words so that we may understand. However diverse in form and style the writing, the Bible is unified in content and themes. The entirety of scripture tells one story, that of Creator God redeeming his creation and chosen ones through Jesus Christ.
Finally, theological reading. Theological reading of the Bible is a quest for God. Theological reading must always be done prayerfully. It is a prayerful search for God, in light of three guiding principles. First, revelation of God throughout the Bible was progressive - from dreams and visions in humans to the Lord himself revealing himself through the incarnate Jesus - partial to full/complete. Second, one must keep in mind the difference of everyday words when used in relation to God (reading "analogically", similar in meaning to reading metaphorically). Third is to keep in mind the Triunity of God - three "persons" yet one divine Being.
Secondly, theological reading is a quest for godliness. "The goal of theological Bible reading is...to know God personally in a relationship that honors him." So, three questions guide readers. 1) "What is shown about God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?" 2) What is shown about the world with its beneficial aspects along with its corrupted aspects? and 3) "What is shown to guide one's living, today and every day?"
My Thoughts and Opinions
(I think I was so caught up in "regurgitating" that I did not really analyze what I learned/remembered, if anything.) There is a lot there that is completely up to the interpretation of the article's writer(s). Some things I have heard before, multiple times actually. I have learned a little bit already about the canonicity of the Bible. Though is not the purpose of this article, there could be more that could be mentioned. Progressive revelation and "analogical" language were new ideas to me. They are good things to point out and to consider. I prefer the questions at the end, probably because I always prefer more practical concepts - and questions are very practical. These are great questions to ask yourself when you are reading any part of scripture. It forces you to look at the context and background of the scripture, which most likely is time consuming, but they will lead to a more accurate interpretation of God's Word and thus a more accurate revelation of God - which is the whole point of it all anyway - God.
My Questions
From where did the term "analogical" come?
Resource
"Reading the Bible." (2008) English Standard Version Study Bible. (pp. 2567-2568) Wheaton, Ill: Good New Publishers.
Summary:
There are various ways to read the Bible - theologically, as literature, in prayer and communion with God, for personal application, and for preaching and public worship.
First things first, a few foundations must be laid. The Bible is the Church's instruction book. It is canonical, meaning it is the standard, literally the "measuring rod". It is God's instruction and standard for faith and life. Crucial to classification as canonical is the Bible's inspiration and unity. The Bible is God's self-revelation to humans, by means of divinely illuminated humans writing in their own words so that we may understand. However diverse in form and style the writing, the Bible is unified in content and themes. The entirety of scripture tells one story, that of Creator God redeeming his creation and chosen ones through Jesus Christ.
Finally, theological reading. Theological reading of the Bible is a quest for God. Theological reading must always be done prayerfully. It is a prayerful search for God, in light of three guiding principles. First, revelation of God throughout the Bible was progressive - from dreams and visions in humans to the Lord himself revealing himself through the incarnate Jesus - partial to full/complete. Second, one must keep in mind the difference of everyday words when used in relation to God (reading "analogically", similar in meaning to reading metaphorically). Third is to keep in mind the Triunity of God - three "persons" yet one divine Being.
Secondly, theological reading is a quest for godliness. "The goal of theological Bible reading is...to know God personally in a relationship that honors him." So, three questions guide readers. 1) "What is shown about God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?" 2) What is shown about the world with its beneficial aspects along with its corrupted aspects? and 3) "What is shown to guide one's living, today and every day?"
My Thoughts and Opinions
(I think I was so caught up in "regurgitating" that I did not really analyze what I learned/remembered, if anything.) There is a lot there that is completely up to the interpretation of the article's writer(s). Some things I have heard before, multiple times actually. I have learned a little bit already about the canonicity of the Bible. Though is not the purpose of this article, there could be more that could be mentioned. Progressive revelation and "analogical" language were new ideas to me. They are good things to point out and to consider. I prefer the questions at the end, probably because I always prefer more practical concepts - and questions are very practical. These are great questions to ask yourself when you are reading any part of scripture. It forces you to look at the context and background of the scripture, which most likely is time consuming, but they will lead to a more accurate interpretation of God's Word and thus a more accurate revelation of God - which is the whole point of it all anyway - God.
My Questions
From where did the term "analogical" come?
Resource
"Reading the Bible." (2008) English Standard Version Study Bible. (pp. 2567-2568) Wheaton, Ill: Good New Publishers.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Circumcision
Today I stumbled across some good reading relating to science and the Bible. I looked up 'circumcision' in the Tyndale Bible Dictionary to gain a better understanding of the topic while I was reading through Exodus. I found great information (that I have yet to finish reading), but here are my thoughts thus far.
Summary:
Circumcision was practiced even before the Hebrew people. Males were circumcised around puberty, often for fertility reasons, but also for preparation for marriage and full tribal responsibilities. Circumcision became established with the Hebrew people when God established his covenant with Abraham (Gen. 17). For the Hebrew people thereafter it became a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham. The Hebrew people were then the only people to circumcise during infancy. Today, it is often practiced for hygienic reasons and only within Judaism does it carry religious implications.
My thoughts and opinions:
There were a few things of note that I find fascinating. Most fascinating is how God's instruction about circumcision displays his Creator knowledge of physiology. "Medical research has determined that prothrombin, a substance in the blood that aids in clotting, is present in greater quantity on the eighth day than at any other time in life." In many Western nations today it is practiced a few days after birth because of the hygienic benefits believed to be a result - prevention of genital cancer for both sexes. Although it is regularly practiced in medicine today, I am considering waiting for the eighth day if I ever have a son.
Another interesting point is that circumcision is not mentioned in the Koran. However, Muslims practice circumcision traditionally because Muhammad was circumcised. In contrast to Judaism or Western culture, males are commonly circumcised at age 13 because that is when Ishmael was circumcised. Ishmael is significant because Arabs trace their ancestry to Abraham through Ishmael.
Finally, circumcision was a sign of the fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham. The fact that it was done in infancy reaffirmed the covenant for each generation, regardless of faith or unbelief. By this, God made it so that no matter the response of the heart of the people, his covenant would be fulfilled. There was nothing the people could do to bring about or hinder the fulfilling of God's covenant. I guess I like Elwell's and Comfort's interpretation of that meaning because it points back to the Gospel - there is nothing we humans can do to earn or hinder our salvation and sanctification through the blood of Jesus.
My questions:
I guess I do not have any questions for now.
Resource:
Elwell, W. A., & Comfort, P. W. (2001). Tyndale Bible dictionary. Tyndale reference library (p 285). Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers.
Summary:
Circumcision was practiced even before the Hebrew people. Males were circumcised around puberty, often for fertility reasons, but also for preparation for marriage and full tribal responsibilities. Circumcision became established with the Hebrew people when God established his covenant with Abraham (Gen. 17). For the Hebrew people thereafter it became a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham. The Hebrew people were then the only people to circumcise during infancy. Today, it is often practiced for hygienic reasons and only within Judaism does it carry religious implications.
My thoughts and opinions:
There were a few things of note that I find fascinating. Most fascinating is how God's instruction about circumcision displays his Creator knowledge of physiology. "Medical research has determined that prothrombin, a substance in the blood that aids in clotting, is present in greater quantity on the eighth day than at any other time in life." In many Western nations today it is practiced a few days after birth because of the hygienic benefits believed to be a result - prevention of genital cancer for both sexes. Although it is regularly practiced in medicine today, I am considering waiting for the eighth day if I ever have a son.
Another interesting point is that circumcision is not mentioned in the Koran. However, Muslims practice circumcision traditionally because Muhammad was circumcised. In contrast to Judaism or Western culture, males are commonly circumcised at age 13 because that is when Ishmael was circumcised. Ishmael is significant because Arabs trace their ancestry to Abraham through Ishmael.
Finally, circumcision was a sign of the fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham. The fact that it was done in infancy reaffirmed the covenant for each generation, regardless of faith or unbelief. By this, God made it so that no matter the response of the heart of the people, his covenant would be fulfilled. There was nothing the people could do to bring about or hinder the fulfilling of God's covenant. I guess I like Elwell's and Comfort's interpretation of that meaning because it points back to the Gospel - there is nothing we humans can do to earn or hinder our salvation and sanctification through the blood of Jesus.
My questions:
I guess I do not have any questions for now.
Resource:
Elwell, W. A., & Comfort, P. W. (2001). Tyndale Bible dictionary. Tyndale reference library (p 285). Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers.
Same goal, different strategy
So it has been a few weeks since sharing my new goal. I have had plenty of time to search and rethink. The week following the establishing of my new goal I searched for books and resources that I already owned that I could read. I was disappointed at the lack of books devoted to each subject, though I found some decent articles. But then I thought about the classes that I have to take for the Institute of Biblical Studies (IBS). I know it requires significant reading, but the classes are only two weeks each. So I did some research and found that some staff read ahead of time and find the class experience to be much more pleasurable. It sounded great to me so I looked up the book information for each of my next four classes (that I may take this summer). So my new strategy is to read through those books primarily. They will cover the topics of Biblical interpretation, Old Testament Survey, Biblical communication, and doctrine of God, Bible and Holy Spirit. I have also adjusted my strategy to at least four out of the seven days of the week, but still at two hours each time, with some blogging. In addition to the topics of the classes, I may delve into some of the topics I mentioned before.
Monday, February 1, 2010
New Goal
I was recently made aware of the fact that God took many, many years to prepare Jesus and Paul for ministry. When I think about my preparation for ministry it seems much shorter. But I do not want that to be an issue and I know that God can do incredible things in this time of preparation (while I develop my team of ministry partners). As part of preparation for ministry I took (and recently finished) a New Testament Survey class. I was sad that it had to end because I enjoyed learning more - I felt more prepared to talk with others about the Bible and what it says. I was praying about preparation for ministry and was inspired to continue this mental/intellectual preparation for ministry by studying on my own. I want to hone in on select topics that I think will be most beneficial for my future ministry (and am praying that God confirms these or leads me in directions he knows will be more beneficial). So here is my goal and strategy (and what you have to look forward to). I hope that by writing it out I will be more accountable to it.
Goal: to prepare for ministry by increasing my knowledge about relevant topics
Strategy: Spend two hours a day reading, studying, and reflecting on a particular topic. Topics include: science/creation science, world religions, apologetics, theology, emotional life/counseling, Bible study. The last half hour I will blog briefly about what I learned, my thoughts and opintions, and my questions. The blogging will really help me to process, especially if I do not have live discussions with people about these topics.
Goal: to prepare for ministry by increasing my knowledge about relevant topics
Strategy: Spend two hours a day reading, studying, and reflecting on a particular topic. Topics include: science/creation science, world religions, apologetics, theology, emotional life/counseling, Bible study. The last half hour I will blog briefly about what I learned, my thoughts and opintions, and my questions. The blogging will really help me to process, especially if I do not have live discussions with people about these topics.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
I LoVe studying the Bible
I am very slowly studying Philippians. This morning I finally got around to considering the letter's importance in God's plan to create a community of redeemed people for his glory through Jesus Christ. I'll share my answer in a second, but about what I most get excited is the thoughts that come out onto the page! I think and hope they have been produced and guided by the Spirit, because I certainly can not come up with something that good on my own. Maybe because it's related to God's plan for redemption, but I get SOOO excited when I read it, it gives me such vision for life. Here's my little summary:
Paul periodically points his readers to "the day of Christ" - the completion of the good work began, recognition of the lordship of Jesus, the fate of destruction for enemies of the cross, and the hope of transformation for their bodies - keeping them focused on the goal. He begins the letter by telling them that God has begun a good work in them and it will be completed in the day of Christ. The rest of the letter encourages the readers to press on and "work out" their salvation until God completes the good work begun. He encourages them by mention of the many benefits they have, as Christians, in the current era/kingdom (Proclaimed Kingdom) - the help of the Spirit, their citizenship in heaven, the exaltation of Christ's name, the peace of God that is available now. In light of these benefits he challenges them to press on and work out their salvation, awaiting the Savior, Jesus. Paul summarizes these things in Philippians 3:13-16.
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