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What about the Bible?

 

Continuing with examining the bible …

 

The final part of Biblical Inspiration involves the Reader.  Every reader approaches life with their own experiences-to-date, understandings, filters, assumptions, etc., and this is no different when people approach the bible.  The early church recognized the importance of people being open to God in reading the bible and emphasized ongoing and constant reading throughout the day, along with ongoing prayer.

 

I don’t have time for that.

 

You may not!  I suggest though that if you really want to understand the foundational documents of Christians, that you set aside 30 minutes each day to read it.  Maybe start with the book of Luke and then Acts and the following letters (which describe the early Christian community struggling to follow the Way of Christ), the other three gospels, then the Old Testament books, and finally the Book of Revelation (which can be thought of ‘the bible as a graphic novel’).  Take an intentional approach – ask God to open your heart and mind to what you are going to read, and then after you have read it, spend the rest of your day letting yourself ruminate on it.  

 

30 minutes a day is a lot.

 

Yes.  If you truly want to get to know the bible, you may have to give up some television watching or being on the internet, or a different activity.  I encourage you to give it a try – I think as you dig into it, you’ll find it fascinating.  As you read, note the differences and similarities between, for example, the four gospels, or between Chronicles and Kings.

 

I encourage you to talk to Jesus before and after you read, asking Him to open your mind and heart to His presence in what you read.  Lectio Divina (which we’ll talk about next email) may be especially helpful for that.

 

For an entertaining overview of the bible (which, of course, has its own inconsistencies and contradictions against some of what I’ve explained so far) you may find Don’t know much about the Bible, by Kenneth C. Davis, useful (though the scholarship is a little dated as it was published 30 years ago).  For an excellent rumination on the bible, especially the New Testament, I recommend The Bible for Everyone (a 35-Volume Set), by: N.T. Wright and John Goldingay.

 

How would you describe the bible as inspired?

 

Share your answers with others whom you trust.

 

+David