We believe that
the Bible is true and trustworthy and that God has given it to us so we might
understand and do his will. This means the Bible ought to shape our daily
lives. God’s purposes for his people and his design of us as learners give some
insight into some ways to encourage this.
Purpose. Christians have a grand purpose that can be summed up in three
phrases: know the story, be the people, expand the kingdom. Knowing the story
begins with the content of Scripture and goes on to include our active
participation in God's work. Being the people is living in relationship with
Christ and fellow believers. Expanding the kingdom is becoming and making
disciples.
Process. Generally speaking, we humans learn by increasing knowledge
(investigating), putting that knowledge into practice (participating), and
thinking through how we're doing so we can learn more (reflecting).
Insight at the intersection of purpose and process
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Know the story
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Be the people
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Expand the kingdom
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Investigate
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Take steps to understand Scripture.
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Take steps to see the reflections of God's
glory in all his creation.
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Link Scripture to life.
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Learn in community with other believers.
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Take time to think together.
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Design ways to make disciples of Jesus in
your context.
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Participate
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● Translate the truth about God and his priorities into actions and
values.
● Live out these actions and values as persons in community in Christ.
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● Put the truth of God into practice as a community of believers.
● Help one another grow in Christ.
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● Work together to make disciples.
● Share life together and grow as disciples.
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Reflect
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Reflect on what you have learned and
practiced as individuals in community.
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Put the fruits of reflection into practice
as you continue investigating and participating.
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Evaluate your understanding and practice as
you gather with other believers.
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Grow together as you learn from one
another's knowledge and experience.
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Regularly evaluate your disciple-making
methods.
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Make adjustments as needed.
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In all these
intersections we are called to live together as persons in community in Christ, and the Bible is a crucial
part of this life together. The Bible’s importance for private devotion and
theological reflection must be accompanied by its shaping of us as the people
of God who are conforming to the image of Christ.
