Beyond Bible Chewing

by Laura Springer, M.Div., Th.M.

I hope that by now, you have chewed a passage or two and have tasted the goodness. This is a good start. However, just like eating food, chewing is only step one; if you stop here, the food is not only useless, but also quite harmful.

Like food, Scripture must be ingested to be of any good use; two word pictures—rumination and digestion—will help us understand.

The Metaphors

Rumination is what cattle do when they chew their cud. After the first chew, food moves to a holding chamber. Cattle bring the stored food back up for a second chew that extracts more nutrients.

Digestion is next. Food is disassembled and the parts are sent out into the body for integration and reassembly. The body takes grass and makes cow.

Unpacking the Metaphors

These same two steps are crucial for a deep understanding of Scripture. After we have chewed the Word and understand what it meant and means, we must ruminate and digest.
Bible rumination is muttering and pondering the Word as you go through daily life.* This extracts more truth and makes it available for digestion.

Bible digestion is thought; it is discovering how a passage fits into the whole Bible, into what you already know, and into your feelings and behaviors. Digestion disassembles biblical truth, integrates the parts into your heart, and reassembles them into you. God’s truth becomes part of your beliefs, feelings, and behaviors.

Conclusion

If we stop at chewing, we are in the danger Jesus talks about in the parable of the four soils (Matthew 13:3-23). Merely chewing the Word leaves it on or near the surface, where Satan can snatch it, troubles can scorch it, or distractions can choke it. Biblical truth is only fruitful when planted deeply in a well-prepared soul. Rumination and digestion are tools for preparing and planting.

* Rumination can also take place in times of quiet, intentional reflection.

BIBLE CHEWING

by Laura Springer, M.Div., Th.M.

How would you feel if, for every meal, you were offered pre-chewed food? Unless you are an infant—in which case it is amazing that you are reading this article :-)—you would not be pleased. So why do so many of us survive on pre-chewed Bible? [1] If you want to chew and enjoy the Bible for yourself, try these three questions.

What did it mean?

The first step in chewing the Bible for yourself is figuring out what the writer intended to communicate to the original readers. This can be complex, but only one thing is crucial: read and reread the text. Before looking at cross-references, Bible dictionaries, commentaries, or even section headings in your Bible, read the text.

The biblical authors were good writers who wrote so that their readers might understand. Look for repeated words and ideas, cause and effect, claims and evidence, and summary statements. Ask who, what, where, when, how, and why. Read the passage in several translations.
Once you have an opinion about what it meant, check with other believers—whether in person or in books—and then argue your case or adjust your conclusions. Write down the meaning in a few sentences.

What does the passage mean?

Once you have a handle on what the passage meant to the original readers, rewrite the statement in terms that are more general so it will be clear to people in your church and community. This rewrite is a “biblical principle” and it will always match the original meaning of the text. We must not and cannot make Scripture mean anything we choose. Check your rewrite with other believers to be sure you are on the right track.

How is this passage significant for us in our time and culture?

This is where perspective and creativity come in. While the text always means what it meant, the details of our obedience change with culture and circumstance. Allow the biblical meaning to confront you in three areas: knowledge, desires, and behavior.

1. Do I/we have ignorance to be remedied, false belief to be corrected, or true belief to be strengthened?
2. Do I/we have desires to be restrained or reinforced?
3. Do I/we have behaviors to be stopped, corrected, started, or encouraged?

If you are tired of eating pre-chewed Bible, I challenge you to chew it for yourself. Take advantage of the habits we are developing in the TFB Summer Reading Program, choose one passage (at least a paragraph) per week (or per month) and chew it yourself. Then gather with fellow believers and share the wealth.

------------------------------
Recommended Resources

• The Method of a Good Interpreter: lists the literary devices that help us discover the author's intended meaning [website]
  
• How to Study the Bible: For Beginners: a more complete explanation of in-depth bible study [website]
• The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament and New Testament; Zondervan illustrated Bible backgrounds commentary; and Bible Reader's Companion: good sources for historical and cultural backgrounds [books]
  
• The Exegetical Process: What does it mean to you?: good graphic overview of the process from study to preaching/teaching [website]
• The Books of the Bible: short overview and whole-bible insight into each book of the bible, from Old Testament scholar, Dr. John H. Sailhamer. [book]

------------------------------
[1] Chewing illustration courtesy of Dr. Shelly Cunningham, Biola University (see Who Gets to Chew the Cracker? in the Christian Education Journal).

What is Mission? Two Poetic Reflections on Matthew 26-28

by Laura Springer, M.Div.

Read Matthew 26-28

Stumbling and Following

We live in the crowd,
we of faith and not faith,
ever mixed,
ever following
and stumbling
and following again.

Assessed by trial, we repent;
distance traveled, we fail.

Still, all is in him,
and by him,
and for him,
even when
we fail
to recognize this
fact.

In Toddlers' Wobble

Decision made.
Now what?

Halting steps
in toddlers' wobble,
we trust
and stumble;
broken when we realize:

Certainty
is not nearly as certain
as we would like.



On July 19, TFB Academy will investigate the question, “What is mission?” The answer is more local, more daily, and more diverse than many of us realize. You, dear reader, are invited to join us. Contact lkspringer AT gmail DOT com for information.

Sticking our Hearts in Other People’s Business

by Laura Springer, M.Div.
The American Heritage Dictionary defines nosy as “Given to prying into the affairs of others; snoopy.” We all know someone whose picture could grace the pages next to that definition. Our culture teaches us not to stick our noses in other people’s business. This is an important and often difficult lesson to learn.

Unfortunately, too many of us have misapplied this lesson, to the detriment of our brothers and sisters in Christ. We misapply this lesson every time we see a brother or sister struggling or making unwise choices and yet fail to act because it is “none of our business.” Biblically, the distress of a brother or sister is our business.

The final words of the Letter of James makes a bold claim: “My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins” (5:19-20). In Galatians 6:1-5, Paul instructs those in the Galatian church to restore a brother or sister caught in transgression, for followers of Christ are to fulfill the law of Christ by bearing one another’s burdens. In his letter to the churches of Asia Minor (modern day Turkey), Peter reminds his readers that, among other things, they are a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9-10), representing the people before God and representing God before the people.

Despite the lessons of our culture, it is clear from Scripture that we are commanded to stick our hearts in other people’s business. We do this because we love our Lord and our brothers and sisters. We do this with care, grace, and mercy because other hearts are involved and their care is our concern. We do this because we must.

God, Revealed in Language

by Laura Springer, M.Div.

We make claims about the Bible. We claim it is God's Word. We claim it is true, powerful, useful, and correct. We make these claims with our lips. But too often we behave as if the Bible is a self-help book that we read when WE have needs or desires.

But the Bible is most certainly NOT a self-help book. It is, rather, God's revelation of himself in language. This is an amazing thing. This means the Bible is not under our control. We do not decide its meaning and significance. We do not decide its usefulness. We do not “pick and choose” according to our needs and desires.

Rather, we place ourselves in God's presence. This has implications for how we should read and study the Bible. It means we read and study HUGE chunks—whole books, whole sections, and whole Testaments. It means we study, respecting the divine-human nature of the Bible.

Because the Bible is divine, we trust it and obey it. We submit to the shaping. Because it is divine, we discipline ourselves, setting aside our desires and excuses. There is no good reason not to read and study God's revelation of himself.

Because the bible is human, we read and study, respecting it as human literature. This means grammar, syntax, literary devices, genre, history, culture, etc., matter, and matter greatly.
Because the Bible is human literature, we study deeply to discover (NOT decide) the original authors' intended meaning. Because the Bible is human literature, we understand it in the context of the human author's culture BEFORE trying to understand it in our culture. This means that our response to the Bible must always correspond to the meaning and significance intended by the human and divine authors.

Bible reading and study is not a source of spiritual warm-fuzzies. It is disciplined submission to the Sovereign Lord and Creator of the Universe. It is nothing less. We dare not make excuses.

We Just Moved Here: A Poetic Reflection on Ephesians

by Laura Springer, M.Div.




We just moved here
from fear,
surrounded
by terrifying power.

This power
seemingly strong,
all stolen,
derivative.
Jesus: Ultimate.

We just moved here
from immorality,
surrounded
by enslaving freedom.

Jesus,
the Ultimate,
commands holiness,
makes whole,
gives extravagant
kindness and power.

We just moved here
from division,
kept apart
by walls.

No more walls,
but one people.
Hidden,
hinted,
revealed,
becoming.
Continuity,
one people
always
in Him.

Why poetry? Because theology is more than intellectual ponderings; it is also the voice of the heart.

Originally published as WE JUST MOVED HERE on Laura's Writings.

LET US CHOOSE TO REST

A Reflection on Amos 3:1-5:17
by Laura Springer, M.Div.

From the beginning, God expected his people to evidence the covenant by their obedience (Deut 27:26). The blessings of obedience and the curses of disobedience were clearly laid out (Deut 28:1-68). Many of the Torah[1] laws concern treatment of fellow Israelites and strangers. Both are to be treated with justice and love. Other laws concern the worship of God. Israel has transgressed the covenant in her treatment of others (Amos 4:1) and in her worship (Amos 4:4-5).

Amos' prophecy proclaims the earned results of the people's choices. The people have transgressed the covenant, refused God’s grace, and ignored his sovereignty. God’s judgment of Israel followed many years of grace, in which he provided multiple opportunities for repentance.
Yet each opportunity was scorned (Amos 4:6-11). Israel had rightfully earned God’s judgment, for she had ignored the sovereignty of the only Creator and Lord of all. The ax is about to fall and all Israel can do is prepare to meet God, who comes in judgment not in deliverance.

Jesus, the Messiah who fulfills the old covenant and inaugurates the new, expects his followers to observe his instructions (Matt 28:16-20) as evidence of the new covenant in his blood. While blessings and curses are not spelled out in the detail we find in Torah, there are surely temporal consequences to our behavior. Obeying Jesus’ commands--taking his yoke (Matt 11:25-30)--brings rest. Might it be that disobeying Jesus brings unrest?

If our experience of his rest is influenced by our obedience, we ought to take seriously our obedience. Jesus keeps covenant. He is gracious and he guards his glory. If we continually trample his glory, there will be consequences. Let us choose, rather, to rest in his grace.
---
[1] The Torah contains the first five books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. See a Wikipedia article on Torah here or a Bible.org article here.

Originally posted as CONSEQUENCES on Laura's Writings.

THEOLOGY OF RELATIONSHIPS

by Laura Springer, M.Div.

Humanity was designed to live in relationship, giving the self for the sake of the other, and we are most human when we live out that design. Like God, humans are necessarily relational (Gen 1:26-27). Father, Son, and Spirit exist in an eternal love relationship, and God created humanity as the bearer of that relational image. He created us male and female and together we bear his image. We are incomplete without the other.

Love, the giving of the self for the sake of the other, is essential to human nature because love is essential to God's nature (1 John 4:7-21). The God who is love commands his sin-corrupted image bearers to live out their essential nature by loving one another. We are able to love one another because we are loved by God. In fact, if we claim to love God, yet do not love each other, God declares us liars. The language here is very strong: if we love God, we will love each other.

Our essential relational nature is made perfect in God's kingdom (Rev 7:9-12). In Revelation 7, John describes a vision of humans from every tribe, tongue, nation, and people gathered around God's throne in worship. A numberless multitude from every culture gathers in community around the throne of God. Humanity, righteous and perfect, is humanity in relationship.

The implications for ministry are profound and systemic. Rather than having fellowship as an add-on involving red punch and donuts, should not relationship be central to everything we do? Rather than having every week of the church calendar filled with programmed activities, should we make a way for people to spend relaxed times with friends and family? Rather than relying on lecture-style teaching and preaching and supplementing that with small groups, should we not supplement our small groups with teaching and preaching? Rather than forming only programmed, short-term small groups, should we not foster indigenous, long-term friendships?

This is not to say that potlucks, programs, preaching, and small groups are passé—by no means. Rather, let us go deeper. Let us work toward becoming the type of faith community that provides space and encouragement for people to live out their essential relational nature. Let us create a place where giving the self for the sake of the other is the obvious norm. This is the life for which we are designed, but in our faith communities it is often not the life we have. Creating a faith community that takes relationship seriously might require a difficult paradigm shift, but being a place where humans can be truly human is well worth the struggle.

Original version published March 2, 2005 on Laura's Writings.

BEING CHURCH, PART TWO

by Laura Springer, M.Div.

What does it mean to be church? Last month, we looked at the first two answers given by the church fathers in the Nicene Creed. First, the church is one because of her One Head, Jesus Christ. Second, the church is holy because she is composed only of those who trust Jesus. She is holy because he is holy. This month we look at the final two answers: catholic and apostolic.

Catholic: When we say the church is catholic or universal, what do we mean? Before answering that question, let us clearly understand what it does not mean: it does not mean that every human is part of the church and therefore going to heaven. Holiness teaches us that, union with Christ is the qualification for membership in the body of Christ; only those in union with Christ are in the church. Catholicity teaches us that all those who trust Christ are in the church. Therefore, the church proclaims the gospel to all who will listen, in all places and cultures. Her mission covers the globe and penetrates her own community. Each local congregation proclaims this message alongside and in partnership with other local congregations, because all who trust Christ are members of the one church.

Apostolicity: Apostolicity can be thought of as alignment, making sure we are going in the same direction as God. By the Holy Spirit, the apostles translated into text their knowledge and experience of the message and mission of Jesus. This Text carries authority because these particular apostles were commissioned by Jesus and guided by the Holy Spirit. This Text is the definer of one, holy, and catholic, and is over history, culture, and experience. The church is apostolic in as much as she listens to, submits to, and proclaims the message and mission of Jesus.

BEING CHURCH, PART ONE

by Laura Springer, M.Div.

“I know it when I see it,” may be a fine initial answer to the question, “What is church?” Surely, there is more. In AD 325 and 381, in the midst of intense and important theological struggles, the early church fathers offered an answer in the Nicene Creed. Most every Christian tradition still holds this today: “I believe one, holy, catholic, apostolic church.” This month we will look at the first two concepts: one and holy.

One. A glance through the “church” page of the yellow pages may cause one to question church unity. Some attempt an external unity, for example, the World Council of Church, but is this what Jesus intends? In his huge systematic theology, Church Dogmatics, Karl Barth says that a unity based on external conformity or agreement is a false unity. True unity is only gained by a radical and intentional trust in the One Head, Jesus Christ. Unity is not gained by the removal of historical, cultural, or national differences or by forced doctrinal conformity; it is gained by relationship in and participation with the One Head. Each local gathering is responsible for confessing its disunity and for maintaining true unity.

Holy. When I look at myself with earthly eyes, I do not see a holy person. When I look at the church with earthly eyes, I do not see a holy church. Each of us alone and all of us together are filled (to a lesser or greater degree) with a mixture of worship and doubt. This is evident to earthly eyes. Yet, something else is evident to the eyes of trust. Hidden within the earthly/visible church (of which we, as a followers of Jesus Christ are necessarily members) is the holy, indestructible body of Christ. This is a matter of revelation and is seen and known only by trusting the Spirit.

Next month, we will look at the church as catholic (universal) and apostolic.

=========
COMING IN JANUARY

TFB Academy: What is Church
January 12, 2008
9 AM to Noon
2118 Carson Street
Torrance, CA 90501

For more information email tangentrider at gmail dot com

"I’M ONLY HUMAN"

by Laura Springer, M.Div.

“I’m only human.” We hear it far too often as an excuse for unrepentant and unconfessed sin. This excuse assumes sin is essential to human nature, but the Bible exposes that false assumption.

In Genesis 1:26-28, God creates humanity in his image, sharing his authority with them. In Genesis 1:31, God looks at everything he has made and declares it all “very good.” In Psalm 8:5-6, the psalmist declares that though the universe dwarfs humanity, humanity has glory, honor, and dominion from God.

To call oneself “only human” is to disrespect God as Creator and Redeemer, for to be human is not to be an “only.” Humanity is glorious and majestic because it carries the image of its glorious and majestic Creator.

Sin is a corruption of true humanity. It is humanity’s rebellious attempt to make itself like God (Gen 3:5). It is and was a willful choice (Gen 3:6-7; James 1:13-15). Jesus shows us true humanity, [1] for he is the only human to have lived his entire earthly life as truly human, trusting the Father and living by the Spirit. To be truly human is to be like Jesus. This is most certainly not an “only.”

The habits of sin are strong. On our own, it is impossible to replace them with habits of trust. But God has graciously given us everything we need to learn habits of trust. He has given us spiritual disciplines. Silence, study, service, corporate worship, and other disciplines provide opportunities to work alongside the Spirit as he retrains the habits of our souls. He has given us one another. The community of Jesus-followers provides feedback and support, as together we become more like Jesus. Finally, he has given us himself. The Spirit lives in our hearts, working with our hearts to make us more like Jesus.

We must stop making excuses and start making choices. We must choose to be the human persons God has created and redeemed us to be; we must choose to trust the Father, Son, and Spirit.

----------
[1] Jesus’ full humanity in no way diminishes nor detracts from his full divinity. The reverse is also true. Jesus’ full divinity in no way diminishes nor detracts from his full humanity.

NOTE: a previous version was posted on Laura's Writings

Doing Theology Together

by Laura Springer, M.Div.

In his first letter to the Corinthian church, Paul teaches his readers about knowledge (1 Cor. 13:8-13). Here, within time and space, knowledge is partial and dim. We see outlines and shadows, rather like sonar soundings. In contrast, when we stand in God’s presence and see him face-to-face, the former, shrouded knowledge will fall away and we will know as we have been known. Here in time and space, our theological ponderings are partial and tentative. We must acknowledge this tentativeness, hold our ponderings humbly, and remain open to community scrutiny.

Allow me to recommend a way of doing theology together: describe, analyze, sketch, decide, and communicate. The method begins with a situation needing community decision.

• Step One: Describe the situation, including reasons and purposes.
• Step Two: Analyze the situation using the Bible and practical wisdom.
• Step Three: Sketch the biblical truth and practical wisdom that must be honored in the decision.
• Step Four: Decide on a view or action that best honors the biblical truth and practical wisdom.
• Step Five: Communicate the decision to the larger community for implementation and feedback.

Such communal theological conversation corrects errors, adds detail, and results in a richer theology.

Resource:
What Are They Saying About Theological Reflection?
by Robert L. Kinast

The Big Deal about Theology

by Laura Springer, M.Div.

When may hear the word “theology,” they instantly think of something lofty and academic, something about as interesting as watching the lawn grow on a Saturday night, or both. Unfortunately, as often presented, these assessments may well apply. This is unfortunate because theology that is true and good is neither lofty nor boring.

The fact is all Christians are theologians and we do theology every day. Theology is simply understanding God in a way that makes sense. We sing theology every Sunday morning. We speak theology when we explain the love of Jesus to a child. We practice theology when we make choices based on Christian values.

Therefore, the issue is not whether any particular Christian is a theologian. Every Christian is a theologian. The issue is whether any particular Christian is an accidental or intentional theologian.

Accidental theologians read the Bible, worship with the church, pray, and try to live in a way that pleases God. But they rarely spend time thinking about these things. They rarely consider how their understanding of God ought to shape these things. They understand God “by accident.”

Intentional theologians read the Bible, worship with the church, pray, and try to live in a way that pleases God. But they go further. They think deeply about these things. They think about life and the beliefs behind and beneath how they live. They intentionally correct their beliefs and make adjustments in how they live because they know that their understanding of God shapes their reading, worship, prayer, and lives. They understand God intentionally.

Be an intentional theologian: read, worship, pray, live, and think.

For more on this topic read

How to Think Theologically, by Howard W. Stone and James O. Duke.

What is Learning?

by Laura Springer, M.Div.
What is learning and how do you know when it has happened? Is it remembering facts? Is it performing a skill? It is both and more. Think of learning as a triangle.


Romans 12:1-2 touches on each of the three aspects of learning. Read the passage before moving on to the next paragraph.

Learning is cognitive; it deals with content. Paul bases his instructions on the content of faith, especially on the meaning and significance of “mercy” as discussed in Romans 1-11.

Learning is affective; it deals with value and emotion. Paul appeals to his readers’ values and emotions; he does not merely command, but expects them to care.
Learning is volitive; it deals with response. Paul exhorts his readers to respond with action (“present your bodies”), attitude (“as a living sacrifice…”), and a new way of thinking (“renewal of your mind”).

Learning is like a triangle. If any one side is missing, you no longer have a triangle. Learning, by definition, is cognitive, affective, and volitive; it always includes content, values/emotions, and response. If any one aspect is missing, learning has not occurred.

Why Small Group Bible Study?

by Laura Springer, M.Div.

[1]That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. [2]And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach. [3]And he told them many things in parables, saying: "A sower went out to sow. [4]And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. [5]Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, [6]but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. [7]Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. [8]Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. [9]He who has ears, let him hear."
Matthew 13:1-9

In the Parable of the Sower in Matthew’s gospel (13:1-9), the seed (the message of the Kingdom, 4:17; 13:19) is sown in four conditions of soil. The seed is good and brings life; the condition of the soil determines growth and fruit. Jesus’ interpretation (13:18-23) teaches us that the message must be understood (13:19, 23) with sufficient depth (13:20-21) and without distraction (13:22). Small group bible study is one place where God prepares soil and plants his seed.

Why “Bible”? Christian books and articles are helpful, but they are not God’s life-bearing message of the kingdom. The life-bearing message is the word of the Kingdom: Jesus, the crucified and risen One, is Lord of all. This is the message of the Bible, God’s very word. This is the message that bears life. This is the message that brings growth and fruit.

Why” Study”? Understanding is the minimum requirement. Without it, the message produces no life (13:19). With understanding, both life and fruit are possible (13:23). The youngest book in the Bible is nearly 2000 years old and a world away. Study help bridge the gaps of time and culture.

Why “Small Group”? Humanity is relational and is created by the relational, three-in-one God. We need each other. We need each other’s help to see things how they are. We need each other’s help to recognize and remove the filters that act as blind spots, hinder understanding, and hide distractions. When we wrestle together with God’s truth, we expose each other’s filters. This develops prepared and receptive souls where God’s truth can grow and bear fruit.

Additional Resources
Smaller Passionate Groups Outperform Large Generic Communities ht: Becoming Missional


Tag(s): bible study spiritual formation discipleship

BEDROCK BELIEFS LESSON FOUR

by Laura Springer, M.Div.

SOTERIOLOGY, ECCLESIOLOGY, AND ESCHATOLOGY: SALVATION, CHURCH, AND END TIMES

Read chapters 5-6 in the Reader.

Read the passages for days 16-20:

Day 16: Isaiah 53:1-6
Day 17: Isaiah 53:7-12
Day 18: Colossians 1:18-23
Day 19: Romans 8:1-11
Day 20: 1 Corinthians 15:51-58

Bring three questions for discussion.

BEDROCK BELIEFS LESSON THREE

by Laura Springer, M.Div.

ANTHROPOLOGY AND HAMARTIOLOGY: HUMANITY AND SIN

Read chapter 4 in the Reader.

Read the passages for days 11-15:

• Day 11: Genesis 1:26-31
• Day 12: Genesis 3:1-12
• Day 13: Genesis 3:13-19
• Day 14: Psalm 14:1-7
• Day 15: Jeremiah 17:5-10

Suggestion: try doing a lectio divina for at least one reading this week.
[Instructions are in the Reader, pg 3.]

Bring three questions for discussion.

BEDROCK BELIEFS LESSON TWO

by Laura Springer, M.Div.

THEOLOGY PROPER, CHRISTOLOGY AND PNEUMATOLOGY
GOD—FATHER, SON, SPIRIT

Prepare for the second lesson.

Read chapter 3 in the Reader.

Read the passages for days 6-10:

• Day 6: Exodus 15:11-18
• Day 7: John 1:1-4; Hebrews 2:14-15
• Day 8: Psalm 90:1-17
• Day 9: Psalm 139:1-12
• Day 10: Psalm 139:13-24

Suggestion: try doing a lectio divina for at least one reading this week.
[Instructions are in the Reader, pg 3.]

Bring three questions for discussion.

You might like to get a head start on your devotional notebook:

1. Write a short description of the doctrine.
2. Define/Explain important terms.
3. Choose meaningful passages to include.
4. Write some questions to help readers think about the doctrine (hint: you might also use these for your three questions).
5. Write a prayer/praise responding to the doctrine.

BEDROCK BELIEFS LESSON ONE

by Laura Springer, M.Div.

010407: updated 2 Peter and Psalm 119 passage references

PROLEGOMENA AND BIBLIOLOGY

Prepare for the first lesson.

Read chapters 1-2 in the Reader.

Read the passages for days 1-5:

• Day 1: Psalm 19:7-14
• Day 2: Hebrews 1:1-4
• Day 3: 2 Peter 1:16-21
• Day 4: Psalm 119:169-176
• Day 5: 2 Timothy 3:14-17

Bring three questions you would like this course to answer.

[more later...]

BEDROCK BELIEFS READER

by Laura Springer, M.Div.

The e-version of the Reader is not available at this time.
The Bedrock Beliefs posts contain most of the text.
The Reader will be available again in summer 2007.