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June 27,2024
Module 1: Week 1
Discussion Thread: How to look at the Bible
Learning Log
I) “God’s plan goes beyond rescuing and redeeming. His desire was to restore his relationship and
fellowship with human beings in the Garden of Eden. He does not rescue and redeem us simply to
leave us alone. Rather, he desires to restore what was lost. Those who have trusted God should
find great comfort in the restoration of God. He is not simply saving us, setting us free, and
begrudgingly accepting us. Instead, he has purposefully set in motion a plan to restore his bond
with his children before it was severed through sin.” (Cartwright & Hulshof., 2019., p.6)
I can relate to this quote in many ways. As a recovering addict, my biggest
accomplishment has been my sobriety. The power of addiction once bound me, but I
found redemption when I turned to the Lord. He restored me, my self-worth, my
relationships with my family, Him, and my daughter. Redemption has given me a second
chance in life and transformed me into a new human being, freeing me from the control of
something destroying me. Redemption has given me hope for a better future.
II) “History is not merely a thing of the past—it is always relevant, even today. If you know the history of
a person or event, you will have a better understanding of that person or event.” (Cartwright &
Hulshof., 2019., pp. 8)
This statement underscores the profound significance of history in our lives,
encompassing personal growth, successes, failures, and experiences. Understanding our
past enables us to comprehend the essence of our being and paves the way for informed
future decisions. Through empathy and understanding, delving into someone's history
allows us to connect with them deeper, fostering meaningful relationships if desired.
History bestows invaluable lessons, offering opportunities to learn from past mistakes
and empowering us to make wiser choices in the future.
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III) “Bible study depends on a greater understanding of the whole Bible. This chapter establishes a
chronology of the Bible in order to provide the historical context of each biblical book. By
understanding this chapter, you will better understand where any particular book falls on the biblical
storyline. This will enable you to see how the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments relate
to each other. As you understand the historical contexts of each biblical book, you will better grasp
their themes and emphases.” (Cartwright & Huldhof.,2019., pp.8-9)
Even though I know what Bible study is and have been a part of several Bible studies in
my lifetime, I am not a part of one now. But with this class, which I have been very eager
to begin, I know that this can lead to a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding
of the biblical teachings. It can shed new light on the meaning and relevance of the
biblical passage, reveal overarching themes and narratives that span across multiple
books, and transform my engagement with the Bible. It can provide me with fresh
perspectives and deeper insights into the Bible, which I am really looking forward to.
IV) “For the most part, the prophetic books are best seen historically in their relation to the seventy-
year exile of the southern kingdom in Babylon (after 2 Kings but before Ezra). A simple way to
categorize these prophetic writings is as follows: those who warned of the coming exile (pre-exilic
prophets), those whose ministry was primarily during the exile (exilic prophets), and those whose
ministry was primarily after the exile (postexilic prophets).” (Cartwright & Hulshof., 2019., pp.13)
This passage encapsulates the core message of the Christian faith and deeply resonates
with me as a believer. It reaffirms the fundamental tenets of my faith—the death and
resurrection of Christ for the redemption of my sins—and serves as a reminder of the
sacrifice made and the salvation offered through faith in Christ. By steadfastly holding to
the gospel message and guidance in my everyday life, I am able to deeply reflect on the
sincerity of my faith and commitment to the gospel.
V) “The Psalms are also emotional. Have you ever doubted God? Have you ever questioned God?
Have you ever wondered what God is up to? The Psalms record these honest and emotional
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questions (see Psalm 73 for one great example). We should not be afraid of being honest with
God. Not only does he already know how we feel, but also it is through these moments of
emotional honesty that God can use the Psalms in our lives” ( Cartwright & Hulshof., 2019.,
pp.26)
The Psalms resonate with me in several ways. They inspire me to be more open in my
communication with God and others, reassuring me that it's okay to have doubts and
questions and that I am not alone. Through them, I can experience spiritual growth and
deepen my relationship with God. Lastly, I find comfort and hope in knowing that God can
even use my doubts and questions for good.
VI) “Having a grasp of what was happening at the time of a prophet’s ministry helps tremendously
when unpacking the text. Most of the messages of the prophets dealt directly with the time and
place of their ministry. In other words, although some of the Old Testament prophecies touch on
events that had not yet taken place, most of these prophecies were dealing with the near future
and have already been fulfilled. Still, the overarching message that calls God’s people to live
faithfully in accordance with what they believe is as relevant today as ever.” (Cartwright &
Hulshof.,2019.,pp.27)
This new learning experience resonates with me as it teaches practical applications for
my daily life. Knowing that many prophecies have already been fulfilled strengthens my
faith and hope for the promises yet to be fulfilled. It also helps me reflect more on how I
am living out my beliefs and values, just as the prophets called people to do in their time.
VII) “The rules and instructions of the Bible serve to show us how desperate our human condition is. We
are actually unable to follow the instructions and keep the rules. No matter how hard we try, we will
blow it at numerous times and in numerous ways throughout the day. We simply cannot be good
enough long enough. Each time we run across a rule or instruction, the weight of the law ought to
press deep into our hearts. Each command ought to remind us of the impossibility of sinners
keeping God’s requirements as perfectly as he requires. When we see the Bible as a book of
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instructions or rules, we downplay the power of the law and we overestimate our ability to keep it in
a way that will please God.” (Cartwright & Hulshof., 2019., pp.30)
This passage resonates with my personal journey, acknowledging the inherent
imperfections that come with being human. It has led me to a deeper understanding of
myself, allowing me to recognize my own struggles and fostering compassion for others
who are also striving to improve themselves. Lastly, it reminds me that I can rely not only on
my own abilities but also on the grace and forgiveness of a God.
VIII) “Part of the grace found in the gospel message is that we receive the benefit of having followed
the commands of God even though we fail to do so every day. Christ’s perfect life is the antidote for
the weight of the law and commands of God. When we take up God’s Word and read it as a book of
instructions, rules, and commands that we need to follow in order to be accepted or loved by God, we
are asserting that, as great as Christ’s work was, we are capable of keeping the directives of God in a
satisfactory manner. This will never be the case. To embrace this mentality is to embrace a low view
of Christ’s life, sacrificial death, and resurrection.” ( Cartwright & Hulshof., 2019., pp.31)
This passage resonates with me as it acknowledges the struggles many people, including
myself, face with feelings of unworthiness and failure. It serves as a reminder that I am
loved and accepted not because of my ability to perfectly follow God’s commands, but
because of Christ’s sacrifice. Reflecting on Christ’s perfect life, sacrificial death, and
resurrection can provide guidance for my spiritual journey, encouraging me to rely on
God’s grace, appreciate Christ’s sacrifice, and engage with the Bible in a more grace-
focused manner.
IX) “ Another popular approach to understanding Scripture is to seek out a role model to copy. The
assumption is that as I read the story of a biblical character, I can discern a distinctive pattern
that I should copy into my life. Some characters set forth a negative example.” (Cartwright &
Hulshof., 2019., pp.31)
Understanding Scripture can profoundly impact one’s life by delving into the experiences
of biblical characters, learning essential lessons and virtues like faith, courage, and
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perseverance, and understanding the repercussions of vices such as deceit and
disobedience. Observing these characters can offer guidance for one’s own moral
decision-making.
V) “It is important for Christians to recognize these aspects of the Mosaic covenant especially as they
stand in contrast to the new covenant. In Jer 31:31–34 God mentions that he will make a new covenant
with Israel and Judah. In Luke 22:14–20 Jesus is gathered with his disciples to celebrate the Passover.
As they participate in this meal, Jesus proclaims, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is
poured out for you.” (Cartwright & Hulshof., 2019 pp. 44)
This passage serves as a guide for living out my faith in my daily life. The new covenant
emphasizes faith rather than simply following rules; it's about building a relationship with
God. Drawing a parallel to the Passover meal, it can relate to the practice of communion,
providing a time for reflecting on Jesus' sacrifice and its significance for my life. Through
realizing that I am loved and accepted by God not because of my ability to flawlessly
follow rules, but because of His grace.
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