How to Look at the BIble
1. "The Bible is God’s story about his plan to rescue, redeem, and restore what was
lost in the fall of humanity." (Hulshof, p. 3)
This quote captures the essence of the Bible as a cohesive narrative rather than a
collection of disconnected tales. It resonates with me because it encapsulates the
hope found in Scripture. Understanding the Bible through the lens of God’s
redemptive plan invites me to view my own life and struggles through a more
hopeful perspective. It reassures me that there is a greater purpose behind each
story and character that ultimately points to God’s love for humanity.
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2. "Rightly taking this approach to Scripture will place us in an appropriate
relationship to the text." ) (Hulshof, p. 3)
This quote speaks volumes about the humility that needs to be involved in one's
relationship with the Bible. Many times, one can read the Bible from a very self-
centered perspective—that is, regarding individual desires—but this statement
brings into view that God is the center of His own story. Being aware of not being
the main character enables me to approach the Scriptures with an attitude of
submission and a genuine want to learn about God's nature and His unfolding story.
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3. "There should be a certain level of comfort in those five words: God has a plan."
(Hulshof, p. 4)
Life can often seem chaotic without any apparent script, so the notion that God has
some divine plan automatically reassures me that this may not be certain. When I
enter new learning, I feel overwhelmed because most people want a meticulously
detailed life. Knowing He has a sovereign plan helps me lean into trust rather than
anxiety.
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4. "The Bible is a book of stories that are woven together to tell one complete story."
(Hulshof, p. 3)
This statement makes apparent the Bible's interdependence, which I had no
understanding of. I often saw individual books as separate and independent pieces
of writing. The understanding that each story is a part of broader narratives
enhances my comprehension of the literary and theological unity within the Bible.
"It makes me curious about the material I study and also helps me find connections
between passages.
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5. "We are not the principal or even supporting characters in the Bible." (Hulshof, p.
3)
Reading)the Bible is)recognized)as)an)essential)part)of storytelling,
and)these)lessons)reflect)my desire to)draw)inspiration)from)my own
experiences.)The)focus)of)these)stories on God's
purpose)has)changed)how)I)read)them.)I find it helpful to)focus)on God's purpose
rather than relying on)the)Bible)for)myself.
6. "Our lostness means that we are incapable of rescuing or saving ourselves."
(Hulshof, p. 5)
This quote hit hard. It confronts the self-dependence I cling to and reminds me of
my limitations.'". Learning that I cannot 'fix' myself is an experience that makes me
feel humble. This new insight prompts me to prioritize God's grace over my
attempts at spiritual healing.
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7. "The flawless life of Christ is significant to you and me as we daily walk in grace."
(Hulshof, p. 6)
The significance of Christ's perfect life stands out here. It encourages me to
remember that His righteousness covers my shortcomings. Each time I stumble, I
am reminded of the grace extended through Jesus’ life, a relieving truth that
bolsters my faith.
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8. "Having a basic grasp of how the Bible fits together is incredibly important."
(Hulshof, p. 15)
These)words)emphasize)the need for context in Bible study—something I sometimes
overlook.)I)can)better)understand)the)details)of)the)Bible)by)understanding)the)gene
ral)themes and how each book contributes to the)overall)record)of
God's)work.)This)new)perspective makes my study time more fulfilling and)effective.
)
9. "Understanding these different genres is critical to good Bible study." (Hulshof, p.
18)
This quote addresses the
various)types)of)Scripture)that)influence)interpretation.)This)new idea
made)me)see)why)some)places)might)be confusing if we)do
not)consider)the)genre.)Reading)poems, letters,
and)stories)made)me)write)each)piece)more)intentionally,)which)allowed)me
to)understand)the)message)more)deeply.
)
10. "Each story points to Him and how God accomplishes our redemption through
Him." (Hulshof, p. 32)
What a)great)memory!)It)helps)me)find)solace)in)each)story, highlighting the
consistent theme of redemption.)It is)easy to get lost in the
moral)teachings)of)the)Bible)writers,)but this
quote)drew)my)attention)to)Jesus,)who)answers)our needs.
References
Hulshof, J. C. (2019). Every Day Bible Study: Growing in the Christian Faith.
Nashville: B&H Academic.
