Square
1. “At the heart of inspiration is the recognition that each and every word of the Scriptures
comes directly from God.” (Page 48)
This quote fits within my thinking because it has always been clear to me
that any inspiration in my life comes from God. I look towards the
inspiring words of the Bible to guide me in my life and to be sure I am
keeping a pure heart.
2. “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is the truth.” (Page 49)
God’s Word always equals the truth. For him to sanctify us, this means
that he sets us apart for service to Himself.
3. “Our role, then, as students of God’s Word, is one of discovery rather than creation.”
(Page 160)
I always try to find the meaning in God’s word. Everyone has a different
interpretation based on their Biblical Worldview or how the Bible aligns
with their life at the time. We must discover what God’s Word means to
us.
4. “Our challenge in the twenty-first century has to do with a 2,000-year linguistic,
geographic, political, and cultural gap that needs to be crossed for effective Bible study.”
(Page 238)
When I read the Bible, I try to think in terms of who the Bible was being
written to at that time. It is easy to get confused and interpret things as
they were not meant.
Triangles
1. “The Bible, like most other literature, is full of figures of speech. The student of God’s
Word must identify them and determine their interpretive value.” (Page 118)
So much if left for interpretation when there are figures of speech
involved. I have never considered that one obstacle of reading the Bible
would be that I may interpret the verses too literally and not get the full
meaning due to a metaphor or simile.
2. “Rebellion is a subtle inner vow that we make at a personal level in our deepest heart that
says, ‘I reserve the right to make the final decision. I deserve the right to make the final
decision’”. (Page 41)
I have not considered this view because I see rebellion as something on a
larger scale. I know the choice is one I will make internally but have not
realized that if I do make a small decision to rebel that I am taking control
over God’s Word to me.
3. “To understand prophetic literature, we must understand the significance historical
context surrounding the project.” (Page 208)
I have not considered before beginning this class that context would play
such a large part in my understanding of the Bible. Learning that I need to
look in terms of the exile to further understand the context of the prophetic
books is new knowledge to me.
Circles
1. “So how should we deal with our personal sin?” (Page 307)
My struggle against personal sin is constant. Life is full of desires, good
and bad. How to place this desire is the question. I know to always come
to God, but desire is a God given part of humanity.
2. “Have you ever doubted God?” (Page 26)
I have always been honest with God when it comes to my doubts. The
world is difficult these days and when you see bad things happening all
around you, I do ask myself “do I doubt?”
Heart
1. “When the believer sins, Jesus the Righteous One advocates for us. It was our sin that
made the work of Christ so necessary. However, the way we deal with out daily, minute-
by-minute battle with sin demonstrates whether or not we really understand the Bible.”
I really love this idea because I like to work with my fellowship on
understanding the Bible as much as I can. Each of us in my group have
our own personal sins and try to confess them with each other, though it
may be uncomfortable.
