DB Replies

4

David Cordeau

Squares: (fit) your thinking

1. There is one very large difference between the stories found in the Scriptures and the stories we encounter in movies or even some books. The stories of Scripture are all true! (Hulshof & Cartwright, 2019)

2. The main subject of the Bible is God’s plan to rescue, redeem, and restore the world. (Hulshof & Cartwright, 2019)

3.  We can trust that the Bible is inerrant-free from errors – because it was inspired by God.  (Hulshof & Cartwright, 2019)

4. Another way that cultural baggage can negatively influence our perceptions of Scripture is by equating biblical elements with contemporary counterparts. (Hulshof & Cartwright, 2019) I think we often compare Biblical truths with our day-to-day experiences as knowledge, some times comparisons can seem similar to one another, however, the Bible supersedes our human understanding.  

Triangles: never considered before

1. The main subject of the Bible is not a “what” but a “who”. God chose to reveal his plan of redemption in a person, not a list, guide, or set of instructions. Why I understand this concept: as I read this statement, I felt like I received more clarity. (Hulshof & Cartwright, 2019)

2. Most people in your context think that Christianity is all about advice – that it’s a list of “dos and don’ts.” They couldn’t be more wrong…Advice gives people more work to do. Good news gives people freedom. I grew up with a list of “dos and don’ts” and for many years, my experience with God was a matter of measuring up to the list or falling short of it.  (Hulshof & Cartwright, 2019)

3. Each person holds to a theological grid. Sometimes this grid is one we have inherited, and other times it is a grid that we have adopted through our own personal study. (Hulshof & Cartwright, 2019) While I have considered this, the more I study, the more I realize that “prison” that I have placed myself into in regards to theological beliefs that were engrained in me as a child that are not all Biblical.

Circles: questions circling in your mind

1. At every turn the justice of God was met with the mercy of God. He responded to his own justice by providing grace and mercy.  (Hulshof & Cartwright, 2019) I was raised in a very strict movement that focused on punishment, much more than grace and mercy. During the past few years, God has been changing my perspective on this, but I am still working through this.

2. The main subject of the Bible is not communicated through a list of commands. God did not send us a to-do list and say, “If you check off most of these, I will accept you.” (Hulshof & Cartwright, 2019) This thought continues from my previous experience growing up, I have spent most of my life trying to live up to an imaginary list, and I am still processing my thoughts regarding this.

Hearts: the idea that you loved

1. “We are prone to wander, but God is prone to pursue. And He’s faster.  (Hulshof & Cartwright, 2019)

Whitney Edwards

Squares:

1.) As the story of the Bible unfolds, we can learn more about the God who is, was, and always will be. Chief among the things we learn about God is that he is sovereign, he is wise, and he is good (Cartwright & Hulshof, pg. 39).

2.) You go to heaven because you asked to. Good and bad have nothing to do with it. Sin has rendered it so that there are no good people. We are all sinners in desperate need of a Savior (Cartwright & Hulshof, pg. 45).

3.) One of the mistakes that new Christians make is to select a Bible based on what someone else is using (Cartwright & Hulshof, pg. 64). I have had several Bibles and some of the translations have gone completely over my head. I enjoy the Bibles that gives you the simpler terms or summary at the bottom of the page.

4.) This does not mean we should eliminate our Christmas decorations. It simply helps us to consider that sometimes church practices can influence our understanding of a Bible passage in ways that are not legitimate (Cartwright & Hulshof, pg. 68). I have blindly agreed with a sermon without knowing the biblical facts. I have formed opinions of Biblical characters prior to actually reading their story myself because of what elders from my church have told me.

Triangles:

1.) When the Holy Spirit draws your attention to something found in God’s Word, you are not being inspired. Rather, the Holy Spirit is illuminating the truth found in the Bible to you (Cartwright & Hulshof, pg. 49).

2.) Several of the biblical characters like Moses and the Prophets were considered messengers of God, and what the stories they wrote down were accepted as divine revelation (Cartwright & Hulshof, pg. 51).

3.) Each person holds to a theological grid. Sometimes this grid is one we have inherited, and other times it is a grid that we have adopted through our own personal study (Cartwright & Hulshof, pg. 67).

Circles:

1.) If Adam and Eve would have obeyed God and never ate the forbidden fruit, what would the world be like today? Would evil still have found a way to work its way into our lives?

2.) I understand texts and emails are a more causal form than formal written scripture. I wonder with the younger generation and the obsession with technology if using the shorter more abbreviate email version of the Bible could actually be beneficial? It might not be formal, but I feel it is more important to spread the message of the Bible than to get hung up on how people are receiving it.

Hearts:

1.) The further we read into the Scriptures, the more we will realize the depths that God will go to in order to rescue and redeem humankind. “We are prone to wander, but God is prone to pursue. And He’s faster” (Cartwright & Hulshof, pg. 38). I have not always held my relationship with God as a priority. Unfortunately it took a tragedy for me to truly go back to God, but it has proved to be my best decision yet.