This past Sunday, November 2, was on Bridging, Responding, and Jonah 1-4.
Lubeck describes Bridging as the missing link of Bible Study. "Finding the shared truth is a key (but often overlooked) step in the process of Bible study. This step focuses on the timeless truth - the main ideas - that the original author intends to share with his readers." (p. 57)
A shared truth is eternal, universal, and reflects the author's original meaning of the text.
In class, we briefly discussed how we know whether a shared truth is valid.
Lubeck gives six questions to help in this process.
- Is it an Old Testament teaching that is repeated in the New Testament?
- Is the reason for a specific command given in the passage?
- Is it a statement about God?
- Is it a general statement about the character of humanity?
- Is it a statement about the relationship of God and man?
- If you are reading a narrative, does the writer pass judgment on what is happening in the story?
In addressing the concept of Bridging and Shared Truth, Lubeck helps clarify one of the problems people often face as they move towards the application part of Bible study.
The other part of last Sunday's class was on responding. This is what most other plans refer to as Application.
Here are some guidelines for responding.
Responding is based on the AUTHOR'S INTENTION.
Responding begins with prayerful self-evaluation and addresses real needs (RELEVANCE).
Responding involves LIFE CHANGE (THINKING, IMAGINATION, EMOTIONS, BEHAVIORS).
.png)
Bible Study is not done merely for the sake of head knowledge.
It is done help change sinful thinking, inappropriate passions, wrong living, and other sinful parts of our lives.
This upcoming Sunday, November 9, Reading in Community and Jonah 1 - 4.
Here are two articles about reading in community.
Don't Just Read It Alone
Want to Read the Bible Well? Don't Read It Alone
Most lesson material comes from Bible Study Basics: Foundations for Interpreting and Applying Scripture by Ray Lubeck.
