Bible Interpretation, Student Workbook, SW05

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B I B L E I N T E R P R E T A T I O N

We Apply the Word of God in Community With Each Other

Counseling and Prayer

Newbigin has suggested there is only one way the people of God can make the gospel credible: “ the only answer, the only hermeneutic of the gospel , is a congregation of men and women who believe it and live it . . . they have power to accomplish their purpose only as they are rooted in and lead back to a believing community.” These ecclesia [church, assembly] of real people, in real places, dealing with real issues, and in touch with human reality, as Calvin said, are the “real” expressions of Christ on earth as the community of God is in heaven.

~ Gareth Weldon Icenogle. Biblical Foundations for Small Group Ministry . (electronic ed.). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1994.

God has given us sure and certain promises regarding the power of prayer to transform us, empower us, and supply us with the provision and direction of the Lord. As discussed throughout this lesson, it is simply not possible to understand and apply the Word of God without prevailing prayer, the kind that with deep fervency and contrition asks God to supply us with the necessary wisdom to know and do his Word. Take time with your fellow students to share your requests to the Lord, without anxiety and with thanksgiving, making your requests (and not your demands!) known to God. He has promised that his provision and peace will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4.6-7). Remember one another during the week, and take note of your requests and those of others, and see how God answers your petitions for wisdom, power, and blessing.

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Ezra 7.10; Acts 17.11; Psalm 1.1-3

Scripture Memory

To prepare for class, please visit www.tumi.org/books to find next week’s reading assignment, or ask your mentor.

Reading Assignment