Master the Bible: How to Get and Keep the Big Picture of the Bible's Story

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Mas ter the B i b l e : How to Get and Keep the B i g P i c ture of the B i b l e ’ s Stor y

on earth. Once he rose and ascended, he sent the Holy Spirit, and the language of spiritual formation changed to “growth,” “maturity,” and “completion.” That doesn’t sound like the Gospels! I’m kinda confused now. Do we have to be disciples like them, or not? And where does the Church fit in, too?” How would you answer the youth’s questions and confusion? “It’s a good idea, but I just can’t seem to get Scripture to stick!” In an adult Sunday School class, a warm-hearted, growing senior responded to a challenge to memorize Scripture with the following statement: “I like what I heard today about Jesus being our Teacher, and I see how he trained his disciples through experience and memorization of the Word. But, to tell you the truth, I just don’t think I can memorize Scripture. I’m getting up in years, and I’ve lost some capacity to recall things. I’ve tried for years to memorize, but I just can’t seem to make them stay put – they don’t seem to stick. I’d hate to say that somebody can’t memorize Scripture, but I just might be somebody who can’t. What should I do?” How would you respond to their ideas and questions? “I’ve got the Spirit, and I don’t want or need any rabbi!” On discussing the need for the ongoing teaching ministry of Christ today through the Holy Spirit, one eager Bible student made a big claim. “I read in 1 John 2.27 that as a believer I have received an anointing (which I believe is the Holy Spirit), and its says, quote: ‘But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anoint ing teaches you about everything–and is true and is no lie, just as it has taught you – abide in him.’ Maybe I’m not reading this right, but this says that the anointing I’ve received is sufficient. I don’t need any human teachers of any kind. The anointing will teach me, and all I need to do is abide in him. That’s Scripture, and that’s enough for me!” Do you agree with this student’s interpretation of the text? What role ought others play in our reading and understanding of the Bible?

Insights Christian discipleship today is based on the model of Christ and his apostles; Jesus continues to call people to follow him, remain in his Word, and obey his commands as Lord.