Scripture

Is this strange, ancient book still relevant?

We are all being formed by something. The scripture is a library of writings both divine and human, that tell a unified story, leading us to Jesus. But are the words in this strange, ancient book still relevant? Do they still mean anything to us today? To Jesus, the Bible is trustworthy. To Jesus, the Bible has authority. The scriptures were designed to be read for formation. To shape us into the image of Jesus. In this book, we find life. In this book, we find a new way to be human.

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Teachings

Before you begin the practices with your community, listen through these teachings to understand why this practice is important and discover what it can do in your life.

1

Can We Trust the Bible?

Approach the Bible not as critics and defenders, but as apprentices of Jesus. Posture is more important than technique.

2

The Bible as an Alternative Story

All humans beings live by a story, a narrative by which we make sense of the big questions of life.

3

The Bible as Meditation Literature

The Bible describes itself as a library designed for a lifetime of ongoing meditation.

4

The Bible as Spiritual Authority

What does it mean to say the Bible is authoritative when most of it is a story?

5

The Bible Put to Memory

If we want to live into the fullness of the Kingdom we must be people who know and have the scriptures in us.

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Practice

Follow along with each part of this practice. We recommend you work through it with your community, a small group triad, a weekly meal with friends or neighbors, your roommates, whatever works. Get a group of people, set a time each week to share a meal, then talk and pray for about an hour. Transformation happens in community. 

1

Our Relationship to the Bible

How do we reconcile any baggage we may have with the Bible with our desire to apprentice under Jesus of Nazareth?

2

Large Portions Aloud

Fundamental to followers of Jesus for centuries, was reading large portions of the Bible out loud in one sitting.

3

Lectio Divina

The Bible describes itself as a library designed for a lifetime of ongoing meditation.

4

Study

There are a number of approaches to studying and peeling back the multi-layered meanings of the Bible.

5

Memorization

As disciples of Jesus, some of the greatest transformation takes place amongst the thoughts in our minds.

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Recommended Reading

Follow along with the recommended reading. We want to continually expand our minds and understanding of the way of Jesus. God wants us to love him not only with our hearts, souls, and strength, but with our minds as well.