Do you like to read biographies? What is it about biographies that attracts you?
Sometimes we think of the Gospel writers (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) as historians, but they are really theologians.
PURPOSE: To help listeners realize that the Gospel writers were theologians and not historians.
Do you like to read biographies? What is it about biographies that attracts you?
Read More »Are there a few basic truths about God and how the gospel changes our lives which form the core of Scripture?
PURPOSE: To help listeners reflect back on the parable using this summary of its great ideas.
One of Mortimer Adler’s books was titled Six Great Ideas. In it he examined six virtues that lie at the foundation of civility. From many of the important books written over the centuries, Adler distilled six basic ideas which have shaped Western civilization.
Read More »PURPOSE: To help listeners appreciate how contrasts develop a Bible passage.
One way to study the Bible is to notice the contrasts. For example, look at Cain and Abel; Abraham and Lot; Joseph and his brothers; Jacob and Esau; Rachel and Leah. The one becomes a foil to show you the virtue of the other.
Read More »What does Jesus mean by a “talent”?
PURPOSE: To have listeners understand that application has to be carefully thought out.
Sometimes when we study the Bible, the most obvious questions appear to be the most difficult to answer.
Read More »Have you ever used the same story in two different settings?
Have you ever changed the details of the story to make it fit a point that you were making?
PURPOSE: To help listeners interpret each parable for what it intends to teach.
Have you ever used the same story in two different settings?
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