Bible Reading Methods Part 2: Reading the bible

BIBLE READING METHODS SERIES.

READING THE BIBLE

THE BIBLE: READING THE BIBLE SERIES ICON

Welcome to the second post in the Scripture Series.

Have you ever sat down and read the Bible in a day?

Sounds impossible, but I was at my Christian Counselling seminar some years ago, and this was exactly what we did. Hot scones, with a cappuccino made all the difference at Romans Chapter 8!

KEYS TO READING THE WHOLE BIBLE

The term the ‘kingdom of God’ was explained as God’s rule over God’s people in God’s place for God’s purpose. Each book of the bible was viewed from these aspects.

In examining this definition and its relevance, it is imperative to understand that in each era, God had a rule (intention) which was vital to His people in their time and place, and as well as this, there was an overriding concern, namely God’s purpose. For example: in Genesis, God’s people were Adam and Eve who lived in God’s place called Eden. They were to follow God’s word. (See Genesis 2:16-17) and God’s purpose was through them to' fill the earth, multiply and to be masters of all that God had made'.

The kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven are similar in intent. Matthew speaks of the kingdom of Heaven, whereas Mark and Luke use the Kingdom of God because of their respective communities. The central message announced by Jesus was ‘The Kingdom of God is close at hand, repent and believe the Good News’ (Mk 1:15). The ‘Kingdom of God’ in the bible normally refers to God’s active reign in the world. The Lord’s prayer contains ‘thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth’ which, if carried out in perfect submission, then the kingdom shines forth before humanity.
Whether past present or future, God’s kingly rule demands man’s obedient submission.

We are not called upon to build or establish the kingdom for ourselves, but only to seek for it and enter into it (Mk 6:33). Entry into the kingdom requires the unquestioning obedience of a child and makes absolute demands on the disciple’s loyalty and devotion. Yet submission to God’s rule is in mankind’s interest, because his kingdom, like hidden treasure or a pearl of great price is the only thing of supreme value in life.

Whilst listening to this lecture, I realised that God still has a rule for His people in our time and place and He still has a purpose, that is a rule, place and purpose for me. The light bulb went on.!!!

• ·         His rule is one of love: love for God, love for neighbour and healthy love for
   self.
• ·     His people- are all those who love Him and show by their lives the power of Christ and the Spirit made manifest by the fruits of the Spirit.
• ·         His place- is our time and place wherever we encounter God
• ·        His purpose: is to bring all peoples under His rule so that we may live with Him in eternity.

There are all sorts of bibles available and choosing one can be a challenge., but an Revised Standard Version or New Revised Standard Version is the recommended Catholic Bible. 

I started to read the bible with these above-mentioned focus questions in mind- Genesis to Revelations is never the same again. 

I encourage you to think about reading the bible in this manner and see what you think about it.