#69 Live show Pt 2 – How do we get people reading the Bible again?
Jun 10, 2021
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Rediscovering the Bible, strategies to engage with scripture, understanding historical context, early Christian vision for peace, personal interests and experiences, challenges and joy in reading the Bible
Reigniting a love for reading the Bible involves approaching it as a whole story and incorporating various reading methods.
Understanding the challenging portrayals of God's wrath in the Old Testament requires viewing them through the lens of Jesus' crucifixion, offering a transformative perspective of God's character.
Deep dives
The Importance of Personal and Corporate Scripture Reading
The podcast explores the decline in personal and corporate scripture reading among young Christians, particularly in North America. The guest speakers discuss the need to reignite a love for reading the Bible and offer suggestions such as reading the Bible as a whole story rather than isolated verses, experimenting with different reading speeds, and incorporating live readings of biblical texts in church services. They emphasize the transformative power of the gospel and the role of the church in modeling a welcoming and inclusive community for all people, regardless of their background.
Understanding the God of Wrath and Divine Violence
The podcast delves into the difficult topic of the God of wrath and divine violence, particularly in the Old Testament. The speakers acknowledge the troubling passages and narratives that depict God's wrath and acknowledge the challenge of reconciling these portrayals with the loving character of God revealed in Jesus Christ. They emphasize the importance of understanding the larger narratives of the Bible and viewing them through the lens of Jesus' crucifixion, which brings reconciliation to the disparate narratives and offers a transformative understanding of God's character.
The Church's Role in Peacebuilding and Breaking Barriers
The podcast discusses the role of the church in promoting peace and breaking down barriers between people, particularly in regions affected by conflict and polarization. The speakers highlight the biblical vision of Jesus as Lord over the whole world and the transformative power of the gospel in reconciling all people to one another. They acknowledge the challenges faced by churches in these contexts but emphasize that the gospel calls for an inclusive and welcoming community where all are invited to the table and where cultural, ethnic, and tribal divisions are overcome.
Favorite Bible Passages and Sources of Happiness
The podcast concludes with a lighthearted discussion about the favorite Bible passages of the speakers and the things that bring them happiness. One speaker mentions the beauty and depth of Job's speech in the book of Job, highlighting its poetic and profound nature. The other speaker expresses his love for Ecclesiastes and its wisdom about the different seasons of life. They also touch on the joy found in activities like cricket, long walks, music, and attending church services that provide a sense of community, worship, and spiritual nourishment.