Benjamin Kandt, a guest speaker passionate about biblical engagement, discusses the vital practice of prioritizing Scripture in daily life. He advocates for 'Scripture before screens' to cultivate a genuine connection with God, emphasizing a receptive approach rather than a rote routine. The conversation explores historical contexts, practical reading strategies like the M'Cheyne plan, and the 'battle of the threshold'—the struggle to begin engaging with the Word. Kandt encourages listeners to view Scripture as a means to encounter Jesus, fostering intimacy and spiritual growth.
Prioritizing Scripture before screens is crucial for spiritual focus, helping individuals create a foundation against daily technological distractions.
Engaging with Scripture should be a communal practice, fostering shared experiences that enhance personal faith and collective spiritual growth.
Deep dives
The Importance of Scripture Before Screens
Engaging with scripture before turning to screens is emphasized as a vital practice for maintaining spiritual focus. Individuals often wake up to a barrage of distractions from news, social media, and emails, which can lead to a reactive start to the day. To counteract this, the practice encourages prioritizing hearing God's voice in scripture first, creating a spiritual foundation before succumbing to external stimuli. This approach facilitates a more intentional spiritual connection, helping individuals resist the pervasive influence of technology in daily life.
Diverse Ways to Engage with Scripture
There are various approaches to reading and understanding scripture, each serving different purposes in spiritual enrichment. These can range from casual reading to deep theological study, allowing individuals to engage with the text in a manner that suits their needs. A significant aspect of this engagement is the contemplative approach, where readers focus on internalizing scripture, allowing it to shape their thoughts and actions. By shifting the focus from merely acquiring knowledge to communing with God through the text, the experience becomes more transformative.
The Communal Aspect of Scripture Engagement
The communal nature of scripture engagement is highlighted as an essential factor in sustaining spiritual practices. Historically, scripture was memorized and recited within communities, fostering a collective understanding and relationship with the text. This practice contrasts with modern individualistic approaches, as it emphasizes shared experiences and accountability in spiritual growth. Building a community around scripture not only enriches personal faith but also reinforces collective insights and support among believers.
Overcoming Barriers to Daily Practice
Barriers to consistently engaging with scripture are acknowledged, along with strategies to overcome them. The idea of the 'battle of the threshold' illustrates the internal struggle faced when attempting to prioritize spiritual practices amidst distractions and fatigue. One solution is to develop a simple plan for engagement, adjusting timing and method to fit individual lifestyles, be it morning or evening sessions. Approaching scripture with a spirit of receptivity, rather than obligation, fosters a more inviting and meaningful connection with God's word.
In this episode, Nate Claiborne and Benjamin Kandt discuss the practice of engaging with Scripture as part of the Common Rhythm. The central theme revolves around prioritizing "Scripture before screens," emphasizing the importance of immersing oneself in God's word before being influenced by the myriad of voices from technology, social media, and daily distractions. Their discussion highlights the different ways people engage with Scripture—whether through reading, listening, studying, or meditating—and how the key posture should be one of receiving from God rather than merely completing a routine.
The conversation delves into the historical context of how Scripture has been engaged with over time, including communal memorization before the advent of the printing press. They also touch on practical strategies, such as using the M'Cheyne reading plan and overcoming the "battle of the threshold"—the spiritual and mental resistance to starting the practice. They conclude with reflections on the authority of Scripture, its role in shaping believers’ lives, and how the Holy Spirit confirms its truth in the hearts of those who read it with faith. The episode ultimately encourages listeners to approach the Bible as a means of encountering Jesus, rather than just a book of knowledge or moral instruction.
You can find resources for the M'Cheyne reading plan on the NewCity Church Center App here
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