How to Read the Bible

²⁹ Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. - Matthew 22:29


I want to share this video by theologian and author, N.T. Wright.  It is a beautiful description of how we should read the Bible:  http://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2011/08/n-t-wright-on-the-whole-sweep-of-scripture/ .


I've read through the Bible 3 or 4 times in my life, and I couldn't agree more with this man.  It's not about a few memorized verses.  It's not about being able to "prove" your own theology and beliefs from a few choice scripture passages.  It's about God providing perfection for his children, them making a mess of it and finally turning to God for help.  God, then, lovingly and with grace abounding lifts his children up and uses our mess for the good of his kingdom.


Time and time again we see it in the scriptures:  Perfection - sin - repentance - forgiveness - grace... yes... even in the Old Testament.  You see, God did not change between scriptures, but once we met him in the flesh of Jesus Christ, our perception of him changed.  We can see that the "wrath" of God so vivid in the Old Testament is really only the consequences of our own sin.  We might see the present state of our country as God punishing us, but isn't it really the result of years of excessive greed and idolatry?


It is good to open the Bible even for a little chunk at a time, but it is amazing to sit and read and really absorb the story of God's relationship with his people.


Father,
As a country we have messed up yet again.  Turn our hearts in repentance toward you.  Help us to fix this mess and live in relationship with you.  Amen.


Joys:  Time with friends; a great movie (The Help); a day with Cecelia today.