Wednesday Recap

Have you ever wondered what is the best practice to study your Bible? How do you understand the Bible when there are so many styles of writing and how do you interpret each style to know what it is saying?

This week we helped answer these questions. Although there are no "best practices" for reading the Bible, there are things we should be aware of. The Bible was written by real people who were inspired by God to write down the things they wrote. They wrote during a real historical time to a specific person or group. So, understanding the context of the author and understanding the author's original intent can help us in our reading.

There are also different genres in the Bible, so understanding these can also help us as well. Styles like law, history, wisdom/poetry, prophecy, gospels, letters, and some people break these down even more. 

When we read a wisdom passage, we need to take that into consideration, so we don't make a claim that was not intended to be a promise, but more of a wise saying. However, there are promises as well in wisdom literature. I know, I know, tricky stuff. Sometimes we will have to admit, we struggle understanding a passage. 

Once we understand that Scripture is complex, we also need to see that the most basic understanding of the passage is probably a good start.

We must start with the text first and not bring our preconceived ideas and read them into the text. But, before we start reading the text, I would recommend that you pray and seek the Lord's guidance as you begin to read.

I like how Kay Arthur put it in her book "How to study your Bible". She talked about: Observation: What does the text say, Interpretation: What does it mean? and Application: How should this change me? This simple model can help as you read your Bible.

Now, I understand that many people can read the same passage and get different Observations, Interpretations and Applications, we must also understand that Scripture cannot contradict Scripture, so if one area is confusing, see what other parts of Scripture have to say. If is still confusing, seek a respected commentary or a Christian brother or sister for their observations. 

As to application, Steph's dad had a good formula that he used to teach. It is called C-STEP.

Is there a COMMAND to obey?

Is there a SIN to forsake?

Is there something to be THANKFUL for?

Is there an EXAMPLE to follow?

Is there a PROMISE to claim? (Remember context)

When you read Scripture and think about these questions, it can make the words come to life and help you apply them to your life. 

If you are just starting to read the Bible more intentionally, this can all sound scary. The good news is you don't have to have it all together right now. Start where you are and get in the Word. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and to show you Truth. 

Upcoming Dates

• March 4 - Early Release Lunch at MidTown 11am-12pm
• March 4 - PRC speaking to teens and parents at Calvary's Main building 6-8pm. PRC will be speaking on having biblical relationships and how technology plays a part. Parents are encouraged to join us and hear what their students are hearing. We do ask parents to sit toward the back of the room. A van will be available for students who need a ride from MidTown. Van pick up will be at 5:45pm and students will be dropped back off around 8:30pm.
• March 8 - Winter Jam is a Christian concert at the Van Andel Arena. We will gather following the 11am service with lunch provided. Students will need to bring $15 cash to get into the concert. If students desire to purchase anything in the arena, please bring a debit/credit card as the arena is cashless. Ladies, please visit the Van Andel Arena's bag policy before coming. We will return to Calvary's Main campus around 11pm.
• March 11 - Normal Thrive at MidTown
• March 18 - Split Talk is a time for a few of our seniors to shar their life story, their struggles, and how they journeyed through their student years. They will use Scripture to give biblical guidance that they have learned. The guys will be split from the girls. Girls are asked to bring a blanket, a pillow, or something comfy to sit on the floor. This evening will be at Calvary's Main campus from 6-8pm. A van will be available to transport students from Midtown. Van pick up will be at 5:45pm and students will be dropped back off around 8:30pm
• April 1 - Middle School students will go to Continental Baptist Missions to help them with a mulching project. Students should be ready to go over to CBM at 6pm and we will return around 8pm. Dress to get dirty and for the weather. Senior High students will have a "normal night".
• April 8 - SPRING BREAK - NO THRIVE
• April 15 - Alpha Family Services will be at Thrive to share about their ministry. They will share how they help families during unexpected times. Topics of pregnancy, abortion and counseling will be topics of conversation
• April 22 - Early Release at MidTown 11am-12pm
• April 22 - Senior High students will be going to Alpha to help them clean their building. Students should dress to get dirty. Vans will leave MidTown at 6pm and return around 8pm. Middle School students will have a "normal" night.
• April 29 - Thrive at MidTown
• May 6 - Early Release at MidTown 11am-12pm
• May 6 - Hot Topics
• May 13 - End of the Thrive year party. More information to come.