Hello Everyone
Last week we continued our discussion of hermeneutics and Bible study. Thanks for a good, robust conversation. It's great to be in a group of folks who, though we have various ways of relating to Scripture, none the less unite in our love of Christ and hunger for his guidance. This is Church! We ARE the Body.
OK here's what's up next! By consensus we'll crack open the book sometimes described as "The Maverick Gospel". Which is the Gospel According to John. No, not John McCain, but I just thought of that and find it amusing! Now that's a good way to remember that the Book of John really is unique among the four gospels in the New Testament. As we get into the book I think we'll readily see why.
Some features of John to watch for:
* John often takes time to explain what an incident or teaching means -- keep an eye out for what seem like "interpretive interludes". For me it's kind of like the story is like a movie, and the scene freezes or fades while a narrator explains what just happened.
* John describes Jesus' miraculous acts as "signs", not miracles. This is very important. Also note there will seven "signs", and that all of these, except for the feeding of the multitude, are unique to John.
* The themes of light and dark, and of recognizing Jesus or not recognizing him, are linked.
* John himself is never distinctly identified in the book; he is referred to, generally, as "the disciple whom Jesus loved".
* * *
To get started, please read and ponder chapter 1:1-14, the "prologue" to John. After a short introduction to the book we'll get in small groups and discuss this part using our four guiding questions:
1. What does this Scripture tell me about me
2. What does this Scripture tell me about God
3. What does this Scripture tell me about my relationship with God
4. What will I do?
As always, these notes from class are saved at our class blog, www.stpaulpastor.blogspot.com
Blessings to you all & hope to see you Sunday, 10:00 a.m. in the parlor.
Dan & Laura
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