On the Other Side of Scripture

Instead of learning it, I'm teaching it.

You'd think after reading the Bible pretty consistently for 10 years or so, I could do this pretty well. Turns out, it's really difficult. There's an overarching theme, main characters, subplots, twists and resolution. It's like any other story. On the other hand, it's huge and overwhelming, and if I spout off at the mouth about what I think any "green light" means, I fail at more than eleventh grade English.

Last year was the year of the fail. Much of these past six months have been intentional efforts to grow. The half-marathon was part of that. I'm also mentoring a couple students. My most difficult project lately has been specifically Bible-related.

I meet with two guys each week, and our intention began as "learning the Bible." Now it's moved into "learning to use the Bible for devotional study." But I'm trying to intertwine the two.

Today we'll look at narrative. Using stories from Genesis we'll look at characters and plot, and ask some questions.

Who do I relate to in this story?

Have I experienced anything like this?

What does this story reveal about God?

About God's relationship to us?

What's my response?

My hope is to teach a man to fish, so to speak. That reminds me of the old saying, "Build a man a fire, he'll be warm for a day; light a man on fire, he'll be warm for the rest of his life."

We'll start with narratives, then go into law (not sure what to do with that yet), history (differs from narrative?), poetic/wisdom books, prophecy, Gospel, epistle, and maybe apocalyptic. It'll be a great growing experience for me. I'm doing challenging things I've never done, and that's a serious step-up in my life.

If you have any helpful resources or ideas, please share!

If you're interested in my study guide/notes, comment with your email and I'll send you copies.

Discipling Magic

Acts 8 tells the story of Simon the Sorcerer.

I admit, every time I hear of this bible character my mind goes to Tim the Enchanter from Monty Python's Holy Grail. And then I start yelling, "Bring me a shrubbery!"

But no one ever does.

I read Simon's story through the lens of discipleship. That subject has been on my heart lately, which is why I'm reading Acts. I figure the book that talks about the start of the church should have some useful insights into discipleship.

Simon is apparently a really impressive sorcerer, as the people thought him to be a divine power. But when he sees the disciples healing people and driving out demons in the name of Jesus, he believes and is baptized. When he sees Peter and John lay hands so that other believers may receive the Holy Spirit, Simon offers them money so he might have that power. After the apostles rebuke him for thinking he could buy God's gift, he asks them to pray on his behalf.

[End scene.]

Apparently Simon actually had some sort of conversion experience. He saw the power of God, and acknowledged that he wasn't a divine power by believing in Jesus as Lord. He was baptized in Christ and followed Philip around, like any good disciple would do. And he was amazed at what he saw Philip doing. (If the people were amazed at Simon, what kind of things was Philip doing that Simon would be amazed at?)

Then he sees Peter and John lay hands on people and give them the Holy Spirit. Right here I think we see a slip back into old Simon. "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation," (2 Cor 5:17) but sometimes the old habits stick around. So, he thinks he can buy this power. Maybe no one ever told him he couldn't. Maybe it was an impulse comment. Whatever the case, he said something that didn't line up with the faith he had been brought into. And he's treated pretty harshly for it.

I think this is a good passage to illustrate continuing discipleship. Just because someone has a conversion experience or believes in Jesus, is baptized, does a profession of faith or whatever, doesn't mean they've fully arrived. As Pastor James said at church this weekend, that's only { } this much of the Christian faith. Discipleship brings the person into maturity in Christ.

I love the idea of discipleship and mentoring, but I've never been very good at it. The good news is, I'm getting better. It takes work, though. And it's well worth it. Of course, there is a difference between mentoring and discipling. Mentoring brings a person along in life. Discipling brings a person along as a disciple of Jesus, and then requires that they do the same.

Have you been discipled in the faith?
Have you discipled others?

I'm beginning to disciple a couple guys at church, and I love it. If you're interested in what discipling looks like, let's chat. And if you think you can teach me a few things, please do!

The Kingdom of God is far too important for us not to pass on the faith which leads to salvation, justice and life abundant.