A Manifesto of A Manifesto of Reading the bible Reading the bible

as Scriptureas Scripture

the word of God is the word of God is living and active, living and active,

sharper than any sharper than any two-edged two-edged

sword…sword…

His powerful Word is sharp His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon's scalpel, as a surgeon's scalpel, cutting through everything, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. laying us open to listen and obey.

His powerful Word is sharp His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon's scalpel, as a surgeon's scalpel, cutting through everything, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. laying us open to listen and obey.

Hebrews 4:12-13Hebrews 4:12-13

I understand that Scripture contains

the Story of God and

His interactions with humanity

throughout the ages…

…but, I also understand

that Scripture contains the Story

of God and His interactions

with me.

The amazing thing isn’t just that

Scripture actually happened…

…but, that it is still

happening.

Therefore, I will seek

to love the Lord my God with all

my MIND.

I will also pursue to love the Lord my God with all

my HEART.

I will endeavor to I will endeavor to humbly engage the humbly engage the Story of Scripture…Story of Scripture…

…with all

of my senses.

I will not merely

attempt to

master the text at hand, making it say what I want it to say…

Rather, I will allow the text to speak for itself, opening up to me what the Spirit has to reveal.

The Bible isn’t simply for gaining new information…

…rather, it has been

given as a voice to bring in-formation.

It’s an instrument of life to my spirit…

…it’s an instrument of death to my soul.

I will not deduce

Scripture to facts & data,

nor a measuring stick

of the Law proving

success…

I will not seek to tame Scripture, nor make it my domesticated pet…

I will not dissect Scripture into isolated pieces…

I will allow I will allow the lens of the lens of Scripture…Scripture…

……to to expose expose

the core of the core of my heart,my heart,

the brokenness,

the pain, and the past.

I will allow Scripture to take me where it pleases…

The Journey is the Destination…The Journey is the Destination…

© 2008 Jerrell Jobewww.GrowDeep.org