In this module we delved into the make up of the Bible through the Bible Project Podcast. Understanding that the Bible is not a theological dictionary, a moral handbook, or a grab bag of heart-warming verses. The Bible is a collection of unified stories that lead to Jesus. Stories are not scientific journals and yet somehow we have placed the Bible into this reference book category that has caused great frustration for numerous followers of Jesus.
In disciple-making this week, I shared this podcast with my disciple to go and listen to. I look forward to hearing from them what they thought about it.
We also started on the topic of prayer: the necessity of prayer, the definition of prayer and then the various models outlined in chapter 5 of this book. Discussing the opportunity we have to engage prayers of presence as outlined in the model of Samuel. That we are allowed and expected to expect the presence of the Lord when we hear His voice in prayer. Then we discussed the prayers of obedience, the prayer of submission, even before the assignment has been outlined. This prayer was modeled by Mary. Then we discussed the pastoral prayers of Paul - the prayers of Ephesians 1. Just pausing to contemplate the implication of that prayer if it should be realised in our lives today - the fullness of the knowledge of Jesus! And lastly, we contemplated the prayer of Jesus. The prayer of Gethsemane was the one I chose to discuss. "Not My will, but Yours be done." The prayer of sacrifice, of offering ourselves as Romans 12 commands.