Real Hope: Back to Basics - BibleSample

Building Blocks

There are two ways to cut a tree. The most common approach is to cut horizontally, thus removing a circular piece that can then be uniquely examined. The other more difficult approach, is to cut it from root to crown. I haven’t seen this in real life, but for the sake of example, it reveals one continual and cohesive piece from top to bottom. Cutting a tree is like reading the Bible. Most cut horizontally and remove a character, a circumstance, a moment from the book and examine it within its own context. The Bible can also be read vertically, as one unified and cohesive story that is all connected, every page, building towards something and building from something (or someone).

This is one of the most helpful ways to make sense of the Bible, particularly the more difficult scenes.

Ask yourself when reading: What is this building from? What is this building to? How is Jesus being revealed in this moment of the story? What is the story?

The story is about a loving God whose heart is open wide toward humanity. The Bible is the revelation of this astounding truth. That God loves you and me. The Bible is not God, rather it reveals God. So read the stories and look for Jesus within. Every page is brimming with His presence.

Written by SAM FAGAN

Want more? Check out the Real Hope Conversations Podcast and delve deeper with our conversation about the Bible and its role in our journey towards knowing God better. Available wherever you listen to podcasts.