teaching

Our Bible study was from Deut. 30 about repentance.  Not to be negative, but I have one subtle critique and a few reflective comments.

 

In one of the sub-points in the lesson, the following flowchart was presented:

-  man sins >> man repents >> God forgives and blesses

 

I think a more theologically accurate flowchart is a little more involved:

-  man sins >> God attones >> God initiates faith and repentance in man's heart >> man repents >> God forgives >> man dubbed "saint" and experiences fellowship with God

 

Of course, that is the generic flowchart of justification; we could augment the previous flowchart with the following two feedback loops (A or B) of sanctification (the termination of which is glorification):

-  God allows trial or temptation >> A) saint obeys and/or remains faithful >> God is glorified and saint is incrementally sanctified >> [loop]

-  God allows trial or temptation >> B) saint disobeys/sins >> God is not glorified, fellowship is inhibited, and saint reaps consequences >> God initiates reconciliation >> saint repents >> God forgives and restores fellowship >> [loop]

 

First, we had a substitute teacher in our Bible study this morning, and my wife and I made the following observations (by comparing this substitute to our usual teacher).  Our usual teacher implements the following instructive tools that significantly increase the effectiveness of the lesson:

 1) posing a balanced ration of open ended questions to the group at large and to small groups for dynamic, spontaneous discussion

 2) object lesson - a physical or visual demonstration of one of the core principles of the lesson

 3) humerous personal anecdotes (on topic, of course)

 4) simply walking around the room to maintain a dynamic setting

 

Second reflective comment (ties in with the flowcharts above):  compare Deuteronomy 30:11-20 with Romans 10:5-13.  Jesus is the "life" connection.  The answer to the most fundamental problem in each person's life is very near to them - it is in their heart and mouth.

 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for making the way for us to be reconciled to you so that we could fellowship with you.  Jesus, thank you for your sacrifice that satisfied the wrath of God against me.  Spirit, teach me to walk in step with you so that I follow the A) flowchart instead of spinning my wheels in the B) flowchart.  Lord, I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.