A Manifesto of Reading the bible as Scripture

the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword…

His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon's scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon's scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Hebrews 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 humbly engage the 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 the lens of Scripture… … to expose the core of my heart,

the brokenness,

the pain, and the past.

I will allow Scripture to take me where it pleases…

The Journey is the Destination…

© 2008 Jerrell Jobe www.GrowDeep.org