Biblical Literature

This semester I am taking a Biblical Literature class a school. I've heard good things about this class from other people, and I am super excited to see what I can learn. What I think is interesting though, is a public school teaching a bible class. Now, this class is not taught from a Christian perspective, it is taught as a piece of literature. It's a very unique approach, one that I never thought about. After 3 weeks of this class, let me tell you, I love this class!! We have amazing discussion and are going slowly through the old testament. We were assigned this project (which I'm presenting tomorrow) to take a Christian song and analyze it as a piece of poetry. I chose David Crowder's version of How He Loves, and cannot wait to present it.

Anyway, I am super excited for this class because I want to learn some on the facts and history behind the old testament. With my challenge, I do not have time to dwell on a passage for a couple of days, I have to appreciate it for a moment and move on. With this class, I hope to answer some questions that I've had about Scripture and learn some important details about the OT. I also imagine that this class is a good introduction to Bible classes I hope to take in college. Now, I know that these type of classes will be different from eachother(christian college & public high school), but I want the two perspectives. This Bib Lit class is going to be awesome, I can tell. Hopefully I can tell some more about it as I go along. Here's something I never knew:

There are two different accounts of creation in Genesis, chapter 1 & 2. Read the two stories and notice the differences, tone and details. We had a very interesting discussion about that one class.

Just an update for my challenge, I finished Nehemiah this morning and am back on track from my little set back this last week or so. I'm excited to continue in Acts and start Esther then Job!

The Gospels

The other day I finished reading the Gospels. I'm actually really sad that I won't be able to read about Jesus' life anymore, but I am excited to start reading about the impact his life had on the people. I'm not entirely sure what the books of Acts will entail, but from the first few chapters I can tell it's going to be good. (I guess I can't say that since I think all the books I've read so far are good).

John was probably my favorite Gospel to read. The way it was written and the accounts included were all wonderful. I think my favorite part of the book was the way the author ended it. I actually made me laugh a little bit...

24This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. 25Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

It's a cool thought to imagine; our entire world could not hold the amount to books it would take to tell all that Jesus did. Wow! I cannot wait to hear all the stories in heaven!

What's your favorite part of the Gospels?

What an Encouragement!

This wonderful book I'm reading never fails to amaze me everyday, and knock me off my feet every once and a while. Last week I was in Washington State visiting family for Christmas. Well, our last day to be there had come and I had to say goodbye to my grandparents far too early than I wished. To say the least, it was a bittersweet departure when they left. As my brother and I were packing my aunt's house was empty and, for me, lonely. I was quite upset and decided to sit and read God's Word for a while, for some encouragement and to get me back on track with my schedule. I'm in the Chronicles right now, and what amazing books, let me say. Not even 10 minutes into reading 1 Chronicles, I come across chapter 28 verse 20:

"David also said to Solomon his son, 'Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you untill all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished.' NIV

How awesome is our God? I stopped and read that passage nearly a dozen times, each time feeling the comfort of those words more and more. In the next chapter David praises God in front of the whole assembly, a lot of people I'm assuming. Here's the link to this passage, I encourage you to read it.

God always provides, every time. This is just another amazing story and reminder of how thankful I am to have received this challenge. On a slightly sad note, in the next week I'll be finishing up the Gospels and starting in Acts. I'm not quite sure I like that, I really like the Gospels.

What have you been reading lately? I'd love to hear your stories!