Monday, November 1, 2010

Bible Cycle Step 2

Bible Cycle 2: Chapters        = The Main Themes / Literary Units


Now, let’s talk about the Bible Cycle Step TWO: Identifying the Main Ideas
  1. Sit down and read a book of the Bible all in one sitting, again.
    • This time you are seeking to identify the major topics and subjects within the book
  2. Identify the predominant literary genre
    • Old Testament
      • Hebrew Narrative
      • Hebrew Poetry (Wisdom Literature, Psalms)
      • Hebrew Prophecy (Prose, Poetry)
      • Law codes
    • New Testament
      • Narratives (Gospels, Acts)
      • Parables (Gospels)
      • Letters/Epistles
      • Apocalyptic Literature
    • A great resource in understanding Biblical literary genre and how it relates to Bible study is:
      • “How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth” by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart
  3. Outline the main ideas of each chapter
    • Write down a Chapter Title heading for each chapter in the Book that you are reading.
      • This will help you organize your thoughts and outlines
      • Be sure to include each topic, theme, and subject within your heading.
    • Note on Chapters and Verses
      • Chapters and Verse designations are NOT inspired.  These organizational aspects to the Biblical text came much later than the first century.
      • Therefore, we are utilizing the divisions to help us in our study aid.  Yet, feel free to work outside the ‘lines’ as you feel compelled by the Holy Spirit in your study.  J
  4. Check your chapter outline and headings with study aids. 
    • Take a look at how others have outlined the text and note where you may agree or disagree.

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