Scripture

Shepherd of the Valley Messages

– What is one of your favorite scripture verses?

– What book did you love as a kid?

– What stood out to you from the message?

– What has your experience of reading Scripture been like?

– Some people think of Scripture as confusing, outdated, or irrelevant. Have such preconceptions occurred to or impacted you?

– This week’s reading includes a quote from Tim Mackie: “The idea is that every day for the rest of your life you slowly, quietly read the Bible out loud to yourself and then go talk about it with your friends, pondering the puzzles, making connections, and discovering what it all means. And as you let the Bible interpret itself, something remarkable happens. The Bible starts to read you. Because ultimately the writers of the Bible want you to adopt this story as your story. The ultimate goal of reading Scripture is not to form God to our preferences or become Bible scholars, but to be more formed into the person of Jesus.” How do you respond to this quote? How does it affect your view of Scripture and the purpose of reading it? Has Scripture changed you in some way?

– Close in prayer. Ask for prayer requests and check in on last week’s requests. Close by praying Scripture (Ephesians 3:14–21 is one option).