Monday, November 1, 2010

The Bible Study for those who'd rather be part of a Great Story than read someone else's

Jesus, when asked about the "greatest commandment" quoted from Deuteronomy 6 which reads, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." Why then, did the gospel writers add the Greek word for "mind" to the list?


"Look at the birds of the air. They do not sow or reap or store away in barns yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Jesus

"The merciful Creator did not overlook the goat or the rabbit, but provided for them a refuge and a protecting shelter. It follows that He created all that is necessary for man."
from the Genesis Midrash

See any similarities? Centuries before the time of Jesus the ancient Hebrews began practicing a form of study and interpretation known as “Midrash.” They loved and revered The Torah (the Word of the Lord) and asked hard questions of the Scriptures, especially when times seemed to be changing, or when God seemed so distant that they wondered if (and how) the Scriptures were even relevant to them anymore. Sometimes they had to think “outside the box” and move beyond the comfort zone of their traditional understandings to arrive at pertinent truths.



While not technically engaging in “Midrash” The Found is seeking to re-capture the inquisitiveness and passion (the "Mind" portion of the Hebrew "Heart" that the Greek just can't capture in one word) for the Word that only deep study of the Scriptures can inspire. If you’ve ever thought you’d like to be able to show the Bible to others, or if you appreciate the art and nuances of words (written and spoken), this course of study may be what you’ve been looking for.





The Manuscript Study:
Examining the scriptures in as pure a form
as our own language allows



We will:
> Dig deep into the Scriptures – sometimes one word at a time
> Explore the language, history, and cultural context of the day
> Develop observational skills
> Glean the deep and profound truths present in the Scriptures
> Practice the art of applying these truths to our own cultural and personal spiritual contexts
> Ask the questions necessary to lead others into discovering and embracing these truths

Format of study:
> Manuscript style
> Intense observation
> Prayerful contemplation

Did you know the original Hebrew contained no vowels and that the translations of many Hebrew words require full pages of text? Or that in ancient Greek there were no punctuation marks, or separations between words?

Be prepared. This study is not for the faint-hearted. It could possibly be the most intense and in-depth Bible study you’ve ever done. There will be “homework” because serious study of the Word is not a once a week endeavor. Also, be ready for the unexpected. This is not some kind of meaningless intellectual exercise; God’s Spirit won’t allow to us to study or teach the Word without being changed ourselves.




Be Found in The Word

Contact us at The Found if you'd like more information