Shaped by the Word

Here are resources and questions from Shaped by the Word: How Does Our Engagement with Scripture Form Us?—our webinar conversation between Carla Harding, Tim Mackie, and Carolyn Arends.

SPECIAL NOTES AND OPPORTUNITIES

• If you’re longing for deeper engagement with Scripture that transforms rather than just informs, explore the resources below from both BibleProject and Lectio 365.
• Stay connected with our community and receive resources and news each week through the Renovaré Weekly Newsletter.

WEBINAR RESOURCES

Countdown Song

• Thy Word (Psalm 119) from the album All of my Days — by Ellie Holcomb

Resources from Tim Mackie and BibleProject

• BibleProject Website — Free videos, podcasts, and study resources
• BibleProject Classroom — In-depth Bible courses and classes
• BibleProject Podcast
• BibleProject App

Resources from Carla Harding, Lectio 365, and 24 – 7 Prayer

• Lectio 365 App — Daily devotional prayer app
• 24 – 7 Prayer Website — International prayer movement
• Prayer Course — Free course on learning to pray

Other Resources Mentioned

• The Message by Eugene Peterson
• The story of Elijah in the cave (1 Kings 19)
• The story of Jacob wrestling with God (Genesis 32)

QUESTIONS

1. What is the Bible? Do you each have a working conception or definition of what the Bible actually is? Is it a rule book, the word of God, or the unfolding story of God’s interaction with creation?
2. How do I hold the circular nature of faith? I trust the Bible because I trust Jesus, while I trust Jesus because of the Bible — how do I explain and hold this better?
3. How central should Scripture be? Should Christians prioritize the reading of God’s word over other spiritual disciplines? How central is scripture to our life with God?
4. Can you give an example of looking ​“through” Scripture? What’s something you see differently in the world or your life because you’re looking through Scripture?
5. How do study and meditation work together? How do I move from my head to my heart without losing my head? How do these practices integrate rather than compete?
6. How can I trust my interpretation? What’s the best way to have confidence that how we’re interpreting scripture is true to the original context and perspective of the writers?
7. How do I discern God’s voice? How do I distinguish between my thoughts and God’s voice? How do I avoid hearing in a selfish way?
8. What about texts of terror? How do we deal with texts that seem to portray God condoning genocide or seem at odds with the picture of God we get through Jesus?
9. What Bible translation should I use? What’s your favorite translation, and is there a place for paraphrases?
10. Does God still speak today? Is there biblical basis for the idea that God speaks today both in reading His Word and in other ways?
11. What if Scripture feels dry or has been used to hurt me? For those who find Scripture lifeless or who’ve been wounded by how it was used, what could they try tomorrow morning?