Searching the Scriptures: Exploring My Orthodoxy |
Searching the Scriptures: Exploring My Orthodoxy |
|
|
Editor’s note: We’re kicking off a beautiful new Online Bible Study — A Jesus-Shaped Life — starting August 11th with Lisa Harper and you’re invited to join us! Sign up today and let’s get closer with Jesus together! * |
Let’s talk a little about the Christian Scriptures. Our Bible is a collection of 66 books (comprised of the Old and New Testaments). Each of these books points us toward the character of God and tells the story of God. - The Bible is a grand narrative that points us to Jesus as the ultimate embodiment of God Himself.
These books offer us a beautiful picture of God’s longing to be with us in a more full and intimate way. So much so that, in Jesus Christ, He would condescend to become a human and walk and talk with us. The Bible is an incredible, rich story of pursuit, love, and redemption we just can’t compare to anything else.
Think of one of the most beautiful places you can imagine. Maybe it’s a snow-covered forest. Maybe it’s the beach. Maybe it’s a bustling city with a magnificent skyline. Now, imagine you are inside, looking out of a window at that beautiful place. If you’re in the forest, maybe you’re in a cabin, peering out at the beautiful pine trees. The window is ornate with clear glass that lets you look at every angle of that view. When you lean up against the window, you can see your soft breath on it. But the view is the breathtaking, captivating part of this experience. The view is what you’re there for.
The Scriptures are like that window. They allow us to see the character and magnificence of God. They reveal to us the image of Christ. We glimpse the beauty and majesty of God, His whole heart for us, and we are compelled to seek His face. Notice, however, that the Scriptures are not in themselves God! The Scriptures illuminate Jesus for us, but they are not Jesus. They are the miraculous window through which we come to know Him more truly.
More often than not, the phrase “word of God” in the New Testament isn’t used to describe a physical Bible; instead, it’s referring to Jesus. ~ Lisa Harper1 |
Reflect
Utilize the image of the window below to draw or write about the ways the Scriptures have revealed Jesus to you: |
Helpful Handlebars
Bibliology—a field of theology all about the Bible; the study of one’s belief about the Bible. Theological study of, or conversation about, our collection of holy books known as the Bible. -
Biblio—from the Greek word biblos meaning “scroll” or “book” (from this root we also get the English word “bibliography”)
- Logy—from the Greek word logos, meaning “word” or “study”
-
Reorient Yourself to Scripture
|
John 5:36–40
I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to finish—the very works that I am doing—testify that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life. — (emphasis added)
In the Four Gospels, Jesus is often getting into disagreements with religious leaders. In His time, one group of these leaders was called Pharisees. The Pharisees were extremely committed to studying Scripture and following God’s law. This, they reasoned, would help them find favor in the eyes of God. Can you imagine the irony? Jesus, God in the flesh, telling these teachers that the Scriptures they read so closely are actually testifying to His life-giving gift!
In John 5:36–40, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees and tells them that they must come to Him for eternal life. Notice Jesus does not tell them Scripture is unimportant. Nor does He tell them to abolish the law. Instead, He challenges them to allow the Scriptures to point them to Him. In Him the Pharisees can find life. In this passage, the study of Scripture is an invitation into relationship with Jesus.
We all study Scripture differently. Maybe you’re a methodical student who gets out the rainbow array of highlighters and pens. Perhaps you’re a journaling student who writes long responses to each verse that jumps off the page. Maybe you’re the type of student who uses biblical dictionaries or commentaries to seek further insight from the historical context and ancient languages of the Scriptures. Maybe you’re the underliner, circler, and in-text responder who covers your Bible pages with emphatic responses. It does not matter how you approach Bible study. Your engagement and reciprocal pursuit of a relationship with Jesus is all that matters. The Word was made flesh, and in the Word you will find Him.
|
|
|
Join us for A Jesus-Shaped Life starting August 11th! It’s going to be great! Grab a friend or sign up on your own. We’d love to see you there! ~ Devotionals Daily |
|
|
A Jesus-Shaped Life Online Bible Study |
Discover a faith that goes deeper than facts.
Join the A Jesus-Shaped Life Online Bible Study with Lisa Harper and learn that theology isn’t just for scholars—it’s how your relationship with God deepens and transforms every part of your life. Plus, get access to 7 study videos and other Bible study resources - all free when you sign up! |
|
|
Ends 7/7: Get free shipping on all orders with code FREEDOM |
Ends 7/7: Get free shipping
on all orders with code FREEDOM |
|
|
PREMIUM BUNDLE The Best Value! Get 3 incredible resources and save $43 |
+ FREE shipping with code FREEDOM |
This Premium Bundle includes: -
(1)Study Guide - The study guide includes group discussion questions and personal Bible study between sessions for reflection and application. You’ll also receive an individual access code to stream all 7 video sessions online (you don't need to buy a DVD!).
-
(1) Devotional - A FaithGateway exclusive! With space for journaling, the Jesus, I Need You devotional will quiet your mind and heart as you deepen your theological understanding and discover the Lord’s faithfulness and lovingkindness. A FaithGateway exclusive (you can only get it here!), this devotional journal is the must-have fuel for your soul!
-
(1) Bible - The perfect Bible companion for your A Jesus-Shaped Life study on biblically sound theology! Featuring thousands of study notes drawn from the bestselling NIV Application Commentary series (over 2 million copies sold), the NIV Application Bible helps you understand Scripture and connect it to your world in a whole new way.
|
|
|
STANDARD BUNDLE includes the study guide & Jesus, I Need You Devotional—a FaithGateway exclusive! |
+ FREE shipping with code FREEDOM |
This Standard Bundle includes: -
(1)Study Guide - The study guide includes group discussion questions and personal Bible study between sessions for reflection and application. You’ll also receive an individual access code to stream all 7 video sessions online (you don't need to buy a DVD!).
(1) Devotional - A FaithGateway exclusive! With space for journaling, the Jesus, I Need You devotional will quiet your mind and heart as you deepen your theological understanding and discover the Lord’s faithfulness and lovingkindness. A FaithGateway exclusive (you can only get it here!), this devotional journal is the must-have fuel for your soul!
|
|
|
STUDY GUIDE
with lifetime streaming access to all 7 videos |
+ FREE shipping with code FREEDOM |
Your essential companion for the OBS! The study guide includes group discussion questions and personal Bible study between sessions for reflection and application. You’ll also receive an individual access code to stream all twelve video sessions online (you don't need to buy a DVD!). |
|
|
SHOP THE FULL STUDY COLLECTION |
|
|
this devotion with someone who needs it today |
|
|
*Sale price ends on 09/15/25 at 11:59 PM. Limited quantities available. Sale pricing excludes ebooks and audiobooks. FREE U.S standard shipping with code FREEDOM thru 07/07/25 at 11:59pm, excluding Alaska and Hawaii.
*Points earned through our loyalty program can be stacked with most promotional offers, including seasonal and special promotions, with the exception of welcome codes or other select offers at our discretion. Eligibility for stacking may vary based on specific promo code terms. We reserve the right to determine which promotional codes can or cannot be combined with loyalty points. *eBooks purchases are fulfilled by our partner, Glose. Please note that: - To access your eBooks, you can download the free Glose app or read instantly in your browser by creating a Glose account using the same email address you use to purchase the eBooks.
-
eBooks fulfilled through Glose cannot be printed, downloaded as PDF, or read in other digital readers (like Kindle or Nook).
- For more information about how to access eBooks purchased on this site, click here for our FAQs.
|
|
|
|
