Sticks intro sampler - Flipbook - Page 22
Do you ever feel dropped into a Bible story disoriented?
Part 1 will introduce you to the passages with tree imagery and help you
study those passages in their scriptural context. Getting your bearings before
you read will enable you to answer the question What am I about to read?
– PART 1: CONTEXT.
Do you ever read on autopilot? I do too. Sometimes I finish reading without a clue as to what just happened. A better way to read
the Bible is to practice thoughtful, close reading of Scripture to absorb the
message God is offering to us. That’s why part 2 includes close Scripture
reading and observation questions to empower you to answer the question
What is the story saying?
– PART 2: SEEING.
If you’ve ever scratched your head after reading your Bible, part 3 will give you the tools to understand the author’s
intended meaning both for the original audience and for you. Plus you’ll
practice connecting the Old and New Testaments to get a fuller picture
of God’s unchanging grace. Part 3 will enable you to answer the question
What does it mean?
– PART 3: UNDERSTANDING.
The purpose of Bible study is to help you become
more Christlike; that’s why part 4 will include journaling space for your
reflection on and responses to the content and a blank checklist for actionable next steps. You’ll be able to process what you’re learning so that you
can live out the concepts and pursue Christlikeness. Part 4 will enable you
to answer the questions What truths is this passage teaching? and How do I
apply this to my life?
– PART 4: RESPONDING.
One of my prayers for you, as a curious Bible reader, is that our journey
through this study will help you cultivate a biblical imagination so that you’re
able to make connections throughout the whole storyline of the Bible. In each
lesson, I’ll do my best to include a few verses from different places in the Bible
that are connected to our tree passages. In the course of this study, we’ll see the
way God shows up in tree imagery throughout his Word—and get a glimpse of
how he might show up in our lives today.
T H E S T I C KS S TO RY L I N E
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