How would you finish this sentence?
Educator Deborah Meier says that learning is talking. In other words, real learning comes from being actively involved in the educational moment. Learners are not empty banks in which to deposit information. Searching, thinking, questioning, debating, and applying are all active aspects of learning.
For this reason, The Gentle Savior is not merely a book in which I tell you what the Bible says and what I think it means. I purposely chose a Bible study format that asks you to do the “talking” – to open your Bible, read for yourself what it says, expand your skills in biblical interpretation, think about the meaning, let the living and active Word do its work, consider the ramifications and applications of scripture, and prayerfully come to your own conclusions. This, of course, requires more effort on your part. I have no doubt, though, that you are an intelligent, deep thinker who wants to know God better and truly LEARN.
Of course, I love nothing more than sharing this study in person with groups of women as they talk through their learning. As the “teacher,” I love listening as you delve and discover, deliberate and develop. I look forward to listening more via this blog, too, as you put your thoughts into words so they can evolve into new attitudes and behaviors.
There’s nothing wrong with traditional books, by any means, and someday I may write one. For now, I pray that you will enjoy the same thrill I do in opening up the Bible and letting God speak directly to you about his deep love for his daughters.
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By the way, in The Gentle Savior Bible study you also have some opportunities to learn about the Gospels as a literary genre and tips for interpreting this style of writing. If you’d like to learn similar information about studying the New Testament letters, sometimes called the epistles, check out this great two-part article by Matt Proctor in The Christian Standard: Part One and Part Two.
