One of my favorite Christian authors and thinkers is Dr. Paul David Tripp. I have subscribed to his “Wednesday Words” and glean some insight in to my own faith. This week, his thoughts focus on reading the Bible through as if it were a story, and not “an encyclopedia” (his words). As I read through devotional, I thought is was worth repeating . . . only shorter.
Dr. Tripp says there are 5 elements in the Bible story to look for:
- Identity – from the opening pages of the story, we learn that we are made by God for Him. Each of us in our unique way are here to serve a purpose, His purpose
- Relationship (this is where I stray a bit from Dr. Tripp’s article) – 1 John 4 says “God is love.” Love demonstrated in relationship. Therefore, the Bible tells us that God desires us have relationship with Him. Starting in the garden and continuing through the final pages of Revelation.
- Comfort – for many of us, we see a world out of control and broken. The Bible continues to remind us of God’s sovereignty – He is in control.
- Salvation – “This is the ultimate reason for the Word of God.” (Dr. Tripp) Even when Adam and Eve sinned, God said salvation would come through the Savior. The center of the story of the Bible is the cross of Jesus. Only that would bring us back in to a relationship with God.
- Hope – the story of salvation reads through every chapter of the Bible. While the cross is central to salvation, the resurrection of Jesus gives us hope. For one day, we will see Him face to face. All of our sadness and heartache will be gone.
So as you read through your daily Bible readings, I pray that you see yourself as part of God’s eternal story. And that is a story worth repeating!
Be blessed and be a blessing!
Jimbo's Jots 
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