“God’s Word is not a text book.” That was one of the first sentences I heard in the toughest, best class I ever took in bible college. Hermeneutics from Norman Arnesen at Bethany College.
Professor Arnesen held his bible up for the class and spoke softly, but firmly.
“Please don’t ever treat this book as anything other than what it is. It’s not a text book, a rule book, or a collection of inspirational quotes. And, whatever you do, don’t ever go to the bible to find a passage to preach on for Sunday’s sermon.”
I was with him until that last part. Thankfully, he explained what sounded like heresy to me.
“It will be tempting, when you have to preach and teach two or three times a week (this was the era of the Sunday evening service and mid-week bible study) to open your bible and search for something – anything! – to inspire your next sermon or bible study. Please resist that temptation.” Keep reading
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