Key Ideas

Our Bible study is a topical bible study. We bounce from scripture to scripture, from story to story, chasing down different ideas about God and what it means to be human. All of us participate in determining what key ideas are beginning to emerge in our conversation. Here are a few that come to mind:

Exodus: The Exodus was an event, yes. But it is also a metaphor for how God deals with the oppression of the weak, wounded and poor. The Exodus happened, but it still happens. Exodus, the divine rescue of God for those who have been oppressed, is at the heart of the biblical story. In our discussion we have noticed three elements in the Exodus: 1). God provides his people with a new identity. 2). God initiates a new kind of relationship with his people, often described as a marriage. 3). God provides the people with a new way to live, a new way to be human.

Blessing: God blesses people so that they may use their blessings to bless others. God never intends for his goodness to us, to remain with us. This is a key concept for understanding the expansiveness of God's redemption plan and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Goodness: God's creation is described in Genesis as being "good." As each day of the creation picture unfolds and comes to a conclusion, God describes creation as progressively becoming "gooder." Our discussion has led us to idea that "goodness" is the capacity to grow in our ability to reflect God. God desires for his people to reflect goodness.

What are the other key ideas we have stumbled upon? Which ones have we missed? Which ones are new? Join the conversation!