Exloring Life Eternal

The hermeneutics class in the undergrad univ I studied at (a class I never took, but reviewed the contents twice when friends did) emphasized the importance of observing in nature as preparation for learning how to read. George W. Carver commented that a garden is the best way to help a child think. As you grow things or watch a tree grow, you get to learn its characteristics & observe the smallest detail. Having raised plants over the years, I cannot agree more, though, man made his most foolish mistake in a garden, hence the need for humility: I need the Gentle Gaurdener daily.

Once a person has the basics of observation down, I would suggest simply memorizing a passage & analyzing it. Read several English translations / or if you only have access to one translation a solid commentary, then write your own paraphrase/translation based on them (& the Greek/Hebrew if possible). Analyze the sentence structure. Really let the words & phrases sink in. Try reading & reciting the passage with the intonation & gestures you believe the Author would have expressed them with.

Learning about the culture & geography of the Ancient Near East can help you "get into" the context of the text as well. Realize that the peoples & places were real, and many continue to today, though with some change.

Throughout, pray about how to relate what you are learning to today. Not just how you preach/teach/witness, but also how you live.

"Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly ..."