I have spent much of the last two years studying and teaching through the wonderful book of Romans (that material will be posted on this site soon). This requires looking at doctrine, wrestle with concepts. These truths are very important and necessary for a firm foundation. But not all truth was given through or in a didactic form/genre. Most of the Bible teaches truth through narrative-through story. These truths are not less important, just harder to identify.

Stories are actually more effective for communicating certain truths and for motivating individuals toward action.

Think for instance of a paradox.  It is one thing to state a paradox (i.e. God is loving. John 3:16; 1 John 4:8; God is Righteous, just and wrath. John 3:36; 2 Thessalonians 1:8). Another to tell a story were the paradox is in full view but where we must wrestle with the truth (see Habakkuk).

This is also true for motivation.  We are told, “love your neighbors.” But that doesn’t seem to be as motivating as the story of the Good Samaritan.

In spite of this, we often relegate stories to Children’s ministry–as though they are less important, less meaningful or too familiar.

So for the next few weeks I will be seeking to learn not only through stories, but through characters.  And though these “stories” are familiar-there is much to learn.

The series will be:
Profiting from the Prophets

Daniel 1 and 6 (2 lesson)

Decisions and Dedication

Jonah and Psalm 15 (2-3 lessons)

Decisions and Disappointment

Habakkuk        (1-2 lessons)

Disappointment to Faith

Fear to Faith

Worry to Worship

Haggai (2 lessons)

Possessions, Priorities, Purity and Providence

Conviction, Courage, Cleanliness and Consummation