Review the discussion prompt below. Then prepare a list of talking points in order to be prepared for the class discussion. Please bring a printed copy to class.

Discussion Prompt: Big Ideas

For your reading this week, you were also asked to choose one additional chapter from Bickel and Jantz (1998). Each chapter covers specific concepts related to a book or several books in the bible.

Share which chapter you read, and discuss how the chapter fits in or reflects the overall theme of the Bible. Then, share concepts/ideas in that chapter that can be applied to either a situation in your life right now, or how you have seen it applied in the past. Use one verse from that chapter or section of the Bible.

For example,

I chose the chapter on Revelation. Revelation is a really interesting book that outlines the “end times”. This relates to the overall theme of the Bible because Jesus comes back in Revelation and we pretty much see the whole “Jesus is our Savior” theme come full circle! Literally, He comes to save us on a white horse! It’s pretty cool.

As I read it, I reflected on my own life. You see, I am a worrier. I worry about everything, and I hate it when my pastor preaches about the end times, because I am worried about what is going to happen! I remember reading the Left Behind Series, but I’m not sure how accurate they were now that I have dug deeper into what the book of Revelation actually says. As I read this, I came to realize how futile it is to worry about what is going to happen. First of all, it sounds like God has everything planned out… and God has everything under control. I especially loved Revelation 21:3-5: “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away”. This verse gives me hope.