How To Read The Bible S5

Summary

Jose Gonzalez opened the meeting with prayer requests for mental health and school, then introduced the conclusion of the "How to Read the Bible" series, emphasizing depth over breadth in reading and utilizing online resources. He led a deep dive into biblical patterns, connecting narratives from Genesis (Cain/Abel, Esau/Jacob) to Luke 15 (Parables of the Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, and Prodigal Son) to illustrate themes of reconciliation, jealousy, and spiritual lostness. Jose Gonzalez concluded the "How to Read the Bible" class, encouraging feedback and proposing future topics such as a regular Bible discussion or a class on spiritual power.

Details

Meeting Opening and Prayer Requests Jose Gonzalez welcomed attendees to the meeting, noting the exciting content planned for the evening. He then opened the floor for prayer requests, which included mental health and school (00:00:00).

Accessing Meeting Recordings and Resources Jose Gonzalez explained how attendees could access the meeting recording via the RTG app's virtual community section or the rtgurch.com website (00:02:02). He also mentioned two links in the chat: one for a virtual contact list to receive meeting reminders, and another for submitting anonymous questions and feedback on biblical topics or the class (00:02:57).

"How to Read the Bible" Series Conclusion Jose Gonzalez announced that the meeting would conclude the "How to Read the Bible" virtual series, integrating lessons from the past five weeks into practical application (00:03:48). He addressed a previously submitted question about how much Bible to read daily, advising to focus on understanding a single chapter rather than just reading through multiple chapters, as a lifetime of insight can be found in one chapter (00:04:45).

Bible Study Techniques Jose Gonzalez recommended reading for depth rather than breadth, advising against moving past a chapter until one has fully absorbed its content. He suggested underlining repeated words and phrases to identify key themes and using websites like Bible Gateway and Bible Hub to trace word patterns throughout the Bible (00:05:42) (00:07:22). He encouraged curiosity while reading, emphasizing that repeated phrases or intriguing details should prompt deeper investigation (00:06:37).

Opening Prayer Jose Gonzalez led a prayer, thanking God for leading and being present with everyone. He prayed for empowerment, understanding, and guidance from the Holy Spirit, also remembering the prayer requests for mental health and school (00:08:09).

Tracing Biblical Patterns: Genesis 3 and 4 Jose Gonzalez initiated a deep dive into biblical patterns, starting with Genesis chapter 3 and highlighting the serpent from the field entering the garden (00:08:59) (00:11:06). He then moved to Genesis chapter 4, detailing the story of Cain and Abel, where Cain, a cultivator, kills his brother Abel in the field out of jealousy (00:11:57) (00:15:36). Jose Gonzalez emphasized that the "field" in these narratives should evoke a negative connotation due to its association with chaotic events and the serpent's origins (00:11:06) (00:16:50).

Tracing Biblical Patterns: Genesis 25 and 27 Jose Gonzalez continued tracing patterns by examining Genesis chapters 25 and 27, focusing on the story of Esau and Jacob (00:17:43). He pointed out that Esau, the older brother, is described as a "man of the field" and sought to kill his younger brother Jacob, mirroring the Cain and Abel narrative (00:18:38).

Contrast and Reconciliation in Genesis 33 Jose Gonzalez highlighted the crucial contrast in Genesis chapter 33, where Esau, despite his initial murderous intent and bringing 400 men, ultimately reconciles with Jacob by embracing and kissing him (00:20:37). He emphasized that this reconciliation showed Esau overcoming the "snake" (the temptation to kill his brother), unlike Cain who succumbed to it (00:23:57). Jose Gonzalez described this as a "test" for the older brother (00:52:04).

Transition to Luke 15: Two Groups and Grumbling Jose Gonzalez transitioned the study to Luke chapter 15, noting that Jesus' teachings often connect to earlier biblical narratives (00:25:51). He identified two main groups in Luke 15: tax collectors and sinners, who were coming to listen to Jesus, and the Pharisees and scribes, who grumbled about Jesus associating with sinners. Jose Gonzalez drew a parallel between these two groups and the two sets of brothers (Cain/Abel and Esau/Jacob) discussed earlier, setting the stage for understanding Jesus' parables (00:27:34) (00:41:37).

Parables of the Lost Sheep and Coin Jose Gonzalez analyzed Jesus' parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin in Luke 15, noting repeated words like "lost," "found," and "rejoice" (00:29:43) (00:35:03). He highlighted that while the lost items differed (a sheep in an open pasture versus a coin inside a house), both parables emphasized the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents (00:32:04) (00:35:03). Jose Gonzalez pointed out that the friends and neighbors in both stories were invited to rejoice, signifying a communal celebration of the found (00:30:43) (00:37:09).

The Parable of the Prodigal Son: Younger Brother Jose Gonzalez then delved into the parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15, highlighting the theme of two sons, similar to the previous brother narratives (00:43:01). He noted that the younger son squandered his inheritance in a distant country, became impoverished, and was sent to work in the fields, a place associated with negative connotations from earlier Genesis stories (00:44:01). The son eventually repented, recognizing his sin, and returned to his father, who embraced and celebrated his return, symbolizing reconciliation and finding what was lost (00:46:13).

The Parable of the Prodigal Son: Older Brother Jose Gonzalez examined the older brother in the Prodigal Son parable, noting that he was found in the field and became angry at the celebration for his younger brother (00:49:08). Jose Gonzalez emphasized that this older brother’s anger and unwillingness to join the celebration mirrored Cain's jealousy and the Pharisees' grumbling, representing a "test" to overcome negative emotions (00:50:04) (00:52:04). He highlighted that the older brother had a choice to reconcile, like Esau, or succumb to anger, like Cain (00:52:04) (00:55:56).

Application and Interpretation of Parables Jose Gonzalez explained that Jesus' parables served as a commentary on the Pharisees' grumbling, showing them their own anger and spiritual lostness through the older brother's character (00:53:31) (00:54:57). He concluded by stressing the importance of hyperlinking biblical stories, as seeing the connections between Genesis, Luke 15, and other narratives provides a deeper understanding beyond individual interpretation. Jose Gonzalez encouraged attendees to reflect on their own anger and willingness to celebrate the "lost" who are "found" (00:55:56).

Interpreting Biblical Narratives Jose Gonzalez elaborated on how biblical study involves comparing and contrasting stories to gain deeper understanding, citing the examples of Cain and Abel, and Jacob and Esau to illustrate themes of reconciliation and dominion (00:58:33). He also explained how personal reflection on these stories can lead individuals to see themselves within the narratives, guiding them towards Christ, whether they identify as the younger or older brother (00:59:33).

Conclusion of Bible Study Class and Future Plans Jose Gonzalez announced the completion of the "How to Read the Bible" class and encouraged attendees to provide feedback and ask unanswered questions through an anonymous form. He sought input on future topics, offering options such as a regular Bible discussion or a class on spiritual power (01:00:23).

Closing Prayer and Farewell Jose Gonzalez concluded the session with a prayer, asking for open minds to discern patterns in scripture, for participants to find God in their journey, and for personal transformation to become more like Him (01:01:24). He prayed for those who might relate to the "prodigal son" or "older brother" narratives, seeking reconciliation and joy (01:02:10). He also reminded attendees about the next meeting being held the following Tuesday at 7 PM .