Helpful tips for reading the Bible: 1. The Bible is more a library and less a book 2. Read more than a single verse 3. The Bible is a story, not… - List of rules - How-to manual - Disconnected series of ancient documents 4. The whole story points to Jesus Doesn’t the Bible advocate violence? 16 And at the seventh time, when the priests had blown the trumpets, Joshua said to the people, “Shout, for the Lord has given you the city. 17 And the city and all that is within it shall be devoted to the Lord for destruction. Joshua 6:16-17 Context helps God is God, and we are not You can trust God or you can judge God The Way of Jesus: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth…7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy…9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God…10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3-5, 7, 9-10 38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. Matthew 5:38-39 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:43-45