When Brother Casey mentioned about
the purpose of learning Biblical Interpretation and the integrated approach to
the meaning of the verses, I realised that I have fallen into the trap of
exegesis without application, i.e. irrelevant informed understanding, and
application without exegesis, i.e. subjective exegesis. This make me realised
that we cannot take the bible verses literary as they are. There are two
different worlds with the text, the textual world (what it says on the
surfaces) and the real world (what is the underlying meaning & purpose).
Again I noticed that I am only reading the textual world and never have a
chance to realise that there is an “underlying world’ beneath it until I am attending
this class, thanks to bro Casey.
Structural Diagramming was being
taught by Sister Davina. It was a very
interesting and ‘blur’ topic to me as I found difficulties in indentifying all
the different clauses and conjunctions. The purpose of this method of
diagramming is to assist us in the analysis process of the thought flow, or
structure of the passage. A passage in the bible to me is just an ordinary
passage of God’s word, but thru this learning of diagramming, I see the ‘light’
that ‘shine’ out the different between the main ‘clauses’ and that of the subordinate
clauses. A simple yet useful tool for the Pastors when they are preparing their
sermon. I can visualize that one of this day, I will be using this diagramming
too. Thanks to Sister Davina.
The other area that I have learnt
from Brother Casey is the topic on Parallelism. It is interesting to understand
the differences in Synonymous, Antithetic and Synthetic Parallelism. When they
are applied to the bible verses, I realise that the ‘plain’ English translation
of the bible verses have so much differences in term of trying to get the messages
across to the readers. Having to say this, I begin to understand why God is
sending me here to study in AGBC. I believe He is trying to ‘open’ up my mind
to have a better understanding of His words rather than ‘trying’ to figure out
what does He trying to tell me. Praise the Lord for His purpose and plan.
Our team consists of Lydia, Jesline,
Louis, Faith and I. An interesting mixed as we have real fun especially when we
are preparing our script for the presentation to the class. My role was a
Christian ‘Ah Beng’. I have questioned Lydia why I was given this role, her
answer was, “Is in-built in you lor!” What a ‘kind’ compliment! Ha2. The presentation was a job well-done. I
am glad that I am part of this small team, in this wonderful class, and best of
all, in His Victory College.
I pray that Lord will continue to
give us strength to run this race that He has planned for us. We know that
without Him, we can do nothing, but we can do all things thru Christ who gives
us strength. May God bless all of us and most importantly, anoint both Brother Casey
and Sister Davina with all the wisdom and knowledge so that they are able to
continue grooming more disciples for our Lord, in Jesus' name, Amen.
