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Tuesday, October 16, 2012

How do Comparison and Contrast Help?

In the workshops on how to study the Bible, I stress the need to be aware of structure of the text.  We all have heard that if we see a therefore in the text that we need to see what it is “there for.”  But there are a great deal more “structural markers” than “therefore.”  Here is a list of some of the markers you may find in the text.  You will notice that comparison and contrast are on that list.  Sometimes the comparison and contrast is not immediate in the text.  For instance…

I mentioned earlier that I am studying Mark this year.  For the past several days I have been contemplating the similarities and differences between the message of John the Baptist (Mark 1:4) and the message of Christ in Mark 1:15.  Both have the notion of repentance but there is a difference after that.
When we see comparison or contrast in the Bible we need to stop and think through why it is there and what it tells us.
John preached baptism for the forgiveness of sins.  Jesus said believe in the gospel of the kingdom.  One was an action the other was faith.  Why the difference?  Is it significant?  What do you think?  I will share my thoughts on this tomorrow.
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2 comments:

  1. ShayFebruary 15, 2016 at 3:23 PM

    That's deep. I will like to hear more.

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    Replies
    1. Mike CunninghamFebruary 15, 2016 at 8:04 PM

      That is great, how can I help? Shoot me an email, mike@entrustingtruth.org

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