A reflection based on “Studying, Interpreting, and Applying the Bible” by Henrichsen (chapter 14) and “Living by the Book” by Hendricks (chapters 19-26)
Living by the Book
What is the insight?
The insight from this section is from chapter 20, which states that things which are repeated are things to look out for. If a biblical text continues to repeat something over and over again, this is a sign the author really wants the audience to understand. Additionally, if the whole counsel of Scripture repeats things many times, the heavenly Author really wants the audience to understand.
Why is it insightful over the other topics?
This was insightful over the other topics because this one occurs very frequently. As I read through the Bible, the biblical authors continue to repeat similar things over and over again. For example, the Gospels themselves are repetitive tellings of the life of Jesus. Now, there are differences in the Gospels, especially John, and these differences are important. However, the existence of the repetitions demonstrates the attempt on the part of the authors and Author to let the reader know that these details are important.
What is the application in ministry?
One of the best ways, I feel, to apply this to ministry is to not avoid repetition. For example, when teaching the whole New Testament, I should not only teach one Gospel. I would see it wise to split the Gospels up with a long period of time between them, but the splitting up actually increases the effect of the repetition. Additionally, if I were to preach Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians back to back, I should not avoid the repeated material in Colossians from Ephesians. Instead, I should emphasize that they are repeated, and view them in the unique light they are presented in for each book.
Studying, Interpreting, and Applying the Bible
What is the insight?
This next insight comes from rule seven, which is that every Christian has the right to interpret the Scriptures for themselves. Christians are not required to only listen to the teachings of their pastor, but should have the right and the ability to learn from the Scriptures for themselves. Without this, congregations will be underfed and not spiritually nourished.
Why is it insightful over the other topics?
This was especially insightful because I, as a pastor, desire to aid individuals in taking control of their own walks with God. Christians should not have to rely on their pastors alone for spiritual food. My job is not to hold all of the food for myself and dispense it during a service, but instead help the sheep to find their own good food.
What is the application in ministry?
This insight must be applied to ministry. A pastor must aid their congregation in understanding the Scriptures for themselves. This can be done in many ways. First, smallgroups allow smaller setting where Christians can seek to understand the Scriptures with eachother, apart from the pastor or elders. While this can lead to some misunderstandings of Scripture, one must be willing to risk this in order to have healthy sheep. Second, pastors can share resources with their congregation, such as a church library. Churches can take donations of books in order to put together a comprehensive library of resources for the church’s use for Bible study and Christian living. Lastly, a focus on one-on-one discipleship is a great aid in individualizing and maturing the believer, allowing them to not depend only on the maturity of pastors, but also on the maturity they have stored up in understanding the Scripture.
Bible Students 
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