Publisher's Synopsis
In this concluding book of Dr. Adkins' in-depth Bible study trilogy, the author uses practical theology to navigate the challenging task of putting the Bible to use in our life. "Practicing Scripture" follows a tried and true methodology of explaining his system in Part One, demonstrating it in Part Two, then doing the task in Part Three with practical case studies. The heart of the book teaches how to live the Bible by naming the story you would like to have guidance on, then relating your story to Scripture. Pastor Adkins gives a whole host of ideas on how to achieve that goal by listing stories topically in alphabetical order, then showing what page to turn to in the book to find a corresponding biblical story. In the relating step, many life experiences in the Bible are explored along with thoughts shared on how to reflect theologically on the topic or issue at hand. The author then takes you through the process of critiquing the passage chosen to make sure it isn't taken out of context. Using the universal themes from the first eleven chapters of Genesis, he guides the reader through a process of making sure the chosen theme is biblical in nature. Sometimes the critique stage discovers we are not heading down a useful path, so the author employs a check and balance system by offering general themes of God's overall morality. The final step in practicing scripture has to do with change. This is where the reader is challenged to either live the Bible or give up and live a narcisstic life. Filled with stories from Pastor Adkins' thirty three years of real life ministerial experiences, one is confronted with the opportunity to adopt a proper biblical stance with respect to attitudes and actions. Part Three takes on hot topic issues ripped from the headlines, including abortion, homosexuality, capital punishment, and environmental stewardship, and runs them through the practical theology model. The book concludes with "An Exercise for Book Groups" and an extensive scriptural index for further individual or group reflection on topics that desperately need holy guidance.
