May 25th Potluck!

Hey 20Somethings,

Tomorrow (May 25th) is potluck! Bring something edible to share with everyone, and look forward to spending the evening eating, talking, and playing games with friends. Meet at the Shelleys' house at 6:30pm.

Also, here's a reminder from Sarah in case you missed (or have forgotten) last week's challenge. This is a 2 week challenge that we're working on until the next small group (June 1st). Our challenge is to read through the Joseph narrative (Genesis 37-50). Make sure to pay attention to the following:

• Plot
• Setting
• Point of View
• Characterization
• Dialogue
• Structure

Also, we need to remember that narrative is primarily about GOD. He is the main protagonist, not us. As we read through the Joseph narrative, we also need to strive to see how this "third level" narrative fits into the "second level" (story of Israel) as well as the "first level" (overarching story of salvation).

Some final things to keep in mind as we read this and any other biblical narrative (taken directly from "How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth"):
An Old Testament narrative usually does not directly teach a doctrine.

1. An Old Testament narrative usually illustrates a doctrine or doctrines taught propositionally elsewhere.
2. Narratives record what happened - not necessarily what should have happened or what ought to happen every time. Therefore, not every narrative has an individual identifiable moral application.
3. What people do in narratives is not necessarily a good example for us. Frequently, it's just the opposite.
4. Most of the characters in the Old Testament narratives are far from perfect - as are their actions as well.
5. We are not always told at the end of the narrative whether what happened was good or bad. We are expected to be able to judge this on the basis of what God has taught us directly and categorically elsewhere in Scripture.
6. All narratives are selective and incomplete. Not all the relevant details are given (cf. John 21:25). What does appear in the narrative is everything that the inspired author thought important for us to know.
7. Narratives are not written to answer all our theological questions. They have particular, specific, limited purposes and deal with certain issues, leaving others to be dealt with elsewhere in other ways.
8. Narratives may teach either explicitly (by clearly stating something) or implicitly (by clearly implying something without actually stating it).
   
9. In the final analysis, God is the hero of all biblical narratives.

And if you've made it this far, you deserve a preview of upcoming events! For the month of June, our small group will be meeting at a new location: Heather & Jill's house! Also, check out the calendar below for upcoming events, including minigolf, a trip to Starved Rock, and sand volleyball! We've certainly got an exciting summer ahead!