Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 6
Bracken contrasted “rearranging the Bible…to fit how we wanted to live” with “rearranging our lives to fit…Jesus,” and compared it to an Anabaptist-style “reformation”; where do you see subtle ways Christians today expect Jesus to endorse their current lifestyle, and what practices would help a community submit to Scripture without becoming self-righteous?
Another way to ask: Bracken said we often try to make the Bible fit our lives instead of changing our lives to fit Jesus. Where do Christians today expect Jesus to approve their current lifestyle, and what habits could help a group obey Scripture without becoming proud or judgmental?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The transcript suggests Christians subtly expect Jesus to endorse their choices when they let “Christian culture” set the limits of obedience and resist going further than what feels normal. Practices that keep submission humble include reading Scripture prayerfully (“on your knees”), letting actions—not judgment—bear witness, and recognizing we “haven’t arrived.”
- He says they used to “rearrange the Bible…to fit how we wanted to live,” then began “rearrang[ing] our lives to fit…Jesus.”
- He describes a “reformation or Anabaptist experience” where structures “don’t line up with the pages of Scripture.”
- He notes their church world had “acceptance” of certain lifestyles (bars Saturday, church Sunday), and “when you went farther…there was resistance.”
- He quotes advice: best place to read the Bible is “on your knees,” asking God, “You change me…renew my mind.”
- He warns against judging family: people fear “you’re going to judge them,” and insists truth must be on “a foundation of love and respect.”