Discussion Questions

Paul Brown says David Bercot strengthened his love for God and others by teaching that biblical and historical Christianity centers on “abiding in an obedient, love-faith relationship with Jesus Christ.” How does that description challenge ways we may separate love, faith, obedience, and relationship in our own understanding of Christianity? JumpstartAnother way to ask: Paul Brown says David Bercot taught that true Christianity is about staying in a loving, trusting, and obedient relationship with Jesus. How does this challenge the way we sometimes separate love, faith, obedience, and relationship?

The chapter presents God’s intention for Scripture as something that can be approached with “love, unity, and integrity.” What does that imply about God’s character and His desire for how His people handle truth together? JumpstartAnother way to ask: The chapter says we should read Scripture with love, unity, and honesty. What does this show about God and how He wants His people to seek truth together?

Paul Brown contrasts a “childlike literal way” of reading Scripture with modern theological techniques used to defend doctrinal positions. What might be lost spiritually when Christians read Scripture mainly to protect a system they already believe? JumpstartAnother way to ask: Paul Brown compares a childlike, plain reading of Scripture with modern ways of defending doctrines. What might Christians lose when they read the Bible mainly to protect what they already believe?

The chapter claims that the original recipients of Scripture would have understood it in a natural, objective way. How should early Christian assumptions about reading and obeying Scripture affect the way modern believers approach difficult or uncomfortable passages? JumpstartAnother way to ask: The chapter says the first readers of Scripture would have understood it in a clear and natural way. How should this affect how we read hard or uncomfortable Bible passages today?

Paul Brown says “Common Sense” is not merely David Bercot’s innovation but a return to objective principles we naturally use to understand documents. Why might Christians resist applying ordinary reading principles to the Bible when those principles threaten cherished doctrines or practices? JumpstartAnother way to ask: Paul Brown says “Common Sense” means using normal rules for understanding written words. Why might Christians avoid using these rules when the Bible challenges beliefs or practices they value?

The chapter describes modern scholarly methods as “inconsistent theological techniques” used to defend various positions. Where have you seen Christians, churches, or traditions use complex explanations to avoid the plain force of Jesus’ teachings? JumpstartAnother way to ask: The chapter says some modern Bible methods use complex explanations to defend certain views. Where have you seen Christians or churches explain away the plain meaning of Jesus’ teachings?

Paul Brown says readers should accept the findings of Scripture “in a trusting, childlike way.” How is childlike trust different from anti-intellectualism, and how might it reflect confidence in God’s wisdom rather than human control? JumpstartAnother way to ask: Paul Brown says we should accept Scripture with childlike trust. How is childlike trust different from refusing to think deeply, and how does it show trust in God’s wisdom?

The chapter says honest interpretation requires accepting Scripture’s implications “regardless of their impact on our previously held beliefs and lifestyles.” What beliefs, habits, or lifestyle choices are Christians today most tempted to protect from the plain meaning of Scripture? JumpstartAnother way to ask: The chapter says honest Bible reading means accepting what Scripture teaches, even when it challenges our beliefs or lifestyle. What beliefs, habits, or choices are Christians most tempted to protect from Scripture?

The introduction contrasts “biblical and historical Christianity” with modern approaches to interpretation. What assumptions about grace, obedience, faith, assurance, or freedom might need to be reexamined if early Christians expected believers to live in an obedient relationship with Christ? JumpstartAnother way to ask: The introduction compares early Christianity with modern ways of reading the Bible. What ideas about grace, obedience, faith, assurance, or freedom might we need to rethink if early Christians expected believers to obey Christ?

Paul Brown hopes readers will be both “challenged and encouraged” by the book. How can being confronted by Scripture’s plain meaning become an encouragement rather than merely a threat to our comfort, identity, or theological security? JumpstartAnother way to ask: Paul Brown hopes readers will feel both challenged and encouraged. How can the plain meaning of Scripture encourage us instead of only feeling like a threat to our comfort, identity, or beliefs?