As we apply the Scriptures, we need to be able to see the Gospel in the text (Evangelii).

Where is the pattern of redemption shown, the glory of grace extended, the promise of forgiveness established, and the merit of Jesus laid upon us?

And, there’s this, too…

Most of us are...

Once you’ve reflected on the chapter AND spent time praying through it, it is now time to respond to it.

(The Respond page of the Keystones includes Contemplatio, Evangelii, and Memoria.)

We begin those three with Contemplatio, that is, apply.

The truths of the Scripture need to be...

After reading and discovering what the passage says, we move to prayer…

In fact, we take time to stop to pray through the whole passage (Oratio).

We might begin in several places…

What is there to be thankful for here?

How does this prompt us to worship?

Are there matters we need to...

After reading the passage (Lectio), the second step in Divine Reading (Lectio Divina) is to think through what the chapter is teaching (Meditatio).

What does it mean?.

How should it be understood?.

How should the passage be interpreted?.

Is it primarily indicative (helping us to see something) or...

When you open the Keystones book, you’ll notice that there’s a two-page spread for each chapter of the Bible. The left side contains three Reflection steps; the right side contains three Respond steps.

Over the next few posts, we’ll discuss each of the six steps, as...

In the Scottish Reformed tradition, a modified version of the Medieval devotional practice of Lectio Divina, had long been practiced. This was originally a four-step approach to studying the Scriptures…

—> first, Lectio or reading.

—> second, Meditatio or thinking.

...

Karen and George always have a stack of books they are working through. On this episode of the Standfast podcast they discuss some of the books they are reading right now--and how those books are shaping their thinking and their day-to-day work.

They say we're the result of the people we interact with and the books we read.

If you’ve ever wondered what George keeps around the house on his shelves, or if you’ve ever wondered WHAT they’re talking about when the StandFast cast starts playing and you hear references to the...

Edward Stratemeyer was arguably among the most prolific and influential American authors.  Indeed, he wrote more and sold more than almost any other writer who has ever lived anywhere at any time—some 1,300 novels selling in excess of 500 million copies.  He created more than 125...

When we think of reading poetry, one classification frequently overlooked is that of the wonderful hymns of the ages. There are hymns for meditation upon every state of the heart.  Hymns divide the seasons of the year, and they speak eloquently for us when we can’t find words of our...