I am a college graduate, but I have to admit that I after have trouble understanding the authors of these lessons, not just this one, but most of them. I get the general idea, but I study with a dictionary in hand every week. I’m not a seminary grad, so I don’t always understand the theological terms being used. I’m constantly looking information up on the Internet to gain a better understanding. I’ve even called my son-in-law, who is in his last year at Southern Seminary, to help me.
Most of the members of my class are not college graduates. They are hard middle class working people. Some try reading the lessons but tell me how hard it was to understand. I don’t want the authors to “dumb it down”, but put the message in everyday terminology we can all understand. The lessons have been great in what they are teaching. The temptations of Jesus have so much more meaning now. Thanks.
Thank you for your observations and comments. And thank you especially for the investment you make in helping your class better understand God’s Word. May we all be so committed to carrying out our roles of leading others to hear, understand, and conform to God’s Word.
As I edit the MasterWork studies I do sometimes find myself wondering about the word selection some authors have used. In many instances, if the material had been written specifically for Bible study and I were the original editor, I would make changes. Because the MasterWork approach takes previously published books of the messages God has given to authors, there is a greater need to remain as true to the originally published work as our space limitations will allow. I do sometimes replace/rephrase words, but because of the nature of MasterWork, I try to do that sparingly. I will, however, certainly keep your observations in mind as I edit going forward.
I am a college graduate, but I have to admit that I after have trouble understanding the authors of these lessons, not just this one, but most of them. I get the general idea, but I study with a dictionary in hand every week. I’m not a seminary grad, so I don’t always understand the theological terms being used. I’m constantly looking information up on the Internet to gain a better understanding. I’ve even called my son-in-law, who is in his last year at Southern Seminary, to help me.
Most of the members of my class are not college graduates. They are hard middle class working people. Some try reading the lessons but tell me how hard it was to understand. I don’t want the authors to “dumb it down”, but put the message in everyday terminology we can all understand. The lessons have been great in what they are teaching. The temptations of Jesus have so much more meaning now. Thanks.
Thank you for your observations and comments. And thank you especially for the investment you make in helping your class better understand God’s Word. May we all be so committed to carrying out our roles of leading others to hear, understand, and conform to God’s Word.
As I edit the MasterWork studies I do sometimes find myself wondering about the word selection some authors have used. In many instances, if the material had been written specifically for Bible study and I were the original editor, I would make changes. Because the MasterWork approach takes previously published books of the messages God has given to authors, there is a greater need to remain as true to the originally published work as our space limitations will allow. I do sometimes replace/rephrase words, but because of the nature of MasterWork, I try to do that sparingly. I will, however, certainly keep your observations in mind as I edit going forward.
In Christ,
MasterWork Editor