Simple Yet Helpful

In an effort to better grasp the Scriptures it's interesting how a simple exercise like moving words around on a page can help you see more clearly what is truly there. A friend (Brian) shared this with me a few years ago and it has proved quite helpful in allowing me to see the depth of the text more clearly. I've found this particularly helpful when preparing to give a message on a certain text. It is however also very helpful for study and for gaining a better understanding of a text - even if you won't be preaching on it. If I remember correctly he referred to this as a mechanical layout.

For example read the below passage and then read it in a different lay out and see the difference for yourself (the lines are only used to hold space as the space bar alone in this blog format will not work):


Ephesians 1:4-6
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will - to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.


Ephesians 1:4-6

For He chose us
__in Him
_____before the creation of the world
________to be holy
________and blameless
___________in His sight.

In love
__He predestined us
_____to be adopted
________as His sons
___________through Jesus Christ,
______________in accordance with His pleasure
______________and will

to the praise
__of His glorious grace,
_____which He has freely given us
________in the One He loves.