There are basically two ways to read the Bible — as a book of law, or as a book of promise. Our natural religious psychology wants to read the Bible as law: “God is explaining here how I can win his favor.” A law-hermeneutic is the pre-understanding we naturally bring to our Bible reading, every page. But in Galatians 3 Paul explains that he reads the Bible as a book of promise, and he wants us to as well. He sees every page of the Bible as gracious promise from God to undeserving sinners. Is there law in the Bible? Yes. But it was “added” (v. 19). Law was inserted after the promises to Abraham were established. It is promise that comes first (Genesis 12), then law comes later (Exodus 20). It is promise, therefore, that defines the all-encompassing framework within which we are to read everything else in the Bible... Every page [in the Bible], most deeply understood, shines forth as a promise of grace to sinners in Christ.

Ray Ortlund

CATEGORY	CUISINE	TAG	YIELD
Fruits, Dairy	Dutch	Desserts, Fruits	1	Servings

INGREDIENTS

1	qt	Fresh or frozen (loose-pack) blackberries
1	c	Plus 1 tablespoon sugar,
1		Divided 3l4 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2	ts	Lemon extract
1 1/2	c	All-purpose flour
2	ts	Baking powder
1/4	ts	Ground nutmeg
2/3	c	Milk Cream or whipped cream, optional

INSTRUCTIONS

In a Dutch oven, combine the blackberries, 1 cup sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt
and lemon extract. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, nutmeg and
remaining sugar and salt. Add milk; stir just until mixed. (Dough will be
very thick.) Drop by tablespoonfuls into six mounds onto hot blackberry
mixture cover tightly and simmer for 15 minutes or until a toothpick
inserted in a dumpling comes out clean. Spoon in-to serving dishes. Serve
with cream or whipped cream if desired.
Yield: 6-8 servings.
From the files of Al Rice, North Pole Alaska.    Feb 1994
From Gemini's MASSIVE MealMaster collection at www.synapse.com/~gemini

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