History: The Unfolding Narrative of the Bible The Bible contains 66 books written through 40 human authors on three continents in three languages over a period of over 1,500 years. Yet, the Bible is really one big story about God.   Today we covered 12 key movements of the Biblical narrative. Through understanding history as “His story” we can find our place in God’s story. Creation God created the universe and everything in it, including you and me. He has a good design for His creation and made us to bring Him glory through a relationship with Him and reflect His truth, love, and character. References: Genesis 1:1, 26-27 Fall & Judgment Through the sinful actions of Adam and Eve, humanity, along with the rest of God’s creation turned from God’s good design. Every person is now fallen and in need of redemption. God is just to judge and yet even in that judgment He provided glimpses of His plan of redemption. References: Genesis 3:8, 3:15, 6:5-8 Path of Redemption God promises blessing through the line of Abraham. The line continues with Isaac and Jacob to twelve sons that would form into the twelve tribes of Israel. It is through this family lineage that God would send the promised Messiah. References: Genesis 12:1-3, 15:1-21 Slavery & Freedom God’s people multiply greatly as promised. Through Joseph they are relocated to Egypt and are later made into slaves by Pharaoh. God sends a deliverer in Moses to free His people. God communicates the need for a substitute to redeem us through the institution of the Passover. References: Exodus 1:6-7, 3:1-22, 15:11-13 The Law God gives His people laws to govern them, show them how to live, and set them apart for His purposes to bring the Messiah. God’s people are commanded to raise future generations to love and follow Him. The tabernacle is introduced and points to the dwelling of God with man. Priests are appointed who also point to one who would become the final mediator between God and man. References: Exodus 20:1-21, Deut 5:1-6:9 Promised Land Following Moses, Joshua leads God’s people into the promised land. After Joshua, God’s people turn from Him once again and a period of judges are sent to lead them, but the people long for a king. God provides kings in Saul, David, and Solomon, but promises the arrival of an eternal king. God’s people have a temple rather than a tabernacle, but the ultimate king who dwells with His people is still to come. References: Joshua 24:1-28, Judges 2:10-12, 25, 1 Samuel 8:4-9   Divided & Conquered The kingdom is divided into a northern (ten tribes) kingdom Israel and the southern kingdom (two tribes) called Judah. These kingdoms are overtaken and led into exile by Assyria (Israel) and later by Babylon (Judah). In the time leading into and during exile, God sends prophets such as Elijah in the north and Isaiah in the south. These prophets warned of judgment and offered hope by pointing to the Messiah to come. References: 2 Kings 17:18-23, 2 Kings 25:1-2, v.21 Return & Intermission The southern kingdom (Judah) is allowed to return home and rebuild Jerusalem. They rebuild the temple and other prophets such as Malachi and Zechariah are sent to speak to and prepare God’s people. With this we enter the period between testaments and the anxious longing for the chosen prophet, priest, and king to come. References: Ezra 1:1-3, Mal 4:5-6 The Savior King The King arrives! Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, share how Jesus was born in Bethlehem as fully God and fully man, sent to redeem a fallen creation. He teaches God’s word, calls others to follow Him, and performs miracles demonstrating He alone can undo the curse and fall. He fulfills the law of God, the role of prophet, priest, and king, and the purpose of the tabernacle and temple. He is the lamb of God who dies on the cross for our sins and rises again in victory. He ascends in glory and promises HIs return to renew creation for eternity.  References: Matthew 1:23, 3:1-3, John 3:16, Matthew 28:18-20 The Birth of the Church The day of Pentecost comes and the Holy Spirit comes to indwell God’s people. The book of Acts details the beginning of God’s church as the disciples share the gospel and call others to place their hope in Jesus as Lord and Savior. The church is made up of Jews and Gentiles representing the building, body, and bride of Christ. God even redeems opponents such as Saul and uses him to spread the gospel.  References: Acts 2:1-2, 42-47, 9:31 The Good News Spreads The message of Jesus and the offer of a restored relationship with God is shared throughout the world. Paul, John, and Peter are among the writers of the New Testament letters guiding God’s people how to walk in this new life given by Jesus. The gospel continues to spread around the world as the church carries the mission and message of Jesus even today. References: Romans 1:16, 2 Cor 5:17-21, 1 Thes 2:13 The New Beginning The final part of the story told in Scripture is the return of Jesus one day to renew all of creation. We wait in hope now as those looking to Jesus and longing for HIs return. One day Jesus will return in glory and we will rule and reign with Him for all eternity. God will dwell with HIs people in a right relationship once again in a world redeemed by His grace and for His glory.  References: Rev 19:11-16, 21:1-4, 22:1-5 Thoughts and Questions to Consider: How does seeing the whole story of the Bible help you to better understand it? What does it show you about God? What are some important ways God’s story in Scripture points us to Jesus? The Bible is God’s word given so that we can know, trust, love, and follow Jesus. How is the message of God’s story the Bible impacting your life?