The Bible: The Story of the World and Your Place in It
This Sunday, we begin what I'm calling our "Journey through the Bible." Each week, beginning in Genesis, we will take up a major event or key element in the redemptive narrative of the Bible and learn how it fits into the overarching story of the world--the world in which you and I are a part.
Why spend a whole year doing this?
I'm glad you asked.
Imagine a canvas as long as eternity, as high as heaven, and as deep as sin. Then imagine God--Lord of the cosmos, Lord of history, Lord of all. And he from eternity past, desiring to share the glory, splendor, and eternal joy that he has in himself with others, decides to take up his brush and paint. And by the sheer creative power of his speech, by innumerable lives, each a stroke of the brush, and by the broad, sweeping ages of history, he puts his glory on display for all to see. And one day, we shall all step back and see the completed work, the indescribable glory of God that could only be revealed in its fullness by lights and darks, contrasts and complements, staccato strokes, and sweeping flourishes. That is, it takes the ages of human history to even begin to show "the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!" (Romans 11:33)
The Bible can feel so dry to us at times because we forget that each part is pointing ahead to something greater, fuller, richer. It is not, primarily, a book of rules, fables, or hero-stories. It is the story of God, his plan, and your place in it. The story has a definite beginning, a quickly approaching end, and a middle that is irresistibly guided by a sovereign hand. What role will you play in this story? Your answer to this question will be the single most important discovery you'll ever make.
Because the best part about this story is... it's true.
Join us on this journey. I believe that if you do, it will change forever the way you read your Bible. More importantly, you will find that which the world desperately longs for but cannot find in it itself--real, eternal meaning for your life. Because the best part about this story is... it's true. You were made for this. You were made for Him. Come behold the glory of God with us through the story he is writing for us.
Pastor Chad