Master the Bible: How to Get and Keep the Big Picture of the Bible's Story

Chapter 4 From Before to Beyond Time Series 2

Objectives Welcome to Chapter 4, From Before to Beyond Time – Understanding the Story of God, Series 2 . In this study we will discover how to view the Bible as a single, connected story. In doing so we can come to see its contents as one unfolding narrative of God’s kingdom promise fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth. After your reading, study, discussion, and application of the materials in this chapter, you will be able to: • Understand the importance of story in general, and the Story of God in Scripture, especially as it relates to God’s kingdom promise fulfilled in Christ. • Recite the various elements of a biblical time line of God’s salvation history which summarizes the major events in Scripture and highlights the work of Jesus in God’s plan. • Connect the implications of having a fuller understanding of God’s story to your own life and calling as a disciple of Jesus where you live and work. • Begin a program of Scripture memorization which allows you to begin to master the Bible’s overall story line, with a focus on how that Story is fulfilled in Jesus’ work on the Cross. Overview In this chapter we will discuss the role that storytelling plays in our lives – to help us understand ourselves, our histories, and our destinies. We will survey the story of God as it is presented in Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, and show how it centers on God’s kingdom promise fulfilled in Christ Jesus. In order to master the Bible, we must come to understand its history and become • Better appreciate the importance of history in the mastery of the Bible’s theme, purpose, and contents.

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