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<title>The Bible’s Big Story</title>
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<h1>The Bible’s Big Story</h1>

<h3>Seeing Scripture as One Beautiful Story from Creation to New Creation</h3>

<h2>Introduction: Why the Big Story Matters</h2>

<p class="lead dropcap">Many believers know individual Bible stories—David and Goliath, Noah and the Ark, Daniel in the lion’s den—but struggle to explain how all of Scripture fits together. Yet the Bible is not a random collection of moral lessons. It is one unified, sweeping story of God’s redeeming love, unfolding from Genesis to Revelation. Understanding this “big story” transforms how we read Scripture, how we view ourselves, and how we follow Jesus.</p>

<p>To embrace the Bible’s grand narrative is to see God’s heart, God’s mission, and God’s unchanging plan to bring His people into a renewed creation under the reign of King Jesus.</p>

<h2>1. Creation — God’s Good Design</h2>

<p>Genesis 1–2 introduces the story with beauty and intention. God creates a world overflowing with life, order, and purpose. Humanity is made in God’s image to reflect His character and rule His world with wisdom and love.</p>

<p>Three truths stand at the foundation of the story:</p>

<ol>
<li>God is the Author. Creation is not random; it is purposeful.</li>
<li>Humans are made for relationship. With God, each other, and the world.</li>
<li>Everything God made was “very good.”</li>
</ol>

<p>Creation sets the stage for God’s mission: a world filled with His glory through His image-bearers.</p>

<h2>2. Rebellion — Humanity’s Tragic Fall</h2>

<p>The story takes a dramatic turn in Genesis 3 as humanity rejects God’s authority. Adam and Eve desire independence, and sin enters the world. This rebellion fractures every relationship:</p>

<ul>
<li>With God (spiritual separation)</li>
<li>Within ourselves (shame, confusion)</li>
<li>With others (conflict, injustice)</li>
<li>With creation (decay, disorder)</li>
</ul>

<p>The fall explains the world’s brokenness—and the brokenness of our hearts. But even here, God promises redemption: the offspring of the woman will one day crush the serpent (Gen. 3:15). The story of salvation begins.</p>

<h2>3. Promise — God Launches His Rescue Mission</h2>

<p>God refuses to abandon His creation. Instead, He begins a covenant plan to restore His world. The story progresses through key promises:</p>

<h3>Abraham — A Family of Blessing (Genesis 12)</h3>

<p>God promises:</p>

<ul>
<li>A people</li>
<li>A land</li>
<li>A blessing for all nations</li>
</ul>

<p>Through Abraham’s family, God will bring the Savior who reverses the curse.</p>

<h3>Israel — A Kingdom of Priests (Exodus 19)</h3>

<p>God gives His law, His presence, and His promises to shape a people who reflect Him.</p>

<h3>David — A Forever King (2 Samuel 7)</h3>

<p>A Son of David will rule with justice and peace forever.</p>

<p>These promises point forward, building anticipation for the Hero who will rescue God’s people and restore God’s world.</p>

<h2>4. Jesus — The Fulfillment of the Story</h2>

<p>At the center of Scripture stands Jesus Christ—the long-awaited Messiah. He is the climax of the story, where every promise finds its “Yes” (2 Cor. 1:20).</p>

<p>Jesus brings:</p>

<ul>
<li>A New Adam — faithful where Adam failed</li>
<li>A True Israel — obedient where Israel rebelled</li>
<li>A Greater David — the King whose kingdom never ends</li>
</ul>

<p>Through His life, Jesus reveals what humanity was meant to be.<br>
Through His death, He breaks the power of sin and absorbs its curse.<br>
Through His resurrection, He launches new creation.<br>
Through His ascension, He reigns as Lord of all.</p>

<p>The gospel is not merely good advice—it is good news that the King has come to restore His world.</p>

<h2>5. The Church — God’s People on Mission</h2>

<p>After Jesus’ resurrection, the story continues through His Spirit-filled church. Believers are now:</p>

<ul>
<li>Ambassadors of Christ</li>
<li>Temples of the Holy Spirit</li>
<li>A new humanity in the making</li>
<li>A preview of God’s coming kingdom</li>
</ul>

<p>The church’s mission flows from the big story:
to make disciples of all nations and display God’s character through love, holiness, and unity.</p>

<p>We live in the “already/not yet”—God’s kingdom has begun, but its fullness is still coming.</p>

<h2>6. New Creation — God Makes All Things New</h2>

<p>The Bible ends where it began—with creation—but this time renewed and perfected. In Revelation 21–22, God dwells with His people, wipes away every tear, destroys death forever, and restores all things.</p>

<p>New creation is:</p>

<ul>
<li>Physical — a restored world</li>
<li>Personal — resurrected bodies</li>
<li>Relational — perfect fellowship</li>
<li>Cosmic — every corner of creation healed</li>
</ul>

<p>The story ends in glory—and then never ends.</p>

<h2>How the Big Story Shapes Everyday Discipleship</h2>

<h3>1. Identity</h3>
<p>You are not defined by your past but by your place in God’s story.</p>

<h3>2. Purpose</h3>
<p>Your calling is to reflect God’s image and extend His kingdom.</p>

<h3>3. Hope</h3>
<p>Suffering is not the final word; resurrection is.</p>

<h3>4. Scripture Reading</h3>
<p>Passages that once felt disconnected now take their place in the narrative of redemption.</p>

<p>Understanding the big story gives confidence, clarity, and joy in following Jesus.</p>

<h2>Conclusion: Living Inside God’s Story</h2>

<p>The Bible invites you into a story far larger and more beautiful than your own. You were created for this story, redeemed by its Hero, empowered by its Spirit, and destined for its glorious ending.</p>

<p>To know Scripture is to know this story.<br>
To follow Jesus is to live inside it.<br>
To disciple others is to guide them into it.</p>

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