Unashamed: Embracing God's Grand Narrative Together
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to reflect on the journey of our church and the importance of maintaining a biblical worldview. We began by addressing the heartfelt departure of Jeff and Tanya Van Meter, who have decided to return to Mount Vernon due to the emotional strain of moving. We prayed for their peace and guidance, acknowledging that God’s work continues regardless of our individual roles. This transition reminds us that Satan often disrupts good works, but like Nehemiah, we must stay focused on our mission.
We then delved into our new series, "Unashamed," which explores the significance of viewing life through the lens of Scripture. The Bible, with its 66 books written by various authors over centuries, can sometimes feel like a complex puzzle. To make sense of it, we need to see the big picture, much like assembling a puzzle by first finding the corner pieces and the central subject. The Bible is not about us; it’s about God’s glory and His grand narrative of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration.
We examined how Paul, in Acts 17, approached the people of Athens, who were steeped in idolatry and diverse worldviews. Paul built bridges by acknowledging their religiosity and then introduced them to the one true God. He emphasized God as the Creator, the fall of humanity, the redemption through Jesus Christ, and the ultimate restoration of all things. This approach is crucial for us today as we engage with a world that often lacks a foundational understanding of sin and salvation.
Paul’s method of starting with creation and moving through the narrative arc of the Bible provides a model for us. We must be clear about God’s role as Creator, the reality of human sin, the necessity of repentance, and the hope of redemption and restoration through Jesus. This grand story of God’s glory is the only true worldview that makes sense of all life’s pieces.
### Key Takeaways
1. God’s Sovereignty in Transitions: The departure of Jeff and Tanya Van Meter reminds us that God’s work is not dependent on any one person. He continues His mission through us, even when we face disruptions. This is a call to trust in God’s sovereignty and remain steadfast in our mission, knowing that He is in control. [19:04]
2. The Bible as a Grand Narrative: Viewing the Bible as a cohesive story rather than a collection of disjointed books helps us understand its message. The four corner pieces—creation, fall, redemption, and restoration—provide a framework for interpreting Scripture and seeing God’s overarching plan. [30:53]
3. Building Bridges in Evangelism: Paul’s approach in Athens teaches us the importance of building bridges with those who have different worldviews. By acknowledging their beliefs and respectfully introducing them to the true God, we can effectively share the gospel. This method requires patience, understanding, and a deep knowledge of Scripture. [43:17]
4. The Necessity of Repentance: Repentance is a crucial response to the fall. It involves turning away from our sinful ways and turning towards God. This concept is foundational to the Christian faith and must be clearly communicated in our evangelism and personal spiritual growth. [46:13]
5. The Hope of Restoration: The Christian narrative offers hope through the promise of restoration. God’s plan is to ultimately restore creation to its intended perfection. This hope should inspire us to live faithfully and share the gospel, knowing that God’s story ends in victory and renewal. [47:46]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[19:04] - Praying for Jeff and Tanya
[20:09] - Staying Focused on Our Mission
[21:10] - Prayer for Guidance and Faithfulness
[22:22] - Introduction to the "Unashamed" Series
[23:21] - The Bible as a Puzzle
[24:14] - The Process of Understanding Scripture
[25:13] - Missing and Borrowed Pieces
[26:09] - The Big Picture of God's Story
[27:36] - The Story of God's Glory
[28:10] - Building the Puzzle: Corner Pieces
[28:47] - Central Subject and Core Pieces
[29:20] - The Grand Narrative of Christianity
[30:22] - Ephesians 1:9-10 and the Four Corners
[30:53] - Creation, Fall, Redemption, Restoration
[32:17] - The Christian Narrative vs. Other Stories
[34:01] - Paul's Approach in Athens
[43:17] - Creation: God as Creator
[46:13] - The Fall and the Need for Repentance
[47:46] - Redemption and Restoration
[49:22] - Responses to the Gospel
[50:58] - Building Bridges and Sharing the Gospel
[51:39] - The Grand Story of the Bible
[52:17] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 17:16-34 - Paul's Sermon in Athens
2. Ephesians 1:9-10 - The Grand Narrative of Christianity
3. Genesis 1:1 - Creation
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Paul's reaction when he saw the city of Athens full of idols? How did he respond to this situation? ([34:38])
2. According to the sermon, what are the four corner pieces of the biblical narrative? ([30:53])
3. How did Paul build bridges with the people of Athens before sharing the gospel? ([40:53])
4. What does Ephesians 1:9-10 say about God's plan for the fullness of time? How does this relate to the four corner pieces of the biblical narrative? ([30:22])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to start with the concept of God as Creator when sharing the gospel, according to the sermon? ([45:28])
2. How does understanding the grand narrative of the Bible (creation, fall, redemption, restoration) help in interpreting individual passages of Scripture? ([30:53])
3. What can we learn from Paul's approach in Athens about engaging with people who have different worldviews? ([40:53])
4. How does the concept of repentance fit into the grand narrative of the Bible, and why is it crucial for personal spiritual growth? ([46:13])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced a significant transition in your life. How did you see God's sovereignty at work during that period? How can you trust in His control during future transitions? ([19:04])
2. How can you start viewing the Bible as a cohesive story rather than a collection of disjointed books? What steps can you take to understand the grand narrative better? ([30:53])
3. Think of someone in your life who has a different worldview. How can you build bridges with them, acknowledging their beliefs while respectfully introducing them to the true God? ([40:53])
4. Repentance involves turning away from sinful ways and turning towards God. Is there a specific area in your life where you need to repent? What steps will you take to address this? ([46:13])
5. The Christian narrative offers hope through the promise of restoration. How does this hope inspire you to live faithfully and share the gospel? ([47:46])
6. How can you incorporate the four corner pieces of the biblical narrative (creation, fall, redemption, restoration) into your daily life and conversations? ([30:53])
7. Paul used cultural references to connect with his audience in Athens. What are some modern cultural references you can use to connect with people and share the gospel effectively? ([44:38])
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting God's Sovereignty in Transitions
Description: The departure of Jeff and Tanya Van Meter serves as a poignant reminder that God's work is not dependent on any single individual. Their decision to return to Mount Vernon due to the emotional strain of moving highlights the reality that life is full of transitions and disruptions. However, these changes do not hinder God's mission. Instead, they call us to trust in His sovereignty and remain steadfast in our purpose. Just as Nehemiah stayed focused on rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem despite opposition, we too must stay committed to our mission, knowing that God is in control and His plans will prevail. [19:04]
Isaiah 46:9-10 (ESV): "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.’"
Reflection: Think of a recent transition or disruption in your life. How can you trust in God's sovereignty and remain focused on your mission during this time?
Day 2: Understanding the Bible as a Grand Narrative
Description: Viewing the Bible as a cohesive story rather than a collection of disjointed books helps us grasp its profound message. The Bible, with its 66 books written by various authors over centuries, can sometimes feel like a complex puzzle. To make sense of it, we need to see the big picture, much like assembling a puzzle by first finding the corner pieces and the central subject. The four corner pieces—creation, fall, redemption, and restoration—provide a framework for interpreting Scripture and seeing God’s overarching plan. This grand narrative is not about us; it’s about God’s glory and His story of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. [30:53]
Ephesians 1:9-10 (ESV): "Making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth."
Reflection: How does viewing the Bible as a grand narrative change your understanding of specific passages? Can you identify the four corner pieces in your current Bible study?
Day 3: Building Bridges in Evangelism
Description: Paul’s approach in Athens, as recorded in Acts 17, teaches us the importance of building bridges with those who have different worldviews. The people of Athens were steeped in idolatry and diverse beliefs, yet Paul acknowledged their religiosity and respectfully introduced them to the one true God. He emphasized God as the Creator, the fall of humanity, redemption through Jesus Christ, and the ultimate restoration of all things. This method requires patience, understanding, and a deep knowledge of Scripture. By building bridges and finding common ground, we can effectively share the gospel with those who may not have a foundational understanding of sin and salvation. [43:17]
Acts 17:22-23 (ESV): "So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: 'Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.'"
Reflection: Think of someone in your life with a different worldview. How can you build a bridge to share the gospel with them in a respectful and understanding way?
Day 4: The Necessity of Repentance
Description: Repentance is a crucial response to the fall of humanity. It involves turning away from our sinful ways and turning towards God. This concept is foundational to the Christian faith and must be clearly communicated in our evangelism and personal spiritual growth. Repentance is not just about feeling sorry for our sins; it is about a transformative change of heart and mind that leads to a new way of living. Understanding the depth of our sin and the need for repentance helps us appreciate the magnitude of God's grace and the redemption offered through Jesus Christ. [46:13]
Acts 3:19 (ESV): "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."
Reflection: Is there a specific sin in your life that you need to repent of today? What steps can you take to turn away from this sin and turn towards God?
Day 5: The Hope of Restoration
Description: The Christian narrative offers hope through the promise of restoration. God's plan is to ultimately restore creation to its intended perfection. This hope should inspire us to live faithfully and share the gospel, knowing that God's story ends in victory and renewal. The promise of restoration gives us a future-oriented perspective, encouraging us to persevere through trials and remain steadfast in our faith. It reminds us that our present sufferings are temporary and that God is working towards a glorious future where all things will be made new. [47:46]
Revelation 21:4-5 (ESV): "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. And he who was seated on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.'"
Reflection: How does the promise of restoration influence your daily life and decisions? What can you do today to live in the hope of God's ultimate victory and renewal?
Quotes
1. "The first thing I know is, like, God's got this. He always does. I've learned that over the years. Like, one of the things that he makes clear to me often is, you forgot. I don't need you. I'm going to keep doing this. I'm doing what I'm doing. And so, I need that reminder every once in a while. But also, just that, man, one of the things that's true about it, and I talked about it Wednesday night, is Satan doesn't like when good stuff's going on for the kingdom." [20:09] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Does the Bible ever seem like a puzzle to you? Do you find it challenging trying to fit all of the pieces together? You know, we talk about how all of these 66 books and they're written by so many different authors over such a great, great amount of time that, man, when you zoom in, the more you zoom in on Scripture, the more you can find yourself looking at just one piece of an extensive puzzle at times." [23:21] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I think in a very real sense, the Bible, we have to understand it's not about me. It's all about God. I am not the hero of the story. God is. And while some see the Bible as about themselves, others view it as just a set of rules. At its core, though, the Bible is the story of God's glory, it's the story of His grace, the grace of the gospel. The Bible, it contains the only true worldview because it is the only view of reality in which all the pieces fit together." [26:51] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Christianity is not just another world view, it's the one true story of reality. It resonates deep within each person that it touches. And it's true at all times, for all people, at all places. The biblical narrative outlines how God is the creator, how he relates to our fallenness, how he's working to reconcile the world to its intended purpose. Within this meta-narrative, or big story, we see God is directing history. We see that he will ultimately defeat all opposition. And the Bible really does provide answers to all of life's fundamental questions. It offers a vision for human flourishing." [29:20] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Creation tells us how things began and where everything came from. The fall describes the problem when sin was unleashed in the world. Redemption gives us the solution, the way to fix what went wrong and then restoration describes what the world will look like once repair takes place. One reason that the message of Christianity no longer makes sense to people in our society is because they are not familiar with the starting point. Right? So concepts like, like sin and salvation, they don't make any sense if you don't know where it started, if you don't know how it began." [32:54] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Paul spent most of his message. I think this is interesting. I think this is important for us, church, in forming our worldview. Paul spends most of his message establishing God as the creator. Guys, we have to, we have to start from the beginning. We have to start with that piece if we're gonna understand who God is and we're gonna understand all the rest of the pieces. The second thing Paul gets into then is the fall. After establishing God as creator, he introduces the idea of our deep brokenness caused by sin and he called people to repentance in verse 30." [45:28] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Church, as we form this worldview, I just want you to understand. As someone walking with a biblical worldview, some will reject you. Some might be reluctant, but a handful will receive and be transformed. As the praise team comes to lead us in a song of response, my question for you today is what about you? Have you been rejecting the gospel? Are you reluctant? Or maybe you're ready. Maybe you're ready to receive the gift. We're going to actually witness some who have received it just recently and decided to be baptized today." [50:13] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "There are lots of stories in the Bible, but all the stories are telling one big story. The story of how God loves His children and comes to rescue them. It takes the whole Bible to tell this story. And at the center of the story, there is a baby. And every story in the Bible, she says, whispers His name. He is like the missing piece in a puzzle. The piece that makes all the other pieces fit together. And suddenly, suddenly you can see, what a beautiful thing." [51:39] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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