Understanding Our Role in God's Ongoing Story
Summary
Summary
Today, we gathered as a community to worship Jesus, recognizing that our connection with God is what truly matters, not the people on stage or behind the scenes. We joined churches across the nation in prayer for abused children and those who work tirelessly to rescue them, acknowledging that while the problem is overwhelming for us, it is not too big for God. We asked God to protect, rescue, and restore these children, and to show each of us our role in this mission of love and justice.
Turning our focus to the Bible, we took a step back to gain a high-level perspective on what this sacred text truly is. Rather than a single book, the Bible is a vast library—a collection of writings from about 40 different authors, composed over more than a millennium. It contains stories, laws, poems, songs, letters, and histories, all woven together to tell the grand, ongoing story of God, His creation, and His relentless love for humanity. Just as you can’t understand the story of America by focusing on a single law, family, or song, you can’t grasp the story of God by isolating one passage or story from the Bible. Each part must be understood in the context of the whole.
We explored the overarching narrative of Scripture: God’s original creation, where humanity and God dwelled together in perfect harmony; humanity’s choice to seek independence from God, resulting in separation and brokenness; God’s promise to send a Redeemer; the arrival of Jesus as the new Adam who overcomes evil and restores the possibility of union with God; and the future hope of a renewed creation where God and humanity are fully together again. Right now, we live in the “overlap”—God’s kingdom is already breaking in, but not yet fully realized. Jesus invites us to participate in this story, to be people filled with His Spirit, bringing glimpses of His kingdom to the world through love, forgiveness, and hope.
As we wait for the fullness of God’s kingdom, we are called to see ourselves as part of this unfolding story, to read and understand the Bible in its grand context, and to invite others into the good news of Jesus. May we be people who live out this story, embodying God’s love and presence in our world.
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Key Takeaways
- The Bible is a Library, Not Just a Book
The Bible is a diverse collection of writings—stories, laws, poems, letters—crafted by many authors over centuries. Understanding it as a library helps us appreciate its complexity and prevents us from reducing its message to a single passage or genre. Each part contributes to the larger narrative of God’s relationship with humanity, and reading it in context is essential for true understanding. [40:28]
- Context is Crucial for Understanding Scripture
Just as you wouldn’t define America by one law or one family, you can’t define God or His story by one verse or story in the Bible. Isolating passages leads to misunderstanding and even harmful theology. We must always seek to understand each part of Scripture within the broader story of God’s redemptive work. [46:01]
- The Grand Story: Creation, Fall, Redemption, Restoration
The Bible tells a sweeping story: God created a good world and placed humanity in it to flourish with Him. Humanity chose independence, resulting in separation and brokenness, but God promised restoration through a coming Messiah. Jesus fulfills this promise, and the story points forward to a future where God and humanity are fully reunited in a renewed creation. [55:42]
- We Live in the “Already and Not Yet” of God’s Kingdom
Right now, we exist in the overlap between the broken world and God’s coming kingdom. Jesus has inaugurated the kingdom, but its fullness is still ahead. Our calling is to live as people of the new creation, bringing glimpses of God’s kingdom—love, healing, forgiveness—into the present as we await its completion. [01:06:01]
- Jesus Invites Us Into the Ongoing Story
The story of God is still unfolding, and Jesus invites each of us to participate. By being filled with His Spirit and living out His love, we become agents of His kingdom, sharing the good news and embodying God’s presence to those around us. Our lives are meant to be part of the ongoing narrative of redemption and hope. [01:08:07]
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Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Youth Worship Team and Generational Leadership
[02:10] - Blue Sunday: Praying for Abused Children
[05:00] - The Power of Collective Prayer
[07:30] - How to Get Involved in Child Rescue
[09:00] - Introducing the Bible Series
[10:30] - What Is the Bible? A 30,000-Foot View
[13:00] - The Bible as a Library, Not a Book
[16:00] - Scrolls, Books, and the Evolution of Scripture
[18:30] - The Bible’s Many Forms and Purposes
[21:00] - Understanding Context: The American Story Analogy
[25:00] - The Dangers of Isolating Scripture
[28:00] - The Big Story: Creation, Fall, and God’s Promise
[32:00] - Jesus: The New Adam and the Kingdom Restored
[36:00] - Living in the Overlap: Our Role in God’s Story
[39:00] - Invitation to Join the Story and Closing Prayer
[41:00] - Announcements and Resources for Bible Study
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Big Story of the Bible
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### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 2:8-9, 15-17
(Creation, the Garden of Eden, the two trees, and humanity’s choice)
2. Romans 5:12-21
(Adam’s choice and Jesus as the new Adam who brings restoration)
3. Revelation 21:1-5
(The future hope: God’s renewed creation and being fully with His people)
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### Observation Questions
1. In Genesis 2, what are the two trees placed in the middle of the garden, and what do they represent?
(see [57:54])
2. According to the sermon, what is the main feature that made Eden special for humanity?
(see [55:42])
3. In Revelation 21, what does John say will be different about the new creation compared to our world now?
(see [01:03:40])
4. The sermon compared the Bible to a library instead of a single book. What kinds of writings are included in this “library”?
(see [40:28])
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God gave humanity a choice in the garden, instead of just making them obey? What does this say about God’s desire for relationship?
(see [57:54])
2. The sermon says that each part of the Bible is just a small part of a much bigger story. How can misunderstanding one part lead to confusion about God’s character?
(see [46:01])
3. Romans 5 talks about Jesus as the “new Adam.” What does it mean for Jesus to undo what Adam did? How does this connect to the big story of the Bible?
(see [01:01:30])
4. The sermon describes our current time as the “overlap” between God’s kingdom and the broken world. What does it look like to live in this “already and not yet” reality?
(see [01:06:01])
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged us to see ourselves as part of God’s ongoing story. What is one way you can remind yourself this week that your life is part of God’s bigger plan?
(see [01:08:07])
2. When you read the Bible, do you tend to focus on single verses or stories? How might reading with the “big story” in mind change the way you understand Scripture?
(see [46:01])
3. The sermon mentioned that isolating Bible passages can lead to misunderstanding or even harmful beliefs. Can you think of a time when you or someone you know misunderstood a Bible verse because it was taken out of context? What did you learn from that experience?
(see [46:01])
4. Jesus invites us to bring “glimpses of God’s kingdom” into the world through love, forgiveness, and hope. What is one specific way you can do this in your family, workplace, or neighborhood this week?
(see [01:08:07])
5. The sermon talked about praying for abused children and those who rescue them. Is there a cause or group of people God is putting on your heart to pray for or serve? What step could you take to get involved?
(see [34:17])
6. The Bible is described as a “library” with many genres and voices. Is there a part of the Bible (like poetry, law, or letters) that you usually avoid? What is one step you could take to explore that part and see how it fits into the big story?
(see [40:28])
7. The future hope in Revelation is that God will be fully with His people and there will be no more pain or sorrow. How does this hope affect the way you handle challenges or suffering right now?
(see [01:03:40])
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help your group see the Bible as one big story of His love, to find your place in that story, and to live as people who bring His kingdom to the world around you.
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Bible as a Diverse Spiritual Library
The Bible is not a single book but a rich collection of writings spanning centuries, genres, and authors. This diversity invites us to appreciate the complexity of God’s revelation rather than reducing it to isolated verses or familiar stories. Each part—whether a poem, law, letter, or history—contributes uniquely to the grand narrative of God’s relationship with humanity. When we approach Scripture as a library, we open ourselves to a fuller understanding of God’s character and His unfolding plan for the world. This perspective guards against oversimplification and deepens our engagement with the text. [40:28]
“Remember the days of old; consider the years of many generations; ask your father, and he will show you; your elders, and they will tell you.” (Deuteronomy 32:7 ESV)
Reflection: What is one genre or book of the Bible you tend to overlook? How might intentionally reading that part this week expand your understanding of God’s story?
Day 2: Seeing Scripture in Its Full Narrative Context
Understanding any single passage of Scripture requires seeing it within the broader story of God’s redemptive work. Just as you wouldn’t define a nation by one law or family, you cannot grasp God’s heart by isolating one verse or story. Taking Scripture out of context risks misunderstanding and even harmful theology. Instead, every passage should be read as part of the unfolding narrative—from creation, through fall, to redemption and restoration. This holistic approach helps us discern God’s consistent purposes and invites us to live in alignment with His ongoing work in the world. [46:01]
“Thus says the Lord: ‘Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.’” (Jeremiah 6:16 ESV)
Reflection: When you read a difficult or confusing verse, how can you pause and ask what part it plays in the larger story of God’s redemption? What steps can you take today to practice this habit?
Day 3: Living Within the Grand Story of Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration
The Bible reveals a sweeping story: God created a good world for humanity to flourish in perfect harmony with Him. Humanity’s choice to seek independence brought brokenness and separation, but God promised restoration through a coming Redeemer. Jesus fulfills this promise as the new Adam, overcoming evil and opening the way for renewed relationship with God. The story points forward to a future where God and humanity will be fully reunited in a restored creation. Recognizing this grand narrative helps us see our lives as part of God’s ongoing work of healing and hope. [55:42]
“For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:22-23 ESV)
Reflection: How does seeing your life within this grand story change the way you view your daily struggles and hopes? What is one way you can live today with the hope of restoration in mind?
Day 4: Living in the “Already and Not Yet” of God’s Kingdom
We currently live in the tension between the brokenness of this world and the coming fullness of God’s kingdom. Jesus has inaugurated the kingdom, but its complete fulfillment is still ahead. This “overlap” calls us to live as people of the new creation now, embodying glimpses of God’s kingdom through love, healing, and forgiveness. Our daily actions become signs of hope and restoration, inviting others to experience God’s presence. This perspective empowers us to participate actively in God’s mission while patiently awaiting the kingdom’s completion. [01:06]
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17 ESV)
Reflection: In what specific way can you bring a tangible glimpse of God’s kingdom—through love, healing, or forgiveness—into your community or relationships today?
Day 5: Joining Jesus in the Ongoing Story of Redemption
God’s story is still unfolding, and Jesus invites each of us to be active participants. Being filled with His Spirit enables us to live out His love and become agents of His kingdom in the world. Our lives are meant to embody God’s presence, sharing the good news and hope with those around us. This invitation calls for intentional daily living that reflects God’s redemptive work and extends His grace to others. Embracing this role transforms ordinary moments into opportunities for kingdom impact. [01:08]
“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26 ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical way you can step into the story Jesus is inviting you to today? How can you rely on the Spirit’s power to live this out in your daily life?
Quotes
So the truth is, the Bible is a lot less like a book and a lot more like a library. It's like a collection of books and all together they tell this amazing story about the main character of the story, God. And this world that he created and particularly his love for his favorite part of creation, which is humans. And so all together, this collection of writing works together to tell this one big, epic, continuous story. And it's a huge story because it starts at the beginning of the world. And it goes until it hasn't ended yet. And so to tell this amazing story, because it's so complex, the Bible uses all kinds of different writings. [00:42:44] (51 seconds)
But at times, how many would agree it can be a little confusing? Yeah? It can be a little divisive. I mean, we have people that don't agree on exactly what it means, and frankly, we have a lot of people, I think, that just give up on even understanding it, but it is such an important book. It's an access point to God. [00:37:40] (18 seconds)
So the Bible is, it's not a book that some person sat down and wrote. It's over generations. It's a library of writings, all kinds of writings, biographies and letters and laws and poems from lots of different writers that we believe were inspired by God. And altogether, these writings tell one big, amazing story. [00:54:25] (27 seconds)
And his favorite part of creation was humans, humanity, man. And so God put man in this beautiful, perfect garden and God's biggest hope was for man to do great, you know, to live and to thrive and to flourish and have great relationships with each other and have great relationships with him. And so since God knew what was best and what would bring about this flourishing and this great life and these great relationships, he set up like a system of what was good and what was bad or evil or sin. And God just said that anything, anything that God knew would promote humans doing well, right, human flourishing and thriving and great relationships, he called those things good. [00:56:18] (48 seconds)
Pretty awful, but God made a promise that someday another man, a better Adam would come and he would fully trust God. And so he would overcome sin and he would overcome temptation and he would overcome and kill the snake and he would reunite God and he would restore God's beautiful world. Back to the original plan. [01:01:10] (26 seconds)
And when Jesus was here, he went around doing these signs and wonders, these miracles. And these miracles were actually a picture of him undoing that ugly stuff because he forgave sin and he healed disease and he raised the dead and he cast out demons. And so each one of those miracles, each one of those signs and wonders was like a taste, like we always say, it was like a sample of God's coming kingdom where sin and disease and death and demons have no power. [01:02:56] (32 seconds)
So this story started in Genesis in the past at creation in this amazing garden kingdom where God and humanity are fully together and it ends up in Revelation in the future, back at the same place, this amazing kingdom where God and humanity are fully together forever. And here in the overlap, as we wait, the story is still unfolding. We've seen the past, we've seen the future, and now in the middle, we're waiting and it's still happening, it's still unfolding, it's still being written. And the best part is that Jesus invites you into the story. [01:06:48] (50 seconds)
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