The Story of the Bible

August 13, 2017

Sermon Notes

The Word

The Story of the Bible (Rom. 1:1-6)

The Bible is not a collection of disconnected, moralistic stories. It is the one overarching story of how the cross of Christ will rescue a fallen people.

    • John 5:39 – You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me
    • Luke 24:27- And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
    • Heb. 1:1-3 – Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets,  but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.  He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high

Outline

God created the heavens and the earth
Mankind rebelled trying to prove their worth
Sin escalated to the shedding of blood
God’s wrath displayed in the form of a flood
Yet one was blessed to be a blessing
A nation promised, a Messiah coming
A people rescued out from slavery
The Law given to show their inability
Finally settled into the Promised Land
Yet the cycle of sin punished again and again
A kingdom established, kings took up the crown
Yet the greatest of men still let the people down
A nation divided while prophets warned in the streets
Until godless enemies came and administered defeats
A people in exile suffering with their guilt
A remnant returns, a city rebuilt
The people feared if they’d been left on their own
400 silent years before the answer was known

Glory to God and peace upon the earth
A Savior was given, a virgin gave birth
God in the flesh lived free from sin
Jesus conveyed grace and truth from within
Recognized as teaching with authority
Despised and rejected by the Pharisees
Christ crucified on the hill of Calvary
Exchanged righteousness for our depravity
Yet on the third day, the Savior would rise
Commissioned the disciples in his ascent to the sky
The Holy Spirit empowered, the gospel unashamed
The Church established, giving everything away
No amount of persecution could keep the message back
Paul was converted, proclaimed the faith he attacked
Among the nations, churches were multiplied
Letters were sent, doctrine and practice clarified
A revelation was given for though the future seems grim
Christ will return and we will be with him