creation The Bible contains an epic story. A story that begins with, ends with, and is all about Jesus. This story begins before creation and goes on forever. The Bible tells this story in 6 parts from Genesis to Revelation showing us how we can know God. Psalm 119, Isaiah 40:6-8, 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:19-21

creation The Bible begins with creation. God created everything to show how amazing He is and that we can know Him. From creation, we can see that God is eternal, creative, and has authority over us. In the beginning, everything was good. Genesis 1-2, Psalm 19, Romans 1:20, Revelation 4:11 creation

However, the Bible tells us that the creation fell under a curse. This curse came about because mankind disobeyed God. As a result, everything fell into disorder. Sin, death, frustration, disease, wars, and disasters entered into creation and continues up to this day. From this point on, everyone was separated from God, became enslaved to sin and evil, and live under His judgment. Genesis 3, Romans 3:9-20, 5:12-20, 8:19-23, Ephesians 2:1-3 curse

The Old Testament of the Bible tells the story of God’s promise, or covenant, to his people Israel to restore everything that went wrong because of the curse. God promised not to leave the creation in ruins or mankind separated from Him. Instead, God promised to provide a Messiah, or Savior, who would bring justice to the world, restore our relationship with Him, and make a new creation free from the curse. Genesis 3:15, 9:8-17, 15:1-21, Exodus 20, 2 Samuel 7, Jeremiah 31:31-34 covenant

christ The Gospels of the New Testament show us that this promised Savior is Jesus the Christ. Jesus was a human just like us, feeling temptation, expressing emotion, living with hopes and dreams. Jesus was also God. He performed miracles, raised people from the dead, and never committed any sin. When Jesus died on the cross, He took our place before God by receiving the punishment from God we deserve for our sins. When Jesus rose from the dead and ascended to heaven, He demonstrated His power as God over sin and death and gave us a preview of what life will be like in the new creation. The Gospels, Philippians 2:5-11, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Colossians 1:15-20

community The New Testament tells the story of what happens when people’s lives are transformed by Christ. These people immediately gather into community. Community is central to the Bible’s story. The Old Testament community was the nation of Israel. The New Testament community is the Church. Community was lost in the curse and is being restored by Christ’s death, resurrection, and ascension. Those in the community of the Church help one another live out their new identity in Christ. They love and serve others and work together to spread the story of Jesus to every person in the world. Matthew 18:15-20, Acts 2:42-47, Ephesians 1:22, Matthew 28:16-20

conquest The Bible concludes with the return of Christ and describes the events of his final victory, or conquest, over sin, death, and the curse. Christ will return to make all things right. Every person will stand before God for judgment. Some will be cast out of the presence of God forever and suffer the punishment of hell. Others will enter into the new creation to be with Jesus forever. In the end, God will reign forever over a perfect creation free from sin and evil and enjoy unhindered relationship with his people in an unending and increasing experience of joy and worship. Matthew 24-25, 2 Thessalonians 1:5-12, Revelation

We live like we are the king over our own story. We must realize that God is King and has a story we must submit to. Therefore, we must repent, or give up being the king of our own story, and turn to Jesus the true King and let him reign over our lives. Jesus died to take the punishment we deserve from God for living as kings over our own lives. Jesus rose from the dead to give us a new life and a new story. Repent and believe the story of Jesus today and gather with other believers to learn how to live out Jesus’ new story in your life.

Jesus said: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand, repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:15