The Story of the Bible

   In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. He created man and woman because He wanted relationship. He placed them in the garden and gave them authority over the animals and the earth. But they were deceived by a serpent and because of their sin they were separated from God. 

   So God put into effect His redemptive plan to reconcile us with Him. He chose and blessed Abraham multiplying his descendants. He made a covenant with Moses, giving him the ten commandments, the law. Along with that, they had to atone for their sins by sacrificing the blood of defect free animals. God was with them always and provided for their every need. But they rebelled and went after other gods that they created out of gold, bronze and wood. They fell prey to the worlds influence. 

   God rose up strong leaders like Joshua and Caleb to lead the people back to the heart of God. The Israelites would have moments of returning to God but then fall right back into pagan ways. God then sent judges to warn the people and save them from themselves. It was a cycle of God's blessing, then idolatry, then repentance, then deliverance. The people started complaining and asking for a king so God gave them one in Saul. His successor was David, a man after God's own heart, who lead the people well and put God first. God promised that his royal throne would be secure forever. His son Solomon built God an amazing temple where God's presence rested. After him came a long line of evil kings and a few good ones. The kingdom of Judah eventually fell and the Israelites were sent into exile in Babylon. 

   Some years later the Jews were allowed to return to Jerusalem and began to rebuild the walls and the temple. They never had a king again and God's glory never rested in the new temple. But God preserved a king in Babylon and kept His promise to David by continuing His line. The prophecies made of a coming Messiah were still unfulfilled, giving the Jews hope. Then there was 400 years of silence from God. It was a time when synagogues were established and different religious groups. The prophecies and stories of the Jews ancestors were read in meetings but must have seemed far off because of the many years that had passed. 

   But God was not absent, nor did His plan fail. He sent His son Jesus in the form of a baby born to a virgin. Jesus was to be the ultimate sacrifice atoning for all sin forever. He grew up in Nazareth and at the age of 30 began His three years of ministry. He was the fulfillment of all the prophecies of Isaiah and others. Many Jew

s did not accept Him as the long awaited Messiah but many did, including Gentiles. He was controversial to the religious leaders. He healed the sick, raised the dead and taught the masses about God's love for them. He had twelve men whom He called His disciples and taught them about the new covenant. No more animal sacrifices or following the old covenant that Moses was given. There was freedom. They were now saved by faith! The glory of the new covenant was greater than the glory of the old one. He came to make all things new and to sacrifice Himself as the perfect lamb. The Jewish leaders plotted to kill Him and they handed Him over to the Romans to be crucified. On the cross He declared, "It is finished" beating the power of sin and the grave. He rose from the dead on the third day! Making a way for us to be with the Father in Heaven. 

   After Jesus ascended to heaven, His followers were given the Holy Spirit, who is God. The Spirit lives inside of us helping us discern and live a life that is pleasing to God. 

Jesus' disciples went out on many missionary journeys telling everyone about Jesus and that He is the Saviour of the world. Persecution was constantly in their lives but often it would cause more glory to be given to God. Many people believed and were saved after hearing the gospel and seeing the miracles that the disciples performed. The church of Christ grew in number and John finishes the Bible with visions of the future glory of the second coming of Jesus when He will bring all of His followers to Heaven to be with Him. We will finally be reunited with God, our Creator and Father. We are saved by faith in Jesus because of the grace of God!