The Powerpoint Slides - HERE
Introduction
* Pete, an electrician in London
* Pete's existential question: "What is the point of life?"
* How humans typically search for meaning when faced with difficulties
* The many competing narratives in our culture offering answers
* Introduction to a new nine-week series exploring "The Better Story" from the Bible
The Biblical Narrative of Life
* The God who is life
* Genesis 1: God existing before creation
* God as Trinity: three persons in perfect unity
* God as the source of all life
* God creates life
* Creation through God's word/speaking
* God as architect, artist, and builder
* God's delight in creation
* God creates human life
* Humans created to reflect God's image
* The concept of blessing as life in sync with God
* The command to multiply life
* Imagery of dust/clay (bodies) and breath/spirit (life force)
* God's personal, intimate involvement in human creation
* The garden, fruit trees, and rivers as sustaining elements
* Humanity chooses death
* The tree of knowledge of good and evil
* Sin as replacing God as author and ruler
* Consequences: blessing to curse, conflict, tastes of death
* Separation from God's presence
* God promises to restore life
* Genesis 12: Promises to Abraham
* Promise of a large family (multiplication)
* Promise of Eden-like land
* Promise of blessing for Abraham and the world
* God's people choose death
* Failure to trust God despite the law and promises
* Exile from the promised land
* God's prophets promise new life
* Ezekiel's vision of dry bones coming to life
* Prophecy of a king from David's line
* Vision of restored creation with rivers and trees
* Jesus the life gives life
* Jesus as God's Son in human form
* Jesus demonstrating life-giving power through miracles
* Jesus as living water and source of eternal life
* Jesus the life chooses death
* The paradox of the Creator suffering death
* Jesus' sacrificial death for human sin
* Jesus resurrected to give new life
* Resurrection after three days
* Holy Spirit creating new life in believers
* Fulfillment of promises to Abraham
* Jesus begins the new creation
* Revelation 22: Vision of river of life and tree of life
* No more curse, face-to-face presence with God
* Hope of eternal bodies and restored creation
Application: Nine Lessons About Life
* God is the author of your life
* The Bible is the better story
* Life is only found in a relationship with God
* God made us to enjoy him while enjoying life
* The life of Jesus provides our pattern for living
* Community is essential to experiencing God's life
* Suffering has purpose in God's life story
* God's greatest desire is to multiply new life
Conclusion
* Summary of God's narrative of life, death, and restoration
* Challenge: "Who are the Pete's God has placed in your life?"
