The Story April
7, 2013 WC
McCarter
Introduction
I love the Bible. Like many of you, I have learned from this
book since the time I was a toddler, and I still am barely scratching the
surface of its wealth and knowledge. This book tells the story of God’s love
for me and the whole world. His value, His worth is found in its pages. From
beginning to end there is one story to be told. It is the story of God creating
a people, calling a people, seeking a people, and redeeming a people. All of
the stories come together to tell the one continuous story of God’s grace and
glory. The Bible is God’s story, but it is ours as well.
From the Foundation
of the World (Rev 13:8)
The Lamb was slain before the foundation of the world. This
was the plan from before time. You see, God knows the past perfectly, the
present perfectly, and the future perfectly. Before God said, “Let there be
light,” He had seen our sinful, rebellious state. He saw the end before the
beginning. He knew what we would be and what He would have to do if we did not
have Him. He is righteous, holy, perfect, and just. He cannot allow people to
go on sinning forever and turn a blind eye to it. To do so would negate His
essential attributes.
Follow me as I take you from the beginning of a promise to
the fulfillment of it.
1) God Created Man in
His Own Image (Gen 1:26-28)
2) He Shall Bruise
Your Head (Gen 3:8-10, 15, 21)
3) All the Families
of the Earth Shall be Blessed (Gen 12:1-3)
4) The Word Became
Flesh (John 1:1-4, 14)
Finding Your Story in
God’s Story
This is a story of love. It is a story of grace. It is the
greatest story ever known to man. History is His Story. It is God’s story of
redemption which only shows His glory brighter and brighter.
1. God has a
story and you have a story. Most of you claim to be Christians. Let me ask you
this, does your story line up with God’s? This is crucial for your life and
witness. We will also focus on this during every sermon of this series. We will
want to find our story in God’s story.
2. How often do
you read the story? I know that the Bible can be overwhelming. It is a big,
long book. I have never been the type to read books cover to cover. But this
book is unlike any other. This book speaks the words of life, abundant and
eternal life. I am challenging you with this campaign to read The Story from cover to cover, only one
chapter per week. What you will be reading is mostly Scripture with a few helps
along the way. I want you (and myself) to experience the story of the Bible in
a new, exciting, and motivating way.
3. Lastly, how often fo you tell the story? We sang a hymn earlier that says, "I love to tell the story." Did you mean it? Now is a great time to get excited about the story of what God has done in Christ Jesus. Tell someone about that story of Good News and invite them to Fort Trial so that they can experience it with us.