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The Bible is one grand narrative; it tells ONE story. The story of redemption spans from Genesis to Revelation, featuring our great God and His plan for His creation. The Old Testament points forward to the New Testament, and the New Testament is the fulfillment of the Old Testament. As we begin to see the connections, Scripture takes on a whole new meaning. There are treasures to be discovered.
Over the next 8 weeks, we will be exploring the story of the Bible from cover to cover. As we move through the Bible chronologically, we will stop at places along the way that speak to God’s plan throughout the history of redemption. In this unfolding drama, we will meet people that God used for His purposes, places that were sacred, and events that shaped the narrative. Nothing is by accident. Every bit of Scripture is God-breathed, purposefully pointing us to the Master Storyteller and Redeemer of our souls.Â
26. Two Life-Changing Conversations
One conversation with Jesus can forever change a person’s life. Nicodemus, a Pharisee, came to Jesus under the cover to night to ask Him an important question. Jesus told him that he must be born again to enter the kingdom of God. He went on to say that just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so too must the Son of Man be lifted up. The Samaritan woman met Jesus at a well, and He offered her Living Water, the same water we all thirst for. She recognized Him as the Messiah and ran to tell all her neighbours.Â
27. Sermon on the Mount
Jesus’ most famous teaching, the Sermon on the Mount, is a description of life in the kingdom of God. This upside-down kingdom reserves blessing for those who are humble, poor in spirit, pure in heart, and who hunger and thirst for righteousness. God invites those who are thirsty to come to the waters and drink without cost. The first psalm speaks of blessing for those who delight in the law of the Lord. They will be like a flourishing tree planted by streams of life-giving water. Come and drink and be blessed.Â
28. Miracle Upon Miracle
The miracles we see in the gospels of cleansing of lepers, recovery of sight to the blind and raising the dead were prophesied by the Old Testament prophets. Isaiah predicted Jesus would open the eyes of the blind and the ears of the deaf. The lame would leap and the tongue of the mute would sing for joy. The gospels also record Jesus driving out demons and calming storms. He not only had authority over physical illness, but the natural and spiritual realms as well. He was a Man of miracles. Â
29. Parables
Jesus told captivating stories wherever He went. Stories about seeds and trees, talents and treasure, lost coins and lost sheep. These parables were not only foundational to His teaching, but they were also foundational to understanding kingdom life. He described the kingdom of God in such a way that whoever was truly seeking it would find it, yet it would be hidden from those whose hearts were hard. Stories throughout Scripture have a way of captivating our imaginations, and pointing us to the Author of our stories.Â
30. I AM
Jesus made seven powerful I AM statements in the book of John that describe His character and ways. I AM the Bread of Life and I AM the Good Shepherd are two of these statements. The provision of manna from heaven for the Israelites in the wilderness pointed forward to the true bread from heaven. Similarly, Ezekiel’s prophesy against the wicked shepherds of Israel pointed forward to the Good Shepherd who would tenderly care for His sheep. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He leads me beside still waters.Â
This 40-day Bible reading plan spans the metanarrative of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, making stops along the way that speak to God's plan throughout the history of redemption.
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Each day includes three passages of Scripture totalling 4-5 chapters of daily reading, a bit from the Old Testament, a bit from the New Testament and a psalm. Challenge yourself to look for connections as you read. Remember, the Bible is ONE story!