.png)
.png)
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.
31. The Last Supper
Jesus’ short three-year ministry was quickly coming to an end. The conversation He had with His disciples on the night before He was crucified is a treasure in Scripture. First Jesus modeled sacrificial love by washing their feet, giving them an example to follow. Then He explained the way to the Father and told them of the coming Spirit who would guide them into all truth. Next He revealed Himself as the True Vine, unlike Israel, who God had planted and cultivated, yet they yielded only worthless grapes. We are branches of the Vine.
32. The Crucifixion
The cross stands at the centre of human history. Jesus was a man of sorrows, despised and rejected by the people He came to save. Betrayed by His disciple, He silently endured an unfair trial as the crowds shouted for His crucifixion. He suffered and died on a cruel Roman cross while most of His followers scattered. At the moment He gave up His Spirit, the veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom, signifying access to the presence of God. We too are called to pick up our crosses daily and follow our crucified Lord.
33. The Resurrection
On the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found it empty. Thinking someone had stolen the body of her Lord, she burst into tears. The man she supposed was the gardener asked her why she was crying. After she explained, He gently said her name. In that moment Mary recognized Jesus. We serve a resurrected Christ, and one day, we too will be raised to new life and given new bodies. Job believed this. In the midst of intense suffering, Job declared, “I know that my Redeemer lives.”
34. The Coming of the Holy Spirit
Jesus told His followers to wait in Jerusalem for the Father’s promise, the coming of the Holy Spirit. Just as Joel prophesied, God poured out His Spirit at Pentecost and the church was born. As the believers were gathered in the upper room, a sound like a violent rushing wind filled the place and there appeared tongues of flames of fire on each person, empowering them for ministry. The indwelling of the Spirit of God is a gift for every believer this side of the cross. Paul wrote to encourage us to walk in the Spirit.
35. The Mission of the Church
Paul was an unlikely missionary. Before he was blinded by the light of Jesus on the road to Damascus and called into ministry, he zealously persecuted those who followed the Way. But his encounter with the risen Christ dramatically changed the trajectory of his life. Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, also had an encounter that changed his life. The vision he saw from God opened his eyes to the reality that the gospel was also for the Gentiles. These two men were instrumental in the mission of the early church.
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.
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!