Four main acts in God’s Story: Creation, Fall, Redemption, Restoration
God created us to be…
- Reflections of God’s character out in the world
- Representatives of God’s rule over the world
- Partners with God in spreading His presence in the world
God will do for the whole of creation, what he did for Jesus at Easter.
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” 5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” —Rev 21:1-5 ESV
The whole story of the Bible is about God seeking a relationship with the men and women he created.
A New heavens and earth – a restored creation that’s healed of the pain and evil of human history. (Isaiah 65:17)
A New Garden of Eden – the paradise of eternal life with God. (Gen 2; Ez 47)
A New Jerusalem – a great city where human cultures in all their diversity work together in harmo
ny and peace before their God. (Isaiah 2; Zephaniah 3)
Already, but Not Yet
Our life is supposed to be a sign to the world that Jesus is already its true Lord.
Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” —Acts 1:6-8
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” —Matthew 28:20
- Enjoy his presence.
- Engage his purpose.
- Experience his power.
Discipleship Guide
Let’s Connect
Where is one of the most beautiful places you have visited?
Let’s Talk About It
Your life is part of A Bigger Story God has been writing since the beginning of creation. God’s story of redemption ends with God dwelling with man. Currently, we live in the tension of already, but not yet. Already – Jesus’ resurrection from the dead launched a new creation and Jesus Christ is already reigning. Not yet – the kingdom of God will not reach its full expression until sometime in the future when Jesus returns to make all things new. Until then, we live as Resurrection People whose lives are a sign to the world that Jesus is already its true Lord.
Genesis 1:26-28; Genesis 2:17; Revelation 21:1-5; Acts 1:6-8; Matthew 28:18-20
- Which part of the message made an impact, caught your attention or challenged you?
- Read Revelation 21:1-5. When you think of heaven, what comes to mind? What primarily has shaped your view of heaven?
- In the new creation, we will dwell with Jesus and there will be no more suffering. How does this perspective give you hope right now to faithfully follow Jesus?
- Discuss the concept of “already, but not yet” Pastor Gregg talked about. How do you see the “already” of Jesus ruling as Lord now, while also waiting for the “not yet” fullness of the restoration He will one day bring?
- Read Acts 1:6-8 and Matthew 28:18-20. Because of the resurrection of Jesus, we’re invited to: enjoy His presence, engage His purpose and experience His power. What would it look like for these things to naturally flow out of your life? Which one do you need more of? What step can you take to grow in this?
Take a Step
- Enjoy His presence, engage His purpose and experience His power – which one do you need more of? Ask God to help you grow in this area this week.
- SOAP reading: Download the Grace Honolulu app to view this week’s SOAP reading. It’s in the “Bible” section at the bottom banner of the app.
Here’s My Prayer
- God, You created the heavens and the earth and You created me in Your image. As I live in the “already”, work in me to shape me to better reflect You in everything I do so my life is a sign to the world that Jesus is the true Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.