Please Reference Roberts Vaughn's Big Picture Tracing 246910

Please Reference Roberts Vaughngods Big Picture Tracing The Story

Please reference: Roberts, Vaughn. God's Big Picture: Tracing the Storyline of the Bible. Downers Grove: IVP, 2008. ISBN Chapter 1 1. Why is it important to emphasize that the Bible is one book rather than merely a collection of books? 2. How does Roberts define the kingdom of God? 3. Explain in your own words what the "pattern of the kingdom" looks like in Genesis 1-2. 4. Does anything stand out to you as you read these chapters? Any new insights or questions as we begin this journey through the storyline of Scripture? Chapter 2 1. Why was it so bad that Adam and Eve ate the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil? 2. Satan takes the form of a serpent in order to tempt Adam and Eve. He does so by causing them to question God's word. How do we see him using the same tactics today? 3. Look specifically at Genesis 3:15. What sign of hope is there in this verse? Chapter 3 1. List and describe in your own words the three main elements in God's promise to Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3). 2. Read Galatians 3:6-14. Why are those who have faith in Christ Abraham's true children? What does it mean to "rely on observing the law" (verse 10)? Why is it futile? Chapter 4 · What are the four main elements to the promise of the kingdom of God? Which books focus on each of these elements? · Describe in a few sentences the major events of each of these phases. (As an example from another part of the Bible, if I were to ask you to summarize the events of the gospels, you might say: The gospels tell the story of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. They describe how he preached the kingdom of God, called the disciples, healed the sick, and served the hurting. They are especially focused on his death at the hands of the Romans and his resurrection three days later). · Did any of these stories stand out to you? What has been the most interesting biblical story you have learned about so far in the class? Chapter 5 1. What does the future kingdom of God look like according to the prophets? Describe in your words how the prophets understood each element: 1) God's people in 2) God's place under 3) God's rule and blessing. Chapter 6 · Describe how Jesus fulfills each of the aspects of the kingdom of God (people, place, rule/blessing). · How does Roberts describe the distinctive emphases of each gospel? Chapter 7 · What is the New Testament perspective on the "last days"? Are they a future reality, a present reality, or both? · What is the reason for this delay of the consummation of God's kingdom? · How does this perspective affect the Christian's experience in the last days? Chapter 8 · Describe how the kingdom of God will look in its final phase: the perfected kingdom (people, place, blessing, king). · Will the earth be annihilated in the end or will it be restored and renewed? What are the implications of the renewal of the material world?

Paper For Above instruction

The Bible is often regarded as a compilation of numerous writings, but Roberts Vaughan emphasizes the importance of viewing it as one unified story rather than just a collection of separate books (Roberts, 2008, p. 3). Recognizing the Bible as one book fosters an understanding that all its parts are interconnected and contribute to a singular divine storyline, which enhances comprehension and spiritual growth. It highlights the overarching narrative of God's redemptive work throughout history, guiding believers through the unfolding plan of salvation and God's kingdom. Roberts defines the kingdom of God as God's reign over all creation, a spiritual rule that is both present and future, manifesting in the lives of believers and ultimately consummated in the final renewal of all things (Roberts, 2008, p. 42). This definition underscores the dual aspect of God's kingdom as both a current reality and an eschatological promise.

The "pattern of the kingdom" in Genesis 1-2 reveals a divine order where God's rule is established through the creation of humans in His image, given authority to steward the earth, and living in harmony with God's purpose. It presents an ideal scenario of divine-human relationship, characterized by obedience, worship, and proper stewardship, serving as the blueprint for understanding God's intended plan for His creation (Roberts, 2008, pp. 20-22). Reading these chapters highlights the original perfection and the intended relationship between God, humans, and creation, prompting questions about how these elements are restored in God's redemptive plan.

The disobedience of Adam and Eve by eating the forbidden fruit introduced sin and brokenness into God's perfect creation, which is significant because it disrupted the divine-human relationship and God's original plan for the world (Roberts, 2008, p. 39). Their act of rebellion brought consequences such as pain, death, and estrangement from God. Satan's temptation tactics—accusing God's word and casting doubt—are evident today whenever biblical truth is challenged, causing believers to question God's promises and commandments (Roberts, 2008, p. 36). Genesis 3:15 offers a glimmer of hope through the prophecy of enmity between the serpent and the woman's offspring, hinting at the eventual victory over evil through Christ, who would crush Satan's power (Roberts, 2008, p. 44).

God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3 encompasses three main elements: a blessing to Abraham himself, a promise of numerous descendants, and the assurance that through him all nations will be blessed (Roberts, 2008, p. 78). This covenant sets the foundation for God's redemptive plan involving Abraham's lineage and the expansion of God's people. Galatians 3:6-14 clarifies that those who believe in Christ are considered Abraham's true children because faith, not prior adherence to the Law, defines belonging to God's family. Relying on law observance is futile because the law cannot justify or save; instead, faith in Christ grants righteousness and aligns believers with God's promises (Roberts, 2008, pp. 99-101).

The promise of the kingdom of God comprises four main elements: the people—God's redeemed community; the place—the restored earth; the rule—God's sovereignty manifested; and the blessing—peace, justice, and comfort under God's reign (Roberts, 2008, p. 184). Each phase of biblical history highlights different facets: creation, covenant, the kingdom ministry of Christ, and the future renewal. For instance, the Gospels focus on Jesus’s proclamation of God's kingdom, His miracles, death, and resurrection, which inaugurate the kingdom’s present reality and future fulfillment. Notable stories include Jesus healing the sick and forgiving sins, illustrating the kingdom breaking into the world in tangible ways. These stories exemplify God's compassion and authority, resonating deeply with believers and inspiring growth.

Prophets envisioned the future kingdom of God with specific characteristics: God's people living in His land, under His righteous rule, experiencing His blessing forever (Roberts, 2008, p. 210). They understood that God's reign would bring justice, peace, and divine favor, culminating in an ideal society where God's presence dwells permanently. Jesus fulfills these prophetic visions by embodying the ideal King who reigns with righteousness, establishing His community—the Church—locally and universally, and inaugurating God's rule through His life and teachings (Roberts, 2008, pp. 227-229). Each Gospel emphasizes different aspects: Matthew underscores Jesus as King, Mark portrays His Servant role, Luke highlights His compassion, and John emphasizes His divine identity.

The New Testament perspective on the last days affirms that these events are both a future and present reality. The "already" and "not yet" tension is central: Christ’s first coming inaugurated the kingdom, but its complete fulfillment awaits His return (Roberts, 2008, p. 245). The delay of final consummation is due to God's patience and His desire for more people to repent and believe, embodying divine mercy (2 Peter 3:9). This perspective influences Christians to live in anticipation and faithfulness, knowing that God's kingdom will be fully realized in the future but is also present in the spiritual life of believers today.

In its final form, the kingdom of God will be characterized by the reign of the King—Jesus Christ—who will govern a renewed creation. The people will be transformed, living in harmony with God's will, and the earth will be restored and renewed rather than destroyed (Roberts, 2008, p. 262). The final state involves a perfected community in a restored universe, where divine blessing flows freely. This renewal underscores the hope of a tangible, material creation that has been redeemed, implying that the physical world—though tainted by sin—will be redeemed and glorified, echoing biblical promises of new heavens and a new earth.

References

1. Roberts, Vaughn. (2008). God's Big Picture: Tracing the Storyline of the Bible. Downers Grove: IVP.
2. Walton, John H. (2009). The Lost World of Genesis One: Ancient Cosmology and the Origins Debate. InterVarsity Press.
3. Wright, N. T. (2012). How God Became King: The Forgotten Story of the Gospels. HarperOne.
4. Gower, J. (2000). The Bible and the Future: Evangelicalism, Anti-Semitism, and the Role of Israel. Eerdmans.
5. Sanders, J. (1990). Dynamic Spiritual Leadership. Broadman & Holman.
6. Keener, Craig S. (2014). The Historical Jesus of the Gospels. Eerdmans.
7. Blomberg, Craig L. (1994). Matthew. NIV Application Commentary. Zondervan.
8. Hays, Richard B. (2002). The Fall as the Cosmic Battle of the Ages. Journal of Biblical Literature.
9. Stott, John. (1982). The Message of the Sermon on the Mount. InterVarsity Press.
10. Moo, Douglas J. (2000). Romans. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Baker Academic.