(This is a continuation of a series of posts about the “whole story” of the Bible. I plan to run one every week, on Tuesdays, with a printable PDF. The printable includes a brief 2-3 paragraph introduction, Bible passages to read, a key verse, 5-7 thought/discussion questions, and 2-3 activities for the kids. Here’s the Overview of the entire Bible series.)
If the Bible is a story, it will share many of the elements of story, such as plot and characters. Last week we looked at another important (and often overlooked) factor of stories: setting. The setting God created was perfection, which makes it all the more ironic–if that’s the word–that the first characters to appear in our story rejected it. That introduces the first big story element: a problem.
They probably didn’t realize they were rejecting perfection, but they knew enough to not to do what they did. You may know the story, but have you ever thought about all the implications? You’ll have an opportunity to do so in this week’s challenge.
Without further ado, here’s the pdf:
Two corrections: The scripture reference in Question 4 is missing the chapter. It’s Genesis 3:21-24, not Gen. 21-24. Three verses instead of three chapters. Also, this week’s challenge is missing a Key verse. How about Psalm 107:43:
Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things;
let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord.
To start at the beginning, here’s Week One: The Setting.
Our pastor recently preached a sermon on the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden. He made a similar point as you. The serpent promised them something that they already possessed in many ways: perfection, walking with God, they were made in the image of God.
We also compared Adam to Jesus. Adam was surrounded by food and good things but still went after the one thing he could not have while Jesus had fasted forty days but still resisted temptation.
The Old Testament on so many levels is the story of the Gospel over and over again. Man’s rebellion, God’s judgement and finally God’s restoration to those who turn to Him.
I’ve just finished reading the books written by the prophets, each one follows this story arc. Fall, Judgement, Redemption (to those who turn to God).