New Heights Church
The Story of God
Relationship and Purpose
We do not read the Bible in order to find out how to get God into our lives, get Him to participate in our lives. No. We open this book and find that page after page it takes us off guard, surprises us, and draws us into its reality, pulls us into participation with God on His terms.
Eugene Peterson, Eat This Book!
Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God…”
God is the most relational being in the universe
The Triune God wants to share
relationship and purpose with us
Psalms 8:4-6 NIV
Genesis 1:26 NIV
Kingdom Created (Timeline Slide)
- The Triune God creates the heavens and the earth
- He creates beings to rule in both places
- Humanity is invited to rule in the Family Kingdom (relationship and purpose)
Romans 3:23 NIV
Genesis 3:15 NIV
Kingdom Broken
- There are multiple rebellions in both realms
- Humanity’s relationship and purpose is fractured in the Family Kingdom
Genesis 12:1-3 NIV
Exodus 19:4 “…I brought you to myself.”
Kingdom Expected
- God promises that a new human will crush the rebellions
- He begins His restoration project with Abraham and his family
- A coming Savior King is expected to restore all things
Mark 1:15 NIV
Matthew 20:28 NIV
Mark 3:14 NIV
Kingdom Advancing
- Jesus the Savior King begins restoring our fractured relationship and
purpose through His life, death, and resurrection
- His Spirit-filled Church advances His Kingdom
- The Kingdom is already here, but not yet fully restored
Revelation 21:3-4 NIV
Revelation 22:5 “…and they will reign forever and ever.”
Kingdom Restored
- The Son unites the realms of heaven and earth in Himself
- Humanity’s relationship and purpose is perfectly restored
- God reigns forever with His Kingdom Family
Matthew 24:14 NIV