Michael Wolfe                                                                                                                                                                                         BI201- The Story of the Bible                                                                                                                                                          Response                                                                                                          From Eden To Eden – The Biblical Story   Throughout this course it came to my attention how strongly the unity of the Bible is displayed in the theological theme of not only Christ but also the holy intent to return the spiritual family of Eden. All that once was lost but will come to restoration through Christ when the Kingdom has fully been restored. The six acts of the Biblical story brought a simplicity I found very engaging and rounded out my own understanding of the synchronicity beginning with Moses and all the Prophets concerning Jesus. The OT reaffirms the promises of the coming Messiah repeatedly throughout. The rich history of the scriptures and the biblical story of the nation of Israel captivated me because Christ was alluded to in all the laws and statutes appointed by God. The Biblical flow points to the Messiah and the details of repentance, forgiveness, the church, and the restoration of the Kingdom of God. Through Jesus we understand the one unfolding story. The climax is centered around and in the Person of Jesus Christ. Instead of being disjointed stories I clearly see what the Christian faith is all about; fully centered around and in the Person of Jesus Christ. One of the topics I feel is of great importance and magnitude in this course is the fact that the entire biblical story is given by Divine authority and inspiration.  It gives meaning to human life and makes clear the goal of the story is the coming of the Kingdom of God. Therefore, we must live in obedience to the Lord and devote our lives to Him. Offering ourselves as living sacrifices and taking up our cross to follow Him should be what our lives are centered upon. The divine authority of the Bible also entirely explains the universe and the purposes of God. I appreciate how the instructor utilizes the analogy of drama in the form of the six acts to explain the biblical story from Eden to the return of Eden at the second coming of Jesus Christ. Act 1 describes the fabulous creation of the world and the details of His Spirit hovering over the waters gives the vision of His fiery presence enveloping the planet. Act 2 details the creation of all including mankind. The spiritual fall of man as imagers into disobedience and rebellion came swiftly in both the spiritual Kingdom and in mankind. Because humankind did not fulfill their calling it effected the entire creation. Act 3 God designed and set apart a people to begin the restorative and redeeming process. He chose Abram and Sarai to produce in a miraculous, divine touch upon a barren woman, His chosen nation. They would become more than the sand of the sea and the stars in the heavens. Act 4 focuses on the coming of the Messiah. His redemption and restoration of mankind is accomplished. He gathers Israel to hear that the Kingdom of God they have awaited has come. In His death He brings the end to the old and inaugurates the new through His resurrection. Act 5 begins with the commissioning  of the believers to proclaim  the Gospel to all the world. They were to share the good news that Christ is Lord and will restore the whole creation. Through the day of Pentecost and the coming of the promised Holy Spirit they were empowered to become a missional community. Their focus was Jerusalem but then on Antioch. This expansion was due to the love and unity of the community as well as the drive to evangelize everyone in Judea and Samaria. Churches were intentionally planted as many missionaries were sent out. Act 6 focuses on the return of Christ as King and the full completion of the Kingdom of God. A new Heaven and new earth descend and the magnificent promises of full restoration has been realized. It was amazing to me how the entire Biblical story and the reconciliation of all things back to the glory of Eden and God dwelling with His people has been fulfilled. My heart for the members of the body in the church as I preach is to bring their attention to the glorious Biblical truths of Jesus Christ being the theme and focus from Genesis to Revelation.  It is my heart’s desire that they would understand the importance of these truths. This understanding will compel them to believe in the sovereign Word of God as well as awaken their desire for a closer walk with Him.