Bible in a Year - Episode 1 by FairfaxBibleChurch

Big Idea: When we are at our worst, God is still at his best

1. God deserves our praise (1-7)

2. God demands our trust and obedience (8-16)

3. God delivers his people (17-22)

Join Matt and Hannah on an adventure through the Bible in 2026! This year, we'll see how the story of Jesus permeates all of Scripture, grow in our understanding of the spiritual life he offers, and uncover foundational truths about the human condition and the character of God – all in 20-30 minute bite-sized portions that we'll study together. We can't wait to discover the Word with you!

Big Idea: God’s love shines in Jesus, giving life to all who believe in him.

1. God’s love in his Son gives us life (3:16-17)

2. God’s light in his Son reveals if we have his life or his judgment (3:18-21)

Big Idea: Jesus gives reconciling peace, not superficial peace.

1. Peace was broken because we sinned (Gen. 3:22-24; 4:8-11)

2. Peace was promised because God is gracious

(Isa. 9:6-7; Zech. 9:9-10)

3. Peace is restored because Jesus came to give his life for us

(Col. 1:19-22; Eph. 2:14-16)

Big Idea: Christians don’t cling to wishful thinking—we stand upon the living hope of God.

1. We stand on living hope that cannot fade (1:3–5)

2. We stand on joyful hope even through pain (1:6–9)

Big Idea: Thanking the Lord is the cure for a heart that wants to grumble

1. We give thanks to the Lord because he chose us (100:1-3)

2. We give thanks to the Lord because he is good to us (100:4-5)

Big Idea: When God’s glory is our aim, He transforms our fear into worship.

When God's glory is our aim:

We can cry to him for mercy (v1-3)

We can acknowledge our fear to him (v4, 6)

We can give thanks and worship (v5, 7-11)

Big Idea: Christians can face persecution with victory because Jesus has conquered death

What does victory in persecution look like?

1. Stand firm

2. Work enthusiastically

3. Remember nothing is wasted for the Lord

We ready ourselves for King Jesus’ return through compassion, not mere confession

1. The King returns to judge (25:31-33)

2. The King identifies with the least (25:34-40)

3. The King looks for compassion, not just confession (25:41-46)