Verses Used:

1. Matthew 24:4-8, 30-31
2. Acts 1:11
3. Matthew 24:36
4. Revelation 20:11-15
5. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25
6. 2 Corinthians 5:10
7. Romans 8:1-2
8. Revelation 21:1-5
9. Romans 8:20-22
10. 1 Corinthians 2:9
11. Isaiah 65:17

Takeaways:

Scene 1: Second Coming

1. Jesus came once in humility - He will come again in glory.
2. Christians may differ on how Jesus may return. The main views include:

Premillennial View - Jesus returns first, then reigns.

Amillennial View - Jesus is reigning now and His return completes everything.

Postmillennial View - The kingdom grows, then Jesus returns.

Dispensational Premillennial View - Jesus will return after a future tribulation to establish a

literal 1,000 year reign on Earth, following a distinct plan for Israel and the Church.

1. Faithful Christians have held all of these views, and our unity is not in agreed upon timelines - it’s in Jesus.
2. The Second Coming means evil will not have the last word, suffering is temporary, justice is coming, hope is reasonable, and faithfulness matters.

Scene 2: Judgement

1. A Good God must judge evil. If God never judged evil, He would not be loving - He would be negligent.
2. There are two types of judgement; The Great White Throne and Bema Seat
3. Great White Throne judgement answers the question “What have you done with Jesus? It is pass or fail; in or out.
4. Bema Seat judgement answers the question “How did you live in response to grace?”

Scene 3: New Creation

1. New Creation is… heaven and earth reunited, bodies restored, relationships healed, creation liberated, God dwelling with His people.
2. New Creation is NOT… floating clouds, disembodied souls, escape from creation.
3. The end of the story is not us going to Heaven - it’s Heaven coming to Earth.

Discussion Questions:

1. What comes to mind when you think about the second coming of Christ? How do you imagine it will happen?
2. Why does it matter that we understand the final judgement? How might there be confusion about it?
3. What questions do you have about what the new creation will be like?
4. How does God invite us to trust him in the final parts of the story?

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Verses Used:

1. Acts 2:1-21
2. 1 Corinthians 3:16
3. Acts 10:9-20,30-35
4. Acts 17:6

Takeaways:

Scene 1: Pentecost

1. God has been telling one story all along. These feast weren’t random holidays- they were signposts pointing to Jesus.
2. At Sinai, the Law was written on stone - 3,000 people died because of sin.
3. At Pentecost, the Spirit writes the Law on hearts - 3,000 people are made alive.
4. We are now God’s temple and the Spirit dwells inside you. This matters because the Christian life is impossible without the Spirit. We don’t advance the kingdom by effort alone, but by dependence, and the same Spirit who empowered Peter lives in us.

Scene 2: Cornelius

1. Keeping the law didn’t make you right with God. Trusting that Jesus fulfilled the law for you makes you right with God. Faith.
2. God shows no favoritism; he loves all people and we all have access to God. The gospel breaks every boundary - ethnic, cultural, religious.

Scene 3: Paul

1. Paul becomes the primary missionary that traveled across the Roman Empire (modern-day Turkey, Greece, and beyond)
2. Paul proclaimed Jesus as Lord in cities, synagogues, marketplaces, and homes; he planted churches, not buildings, but communities of disciples; appointed leaders and moved on , trusting the Spirit to grow the church; suffered beatings, imprisonment, rejection, and hardship - but never stopped.
3. Paul didn’t just make converts, he started movements.
4. Every church is called to make disciples, and some if not most do.
5. Not all churches multiply gospel expressions to reach those that don’t yet know Jesus. Not all plant churches.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the church sometimes send a different message? A message that God does have favorites?
2. Why would God challenge His people to be uncomfortable with who gets into the kingdom?
3. Why do some churches seem to really embrace church planting while others do not?
4. How does the idea of helping start a new expression of the gospel in a new place make you feel? Why?

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Verses Used:

1. Mark 15:16-39
2. John 1:29
3. 1 Corinthians 5:7
4. Matthew 28:18-20

Takeaways:

1. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is not just a religious event - it’s the turning point of human history.

The Cross

1. The irony of this scene is that the truly guilty people were those accusing Jesus - and the only truly innocent person was the one who died.
2. Jesus didn’t just die as an example - He died as a substitute.
3. The cross shows how serious sin is, but also how deep God’s love is.
4. “It is finished” means the debt is paid.
5. Because of the cross, Jesus redeems our past - sin is forgiven, shame is covered, and our stories are not defined by what we’ve done.

The Empty Tomb

1. Mary and Mary are the first to witness the resurrection. They saw Jesus on the road and were sent to tell the disciples.
2. This is why the resurrection matters: The resurrection is victory over sin and death, it proves Jesus is who He said He is, it launches new creation, and it is historically and theologically significant, but, it is also personally significant for you.

The Great Commission

1. The mission is disciple-making. A disciple sounds like Jesus, acts like Jesus, and treats others like Jesus.
2. We go with His presence. Jesus says, “I am with you always.”
3. The Kingdom's future is secure. Jesus will return and we get to invite others into Jesus’ eternal kingdom.
4. Because of the Great Commission, the Kingdom is advancing, and we get to carry this story into the world.

Jesus changed the world forever. Jesus didn’t just enter history - He redefined it.

The cross redeems our past, the resurrection renews our present, and the Great Commission reorients our future.

The cross says we are forgiven, the resurrection says we are made new, and the commission says we are sent.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the tearing of the temple veil illustrate a new access to God?
2. Why do you think Christians sometimes struggle with shame even after they are forgiven?
3. Does the idea of living on mission with a group of people sound better to you than trying to do it alone? Why?
4. How does life sometimes get in the way of carrying out the Great Commission of Jesus?

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Verses Used:

• Matthew 3:1-2
• Matthew 3:11-16
• Matthew 5:3-12
• Luke 4:18
• Luke 19:10

Takeaways:

Scene 1: John the Baptist

• The word repentance is translated from the Greek word, metanoia, which involves a changing of attitude, mindset, and direction.

Why does Jesus want to be baptized:

• To fulfill all righteousness. Jesus was saying “This is part of the Father’s plan, and I’m going to obey it completely.” Jesus didn’t get baptized because He needed cleansing. He got baptized because He came to fully obey where we failed. 
• To publicly identify with sinners. In baptism, He identifies with us, on the cross, He substitutes for us.
• To reveal the Trinity and confirm Jesus’ identity. We share the same heart posture of John. Jesus must become greater and I become less.

Scene 2: Jesus’ Teaching - The Kingdom Declared

• People would often comment on how they were amazed, or astonished by his teaching. It had authority.
• Jesus talks about the “beatitudes” which in Latin means: blessed, happy, fortunate, or deeply satisfied.
• Jesus’ teaching was revolutionary: Blessed are the poor in spirit, love your enemies, forgive without limits, and build your life on His words.
• Jesus’ proclamation of the kingdom re-teaches us how to be human.

Scene 3: Jesus’ Power - The Kingdom Demonstrated 

• Every time Jesus performed a miracle, he was giving a preview of the new creation.
• Jesus’ Demonstrations of the Kingdom of God: Heal the sick, because in God’s kingdom, broken bodies won’t last. Cast out demons, because evil does not get the final say. Feed the hungry, because God is the provider. Forgive sin, because the deepest healing is for the soul. Raise the dead, because death itself must bow to the Hero.
• “The kingdom of God expands at the speed of relationships, and the gospel moves along the lines of trust.”
• We get to demonstrate the kingdom, following the example of Jesus.

Discussion Questions:

• Why do you think that message of repentance was important for people to hear from John?
• How does the coming of the kingdom bring good news for us? What does it mean?
• Where do you need Jesus’ Kingdom power to bring healing or freedom in your life right now?
• What is one practical way you can demonstrate the Kingdom this week through love, service, or reconciliation?

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Verses Used:

• John 1:1-14
• Luke 2:10-11
• Luke 2:8-14
• Romans 10:9-10

Takeaways:

The Gift of a Savior

• Why was it necessary for Jesus to go through all the trouble on the cross? Because our biggest problem isn’t outside of us - it’s inside of us. Brokenness of our own hearts. Our sinfulness.
• Christmas is God saying “I know what you really need… even if you don’t.”
• Jesus - the gift we would never have asked for, but the gift we cannot live without. The gift we didn’t know we needed.
• Jesus is revealed to those with open hearts. Not everyone is ready to receive Jesus. Some don’t see the need. People have always rejected Jesus.

The Gift of His Presence

• The good news is that the gift of Jesus is not only about our afterlife, but our life right here, right now.
• Every person carries quiet ache. Smiling on the outside, but hurting on the inside, surrounded by people yet feeling as lonely as you’ve ever been, or haunted by regret - wishing you could go back and change the past. Pains of the soul: longing to be known and loved; the longing for peace we can’t manufacture.
• Jesus is the Savior designed for your exact wounds. Shame? He came to remove it. Fear? He came to speak peace over it. Emptiness? He came to fill it.
• Jesus being present brings hope, peace, joy, and love. He is what we need, and what we really want. Deep down, he meets our deepest desires and longings.
• He saves us, changes us at the heart level, and meets every need of our soul.
• Your heart will truly be satisfied when you look to Jesus. When you worship him. When you see him for who he truly is.

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Verses Used:

1. Luke 1:11-19
2. Isaiah 40:3
3. Luke 1:26-38
4. Matthew 1:19-20
5. Luke 2:6-20

Takeaways:

Scene 1: Elizabeth

1. God often begins His greatest work in the places we feel forgotten, disappointed, or barren.
2. Have faith, pray, and lean into the God of the impossible.

Scene 2: Mary

1. We have seen over and over from the story that God uses people that we would not expect.
2. Abraham, a nobody from a pagan land; Moses, a fugitive with a speech impediment; David, the forgotten youngest brother (little shepherd boy)

Scene 3: Jesus’ Birth

1. This baby wasn’t just another child… he is Emmanuel - God with us. The savior of the world. The promised messiah.
2. Sin is anything we think, say, or do that is contrary to God’s nature.
3. Jesus came to deal with the problem we cannot fix - sin.
4. You can’t rescue yourself. Jesus, the Hero has come and He can.
5. The Hero has come - and He has come for you.

Discussion Questions:

1. How did God show grace to Zechariah when he doubted the angel’s message?
2. Scripture tells us that there were 400 years of silence. Why do you think God was silent leading up to Jesus?
3. What role did John the Baptist play in the story? Why was he significant?
4. Why do you think God often chooses to use available people over qualified people?

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Verses Used:

• 1 Samuel 8:6-20
• 1 Samuel 9:1-2
• 1 Samuel 16:1-3
• 1 Samuel 16:7
• Acts 13:22
• 2 Kings 17:13-14
• 2 Chronicles 26:19-21
• Jeremiah 29:10-14

Takeaways:

• This series of The Great Big Story is to cover themes from this story arc like:
• God has a plan to redeem and restore what is broken and seems hopeless
• God’s story is bigger, and better, than the one we try to write for ourselves
• Even when the world goes wrong, God’s story keeps going right
• God’s promises don’t depend on perfect people - just willing ones

Scene 1: Three Kings

• In this scene, this wasn’t just wanting leadership - it was rejecting God as King.
• King Saul Leadership Lesson: Charisma without character collapse.
• King David Leadership Lesson: God looks at the heart, not the outward appearance.
• King Solomon loved the ladies, he worshiped idols, and he drifted from obeying God.
• King Solomon Leadership Lesson: You can be the wisest person in the world and still act like a fool.

Scene 2: The Prophets

• The Prophet’s Job Description included: Speaking on God’s behalf; Exposed idolatry, injustice, and empty religion; Called the people to repentance; Announced judgment and hope.
• The prophets reveal God’s heart - patient, pursing, holy, and unwilling to let His people destroy themselves.
• We often settle for religious activity instead of real obedience.
• The Prophets remind us that God wants our hearts, not our habits. God still sends warnings because He cares.
• God invites you to come home. The prophets show us that God pursues us even when we stop pursuing Him.

Scene 3: The Exile

• Sometimes God has to bring correction, and discipline before he can bring new life. Sometimes things need to be broken down before they can be rebuilt.

Discussion Questions:

• Why do you think Israel wanted a human king instead of God being their king?
• Why would God choose a king that he knew would fail?
• Do you see exile as an act of cruelty or love to the people of Israel? Why?
• We talked about the Prophets calling the people’s attention back to God. How have you seen God get someone’s attention in our day?

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Verses Used:

• Joshua 5:13-15
• Judges 6:14-17
• Judges 6:36-40
• Romans 12:2
• 1 Samuel 3:1-5; 8-11
• Hebrews 4:12

Takeaways:

• How am I making space in my life to clearly hear from God?
• What am I hearing today that God is asking me to test and approve?
• Who am I walking with that can help confirm what God is speaking to me?

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Verses Used:

• 1 Corinthians 10:1-13
• Exodus 20:1-21

Takeaways:

• God never intended death - He intended to reveal that He provides redemption for sin.
• Rules without relationships leads to rebellion
• “I am willing, Lord, to receive what You give. To lack what You withhold. To relinquish what you take, to suffer what You inflict, to be what you require. By the power of the Spirit. For the glory of God, in Jesus Name.

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Verses Used:

• Genesis 21:11-13
• Genesis 26:23-25
• Genesis 27:21-24;41-44
• Genesis 28:12-15
• Genesis 32:22-29
• Genesis 50:17:21

Takeaways:

Scene 1: The Promised Son

• God showed that he never intended death - He intended to reveal that He provides redemption for sin.
• Every follower of Jesus faces tests of faith. It will happen. We get to choose how to respond.
• Twenty years without a child. Isaac prays persistently, and God hears - giving them twins, Esau and Jacob.

Scene 2: The Wrestler

• Jacob goes to live with his uncle Laban (His uncle becomes for Jacob what Jacob had been for others - a deceiver, a manipulator, someone always looking for an angle).
• Jacob wrestles with God
• Jacob is given a new name “Israel”. The deceiver becomes the namesake of God’s chosen people. Jacob goes from grasping to trusting, from manipulating to surrendering.

Scene 3: The Dreamer

• Joseph’s descent into suffering becomes the very path God uses for salvation.
• Joseph’s life teaches us: God is present even when we can’t see Him, human evil cannot stop God’s purposes, suffering can be redeemed for good, forgiveness is a reflection of God’s heart.
• God can redeem your story. Your past doesn’t limit God’s future.
• He is faithful. He is patient. He is powerful.
• Nothing is too hard for him. He has you. He has your family. He has the future.
• The God who kept his promise to Abraham’s family will keep His promises to yours.

Discussion Questions:

• What tests of faith do we experience in life, and why would God want to test our faith?
• Isaac lived a quiet, faithful life. What does his example teach us about steady obedience?
• How do we see God’s grace show up in Jacob’s story?
• How might we “wrestle” with God? What would that look like?

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