The One True Story

Yesterday was a great worship gathering for Delta.  One thing that made it so good was that we celebrated God's Story, and how our stories graciously fit into His.

Stories are something that people need.  Stories offer us hope, allow us to dream, and they expand our world.  But there is One True Story above all other stories...the story of God and his redeeming love.  With the help of my friend James Harleman, I outlined for Delta God's One True Story and how we are a part of it.

The Continuum of God’s One True Story – 11 Acts

Act 1: Creation – “In the beginning God…” Genesis 1:1 

Acts 2: Contravention – “Did God actually say…?” Genesis 3:1

Act 3: Condemnation – “The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great…” Genesis 6:5

Act 4: Compassion – “The LORD came… “Fear not…I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” – Genesis 15:1

Act 5: Coming – “For unto you is born this day…a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” – Luke 2:11

Act 6: Crucifixion – “It is finished…and gave up his spirit.” – John 19:30

Act 7: Conversion – “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17

Act 8: Commission – “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ…” – 2 Corinthians 5:20

Act 9: Convergence – “…every knee should bow…every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” – Philippians 2:10-11

Act 10: Conflagration – “And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire…” – Revelation 20:10

Act 11: Conclusion – “And night will be no more…the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.” – Revelation 22:5

Most people in the world are stuck somewhere in Acts 2 & 3...lost in the consequence of sin and experiencing the pain, confusion, and dysfunction that go along with it.  Acts 4-6 are a distant hope and dream for them.

Most Christians tend to get stuck on Act 7 and pray that tomorrow brings Act 11.  But the Church is called to "flex its muscles" in Acts 8 & 9, bringing God's One True Story to the culture full of lost, hurt, confused, dysfuctional, dying people.  This is exactly why Delta exists: to point people to the Hero by telling our stories of how the Hero has rescued us.

Enjoy God's One True Story.  Know that your life is a story as well, but that Jesus is the Hero & main character, not you.  See your story in His, and be sure to tell someone about it.  Someone is waiting to hear it.