The Importance of the Big Picture

In Mystery on the Desert, Maria Reiche describes a series of strange lines made by the Nazea in the plains of Peru, some of them covering many square miles. For years, people assumed these lines were the remnants of ancient irrigation ditches.

Then in 1939, Dr. Paul Kosok of Long Island University discovered that their true meaning could only be seen from high in the air. When viewed from an airplane, these seemingly random lines are enormous drawings of birds, insects, and animals.

In a similar way, people often think of the Bible as a series of individual, unconnected stories. But if we survey the Scriptures as a whole, we discover that they form one great story of redemption—from the opening scenes of Genesis to the final chapter of Revelation. Weaving through all the diverse strands of the Bible is the overarching story of what God has been up to in the rescue and restoration of fallen human beings, from the first nanosecond of creation through the final cry of victory at the end of time.

—Timothy George, “Big-Picture Faith,” Christianity Today (October 23, 2000)

What is the passage about/saying?

What is the book of Acts about?

The ongoing work of the Spirit of Christ through the disciples to fulfill God's purpose/plan.

Where does this story lay within the book of Acts?

Pivotal in transitioning from Jerusalem/Judea to Samaria ()

Who is the original audience?

The council of religious Jews, the high priest ()

How does the message break down?

Stephen begins with the covenant to Abraham

* interesting that the token of the promise/covenant is circumcision.

* Stephen seems to begin with truth that all could agree upon.

The rejection of Joseph and slavery in Egypt

* Interesting that Stephen makes the "patriarchs" culpable against Joseph

* In addition, he shows the kindness of Joseph in spite of the foolish sin of the patriarchs

The rejection of Moses

* Interesting - the promise connection (v. 17)

* This time rejection is by the brethren, not just the patriarchs [there is an increasing crescendo that seems to be happening]

* Stephen doesn't fail to point out the compassion of the Lord (v. 34)

* Stephen, having pointed out the rejection of Israel, now shows how Moses foretold of another Prophet (v. 37)

* Stephen points out that it was a heart rejection

What are some principles to make note of?

Stephen preaches a redemptive, survey-style message that leap frogs the history of Israel

Stephen preaches an expository message on a Bible-wide scale, exposing the message of scripture

Stephen preaches an inspired message - part of the actual Bible

It should not be overlooked that this is inspired scripture which means this is God's message.

In addition, Stephen did not stop to give word meanings or translations, as Paul and other writers do in their writings.

Why, this kind of message?

It would appear that it is possible for rebellion to exist in religious people

It would appear that people of tradition can manifest rebellion

How should these principles apply?

It would appear that people who know the details of scripture can miss the big picture of scripture (this is the greatest danger)

What is normative? (what still should directly apply today?)

(i) the possibility of rejection of the Messiah by people who claim to be his people

(ii) the necessity, as part of God's commission, to preach messages that are expositional

(iii) the necessity, as part of God's commission, to preach messages that lead to Christ

(iv) the necessity to confront traditionalists and religious people so that God's purposes will continue to be revealed (rejection leads to mercy)

How should these principles apply?

If I am listening to my teacher/preacher [during the Gospel Project Lessons] what should I be listening for?

(1) Do I understand how this account fits within the big picture of the Bible?

(if someone asked me how the story of Babel helps me to understand the story of Pentecost, could I answer that?)

ILLUSTRATION: Big 10 Game - Half Time Show with Marching Band - Jumbotron gives good perspective because of the areal view.

(2) Do I understand how this account leads to Christ?

(After each lesson, what amazes you about Christ -- if you leave amazed at the teacher, then you've been misled)

What this does not mean: It does not mean that someone gives the "plan of salvation" of salvation at the end of each SS lesson.

It means that time and study is given to see how the particular passage of scripture leads historically or thematically to Jesus.

, coupled with Abraham theme

Allegory of Sinai and Hagar

The connections need to be clear and scriptural. If you have to surmise, avoid it.

(3) Has my heart either been confronted or challenged to turn away from faith in my traditions to faith in Christ?

(As much as we'd like to think that we are the Stephen's in the story, we are more like the religious leaders in the story).

In some cases, there are unregenerate traditionalists

In other cases, there are regenerate traditionalists -

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