tohiswork
Sermon by Steve Kyner
Introduction:
In the vast tapestry of human history, few narratives possess the timeless resonance and transformative power of the Bible. From the dawn of creation to the culmination of all things, its pages bear witness to the enduring story of God’s relentless pursuit of humanity’s redemption. It is a story of love, sacrifice, and unfathomable grace—a story that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ.
Welcome to the Gospel According to Genesis. In this immersive exploration, we invite you to embark on a sacred pilgrimage through the sacred text, where every verse, every chapter, and every book converges to reveal the grand narrative of God’s redemptive plan.
At the heart of our journey lies the profound realization that the Bible is far more than a mere collection of ancient texts—it is a unified testimony to the divine love that transcends time and space. From the majestic poetry of Psalms to the intricate genealogies of Genesis, each passage serves as a thread in the tapestry of God’s unfolding revelation.
As we traverse the landscape of Scripture, we will uncover hidden truths and profound mysteries that illuminate the path to salvation. We will reflect on key passages that testify to the transformative power of God’s Word and explore the genealogies and narratives that foreshadow the coming of Christ.
But this journey is not merely an intellectual exercise—it is a spiritual odyssey that calls us to encounter the living God in the pages of His Word. It is an invitation to deepen our faith, broaden our understanding, and experience the life-changing power of God’s redemptive love.
So, join us as we embark on this sacred expedition—a journey that transcends time and space, leading us ever closer to the heart of God. Together, let us explore the Scriptures, not as a relic of the past, but as a living testament to the eternal truth that salvation is found in Jesus Christ alone.
The Unity of the Bible
In the vast expanse of literature, the Bible stands as a unique testament to the unity of purpose woven throughout its pages. Despite being composed of 66 individual books, written by over 40 authors, spanning multiple genres and centuries, the Bible resounds with a singular, coherent message—the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.
As we embark on our journey through the Scriptures, we are immediately struck by the remarkable unity that binds its diverse components together. From the creation narrative in Genesis to the apocalyptic visions of Revelation, each book contributes to a seamless narrative that unfolds the grand drama of God’s redemptive plan.
At the heart of this unity lies the overarching theme of God’s covenantal relationship with humanity. From the covenant with Abraham to the new covenant sealed in the blood of Christ, the Bible traces the unfolding of God’s promise to redeem and restore His people.
But the unity of the Bible extends beyond mere thematic coherence—it is evident in its literary structure, historical context, and prophetic fulfillment. Each book, chapter, and verse serves as a building block in the edifice of divine revelation, pointing inexorably towards the culmination of all things in Christ.
As we delve deeper into the Scriptures, we discover that every narrative, every genealogy, and every prophecy finds its fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. From the protoevangelium in Genesis to the Messianic prophecies of Isaiah, the entire Bible converges to declare with resounding clarity that Jesus is the promised Messiah—the Savior of the world.
Protoevangelium
The Protoevangelium, often referred to as the “first gospel” or “first announcement of good news,” is a theological term used to describe the promise of redemption found in Genesis 3:15. This passage occurs immediately after the account of Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden.
In Genesis 3:15, God addresses the serpent, who deceived Eve, and declares consequences for its actions. Within this declaration, God speaks of enmity between the serpent and the woman, between the serpent’s offspring and the woman’s offspring. It is in this context that the Protoevangelium is found:
“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” (Genesis 3:15, NIV)
This verse is understood by theologians and scholars as the first indication of God’s plan for redemption following the Fall of humanity. The “offspring of the woman” is interpreted as referring ultimately to Jesus Christ, who would defeat the power of sin and death through His sacrificial death and resurrection. The imagery of “crushing the serpent’s head” symbolizes victory over evil, while “striking his heel” represents the temporary suffering Christ would endure.
The Protoevangelium is significant because it sets the stage for the overarching theme of redemption and salvation that unfolds throughout the rest of the Bible. It serves as a foundational promise of hope amidst the consequences of sin, pointing forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan in Jesus Christ.
Unveiling Scriptural Testimonies
In the vast expanse of the Bible, amidst its diverse narratives and poetic expressions, there exists a profound testimony to the transformative power of God’s Word. From the stirring psalms of David to the revelatory visions of John, Scripture bears witness to its own authority and efficacy in shaping the hearts and minds of believers.
At the heart of this testimony lies the recognition that the Scriptures are not merely human words, but divine revelation—God’s self-disclosure to humanity. As the apostle Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” In these inspired words, we find assurance that the Bible is not just a collection of ancient texts, but a living testimony to the character and will of God.
Central to our understanding of the Scriptures’ testimony is the recognition that they bear witness to Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. As Jesus Himself declared in John 5:39-40, “You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.” Here, Jesus affirms the Scriptures’ role in pointing us towards Himself as the source of true life and salvation.
Exploring Genealogical Messages
In the intricate tapestry of the Bible, nestled within its pages, lie the seemingly mundane lists of genealogies. Yet, upon closer examination, these ancestral records reveal a hidden depth—a profound narrative of God’s redemptive plan unfolding through generations.
As we embark on this chapter, we journey back in time, tracing the lineage from Adam to Noah—a journey that unveils the intricate threads of the Gospel woven into the fabric of history. In the genealogy of Adam, we witness the unfolding consequences of sin and the longing for redemption that echoes through the ages. It is within this lineage that we glimpse the promise of a Savior—a seed of hope amidst the darkness of humanity’s fallen state.
Moving forward, we encounter the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—each bearing witness to the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His covenant promises. Through the covenant with Abraham, we see the establishment of a people set apart for God’s purposes—a people through whom all nations would be blessed. And in the miraculous birth of Isaac and the wrestling of Jacob, we witness the divine hand at work, orchestrating events to bring about His redemptive plan.
Yet, it is in the genealogy of Noah that we find a vivid illustration of God’s grace amidst judgment. In the midst of a corrupt and sinful world, Noah stands as a righteous man, chosen by God to preserve humanity and usher in a new era of redemption. Through the ark, we see a foreshadowing of Christ—a vessel of salvation for all who would enter into it by faith.
| Name | Hebrew Meaning |
| Adam | Man |
| Seth | Appointed |
| Enosh | Mortal |
| Kenan | Sorrow |
| Mahahlalel | The blessed God |
| Jared | Shall come down |
| Enoch | Teaching |
| Methuselah | His death shall bring |
| Lamech | The despairing |
| Noah | Rest, comfort |
As we delve deeper into these genealogical records, we uncover the hidden Gospel—the promise of salvation embedded within the most unlikely of places. From the first Adam to the second Adam, from the patriarchs to the prophets, we see the unfolding drama of God’s redemptive plan culminating in the person of Jesus Christ.
Biblical Figures and Symbols
Within the pages of the Bible, amidst its rich tapestry of narratives and allegories, we encounter a host of figures and symbols that serve as signposts pointing towards the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. From the patriarchs of old to the prophets of Israel, each biblical character and symbol carries profound significance, offering glimpses into the divine plan of salvation.
At the heart of this exploration lies the recognition that these figures and symbols are not merely historical artifacts, but living testimonies to God’s ongoing work in the world. As the apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:11, “These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come.” In these words, we find assurance that the stories of old are not confined to the past, but speak to us in the present, guiding us in our journey of faith.
One of the most striking examples of this is found in the story of Abraham and Isaac. In Genesis 22, we read of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac in obedience to God—a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice made by God the Father in offering His Son Jesus Christ for the sins of the world. Through this act of faith, Abraham becomes a symbol of God’s provision and a precursor to the coming of Christ, who would offer Himself as the perfect Lamb of God.
Similarly, the story of Jacob’s struggle for a blessing in Genesis 32 serves as a powerful allegory of humanity’s yearning for divine favor. In Jacob’s wrestling with the angel, we see a reflection of our own struggles with sin and the desperate need for God’s grace. And in the end, we witness Jacob’s transformation into Israel—a testament to the transformative power of encountering God face to face.
Hebrew Meanings
The Hebrew word for “blessing” is “בְּרָכָה” (pronounced “berakhah” or “berachah”). In Hebrew, “בְּרָכָה” carries a rich and multifaceted meaning that goes beyond a simple expression of goodwill or favor. It encompasses concepts of divine favor, prosperity, well-being, and protection.
In Jewish tradition, blessings are significant and are often recited in various contexts, such as before meals, during prayer, or during lifecycle events. Blessings acknowledge and express gratitude for the goodness of God and His provision in various aspects of life.
Additionally, “בְּרָכָה” can also refer to the act of blessing others or invoking God’s favor upon them. In this sense, it embodies the idea of transmitting divine goodness and kindness to others.
Overall, the Hebrew concept of “בְּרָכָה” captures the interconnectedness of spirituality, gratitude, and community, reflecting a deep understanding of God’s abundant blessings in all facets of life.
Conclusion:
As we reach the culmination of our journey through the Scriptures, we are reminded of the profound truth that lies at the heart of God’s Word—the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. From the opening words of Genesis to the closing visions of Revelation, the Bible resounds with the timeless proclamation that God’s redemptive plan for humanity finds its fulfillment in the person and work of His Son.
Throughout our exploration, we have witnessed the remarkable unity of the Bible—a unity that transcends time, culture, and genre to convey a singular message of hope and redemption. We have reflected on key passages that testify to the transformative power of God’s Word, guiding us into deeper communion with Him and His purposes for our lives.
We have uncovered hidden truths and profound mysteries embedded within the lives of biblical figures and symbols, each serving as a signpost pointing towards the ultimate revelation of God’s love in Jesus Christ. And we have drawn from the insights of theologians past and present, allowing their wisdom to enrich our understanding of Scripture and deepen our faith in the God who reveals Himself through its pages.
Questions:
- How does the unity of the Bible, spanning diverse genres and authors, shape our understanding of its message of salvation through Jesus Christ?
- In what ways do key passages like John 5:39-40 and 2 Timothy 3:15-17 affirm the transformative power of Scripture in leading us to eternal life through faith in Christ?
- Reflecting on the genealogical messages within the Bible, how does the hidden Gospel revealed from Adam to Noah deepen our appreciation for the intricacies of God’s redemptive plan?
- Considering the biblical figures and symbols that foreshadow Christ’s sacrifice and the love of God, how do their stories resonate with our own experiences of faith and redemption?
- What insights from theologians like Dr. Chuck Missler and Timothy Keller deepen our understanding of biblical narratives and genealogies, and how can we apply these insights to our own study of Scripture?
- How does understanding the unified message of the Bible change our perspective on its teachings and our approach to interpreting its passages?
- What role does faith in Jesus Christ play in experiencing the fullness of God’s promises, as outlined in Acts 4:11-12 and other passages?
- In what ways can we share the message of salvation with others, inviting them to explore the Scriptures and encounter the life-transforming power of Jesus Christ?
- How do the stories, genealogies, and prophecies within the Bible converge to reveal the grand narrative of God’s redemptive plan, and what implications does this have for our lives?
- As we continue to journey through the Scriptures, how can we deepen our relationship with God and allow His Word to shape our thoughts, decisions, and actions in alignment with His will?
