Connect the Dots

“Four Gospel truths that bring Bible stories full circle.”

We all enjoy a good story. It’s the reason we read and re-read favourite tales, join book clubs, listen to podcasts, scan the social media feeds, and chat around the water cooler.

Story draws us in, and connects us to something beyond ourselves. It gives opportunity to learn, explore, and grow. 

Story-telling is a crucial part of any children’s ministry. It is a prime way to share the Gospel!

Jesus once told the Jewish leaders, “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!” (John 5:39).

What Christ did for us on the cross is the heart of the Gospel, but the story didn’t actually start with the birth of Jesus. It doesn’t end with His resurrection, either.

The Gospel is the whole story of the Bible; the good news of God’s great rescue plan for His people, from the moment of creation, through the Old and New Testaments, all the way to today and beyond.

Noah? Samson? The Good Samaritan? Paul and Silas in prison? Pick any Bible story and you can connect it to the central message of the Gospel in at least one of four ways.

CREATION – God creates all things for His glory in an orderly manner. He creates man in His own image (Genesis 1-2).

How does the Bible story you are reading connect to the creation account, the first “chapter” in God’s story?

Story Tip: Jesus tells His followers not to worry, referencing God’s care for flowers and birds (Luke 12:22-31). “God created these amazing things and takes care of them. He also created you, and will take care of you!”

FALL –  Man decides to go his own way and the relationship with God is broken. Sin enters the world (Genesis 3).

How do the characters in your Bible story experience this?

Story Tip: Saul persecutes the Christians (Acts 9). “Saul knew about God, but he hated the followers of Jesus. He wasn’t following God; his relationship with God was broken. When we sin, we can’t be with God.”

REDEMPTION – The good news! The payment of the debt, freedom from sin.

The Old Testament points towards the perfect redemptive work of Jesus on the cross, and the New Testament tells that story, assuring us that salvation has been accomplished.

Story Tip: Saul meets Jesus and repents (Acts 9). “Saul’s relationship with God was broken; but that changed when he met Jesus! When Jesus died on the cross, he took the punishment for the wrong things Saul did, and for the wrong things we do, too. Just like Saul, if we ask Jesus to forgive us, and to come into our life, He will!”

RESTORATION – The relationship between God and man is restored.

Jesus has power over nature, disease and sickness, and even over death. We look forward to the day when God re-establishes perfect order with the creation of a new heaven and new earth.

Story Tip: Joseph and his brothers meet in Egypt (Genesis 45). “Joseph forgave his brothers for what they had done, even though they didn’t deserve it. The family was together again. When we ask Jesus to forgive us, our relationship with God is put back together. The Bible tells us that one day we’ll get to be with Jesus forever!”

Approach each story with the goal of finding at least one Gospel truth to share. It doesn’t need to be a long, drawn out observation. Rather, make this your goal: take a moment to marvel together at the power of the over-arching Gospel story and how it points to the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

Want more on how the whole Bible connects as one story? Watch THIS VIDEO from The Gospel Project for Kids!

Kelly Rempel is the Director of Creative Communications for One Hope Canada.

One Hope Canada

Sharing the love of Jesus with children and youth through Bible camps, community ministries, digital ministry, and training resources.