Fill the Stage

Daniel Dignan

Fill The Stage

“Character is Destiny”

home / start / about / archive

hero’s journey

 

terms / privacy

Subscribe via Email

God’s Big Picture

by Leave a Comment

God’s Big Picture: Tracing the Storyline of the Bible by Vaughan Roberts reveals the Bible’s overarching story. Roberts is the rector (a.k.a. pastor) of an evangelical Anglican Church in Oxford, called St. Ebbe’s. He studied theology in England. 

The story’s theme—the Kingdom of God— is clearly visible and progressively revealed. Roberts defines the Kingdom of God as “God’s people in God’s place under God’s rule and blessing.”

The author explains the Bible’s revelation of the Kingdom of God. Here are examples:

  1. The pattern of God’s kingdom is shown in the Bible’s first book, Genesis.
  2. The perished kingdom of God is first seen in the fall of man in Genesis 3.
  3. The promised kingdom is first seen in the book of Genesis, in the life of Abraham, and is revealed through the Bible; it begins with the arrival of Jesus Christ.

Well, so what? Why does knowing this matter? Knowing the Bible’s story helps one make sense of the Bible’s texts, God’s good news, and our stories. In its light, we can make sense of what God wants us to know about what he has done, is doing, and will do, and how we should live.

Roberts quotes Psalm 95:3-7, in which, in poetic form, we learn that the Ultimate Being is both creator and King, and that man’s highest purpose and peace are found in devotion to Him.

“For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.”

If you read the book, let me know what interested you the most and why.

The Walk

by Leave a Comment

This book guides followers of Jesus through the two essential books in the Bible: the Gospel of Mark and Romans. Overall, it helps readers understand the story of Jesus, what he was about, and what it means to be a Christian.

The book assumes no prior knowledge of Christianity. The author, an experienced pastor, shares the Bible’s central story of God’s good news, what it means for us, and what we must do to benefit from it.

If you are considering Christianity, a brand-new Christian, or someone who wants to grow in their faith, I highly recommend this book. Also, if you have been a Christian for a long time, this book can support your efforts to help friends and family understand the Bible and benefit from its message.

The Walk is accessible, engaging, and well-written. If you read the book, let me know what you think.

1 Samuel For You

by Leave a Comment

Samuel is an epic story about the early days of Israel, one thousand years before Christ. The nation comprising twelve tribes had experienced almost constant war and bondage. They had rejected their God, seeking a king like their neighbors, who would fight their enemies. Consequently, a man named Saul was anointed king. He united the tribes, won a great military victory, but eventually became corrupt.

In a war between Israel and the Philistines, a giant named Goliath taunted Israel and God, demanding one-on-one combat with one of Israel’s warriors to decide the outcome. Neither Saul nor any of Israel’s warriors volunteered. Yet, a shepherd boy named David told the king he would fight the giant. Refusing the king’s armor, he stepped onto the field of battle with a sling and a few small rocks. Perhaps you’ve heard what happened.

Throughout the story, Saul turned away from God and, over time, lost everything, including his family and self-respect. On the other hand, David endeavored to live a life devoted to God. He suffered severe persecution, but over time, David gained a kingdom, a family, and friends. Though imperfect, David functions as a pointer to a greater king, Jesus of Nazareth.

Samuel is not only a fascinating story but also an entry point for understanding the Bible as a whole. Tim Chester’s commentary is a fascinating guide, one I highly recommend.

Chester’s guide will help you:

  1. Understand the Bible better
  2. Learn how to make friends
  3. Learn how to handle difficulties
  4. Learn how to lead well
  5. Learn how to become a happier person

What did you find most helpful about 1 Samuel?