Christian Studies
Please reference: Roberts, Vaughn. God’s Big Picture: Tracing the Storyline of the Bible. Downers Grove: IVP, 2008. ISBN 978-0830853649

Chapter 1

1. Why is it important to emphasize that the Bible is one book rather than merely a collection of books?

2. How does Roberts define the kingdom of God?

3. Explain in your own words what the “pattern of the kingdom” looks like in Genesis 1-2.

4. Does anything stand out to you as you read these chapters? Any new insights or questions as we begin this journey through the storyline of Scripture?

Chapter 2

1. Why was it so bad that Adam and Eve ate the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil?

2. Satan takes the form of a serpent in order to tempt Adam and Eve. He does so by causing them to question God’s word. How do we see him using the same tactics today?

3. Look specifically at Genesis 3:15. What sign of hope is there in this verse?

Chapter 3

1. List and describe in your own words the three main elements in God’s promise to Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3).

2. Read Galatians 3:6-14. Why are those who have faith in Christ Abraham’s true children? What does it mean to “rely on observing the law” (verse 10)? Why is it futile?

Chapter 4

· What are the four main elements to the promise of the kingdom of God? Which books focus on each of these elements?

· Describe in a few sentences the major events of each of these phases. (As an example from another part of the Bible, if I were to ask you the summarize the events of the gospels, you might say something like this: The gospels tell the story of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. They describe how he preached the kingdom of God, called the disciples, healed the sick, and served the hurting. They are especially focused on his death at the hands of the Romans and his resurrection three days later).

· Did any of these stories stand out to you? What has been the most interesting biblical story you have learned about so far in the class?

Chapter 5

1. What does the future kingdom of God look like according to the prophets? Describe in your words how the prophets understood each element: 1) God’s people in 2) God’s place under 3) God’s rule and blessing.

Chapter 6

· Describe how Jesus fulfills each of the aspects of the kingdom of God (people, place, rule/blessing).

· How does Roberts describe the distinctive emphases of each gospel?

Chapter 7

· What is the New Testament perspective on the “last days”? Are they a future reality, a present reality, or both?

· What is the reason for this delay of the consummation of God’s kingdom?

· How does this perspective affect the Christian’s experience in the last days?

Chapter 8

· Describe how the kingdom of God will look in its final phase: the perfected kingdom (people, place, blessing, king).

· Will the earth be annihilated in the end or will it be restored and renewed? What are the implications of the renewal of the material world?