History

All History Is His Story

There has never been a time like the one we currently live in. Think about it. The accessibility of information about what is happening in every far-flung corner of the world is almost immediately available. Those living in Mongolian yurts, Bedouin tents, Vietnamese sampans, and Manhattan apartments are connected in ways science fiction storytellers only fantasized about at the close of the Twentieth Century. All one needs is a computer or smart phone and access to the internet. The availability of real-time news and its accompanying commentary by global pundits of all persuasions is both a bane and blessing.

Definition of Bane:
1. Killer, Slayer, Death, Destruction
2. A source of harm or ruin

The demonically inspired attacks of 9/11 were seen around the world as they happened. Untold millions (perhaps billions) sat glued to screens of all types, unable to pull themselves away from the unfiltered images Islamic terrorists intended for worldwide distribution. Planes were grounded. Wall Street stopped trading. Schools closed. Survivalist enterprises hit the jackpot. People everywhere were immobilized. All wondered, “What’s next?” Make no mistake. The scenes of destruction and death were intended to demoralize the entire world. What was unleashed on our country was evil. Period. No discussion needed.

At the same time, this instant access event was being viewed around the globe, lines of communication were opened up. Loved ones were located and found safe. First responders were dispatched. Survivors were freed from mountains of cement and steel. Stories of hope broke through the dust and devastation. As horrific as it all was, hope was found. Heroes stepped into the darkness and there was light. 

One would think that the issues of our time would be starkly understood in black and white terms. Before the world we know was created, a cosmic war erupted. Everything that has happened since then is known as “history.” From history, unparalleled lessons are taught. Wise men and women study history. If they do so with a completely objective mindset, they discover that the conflict between the spiritual forces of darkness and the Light of the World are the impetus behind world events.   

The story of this cosmic war opens with, “In the beginning God.” The Bible is not technically a history book. However, on the first page of the Bible readers are confronted with a worldview that all humanity must come to grips with. God exists. This is a black or white statement. If God doesn’t exist there is no reason for anyone to do anything other than pursue their own personal interests. If God does exist there are implications for individuals, groups, nations, mankind, and the rest of His Creation? 

Deep down in the depths of every person’s heart, three questions are asked at some time during their allotted lifetime. Race, culture, gender, age, nationalities – it makes no difference who or what you are. Every person who has ever lived has asked these questions:

1. Who am I?
2. Why am I here?
3. What happens to me after I die?

The answers to these questions were written by God through about forty human authors, people just like you and me over a span of sixteen-hundred years. .  

Over sixty percent of the Bible is narrative. It tells one grand story from the beginning of time to the end of time. This grand story of God is built on a number of foundation stories that define important periods of history. Before time began, God wrote a unique role just for you, a role to be played at this particular stage in world events. You were not an accident. You were created by God to display His glory through the unique relationship that you were made to have with Him. You and I have been given an important part to play in His story. 

I want to introduce you to Stephanie. We met Stephanie two years ago at Grace House, a faith based transitional home for women who have spent time in jail and/or are at high risk due to poor decisions and backgrounds. Disciple Daily has discipled approximately fifty Grace House residents in recent years. Take a few minutes right now to watch Stephanie tell the story of Creation. 

What difference would it make in the lives of those you love if they understood and were able to tell the entire story of the Bible to the people around them? Over the last several years we have discipled a number of Jesus followers to do just that. It is making a difference in their own lives while changing the eternal destiny of the people they teach these stories to. Stephanie learned all of these stories in about nine months. When we met her, she knew very little about Jesus or the Bible. Now she is teaching these stories to her two boys, the people she lives with, and a lot of the people she meets.

Stephanie is a disciple who makes more disciples, one story at a time. We can help you learn how to do this, too. Remember #DiscipleDaily!