Lesson 2 - Knowing God's Story

In Lesson 2, we are invited to rediscover how to truly read Scripture—not as disconnected stories, but as one unified narrative of God's relentless pursuit of humanity. We're challenged to recognize five essential elements woven throughout the Bible: Creation, where God establishes His sovereign authority; Corruption, revealing the devastating depth of our fallen nature; Division, showing how humanity scattered yet remained in God's plan; Redemption, the blood-soaked promise from Genesis 3:15 fulfilled in Christ; and Restoration, the ongoing work God is doing in us right now. What's striking is the honest acknowledgment that many of us have embraced a powerless gospel—one that promises heaven but demands little transformation. We've been taught to avoid the supernatural, to rationalize away miracles, and to settle for spiritual mediocrity. But the truth is far more liberating: we were created in God's image for intimate relationship with Him, given authority to rule, and called to live in divine clarity that this world cannot comprehend. The restoration God offers isn't just forgiveness—it's redemption that breaks our chains, intimacy that fills the black hole in our hearts, revelation that unveils kingdom secrets, and authority that positions us to judge angels. This isn't triumphalism; it's following our Guide with the window down, watching Him closely, ready to move when He moves. The question isn't whether we're in a battle—we are. The question is whether we'll step into the fullness of who we already are in Christ.

Key Points:

•The American church is powerless because it has embraced false teaching that allows believers to maintain worldly lifestyles while claiming salvation

•Many Christians have been influenced by "German theology" which denies the supernatural and literal interpretation of Scripture

•Most believers live powerless, anemic lives and are interested in but fearful of spiritual warfare

•Five elements of God's story thread throughout the Bible: Creation, Corruption, Division, Redemption, and Restoration

•Humanity's corruption is pervasive—we are not good people who do bad things, but corrupt to our core with self-life at the center

•God created humans uniquely in His image for relationship and communication with Him and creation

•The fall disconnected humanity from God, resulting in death, darkness, bondage, and corruption

•Restoration includes four aspects: redemption (liberty/freedom), relationship (intimacy), revelation (clarity), and restored rule (authority)

•Believers have been given the mind of Christ and access to divine wisdom and secrets of the kingdom

•Christians possess authority in Christ to judge the world and even angels, though this authority is not yet fully realized

•Spiritual authority must be exercised with humility and brokenness, following the Holy Spirit's guidance like watching a guide near lions

•The longing for love and intimacy in every human can only be truly fulfilled in relationship with God, not through earthly relationships

•Victory comes through surrendering the self-life daily and allowing God's kingdom to be released through us

Scripture References:

Genesis 1:26-28 (humanity created in God's image with dominion)

Genesis 3:15 (promise of the Redeemer)

Genesis 11:4, 7-8 (Tower of Babel and division of nations)

Psalm 14:1-3 and Psalm 53:1-3 (none who does good, corruption of humanity)

Psalm 19:1 (heavens declare God's glory)

Psalm 24:1 (the earth is the Lord's)

Jeremiah 17:9 (the heart is deceitful)

Isaiah 7:14 (virgin shall conceive)

Matthew 1:23 (fulfillment of Emmanuel prophecy)

Luke 8:10 (secrets of the kingdom given to believers)

Luke 10:19 (authority over serpents and scorpions)

John 1:12 (right to become children of God)

John 15:14 (you are my friends)

John 16:13 (Spirit will guide into all truth)

Romans 3:23 (all have sinned)

1 Corinthians 2:6-7, 14 (secret wisdom of God, spiritual discernment)

1 Corinthians 6:1-3 (saints will judge the world and angels)

1 Corinthians 10:26 (the earth is the Lord's)

2 Corinthians 11:2 (bride of Christ)

Galatians 4:4-5 (God sent His son to redeem)

Galatians 5:1 (for freedom Christ has set us free)

Ephesians 1 (Christ seated far above all rule and authority)

Ephesians 2:1-3 (dead in trespasses)

Ephesians 2:5-6 (seated with Christ in heavenly places)

Job 19:25 (I know that my Redeemer lives)

Revelation 12:1-6 (battle for the birth)

Discussion Questions:

Bro. David describes American Christianity as 'powerless because we have embraced false teaching' that allows us to pursue the American dream while still going to heaven. In what ways might you be seeking a gospel that's palatable to your lifestyle rather than one that calls for surrender and holiness?

When reading about the corruption of humanity in passages like Jeremiah 17:9 and Psalm 14, how does understanding that 'we are not good people who do bad things' but rather 'corrupt to our core' change your view of your need for God's grace?

Bro. David mentions that most believers 'still believe we get a vote' in their relationship with God, when actually 'He has a monarchy.' What areas of your life are you still trying to control rather than surrendering to God's kingship?

Reflecting on the five elements of God's story (creation, corruption, division, redemption, restoration), which element do you find most challenging to see consistently throughout Scripture, and why?

Bro. David shares that God told him 'I didn't put Kathy in your life to meet your need for intimacy. I put her in your life to reveal your need for intimacy.' How does this perspective challenge the way you view human relationships versus your relationship with God?

When considering spiritual warfare, the pastor emphasizes watching the 'guide' (Jesus) and following His lead rather than acting independently. Can you identify a time when you rushed into spiritual battle without first seeking God's direction, and what was the outcome?

Bro. David discusses four aspects of restoration: redemption, relationship, revelation, and rule. Which of these four do you feel least developed in your current walk with Christ, and what steps might you take to grow in that area?

Paul tells the Corinthians that believers 'will judge the world' and even 'judge angels' (1 Corinthians 6:2-3). How does understanding this future authority change your perspective on the spiritual authority you carry now as a believer?

Bro. David warns against both being 'clueless and powerless' and being 'loony' by following dreams and revelations without grounding in God's Word. How can we maintain balance between being open to the Holy Spirit's leading while remaining firmly rooted in Scripture?

Jesus said 'I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy' (Luke 10:19). What would it look like practically for you to walk in this authority while maintaining humility and brokenness before God?