This diagram tracks the recurring woven threads throughout God’s Word (over 62,000 connections!). As you consider your personal strategic plan for spirituality we have considered:
√ King First – then Kingdom – then Church/what Jesus taught about spirituality
√ Cultivating Deeper/skills for unlocking the Word
Today we discuss the big picture on the Word of God, and what we like to call Jesus-Centric. What this means is that the entire Bible revolves around the person Jesus. Genesis 1-11 and the human story. Genesis 12-52 and God’s choice of Abraham (Israel) to redeem the nations through Messiah (Savior, satisfaction for our sin, and Son of the Living God). Through the words of Moses (imperfect deliverer and the one who encountered Yahweh within the burning bush) – Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Then we add the conquest via Joshua, the Judges and Ruth, and the Kings and the prophets.
400 years of silence and then the appearance of King Yeshua (Jesus) and His Kingdom which was finally “at hand.” Next the launching of the Church who would be prepared through the centuries to eventually become the spotless Bride of Christ. The letters (Acts – Revelation) give us encouragement and perspective, as well as representing the clear realities of who we are to be and where we are headed.
Jesus Centric is an academic and experiential journey through the One Woven Story. From such pursuit we learn to allow the Bible to interpret itself. NOWHERE in either the old or new testaments are they called the old and new testaments. This is often transposed with the old and new covenants found in Jeremiah 31:31; Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:25; 2 Corinthians 3:6; and Hebrews 8:8,13; 9:15; 12:24. This is a perfect example of one of the woven threads we are talking about, and a classic example of exceeding what is written. There are not two stories. Only one.
How many people do you know who have consulted the Word of God apart from religious pursuit? Many people have read through the Bible, but in our experience fewer have reasoned through the Bible. The Word of God is true. It is clear. It is supernaturally connective. Jesus Centric is 28 study episodes which help you make use of the entire God Story as backdrop for your personal spirituality, and to help others make sense out of their own journeys.
Even as you read this there is a slim chance you will be one of whom Jesus calls a scribe of the Kingdom – but you CAN BE!
And Jesus said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a head of a household, who brings out of his treasure things new and old.” (Matthew 13:52)
√ A scribe is motivated to understand and apply truth.
√ A head of a household steps into his or her spirituality.
√ What is treasure new and old?
Let’s find out!
Dave and Burnadette Nadler
If you wish to discuss this and come up with your own plan, reach out at [email protected]