La Historia de la Biblia

The Story of the Bible

Introduction to the Bible

• The Bible is a significant yet lengthy collection of books that narrate a singular story.

• It introduces God, the author of reality, who brings order and beauty from chaos.

Creation and Humanity's Role

• Humanity, created in God's image (referred to as Adán in Hebrew), is tasked with governing the world on God's behalf.

• Humans are meant to develop their potential and create further beauty and order.

The Choice of Humanity

• A pivotal decision for humanity is represented by a fruit tree: trust in God's knowledge or define good and evil independently.

• Choosing independence leads to suspicion, defensiveness, fractured relationships, and ultimately corruption exemplified by Babylon.

Abraham and New Beginnings

• The narrative shifts to Abraham and Sara, who emerge from Babylon; God promises them a new nation with another chance at righteousness.

• Despite divine guidance, Abraham's family succumbs to temptation, redefining good and evil apart from God.

Israel's Downfall

• Israel is warned by prophets about the consequences of their choices leading them back into captivity in Babylon despite having divine guidance.

Prophetic Hope for Redemption

• Prophets proclaim that God will send a new leader to redeem Israel and transform hearts for better decision-making. This concludes the Old Testament narrative while leaving promises unfulfilled.

Jesus: Fulfillment of Promises

Jesus' Arrival

• Jesus of Nazareth emerges from Israel’s royal lineage claiming fulfillment of all previous promises while confronting humanity's darkness.

Redefining Power

• He teaches that true power lies in serving others—highlighting love for the poor and even enemies as essential qualities for leadership.

Jesus' Sacrificial Love

• Jesus embodies God made flesh, taking upon himself humanity’s sins through sacrificial love which overcomes evil and death itself.

A New Decision for Humanity

The New Path Forward

• Humanity faces a new choice symbolized by a cross: remain in old ways or embrace this transformative path offered by Jesus’ teachings.

Empowerment Through Love

• Those choosing Jesus find empowerment through understanding they are loved and forgiven by God; this enables them to extend love and forgiveness to others as well.

Challenges Faced by Early Followers

Persecution & Internal Struggles

• Early followers encounter external persecution from authorities alongside internal confusion within communities about following Jesus’ path amidst difficulties.

Apostolic Guidance

• Apostles write letters encouraging these communities to remain faithful during challenging times while anticipating Christ’s return when all wrong will be righted—culminating biblical history towards hope for future restoration where heaven meets earth under God's governance.