What does the “Big Story” Do?
We are all shaped by a story. The question is, which story will it be? For disciples of Jesus, this life-shaping story is the Gospel. Before we turn to specifics of how to integrate the “big story” into our preaching, we should ask another question: What are the goals of Big Story Preaching?
How do we expect the grand narrative of the Scriptures to form disciples of Jesus? I will focus on four ways: The big story defines identity, shapes worldview, informs and guides mission, and creates community.
Living in Partnership: Philippians 1:1-11
The opening verses of Philippians weave together the language of deeply affectionate relationship, and Christian maturity. Paul writes of the Philippians partnership with him in the Gospel, of their being partakers of grace with him in suffering, and of the deep affection he has for them. In the same sequence he writes about their anticipated completion in Christ, and prays through the steps by which they will move on to maturity. A study of the intertwining of these ideas will highlight the close relationship between Christian community and spiritual growth.