9:00 a.m. - Sunday School 10:00 a.m. - Worship (Contemporary Music on most Second Sundays) 12:30 p.m. - Christ for All Nations
2501 Beacon Hill Road Alexandria, VA 22306
703.765.8255
The Story
What is “The Story”?
THE STORY is a chronological collection of Bible chapters and verses that gives the reader the main narrative of the Bible in thirty-one chapters. Starting this October, we’ll begin reading week by week starting with chapter two (we previewed chapter one on Rally Day). In this section, you will find the weekly readings from either the chapter of “The Story” or from the Bible. You are encouraged to dedicate time for these readings, every day, and then to get together in Sunday School, Small Groups, and worship at every opportunity.
Please feel free to use our reading guides below and listen to the "The Story" sermon series here!
Watch a short introduction to "The Story" at Bethany
What should I focus on while reading?
When reading each week think about these three movements:
First, we are introduced to the garden where God and people dwell in peace. But then, sin separates us from God. The rest of the Story is how God bridges this distance so we can live with Him.
In the second movement, God builds a nation, and from this people comes a king who will rescue us from sin and make a way for us to be with God forever.
In the final movement, the Kingdom of God is proclaimed through all the world until the King comes again.
Also, throughout the story there are also some main themes, or Motifs ...to look out for.
THE JOURNEY - God moving people from one place to another—sometimes, physically, sometimes spiritually. Every journey leads Home.
REDEMPTION (RESCUE) -People are saved from slavery, oppression, and sin by God’s mighty acts throughout “The Story”.
PRESENCE- God comes from heaven to earth through means like sacrifice, worship, and words of the Apostles and Prophets.
WEDDING FEAST-There is a lot of foreshadowing of the final wedding feast at the end of “The Story” when God comes to claim His people. Often, the relationship between God and His people is framed in terms of a marriage.
5. CALLING- It surprises people how much they can identify with those God calls to lead and serve. God’s Holy Spirit equips the oftentimes flawed and broken servants who are called into the roles of patriarch, prophet, apostle, judge, or king.
How can I participate?
Ask the church office for a copy of “The Story,” if you do not already have one. Some copies are readily available on the table in the narthex. A suggested donation of $10.00 is recommended to cover the cost of the book. (Donations can be put into the offering plate during Sunday service.)
Read prior to class-the readings will be available in advance so that you can read them in preparation for the next Bible Study at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings in Adult Education Room #2.
Join the discussions and ask questions.
What are the readings for each lesson?
The Adult Bible Study schedule and reading list will be available here, on the bulletin board in the narthex, and as take-home supplements on the table.
What is “The Story”?
