An updated version of the introduction to our gospel series "Growing Deep in the Gospel". In it we look at how Jesus, the Gospel, the Church and the Mission form the basis of the "Big Picture". If we understand the "Big Picture" we will be able to better answer questions like "What does God says life is all about?", "Why did God create me?", "What is the purpose of life?", "What is God's will for me?", and "How do I decide what is important in life?".

1. Looking at the Big Picture

2. Girl Reading Bible What does God say life is all about?

4. Girl and Question Marks

5. Magnifying Glass

6. Danger Sign

7. Frog on Pot

8. Frog Outside Pot

9. Frog in Pot

10. Boiling Water

12. Holding the Earth

13. My Story

14. Sistine Chapel Ceiling

15. For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen. Romans 11:36

16. My Story

17. His Story

18. It’s about Jesus!

19. It’s About Jesus! You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! John 5:39 (NLT)

20. It’s About Jesus! Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. Luke 24:25-27 (NLT)

21. It’s About Jesus The Bible The Gospel Jesus

22. It’s About Jesus! but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word… Hebrews 1:2-3 (NIV)

23. It’s About Jesus! “ But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left… “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.” Matthew 25:31-33, 46 (NLT)

24. It’s About Jesus! Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11

26. Jesus

27. Gospel Church Mission Jesus Gospel Church Mission

28. Trinity Symbol

30. Gospel Church Mission Jesus Gospel Church Mission

31. Gospel Church Mission Jesus Gospel Church Mission

32. Importance of the Gospel But he replied, “I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other towns, too, because that is why I was sent.” Luke 4:43 (NLT)

33. Importance of the Gospel I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes… Romans 1:16 (NIV)

34. The Gospel The gospel is the good news of what God has done through His Son Jesus Christ to restore His reign and rule over all creation and bring reconciliation to all those who repent and place their trust in Jesus.

37. Understanding the Gospel You never leave the gospel to go onto other things. You only go deeper into it.

41. Gospel Church Mission Jesus Gospel Church Mission

42. Importance of the Church God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 3:10-11 (NLT)

43. Importance of the Church 7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other… 27 All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:7, 27 (NLT)

44. Bride of Christ

45. Body of Christ

46. Family of God

47. Trinity Symbol

48. The Church The Church is a community of people who belong to God through faith in Jesus Christ.

49. The Church The church is a community of imperfect people clinging to a perfect Christ who are being perfected by grace. Jonathan Dodson

50. The Church The Church is God’s People saved by God’s Power for God’s Purposes. Soma Communities

51. The Church The church is a light, a city on a hill before a watching world.

52. Gospel Church Mission Jesus Gospel Church Mission

53. Mission  Goal  Purpose Bringing glory to Jesus and the Father Expanding the Kingdom of God Making disciples of all nations

54. The Mission Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT)

55. The Mission And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15

56. The Mission But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (see Luke 24:48-49)

57. The Mission Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” John 20:21

58. Summary of our Mission Like Jesus we are to go out in the power of the Holy Spirit and proclaim the gospel and make disciples of all those who respond to the gospel.

59. The Goal 10 your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven… 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:10, 33 (NIV)

60. The Goal … which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, Ephesians 1:20-22 (NIV)

61. Summary of our Goal Our goal is to bring the reign and rule of God over all aspects of His creation.

62. The Purpose Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:21 ... as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. 2 Corinthians 4:15

63. Summary of our Purpose The ultimate purpose of all we do is to bring God glory. When God is glorified people worship Him.

64. Mountain Top Sunset

65. Mountain Top Sunset “ The glory of God is the infinite beauty and greatness of his manifold perfections.” John Piper

66. Mountain Top Sunset “ Chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” The Westminster Confession

67. God’s Will For Us Mission - to share the gospel in order to make disciples of Jesus who love God and people Goal - to expand the kingdom of God by bringing the love of God Purpose - to bring glory to Jesus and the Father so they may be worshiped

68. The Big Picture Jesus Gospel Church Mission