52 Major Stories of the Bible

Speaker: 
Dr. Bill Mounce

The Bible is one continuous story, from the story of creation to the story of Jesus' future return at the end of time. And yet there are smaller, pivotal stories that make up the basic structure of the one big story.

This class is made up of 52 sermons preached by Bill Mounce that will walk you through these stories, and give you a basic understand of the story of the Bible as a whole. Because this series is centered on stories, you may find them more helpful in your cultural context.

Note from Bill. This was one of my favorite sermon series, and one that I think did a tremendous amount of good. I am working back through the first 26 stories and will be updating the website as I go. I would encourage pastors to preach this series, and you are welcome to the resources provided. Eventually, for every story there will be my notes, handouts, reflection questions, Keynote and PowerPoint presentations.

Class Outline

The Law
1. Creation and God

Genesis 1 is one of the foundational chapters in the entire Bible. It not only tells us how everything was started, but it establishes the basic teaching on who God is and who we are in reference to him. Instead of arguing about secondary issues like history and science, Genesis 1 should turn our eyes up toward the heavens, marveling at the majesty of God.

2. Creation and Us

In the sixth day of creation we learn that people are the apex of creation, stamped with the image of God. This is the source of human dignity, and it is why we pursue spiritual growth, so we will look more like him.

3. The Fall

Genesis chapter 3 describes how Adam and Eve sinned, the consequences that resulted and the promise of a redeemer.

4. The Flood

Genesis 6-9

5. Abraham's Covenant

Genesis 12-15:6

6. Joseph

Genesis 37-50

7. The Plagues

Exodus 7:14 - Exodus 10

8. The Ten Commandments

The Ten Commandments are not rules to follow but give form and structure to how our love for God (the Shema) should manifest itself in how we treat God and others.

9. The Presence of God

Exodus 33

10. The Holiness of God

Leviticus 18:2-19:18

11. Sold Out to God

Deuteronomy

12. Faith is not Genetic

Judges shows the necessity of covenant renewal, how each generation must decide for itself if it will follow God. Once the Israelites were given the Promised Land, for the most part they failed to renewed the covenant and failed to receive the blessings from God.

13. God is King

I Samuel

14. David and Goliath

This is not a story concerned primarily with a young man defeating a great warrior (I Samuel 16-17). It is an account of how faith propels us to trust God, not matter what the appearances.

The Writings
15. Psalm 23

Psalm 23 is David's cry of faith that his Shepherd will provide and protect him in all situations, and that God is lavish in his love for his sheep.

16. Confrontation and Confession

Psalm 51 gives a pattern for true biblical confession, which admits our own guilt and God's justice, makes no excuses, and appeals not to our good works but to God's mercy.

17. Solomon -- the Wise and Foolish

Solomon was the wisest of all people, and yet he died a fool because he ignored his own advice. It is not enough to know the truth; you have to do it.

18. Job

Job 1:1-42:3

The Prophets
19. Elijah

I Kings 14 - 18

20. Isaiah and the Holiness of God

Isaiah 6:1-8

21. Isaiah and the Suffering Servant

Isaiah 52 - 53

22. Micah

Micah 1-3

23. Hosea

Hosea 1:2 - 13:6

24. Habakkuk and Faith

Habakkuk 1:2 - 3:18

25. Jeremiah, Ezekiel and the New Covenant

Jeremiah and Ezekiel prophesied before and during the exile, preaching God's judgment as well as his promise of hope. The hope was the New Covenant where God's law would be written on the person's heart and empowered through the work of God's Spirit.

26. Lamentations -- Authentic Confession and Faith

Lamentations

Life of Christ
27. Jesus' Birth
28. John the Baptist
29. Nicodemus
30. Beatitudes
31. The Lord's Prayer
32. Seek God
33. Deity of Christ
34. Discipleship
35. Greatest Commandment
The Church
36. Eschatology
37. Holy Spirit
38. Lord's Supper
39. Death and Resurrection
40. Great Commission
41. Pentecost
42. The Church
Spiritual Disciplines
43. Justification by Faith
44. The Grace of Giving
45. Christian Joy
46. Humility
47. Scripture
Epistles
48. Hebrews
49. James
50. 1 Peter
51. 1 John and Christian Love
52. Revelation