Act One: God Establishes His Kingdom: Creation
Friend: Act one presents the creation account that was the genesis of everything that exists on earth. The presence of God before creation confirms that indeed, creation is not a fiction but the work of God. God is, therefore, established as the king and ruler of all creation. The position of God is reserved as he is the sovereign of all creation. This is an implication that no humankind can compete in any way to play the role of God. According to Scott (1998), the creation account is climaxed by the creation of human beings as the co-ruler over the earthly creatures. A human being was created uniquely and presented the image of God. From act one, what does God expect from humankind?
Me: Humankind is supposed to serve God with truth and honesty by taking care of his creations on earth. The creation confirms that God's work is deliberate to follow an order, have a purpose, and be beneficial to humankind. The establishment of God's kingdom is significant in showing the purpose of God through his creation. Humankind is considered unique and obliged with the duty of serving God. Human beings should use their life in serving the creator of the earth to fulfill their responsibilities as directed by the scripture in Act One. This is because God gave humankind the ability to be intelligent than other creatures to worship him.
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Act Two: Rebellion in the Kingdom: Fall
Friend: Act two presents the refusal of humankind to stay true to the instructions given to them by God. The creation account by God gave human beings freedom that they misused and chose to pursue their autonomy. The disobedience by man angers God and punishes his creation by sending floods that destroys part of the creation. However, God is merciful and decides to show his sympathy by saving Noah and his family. The saving of Noah and his family leads to the establishment of a covenant that would bind human beings to God. What is the significance of the fall? Do you think God can be merciful despite humankind's shortcomings?
Me: God extends his mercy to human beings despite the disrespect that is shown through the shift in allegiance from the true king. God proves that he is the creator of all things on earth, and his instructions should be followed by humankind. Despite the wrath that God unleashes on human beings, he still proves to be the God of mercy by saving Noah and his family. God is not mean and thus extend his covenant with Noah to all human beings. God demonstrates that he is the only one to be worshipped by man. This is a sign that human beings should not go astray as they will be punished. However, God can still extend his mercy to his creatures by forgiving them.
Act Three: The King Chooses Israel: Redemption Initiated
Friend: In the creation account, God calls humankind and establishes him as blessings to all nations. God picks Abraham as the blessing to all nations through his son Isaac. God gives out instructions to Israelites on how to live in the kingdom that he has established for them. It is under act three that the relationship between humankind and God is reestablished through Abraham and his first descendant Isaac. The relationship further extends to Israelites and each other. The covenant between humankind and God is conveyed through Abraham's obedience to God's instructions. By choosing the Israelites and Abraham, how is redemption extended?
Me: God is forgiving and mindful of his creatures. Abraham is established as the descendant of the blessed generation from his son Isaac. The ability of God to give Israelites leaders proves his desire to move his story through righteous kings rather than focusing on bloodlines. God directs that all the descendants of Abraham are blessed as a result of his obedience. God hates the happening of different vices in the contemporary world like idol worshipping and civil wars. The redemption with the Israelites proves that God can save his people from the captives of civil wars and idol worshipping.
Act Four: The Coming of the King: Redemption Accomplished
Friend: The coming of the king under act four presents the accomplishment of redemption. Jesus traversed through various towns preaching the word of God. Under act four, the church is started in Jerusalem. This act is filled with the initiation and spread of the gospel to various cities. The gospel was spread to Samaria and Judea and later to Rome. It also indicates the first time an effort was made to spread the gospel where it had never reached. The establishment of the church marks the saving of people from the darkness, just like how God saves his people. In this entire period, Paul writes letters to churches reminding them to lead their lives like Jesus Christ. The period is accompanied by the persecution of gospel apostles and the prosecution of Jesus Christ. What proves the accomplishment of redemption?
Me: The act of Jesus dying because of the sins of human beings portrays the accomplishment of redemption. This act presents the formation of the church that was meant to save people from the darkness. The darkness in this context means the earthly things that may prevent people from following the gospel of Jesus Christ. This act is significant to the current lives of the people. This is because it shows how redemption was accomplished through the prosecution and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He is, therefore, the savior of humankind and their sins.
Act Five: Spreading the News of the King: The Mission of the Church
Friend: Under act five, the church is given the mission of spreading the gospel. This was the gospel that was endowed by Jesus Christ, the king. Jesus had announced the reign of God through his doctrine and miracles to the world. His mission was accompanied by the demonstration of the wonders of God. The church was therefore supposed to ensure that they reach the rest of the world by preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. According to Goheen and O’Gara (2006), the mission of the church was supposed to be carried out in unity to conform to the teachings of God. What does this act mean when it says the church has a mission?
Me: This meant that the church was given the responsibility of recruiting the world to follow the teaching of Jesus. Jesus Christ is the foundation of the true gospel that should be practiced by the church. This should be shown by the church demonstrating its capacity to spread the gospel according to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Every human being is given the duty to defend and spread the gospel. The church should not be a collective responsibility but instead individual mandate to aid the mission of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Act Six: The Return of the King: Redemption Completed
Friend: The acts showcase the completion of redemption through the revelation of the kingdom. People who had gone against the word of God are offered a chance to be called the children of God through redemption. The covenant of human beings with God is slowly fulfilled as the Israelites are led through the wilderness to reach a land of happiness. The act also uncovers the return of Jesus Christ to fulfill his promises. The new earth and heavens are demonstrated as the redemption process is completed. According to this act, what does God expect from humankind even as redemption is accomplished?
Me: The purpose of God continues to unfold forever. This act demonstrates the fulfillment of the covenant that God had set with the Israelites. God manifests himself as faithful to his promises made to humankind. The return of Jesus Christ will be the connection to the world. Humankind is supposed to stay faithful to the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is because God is merciful and will always fulfill his promises. This is evident in his deliverance of Israelites to the promised land and the return of Jesus Christ.
References
Goheen, W. M., & O’Gara, M. (2006). That the world may believe . Lanham: University Press. 83-91.
Scott, H. (1998). A Father Keeps Who Keeps His Promises: God’s Covenant Love in Scripture . Cincinnati, OH: St. Anthony Messenger Press.
