This new fifth question provides the "Final Act" to the story, transforming our current efforts from a temporary struggle into a journey toward a definitive home. If the Gospel story begins with our Creation  and moves through the tragedy of our Capture  to our climactic Rescue  and our free Response , the ultimate question remains: Where is all this heading?  The answer is found in the word Raised . The story of the Bible does not end with us escaping the world; it ends with

If someone saves your life, what is the appropriate response?  Suppose you are about to be run over by an oncoming car and at the last moment a bystander pushes you out of the way and absorbs the blow. Severely injured and paralyzed, how would you thank that man or woman for saving your life? If you went to their hospital room, said thanks, and gave the person a $20 bill, wouldn’t that be so inadequate? Wouldn’t your $20 bill be more ingratitude than gratitude? Similarly, wha

What, if anything, has God done about it? (Rescued) Has God intervened in our hopeless predicament? Yes! He didn't merely observe from heaven. He, the King of Creation, willingly abandoned His throne, descending into the battle like a front-line soldier to personally rescue us from capture and secure our freedom. This was foretold by the prophet Isaiah: Can prey be taken from the mighty, or the captives of a tyrant be rescued? Surely, thus says the LORD: “Even the captives of

Why is everything so obviously messed up? (Captured) What the heck happened? The beginning of our story is so beautiful. Behold the spectacular creation and its magnificent Author—an omnipotent God whose greatest, most cherished creation is the human person, made in his image, destined for eternal friendship, and known by him intimately. If this God knows our name, knows everything about us, and is all-powerful, then the profound question remains: Why does such intense suffer

Why am I here? Now there’s a question for you. And it’s not the same as, “How did I get here?” The origin of the universe is something science can try to address, but it’s not equipped to answer why . And until you know the meaning and purpose of your life, you will not experience lasting peace and happiness. If we go back to ancient times, the predominant cultural narrative for why I’m here goes something like this: There are many  gods who are violent, lustful, greedy and f