Gathering in South Jersey

Its becoming more clear to me that salvation involves the idea of story, the principle of "story."

First of all, the Bible is a story of redemption--it is more than this, but it is not less.

Second, my life is a story written by the "author and perfector of my salvation," Jesus Christ, who is Himself, the Word Made Flesh (John 1:1, 14).

Third, because of Jesus' perfect life, death, and resurrection, my story has miraculously changed from one with a tragic ending (for me) to one that ends with rejoicing: Jesus took my place as condemned on the cross that I might have eternal life.

(For more study on the substitutionary character of the Gospel, see Romans 3, 2 Cor. 5, Gal. 3, Titus 3, 1 John 2, etc.)

All these elements combine to show the importance--and danger of neglecting, I think--the form of "story" in thinking about theology.

This is an extension of what I've come to appreciate from a pastor in grad school, and seminary professor, John Frame, taught about triperspectivalism.

Story is an extension of the concept of a perspective on God's Word that is distinct from that which systematic theology supplies, and complementary.

In terms of evangelism, story, as a legitimate perspective on God's work in the world, provides a way to come alongside of those in whose lives we know, by faith, because we serve a sovereign God, God is at work.

In story language, he is writing a story in their lives. They may or may not be aware of it at the point we meet, but it is nevertheless true.

Our faith in a Sovereign, Compassionate, Merciful, and Omnipotent God gives us confidence to believe that their story intersects God's in significant ways--even if only because their life has intersected the life of a believer (mine or yours) at a certain point in time.

Jeff Vanderstelt, one of the pastors at Soma Communities in Tacoma WA, along with Ceasar Kalinowski, have helped clarify this in my mind after a recent trip to their Soma School at the end of October, 2009.

Here, Jeff writes a helpful outline that can guide someone seeking to think more in terms of story and the way that can create an avenue for conversation with believers and non-believers alike.

I highly commend this essay and suggest you try it.