From Beginning to Forever - Bible Study Book with Video Access: A Study of the Grand Narrative of Scripture

by Elizabeth Woodson

Many Christians today are daunted by the Bible, seeing the size and scope of Scripture as intimidating and overwhelming. The result is often a fragmented understanding of parts of the Bible, which leads us to view it through the lens of our individual stories, primarily looking for different verses or passages to help us live our everyday lives. But, in our search for personal truth, we fail to see how the entirety of Scripture works together to show a bigger story—God's work to redeem and restore the entire world. In From Beginning to Forever, Elizabeth Woodson guides you through the story of the Bible, showing how all 66 books combine to form one unified narrative. Weaving together the rich theological truths found in Genesis through Revelation, this 8-session study shows the eternal significance of what God is doing in the world and how he invites us to be a part of it. Leader helps for group discussion 7 weeks of personal study to be completed between the 8 group sessions 8 teaching videos, approximately 30–35 minutes per session, available via redemption code for individual video-streaming access, printed in Bible study book   Discover the deeper meaning and themes that run through Scripture. Recognize that you are being formed by the stories you believe and shaped by God’s story. Come away with a greater understanding of who God is in every part of the Bible. Cultivate a new framework/lens/perspective for future Bible study. Video Session 1: Introduction (14:46)—Elizabeth sets the stage for the study in Session 1 by discussing the importance of story. She will discuss some of the false stories people live their lives by, and challenge us to live our lives according to Scripture, the only story that goes from beginning to forever.    Session 2: The Creation & Corruption of the Kingdom (31:50)—The beginning of a story matters. That’s what Session 2 video teaching emphasizes. Elizabeth will share what we learn about God and humanity in the beautiful story of creation. Then we’ll see how sin tears at the fabric of creation and corrupts God’s kingdom. But there’s hope of restoration even in the tragedy.   Personal Live for God’s Glory (1:48)—Elizabeth reminds us that we are created not for ourselves, but for God’s glory.  Session 3: A Promise to Restore the Kingdom (31:26)—Session 3 teaching focuses on God establishing for Himself a people who would proclaim His name among all nations. He chooses to do this through a man named Abraham. We’ll follow the story of Abraham and his descendants as they find themselves enslaved in Egypt, are delivered, and then stand on the brink of the promised land.    Personal Steps of Faith (2:19)—Elizabeth shares how her journey to Dallas required her to trust in the faithfulness of God.  Session 4: A Divided Kingdom (36:15)—The teaching in Session 4 begins with God’s people moving into the promised land. Elizabeth will show how they experienced the triumph of conquest and the tragedy of compromise. Leadership is the name of the game in this section of study as Joshua, judges, then kings, lead God’s people. Their flawed leadership, even in the best of times, will show us the need for the true King to come.    Personal Live Prepared (1:59)—Elizabeth uses the story of a strange Christmas gift to remind us that our best way to deal with sin is to be alert and prepared for it.    Session 5: Life in the Kingdom (29:23)—Elizabeth pauses the timeline in the Session 5 teaching as she takes us through the wisdom literature of the Bible to illustrate life in the kingdom of God. She’ll also give us an overview of the prophets—those God used as His mouthpiece to call His people back to Himself and point them toward the coming King.   Personal Keep Showing Up (2:04)—Elizabeth explains that who God calls us to be and what God calls us to do does not change with our circumstance. Regardless of what we face, we have to keep showing up.  Session 6: The Arrival of the King (30:27)—In Session 6 we see how the true King arrives in the form of a baby. God the Son becomes flesh and dwells with us. Elizabeth explains how Jesus walked the earth to proclaim God’s Kingdom has come, then gave His life as a sinless sacrifice for our salvation. But that’s not the end of the story. He was resurrected and is now our living Savior and Lord.   Personal Hanging Out with Jesus (1:26)—Elizabeth points out that we are always shaped by the person or things we give our time and attention to. She urges us to abide with Jesus and be transformed by Him.  Session 7: The Kingdom Community (22:04)—Session 7 teaching shows how after Jesus’ resurrection, the Holy Spirit arrives and establishes a new community of God’s people called the church. Elizabeth will show us how the church was established and nurtured through the work of Paul and oth...

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

Published October 3, 2022

Reviews

[Camryn Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall I did really enjoy the study. I don't think that you can please everybody when making an 8 week study that covers all of scripture but she did a good job of focusing on a central theme. I will say that me and the ladies in my Bible study discussed that we were sometimes frustrated by the skipping around in scripture when there was assumed knowledge of what was missed but we concluded that it did pique our curiosity to read for ourselves what we missed and delve deeper into Scripture which is ultimately a very good thing and leads me to rate it 5/5.

[Iris · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a great tool to learn or further understand how the story of the Bible comes together and how it’s working in our lives. Simple for beginners and a great tool to refresh what we already know. Good and easy to use for reference.

[Jessica Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really struggled with how to rate this. The content is accurate. The heart for God is true. Will I suggest this study to someone wanting to learn the whole narrative of scripture, no.
I would recommend this for someone looking to hone their evangelism skills. This study teaches you to condense the scripture narrative down into bite sized chunks to share. That can be hard for a person like me who wants to include everything. This study is helpful to those who have a strong understanding of scripture as a whole. If you don’t, you would miss a lot of key events within this study. She talks about it being a fly over, and that’s exactly what it is.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elizabeth Woodson has a good concept here that could be fine tuned to be great. This study will only appeal to seasoned Bible readers. A few weeks I need to reread the sections covered since it is a general overview and covers a huge amount of reading and didn’t have the time to dedicate some weeks before the lesson. Also a keeper.

[Maddie McLain · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Bible study looking at the entire narrative of the Bible and being able to write, share it in my own words. The understanding of God creating perfect shalom - God's presence among His people and the promise of that being restored.

[Katarina Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful walk through the grand narrative of scripture!! Such a great morning Bible study that I highly recommend!

[Grace Rockwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this study! It is a great way to learn about the Bible as a whole unit! And Elizabeth is an amazing teacher!!!

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bible study. Lots of work but worth it. Great connection of all the books of the Bible with one central theme of God’s kingdom.

[Judith]

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