INTRODUCTION
Unfolding Grace
We all love epic stories. This is because—most deeply—we are part of one. The Bible tells one overarching narrative, and it is the true story of the world. It is the story of God’s unfolding grace. We are all born into this drama, and it is only as we come to know the story and its Author that we find our true identity and purpose.
The Bible came to us over many centuries with many authors and in many different literary genres. Yet every part fits together into a coherent whole. It begins with the world as it was meant to be: humanity in harmony with God, with one another, and with creation. It culminates with God setting all things right and making all things new. And in between this good beginning and even better ending, the triune God of love redeems sinners and sufferers with grace.
The purpose of Unfolding Grace is to orient us to the overarching storyline of the Bible, and to do so with the Bible itself.
The purpose of Unfolding Grace is to orient us to the overarching storyline of the Bible, and to do so with the Bible itself. It guides us with forty readings, each of which consists of about four chapters of the Bible. This allows for readers to use this as a 40-day reading plan or to journey straight through at any preferred pace.
The readings include brief introductions to keep us focused on God’s unfolding plan. They fill in the context between readings and highlight key themes as they develop and culminate in Jesus and the personal and cosmic salvation he brings.
The goal of Unfolding Grace is to lead us to know the triune God of love through understanding his plan of redemption. The Bible tells a drama of grace because God is a God of grace. This is who he is. This means that we know God better by seeing how he saves us. As we learn more about the Bible, we learn more about God—he is a triune God of love who overflows with mercy for sinners like us.
Unfolding Grace is for several kinds of readers. Those new to exploring Christianity will find a brief overview of the heart of the Christian faith. Newer Christians will discover the sweep of story so that they can then read the whole Bible with a sense of how everything holds together. Those who have engaged God’s Word for many years will be refreshed by the big picture of who God is and what he is doing across history.
SCRIPTURE READING
John 1:14, 16-17
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth… For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
STUDY GUIDE
How to Use the Study Guide
- On Your Own: Use the study questions provided to help you reflect on each lesson. Consider taking notes in a journal, on your mobile device, or in the Unfolding Grace Study Guide
- With a Friend: Send the Unfolding Grace Reading Plan to a friend, and walk through the story of the Bible together. Consider talking through the questions together in person, over FaceTime, or on the phone. You could also text your answers to one another on your own time.
- With a Study Group: Use the Unfolding Grace Reading Plan with your church small group, sports team, or group of friends.
- As a Family: Isn’t it wonderful that Unfolding Grace has been adapted for kids? Consider reading and talking through the lessons as a family at dinner or before bed.
Some Helpful Tips
- Time Commitment: Each Scripture passage covers about four chapters, and on average will take about 20 minutes to read. That said, plan to set aside about 30 minutes per lesson.
- Before You Read: We have found it helpful to read the questions before and after you read the Scripture passage for each lesson.
- Study Guide Help: The 40 lessons of Unfolding Grace are divided into 7 parts. It may help to read the summary from each Part in the Questions section before answering the questions.
INTRODUCTION
Unfolding Grace
We all love great stories—especially because we are all part of one! The Bible is filled with many great stories, but they are all part of one big story, the true story of our world.
The beginning of the Bible shows us the world as it was supposed to be. The first human beings were Adam and Eve. They lived in a happy and peaceful relationship with God, with each other, and with creation. Everything was very good in this place called Eden. But Adam and Eve disobeyed God, and now the world is filled with sin and sadness. Even so, God loves us and has a plan to forgive all who trust him and to fix everything that is broken. This is why Jesus came: to save sinners like us. Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, rose again as our King, and sent his Spirit to be with us. He is now in heaven as our great Friend, and he will one day return to make everything very good again. Anyone who trusts Jesus will be forgiven so that God’s people can know him, become like him, and live together in a new creation forever.
SERMON SERIES
Finding Our Purpose in God’s Plan
These six messages belong to the Unfolding Grace: Finding Our Purpose in God’s Plan sermon series that author and pastor Drew Hunter preached at his home church. Through these six messages, he tells us the story of the Bible—a story that reveals the grace of God.
Genesis 1:1-3:24 | 38 Min
Exodus 12:1-25:40 | 34 Min
2 Samuel 7:1-19 | 36 Min
Ezekiel 36:16-32 | 37 Min
Mark 16:1-8 | 39 Min
Revelation 21:1-8 | 40 Min
BUY THE BOOK
Book Series
The content you enjoy in this Unfolding Grace Reading Plan comes from the Unfolding Grace book series by Pastor Drew Hunter, published by Crossway Publishers. We encourage you to purchase a physical copy of Unfolding Grace to use individually, with your family, or as a small group.
Unfolding Grace:
40 Guided Readings Through the Bible
Unfolding Grace Study Guide
Unfolding Grace for Kids:
A 40-Day Journey Through the Bible