God at the Center
Reviewing a thorough Gospel message at the beginning of a counseling relationship offers several advantages. It:
Establishes our counseling as distinctly biblical and Christ-centered, uniquely different than most other forms of counseling.
Sets the spiritual framework that guides the counseling process and curriculum.
Helps us to determine if a counselee is a Believer or unbeliever, giving us a chance to present the unbeliever with an opportunity to come to faith in Christ and deciding which route to take in the weeks to come.
Assists us in gauging our counselee’s depth of knowledge in the Word of God and how to appropriately tailor future homework assignments and lessons.
Disciples our counselee in a full Gospel message that many do not fully understand.
Provides a nice outline for the Word of God from Genesis 1 to Revelation 22 that we can refer back to.
Demonstrates the faithfulness of our God. He has been faithful from the beginning. He will be faithful in our lives. This brings tremendous comfort, hope, and peace.
This presentation goes through the narrative of the Bible from beginning to end, highlighting main themes and incorporating the story of Redemption. Become familiar with this, study it for yourself, decide which themes and Scripture you want to share. Allow your counselee to guide this journey as much as they are capable. When they skip over key themes, fill in the gaps for them. Make this conversational, a give and take. Enjoy the journey! Soak up the beauty and power of the Gospel. Use this to preach the Gospel to yourself every day. For further study, there is much more Gospel material on the Good News! page.
Genesis
God created us and desires relationship with us.
Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
Genesis 1:26-28: God created man, male and female, in His image and gave them the directive to fill and to rule over the earth.
Genesis 2:7-25: God put Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and gave specific instructions: “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it, you shall surely die.” They were naked and unashamed.
John 1:1-3: “In the beginning, was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him, nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.”
Hebrews 11:3: “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.”
Our sin separated us from God and started a downward spiral of wickedness and punishment.
Genesis 3:1-7: the story of the fall
Genesis 3:8-24: naked and ashamed; shifting the blame
Romans 5:12: “Just as sin entered the world through one man, and death came through sin, in this way death came to all men, because all have sinned.”
Satan:
John 8:44: the father of lies
2 Cor. 11:3; Revelation 12:9: the deceiver
John 10:10: he steals, kills, and destroys
Genesis 4:6-12: Cain and Able; death comes through sin
Hebrews 11:4: “By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.”
Genesis 5: “And he died” repeated; death comes through sin
Genesis 5:21-24: Enoch taken into Heaven; resurrection—the reward for those who have faith
Hebrews 11:5: “By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that He exists and that He reward those who earnestly seek Him.”
Genesis 6:5-7:5. God was grieved that he made man on the earth; saved a remnant—Noah and his family; a picture of salvation: though the entire earth was destroyed, the faithful were saved
Hebrews 11:7: “By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the whole world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.”
God raised up a chosen people, set apart and holy to Him.
Abraham
Genesis 12:1-3; chapter 15: Abrahamic covenant (unconditional)
Genesis 15:6: “Abraham believed the Lord and it was credited to him as righteousness.”
Genesis 21:1-8: the birth of Isaac—his only son (Genesis 22:16)
Romans 4:1-3, 13, 16, 18-22: Salvation has always been by faith; our justification has never come by works
Hebrews 11:8-12: Abraham and Sarah were people of faith
Genesis 22:1-19: Abraham’s faith challenged—foreshadowing of the Messiah—the only Son of God who was sacrificed by His Father
John 1:29: “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”
Hebrews 9:11-22: “Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sin.”
Hebrews 11:17-19: By faith Abraham was willing to sacrifice his only Son. believing God could raise him from the dead.
Melchizedek
Genesis 14:18-20: Melchizedek—the priest and the king; a picture of Jesus, our great high priest and king of kings
Psalm 110:4: "The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind, 'You (Jesus) are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek.'"
Hebrews 5:7-10; 7-8: Christ came in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron. Priests under the law had to make sacrifices day after day for the sins of the people. Christ’s sacrifice was once for all. We are no longer in need of a priest to mediate between us and God! Jesus is our one and only priest and mediator.
Jacob (Israel)
Genesis 25, 27, 32: Isaac’s second born, Jacob, chosen by God; God changed his name to Israel—has 12 sons, the 12 tribes of Israel—His chosen people; God chooses a group of people for his plan of salvation to come through
Genesis 50:24; Exodus 3:15; Acts 7:32: “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob”
Matthew 1:1-17: the genealogy from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to Jesus
Hebrews 11:20: "By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even regarding things to come."
Joseph
Genesis 37-50: Joseph chosen by God and raised up to deliver His people; a picture of God choosing a remnant and providing salvation through one man
Hebrews 11:22: "By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the exodus of the sons of Israel, and gave orders concerning his bones."
Exodus 1-18
God’s chosen people were now living as slaves in Egypt. God raised up Moses to lead the people out of slavery, back to the land of promise. Pharoah’s heart was hard, and he would not let the people go. It took the death of the firstborn son of all the families of Egypt to bring Pharoah to his knees.
Exodus 12:21-30: The Passover
1 Corinthians 5:7 (Christ, our Passover Lamb)
Hebrews 11:23-29: a story of faith
Now that the people were free, they struggled to trust God and desired to be back in Egypt again as slaves.
Exodus 14:10-12
Exodus 16:3-4
Exodus 17:3
Numbers 11:4-6
Numbers 14:1-4
Freedom from slavery
John 8:34-36: If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
Romans 6:15-23: Though you were once slaves to sin, you are now slaves of righteousness
Galatians 4:7-9; 5:1: We are heirs of God. It if for freedom that Christ has set us free! Let’s not return to worthless idols.
Exodus 19 through Leviticus: The Law, the Priesthood, and the Tabernacle
The Law
The law was given to Moses and the people at Mt. Sinai—613 commands that the people were to keep in order to experience the blessing of God and to be a light to the Gentile nations around them. This was known as the Mosaic Covenant.
Exodus 19:5: "'Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine;'"
Exodus 19:8: "All the people answered together and said, 'All that the Lord has spoken we will do!' And Moses brought back the words of the people to the Lord."
Why the law was given:
Romans 3:19-20: to bring the knowledge of sin
Romans 4:13-15: the law brings about violation and wrath
Galatians 3:10-29: it was our tutor to lead us to Christ
The Priesthood
Aaron and his sons were appointed by God to be priests for the people, and Aaron was the first high priest.
Exodus 28:1-3: “Then bring near to yourself Aaron your brother, and his sons with him”
Exodus 29:9: "You shall gird them with sashes, Aaron and his sons, and bind caps on them, and they shall have the priesthood by a perpetual statute. So you shall ordain Aaron and his sons."
Jesus is now our one and only great high priest, in the order of Melchizedek
Hebrews 4-14: "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to our confession."
1 Timothy 2:5-6: “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time."
The Tabernacle
Very specific instructions were given of how to construct the tabernacle.
Exodus 40:34-38: where God dwelled with His people
David desired to build the Lord a house—a temple as opposed to a tabernacle (tent)
2 Samuel 7:1-17: the Lord tells David his son will built the temple
1 Kings: Solomon built the temple of the Lord; included the holy of holies. The holy of holies was sectioned off by a thick curtain.
This was the sacred meeting place with God. They worshipped there, made sacrifices there, and presented their requests to God. The ark of the covenant was kept behind the veil; only one high priest was selected and allowed to enter the holy of holies once per year—The Day of Atonement.
Matthew 27:50-54
The tearing of the curtain; all may now enter; we are no longer separated from the direct presence of God.
We are now the temple of the Lord!
1 Corinthians 6:19-20: our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit
1 Corinthians 7:23: "You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men."
Our bodies are to be set apart to God as holy ground—nothing unclean or impure should enter its presence.
Numbers-Esther: failures of the people
God’s chosen people consistently turned away from God, served other gods, and lived wickedly. No matter how many chances they were given, they failed miserably every time proving that we are incapable, in our own power, to fulfill the requirements of God’s holy law.
They were constantly worrying and complaining, even though God had proven Himself faithful repeatedly.
Exodus 32: Built a golden calf, literally while Moses was on the mountain hearing the voice of God on behalf of the people.
Numbers 13-14: Chose to not enter the Promised Land—to listen to voice of 10 instead of the faith-filled voices of Joshua and Caleb.
Numbers 21:4-9—serpent on the pole
John 3:14-18: “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.”
Once settled in the land, did not drive out the people the way God had commanded but let their hearts become corrupted by foreign gods.
They asked for a king to be like the nations around them who would lead the nation into sin and captivity, instead of acknowledging they already had the King of Kings and Lord of Lords
The anger of the Lord burned against them
Because of their disobedience, God allowed Israel to be taken into captivity into Assyria and Judah, 115 years later, to be taken into captivity into Babylon.
Ezra, Nehemiah, Joshua, and Zerubbabel, 70 years after Judah was taken captive, led remnants of Israelites back to Jerusalem. Nehemiah was responsible for rebuilding the broken down walls of the city, Zerubbabel and Joshua for rebuilding the temple walls, and Ezra and Joshua for restoring temple worship.
Job through Song of Solomon: these five books of poetry, right in the middle of the Old Testament narrative, contain valuable wisdom and insights that can be applied in the counseling room. These books provide guidance and comfort in various areas of life, offering principles that are relevant for individuals facing a wide range of challenges and struggles. They provide rich insights into human experiences, emotions, relationships, and God's character. Drawing upon the wisdom and teachings from these books can offer profound encouragement, guidance, and hope to those seeking hope and healing.
Isaiah through Malachi—the prophets, who lived and prophesied during the period of the kings, the captivity, and the return to Jerusalem, warned the people of their rebellion but prophesied about the coming Christ; even when we are unfaithful, God remains faithful. God always maintained a remnant in Israel to accomplish His divine purposes.
Some of the prophesies and their fulfillments in the New Testament
Isaiah 7:14 (Luke 1:35)
Micah 5:2 (Luke 2)
Daniel 7:13-14 (Luke 1:31-33)
Isaiah 40:3-4/ Malachi 4:5-6 (John 1:23—John the Baptist)
Isaiah 9:1-2,6-7 (Matthew 4:12-17)
Isaiah 35:5-6 (Matthew 11:2-6)
Zechariah 9:9 (Matthew 21:1-11)
Isaiah 53:1-10 (Luke 18:31-33)
Ezekiel 37:12 (Matthew 27:52-53—the graves will be opened)
The Old Testament closed with Malachi prophesying the come of the “second Elijah”; there are 400 years of silence. And then, when the fullness of time had come (Galatians 4:4-5), John the Baptist came onto the scene to usher in the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29)!
The Gospels
Jesus perfectly fulfilled the law of God which His chosen people so miserably failed at doing, living a perfect life in our place. Sins cannot be removed by our good deeds.
Matthew 1:1-17: Jesus came through the line of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and King David
Matthew 1:18-25: The angel announces to Mary the birth of Jesus, conceived of the Holy Spirit
Luke 2:1-20: Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem
Luke 2:52: "And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and people."
John 1:4-14: The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
Ephesians 2:8-9: It’s by grace we are saved through faith, not of ourselves.
Jesus died on the cross in our place, for our sin, becoming our great and only high priest. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Jesus rose again, defeating death and Hell forever, for ALL who believe.
Matthew 27:21-28:20; Mark 15:12-16:20: Jesus died, was buried, raised again, appeared to many, and commissioned his disciples.
1 Corinthians 15:1-8: good overview of the Gospel
2 Corinthians 11:3-4: do not let your minds be led astray from the simplicity and purity of the Gospel
Acts
The birth and spread of the Church
Matthew 28:19-20: go and make disciples of all nations
Acts 1:8: be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the world
The Holy Spirit:
John 16:7—it will be better for you if I leave
Acts 2:1-13 (Pentecost)
Acts 2:34-38: "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
The Gospel is brought to the Gentiles
Galatians 3:26-29: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants.”
Romans through Jude
Everyone who trusts in Him alone crosses from death to life.
Romans Road
Romans 1:16
Romans 3:10-12
Romans 3:23
Romans 5:1
Romans 5:6-8
Romans 5:12
Romans 6:23
Romans 10:9-10
1 Corinthians to Jude
1 Corinthians 1:18-2:4
1 Corinthians 15:1-22
Galatians 1:6-12
Galatians 3:1-14; 3:26-4:7
Ephesians 1:3-14
Colossians 1:15-23; 2:13-15
1 Thessalonians 3:13-18
1 Timothy 2:1-7
Titus 2:11-13
Hebrews 2:9-18
Hebrews 7:20-28
Hebrews 9:11-15, 22, 27-28
Hebrews 10:10-13
Hebrews 11:1,6
1 Peter 1:3-9
1 John 5:10-12
We are now slaves to God, and our lives are marked by good works, holy living, and perseverance.
Luke 9:23-26
Romans 2:7-11
Romans 6
Romans 8:1-17
Romans 12:1-2
1 Corinthians 1:2
2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Galatians 2:20
Galatians 5:16-26
Galatians 6:7-10
Ephesians 2:1-10
Ephesians 5:1-21
Colossians 3:1-14
Philippians 1:21
Philippians 2:1-11
Philippians 3:7-14
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
Hebrews 10:19-25
Hebrews 12:1-2
James 2:14-26
1 Peter 1:13ff
1 Peter 5:6ff
1 John 1:5-10, 15-17
We are eternally secure, sealed with the Holy Spirit!
Romans 8:1-4
Romans 8:38-39
Philippians 1:6
We are commanded to not be ashamed of the Gospel, to make disciples, and to be ambassadors for the King.
Matthew 28:19-20
Acts 1:8
2 Corinthians 5:20
Romans 1:16
1 Peter 3:15
Revelation
Eternal punishment awaits those who reject Christ. Eternal life is the reward of all those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Isaiah: 13:8-12; 24:21-23
Ezekiel 37:19-28
Daniel 2:42-44; 7:8, 13-14, 24-25; 9:26-27; 11:36-44; 12:7,11
Matthew 24:36-44
John 5:28-29
John 14:1-3
Acts 1:10-11
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Hebrews 9:28
1 John 3:2-3
Revelation 1:7-8
Revelation 21-22
Resources:
Click here to order “Redemption, A Gospel Journey” by Bryan Carlson—a 12 week discipleship study—the narrative of the Bible overlaid with the story of Redemption.
