Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 3
Ernest says he begins with creation, the fall, the flood, and “the need for each of us to have a redeemer,” then quickly summarizes the Old Testament to get to Jesus—what picture of God’s intentions and purposes is he trying to build, and what might be lost or gained by that storyline approach?
Another way to ask: When Ernest starts with creation and the fall and then quickly moves to Jesus, what is he trying to show about God’s plan, and what might we miss or gain by telling the story that way?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
He is building a big-picture story: God created the world, sin entered, judgment and rescue are real, and humanity needs a Redeemer—so Jesus and “the path to salvation” make sense. The approach gains clarity and speed for people with limited time, but may lose detail and depth from the Old Testament.
- Ernest begins with “Genesis, with creation,” then “Adam and Eve’s sin,” then “the flood,” and “the salvation of Noah and his family.”
- He uses these early accounts to show “the need for each of us to have a redeemer.”
- He often gives “a timeline” of “Judeo-Christian history” to help students “put things in perspective.”
- Because internationals are “coming and going,” he will “summarize the rest of the Old Testament and move directly into the New Testament.”
- In the Gospels he highlights “the life and teachings of Jesus,” “the path to salvation,” “the kingdom of God,” and “life after death,” which many have “no concept” of.