Twelve connected steps, from creation to the promise of renewal.
STEP 1
Creation
The Bible opens with God creating an ordered, good world and giving human beings dignity, work and relationship.
Important people: Adam, Eve
Important books: Genesis 1–2
Key ideas: Goodness of creation, human dignity, rest, stewardship
Suggested passages: Genesis 1:1–31; Genesis 2:1–3
Why this matters todayYour worth is not based on productivity, housing status, income or health.
STEP 2
Human freedom and failure
Human beings misuse freedom. Trust breaks, blame begins, and harm spreads through relationships and communities.
Important people: Adam, Eve, Cain, Noah
Important books: Genesis 3–11
Key ideas: Sin, shame, consequence, mercy alongside judgement
Suggested passages: Genesis 3:1–13; Genesis 4:1–12
Why this matters todayFailure is described honestly in Scripture — it is not the end of a person's story.
STEP 3
Covenant
God makes promises to Abraham and Sarah: a family, a land, and blessing that reaches beyond one nation.
Important people: Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Isaac, Jacob
Important books: Genesis 12–50
Key ideas: Promise, faith, waiting, family conflict, providence
Suggested passages: Genesis 12:1–3; Genesis 15:1–6; Genesis 50:15–21
Why this matters todayLong waits and messy families are part of the story, not proof of abandonment.
STEP 4
Israel and the Law
God rescues an enslaved people from Egypt and gives them a way of life meant to shape justice, worship and mercy.
Important people: Moses, Miriam, Aaron
Important books: Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy
Key ideas: Liberation, covenant law, holiness, care for the poor and the stranger
Suggested passages: Exodus 3:1–15; Exodus 20:1–17; Deuteronomy 24:17–22
Why this matters todayAncient law codes repeatedly protect widows, orphans, migrants and the poor.
STEP 5
Kings and prophets
Israel asks for a king. Some rule well, many do not, and prophets confront corruption and injustice.
Important people: Samuel, Saul, David, Solomon, Elijah, Amos, Isaiah
Important books: Samuel, Kings, Chronicles, the prophets
Key ideas: Power, accountability, idolatry, exploitation, repentance
Suggested passages: 1 Samuel 8:4–22; Amos 5:21–24; Isaiah 1:16–17
Why this matters todayScripture criticises leaders who neglect the poor. Faith is not silent about injustice.
STEP 6
Exile and return
The kingdoms fall. People are deported, grieve, and later return to rebuild in reduced circumstances.
Important people: Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther
Important books: Kings, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Ezra, Nehemiah
Key ideas: Loss, lament, identity, rebuilding, hope
Suggested passages: Lamentations 3:19–26; Jeremiah 29:4–7; Nehemiah 2:17–18
Why this matters todayRebuilding after collapse is a biblical experience. It is slow, and it counts.
STEP 7
Hope for a Messiah
Prophetic writings look forward to a righteous ruler, restored justice, and a renewed relationship with God.
Important people: Isaiah, Micah, Zechariah
Important books: Isaiah, Micah, Zechariah, Malachi
Key ideas: Expectation, justice, peace, restoration
Suggested passages: Isaiah 9:2–7; Micah 4:1–4
Why this matters todayHope in Scripture is specific: less violence, fair courts, food, safety and homes.
STEP 8
The life and teachings of Jesus
Jesus announces the kingdom of God, heals, forgives, eats with outsiders, and teaches a demanding mercy.
Important people: Jesus, the twelve, Mary Magdalene, Martha and Mary
Important books: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John
Key ideas: Kingdom of God, mercy, repentance, love of enemies, humility
Suggested passages: Luke 4:16–21; Matthew 5:1–12; Luke 15:11–32
Why this matters todayJesus consistently moved toward people that respectable society avoided.
STEP 9
The crucifixion and resurrection
Jesus is executed by Roman authority. Christians believe God raised him from the dead.
Important people: Jesus, Pilate, the women at the tomb, Peter
Important books: Matthew 26–28; Mark 14–16; Luke 22–24; John 18–21
Key ideas: Sacrifice, forgiveness, reconciliation, victory over death
Suggested passages: Luke 23:32–46; John 20:1–18
Why this matters todayChristian hope faces death honestly rather than pretending suffering is unreal.
STEP 10
The early Church
A small movement grows, shares resources, crosses cultural boundaries, and faces conflict and persecution.
Important people: Peter, Stephen, Paul, Barnabas, Lydia, Priscilla and Aquila
Important books: Acts and the letters
Key ideas: Community, generosity, inclusion of outsiders, endurance
Suggested passages: Acts 2:42–47; Acts 10:34–35
Why this matters todayThe first Christians organised practical care — food, money, hospitality.
STEP 11
Christian discipleship
The letters work out how to live: honesty, forgiveness, work, humility, care for the vulnerable.
Important people: Paul, James, Peter, John, Timothy
Important books: Romans through Jude
Key ideas: Grace, character, community, perseverance
Suggested passages: Romans 12:9–21; James 2:14–17; 1 John 4:7–12
Why this matters todayFaith is measured in behaviour toward real people, not in religious feeling alone.
STEP 12
Hope for renewal and restoration
Scripture ends with the promise of a healed creation where grief, death and injustice are ended.
Important people: John of Patmos
Important books: Revelation
Key ideas: Justice, perseverance, new creation, comfort
Suggested passages: Revelation 21:1–5
Why this matters todayHope is not denial. It is a refusal to accept that harm gets the final word.
