We often hear the Bible’s story related in four key words: creation, fall, redemption, restoration. But I’ve become convinced that “restoration” is simply inadequate. Our future hope is not merely a restoration of Eden. As good as Eden was, it was not yet as glorious as the realm God intends to share with his people forever. And Adam and Eve were not yet all God intends his people to be. The story of redemptive history has always been heading toward glory. That was the case even in the beginning—there was an eschatology even in Eden.
I gave this workshop at The Gospel Coalition Women’s Conference in Indianapolis this June, based on my new book, Even Better Than Eden: Nine Ways the Bible’s Story Changes Everything About Your Story. I sought to answer four questions:
- What was Eden like?
- Where was Eden headed?
- How will the new creation be better than Eden?
- What difference does this make?
Involved in Women’s Ministry? Add This to Your Discipleship Tool Kit.
We need one another. Yet we don’t always know how to develop deep relationships to help us grow in the Christian life. Younger believers benefit from the guidance and wisdom of more mature saints as their faith deepens. But too often, potential mentors lack clarity and training on how to engage in discipling those they can influence.
Whether you’re longing to find a spiritual mentor or hoping to serve as a guide for someone else, we have a FREE resource to encourage and equip you. In Growing Together: Taking Mentoring Beyond Small Talk and Prayer Requests, Melissa Kruger, TGC’s vice president of discipleship programming, offers encouraging lessons to guide conversations that promote spiritual growth in both the mentee and mentor.
