The Big Story: Built for Belonging
This past Sunday at Myrtle House, Bill Chapman led us deeper into the journey we’ve been taking through The Big Story Bible—zooming out to see God’s grand narrative, yet also zooming in to see how our small stories matter.
In a world that often celebrates isolation and self-sufficiency, this message was a clear call back to something vital and ancient:
We were made to belong.
We were created for community.
What Makes a Christian?
Bill challenged us with a thought-provoking question:
What makes someone a Christian?
His answer wasn’t about the words we say or the beliefs we hold in our heads—it was about action.
“A Christian is someone willing to shoulder their cross voluntarily and trudge uphill regardless of circumstances.”
It's not about spiritual lip service, but a lifestyle of surrender. And that lifestyle is meant to be lived out in community, not in isolation.
Worship and Priority
Bill defined worship in a refreshingly simple and powerful way:
“Worship is prioritising. It’s a hierarchy of preferences.”
What (or who) we place at the top of our priorities will shape our lives. If God is truly our priority, we will live lives of intentional connection—with Him and with others.
The Bible's Big Picture through Four Key Passages
We explored four major sections of Scripture that tell one continuous story—from creation to restoration:
Genesis 1 – In the beginning...
Isaiah 11, 35, 55, 65 – Prophetic glimpses of restoration and hope.
Revelation 21 & 22 – A new heaven, a new earth. God dwelling with His people.
Genesis 2 – The Garden of Eden, a place of intimacy, community, and connection.
The theme?
From Eden to eternity, God’s heart is to dwell with His people.
He has always wanted to walk with us, live among us, and build a family.
Belonging: God’s Heart and Our Need
Bill asked us, “What did you hear?”
And perhaps the clearest theme was this:
God wants us to belong.
He places us in spiritual families (Psalm 68:6).
He calls us to intentionally invest in life together.
He wants us to encourage, carry, coach, and challenge one another.
The Enemy’s Strategy: Isolation
Just as God's plan is for community, the enemy’s plan is the opposite.
Isolation is his weapon.
If he can separate you from the family of God, he can distract you from your purpose.
That’s why community takes effort.
Being part of a life group or small group isn’t just a nice idea—it’s essential Kingdom living.
It requires time, heart, vulnerability, energy—but the fruit is transformation.
“The Kingdom looks like family.”
Scriptures to Reflect on This Week
Here are five verses Bill encouraged us to meditate on this week—each one pointing to God’s deep desire to dwell with us:
Revelation 21:3 – “Now the dwelling of God is with men…”
Ephesians 3:17 – “Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith…”
2 Corinthians 6:16 – “I will live with them and walk among them…”
Zechariah 2:10 – “I am coming, and I will live among you…”
John 14:23 – “We will come to them and make our home with them…”
Let these promises remind you that God is near, and He wants you to walk out this life with others.
A Simple Challenge: Join a Life Group
Don’t do life alone.
Make the effort.
Get connected.
Build community. Build Kingdom.
