From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is an interconnected story of Jesus past, present, and future. Like the best-designed games, the Bible teaches its world, lore, and gameplay through mechanics built into the text. **Good games and good stories are both well-designed, and learning to recognize intentional design in games can help us spot God’s intentional design in Scripture. # Intro Hello everyone, if you new here, my name is Ryan and this Bible Study Series is all about Video games and the Bible. We will look at how games are designed and see what lessons we can draw from them. I'll start us with a prayer to get started. ## Prayer Before we begin, let’s pray together: *" Father God, King of the Universe, thank you for bringing us gamers together tonight to learn about Your Word. These games that we enjoy and create are a reflection of Your own creative works. Lord, just like You designed Your Word for us to experience the love of Christ, may our play and imagination point back to Your glory and purpose. Please help tonight’s lesson show a new aspect of Your Word to those joining us tonight. In Jesus name, Amen.* Todays lesson will be about our walk as Christians and falling to sin." This will be my last lesson on Video Game Design and the Bible. I will be taking a break from this series and starting a new one on Defending the Bible. # Story One afternoon, I was in the kitchen when I heard my son yell from the living room. He’d been playing _Kirby and the Forgotten Land_— he had played most of the game and was in the harder sections. Even though we had it on kid mode, he still had a hard time with the game. This was the first game he had played on his own without much help from me. I had already told him to go play the easier levels, but just like me, he loves the final challenges even when they are above his level. So I walked in and to see why he was getting so upset. *"I just keep dying!"* *"You're supposed to die."* *"No you aren't, you're supposed to win!"* *“Yes, at the end,”* I told him. *“But you’re supposed to die to get better at the game.”* So normally I would help him out with though the level and play with him, but I saw a chance to give him a lesson. I explained to him that most video games are design to test your limits and kill you when you make too many mistakes. The reason he died because he wasn't learning from what he was doing wrong, which lead to him to just kept getting frustrated. So I had him redo the level, and I pointed out what he needed to do. He was able to get past the area he was stuck on but found himself at a boss that quickly killed him. *"This game is to hard, why are they making it so hard?"* He started to get mad again *"Because it's a boss, your not going to win on your first try".* He gave me the controller and *"Fight the boss for me daddy"* But I told him no, I had seen him play Kirby for a long time now. I told him that I knew he had all the skills he needed to defeat the boss. He just needs to try again and pay attention to the cues that the game gives you. In this case there was an attack that he would not jump to avoid. *"Do it again,"* I said *"I'm not going to help, I know you can do it"* He tried again. This time, he learned the patterns, jumped when he should, and beat the boss nearly instantly. Like a well-designed game, the Christian life is built for progress, not perfection. God doesn’t expect instant mastery. He trains us through failure, endurance, and grace until we reach the end He’s already secured. >“Have you ever gotten stuck in a game (or anything else) and almost quit before finally figuring it out?” ### **1. Failure Is Part of the Design** In most games, failure means dying — falling into a pit, losing your health, or seeing the “Game Over” screen. In this lesson I want us to look on how this can give us guidance when we **fall back into sin**. When we sin, it’s not always the case that God has punished us, but that we’ve missed the mark of what He’s called us to be. Because that's what Sin is, missing the mark, or falling short of loving God and others. I've been playing a lot of Hades 2 this last month, I've just now beaten the final boss, but I still have much more of the game to play. One reason I love the Hades games is because how death is designed. Unlike other roguelikes, the _Hades_ games don’t treat death as failure in the traditional sense — it’s an integral part of the story and gameplay. Each time the player dies, they return to the House of Hades, where the narrative progresses slightly, characters react to their attempts, and new dialogue unlocks. Every death gives you more information about the world, the people in it, and even the abilities you can use in future runs. The game uses repeated failure to teach the player not only how to fight but also about relationships, motivations, and the larger story at play. Mechanically, the games build failure into the loop: you try, you die, you learn, and you come back stronger. You might unlock a new weapon, a permanent upgrade, or insight into how a boss patterns their attacks. Each “game over” is really a checkpoint — a chance to grow, reflect, and adjust your strategy. The story itself rewards perseverance, showing that each failure is part of the journey, both mechanically and narratively. **Discussion idea:** >“How does the design of repeated runs and failure in _Hades_ change the way you approach each attempt? > [!bible]+ [Romans 5:1-8 - NASB](https://bolls.life/NASB/45/5/) > ^**1**Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ^**2**through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. ^**3**And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; ^**4**and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; ^**5**and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. ^**6**For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. ^**7**For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. ^**8**But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. %% #Romans #Romans5 %% Romans 5:1–8 shows that our struggles, including falling into sin, are opportunities for growth. Paul begins with **tribulations (θλῖψις, thlipsis)**, pressures or afflictions that create a testing environment. These tribulations produce **perseverance (ὑπομονή, hypomonē)**, the capacity to endure and remain steadfast. Perseverance, when exercised, results in **proven character (δοκιμή, dokimē)**, a tested and refined quality that demonstrates maturity and reliability. This proven character then leads to hope,  the hope that tribulation builds in us is not a hope that will be disappointed. Most every Christian wants to develop **character** and have more **hope**. These qualities spring out of **perseverance**, which comes through **tribulation**. We may wish to have better **character** and more **hope** without starting with **tribulation**, but that isn’t God’s pattern and plan. Just like my son wanted to skip the challenges and win his game instantly, he would have missed the whole point of playing—the learning, the skill-building, and the growth that comes from repeated attempts. Paul himself _lived a life full of tribulation_ and knew the truth of this better than most anyone, tribulation is a natural part of the Christian life. One way to picture this is through the example of training for a marathon: no matter who you are, if you don’t stress your body through repeated workouts to build endurance, you will never finish the race. Hades is a good example of this, I don't think there has ever been a player that has passed the final boss of hades on his first run ever. They must fail repeatedly to learn the patterns, timing, and strategies. Each defeat teaches the player something new, helping them anticipate challenges and improve with each attempt. Just as training builds endurance for a marathon, tribulation in the Christian life teaches perseverance and develops the character that leads to hope. I want to be clear that when we talk about tribulation and growth here, we are not focusing on trials, suffering, or hardships outside our control. Rather, the emphasis is on what happens when we **fall into sin** after we have been saved. Just as a player dies in a game because they misstep, fail to anticipate an attack, or make a wrong choice, Christians can stumble and fall short of God’s standard. They are opportunities to recognize our dependence on God, learn from our missteps, and grow in perseverance and character. The principle is the same: repeated trbulations, when approached rightly, can teach, refine, and guide us closer to the life God calls us to. **Discussion idea:** >How has God used your strugglesto grow your character? ### **2. Power in Weakness — Not Perfection** In _Hades_, you can’t brute-force your way through by spamming the same attack repeatedly. You have to use all the tools the game give you, adapt your strategy, and use what’s already at your disposal. Without it, you wouldn’t truly grow or understand how to succeed. > [!bible]+ [2 Corinthians 12:9 - NASB](https://bolls.life/NASB/47/12/) > ^**9**And He has said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.' Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. %% #2Corinthians #2Corinthians12 %% Paul’s point is that our weakness isn’t a flaw to be hidden or a problem to be fixed on our own—it’s the place where God’s strength is revealed. Just as players are forced to use the weapons and skills already given in _Hades_, Christians are invited to rely on God’s grace rather than their own strength. **Discussion idea:** > What tools can we use as Christians to help us overcome the sins we "lose" to over and over again? ### **3. Keep Pressing Forward** One of my favorite aspects of the _Hades_ games is how the story keeps moving even when you die. characters react to your attempts, new dialogue unlocks, and small changes in the main hub remind you that progress is happening even in failure. Because the story keeps going, you never feel like all your effort is wasted — there’s always something to look forward to, a new piece of the world or a new insight waiting for your next run. This design turns repeated failure from a source of frustration into an encouragement to keep trying. > [!bible]+ [Philippians 3:12-14 - NASB](https://bolls.life/NASB/50/3/) > ^**12**Not that I have already obtained [it] or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. ^**13**Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of [it] yet; but one thing [I do]: forgetting what [lies] behind and reaching forward to what [lies] ahead, ^**14**I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. %% #Philippians #Philippians3 %% Paul models the same mindset we see in a game like _Hades_: progress happens even when we fail. He begins by acknowledging reality: he has **not yet obtained perfection** or “laid hold” of the goal. Failure, imperfection, or falling short doesn’t stop the journey — it’s part of the process. Instead of dwelling on what’s behind, Paul **forgets what lies behind** and **reaches forward to what lies ahead**. He keeps pressing on, using each step — successes and setbacks alike — as a way to move closer to the prize. In this passage, Paul teaches that spiritual growth is about **persistence, not perfection**. Just like the game nudges the player to try again with new knowledge after each defeat, Paul presses forward despite setbacks, relying on Christ’s strength and grace to guide him. Each attempt, each lesson learned, contributes to the upward call of God — the ultimate goal toward which all efforts are directed. Failure doesn’t stop progress; it informs and equips us for the next step. **Discussion idea:** How can adopting Paul’s mindset — forgetting what lies behind and pressing forward — change the way you respond when you fall into sin? ### **4. The End Is Already Written** One of the most satisfying aspects of many games, including _Hades_, is that the ending is already set — the final boss, the resolution of the story, and the victory are all predetermined. This is even joked about in game though a prophecy list. As a player, you can fail repeatedly, get stuck on challenges, or take detours, but you **know the story is moving toward the conclusion**. > [!bible]+ [Hebrews 12:1-2 - NASB](https://bolls.life/NASB/58/12/) > ^**1**Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ^**2**fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. %% #Hebrews #Hebrews12 %% This is a powerful analogy for the Christian life: just as a game is designed with a clear ending, our story is already written. Our race is already “set before us,” and Jesus — the “author and finisher” — has already cleared the path. We don’t run to earn the finish line; we run _from_ the assurance of the victory He has accomplished. ## 5. **Tying It All Together** God does not intend for fear to paralyze or define our walk, just like games do not want you to be obsessed with failing the level. We have received a Spirit of adoption, not a spirit of slavery to fear (Romans 8:15). Rather than obsessing over our failures, we are called to fix our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2), continue to live in Him (Colossians 2:6). Christ has set us free, and we are called to stand firm in that freedom (Galatians 5:1). One of the most encouraging truths about the Christian life is that our assurance is rooted not in our performance, but in God’s character. Even when we stumble or fall into sin, God remains faithful (2 Timothy 2:13). Jesus promises that all who come to Him will never be cast out (John 6:37), and we are assured that He will carry the work of salvation He began in us to completion (Philippians 1:6). Nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ (John 10:27–28; 1 Peter 1:5; Romans 8:38–39). > [!bible]+ [Ephesians 1:3-14 - NASB](https://bolls.life/NASB/49/1/) > ^**3**Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly [places] in Christ, ^**4**just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love ^**5**He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, ^**6**to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. ^**7**In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace ^**8**which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight ^**9**He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him ^**10**with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, [that is], the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him ^**11**also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, ^**12**to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory. ^**13**In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation-- having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, ^**14**who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of [God's own] possession, to the praise of His glory. %% #Ephesians #Ephesians1 %% In Ephesians 1:3–14, Paul describes God’s plan for salvation as already being set in motion. One key word here is **“predestined” (v. 5, 11)**. The Greek term for “predestined” is **προορίζω (proorizō)**, which means “to determine beforehand” or “to set a destination in advance.” Importantly, in this context, predestination is applied to those who have already believed—those who have “listened to the message of truth” and “believed” (v. 13). Think of it like a cruise ship. When you board the ship, you are not left to wonder where you will end up; the course has already been determined and the captain knows exactly where it will go. Your job is not to set the destination, but to stay on board and trust the path that has been planned. Similarly, when we believe in Christ, our spiritual course is already set. God has predetermined the path and the outcome for His people. # Salvation call At the end of our study, we do a salvation call. Some of you may not yet be “on the ship”—you may have never called on the name of the Lord to be saved. **Have you placed your faith in Jesus and allowed Him to steer your life?** If you haven’t, place a **1** in the chat to let me know you want to give your life to Christ. I will pray for you now and follow up with you to guide you through what that looks like. # Rededications We also call for rededications at this time, and I want to make sure everyone understands what that means. **A rededication is a decision made by a Christian who has turned away from the practices of following Christ and now intentionally chooses to return to Him and live faithfully.** Many people think they need to rededicate after every stumble or sin, but that’s not what the Bible teaches. Falling into sin is part of the daily Christian struggle, and God’s grace covers those moments. A rededication is for a more serious drift—when a person has stopped actively following Christ, ignored His call, or lived in prolonged disobedience. Think of it like the game _Hades_: you are expected to die in the game, and each death is part of progress. But if you walk away from the game entirely—stop playing and leave the race—that’s when you need to get back in. That’s what a rededication looks like spiritually: choosing to get back on the path and follow Christ intentionally. If this applies to you, place a **2** in the chat. I would like to pray for you and point you toward our accountability groups on the server to help you stay on track. # Prayer Requests