Christians of all levels of experience and age probably have a decent grip on the lessons and stories of the Bible, presented either in sermons or service, schools, or Bible study classes. Some may have even decided at some point to read the book cover to cover, looking not for specific inspiration and wisdom but to have its information presented in sequential order. This book takes an abridged view of this very format, examining over thirty stories of the Bible and presenting them with the knowledge and context given at that point in the larger biblical context. Instead of using New Testament ideas and revelations in moments of prophecy, the reader is asked to consider what these messages mean, given the information presented up to that page.

Not merely presenting each of these stories, the chapters of this book offer a more direct approach that eschews the sometimes difficult or confusing language for more common modern speech while at the same time directing readers to the chapter and verse where each of the major actions takes place. From the book of Genesis through the Gospels and beyond, readers can use this book as a means to get an immediate sense of what each story conveys in the relationship between God and mankind while still enjoying the rich text and language that comes from reading scripture. Perfect for understanding the developing covenant or simply to make a sequential study of the Bible more accessible, this book functions as a great companion for scholars and weekend prayer warriors alike.

The structure of this book allows the author to provide some asides and appendices to each chapter that make the reading experience more interactive and engage the reader in critical thinking and contemplation. At the end of every story’s consideration, a series of questions is presented, which can be answered in writing, discussion, or simply in one’s own head, creating a more direct connection and empathy with the figures that serve as the focal point of each story. Additionally, certain chapters come with a mini-epilogue, where some helpful commentary or context from later books can ease potential confusion or misinterpretation. This feature, in particular, is used sparingly, giving the audience a greater opportunity to make these connections themselves, but proves helpful and tastefully applied in periods where it serves to help make sense of more abstract moments.

Even readers who are not planning to experience the stories of the Bible in chronological and sequential order can find access to the appropriate perspective and plain-language explanations of familiar moments useful. The overall aim is to take away any potential for confusion or misinterpretation, and so this is also a useful way to share the morals and values of faith and devotion with someone who may know the principal figures and overall events but lacks the understanding as to what the reader is meant to take away. Derived from the author’s history of orally presenting these stories overseas, the approach of this book is designed to personalize and familiarize readers with things they already know but have lost between the lines of their preferred translation of the Bible.

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