The Greatest Story, The Greatest Person

The Bible contains many books but they must not be read as separate stories, rather ‘each book is like a chapter of one great true story which is united in it’s theme and purpose’. That great theme and purpose is a person – Jesus Christ. One author put it like this: ‘The Bible is not a series of disconnected stories, it is a single narrative in which every story, every character and every act points beyond itself to one who is greater.’ The story of the Bible, therefore, is all about God’s Son Jesus Christ, through whom he has come to redeem our broken lives and restore this disordered world.

In the New Year we will be staring a new series God’s Big Story. Together we will take a trip through the entire bible starting in Genesis and ending in Revelation. We will read true stories of people who met God, listen to great events orchastrated by God and through them all we will see how they point us to Jesus. Of course reading the bible and connecting all these themes can be hard, especially when reading through the Old Testament so to help you we are encouraging you to get your hands on some great Bibles & Books that help you to connect the stories together. Why not make it a Christmas gift for your spouce, a member of your family or a friend! Happy Reading.

Bibles

Adults:  New NIV Study Bible. The NIVSB centres on biblical theology—the “ways in which many important themes work their way through Scripture and come to a focus in Jesus Christ.” With this focus on God’s unfolding revelation in the storyline of Scripture, the NIVSB unpacks his redemptive work in Christ book by book. Check it out here:

Early Teens: Action Bible Study Bible (Age 7-13) Check it out here:

http://theactionbible.com/product/the-action-bible-study-bible-esv/

Children: Big Picture Story Bible (Age 6-9). The Bible is a big book about a big God who keeps a big promise! It is the real account of God’s love for the world. The Big Picture Story Bible presents this remarkable true story. Simple words and striking illustrations unfold the storyline of God’s Word from Genesis to Revelation. All ages will enjoy this exciting discovery of a God who keeps his big promise.

https://www.crossway.org/books/the-big-picture-story-bible-case/

Jesus Story Book Bible (Age 5-11). The Jesus Storybook Bible tells that Story beneath all the stories in the Bible. From Noah to Moses to the great King David, every story points to a Child. The one upon whom everything would depend…There are lots of stories in the Bible. But all the stories are telling one big story. The story of how God loves his children and comes to rescue them. And at the center of that story is a baby. And every single story in the Bible whispers his name.

http://www.sallylloyd-jones.com/books/jesus-storybook-bible/

Smallies: The Beginners Bible for Toddlers (Age 2-4)

http://www.zondervan.com/the-beginner-s-bible-for-toddlers

Books

Adults: The God who is there by DA Carson. Most people do not have a basic working knowledge of the Bible. This book unpacks the whole biblical storyline through the lens of God’s character and actions, to help you know what we should believe and why we should believe it.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/God-Who-There-Finding-Place/dp/0801013720/

God’s Big Picture by Vaughan Roberts. A big picture overview showing you how the different parts of the Bible fit together.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gods-Big-Picture-Vaughan-Roberts/dp/1844743705

Teens: Big Truths for Young Hearts by Bruce Ware. Check it out here: https://www.crossway.org/books/big-truths-for-young-hearts-tpb/

Children: The Ology by Marty Machowski. Two young children discover a hidden treasure—a carefully wrapped ancient book full of deep truths about God presented in simple language using everyday examples. The children are captivated by the book and by the life-changing truths they find inside about God, their world, and themselves. Families with children of all ages will also love this multilayered resource that systematically teaches the great truths of the Bible to six-year-olds through preteens. Check it out here:  http://www.wtsbooks.com/the-ology-marty-machowski-9781942572282

Smallies: Everything a Child Should Know About God by Kenneth N Taylor. Help your child discover the wonders of biblical truths in simple terms our child can understand. Dr. Kenneth Taylor explains in child–friendly language the essential Bible truths you want your child to know. He tells children about God’s creation of the world, why Jesus came to earth, how the Holy Spirit helps us, and so much more! Give the child you love the greatest gift of all – a deeper understanding of God. Check it out here:  http://www.wtsbooks.com/everything-a-child-should-know-about-god-kenneth-n-taylor-9781909611627