Product Description
A User-Friendly Introduction to Interpreting and Understanding God's Word
Many Christians view the Bible as a book that they know they should read, but it can be hard to know where to start. If they spend time regularly reading it, it can often feel like a chore to be checked off for the day. What many miss is that the Bible is a sweeping story full of narrative, poetry, and letters—something to be marveled at and enjoyed.
In The Epic Story of the Bible, Greg Gilbert aims to teach Christians—or those interested in Christianity—what the Bible is and how to study it. Explaining the various genres and major themes woven throughout Scripture, Gilbert helps readers appreciate the word of God with less confusion and greater confidence. Adapted from the ESV Story of Redemption Bible.
- Accessible: Written in an approachable and easy-to-read format
- Ideal for New Christians or Interested Non-Christians: A good introduction to understanding the Bible for those wanting to take the next step in learning more about their faith
- Gospel-Oriented: Points readers to the gospel for the purpose of deeper understanding and worship
- Examines Major Scriptural Themes: Gilbert shows how themes such as God’s presence, covenant, kingship, and sacrifice are woven throughout Scripture
Paperback, 176 pages
Publication Date: August 2022
Table of Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1: What the Bible Is, and Where It Came From
Chapter 2: The Trail Ahead: The Grand Storyline of the Bible
Chapter 3: My Dwelling Place: The Theme of God’s Presence
Chapter 4: You Will Be My People: The Theme of Covenant
Chapter 5: The Lord’s Anointed: The Theme of Kingship
Chapter 6: Without Blood, There Is No Forgiveness: The Theme of Sacrifice
Chapter 7: Setting Out
General Index
Scripture Index
Endorsements
“Greg Gilbert is a world-class expositor. (Trust me; I got to sit under his preaching for nearly twelve years.) The Epic Story of the Bible will revolutionize your ability to grasp the sweeping, soaring narrative that centers—from Genesis to Revelation—on Jesus the King. Read and marvel.”
Matt Smethurst, Lead Pastor, River City Baptist Church, Richmond, Virginia; Editor, The Gospel Coalition; author, Deacons and Before You Share Your Faith
“I sometimes worry when we try to identify the Bible’s major theme or core message since the Bible is more like a rich ecosystem of themes working together to offer us a picture of God and his glory. However, in this very readable book, Greg Gilbert brings together important biblical themes to help Christians, whether new to or seasoned in the faith, understand God’s word. With a good command of biblical themes, helpful illustrations, and personal anecdotes along the way, Gilbert shows himself to be a clear and accessible guide for God’s people.”
Mark Jones, Pastor, Faith Vancouver Presbyterian Church, British Columbia, Canada
“This is a resource that equips us to be better Bible readers and infuses delight in God’s redemptive work. What a gift! Greg Gilbert skillfully leads us over the terrain of Scripture, helping us grasp its sweeping story and biblical themes. It will be a great asset to the training work of churches and organizations in how to study the Bible and rejoice in our Savior and King.”
Taylor Turkington, Director, BibleEquipping.org
“I am thrilled about Greg Gilbert’s guide to exploring the story of the Bible. This provides the essentials we need to get started—an overview of the Bible’s intricate and epic storyline, along with its central themes. I am eager to see how this helps many engage the Bible with eagerness and understanding.”
Drew Hunter, Teaching Pastor, Zionsville Fellowship, Zionsville, Indiana; author, Made for Friendship
Author
Greg Gilbert (MDiv, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is senior pastor at Third Avenue Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. He is the author of What Is the Gospel?; James: A 12-Week Study; and Who Is Jesus?; and is the coauthor of What Is the Mission of the Church? Greg and his wife, Moriah, have three children.