It can no longer be assumed that most people—or even most Christians—have a basic understanding of the Bible. Many don't know the difference between the Old and New Testament, and even the more well-known biblical figures are often misunderstood. It is getting harder to talk about Jesus accurately and compellingly because listeners have no proper context with which to understand God's story of redemption. In this basic introduction to faith, D. A. Carson takes seekers, new Christians, and small groups through the big story of scripture. He helps listeners to know what they believe and why they believe it. The companion leader's guide helps evangelistic study groups, small groups, and Sunday school classes make the best use of this book in group settings.
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"This is a wonderful book for those who have friends who are readers and would like an introduction to the Bible's story. Carson is a scholar who is able to write a helpful and simple book without it giving you the impression it was written by a simpleton."
— Drew (4 out of 5 stars)
“We live in a time when people quickly reject or accept the Bible without even knowing its contents. Carson does a masterful job of explaining the scriptures so that a person who has never even opened the Bible can understand it. At the same time, those who grew up under its teaching will find valuable and obvious truths that will lead them to greater worship and appreciation of the God we serve.”
— Francis Chan, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Crazy Love“Challenging yet respectful, thought provoking yet accessible, faithful to the historic Christian faith yet relevant to our ever-changing world.”
— Randy Newman, author of Questioning Evangelism and Corner Conversations“What a wonderful resource! This book is a treasure for those who want to know what the Bible says as well as those of us who have read it, taught it, and lived it for years.”
— Crawford W. Loritts, Jr., speaker, author, radio host, and senior pastor of Fellowship Bible Church, Roswell, Georgia“A unique and important volume in many ways. As a ministry tool, it can be used for evangelism, since it so thoroughly lays out the doctrine of God. And yet it also does what the catechisms of the Reformation churches did: give Christians a grounding in basic biblical beliefs and behavior. By all means, get this book!”
— Tim Keller, pastor, Redeemer Presbyterian Church, New York City" Really great book. Love Don Carson, and this is unique...never read anything like it. Would make a great sermon series. "
— Luke, 1/6/2014" I rated this my favorite read of 2010. "
— Michael, 12/23/2013" D.A. Carson shows the unity and redemptive history of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. You can download the audio to these lectures at the Gospel Coalition website. "
— Jeff, 12/13/2013" I never tire of the recent slew of books that write about the storyline of the Bible, and how it all fits together. D.A. Carson brings eminent scholarly expertise to this trend in a very accessible and readable fashion. "
— Dan, 12/13/2013" Based on a series of messages that Carson has been giving to secular audiences to introduce them to the basic ideas of Christianity. Good foundation with some really thoughtful ideas. Highly recommended. "
— Butch, 11/14/2013" A great overview of the Bible. An excellent book, as is the norm for D. A. Carson. "
— Michael, 11/12/2013" This was a wonderful book, outlining the story of Christ from Genesis to Revelation. Some friends and I read through it in a bible study... and I have since recommended it to some new believers, who also found it insightful. "
— Andrea, 10/27/2013" D.A. Carson covers the Bible in a series of chapters, dipping in here and there so that a person gets a picture of the whole Bible. He has a number of clear explanations and some nice ways of putting things. It's a keeper. "
— Frode, 10/3/2013" Interesting book; there were portions of the book that were a little dry, but overall it gave a good perspective on things. "
— Melissa, 7/24/2013" Great book! It is one I think I will read again and refer to often. "
— Christine, 7/12/2013" A great book, appropriate both for thinkers and those who have never given a second thought to the God of the Bible. "
— Becky, 7/7/2013" I enjoyed this book. It was a bit Bible heavy, but had some thoughtful ideas. It wasn't a page turner by any means, but it kept my attention. "
— Adam, 6/17/2013" Wonderful and educational book to read. A great way to learn how to witness to others. Also this is a good book to have in group reading with your Bible Study or church family or care group. "
— Marguerite, 5/1/2013" Good not great... unevenly written... good insights with some very mediocre/predictably simple ones... Was caught off guard by Keller's endorsement... Expected more with his glowing review... I must be missing something. "
— G, 2/27/2013" A book in which the disciplines of biblical and systematic theology join hands. "
— Matt, 2/19/2013" I love to read D.A. Carson. "
— Justin, 1/19/2013D. A. Carson is research professor of the New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He is cofounder (with Tim Keller) of the Gospel Coalition, and has written or edited nearly sixty books. He has served as a pastor and is an active guest lecturer in church and academic settings around the world.
Bob Souer is a full-time professional storyteller, voice actor, and AudioFile Earphones Award–winning narrator. He has narrated broadcast and nonbroadcast projects for corporations and ministries across North America. His voice has been heard on PBS, the History Channel, the Military Channel, and many other networks. He has also narrated radio and television programs for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, D. James Kennedy Ministries, SIM, and Compassion International.