The Gospel Story Bible (a review)

In this cross between Bible and storybook, Marty Machowski has taken 156 stories from both the Old and New Testament and presented them in a simple, one-page format, both colorfully illustrated and with simple questions to help prompt a little deeper understanding of the story. Where Machowski differs from most children's Bible-based storybooks is that each story points clearly and intentionally to the story of Jesus - the gospel story.

In The Gospel Story Bible: Discovering Jesus in the Old and New Testaments Machowski chooses stories that can be read by any age group - simple enough for parents to share with younger children or beginning readers - and ends them with a short thought about how each story connects to God's larger plan of salvation through Jesus. Machowski also provides the relevant Bible passage for further reading, and 3 questions to help think through the story presented. The introduction also includes suggestions for using the Gospel Story Bible with different age groups. The publisher, New Growth Press,also has published a children's ministry curriculum as a companion to this book (not reviewed).

Beginning with creation (of course), Machowski moves through the Old and New Testament even into the epistles to show the plan of God unfolding, from the need for salvation right through to the effects of salvation in the early church stories. And each faithfully points to the person of Jesus as the culmination of God's plan. While a few statements like "Today, Jesus is our ark" may need some explanation, overall the connection is clearly and simply made.

The overall visual appeal of the book is wonderful. Full vividly colored pages with retro-feel illustrations by A.E. Macha give lots for the pre-reader to explore, and excitement to the turning pages.

While it may appear focused towards children, the Gospel Story Bible is really applicable to any age group or level of Christian believer. It makes connections throughout Scripture in a rather unique way that can introduce Jesus to the new believer, or can prompt further study for the long-time Christian. It's a unique telling of the gospel story.


Review copy provided by The B&B Media Group.

Religion vs. Jesus (Spoken Word)

Turbulent Days

In looking at the life of Absalom this morning, I was directed to several of the Psalms that King David (Absalom's father) is thought to have written during the time when Absalom was rebelling against his father's leadership. Keep in mind, that this didn't just mean arguing about his curfew - Absalom was deliberately working to undermine David's position as king and to take the kingdom from him. Absalom wanted to be king, even at the cost of his dad's life. The story can be found in 2 Samuel 15 & 16.

While reading through the Psalms listed, I came across this statement in my Bible's footnotes for Psalm 63:

"His [David's] actions closely paralleled his beliefs during those turbulent days."

(NIV Life Application Study Bible, p. 891)

"Turbulent days" seems like a bit of an understatement. Rebellion on both a familial and a national level, personal and professional betrayal, running for his life - days were indeed "turbulent" for David. His own sins with Bathsheba (adultery and murder) were still bringing daily consequences to both his family and his nation.

But then this thought occurred to me - turbulent times will always reveal our true beliefs. Our actions can't NOT parallel our beliefs because under pressure, we become less aware of the facade and more focused on survival. And what we do to survive will always be based on our deepest beliefs.

We're beginning a new year. For many, 2012 is a year they are facing with real apprehension - whether because of Mayan prophecies or presidential elections or the economic situation, they are anticipating bad things in the weeks and months ahead.

And I think people's actions, just like in 2 Samuel, will reveal what they truly believe. Those who believe they are on their own and control their own destiny will be scrambling to be sure they are "okay". Whether that means bettering their financial position (money will save me) or seeking relationships (it's not what you know, it's who you know), these people will be looking for external safety.

Those that truly believe that God is sovereign will also be acting on that belief, trusting God to provide, to know what's best and to lead them day by day. You will see them step out in faith, rest in His promises and talk to Him when they don't know what else to do. And I believe you'll see both types of people within the church and outside of it. Because sometimes it takes turbulent days to reveal what you truly believe.

"Those turbulent days" revealed in the end that David fully trusted God to be his source of provision, safety and peace. They also revealed the Absalom, in spite of being popular, was foolish, self-centered and weak.

What will 2012 reveal about you?