First sentence: As the plane descended toward the city, I didn't see any mountains out the window. At some level, this was disappointing, because that was why I'd come in the first place.

The Epic Story of the Bible is a companion book (of sorts) to the ESV Story of Redemption Bible. (The last chapter of The Epic Story of the Bible is promoting the ESV Story of Redemption Bible in almost every paragraph.) Essentially...to sum it all up...this one communicates the 'big picture' story of the Bible. It then provides four additional lenses to view that big picture of the Bible. It explores--goes over the same groundwork essentially--four themes of the Bible. So readers have five opportunities to grasp what the big picture is. The four themes are: Presence, Covenant, Kingship, Sacrifice.

Throughout the book the author talks about traveling to the mountains. (I personally could have done without this casual framework. But it's not like I'm going to dislike a book because of personal narrative.)

Who is the book for? First, I think this is best suited for those who are either a) new to the faith or b) new to Bible reading. Second, I think it could be used as a refresher course for those who have perhaps 'lost' that initial passion and/or diligence for the Word of God. Maybe it's been a while since they've last picked up the Bible because of love of the Lord. Maybe Bible reading is more a chore or duty. Third, I think plenty of Christians could benefit from reading this one. Maybe the information is not new and sticks to the basics--and what beautiful, amazing basics--but readers could then recommend this one to those who need it most.

It is sad but true that sometimes over-familiarity with a subject effects one's appreciation of it. Oh to read with new, fresh eyes the story of the Bible.

Greg Gilbert’s The Epic Story Of The Bible was an awesome refresher for me on how to read my Bible. It teaches what the Bible is and how to study it. He explains the various genres and major themes woven throughout Scripture. I found this book to be very accessible and gospel centered. This would make a wonderful gift for a new Christian or someone who is interested in learning about God and the Bible. I have been a Christian for many years but found this book very helpful and I learned so much!

Greg Gilbert's The Epic Story of the Bible is a wonderful addition to any bookshelf. This would be an asset to all homes and Christians. Easy to read through and great to come back to and look at as a reference for bible study.

I will entirely admit I was very pleasantly surprised with this book--in large part because it uses _Lord of the Rings_ as an extensive example, LOL. BUT, that example proves, to me anyway, entirely effective!

I also loved the incorporation of trekking to Everest Base Camp as another example; both Everest and Rings help illustrate the scope of navigating the Bible (and of the material itself). I am a huge travel/trip planner and avid reader, and both of these proved right up my alley. I love nothing more than visiting places I've read about, and reading _The Epic Story of the Bible_ helped me revisit that with this Most Important Book in a new and fresh way.

I'm really excited to explore it alongside the _ESV Story of Redemption Bible_, which released a few years ago and looks to be a brilliant resource--even more when paired together with this. The author notes this is geared toward newer believers or not-yet-believers, but I absolutely gained insight and added depth into the Bible myself. There's something to be said for revisiting the familiar with a fresh set of eyes; it's all too easy to become overly familiar and skip things. Plus, the Bible is one book that we can never learn everything about, no matter how much we study/read it. (That's also why I love Rings, ha--I've read it a boatload of times and still get new things out of it every time.) Studying the Bible well is so important, and _The Epic Story of the Bible_ is a great resource to help do so, no matter where the reader is on their faith journey.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

A beautiful, enthralling and sweeping summary of the Bible and Christianity as a whole. I’d say this is like a CliffNotes version of the Bible, detailing the key points, main ideas and main characters so that you can better understand the Bible and it’s storyline. Though it doesn’t replace scripture itself, it provides an excellent tool to help you sort out timeline and ultimately understand the Bible better.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crossway for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

In 2019, a Lifeway Research study indicated 32% of regular church attenders read their Bible everyday. We hear it taught during our weekly worship services, maybe read a few verses in a devotional or as we scroll social media, but only a third of us intentionally take the Word in every day.

Time evaporates - we're too tired or stayed up too late. We struggle with routine or discipline. The season with littles prevents us from developing consistent habits.

You've found yourself at one time or another, starting a reading plan, until you've finally landed in Leviticus overwhelmed trying to make sense of what you're reading. Understanding Scripture can seem daunting and difficult, causing you to lose any momentum you had.

In The Epic Story of the Bible: How to Read and Understand God's Word by Greg Gilbert, he provides us with the basic facts about the Bible, how the books were put together and became accepted as Scripture. Then he outlines the narrative of the Bible through the lens of creation, the fall, redemption and consummation; with a handful of the peak points in between, fitting together the chain of events of God's work in the world.

The next 4 chapters each highlight a theme throughout scripture - God's presence, covenant, kingship and sacrifice - following how these come up from cover to cover and how they are connected.

To work through the challenge of understanding what we're reading when we approach the Word, this book is a helpful tool. As we gain understanding about what it is we're reading, we're less afraid to open the pages and better equipped to learn about who God is and what He's doing.

If you've felt a bit overwhelmed approaching Scripture, or just unsure, even though you've been a believer for years, this could be for you.

Quick Stats
# of pages: 176 pages
Level of Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
My Rating: 4 stars


*A big thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and for the opportunity to post an honest review!

An awesome book to readers that are willing to understand this marveous story of redemption of the fallen humanking and It's eternal purpose. I enjoyed a lot the tips and curiosities about timeline, history and culture from the bible characters and the main message of this wonderful heavenly narrative. 5 stars for sure!