Telling God's Story: The Biblical Narrative from Beginning to End: The Biblical Narrative from Beginning to End

by Preben Vang

aBridging the gaps for those whoOCOve acquired their Bible knowledge in random order, professors Vang and Carter help readers comprehend Scripture as one cohesive story from beginning to end. Second edition with all supporting charts, photographs, and illustrations in full color."

691 pages, Unknown Binding

First published May 27, 2014

Reviews

[John Kight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Preben Vang is director if Doctoral Studies and professor of Christian Scriptures at George W. Truett Theological Seminary in Waco, Texas. Vang received his MDiv and PhD from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and is the author of 1 Corinthians in the acclaimed Teach the Text series published by Baker. Terry G. Carter is associate dean and W. O. Vaught professor of Christian History and Ministry at Pruet School of Christian Studies. Carter also serves as chair of the department of Christian Ministry at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. He received his MDiv and PhD from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and is the author of Preaching God's Word: A Hands-on Approach to Preparing, Developing, and Delivering the Sermon (with Scott Duvall and Danny Hays).

In this second edition of Telling God's Story: The Biblical Narrative from Beginning to End, Vang and Carter bring a much needed visual-facelift to an already helpful exploration through the biblical storyline. The volume is now presented in a beautiful, full-color display, including pictures, maps, charts, and diagrams. Vang and Carter have also included short sidebars throughout. Also, throughout the volume Vang and Carter have included several learning sections with study questions, assignments, and a “digging deeper” sidebar that provides additional biblical and theological information. Together these visual changes display a keen awareness on the part of the authors and publisher to provide readers with a volume that is both informative and engaging.

The book as a whole offers the reader a unique journey through the biblical narrative. It is divided into thirteen episodes (major narratival themes) with various acts making up each. The reader is guided from Genesis to Revelation as Vang and Carter purposefully treat the Scripture as an interconnected flowing narrative. The benefit of this approach is obvious. The reader is introduced to the holistic portrait of the biblical story and guided along the way with sensitivity to practical application and communication. This is a forward-looking book that culminates in the person and work of Christ, and carefully and clearly chaperones readers from creation to new creation. This revised and updated edition recognized the few shortcomings of the previous edition and made alterations where needed. Together these updates have significantly improved an already useful and important work.

Telling God's Story: The Biblical Narrative from Beginning to End by Preben Vang and Terry G. Carter is an excellent resource that should be on the shelf of every serious student of Scripture. The new full-color presentation is beautiful, and the maps and charts throughout are both helpful and well-executed. If you are looking for an introduction to the Bible that tells the story how God intended, then Telling God's Story by Vang and Carter is exception and comes highly recommended!

[Jimmy Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is an attractive, helpful book that will be a great boon to students of the Scriptures. While you will find some similar material to an introductory-level Survey of the Old and New Testaments, this book has the unique approach among such works of making us see the Bible as one story. Since so many lose sight of the unity of the Bible, this approach is especially valuable.

Authors Preben Vang and Terry Carter, both professors who teach this material, evaluated exactly how the first edition had succeeded and failed in presenting the Biblical narrative and strengthened this Second Edition with that evaluation.

This book’s value is even more enhanced by the great maps, fine charts, and overall visually appealing design of the book. My teenage son walked by, picked up the book, and said it looked so interesting that he wanted to read it. I can hardly think of a more ringing endorsement of the book’s worth.

The writing is good as is the deftness in choosing what material is best suited to teach the narrative of the Bible. My recommendation would be to secure this volume in addition to a more traditional survey. You won’t be disappointed.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.