The Most Important Stories of the Bible: Understanding God's Word through the Stories It Tells

by Christopher D. Hudson, Stan Campbell

Most of us are familiar with the exciting adventures of David and Goliath, Noah, or Daniel in the lions' den, but we don't always understand how they fit together. We lack context, and so we sometimes miss the point.

The Most Important Stories of the Bible will give you a working knowledge of the key events in Scripture and how they flow into one big story. The book's 75 stories are compact, easy to read, and enjoyable. Each chapter includes a brief introduction that gives historical context to help you grasp the overall narrative of the Bible, and concludes with an explanation of why that story matters in our lives.

There's a reason most of the Bible is made up of stories. They speak to us in a deep way, helping us internalize God's message. And in the end, understanding the stories of God's Word will help us connect more closely to Jesus, the greatest storyteller of all.

Genres: Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

Published July 2, 2019

About the author

Christopher Hudson has contributed to over fifty Bible projects, sixty study guides, and over a hundred books. He has also served as managing editor for best-selling Bibles such as: The Love Languages Devotional Bible with Gary Chapman (Moody), Inspirational Bible with Max Lucado (Thomas Nelson), and the Case for Christ Study Bible with Lee Strobel (Zondervan). He is a graduate from Wheaton College (Wheaton, IL) and is an active teacher in his church for over twenty years. He is from Chicago, IL, where he resides with his wife and three children.

Reviews

[Monica H (TeaandBooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Most Important Stories of the Bible by Christopher D. Hudson and Stan Campbell lists 75 stories from the Bible from Genesis to Revelation in chronological order. I especially like that they are in chronological order and I like that they are divided in to sections: Beginnings, Patriarchs, Noah's Family Becomes a Nation, Kings and Prophets, Stories of Jesus, and Stories of the Early Church. Another really neat feature of this book are the timelines at the beginning of each section linking the major Bible events with major world events. I also like that at the end of each story summary there is an essential truth listed from each story that sums up the main theme of the story.


I found The Most Important Stories of the Bible to be more than just a summary of many of the Bible stories I learned in Sunday School. I also learned better how those key stories in the Bible flowed with the world's history. I was reminded of how those key stories work together to make the Bible as a whole. Most importantly, I was reminded of how God worked through each of these stories.


I received this book from Baker Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Most Important Stories of the Bible: Understanding God's Word through the Stories It Tells by [Christopher D. Hudson, Stan Campbell]This thin book, only 185 pages, gives summaries of some of the most popular stories of the Bible. It does not include every story, but what the authors consider to be the most meaningful that tie the entire Bible together. There are six sections within the book:

Beginnings,

Patriarchs,

Israel's Family Becomes a Nation

Kings and Prophets

Stories of jesus

Stories of the Early Church



The summaries of the stories are only a few paragraphs long and it is easy to make it through each section at a sitting. There is also one sentence at the end that gives the main point.

I think this would be a good book to read as a family or to children to get them interested in reading the Bible. It does not go into theological study of the stories, which is what would make it ideal for families or new believers.

I received this book from Bethany House Publisher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions express are my own.

[Leslie McKee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book contains seventy-five stories from the Bible, many of which will likely be familiar to the reader, as they are classic stories told in Sunday School, etc.

Each story was posted in chronological order, along with the scripture it was from. Each reading contained the following components: The Story Title, The Bible verse, "The Story Continues," "The Essential Story," and "The Essential Truth." Granted, there are a number of stories not included, but the ones here are simplified in a way that this book could be useful to beginners as well as longtime believers. It would also make a nice addition to a Bible study group.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

[Lydia Howe · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHY I CHOOSE THIS BOOK

Plain and simple: Because I was curious.

I dislike it when people refer to Biblical accounts as stories (which in todays lingo brings to mind fiction, which the Bible obviously isn't), so I nearly didn't request the book. But then my desire to see what "stories" (aka, accounts) from the Bible were included in the book made me request it after all.

WHAT I THOUGHT ABOUT THIS BOOK

The book was a pleasant surprise to me. I think the title is a misnomer and not entirely true anyway, but other than that I only had a few minor disagreements with the book.

I think a better way of marketing the book would be to tout it as an overview of how the Bible works as a cohesive whole - and that's kind of what is talked about on the back cover blurb.

The book is short, and the chapters only a couple pages long. Therefore, it was easy to sit down and take a few minutes to breeze through the book. I read it over the course of a couple of days and greatly enjoyed how one chapter flowed into the next - complete with a timeline, a paragraph about how the two accounts connected to each other, and a thought to ponder at the end of each segment. (Some of which I agreed with, some I didn't...) 

It was a bit confusing to me trying to figure out who the book was designed for - a Christian who understood the Bible? A new Christian trying to figure out what the Bible was all about? An unbeliever? There were times when I felt like the wording was a bit confusing for someone unfamiliar with the Bible, but that wasn't necessarily a bad thing because hopefully that would make them find an actual Bible to dig around in and get answers.

As someone who grew up reading the Bible, I really enjoyed the new perspective of how things fit together, as well as the way the authors told the accounts. They weren't trying to quote the Bible word for word, so it was more the way that you would imagine someone sitting down and regaling you with an account in their own words. Because of that, I got to see the Bible through someone else's perspective which was interesting.

CONCLUSION

There were a few places I disagreed with how they interpreted something from the Bible, but that's not uncommon in books (or life). I probably won't be re-reading the book, but I did enjoy the chance to get new perspectives on how everything flows together. 

Also, obviously the title, but we already went over that. 

RATING

I’m giving The Most Important Stories of the Bible 4 out of 5 stars. I’m thankful for the publisher for giving me a copy so I could review it here.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good book for those wanting a quick overview of some of the important stories of the Bible. This is not a book that you will be able to read on its own. If you do not read the referenced scripture along with the stories you will gain very little from this book.

[Nathan Albright · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Note:  This book was provided free of charge by Bethany House Books.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.]

Any time a book of less than 200 pages purports to tell the most important stories of the Bible, I get at least a little bit suspicious.  That isn't to say that such books are not often good, as this book is good, but it is rather that authors and readers alike invariably have different opinions on what the most important stories of the Bible are, especially to the extent that both are well-versed about what stories are in the Bible, and the best way to ensure that there is more agreement about such subjects to make books that are long enough to include more stories of the Bible, and thus more stories that the reader will appreciate.  The authors fail to understand this particular problem, even though they do pick some good (and sometimes obvious) choices as to the most important stories of the Bible, even seeking to move beyond the narrative portions of the Bible to include parables and prophecies as well (although, sadly, not much in the way of psalms).

This book is, as I said, less than 200 pages, and it begins with a short introduction that reminds the reader that much of what follows are Sabbath school stories that many people are familiar growing up with.  After that the book looks at six stories at the beginnings of human history and then stories involving the patriarchs of Genesis as well as Job.  After that come stories of Israel's family becoming a nation going from the Exodus to Ruth and Boaz.  This leads into still more stories about kings and prophets starting with the call of Samuel and going to Nehemiah's rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem.  After that there are a great many stories of Jesus taken from the Gospels and then a few stories of the early church to close the book, along with acknowledgements and some notes about the authors.  Each of the larger sections of the book includes a timeline that shows the author's beliefs about the approximate times that the various events referred to, and each of the stories themselves begins with a continuation from the previous one, a note on the essential story being told, and then a pithy lesson at the end.

By and large this is an easy book to appreciate and despite its title its aims are generally pretty modest and the book is aimed at an audience that likely doesn't know or remember the most important stories of the Bible.  For those who do know the Bible well, the authors do not include nearly enough unfamiliar or obscure stories to find agreement with those who like unfamiliar and obscure stories, and the ordering of some of the stories (especially in the section on kings and prophets) is more than a little bit strange and not very chronological in nature.  That said, even if I disagree with at least some of the chronology, and think that the stories could have been ordered area, my biggest issue with the book is that it is not simply big enough.  And as that is not a problem that the authors are going to solve while aiming for a beginner's market of small books, one must either simply wait for sequels ("Even More Important Stories From The Bible," or something like that) or one must simply not hold such flaws against authors who are clearly hoping to make their readers more familiar with Bible stories, an end I wholeheartedly support.

[Nancy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn’t like this book. It was shallow, and too simple. I can not and do not recommend this book. In the “Essential Truths” parts, which come at the end of each story, there is a LOT of conjecture and opinion, which disqualifies it as an essential truth. Some of them are fine, but watch out, here and there the authors give the idea of what they think is true, but might not be.
Conjecture: an opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information.

Both authors, Christopher Hudson and Stan Campbell, are graduates of Wheaton College. Wheaton College is not a true, pure bible college any more, it’s full of mysticism and New Age practices: https://www.lighthousetrailsresearch....

Another error about this book is, they use the NIV. ( The New International Version bible. ) The NIV is a per-version of the pure Word of God.

The NIV & ESV Downgrade the Deity of Christ They say the spotless Son of God had to be purified! “…their purification” (Luke 2:22). The KJV says, “…her purification.” The NIV Teaches the church was Built on Peter Matthew 16:18 (NIV), “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church.” Then the footnote says, “Peter means rock.” But Jesus says Peter is a pebble, and the great confession Peter made concerning the Deity of Christ (vs. 16) is the “ROCK” foundation upon which the church is built (1 Cor. 3:11). Matthew 17:21
KJV: Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

NIV: Omitted
NWT: Omitted

Matthew 27:35
KJV: And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.
NIV: When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
Also, one of the authors has “authored dozens of Bible related books, primarily for youth and seeker markets….”
Seeker friendly pastors are the new cancer on the church. From the Berean Call’s website: if you want to attract the lost on the basis of what might interest them, for the most part you will be appealing to and accommodating their flesh.
and….A large part of the evangelical church has developed a pleasure-laden, cruise ship mentality, but it will result in a spiritual Titanic. Seeker-friendly church pastors (and those tempted to climb aboard) need to get on their knees and read the words of Jesus to the church of the Laodiceans (Rev:3:14-21
I can not and do not recommend this book.

[Meagan Myhren-Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Most Important Stories of the Bible
Understanding God's Word Through the Stories It Tells
By Christopher D. Hudson
and Stan Campbell

This book takes the reader from Genesis through Revelation touching on 75 of the most important stories that give an overview of the whole. Forty-three come from the Old Testament and thirty-two from the New Testament.

The book is broken down into six main sections Beginnings, Patriarchs, Israel's Family Becomes a Nation, Kings and Prophets, Stories of Jesus, and Stories of the Early Church. Beginnings covers what one would expect Creation, the first sin, the flood and the Tower of Babel. The Patriarchs covers the promise God made to Abraham, the fulfillment of that promise through Issac, Esau, and Jacob and Joseph's life in Eygpt. Israel's Family Becomes a Nation begins with God speaking to Moses through the burning bush, the plagues on Eygpt, the people's journey through the desert, the taking of the Promised Land and the lives of Gideon, Samson, and Ruth and Boaz. Kings and Prophets begins with the call of Samuel, King Saul, David, Solomon, Elijah, Elisha, Israel's captivity and then their return to Jerusalem. Stories of Jesus shares the birth of John the Baptist, the Birth of Jesus, the baptism and temptation of Jesus, Jesus's ministry and parables, and the trial, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus. Stories of the Early Church opens with the Holy Spirit's arrival at Pentecost, the work of the disciples, Saul's conversion and ministry as Paul, and concludes with John's vision. Each section opens with a timeline of what is taking place during this Biblical period and major events of the world.

This book can be a daily reading and take approximately two and a half months to go through. Or one could do it as a weekend devotional with a reading on both Saturday and Sunday taking almost 10 months to go through. Or you could do one a week for just under 1-1/2 years. Though I'll be honest I often read more than one selection a day so I went through this book fairly quickly.

This would make an excellent gift for a new believer who wants to quickly get a better understanding of the Bible. This would also be a good way to introduce young readers to the Bible. The book is just over 180 pages so no reading is too long so lack of time won't be a problem with this book.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

[Kate Ashton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here we have 75 stories from the Bible in simple English, staying faithful to the original story. the author points out in the introduction that these are left 'as per the original' without aiming to interpret or explain whether any particular story is meant to be taken literally or as an allegory, for example. However, there is a helpful introduction to each of the stories to put them into context both historically and in relation to the larger biblical story of God's interaction with his creation - including human beings. There is then an 'essential truth', helping the reader to perhaps put aside more difficult or in-depth questions about whether the story is a literal historical account but rather understand and appreciate what the story meant as God’s self-revelation to the Hebrews originally and later to the Graeco-Roman empire and subsequently to 21st-century human beings.

I think this book does a great job of helping us understand biblical events chronologically but also not just as 'stories' in their own right but how they fit into the grander over-arching story of God's self-revelation to us, as mentioned. In this way it helps us understand what is perhaps the most important question of what God is like, appreciating that in those early days (bronze age), people's understanding of God was very limited and yet God found ways to give them hints of what he was like and we can see how their understanding developed and deepened over the centuries until finally God was able to reveal his nature fully in the person of Jesus Christ.

I think this is a great book, the Bible stories thoughtfully presented with just enough change in the text from the originals to illuminate, without trying to give us a theological study. I've studied theology and biblical studies that go into great depth about these stories, but I'd still happily use this book to present some of these stories in a simplified way that makes sense to modern readers.

[Josh]

When reading the bible, the context of a particular story is essential to delving into the meaning of a passage. However, most people don’t read through canon from Genesis through to Revelation and remember the entire storyline of scripture. For those that require a survey of the story line of the scriptures by looking at pericopes to provide both a slight recap on the narrative development from the previous section, the story itself and finally a truth derived from the story. When looking at a book such as this one, I personally think of content focusing more on the Old Testament than the New. The brevity of the book restricts the number of stories that are able to be included within the section covering the Old Testament which means that the stories included, on the whole, are ones that would generally be covered to the detriment of stories that lead to a fuller understanding of the Old Testament canon. For example, the table of contents only includes one entry for each of the Major Prophets, and scarcely mentions the Minor Prophets. Although this is biased towards the common stories that established church members will have heard, this does not invalidate its use for new believers or those that are established. When thinking about the New Testament, elements that complicate the storyline and make that the section less enjoyable to read specifically the in depth description of Paul’s missionary journeys are not included in the book. Overall the book doesn’t presuppose any information and thus it is appropriate for new believers.
I was provided a digital copy of the book through NetGalley, but all thoughts included are my own.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in return for my honest opinion.

I was very excited to see The Most Important Stories of the Bible as a review option. A few years ago I read the Bible cover to cover for the first time. It was difficult. I sought out guides and plans to help me stay on track and understand better what I was reading. I wish that I had this book that first year. Even though this book includes a limited selection of stories from the Bible, I found it very helpful. yes, most of the stories are well known ones but I found that the sections on the Kings and Prophets and the Stories of the Early Church had the most unknown ones for me personally.

I really like how each section is set up in the same way: the title with the Biblical reference, "the story begins/continues" providing a background and introduction to the story "the essential story" which tells the tale in more modern day language, and finally "essential truth" which provides so what or why is this important.

I found The Most Important Stories of the Bible very easy to read I was able to pick it up, read a few sections, and put it down to move on with my day. I would recommend this book to those looking to refresh their Bible history, to accompany the reading of the Bible, or even for young adults or teens just starting to read the Bible cover to cover.

[Evelyn Lilyana · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a slim book containing short summaries of the most popular Bible stories. They need to rename this book, I don't consider some stories more important than others, just more popular. The stories are divided into 6 sections: Beginnings, Patriarchs, Israel's Family Becomes a Nation, Kings and prophets, Stories of Jesus, and Stories of the Early Church. Each story gets about 1.5-page treatment. It quickly summaries the story and then a very short paragraph or sometimes 1 sentence at the end explaining the main/essential point.

When I requested this book, I was expecting it to be a little more in-depth. On the contrary, each story seems to be hastily summarized and a very short paragraph at the end wrapping it up. This book is more for new believers who have zero to very little Biblical knowledge. This is certainly not for the seasoned Christian.

I will give this book away to someone who may benefit from it, maybe even to an unbeliever or skeptic. If you were looking for an in-depth Bible study, you will be disappointed.

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

[Connie Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are so many stories from the Bible that we all have heard many times but there are others not as well known. Authors Christopher D. Hudson and Stan Campbell have corrected this by choosing seventy-five stories from both the Old and New Testaments that they consider to be the most important. Each of these entries include scripture, The Essential Story and The Essential Truth about their selection. The first story is from Genesis 1 and each one after is in chronological order so by the time you have finished this book, you have been given a walk through the Bible.

The Most Important Stories of the Bible is easy to understand and it reinforces the fact that all of the stories found in scripture actually contribute to the One story that is known as The Holy Bible. Although this is a not a comprehensive study of Bible scripture, it offers enough information to pique your interest. Reading this book prompted me to go back to the true source and I consider it an excellent resource for my devotion time.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher but a positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts.

[Oak · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Most Important Stories of the Bible: Understanding God’s Word Through the Stories It Tells by Christopher D. Hudson and Stan Campbell discusses key stories in the Bible – and how they all connect to one another. The book is sectioned into stories that cover the beginning of the Bible, Biblical patriarchs, when Israel becomes a nation, kings and prophets, stories of Jesus, and stories about the Early Church.

The authors describe the essential part of each story and identify an essential truth from each story. For example, the “essential truth” for the story of the Call of Samuel is, “One righteous person makes a world of difference in a culture deaf to God.” One of my favorite chapters discusses Joshua and the Battle of Jericho. I like how the stories are told in a clear and detailed manner. I also like how the authors explain each story in a straightforward way, making it easy to relate the Biblical story to our own lives. This would be a good book to use as part of a Bible study.

I received this book for review.

[Virginia Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Most Important Stories of the Bible: Understanding God's Word Through the Stories It Tells" is a revelatory reading guide and reference work. Authors Christopher D. Hudson and Stan Campbell have put together a collection of 75 simply-worded retellings of fundamental stories from the Bible which will appeal to Bible beginners and also to those who have reread the Bible many times over. Parents and children, home-schoolers, teachers, Bible study groups, pastors and Sunday Schools, book clubs, and history lovers will all find this book to be compelling and thought-provoking. While it is certainly discussion-worthy reading, it is also appropriate for more personal and private contemplation--a perfect companion for spiritual meditation.

Book Copy Gratis Bethany House Books

[Author Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great "cliff notes" version of the most important stories in the Bible. This book is such a great educational tool in growing your faith and learning the word. Powerful, sad, and triumphant just like the Bible. This book offers 182 pages of easy to understand and follow stories from the Bible. This book gives great explanations and examples of why we are to follow the word. You could read it as a daily devotional, use in a Bible study group, or just read it straight thru. This book is written from every faith growing Christian.

[Michelle Noble · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you're expecting a fictionalized account of the bible like I did, then this book isn't for you. It narrates the stories in the bible from the beginning to the very end in a timeline. Its pretty cut and dry, but gives an account of the bible. I didn't care for it myself, because it is so dry, but I probably will refer to it as a reference.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Most Important Stories of the Bible is a biblical study book by authors Christopher D. Hudson and Stan Campbell. It will take the Bible student chronologically through the Bible. Beginning with Creation and ending with John’s visions. Much of the book tells of the Bible stories of Jesus.

Special content is the parallels of Biblical and world events. Which I found well laid out and informative. There is content much of which I was surprised to learn.

I thought it was interesting that some Bible scholars believe, referring to the Creation account, the ‘Us’ means God was addressing the heavenly court of angels. Rather than the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The book does not tell the reader which to believe, it only mentions a fact.

I thought the narration of each story was very descriptive. Each story began with a brief synopsis of the story, the essential story, then a takeaway from the story.

Did this book meet my expectations? Yes, many of the stories I already knew. However, I enjoyed reading them in chronological order and would recommend this book to Believers and Seekers of the Way.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Most Important Stories of the Bible by Christopher D. Hudson and Stan Campbell

Written in understandable English, this book is exactly what the title implies. It covers seventy five Bible stories putting the most important and meaningful events in a nutshell for the average reader.

Whether you are familiar with these stories, or are new to the scriptures, this is a “one size fits all” summation of the most powerful Biblical happenings.

Each chapter begins with a title or introduction, followed by the story and an “essential truth,” or explanation of what the story meant as God’s message to us all.

I recommend this book for people who’d like to read Bible stories in a simplified way and in chronological order. Bible study groups would also appreciate this wonderful book for new comers and seasoned Bible readers alike.

[Another_Book_to_Ponder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a different way to read through some stories in the Bible. I’m one of those people who looks at things with a cautious eye when reading through things based on scripture especially when it’s interpreted and not exact scripture.

I liked how each story was in chronological order and shared the scripture it was take from. Each one began with “The Story Continues...” then has “The Essential Story” followed by “The Essential Truth”