Unfolding Grace: 40 Guided Readings through the Bible

by Anonymous

Explore God's Unfolding Plan of Redemption

The single most popular book in the world―the Bible―came to us over many centuries from many authors and in many different literary styles. Yet every part fits together into a coherent whole. Its pages tell a unified story of grace a story that climaxes in the triune God of love redeeming sinners and sufferers through his Son, Jesus.

In Unfolding Grace, discover the overarching storyline of God's Word as it is revealed through forty Scripture readings drawn from key points in the biblical narrative. Each passage, coupled with brief and accessible commentary, will help you follow God's grace as it unfolds from Genesis through Revelation.

40 illustrations by Peter Voth
Features excerpts discussing the flow of God’s plan of redemption
Content written by Drew Hunter
Single-column format
Thick, cream-colored book paper
Smyth-sewn binding
Study guide also available for purchase

Genres: Christian, Theology, Christian Living

608 pages, Hardcover

Published September 10, 2020

About the author

Books can be attributed to "Anonymous" for several reasons:

* They are officially published under that name
* They are traditional stories not attributed to a specific author
* They are religious texts not generally attributed to a specific author

Books whose authorship is merely uncertain should be attributed to Unknown.

See also: Anonymous

Reviews

[H.b. Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great devotional readings through the key narrative and themes of the Bible. I was blessed to spend forty days reading through this work. Highly recommend it!

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is the major overarching storyline through the Bible? What are the key Biblical texts? And what is an easy yet interactive way to experience it all? In Unfolding Grace, you can explore God’s unfolding plan of redemption through 40 guided readings through the Bible.

Published by Crossway, Unfolding Grace is a book unlike any other. It presents 40 Scripture readings as chapters. Each chapter is prefaced with brief and accessible commentary to highlight and discuss the flow of God’s plan of redemption.

Central Truths

The chapter titles help explain the Biblical narrative. The Exodus, The Temple, The Kingdom, and The Cross are prominent themes. Select passages from Genesis, Isaiah, and Ezekiel were especially memorable to me for their ability to get to the central truths.

Interestingly, the Gospel of Mark is featured for the life of Jesus. To my surprise and delight, Ephesians 1-3 and then Ephesians 4-5 are presented as being especially instructive and critical to understanding God’s unfolding grace in our personal lives.

Commentary and Illustrations

The commentary, written by Drew Hunter, is clear, concise, and captivating. He is a husband, father, author, and the teaching pastor at Zionsville Fellowship in Zionsville, Indiana.

Each of the 40 chapters has an accompanying illustration by the unmistakable Peter Voth. They are original and tasteful. It adds an imaginative and artistic dimension to the book.

A Work of Art

This entire book, actually, looks and feels like a work of art. It is presented as a hardcover book with thick, cream-colored book paper and Smyth-sewn binding. The text is in the single-column format without verse numbers, notes, or headings. This makes for a beautiful reading experience.

This book made me feel like I was reading an actual storybook. I was presented with familiar texts, but they seemed fresh, urgent, and special. Unfolding Grace is the perfect guide for new believers, and will be a joyful treasure for those who are familiar with God’s Word.

I received a media copy of Unfolding Grace and this is my honest review.

[Nate Bate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was given to me by a friend. It is a selection of 40 different readings from the Bible. The emphasis is on helping the reader understand the unfolding theme of God's grace throughout the Scriptures. I found this to be an excellent way to strengthen my overview understanding of the Bible. This a great book to buy for your personal devotions.

[Salvador Blanco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t overstate how great of a tool this book is! I urge anyone who wants to get a grasp on the whole of the Bible’s story to take 40 days to read this.

For the young believer, it will help them leaps and bounds in understanding the word of the Lord and the Lord of the word.

For the mature believer, it will help them believe more deeply how gracious God is in initiating, promising, and fulfilling his redemptive plan.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

First sentence: We all love epic stories. This is because—most deeply—we are part of one. The Bible tells one overarching narrative, and it is the true story of the world. It is the story of God’s unfolding grace. We are all born into this drama, and it is only as we come to know the story and its Author that we find our true identity and purpose. The Bible came to us over many centuries with many authors and in many different literary genres. Yet every part fits together into a coherent whole.

Unfolding Grace introduces readers to the big picture of the Bible. Crossway has selected 40 daily readings taken directly from the Bible--using the English Standard Version. Each reading highlights three or four--mostly four--consecutive chapters of the Bible. Each daily reading is introduced by Drew Hunter. His words are few--perhaps concise is the better word?--the spotlight remains on the Word of God. But they do serve as a bridge connecting the readings together.

"The Bible’s opening words direct us to the very beginning of the story of the world. In these first chapters we learn how God creates all things and makes humanity in his image. We learn how he has made us to enjoy his presence and to reflect his goodness by ruling over his world. We learn that originally there was no sin, suffering, or sadness—everything was “very good.” Humanity was in right relationship with God, with one another, and with the creation itself. This is a picture of shalom—peace—universal flourishing, harmony, and happiness. But this story also shows the fall of humanity into sin. As a result of humanity’s rejection of God, the world is now filled with sin, suffering, and death. Life is not the way it is supposed to be. Yet God speaks his word of grace into the midst of our brokenness. He promises that a son of Eve will conquer the Serpent, which signals that God will reverse the consequences of sin and restore blessing to the world. This is the first promise of grace, the promise that unfolds across the Bible’s pages and through history’s ages. The Bible unfolds God’s gracious plan to restore God’s people to God’s place, to enjoy his presence and reflect his rule."

The big picture approach is very bare bones. Missing are many of the most beloved and most significant passages of Scripture. For example, it skips over Genesis 22--when God tests Abraham by asking him to sacrifice Isaac, a very telling and prophetic event. And one that is often referred to in the New Testament. Along the same lines, you won't read of the lifting up of the bronze serpent. I suppose both can be overlooked in the grand scheme of things. Though why they're excluded and yet we get "treated" with Judges 17-21 is beyond me!!!

What I find more difficult to overlook--as a reader who hasn't had to make this tough call--is the complete and total exclusion of chapters from the book of Psalms, the Gospel of John, or the epistle to the Romans. How does one exclude Romans?!?!?!?! I mean if ANY one book gives a big picture story of the Bible it would be Romans. (Or Hebrews, which is also excluded.) Romans you see man as sinner, God as righteous Creator, Judge, and Savior. It packs a LOT of substance. And is essential to understanding the faith. Rightly interpret the book of Romans and you're on your way.

For better or worse, this one instead of picking and choosing from the four gospels includes the whole book of Mark. And over half the book of Acts. Seriously. I can't fathom leaving out John 13-17. I can't even. In my opinion, how anyone could choose Mark--probably just because it's short--over another gospel like John or Luke or Matthew. (I mean I understand Matthew is super long and all.) But Luke or John seems a better fit. Perhaps the editor just really, really, really loves Mark?!?! I don't know. Seems strange.

I do like the inclusion of the whole book of Ephesians. But I still *need* Romans represented somehow, someway.

I read an e-galley of this title. But what video clips I've seen of the book-book make it look premium and gorgeous.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great intro to the Bible using the Bible. The meta-narrative clearly outlined.

[Cassia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was glad to go through this book. On the practical note, I found each reading to be the perfect length for a morning with the Lord. Each short "guide" at the start of each section was-- alright. I appreciated how carefully the authors crafted the stream of redemption and used repetition and precision to piece together the whole story for the reader. This element made me think that this book would be wonderful for a new believer, or even a nonbeliever. For me however, it was a little bit like someone explaining the reasons or meanings of a great classic novel in place of allowing me to discovering it myself. Sometimes that's very necessary. Sometimes I need a lot of explanation when entering into an old classic novel, but there's something about reading the story and discovering for one's self the hidden gold, the knots, the connected strands, and unbroken promises, and the hidden-and-revealed relationships throughout the story for one's self. You know what it was like? It felt like a great book that is turned into a good movie. You enjoy the movie, but your heart burns for all the little moments and scenes that were cut or lost for sake of theatrical limitation. My heart burned for 1 & 2 Samuel, for parts of Ezekiel, Job, and so much more. I ended up reading the book as if it was for someone who didn't know the story, but in the back of my mind kept saying things like, "oh just want until you find out THIS!" Or "that!"
So I appreciate the publisher's intent and thoughtfulness to make this book available, but it's not one that I would go through multiple times. But that's just me!

[Zacarias Rivera, Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

For many, the prospect of reading through the entire Bible seems like an arduous task. One has to navigate through numerous genealogies, difficult to pronounce names, a variety of different genres, and foreign manners and customs. Where does one begin? Is there a common thread or story that connects it all?

Well, Crossway has made the task less daunting. This beautifully crafted and compact book has 40 readings that demonstrate God's amazing grace towards humanity.

The book is divided into seven parts, each part addressing in chronological order how God has displayed His grace. Each part begins with a beautiful visual illustration and a synopsis of the content. The selections focus on God's creation, Israel's enslavement and God's deliverance, Israel's consistent grumbling and idolatry, Israel's exile and partial restoration and return to their homeland, and God's promise to keep His covenant with His people through the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus.

Overall, this book clearly demonstrates, through its selected portions of Scripture, that God's grace is the major thread throughout. Reading this book helps us see the essential aspects of God's unfolding grace. I highly recommend it.

I received a copy of this book from Crossway free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a new believer, or seeker, first approaches the Bible they start where all books start -page 1. But as anyone who has tried to read straight through the Bible knows, that’s tough. This book is the answer to that problem. It takes major themes and passages from the Bible and gives a little context to draw out the major themes that weave throughout the entire Bible. This by no means replaces the Bible, but it would make for an amazing gift to new believers, or anyone interested in a broader view of how the Bible works as a whole - how the individual parts support the biggest ideas of God’s plan, grace and salvation.

On top of a great idea of supporting Biblical deeper reading, this book is beautiful! The cover, the font, the illustrations, even the soft pages are a work of art that elevate the importance of this text and message.

My one critique is that the commentary for each section (really it is more like context) is a little short to my taste. I would have liked to see a few pages of analysis, but this book includes about a page for each section. I can see this becoming the go-to gift for new believers or baptism celebrations, or graduations.

(This preview copy was provided free to me by the publisher for an honest review.)

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since sin entered the world, God began unfolding his plan of grace to redeem the world. We have traced his promise to send a savior who would renew humanity and the world. And now Jesus as come for us, and for our salvation. He has taken our curse of death upon himself and come out the other side, freeing us to die to our old selves and walk in the newness of life.


The grace of God towards us is one those things that cannot be explained in a few words or even in a book like this, however, this puts the redemption of mankind in perspective that we so desperately need. As we face spiritual battles, health, and financial, we begin to know that God and his attributes is all we need.

The guided readings of unfolding grace starts each with a introductory to the passage of scripture. The intro brings your heart aligned with the following scripture. The scripture is not marked as you would read in your bible and I found that refreshing. A thoughtful reading and a resource for future reading. Highly recommend.

A special thank you to Crossway Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Zach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unfolding Grace is a forty day devotional Bible that comprises selected readings which tell the grand narrative of God’s story of redemption. Broken into seven parts, the readings walk the reader through the biblical storyline from creation to new creation. The chapter and verse markers are removed from the text, which aides the reader in a continuous reading of the selected portions of scripture. This gives devotional the feel of reading a novel. Each selected reading features a brief introduction written by Drew Hunter that guide the reader through the readings and helps fill in the gaps of the biblical material not included in the devotional. Each section also includes a beautiful illustration by Peter Voth.

Continue reading here: https://readingfortheglory.wordpress....

[Noelle Arneberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is scripture! It highlights 40 main passages of scripture (in ESV) meant to show God’s plan for grace for all humanity, all the way from Genesis to Revelation. I began reading this book 2 years ago with a bible study while living in Duluth. We dove into these passages looking for characters, settings, main themes, and most importantly how the text pointed to Jesus and the gospel. It was refreshing to read many familiar passages without the chapter and verse numbers and to dive into the Bible as one cohesive story that all points to our Savior and God’s plan to bring his creation completely back to Him.

[Andrew Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good! It’s impossible to assemble a “perfect” selection of texts that capture the biblical meta narrative, but Crossway and Unfolding Grace have done well. Would love to work through these readings again with the study guide.

I am surprised, given the Reformed sensibilities of those involved with Crossway and the ESV that there were no readings from Romans. If pastors (which I am) were going to work through this book with their congregation/a Bible study group, some time spent in Romans would be well served.

[Austin Kuhn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well worth the 40(+) days of reading along, tracking through the grand narrative of God’s people and redemption well and was overall a very edifying devotional. Though at times I did feel like there could have been more intentionality/creativity in the using (or not using) of certain sections/passages (ex. No chapters from Psalms, John/Luke/Matthew and Romans). The illustrations for each day were a really wonderful addition as well.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a 40-day devotional highlighting the big picture of Scripture. It’s very helpful to have this perspective of God’s overarching work of salvation and redeeming grace in my own life and the world. You can take it at a slower pace. I did it in 90 days. There’s a workbook with thoughtful questions that goes with it. Highly recommend!

[Tre Wiggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great 40 day reading through the Scriptures that gives good highlights to help see the "big picture" storyline. The commentary before each set of readings was solid (and brief, which I think was the right decision so that focus is on the text of Scripture).

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

The subtitle says it all: "40 Guided Readings through the Bible." Reading this book is like having your own personal tour guide walking you through some of the Bible's key passages, showing you how it all unites together to tell the story of God's unfolding grace to sinners through his Son.

[Liza Tabita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the idea of the book! A great resource, but without the study guide the “devotional “ is kind of plain and not so helpful

[Eleni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very rich study and conversation came from these guided readings. So thankful for the opportunity to read through this with my book group!

[Adam Kareus · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple yet good guide to read the story of redemption. I used it as a help for my devotional time.

[Andrew Hancock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent devotional book with mostly Scripture. Each of the 40 sections is guided with typology. I highly recommend Unfolding Grace.

[Amy Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

A broad, overview of the Bible, using short devotional with key chunks of Scripture. I think this is a great read for anyone looking to get and overview of the Bible!

[Jeffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well worth the revisit.
A helpful overview of the bible, going through key passages. Includes brief, helpful commentary along the way.