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The 30-Minute Bible: God's Story for Everyone
We know about the Bible. We may know some Bible stories, or maybe we've even read large portions for ourselves. But what it's really all about? How do all the different pieces fit together? Without a sense of the big story the Bible is telling, we'll miss out on the good news God has for us. In The 30-Minute Bible , experienced Bible teachers Craig Bartholomew and Paige Vanosky present the story of Scripture in thirty short readings, each designed to take about half an hour. Each includes a passage from the Bible and a short chapter explaining how the passage fits into the Bible's wider narrative. Written in straightforward and clear language, the readings are accompanied by Brother Martin Erspamer's lovely illustrations. Discover the timeless story of the Bible―in thirty minutes a day for thirty days.
192 pages, Paperback
Published June 22, 2021
45 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Craig G. Bartholomew
77 books53 followersCraig G. Bartholomew (PhD, University of Bristol) is the H. Evan Runner Professor of Philosophy at Redeemer University College in Ancaster, Ontario, and the principal of the Paideia Centre for Public Theology. He founded the internationally recognized Scripture and Hermeneutics seminar and is coauthor of Living at the Crossroads and Christian Philosophy.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 25, 2021
Summary: An overview of the big story of the Bible, broken into 30 readings of roughly 30 minutes in length, accompanied by charts, diagrams, and illustrations.
Paige Vanosky, a co-author of this book describes its beginning with a request from an ecumenical women’s group, asking if she could “explain the story of the Bible in just thirty minutes?” This, in turn led to a chronological study of the message of the Bible with women’s groups and her collaboration with theologian Craig G. Bartholomew in development of The 30-Minute Bible, a collection of thirty short readings tracing the big story of scripture through six acts:
Act One: God Establishes His Kingdom: Creation
Act Two: Rebellion in the Kingdom: The Fall
Act Three: The King Chooses Israel: Salvation Initiated
Act Four: The Coming of the King: Salvation Accomplished
Act Five: Spreading the News of the King: The Mission of the Church
Act Six: The Return of the King: Redemption Completed
The largest portion of the readings are devoted to Act Three (15 readings covering Old Testament history from the fall to the intertestamental period) and Act Four (7 on John and the ministry of Jesus in the gospels).
The readings are straightforward, clear, and free of technical language. Here is an excerpt from Chapter Two (Act One) on the Creation:
“If, like us, you love art, Genesis 1 is like being taken to the most extraordinary exhibition you have ever seen. But imagine if, even as you are exploring the exhibition with wide eyes, a friend comes up to you and asks, “Would you like to meet the artist?” Of course, your answer would be, “Yes.” This is exactly what the Bible does in its opening chapters. Yes, the creation is wonderful, but even more wonderful is the One who made it, and a major aim of the Bible is to introduce us to the Creator God. What is the Creator like? The opening words begin to provide our answer."
CRAIG G. BARTHOLOMEW AND PAIGE P. VANOSKY, P. 15
At the conclusion of each chapter of four to six pages, short scripture readings related to and often referenced in the readings. The authors encourage reading these passages in a modern translation. In my own reading, I found I could read each chapter and the scripture passage in about twenty minutes, although one might want to take a little more time for reflection, so the title is accurate.
This is not a comprehensive introduction to every book in scripture, although a helpful chart outlines the organization of the books in our Bibles. The Old Testament portion focuses on historical narratives, with scattered references to the writings and the prophets. Likewise, in the New Testament, the greatest attention is to the gospels and Pauline works, Acts, and Revelation. The authors suggest online and written resources that help in going deeper.
The readings do include charts, chronologies, maps and diagrams that help provide background context. One of the most delightful features are the illustrations by Br. Martin Erspamer, allowing for a visual as well as textual engagement of the story. I was particularly taken by the art piece showing Jesus with Mary in the garden after the resurrection.
I’ve worked with many intimidated as they try to read the Bible. They got lost in Leviticus or numbed by Numbers. They lack a sense of how all the books of scripture cohere. Even for many who have some familiarity with the Bible, they know the stories, but lack a sense of the big story of God, how this is for everyone, and relates to all of life. The authors point out how all of us live within Act Five, Spreading the News of the King, looking forward to Act Six, the Return of the King. Knowing the story within which we live is life-shaping, speaking to our sense of purpose, what we value most dearly, how we relate to the different communities we are part of, and how we think about the substance of our work. This compact book leads the reader into discovering that story. I wish I had this to pass along years ago and I look forward to using it with groups in the future.
____________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Paige Vanosky, a co-author of this book describes its beginning with a request from an ecumenical women’s group, asking if she could “explain the story of the Bible in just thirty minutes?” This, in turn led to a chronological study of the message of the Bible with women’s groups and her collaboration with theologian Craig G. Bartholomew in development of The 30-Minute Bible, a collection of thirty short readings tracing the big story of scripture through six acts:
Act One: God Establishes His Kingdom: Creation
Act Two: Rebellion in the Kingdom: The Fall
Act Three: The King Chooses Israel: Salvation Initiated
Act Four: The Coming of the King: Salvation Accomplished
Act Five: Spreading the News of the King: The Mission of the Church
Act Six: The Return of the King: Redemption Completed
The largest portion of the readings are devoted to Act Three (15 readings covering Old Testament history from the fall to the intertestamental period) and Act Four (7 on John and the ministry of Jesus in the gospels).
The readings are straightforward, clear, and free of technical language. Here is an excerpt from Chapter Two (Act One) on the Creation:
“If, like us, you love art, Genesis 1 is like being taken to the most extraordinary exhibition you have ever seen. But imagine if, even as you are exploring the exhibition with wide eyes, a friend comes up to you and asks, “Would you like to meet the artist?” Of course, your answer would be, “Yes.” This is exactly what the Bible does in its opening chapters. Yes, the creation is wonderful, but even more wonderful is the One who made it, and a major aim of the Bible is to introduce us to the Creator God. What is the Creator like? The opening words begin to provide our answer."
CRAIG G. BARTHOLOMEW AND PAIGE P. VANOSKY, P. 15
At the conclusion of each chapter of four to six pages, short scripture readings related to and often referenced in the readings. The authors encourage reading these passages in a modern translation. In my own reading, I found I could read each chapter and the scripture passage in about twenty minutes, although one might want to take a little more time for reflection, so the title is accurate.
This is not a comprehensive introduction to every book in scripture, although a helpful chart outlines the organization of the books in our Bibles. The Old Testament portion focuses on historical narratives, with scattered references to the writings and the prophets. Likewise, in the New Testament, the greatest attention is to the gospels and Pauline works, Acts, and Revelation. The authors suggest online and written resources that help in going deeper.
The readings do include charts, chronologies, maps and diagrams that help provide background context. One of the most delightful features are the illustrations by Br. Martin Erspamer, allowing for a visual as well as textual engagement of the story. I was particularly taken by the art piece showing Jesus with Mary in the garden after the resurrection.
I’ve worked with many intimidated as they try to read the Bible. They got lost in Leviticus or numbed by Numbers. They lack a sense of how all the books of scripture cohere. Even for many who have some familiarity with the Bible, they know the stories, but lack a sense of the big story of God, how this is for everyone, and relates to all of life. The authors point out how all of us live within Act Five, Spreading the News of the King, looking forward to Act Six, the Return of the King. Knowing the story within which we live is life-shaping, speaking to our sense of purpose, what we value most dearly, how we relate to the different communities we are part of, and how we think about the substance of our work. This compact book leads the reader into discovering that story. I wish I had this to pass along years ago and I look forward to using it with groups in the future.
____________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
August 13, 2021
👫 Book Review 👫
👫 The 30 minute Bible by Craig Bartholomew and Paoge Vanosky
👫 Publication Date - June 22nd 2021
👫 We know about the Bible. We may know some Bible stories, or maybe we've even read large portions for ourselves. But what it's really all about? How do all the different pieces fit together? Without a sense of the big story the Bible is telling, we'll miss out on the good news God has for us. In The 30-Minute Bible, experienced Bible teachers Craig Bartholomew and Paige Vanosky present the story of Scripture in thirty short readings, each designed to take about half an hour. Each includes a passage from the Bible and a short chapter explaining how the passage fits into the Bible's wider narrative. Written in straightforward and clear language, the readings are accompanied by Brother Martin Erspamer's lovely illustrations. Discover the timeless story of the Bible—in thirty minutes a day for thirty days.
👫 Reading the Bible can be a daunting task for many people, myself included! The 30-Minute Bible has condensed the long and complex story that is the Bible into this small book, suitable for Christians and non-Christians alike.
👫 The 30 Minute Bible works through the Word, following six major acts, from creation to the rapture. It comes with charts, diagrams and chronological maps to help provide more background information. It comes with the Bible Verses discussed at the end of the chapter and the authors encourage the reader to continue to look into what is being said for themselves.
👫 It is an interesting book and a quick read.
👫 If you are curious about the Bible, or if you seek answers about life that you have not yet found, then I highly recommend this book.
👫 The 30 minute Bible by Craig Bartholomew and Paoge Vanosky
👫 Publication Date - June 22nd 2021
👫 We know about the Bible. We may know some Bible stories, or maybe we've even read large portions for ourselves. But what it's really all about? How do all the different pieces fit together? Without a sense of the big story the Bible is telling, we'll miss out on the good news God has for us. In The 30-Minute Bible, experienced Bible teachers Craig Bartholomew and Paige Vanosky present the story of Scripture in thirty short readings, each designed to take about half an hour. Each includes a passage from the Bible and a short chapter explaining how the passage fits into the Bible's wider narrative. Written in straightforward and clear language, the readings are accompanied by Brother Martin Erspamer's lovely illustrations. Discover the timeless story of the Bible—in thirty minutes a day for thirty days.
👫 Reading the Bible can be a daunting task for many people, myself included! The 30-Minute Bible has condensed the long and complex story that is the Bible into this small book, suitable for Christians and non-Christians alike.
👫 The 30 Minute Bible works through the Word, following six major acts, from creation to the rapture. It comes with charts, diagrams and chronological maps to help provide more background information. It comes with the Bible Verses discussed at the end of the chapter and the authors encourage the reader to continue to look into what is being said for themselves.
👫 It is an interesting book and a quick read.
👫 If you are curious about the Bible, or if you seek answers about life that you have not yet found, then I highly recommend this book.
November 27, 2023
Great overview of scripture. Great for me, as I get caught in the weeds easily. This brought me to a 30,000’ view that helped me see the larger picture of God’s story.
Table of Contents:
Act One: God Establishes His Kingdom: Creation
2. Creation
3. Adam and Eve: Why Are We Here?
Act Two: Rebellion in the Kingdom: The Fall
4. Rebellion in Eden
Act Three: The King Chooses Israel: Salvation Initiated
5. Out of Eden: Rebellion, Judgment, and Mercy
6. God's Solution: Abraham and His Descendants
7. Jacob, Joseph, and His Brothers
8. Out of Egypt
9. Meeting with God
10. God Moves in Next Door
11. The Land
12. No King in Israel
13. A King Like the Other Nations?
14. A King After God's Own Heart?
15. A Wise King?
16. The Northern Kingdom: Israel
17. The Southern Kingdom: Judah
18. Exile and Return
19. An In-Between Time
Act Four: The Coming of the King: Salvation Accomplished
20. A Voice Crying in the Wilderness
21. The One
22. Jesus Begins His Public Life
23. What Jesus Taught
24. What Jesus Did
25. Fatal Confrontation
26. On the Third Day
Act Five: Spreading the News of the King: The Mission of the Church
27. The Church Is Born
28. Jerusalem to Judea to the Ends of the Earth
29. Paul, the Sent One
Act Six: The Return of the King: Redemption Completed
30. The End That Is No End
Table of Contents:
Act One: God Establishes His Kingdom: Creation
2. Creation
3. Adam and Eve: Why Are We Here?
Act Two: Rebellion in the Kingdom: The Fall
4. Rebellion in Eden
Act Three: The King Chooses Israel: Salvation Initiated
5. Out of Eden: Rebellion, Judgment, and Mercy
6. God's Solution: Abraham and His Descendants
7. Jacob, Joseph, and His Brothers
8. Out of Egypt
9. Meeting with God
10. God Moves in Next Door
11. The Land
12. No King in Israel
13. A King Like the Other Nations?
14. A King After God's Own Heart?
15. A Wise King?
16. The Northern Kingdom: Israel
17. The Southern Kingdom: Judah
18. Exile and Return
19. An In-Between Time
Act Four: The Coming of the King: Salvation Accomplished
20. A Voice Crying in the Wilderness
21. The One
22. Jesus Begins His Public Life
23. What Jesus Taught
24. What Jesus Did
25. Fatal Confrontation
26. On the Third Day
Act Five: Spreading the News of the King: The Mission of the Church
27. The Church Is Born
28. Jerusalem to Judea to the Ends of the Earth
29. Paul, the Sent One
Act Six: The Return of the King: Redemption Completed
30. The End That Is No End
November 20, 2024
The anecdotes that open a chapter are pointless rabbit trails. This books doesn’t really help you understand how to explain the Bible in shorthand. It definitely gives off the vibe that it was written in the middle of the “plandemic” and what do you know?! It was. There are hints of social justice trying to distort scripture to support personal opinions. Overall, it reads without stability or substance which is horrible since its platform and inspiration is the Bible.
Avoid this.
Avoid this.
June 28, 2021
Reading the Bible can be a daunting task for many people and this little book does a wonderful job of making it easier. Whether someone is new to the Bible or just wants to supplement their reading and understanding of it, this is a worthwhile source.
September 5, 2021
The book is a survey of the entire Bible (leaving out many books of the Bible) and designed to be read as a devotional over 30 days. Handy tool to help a reader understand a meta-narrative of the Old and New Testaments.
July 27, 2022
This is a great book for anyone, Christian or not, curious about the grand story of the Bible and how it all fits together. The authors do a great job! I would have given it 5 stars but I disliked some of the pictures in this book, there were some with full nudity and some which were irreverent. So watch out for those, especially if giving this book to youth.
December 9, 2024
This book is a great overview of the story of the Bible and traces themes throughout Scripture to see how everything finds its culmination in Christ! An important read for new believers and seasoned believers alike.
October 10, 2021
The book creates a storyline with six acts. This makes Bible more interesting and easier to understand.
March 6, 2022
Whether you are new to Bible reading or just need a refresher, this short book offers excellent guidance and context for the lay reader.
October 2, 2022
Brief overview of the Bible and it’s key themes, in the form of a 30-day devotional with applicable verses.
September 6, 2024
read for the fellows program, would highly recommend!
January 13, 2022
I’m a Buddhist who was raised Christian, and I loved this book!
It does a great job of explaining the entire Bible (the Old Testament and New Testament) as a coherent, connected story. The tone/voice is conversational, accessible, and engaging. It’s an easy read that taught me several specific things about the Bible story and gave me a far greater appreciation of the story as a whole. I would recommend it to anyone, regardless of religious belief.
It does a great job of explaining the entire Bible (the Old Testament and New Testament) as a coherent, connected story. The tone/voice is conversational, accessible, and engaging. It’s an easy read that taught me several specific things about the Bible story and gave me a far greater appreciation of the story as a whole. I would recommend it to anyone, regardless of religious belief.
August 6, 2024
This is a very interesting beginner-level introduction for me and a good overview of all the sections of the new and Old Testament. Most chapters opened up with some non-biblical example which i felt was unnecessary and wasted precious storytelling real estate.
But it was definitely a great way for me (as a Muslim) to start scratching the surface and getting a sense of where Islam and Christianity’s stories and outlooks overlap.
But it was definitely a great way for me (as a Muslim) to start scratching the surface and getting a sense of where Islam and Christianity’s stories and outlooks overlap.
September 15, 2022
good refresh
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews