Book Club: Book Review of The Most Important Stories of the Bible

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I was very happy to see The Most Important Stories of the Bible as a review option from Bethany House Publishers. A few years ago I decided to read the Bible cover to cover for the first time. I found the reading of the entire Bible to be difficult. I had lots of questions and sought out guides and plans to help me better understand what I was reading. I really wish that I had The Most Important Stories of the Bible by Christopher D. Hudson and Stan Campbell that first year. Even though there is a limited selection of stories from the Bible (due to the nature of its being a thin book, only 185 pages), I found it extremely helpful. While most of the stories are well-known ones, there is still an inclusion of a selection of stories that may not be as familiar. For me, those stories are in the sections on the Kings and Prophets and the Stories of the Early Church.

The paperback book is split into 6 parts after a brief introduction:

1. Beginnings
2. Patriarchs
3. Israel's Family Becomes a Nation
4. Kings and Prophets
5. Stories of Jesus
6. Stories of the Early Church 

One thing I appreciated the most was that each section is set up in the same way:

• Title with Biblical reference so you can read the story for yourself 
• The Story Continues which provides a connection back to the past tales of the Bible 
• The Essential Story which is a summary of the story being shared 
• The Essential Truth which provides the 'so what' or the reason why this story is important or how one can relate to the story 

I found The Most Important Stories of the Bible very easy to read. The style of writing and the organization made it possible for me to pick it up and be able to read a few sections at a time. I did not have to devote long periods of time to reading the book (although I did find myself reading through it rather quickly because it was enjoyable and interesting to read). I think the only thing that might have made this book even more useful for me would have been the inclusion of lines or pages for me to take notes regarding what I have just read.

I would recommend The Most Important Stories of the Bible by Christopher D. Hudson and Stan Campbell to those looking to refresh their Bible history. It would also work well to accompany the reading of the Bible.