The Bible: A Story that Makes Sense of Life

Review 'A stimulating and accessible survey of history's most influential book.' -- Tom Holland, historian and author of Dominion 'Honest, revealing insight into the bestselling book of all time' -- Bear Grylls, adventurer and Chief Scout Andrew Ollerton provides an accessible outline and explanation of key biblical moments... he describes and explains the main biblical narratives with a gentle humour and considerable skill. ― Christianity 'The Bible is the most influential yet most frequently misunderstood book in all of history. As modern culture clashes over which story we should live by, Andrew Ollerton gives us a timely reminder of why the Bible has provided a narrative that has made sense of life for billions of people for thousands of years. In the process he sketches out a remarkably accessible roadmap for those who want to trace the big story that scripture tells. For the believer, seeker, sceptic or just-plain-confused, this is an essential guide to understanding how the Bible continues to speak to modern life today.' -- Justin Brierley, Unbelievable? show host, Premier Christian Radio 'Andrew offers us not just keys to understanding the Bible but also skilfully makes sense of our own purpose within the beautiful narrative. The wildest most wonderful thing any generation whispers to the next is that we are written into God's story - this book celebrates and embraces this essential truth.' -- Rachel Gardner, Director of Youthscape and author of The Girl Deconstruction Project 'The Bible is the bestselling book of all time. Andrew Ollerton's marvellous overview of the story of the Bible, anchored around six major themes, enables us to see why. Beautifully written and full of poignant illustrations, even if you know little or nothing about the Bible, this book will lead you into and through the great story of the Bible and invite you to reflect on its relevance to your life today. Be prepared to be surprised and excited, even amid the challenging times through which we are living.' -- Prof. Craig Bartholomew, author and Biblical scholar 'Someone has said that the Bible is the bestselling, least read book of all time. I think there is some truth to that. Why is that the case? For many people the Bible is seen as a "spiritual book" with very little to do with practical daily living. What people need to know is the Bible, as Andrew Ollerton says, is a story that makes sense of life. For over 40 years now, I have been reading, studying and teaching the Bible and I can attest to you, from my own experience and the experiences of thousands of others, that there is no book in the world like the Bible. After reading, The Bible: A Story That Makes Sense of Life, I think you'll agree.' -- Brian Brodersen, Director, Creation Fest UK and Senior Pastor, Calvary Chapel (California) 'Andrew Ollerton has a gift of summing up in readable, insightful language the connection between the yearning of our hearts and our hope of encountering something that makes sense of it all. Communicating great depth in story-form, this book about the Bible immerses us into an account of life that makes sense and presents ideas for how we can find our way into that hope-fuelled life. Saturated with good news, it encourages us to grapple with the whole Bible as profoundly complex and as good and hopeful news for ourselves and others. Full of examples and stories, this book communicates in ordinary language some of the deepest truths of our lives. It's readable, but it's not overly simplified, instead, it provokes the reader to discover more and more of the nature of the Bible for themselves. This book will be great as a devotional resource or in a small study group of people hoping to encounter God again in our time.' -- Deidre Brower-Latz, Principal, Nazarene Theological College, University of Manchester 'Practical, accessible and inspiring. This wonderful book highlights the relevance, power and necessity of the greatest book ever to the lives o