Description
Book SynopsisA guide aimed at teens to bring greater understanding of the historical context behind biblical stories
Many Christians are vaguely familiar with numerous Bible stories but do not know their context in the literary or historical arc of the Bible. Blessed to Bless gives meaningful organization to the multitude of Bible stories covered in over 1500 years of religious history. Primarily for teenagers, this book can be a resource for any individual or study group wanting a basic, yet comprehensive introduction to the Bible.
The themes, interpretations, genres, and philosophical framework of Holy Scripture are offered to the reader, organized into four historical “arcs.” Each chapter offers scripture, accompanying commentary, and questions for reflection or discussion. Bible vocabulary concepts are highlighted throughout the book, making it a perfect tool for youth group study, a biblical literature curriculum, or a personal challenge (for instance, to read the Bible in a year). A Leader Guide is available for free download on the Church Publishing website for classroom usage.
Trade Review“This is a family-friendly introduction to the Bible that I wish I’d have been able to pull off my shelf over my many years as a Children’s pastor.”
—Trevecca Okholm, author of The Grandparenting Effect: Bridging Generations One Story at a Time
"This book is for every parent who has ever said 'I don’t know enough to talk to my kid about the Bible.' Children learn by osmosis, when they’re joined in the lessons by parents and adults who care and want to learn with them. Tim’s work provides a detailed trail map for a families and friends to learn together. Each section gives depth to scripture, guidance to discussion, and encourages openness to wisdom; equipping caring adults with everything they need to raise up a generation of loving Christians, knowledgeable of the scriptures and their own place in them."
—Caren Miles, Associate for Faith Formation, The Episcopal Diocese of California
Table of ContentsIntroduction
Unit One: The Book of Genesis
Section One Genesis 1-11: The Creation and the Fall
Chapter 1 The Creation Story(s)
Chapter 2 The Second Creation Story
Chapter 3 The Fall of Humanity
Chapter 4 The Consequences of Sin
Chapter 5 Cain and Abel
Chapter 6 The Long Ages
Chapter 7 Noah and the Great Flood
Chapter 8 Sloppy Drunk Noah
Chapter 9 Tower of Babel
Chapter 10 Is All of This Literal?
Section Two Genesis 12-50: God Conceives a Blessing Culture
Chapter 11 The Call of Abram and Sarai
Chapter 12 Abram and Sarai's Undulating Faith
Chapter 13 Circumcision and the Three Visitors
Chapter 14 The Testing of Abraham
Chapter 15 Isaac Marries His Cousin Rebekah
Chapter 16 Jacob, Esau, and Tribal Leadership
Chapter 17 Rachel, Leah, Bilhah, and Zilpah
Chapter 18 Jacob Wrestles with a Man? an Angel? God?
Chapter 19 Joseph and Promises Fulfilled
Chapter 20 Abraham's Family is the Foundation
Unit Two: Exodus, Wilderness, Conquest, and the Judges
Section One The Exodus: Forty Years in the Wilderness and the Halacha
Chapter 21 Reviewing Genesis
Chapter 22 Escape from Egypt
Chapter 23 "Hangry" and Scared
Chapter 24 The Ten Commandments
Chapter 25 The Golden Calf and the Presence of God
Chapter 26 The Tabernacle, Ark, and Priesthood
Chapter 27 The Pathway of God: Halacha
Chapter 28 More of the Halacha and the People Complain
Chapter 29 Shema, Blessings, and Curses
Chapter 30 A Bronze Snake and Balaam's Ass
Chapter 31 The "Voice of God"
Section Two Joshua and the Conquest of Canaan, the Dark Period of the Judges, and the Call of Samuel
Chapter 32 Canaan as a Symbolic Abstraction
Chapter 33 Joshua and the Conquest of Canaan
Chapter 34 The Period of the Judges
Chapter 35 Canaanite Religion and Biblical Interpretation
Chapter 36 Gideon, Jephthah, and Shibboleth
Chapter 37 Samson the Anti-Hero
Chapter 38 Ruth and the Stages of Israel's Life
Chapter 39 Job, the Man from Uz
Chapter 40 Job's Three (Four) Friends
Chapter 41 God Answers Job
Chapter 42 The Call of Samuel
Chapter 43 The Philistines
Unit Three: United Monarchy, Divided Monarchy, the Prophets
Section One The Rise and Fall of Saul, the Rise and Fall of David
Chapter 44 Israel Demands a King
Chapter 45 Things Fall Apart
Chapter 46 God Anoints David
Chapter 47 Saul Chases after David
Chapter 48 David Rises to the Throne
Chapter 49 David Builds Unity
Chapter 50 David and Bathsheba
Chapter 51 David's House Falls Apart
Chapter 52 The Parents Eat Sour Grapes: Three-Fold Interpretation
Chapter 53 Biblical Inspiration
Section Two The Reign of Solomon, the Temple, the Divided Kingdom, and the Prophets
Chapter 54 Abishag the Shunammite
Chapter 55 Wisdom
Chapter 56 Downfall of Solomon
Chapter 57 Fertility Religions and the Prophet Elijah
Chapter 58 Elisha the Miracle Worker
Chapter 59 Assyria Attacks from the North: Isaiah, Hosea, Amos
Chapter 60 The Babylonian Conquest: Jeremiah the Weeping Prophet
Chapter 61 Ezekiel the Street Artist and Daniel the Slave
Chapter 62 The Valley of Dry Bones and Daniel, Part 2
Chapter 63 Freedom from Persia: Esther, Ezra, Nehemiah
Chapter 64 The Chronicles and the Stages of Israel, Part 2
Unit Four: Christianity Emerges Out of Judaism
Section One Messiah, Healer, Teacher, Divinity
Chapter 65 The Chronicles
Chapter 66 Messianic Expectations
Chapter 67 John the Baptizer
Chapter 68 Jesus the Healer, Part 1
Chapter 69 Jesus the Healer, Part 2
Chapter 70 The Divinity of Jesus: God and Human
Chapter 71 Divinity Continued
Chapter 72 Jesus the Rabbi
Chapter 73 Temple Sacrifice and Synagogue Teaching
Chapter 74 The Parables of Jesus
Chapter 75 The Practice of Abstraction
Section Two The Disciples, Passion, Atonement and Resurrection, The Church
Chapter 76 The Passion and Resurrection of Christ
Chapter 77 Atonement of the Cross
Chapter 78 Blood and Non-blood Atonements
Chapter 79 Jonah and Blessed to Bless
Chapter 80 Jesus and the Canaanite Woman
Chapter 81 The Great Commission and Acts of the Apostles
Chapter 82 The Conversion of Paul for the Gentiles
Chapter 83 Disciples and Apostles
Chapter 84 The Twelve Apostles: Go Give God to Everybody
Chapter 85 Paul Continued...
Chapter 86 The Epistles and The Revelation to John
Epilogue Jesus is the Way of Love
Acknowledgements
Appendix
A. Bible Vocabulary Concepts
B. Books of the Bible Song
