Intriguing and eye-opening interpretations of the most scandalous Bible stories that are puzzling and even shocking, maybe not even worthy of being in the Bible. A serious and sometimes whimsical taking of readers into the most awkward and even repulsive biblical narratives to find answers to the difficult questions facing believers today. Here is an outstanding resource for young adults, Sunday school classes, and quest groups that will provoke real conversations about the Bible and how the faithful should be living their lives. These twenty-eight Bible stories, strictly for adults, would make great sermon material for the pastor who has the courage and wisdom to try. They surely are in the Bible for some important reason. You are warned to approach with caution.

It's the most important subject in Christianity. It reveals who God is, how God works, how we mature as followers of Jesus, and how we are to conduct ourselves in this sinful world. The subject is suffering. To explore it biblically and inspirationally is to identify the basic elements of a responsible Christian theology that's more than a set of pious abstractions. This subject forces us close to where we hurt, doubt, believe, and relate to our neighbors. God suffers, Jesus cries. The tears of God are the deepest meaning of our history. God's "problem" is not that God is not able to do certain things, but that God loves. The cross of Jesus was in God's heart before it appeared on Golgatha. The pain of God is the healing of humanity. The cross, the worst of human doing and the best of divine revelation, clarifies that we must die to really live. We must share in the sufferings of Jesus.

People readily form religious beliefs out of their imaginations, fears, fantasies, and bloated egos. The paranormal is now nearly the norm in the world of popular entertainment, threatening traditional systems of belief. Are today's "walking dead" real zombies? Are the aliens actually here? What's keeping you awake at night? Are masses of overscheduled and frustrated people spiritually deceased even though still breathing? Who's lurking in the shadows, demons of destruction, a loving God seeking our highest well-being, or nothing but our twisted imaginations? How we fragile humans long for safety, ecstacy, community, meaning, and "salvation." We must beware, however. Numerous charlatans have it all for sale! By contrast, there still is the man Jesus who has paid the highest of prices and is offering all we need as a free gift. In him, insists the Christian faith, death has died and we've been set free to be "possessed" by the Spirit of Jesus, thus becoming the living dead. Receiving this gift takes faith, of course, but faith not contrary to reason. In fact, it may be the most reasonable and satisfying thing we could ever do.

Now you can enjoy sharing with your children all the wonderful Bible stories you loved as a child. This book includes stories of unforgettable characters, like Noah, Jacob and Esau, Joseph, David and Goliath, Esther, and Paul. It tells of dramatic events such as the great flood, Jonah and the fish, Daniel and the lions, and Jesus feeding 5,000 people with only 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread. It shares wonderful truths like the birth, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, the Last Supper and the receiving of the Holy Spirit. THE BIG BOOK OF ALL-TIME FAVORITE BIBLE STORIES is destined to become a well-loved addition to your children’s library. It will teach them to love God with all their heart and soul.

A collection of Bible stories with a hug at the end of each.