The Bible appears to be a book of many great stories, but it is actually one story--the divinely woven account of God's plan for humankind. "Discovering God's Story" is an approachable, illustrated Bible handbook written in chronological order.

Winner of the 2008 Christianity Today Award of Merit in Theology/Ethics The History of God In Discovering God, award-winning sociologist Rodney Stark presents a monumental history of the origins of the great religions from the Stone Age to the Modern Age and wrestles with the central questions of religion and belief.

Originally published: Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 1999.

An in-depth look at the powerful story and symbolism behind God's unique design of our universe. Thousands of words have been written about the first ten words in the Bible: "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth," a simple and profound statement that has ignited a firestorm of debate and controversy. People often only focus on the "how" and "when" of creation, but Story in the Stars explores the "why." Why did God create such a vast universe? Why did He choose the sun and moon to light our paths? Why did He design images with stars in the night sky? The Bible is very clear when it states that God created, named, and positioned all of the stars of the universe in their place in a very specific way-a way that tells us the greatest story ever to be told. In Luke 21:25 Jesus says, "There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars." Signs are meant to point us towards something: Jesus. Story in the Stars takes an in-depth look at the Bible and all the signs God mapped out through constellations, planets, and even the way the Earth is tilted. We are uniquely designed by God, and He loves us so much that He ensured a way for all inhabitants of the earth, through all of time, to see the messages of salvation and redemption that He painted in the stars.

Surveys indicate that most Christians feel disempowered. Wrong (dualistic) thinking, which separates the whole of life into 'spiritual' and 'secular', and creates a division within the Church between those in 'full‐time' ministry and those who are not, has robbed many believers of the joy of knowing their life can make a difference.The purpose of this book is to help give every Christian believer the realization that they have a special, God-given role and place in the fulfillment of God's Story and the Great Commission. Our life‐story fits into God's bigger story (HIStory). Our mission and purpose in life, fits within his global mission and purpose. God is calling us today towards the consummation of his story and his mission. This task is not just for church workers or overseas missionaries. Whatever your vocation in life, you have a destiny to fulfill and a unique contribution to make.With practical tools and study questions.