In this six week video study, Adam Hamilton explores the key points in his new book, Making Sense of the Bible. With the help of this Leader Guide, groups learn from Hamilton as his video presentations lead groups through the book, focusing on the most important questions we ask about the Bible, its origins and meaning.

A noted biblical scholar explores three questions Christians often ask about the Old Testament and provides answers that are both satisfying and understandable.

Have you read the Old Testament—all thirty-nine books from Genesis to Malachi? If you have, you know the challenge. The language is archaic with unfamiliar names and places. It is not an easy book to read. To make sense of these texts, I have focused on the narrative of the Jewish people from Adam and Eve to Daniel in the lion’s den. I have summarized these documents chronologically in their context of Near Eastern History. As you read my commentaries, you will find the narrative to be much more than ancient history. It is an amazing story of resilience and survival that sheds light on the subsequent persecution of the Jews from Roman times to the present. I invite you to critique what I have researched as you draw your own conclusions. I have added supplementary information at the end of the book which I think you will find relevant and interesting. These addenda include the geological clocks which measure the age of the earth, DNA evidence of Homo sapiens migrating out of Africa, an analysis of the story of Noah and the ark, three moral codes older than the Ten Commandments, and biblical, archaeological discoveries.

A recent string of popular-level books written by the New Atheists have leveled the accusation that the God of the Old Testament is nothing but a bully, a murderer, and a cosmic child abuser. This viewpoint is even making inroads into the church. How are Christians to respond to such accusations? And how are we to reconcile the seemingly disconnected natures of God portrayed in the two testaments? In this timely and readable book, apologist Paul Copan takes on some of the most vexing accusations of our time, including: God is arrogant and jealous God punishes people too harshly God is guilty of ethnic cleansing God oppresses women God endorses slavery Christianity causes violence and more Copan not only answers God's critics, he also shows how to read both the Old and New Testaments faithfully, seeing an unchanging, righteous, and loving God in both.

In Making Sense of Scripture, David Lose invites the reader to engage in a conversation, one that he imagines discussing around his kitchen table, about seven major questions of the Bible. More than a standard biblical reference book, Making Sense of Scripture is a dialogue that encourages readers to bring their questions or doubts to the table when reading Scripture. During this conversation, there are different opportunities for the reader to interact with the Bible, ultimately leaving room for personal transformation of the heart and mind.--Amazon.com.

Focusing on the eight major literary forms in the Bible--wisdom literature, liturgical materials, quasi-historical material, prophetic writings, collections of laws and precepts, apocalyptic literature, letters, and Gospels--Johnson describes each form's central features to give readers a sense of what to expect from each and how to approach it.

'Honest, revealing insight into the bestselling book of all time.' Bear Grylls 'A stimulating and accessible survey of history's most influential book.' Tom Holland, historian and author of Dominion 'Personal and profound; informative and practical. If you want to experience the Bible as a rich source of guidance and hope, this book is for you.' Simon Thomas, former Sky Sports and Blue Peter presenter When we make sense of the Bible, the Bible makes sense of us. The political, social and cultural upheaval of our times can leave us feeling bewildered and wondering where to turn for trustworthy guidance. As unlikely as it may seem, could the Bible provide ancient wisdom that helps us flourish today? Join Andrew Ollerton as he explores the storyline of Scripture, connecting six major biblical events with six definitive human needs: for meaning, freedom, peace, community, love and for an ultimate home. In short, digestible chapters, Andrew reveals how the Bible story makes sense of our human story. Discover for yourself a limitless source of guidance and hope in the face of so much uncertainty. Underpinned by a depth of scholarship, the book is non-technical in style, making it accessible for the widest possible readership - including Christians and seekers interested in the Bible. The book will also provide a model for Bible communicators and church leaders wishing to engage more deeply with the relevance of the Bible in our cultural moment. Contains discussion questions for small groups, as well as suggested Bible readings and reflection questions to accompany each chapter. The structure of the book makes it ideal for a home group study. This book was chosen for the National Big Church Read in January 2022.