God’s Big Promises Bible Storybook

I’ve just read a book that has brought me out of blog retirement! Just realised it’s been 18 months since I added any words to macarisms.com. Well, Carl Laferton (author) and Jennifer Davison (illustrator) have published a magnificent children’s storybook Bible. I have eagerly anticipated this children’s storybook Bible for some time, having known the passion of the author for helping children and adults see the Bible as more than a collection of ancient short stories.

The Old Testament section takes you on the journey from creation and fall, through promises to Abraham to bless his people, rescue them from slavery in Egypt, establishing his people in the land, promises to David that his descendant would be the forever king, the demise of Israel, the Exile to Assyria and Babylon, the prophetic hope, the return from Exile, and the wait for God to fulfil his promises. If that sounds heavy and complicated—it’s not! It’s simple and clear. Read this book. You’ll see. This children’s book will assist many adults to also see the trajectory of God’s plan through the Scriptures.

The New Testament chapters focus heavily on Jesus. He is shown to be God’s chosen promise-keeping king. The Gospels reveal Jesus as the fulfilment of all of God’s plans. His life, death, resurrection, and reign over all, are then proclaimed throughout the world and congregations are established. Christians are encouraged, challenged and pointed to God’s plan to restore all things under his Son Jesus.

This book contain keys to tracing five big themes through the Bible. You can discover God’s plans to rescue and save, God’s people growing from one man to people from all nations, God’s promised land finding fulfilment in a new creation, God’s delight in bringing joy to those who trust him, and God’s plan for a forever-king fulfilled in Jesus, his Son. You could read this time and time again, following different threads.

I only picked the book up today. I opened it over lunch and I couldn’t put it down until I’d finished it.

Salt Community Church, where I pastor in Bonny Hills, is currently exploring how the Bible fits together over 10 weeks. We are preaching, studying, and exploring, and following a children’s program, on a 10 stop tour of the Bible:

• Creation
• Rebellion
• Promises to Abraham
• Promises to David
• Solomon and the decline of God’s people
• The exile and hope through the prophets
• Jesus the fulfilment
• Jesus’ death
• Jesus’ resurrection
• God restoring all things

We are also seeking to fill in some of the gaps with a 70 day guided Bible reading plan. I’d have loved to have God’s Big Promises Bible Storybook for the whole 10 stop journey through the Bible. It would be the perfect complement.

If you have young children, grandchildren, nephews or nieces… if you have next-door neighbours with children… if you’re looking for a wonderful birthday, baptism, Christmas, or just cos I felt like it present… if you’re a teenager or an adult and you’d like a quick intro as to how the Bible hangs together and what God has been doing in human history… then get yourself a copy or 3.