Have you ever wanted to get an understanding of the entire Bible for yourself or to teach the Bible to your children? Many Christians hope to have this understanding, but the Bible can seem too overwhelming to read cover to cover.

Easy-to-Read Bible Summary for Teens and Adults covers all the major stories and themes of the Bible from the first words in the book of Genesis to the last words in the book of Revelation and is written in clear and simple language that is easy to understand. Interwoven through the book is explanation of how the parts of the Bible connect and point to Jesus Christ. Readers will gain a general understanding of the entire Bible, and parents and other teachers can use the summary to teach the Bible to any age group.

While a summary or overview is never a replacement for the Bible, Easy-to-Read Bible Summary for Teens and Adults can help us as we prepare to read or reinforce our recollection of what we have read.

very well done

David Powell

Assistant Dean of Biblical Studies

Freed Hardeman University

useful and appropriate curriculum for learning the Word

John Weigand

Editor, Praise for the Lord

insightful questions

John Robert Hall

Founding Conductor, Madrigal/A Cappella Singers

Freed-Hardeman University

honored just to be acknowledged

James Tackett

Editor and Publisher, The Paperless Hymnal

This workbook contains extensive lesson outlines and questions for the first fourteen books of the Old Testament. It is part of a series of lessons on the entire Bible. This workbook is appropriate for late teens to mature adults. Each lesson was developed and taught personally by the author.

Dr. Don Hattaway, successful pastor and biblical scholar, has faithfully communicated God's Word with clarity and conviction, first from the pulpit and now from the pen. His heart, mind, and spirit are powerfully inscribed on every page of the volume you hold in your hands. Every Christian needs to study this commentary carefully in order to live victoriously today and to be better equipped to help our faltering culture know what's next on God's time clock.-Dr. Gerald Harris, former editor of the Christian Index, the nation's oldest continuously published religious newspaper Pastor Hattaway has given us a book on the Revelation that is biblically sound and scholarly. He writes not only from the viewpoint of a careful Bible student but with the clarity and practicality of a faithful pastor.-Dr. Jerry Vines, Pastor Emeritus, First Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Florida; 2-time president, Southern Baptist Convention With the insight of a seasoned pastor, the understanding of a scholar, and the skill of an expositor, Dr. Hattaway's diligent preparation of this volume has created an outstanding resource for pastors, Bible teachers, and other students of the Word of God. For everyone who seeks clarity in reading Revelation, I highly recommend this book. My understanding of Revelation has been deepened. I am confident you will be equally blessed.-Dr. J. Robert White, former executive director of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board

20-25% of Americans suffer from a diagnosable mental illness. Divorce is epidemic. Abuse of all kinds is rampant. Suicidality is at an all-time high. Domestic violence is out of control. Cohabitation and out of wedlock births are at unprecedented levels. Addictions are more widespread than ever.

These and many other problems confront our culture today in alarming proportions. Consequently, mental and relational health issues find their way home. To everyone's home.

People with these and other concerns typically turn first to the church for help. Yet most churches are not equipped to adequately minister to the depth and magnitude of these overwhelming problems. This book was created as a comprehensive resource to provide the church with practical tools to care for these hurting people in a biblically sound and emotionally healthy way.

We at the American Association of Christian Counselors hope and pray this book finds its way into the hands of every pastor, church leader, counselor, and Christian caregiver in America. Because the struggle is real. The struggle is real indeed.

This is a lineup of experienced healers and caring writers. It will be a valuable resource for the field of mental and emotional health for years to come.

John Ortberg, Ph.D., Senior Pastor of Menlo Church, Menlo Park, CA,

Clinical Psychologist and best-selling author

People everywhere are hurting, including those inside the church. Written by a team of experts, this important resource is designed to shine the wonderful and liberating light of the gospel into the dark and difficult areas of people's lives. What's here will heal. You need this book and the people you love need it too.

Johnnie Moore, Founder, The KAIROS Company

People today are struggling in ways that only the church can help. The Struggle is Real is an excellent resource for equipping ministry leaders and counselors alike to meet this most pressing need.

Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference

I heartily recommend The Struggle Is Real...Clinton and Pingleton have provided exactly what the church needs.

Jeremiah J. Johnston, Ph.D., President, Christian Thinkers Society,

Professor, Houston Baptist University

We are not fine; the people we serve are not fine-we all struggle This book is an invaluable resource for helping us minister to people who need our understanding.

Greg Surratt, Founding Pastor, Seacoast Church, Mount Pleasant, SC,

President, Association of Related Churches (ARC)

In this book, Tim Clinton and Jared Pingleton provide a solid guide to better understand the issues and dynamics of trouble that people experience and how to effectively minister to them.

George O. Wood, P.Th.D., J.D., former General Superintendent, The General Council of the Assemblies of God

I have a box that fits me, the perfect shape and height... What is your box? It's all the things about you-interests, views, abilities, outer appearance, and culture. Have you ever expected someone else to fit into your box, but they just wouldn't...or couldn't? Has anyone ever tried to stuff you into their box? How did you feel when it didn't work? This whimsical tale of a box and its occupant will lead you to see others, and maybe even yourself, in a new light. And along the way, you'll find the most important Box of all that stands open to receive all who will come. The sacrifice made at this Box reshapes from the inside-out those who come in repentance, and this Box changes everything.

In our world today, one of the biggest criticisms that unbelievers have against Christ followers is that they are oftentimes lukewarm at best and hypocritical at worst. Jesus didn't command us to be either of those. In fact, Jesus was different in ways that totally surprised the world around him. As Jesus's disciples followed him, they were taught to do things the Jesus way, and usually this was quite different. I believe that if we are following Jesus's teachings and commands then we will look noticeably different from the world around us. If you are hoping to gain spiritual growth in your walk with Jesus, this book will both encourage you and challenge you in ways that will leave you with the opportunity to make a change in order to grow to be more like Jesus. Jesus wants to invite you into a more significant way of life through following his commands. When you do this, you will be different like Jesus.

Are you really happy?

When almost every human choice is made with happiness in mind, why do we continue to miss out on lasting happiness? Perhaps happiness isn't something we pursue but rather something that ensues...What if happiness is not stuff we fill up on but something we make room for? Real happiness may not be something out there at all (material) but something in here (spiritual).

In this compelling narrative, best-selling author Mike Hayes and Dr. Jeffrey Garner journey through the eight beloved Beatitudes from Jesus' revolutionary Sermon on the Mount. Religious and non-religious readers alike will smile and feel inspired in learning that Jesus, despite popular understandings, was in fact deeply invested in human happiness. Jesus' happiness, however, consoles sorrow, embraces emptiness, confronts injustice, and is even present in our suffering-all that we avoid in our search for happiness. Aptly reframing the Beatitudes as happy oracles, Mike and Jeffrey share personal stories and historical insights that optimize Jesus' happy message for a 21st century audience. This book challenges our cultural conceptions of happiness and beautifully guides the reader into Jesus' Real Happy life.

Life is full of moments-how do you fill them? It is all too easy to find our time filled with the day-to-day activities of life, but how often are we able to be still with our thoughts and carve out opportunities for the most important moments we have-our moments with God?

Moments: Mother to Daughter, Friend to Friend-Together in Scripture at the Table of God's Presence invites mothers, daughters, and friends to spend intentional moments of their lives sharing time in scripture with an open heart and Bible. Author Danielle Opitz gives encouraging, insightful messages with each intimate study, providing a relevant resource for anyone wanting to grow in a relationship with God and better understand His Word. She offers the STILL scripture study method- Search, Takeaway, Inquire, Listen and Live-to guide women of all ages in taking these first steps into the meaningful experience of Bible study.

Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

Being present with God's living Word can offer us enormous and rich insights- so grab your Bible and pull up a chair to the table. Invite a friend, mother, or daughter to join you. The conversation may get personal at times, but you will experience a real and genuine love as you come to know yourself, your loved ones and God in the ways that matter most.

With purpose and in His image, God has created a beautiful, one-of-a-kind plan for each of us. In a heartwarming, rhyming story, Sherri McLeroy inspires children to explore the divine gifts and talents that make them unique, and discover the special purpose He has for their lives. Included are reflective questions that encourage children to consider not only their God-given gifts, but also the gifts of others. Purposefully Made leads children on an introspective journey to embrace their unique talents and understand they have been created to fulfill God's beautiful plan. You were made for a purpose. God has a plan. He's your biggest supporter. He's your biggest fan.

As a woman, a coheir with Christ, God has a unique purpose and plan for your life. He made no mistakes by forming you as a woman. God has called you, anointed you, and will empower you to be a light for him in what can seem like a dark world. You are a solution-carrier, and God chose to display hope through you.

In The Most Important Yes, author Kristina Jowers Burroughs provides encouragement for the young woman navigating the journey of womanhood from a Christ-centered worldview. Her message serves as a catalyst for women to reflect on their own journey and history with God in their lives.

Through Burroughs' personal story and the power of a simple yes, she debunks some lies you may have heard and reveals powerful truths about walking in your true identity as a daughter of Christ. She wants God to speak clearly and powerfully to you about your own journey and show you he has been and is with you every step of the way.

Lilly Greene's journey to know the Lord stems from my very own childhood experiences and how I personally came to know that Jesus is real. Although our stories are not completely the same, much of my story is inspired by the naturistic aspect of God's creation, which is primarily how Jesus speaks to Lilly throughout this story.

Throughout much of my childhood, I would ask my grandmother how people come to find Jesus in a place where Jesus is not talked about. She told me that Jesus does not have to be shared through words but in the Lord our God's creations. More specifically, He reveals Himself to us through the simplicity of this world. Eventually, I found that the Lord began to reveal Himself to me through things like birds singing and the blooming of flowers in spring. I became fascinated with the art of our natural world. I then started to notice that each time my mother would tell me that she loved me, His presence would feel even stronger. With this story of Lilly Greene, I hope to encourage children and readers to know who Jesus is and the love that He has for me and for you. For those who have already accepted Jesus into their hearts, I pray that this story increases your faith and inspires you to find Him in the simplicity of this world. He is right in front of you; all you have to do is believe it.

After several years working in the holistic health field, author Patricia McNamara discovered a crucial missing piece to the healing puzzle. As a nutritional therapy practitioner, she witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of the fast-paced world and cultural expectations on health, which were amplified by her own personal health challenges. Through these experiences, God revealed that to fully heal and truly live up to our God-given potential, we must slow down and embrace the Bible-backed practices shared in Slow Down to Heal and Truly Live. McNamara draws inspiration from Jesus, who demonstrated the importance of stepping away from constant demands to rest, pray, and reconnect with God. While his purpose was unique, Jesus' example speaks to women today, who often face intense pressures to balance work, family, and personal life amidst societal expectations to have and be it all. These pressures can lead to burnout and illness, underscoring the need to slow down and prioritize well-being. This devotional combines Biblical insight with twenty-one lifestyle practices designed to nurture your mind, body, and spirit, helping you prevent burnout and foster long-term health. With practical tips, reflection prompts, and action steps, you'll be motivated to make meaningful changes. You'll feel better, enjoy life more, and be better equipped to serve the Lord and fulfill your purpose.

Glasses Off is a gentle nudge, a warm but challenging invitation to focus. With one living, breathing essay after the next, Ciara welcomes you in with her authentic voice and tender heart. These fresh words serve as a reminder that while life looks different for each of us, God's mysterious ways don't always need to be so shrouded in mystery. That if we face ourselves, reflect, and grow, our lives can radiate-they can be as exquisite as we'd hoped. And, when we realize that God is present, beckoning us toward something greater, toward a specific vision for this season of our lives, we can relish in the fact that it's up to us to find Him now-that it always has been.

What a fantastic read for the everyday person to have fresh vision for their lives! Ciara sparks the imagination with her personal and cultural stories, vulnerability, practical insights, and biblical anchoring. She writes in a way that is whimsical, lighthearted and substantive all at the same time. It is as if you were sitting at a table with her enjoying a nice cup of coffee having a conversation that leaves you both encouraged and challenged to live life to the fullest.-Ross Sawyers, Lead Pastor of 121 Community Church

This book-and Ciara's writing-are both incredible and timely! Her words are life-giving and soul-restoring! I couldn't put it down!-Holly Christine Hayes, Founder + CEO, Sanctuary Project

Ciara Myers' book, Glasses Off: Seeing God When Your Vision Is Gone, is a fresh read on vision. She passionately holds on to God even when the vision He has given her gets lost in the fog. Sharing her life stories along the way, Ciara invites you to look for God amidst all of life's highs and lows. She lays out practical steps for recognizing a vision from God and integrates valuable sections on God-goal setting and boundaries to put legs on that vision and protect it. As you seek God's vision in your own life, let Ciara walk alongside you as a friend and coach. She will keep you centered on the heart of God and champion your pursuit of vision.-Lisa Toney, Chaplain Women of Faith and author of The Scripture Challenge

T his book began as a few social media posts during Lent several years ago. I wrote from the heart about my faith life and from those few posts, this effort began. The devotional I was reading at the time noted that men typically don't share much about their faith lives on social media and it challenged the reader to share a few things on social media throughout Lent. Once the Easter season concluded, I was ready to move onto something else but several people who had been following my journey throughout Lent encouraged me to keep going and to keep sharing. Before I knew it, I was sharing a daily inspirational message! The encouragement to do this helped fuel a desire to go deeper with my relationship with God. As part of the devotional, you will note several photos that display the beauty of creation that I have experienced. I often find my time in nature a time to draw nearer to God and I hope the photos in this devotional are also a way for you to see God in the things that surround you. It is my sincere hope that this devotional will help you draw closer to God by spending some quality time with Him each day. In today's busy world, a few minutes of silence each day brings clarity, draws us closer to God, and allows us to better understand His plans for us.

Jacob is a brave little dachshund who, after a long journey to the Middle East, finds himself part of a family of Bethlehem innkeepers. Besides being a companion for the innkeepers' children, Jacob's main task is to keep mice and rats out of the stable. One night after his curiosity and nose lead Jacob into the stable, he encounters two new humans and an extra donkey. Although he is alarmed at first, Jacob soon realizes that the humans are not threatening and settles in a corner to keep watch. It is not long before a bright light fills the stable and a special baby is born. Under the watchful eyes of Jacob, shepherds and wise men visit from afar. But when rats attempt to attack baby Jesus that night, Jacob chases them away, only to become injured. As he limps to the manger, Jacob receives a miracle that creates a special memory for the little dog-and a timeless Christmas legend. In this inspirational children's book, a little dachshund who witnesses the birth of Jesus receives his own miracle after he saves the baby from danger.

Why did you choose to read this book description? Is it because of the cool cover? It's okay...we have all judged a book by its cover at one time or another. Or is it because the word Chaos completely describes your life right now? Or maybe, just maybe, you thought the author was awesome and decided this book would be a New York Times Bestseller? Probably not the last scenario. If I had to guess, I'd say it has something to do with that overwhelming stress weighing down on you. Reality is, there are many people in this world facing hard times: Anxiety, incarceration, loss, addiction, divorce, sickness, and I could go on, but I need this description to fit on the back of the book...

How do we overcome these overwhelming times? Great question. I don't have all the right words, which probably isn't what you want to hear from an author. But I know Who does. His Name is Jesus. And He is the only One Who can bring unexplainable peace in the midst of your Chaos. Whether you are reading this behind prison bars, in the hospital room, at the funeral home, or on the awesome World Wide Web, I hope you choose to read this book. Chaos is inevitable. It comes like a thief in the night- stealing, killing, and destroying all we hold dear. But there is hope. Where the enemy comes to destroy, God comes to rebuild. He comes to restore. He comes to bring life and joy. This book isn't some self-help book. Nor is it an autobiography. It's a collaboration of real people experiencing real pain, learning how to overcome the overwhelming. Jesus isn't just the center of this book. He's the beginning, middle, and end. And spoiler alert: He always wins.

With purpose and in His image, God has created a beautiful, one-of-a-kind plan for each of us. In a heartwarming, rhyming story, Sherri McLeroy inspires children to explore the divine gifts and talents that make them unique, and discover the special purpose He has for their lives. Included are reflective questions that encourage children to consider not only their God-given gifts, but also the gifts of others. Purposefully Made leads children on an introspective journey to embrace their unique talents and understand they have been created to fulfill God's beautiful plan. You were made for a purpose. God has a plan. He's your biggest supporter. He's your biggest fan.

Back when twenty-three-year-old Annalisa became a mother, she longed for a way to tell her daughter who she was long before the world could. She prayed for her daughter's identity to be based in Christ and not culture. So came the divine words that she spoke over her daughter from her first few months of life and beyond.

When looking for who we are, what truth are we finding? Raising girls, Annalisa knew she wanted to give them solid truths about who they were from the very beginning of their lives. Within You Are Because He Is are the powerful Christ-inspired words Annalisa used, along with Biblical reasons why they are true.

As she and her husband had more daughters, they continued speaking sweet truths over them. She now shares with readers that they are made, loved, and guided by God-and have been since birth. Our Messiah gifted us with a spirit of truth, but we must choose to be molded by His words as opposed to the earthly words that constantly surround us.