I received a copy of  The Story of King Jesus written by Ben Irwin, from NetGalley for the purpose of generating a review. Italicized quotes are either Bible verses or quotes from the book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

When I picked up a chronological Bible a few years ago, I had no idea how much it would change my life. I’ve grown up in the church and taught Bible study for several years. I knew my Bible.

However, reading God’s Word all the way through; in its entirety, in the order many think it happened, that changed me.

I realized, deep down in my spirit, that God was always in control. I knew, knew, sending His Son, Jesus, wasn’t a plan B because mankind had made a terrible mess of things. 

Jesus had always been the main character in the greatest love story ever told.

The Word was first, the Word present to God, God present to the Word. The Word was God, in readiness for God from day one. John 1:1 (The Message)

That’s why I’m so excited about a new trend I’m seeing in Christian books for children. Authors are telling our young listeners and readers about this plan God had... from the beginning.

I downloaded “The Story of King Jesus" on our iPad for review. My daughter enjoys her time on the tablet. Now, I can offer her a book that teaches her the Bible story. The electronic version has gorgeous illustrations by Nick Lee. I’m sure they’d be even more beautiful in print.

The first line reads, 

It all began with God.

As the story unfolds, the author clearly shows that God never stopped loving His people. That He always planned to restore our relationship with Him. A parent or grandparent could have rich discussions based on the truths presented in each page.

Isn’t that what it’s all about? Creating an environment where we can have an ongoing discussion with our children about God and His great love for us?

Write these commandments that I’ve given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children. Deuteronomy 6:6-7a (The Message)

This book doesn’t offer all the details of God’s story. It paints the big picture behind the stories. 

God had a plan, and it started with Abraham.

It shows God at work. In total control. 

God sent his only Son, Jesus, his Chosen One, to rescue Israel and make the world right and good again. Because God still had a plan.

The same message I’ve learned from reading the Bible though chronologically. In my 30’s. You can easily read this book with a child in one sitting. But further, you can slowly read each page, discussing each one, and instill the deeper truths of our faith at a very young age.