The Heart of the Story by Randy Frazee details the Biblical accounts from the beginning to the end of the Bible. He consistently compares the realities that the people in the Bible faced with God’s overarching plan for humanity. For example, the story of Joseph being sold into slavery seems to be the end of the road for him. However, God is taking all the events and turning them into good for the benefit of His people. Joseph is able to provide food during a famine to his brothers who sold him into slavery. Frazee continues to show through different Biblical stories that even though odds were against the people…God was still working. From Genesis to Revelation, God sees the bigger picture and is weaving our lives into His story.
Here is a thought-provoking quote from the book:
“In the early years of my own ministry, “witnessing” was an active verb – a major one. It was something you got out there and did. Entire campaigns were devised to get church folks out in their neighborhoods, going door-to-door to tell others about Jesus. Nothing wrong with this, except for the occasional door being slammed in your face. But Jesus said we would be witnesses, not do witnessing. Being a witness is all-encompassing. It’s what we do 24-7; it’s who we are. Certainly it includes telling others about Jesus. But it is also expressed in how we live…” (p. 230-231)
Through a pastoral perspective, Frazee encourages believers to actually be the church. He also shows how you and I can fit into God’s story. I would recommend this book if you are looking for a modern day account of Biblical stories, as well as if you need encouragement that God is still working today. If you are a new Christian, this book would be a valuable resource to grow in your understanding of God’s working in people’s lives yesterday and today. Pastor Randy Frazee can be followed at @RandyFrazee on Twitter.