Begin

This book gives readers an overview of the Christian faith and message of the gospel by starting at the Bible’s beginning. It uses passages from Genesis to Revelation so the reader can recognize their need of receiving Christ into their life as Lord and Savior. Selected Scripture included (ESV) Genesis 1-11, Exodus 20:1-17, John, Romans, and Revelation 21-22. There is commentary for each selection and reflection questions. Also included are two sectoins that teach ‘What does it mean to be saved’ and ‘10 Basics to Proclaim a Biblical Worldview’
This is great resource for any new believer.

It has been common to give a New Testament, with or without Psalms and/or Proverbs, to people who do not have a Bible but would like to read one. But as Ken Ham points out, in our current culture it is necessary to provide the basic foundation found in Genesis to provide context for the gospel message in the New Testament. Through ESV selections from Genesis to Revelation, with easy to read commentary, this book offers a wonderful introduction to the redemption story. I had a copy with me in my purse and gave one to a cancer patient who hadn’t read the Bible and had many questions. While of course the goal is that they will eventually read the Bible in its entirety, I feel this is an accessible introduction that will, Lord willing, be used of the Lord to draw souls to Himself. Its power, after all, is that it directly quotes portions of the Word of God, which He promises will not return void, but accomplish what He pleases and prosper wherever He sends it!

What a gift that this book is! Begin takes you on a journey through key passages in the Bible (in Genesis, Exodus, John, Romans, and Revelation) to present what the big picture of the Bible is truly about. It was written for new and old believers alike, as well as anyone seeking to know more about the Christian faith and the trustworthiness of the Bible. It presents you with the Good News of the New Testament, but also takes you through the Bad News (our sin) at the beginning so that you might have a greater understanding of what the Gospel truly is.

The full text Scripture is included with plenty of space to journal and take notes throughout. There are brief introductions and history reviews between passages, with explanations placed throughout to go deeper for better understanding of the passage. After certain passages, reflection questions are presented with space to write out your thoughts.

I love that this is all-in-one with Scripture included because it makes it so easy to be able to gift to anyone! I think that this is also a great book to go through with your kids or in a small group setting.

Begin is a great introduction to the Bible for new Christians or those new to reading the Bible! Starting to read the Bible can be intimidating, so I love how this book makes reading and understanding the Bible so approachable. It covers a few sections of the Bible to give the reader an overview of the Christian faith and encourages the reader to continue reading the rest of the Bible. The format is great – I love how the original scripture is included, along with interesting facts and commentary pointed out along the way. I love how there is a focus on apologetics to help the reader defend his or her faith. There are also journaling questions to help the reader reflect on the text. The book includes lines for journaling comments, questions, or reflections. This book exceeded my expectations, and I plan to use it with my older kids this year as well.

My daughter's music teacher buys these books in bulk. He hands them out for free and keeps a stack by his door in his shop. Wonderful resource to have!

I recommend this book to those who have never had a good amount of biblical teaching. Wether it’s a new believer or someone who was not ever in a teaching church or had a good family bible study. It’s gives the highlights of the Bible and shows the interconnectedness of Scripture.

As stated on the cover, BEGIN is a journey through scriptures for seekers and new believers. It takes readers through key scripture passages from the beginning of the Bible until the end using the ESV of the Bible:

Genesis 1-11 (the Foundation)
Exodus 20:1-17 (the Ten Commandments)
John (the Gospel)
Romans (Letter from Paul to Christians)
Revelation 21-22 (the Fulfillment in Heaven)

The book begins with some brief commentary that includes places to take notes. It then goes into the actual scripture passages. Obviously, since it starts from the beginning, readers will begin with Genesis 1:1. As you read through the scripture passages, there will be little facts and cross-reference points. The sides of the pages include lines where you can take notes as desired. At the end of the chapter/section, there is a question or something to think about which is followed by a notes section to journal your thoughts.

Each scripture passage is preceded by some commentary, an overview, and/or some history. Because this book does not contain the Bible in its entirety, it briefly fills in the historical blanks before moving into the next scripture passage. The book concludes with sections on:

What Does It Mean to be Saved?
Ten Basics to Boldly Proclaim a Biblical Worldview
Six Literal Days
Radiometric Dating
Variety within Created Kinds
Uniqueness of Man
Distant Starlight
Global Flood
Dinosaurs on the Ark
One Race
Suffering and Death
The Gospel
A Final Note of Truth: Wasn't the Bible Written by Mere Men?

If you do not like commentary with the Bible, this book is not for you. If you do not like Ken Ham's (Answers in Genesis) teachings, this book is not for you. If you're looking for key passages in scripture that feature commentary and your worldview lines up with that of Answers in Genesis, this book could be right for you. This book is meant to be a supplement, not replacement for an actual Bible.

Book Description (from back of book):

The Bible, available in so many different versions, can be a little intimidating for the new or casual reader, but now there is a simple road map to follow that sets the stage, creates the context, and helps you effectively navigate the scope and relevance of God's Word. Begin presents foundational and relevant portions of Scripture from the ESV version of the Bible, along with a powerful mix of commentary, historical information, and helpful detail that gives you an easy overview of the structure and focus of the Bible. From helpful details to an opportunity to interact with the verses through journaling, the book encourages you to begin reading and understanding the Bible in a deeper way!

About the Authors:

Ken Ham is the founder and executive director of Answers in Genesis in the USA and one of the most sought-after Christian speakers in North America. Ken is the author or co-author of many books, including The Lie: Evolution, The Genesis Solution, Genesis and the Decay of the Nations, What Really Happened to the Dinosaurs?, A is for Adam, D is for Dinosaur, Creation Evangelism for the New Millennium (now called Why Won't They Listen?), and One Blood: The Biblical Answer to Racism. He is heard daily on the radio program, "Answers...with Ken Ham," on more than 300 stations worldwide. Ken is also featured in various videos including the series, "Answers in Genesis with Dr. Gary Parker," and the 12-part series of 28-minute videos, "Answers...with Ken Ham." Ken's teaching is clear, true to the Bible, engaging, and challenging. Many have found salvation and others have been encouraged and equipped to reach others with the gospel through Ken's ministry.

Bodie Hodge is a speaker, writer, and researcher in AiG's Outreach Department, oversees AiG's Correspondence Department, and is a regular speaker in the Creation Museum Speaker Series. Bodie is the author of The Fall of Satan as well as co-editor of How Do We Know the Bible is True?

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from MasterBooks/New Leaf Publishing to help facilitate the writing of a frank and honest review. A positive review is not guaranteed, and all opinions are my own.