Foreword to the First and Revised Edition by James E. Brenneman   11
Author’s Preface to the First Edition   15
Author’s Preface to the Revised Edition   19

1 INTRODUCTION: A BIBLICAL WAY OF SEEING   • 23

What is the Bible?
A Biblical Way of Seeing The “Problem” of the Old Testament for Christians
Questions for Thought and Discussion
Further Reading

 2  THE STORY BEGINS: GOD CREATES, AND THEN RESPONDS TO HUMAN BROKENNESS   • 32

Genesis 1:1–2:25—God the Creator, Beginning the Relationship
Genesis 3:1–4:16—Sin and the Human Condition
God Continues the Relationship: Noah, the Flood, and the Rainbow
Questions for Thought and Discussion
Further Reading

3  THE OLD TESTAMENT’S SALVATION STORY: PROMISE AND DELIVERANCE  • 45

Genesis 12:1-9—The Calling of a People
Exodus 1–15—God Brings Deliverance
Exodus 20:1-17—God’s Directives for Faithful Living
Questions for thought and Discussion
Further Reading

4  KINGSHIP AND THE NEED FOR PROPHETS   • 57

1 Samuel 8:1-22—Turning Towards a Human King
2 Samuel 11:1–12:15—The Rise and Fall of King David
1 Kings 1:1–11:13—King Solomon and Power Politics
Questions for Thought and Discussion
Further Reading 

5 PROPHETIC EXISTENCE: COVENANT AND CONVERSION  • 69

1 Kings 21—Prophetic Existence: The Battle with Baal
Amos 2:6–5:24—The Prophetic Faith: God’s Justice
Hosea 11:1-9—The Prophetic Faith: God’s Love
Questions for Thought and Discussion
Further Reading

6  GOD REMAINS COMMITTED TO HEALING  • 80

2 Kings 22:1–23:13—Sometimes Repentance Isn’t Enough
Jeremiah 7:11-15; 29:1-15—Understanding the Judgment
Isaiah 40–55 —Hope in Exile
Questions for Thought and Discussion
Further Reading

7  SUSTAINING FAITH  • 92

Jonah—The Scandal of God’s Mercy
Job—A Book of Questions
Daniel—The Politics of Patience
Questions for Thought and Discussion
Further Reading

8  GOD IN THE PSALMS   • 104

Psalm 8
Psalm 19
Psalm 46
Psalm 63
Psalm 66
Psalm 90
Psalm 91
Psalm 139
Questions for Thought and Discussion
Further Reading

9  THE MESSAGE OF THE OLD TESTAMENT  • 118

Questions for Thought and Discussion
Further Reading

10  JESUS AND THE LIBERATING KINGDOM OF GOD (MARK 1:1–8:30)  • 124

Jesus Shows the Kingdom as Present
Jesus’ Mighty Works
Jesus’ Teaching
Questions for Thought and Discussion
Further Reading

11  THE COST OF FAITHFULNESS TO GOD (MARK 8:31–16:8)  • 136

The Cost of Faithfulness
Jesus’ Death
Jesus’ Resurrection
Questions for Thought and Discussion
Further Reading

 12  THE CHURCH EXPANDS (ACTS 1:1–8:8)  • 147

Questions for Thought and Discussion
Further Reading

13  PAUL, MISSIONARY TO THE GENTILES—SPREADING GOOD NEWS TO ROME (ROMANS 1:1–3:31)  • 152

Romans 1:1–1:17—The Obedience of Faith
Romans 1:18–3:31—Sin, and Its Solution
Questions for Thought and Discussion
Further Reading

14  THE BOOK OF REVELATION—CHRISTIANITY UNDER FIRE  • 162

Revelation 5:1-14—The Triumph of the Lamb
Revelation 13:1–14:5—Dealing with the Beast
Revelation 21:1–22:7—God’s Completed Healing Strategy
Questions for Thought and Discussion
Further Reading

15  REFLECTIONS ON GOD’S HEALING STRATEGY  • 170

Questions for Thought and Discussion

Bibliography   175
The Author   188