BEGIN
compiled and edited by Ken Ham and Bodie Hodge
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.
Book Description:
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?
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.
What did you think of this book? I am planning on going it through it with my daughter.
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I think it was well done. Since our beliefs line up with those of the people at Answers in Genesis, I like the commentary. There were definitely parts that made me think – which I like. I like how it highlighted key passages in scripture to really help you understand the importance of sin, commandments, salvation, and finally eternal life in heaven.
Since we’ve studied a good bit of the literature from Answers in Genesis, most of the information presented was not new to me, but the format in which it was presented was completely different. It was like having a book/study Bible hybrid. Obviously, it doesn’t contain all of the Bible as it’s meant to be a companion guide. It really would be prefect for a new believer, someone who is not familiar with reading the Bible, and/or someone who is new to the creation/evolution debate.
Heather – thanks for your thorough review and comments on this new resource. I’m really glad to have your perspective on it.
Thanks Heather. We are working through How Do You Know the Bible is True right now, and then will start begin.
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