The God Who Is There - Finding Your Place in God`s Story

After reading copule of books by Carson, including his commentary on John's Gospel, I never expected this to be so simple yet veey profound! Yes, with Keller, I would say, "By all means, get this book".I decided to purchase this book after hearing a series of lectures on the Book of Jeremiah, addressed in Penang, Malaysia. The way he addressed those series were mind-blowing (as always his sermons and lectures are) and during Q&A this book was recommemded.

This is a fantastic book. DA Carson is an intellectual giant, but has written this in a very accessible way. I’m enjoying reading it and discussing it w a friend who has recently discovered Jesus and wants to establish his Christian faith well. It’s been a great read and an exciting process.

Don Carson has written an inspiring overview of God's plan for rescuing a lost world, based entirely by explaining what the Bible says about it. He presents the truth of Scripture in a refreshing and readable way, from Genesis to Revelation. As a Theology Graduate, it takes a special book to really grab me. This really grabbed me, and I'm re-reading it for the second time. Buy with confidence.

Point: The God who created all things was, is, and will be involved in all aspects of bringing that creation back to its intended purpose.Path: Carson takes upon himself the formidable task of unraveling the unifying story of Scripture found in sixty-six unique, yet connected, books. Beginning with the Creation account of Genesis 1 and ending with the New Creation prophecy of Rev 21-22, the author explains the Big Story. He does so in a way in which those new to the idea of Christianity, and those who have lived a majority of their life in it, can understand, appreciate, and apply.The text is originally taken from a series of talks he gave in Minneapolis. Those original talks can still be seen and heard online at the Gospel Coalition.Sources: Carson only periodically references authors, philosophers, poets, musicians, and pop culture personalities. A brief look at the endnotes of the book reveal that this is not Carson’s normal writing style (usually replete with references). He does this in order to make the work accessible to the those new to the scene of Scripture.Instead, Carson bases each chapter around a passage, or series of passages, revealing the outworking of God’s redemptive plan. These portions of Scripture are presented, explained, and applied (much like the work of Ezra upon the return from exile).Agreement: I found this book to be very helpful in getting the big picture of the Scriptures. It was as though I were reading the whole Bible in a few afternoons. Here are some things I really appreciated:It was readable, even for those who are merely exploring ChristianityIt was understandable, even thought he was covering some incredibly deep and thoughtful conceptsIt was convicting, even though I have grown up with a Christian cultureDisagreement:This is not a disagreement, but a recommendation. I would not give this book to someone who has a short attention span or who is not used to thinking logically. In order to do what he did, Carson had to tackle some big ideas. For someone not used to thinking, they would get lost. Rather, I would want to walk through this with someone like that, chapter by chapter. Although the story of Scripture is understandable, it is vast.Personal App: Am I focusing on the great God who created, sustains, and works through all things? Or, am I focused on me?Favorite Quote: “There is no way back to innocence. In the Bible, there is only a way forward - to the cross.”Stars: 4.5 out of 5It would be worth another read and I would recommend it to someone who:Is interested in knowing more about my Christian faithIs interested in knowing more about their own Christian faithWants to know what the big story of Scripture really isWho uses cheap cliches to describe the love of GodWho tells me, “I’m OK, You’re OK”Who knows Jesus and wants to grow in their understanding, love, and obedience to himOther books along this same theme would be:Dever, Mark. The Message of the New Testament: Promises Kept. Crossway, 2005.———. The Message of the Old Testament: Promises Made. Crossway, 2006.Hamilton, James M. What Is Biblical Theology?: A Guide to the Bible’s Story, Symbolism, and Patterns. Crossway, 2014.Helm, David R, and Gail Schoonmaker. The Big Picture Story Bible. Wheaton: Crossway, 2010.Lloyd-Jones, Sally. The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name. ZonderKidz, 2007.Smith, Ronnie. The History of Redemption

This book is a must read to new and mature believers. I love DA Carson and love the fact that God has given us Canadians a great theologian to learn from and follow.

This book is very informative and is a useful read for all. It is suitable for a young Christian and also for the more mature.