Transforming Word

God reveals his true nature in the first five books of the Bible. While the broader story of the Bible is known to many Christians, careful readers of the Pentateuch still have many questions. The origin story of the Jewish nation is one of hardship and loss. The Transforming Word will encourage you to examine the Scriptures and discover the God who sustains everything.

The nation of Israel tells its story of the rise of kings not once but twice (Joshua-2 Kings, 1-2 Chronicles); and during this period, they wrote Psalms and gathered together their wise sayings. Then, plunged into the darkness of exile, they had to discover again who God was and what kind of life he called them to live. In the same way, Christians read these texts today for what they share about a promised Messiah and how they explain what life with God looks like in all its complexity.

The life and work of Jesus Christ must not be overlooked. Born under Roman occupation, Jesus lived his entire life without writing anything down. His earliest followers, the Christians that were shaped by his life and teachings, carefully recorded his words as good news. They also experienced his resurrection and believed that he had entrusted them with a mission to transform the world.

See how the earliest Christians lived out their story. As Christianity grew, Christians sought to support unity, communication, pastoral care, and teaching through letter writing. Volume 5 of the Transforming Word Series offers probing insight into the first century and its world, showing how you can apply this important portion of God's Word to your daily life.