Justin Buzzard - The Big Story: How the Bible Makes Sense out of Life

I think we need to be reminded every single day that we are part of a Bigger Story, part of something greater than ourselves, and that each of our stories mattera great deal. To be reminded of that truth is to live in Hope. The Big Story gives the reader that gift of Hope.

SALLY LLOYD-JONES, author of The Jesus Storybook Bible and Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing

A good story needs a good teller. And Justin Buzzard fits that bill. He not only explains the Bibles dynamic plot, but draws us persuasively into the greatest story ever toldwith arresting images and vivid analogies that connect our stories to The Big Story. In the process, youll find yourself being swept into a world you didnt make and therefore cant unmake. Its good news in a bad news world.

MICHAEL HORTON, professor of theology, Westminster Seminary California, cohost of the White Horse Inn, and author of Pilgrim Theology: Core Doctrines for Christs Disciples

I cannot overemphasize the desperate need to retell the amazing storyline of the Bible and our place in that story to new generations. Without this, it is far too easy to drift into unfortunate pathways and dead ends that are sadly missing the beauty of the story God has for us. I am very thankful for Justins book, which gives direction to a world in need of understanding the true way, and the true story.

DAN KIMBALL, pastor, Vintage Faith Church, author of They Like Jesus but Not The Church

The overarching theme of Scripture, of course, is the life of Jesus. What makes this new book by Justin Buzzard so good is that it not only highlights the incredible story of Scripture, but it shows us how our story fits neatly in Jesus story. As we understand Jesus story, and our place in it, we are motivated to join God on mission, sharing Jesus story with the world. This book is a great asset to Gods kingdom work.

ED STETZER, president of LifeWay Research

You dont need to read this entire book. Just try the first few pages. I predict youll have a hard time putting it down. Justin Buzzard knows the Greatest Story well, and he knows how to retell it in a way that can be compelling to those who have never heard it and refreshing to those of us who need to hear it again and again. Try it and see.

JUSTIN TAYLOR, coauthor, The Final Days of Jesus, blogger, Between Two Worlds

There are great stories and great storytellers. But there is nothing like The Big Story. Justin Buzzard captures the compelling drama of the Bible in a way that demands your attention, and ultimately, your allegiance. If you have been skeptical about the message of the Bible, or if you have found its story confusing, sit down with this book immediately. You will quickly see how your story needs to intersect with The Big Story.

J. PAUL NYQUIST, Ph.D., president of Moody Bible Institute

Fundamental to human existence is the question of identity and purpose. Who am I? Why am I here? Justin Buzzard, in his book, The Big Story, helps us to find our place in the unfolding drama of life. As the narrative unfolds, get ready to be compellingly called on stage to be a character in the adventure that Buzzard calls the Big Story.

BRYAN LORITTS, lead pastor, Fellowship Memphis and author of A Cross-Shaped Gospel

Epic is too small a word for the story of Gods work in this world. Justin shares the one big story so you can see the scarlet thread of Jesus atoning sacrifice through the tapestry of the Bible. Where does this scarlet thread intersect your life? Rejoice as you read in The Big Story that youre not the center of the universe, and worship Jesus as you learn more about our Savior who set the stars in place and numbered the hairs on your head.

GLORIA FURMAN, author of Glimpses of Grace

Is this Bible a book of rules? Is it an instruction manual for Christians? I was taught both growing up in a nominally Christian family. What I would later discover is that the Bible was neither of those things. Rather, the Bible is Gods grand narrative of humanitys continued desire to carve their own path, and Gods overwhelming love and continued intervention when our way finally fails us.

The Bible is the story of Gods great love for His creation, what He once called very good. And this incredible story culminates in the coming of Jesus, and our being invited, through Him, to find our true place in His story. My friend Justin captures this with earnestness, care, and clarity as he paints for us the beautiful picture of what God is doing in the world, and where we find our place in His story.

LEONCE CRUMP II, lead elder, Renovation Church

The story of the gospel is the most compelling aspect of our faith, and this book winsomely captures the heart of what makes it so attractive. It addresses lifes greatest struggles and longings with rock-solid truth conveyed through Gods redemption narrative in the Bible.

MATT CARTER, pastor of preaching and vision at the Austin Stone Community Church and coauthor of The Real Win: A Mans Quest for Authentic Success

2013 by
JUSTIN BUZZARD

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright 2000, 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the King James Version.

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.

Emphasis in Scripture is the authors.

Edited by Bailey Utecht

Cover design: Design Corps

Cover image: iStock #13789461/#16190419

Interior design: Smartt Guys design

ISBN: 978-0-8024-0857-0

We hope you enjoy this book from Moody Publishers. Our goal is to provide high-quality, thought-provoking books and products that connect truth to your real needs and challenges. For more information on other books and products written and produced from a biblical perspective, go to www.moodypublishers.com or write to:

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This book is dedicated to my three sons: Cru, Hudson, and Gus. Buzzard boys, I love you, like you, and enjoy you so much. Being your dad is a nonstop adventure. My prayer for all three of you is that you grow up to be brave and happy men who live in the thick of this Big Story and cause a ruckus on this planet.

Stories are how we remember;
we tend to forget lists and bullet points.

Robert McKee