EPIC: The Storyline of the Bible—Nicodem

EPIC: The Storyline of the Bible
by James L. Nicodem
Moody Publ. 2013, 139pp.

(Book #1 in The Bible Savvy Series)

Epic, the first in the Bible Savvy series, is an overview of the Bible built around the theme of Redemption. In easily readable, (even interactive!) prose Pastor Nicodem lays out all 66 books under six memorable headings roughly according to genre, (e.g.: history, prophets, gospels, epistles and apocalyptic literature) He then describes what's in each set of books and how they all relate to each other and to the theme of redemption. Timely samplings of Scripture are included to whet the reader's appetite, and many common complaints and troubling questions are answered in a straightforward style along the way... Why read Leviticus? What's all the ethnic violence in Joshua about? What are the prophets trying to say? And is it possible to make sense of Revelation?

This user-friendly little volume does a terrific job of showing the big picture of what the Bible is all about, with just the right mix of specifics, personal anecdote, and theological explanation to keep the text relevant and interesting. For anyone who has yet to read the Bible through, or who has bogged down in the attempt, this little book will revive your interest! For new believers or willing skeptics this is an excellent aid to understanding the Bible.

Following each chapter are review questions to encourage retention of what was read. These would be ideal for turning this book into a small group study or for individual reflection.

The first chapter is particularly outstanding in its careful discussion of why redemption is necessary in the first place! The essence of the Gospel is here alongside the story of sin's entrance into the world as seen in the opening chapters of Genesis. Frame by frame the treachery in the Garden of Eden is examined. This is essential reading for believer and seeker alike and foundational to an understanding of the Bible and the God's plan of redemption.

Many will also appreciate the final chapter devoted to an overview of the book of Revelation. In just twenty pages the scope of the book is presented and a smattering of divergent interpretations introduced. Although the presentation is necessarily brief and all will not agree with the author's own points of view, I appreciated his inclusion of views other than his own and his attempt to simplify this difficult book. His efforts provide a launching off point for any reader keen on pursuing a deeper study of Revelation.

Although billed as a book for all ages, because of its casual, I-write-like-I-talk style, I would recommend this book especially to young people not yet familiar with the whole Bible, but curious.  It contains an especially good introduction to the meaning of the Gospel as seen in Genesis, so would be great for ‘seekers’ too… Though not a substitute for Bible college or more focused study, it is an excellent stepping stone into Bible study, a great place to begin!

--LS

I received this book free of charge from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.  What a wonderfully readable synopsis of the Bible! Highly recommended to newbies and skeptics especially.  This presentation of the Gospel is super clear!