Stories on the Way to the Kingdom: Interpreting and Applying Biblical Narratives

In Stories on the Way to the Kingdom, experienced teacher and preacher Eric C. Redmond offers students and pastors a straightforward approach to interpreting biblical narratives with confidence.

Grasping individual biblical narratives and their relationship to the metanarrative of redemptive history is essential to living out the whole council of God in obedience to our Lord. Narratives communicate theology with the same depth as epistles and are pervasive throughout the Bible. But Redmond has seen students, pastors, and lay leaders shy away from them. This may stem from technical and critical approaches that overcomplicate these stories or undermine their value. But it may also stem from a view of stories as history lessons or illustrations of principles. Whatever the reason for the neglect, it is important to remember that narratives showcase lives lived before God that help us avoid evil and find hope.

This book presents an accessible, evangelical approach to interpreting, understanding, and applying narratives that emphasizes the plot, big ideas, and author's intended meaning. First, Redmond teaches method. Then he walks readers through it with case studies to show that narratives are not difficult to apply once we understand how they communicate. This book will help readers dive into even the most unfamiliar narratives with confidence and give them a greater ability to hear God speak to them from every story in Scripture.