Customer Reviews

Through the Bible, Through the Year: Daily Reflections from Genesis to Revelation

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Daily devotionals come in many varieties -- from simple one paragraph reminders of the fundamentals of the Christian faith, to several pages of relatively in-depth bible study on a short passage. Stott's book falls into the latter category. With one page per day, it's not too much to read when time is short, but the thoughts recorded within are clear, concise, and well worth thinking about for the rest of the day.
If you're having trouble spending time in God's word daily (as I was), then I definitely recommend this devotional. Start with just reading a page a day -- once this becomes a habit, you can breaking out your bible and reading the passage referenced as well as the devotional. Regardless though, reading a page from this devotional and spending time discussing it with God is an excellent way to draw nearer to Him.

While the Bible is central to the Christian faith, polls and surveys have repeatedly shown how little people know about the holy book and how rarely they read it. With John Stott's new book, any Christian can be given a guided tour of the Bible in short doses throughout the year.

The majority of devotional Bible reading books starts in January, but this one is different. While you can pick it up anytime, if you want to start at the beginning and follow to the end, the readings begin the first week of September. Organized in 52-week segments, the readings follow the liturgical church calendar, which divides into three periods, each containing four months. From September to December, Stott focuses on how God the Father revealed himself in the Old Testament. From January through Pentecost, he focuses on the life of Christ in and through the Gospels. And between May and August, Stott looks at the Holy Spirit in Acts, the epistles, and Revelation.

Each day includes an achievable one-page reading with a Bible verse, a brief devotional thought and some further Bible reading with a reference to between three and five verses. Each devotional is a simple yet inspirational focus on a different portion of the Bible from Stott, who has spent a lifetime creating commentaries on various books of the Bible. For each reading, an individual gains an experienced mentor through the difficult and story sections of the Bible with insight from this theologian.

As an example, consider his look into 2 Corinthians during week 44 in the book's third section. The Sunday devotion titled "Power through Weakness" begins, "The lust for power has been a characteristic of the human story ever since Adam and Eve were offered power in exchange for disobedience. Still today the pursuit of money, fame, and influence is a concealed drive for power. We see it in politics and in public life, in big business and industry, in the professions and the media, and even in the church and in parachurch organizations. Power! It is more intoxicating than alcohol, more addictive than drugs."

Then, on a single page, Stott describes how the Apostle Paul gives three striking examples of how divine power can be shown through human weakness. God uses the weak vessels of this world through the power of His spirit to shame the strong. It teaches a pointed lesson --- and is just one example of the multiple teaching points in this powerful devotional book.

Many people know Stott from his 1982 bestseller BASIC CHRISTIANITY, which has sold over two million copies. Now, with THROUGH THE BIBLE, THROUGH THE YEAR, he touches the readers' hearts and connects them to the inspirational words from the Bible yet in daily bite-sized sections. For a heart-rending journey, I recommend this book.


--- Reviewed by W. Terry Whalin

What if you could read through the Bible shoulder to shoulder with a Bible scholar? Wouldn't the experience keep you motivated and give you an "edge" to keep going? It's what you get with THROUGH THE BIBLE, THROUGH THE YEAR.

Dr. John Stott, best-known for his BASIC CHRISTIANITY gives a fresh, devotional look at the Scriptures. Each day is loaded with spiritual insight and highly recommended.

From the pen of John Stott, life-long New Testament scholar, Anglican pastor, and evangelical advocate for biblical training of pastor/teachers around the world, comes a very readable book for daily use. Dividing the year according to the Christian Calendar, the author guides the reader through an overview of the Bible, and concludes each page with personal reflection and application. Scripture references are provided for further reading. Superb!!!

I am only 2 weeks in to the book so far. I am enjoying it though. Along with that an my devotional I am enjoying getting up and having "my time". It is a fantastic way to learn the bible from front to back. It is interesting and keeps you wanting to read on.

Through the Bible, Through the Year: Daily Reflections from Genesis to Revelation

John Stott , as always, writes a complete and clear exposition of the Bible, covering the whole in one year, each clear and comprehensive. We appreciate it so much that we give it as gifts to friends.

As a school administrator, I wanted a daily devotional that would challenge me to go deep in my understanding and appreciation of God's Word and this book did not disappoint. Dr. Stott goes a great job of walking his audience through the nuances of the Scriptures. He teaches expositionally (verse by verse), which is helpful to grasp an overall view and understanding of the Scriptures. As a new bible teacher, I am currently using this book as a template for my student's daily journal assisgnments. Great buy at a Great price!

Though my expectations were high I am very satisfied with this book. It is short, strengthening and informative and gives also a good view over the christian faith

This is one of the best devotional books I've ever used. Stott gives his thoughts on passages throughout the Bible which reflect his many years of study. He ties it the liturgical year in the church, which increases its effectiveness. After enjoying and learning much from it over the last year, I bought copies for all of my siblings and children for Christmas.

Excellent devotional to supplement regular devotionals. Shorter materials that are heavy with points to ponder and review