What God Has Always Wanted: The Bible's Big Idea from Genesis Through Revelation

i am 26 years old and this book really reached out and grabbed me. even though it's a 'kids' book, don't be deceived. all walks and all ages can benefit from giving this one a read. the way 'what God has always wanted' is written takes the Gospel message from beginning to end and translates it on a child's level without diluting it!! the amazing thing is that after reading it, i didn't feel like anything was lost or looked over in the very fundamental truths addressed. i felt as though i had taken a step out of critical and opposing theological points of views and various other 'issues' that are haggled over and debated in many of the circles i find myself in, and gotten back in touch with the core message of what the Bible is saying to us. all that to say, this is an EXCELLENT children's book that i plan on reading to my kids one day, but will continue reading for myself, the 26 year old, until that day comes.

I purchased this book for my children because it tells the story of the bible from beginning to end in a way that can be comprehended by even the youngest of children. This book is helpful for the adult as well, because it help's us what God's intentions are. This is a wonderful way to share Gods Way's with your children. I plan to give this book as a gift, and to keep my copy for my future grandchildren. This is book is a keeper.

In Postmodern Children's Ministry, Ivy Beckwith writes of the danger of reducing the Bible to "doctrinal tenets, moral absolutes, tips for better living, or stories of heroes to be emulated." Instead of using the Bible to "teach children moral lessons...we need the Bible to introduce children to God, God's story, and God's ways." That's why I was excited to discover Charles F. Boyd's book, What God Has Always Wanted: The Bible's Big Idea from Genesis through Revelation. It answers the question, "What's the Bible about anyway?" and introduces the story of Scripture to children. Boyd says, "I believe we do a good job teaching children Bible stories, but we haven't done as good a job of teaching the Bible's story. By setting the gospel in the overall storyline of the Bible, I believe children can better see how Jesus and His friendship is truly what ties the Bible's story together from start to finish." Boyd clearly presents the story of Scripture from creation and fall to Jesus and the new creation. It invites children to become participants in the story by becoming friends with God. Boyd also includes a helpful glossary to help adults answer questions that kids might raise as they read the book together. Here's the real genius of the book: it's not just a children's book, it is a "parenting book disguised as a children's book." It equips parents and teachers to share the gospel with kids in a way that they will understand. There are lots of entertaining books, movies, and curriculum for kids. What God Has Always Wanted moves beyond the normal approach of telling individual stories and teaching moral lessons, and tells God's story. This is a very encouraging book for kids, and I highly recommend it for churches, parents, teachers, and grandparents.

This book is an excellent tool for initially presenting the salvation message to your child and upon which you can build for future years. I believe this book is unique because all the children's Bible books on the market which I have found present only one story of the Bible at a time, while this book presents an entire overview of the Bible and the recurring salvation message in a way that even a small child can understand.

Throughout the years of childhood, kids raised in the church hear Bible Stories. Somewhere in the mix, however, they often never hear or never grasp the big picture of the Bible enough to see how all of the stories fit together. We can be grateful then for this book that helps parents and teachers tell that story and does it so well! Every Sunday school should make this book an important part of its curriculum so that students not only come to know the Bible stories, but get to know God and his plan.