Many Christians know the major stories of the Bible.
They know Noah built an ark. David defeated Goliath. Daniel survived the lions' den. Jesus died and rose again.
Yet many struggle to answer a simple question: How do all these stories fit together?
The Bible isn't a collection of disconnected lessons or inspiring characters. It's one unified story that reveals God's plan to redeem His people through Jesus Christ.
When we begin to read Scripture as one story, the Bible becomes clearer, richer, and more meaningful. We start to see how every book, theme, and event points to God's redemptive purposes and our place within them.
The Bible Is One Story
Although the Bible contains 66 books written by many authors over hundreds of years, it tells one cohesive story.
A helpful way to understand that story is through six major movements:
Creation
God creates the world and forms humanity to know Him, reflect His image, and enjoy relationship with Him.
Fall
Human rebellion brings sin, brokenness, and separation from God.
Promise
God begins His rescue plan, making promises that point toward a coming Saviour.
Redemption
Jesus comes to accomplish what God promised through His life, death, and resurrection.
Mission
God sends His people into the world to share the good news and make disciples.
New Creation
One day Christ will return and restore all things, bringing God's story to its fulfilment.
When we understand this larger framework, individual Bible stories make more sense because we can see how they fit within God's unfolding plan.
Why Reading the Whole Bible Matters
Many believers spend years reading favourite passages without ever gaining a clear understanding of the Bible's overall message.
Reading the Bible as one story helps us:
-
Understand God's character more fully
-
Recognize key themes that run throughout Scripture
-
See how the Old Testament points to Jesus
-
Avoid taking passages out of context
-
Build a stronger foundation for faith
-
Help children understand God's story from beginning to end
It also changes how we approach discipleship.
Instead of teaching isolated Bible stories, we help children, youth, and adults discover that every passage is part of a much larger story centred on Jesus.
Bible Reading Resources That Help You See the Big Picture
If you'd like help understanding the Bible as one story, Scripture Union Canada offers several Bible reading resources designed for different ages and stages.
Family Quest: A Family Bible Reading Adventure
Many family devotionals centre around the adults reading a Bible story to children. Family Quest takes a different approach.
Designed for families with children ages 6 to 12, Family Quest combines Bible reading, discussion, prayer, activities, and a fun game-board experience that helps families travel through six major sections of God's story.
Families can spend as little as 10 minutes or as much as 30 minutes together, making it flexible enough for busy schedules.
Rather than simply reading Bible stories, children discover how the stories connect and how God has been working throughout history to bring people back to Himself.
Family Quest helps families:
-
Explore the Bible as one connected story
-
Discover Jesus throughout Scripture
-
Engage with God's Word through activities and discussion
-
Build meaningful family faith conversations
-
Create lasting Bible-reading habits
- Encourages families to have fun together while reading the Bible
For parents looking for a family Bible reading plan that is interactive, flexible, and centred on God's story, Family Quest offers a fresh approach.
Check out Family Quest
E100 Bible Reading Guide: 100 Essential Bible Stories Every Christian Should Know
One of the biggest challenges people face when reading the Bible is knowing where to begin.
The E100 Bible Reading Guide solves that problem by focusing on 100 essential Bible passages that provide a clear overview of Scripture.
The concept is simple:
If you could choose 100 Bible stories that every Christian should know, what would they be?
Each reading includes:
-
A selected Bible passage
-
Helpful commentary and reflection
-
Questions for personal application
-
Space for journaling
-
Guided prayer
The result is a practical Bible reading guide that helps readers understand the storyline of Scripture without feeling overwhelmed.
It's ideal for new believers and youth or adults wanting a Bible overview
At just $5, it is one of the most affordable ways to gain a deeper understanding of the Bible's big picture.
Check out the Essential Bible Reading Guide (E100)
Big Bible Challenge: Helping Children Discover 100 Essential Bible Stories
Children need more than Bible facts. They need to understand God's story.
The Big Bible Challenge follows the same 100 key Bible readings as E100 but presents them in a way that is designed specifically for children.
Using visual learning, experiential activities, and age-appropriate engagement methods, children explore some of the most important stories in Scripture while discovering how those stories fit within God's larger plan.
It's a great companion resource for families who want parents and children exploring the same biblical themes together.
Check out the Big Bible Challenge for Kids
The Story Bible Guide: Daily Bible Engagement for Everyone
For those who prefer a digital option, The Story Bible Guide provides a simple and accessible way to engage with Scripture every day.
Created by Canadians for Canadians, this free resource helps readers encounter God through a simple rhythm:
Read. Reflect. Respond.
Participants can receive daily readings by email or follow along through reading plans available on the Bible App.
Unlike many Bible reading plans that focus only on information, The Story Bible Guide encourages readers to see themselves within God's ongoing story and respond to what He is saying through His Word.
Because it's entirely digital and free, it's an excellent place to begin if you're looking for a Bible reading plan that helps connect daily reading to God's larger story.
Check it out.
Which Bible Reading Resource Is Right for You?
If you're looking for a resource that helps your family engage with Scripture together, start with Family Quest.
If you want a practical overview of the entire Bible through 100 key passages, choose the E100 Bible Reading Guide.
If you have children and want them to discover those same 100 essential Bible stories in an engaging way, try the Big Bible Challenge.
If you prefer a free daily Bible reading experience, sign up for The Story Bible Guide.
Start Reading God's Story Today
The Bible was never meant to be a collection of disconnected stories.
From Genesis to Revelation, it reveals one extraordinary story of creation, redemption, and restoration centred on Jesus Christ.
As we learn to read Scripture as one story, we begin to see God's purposes more clearly, understand His Word more deeply, and recognize our place within His mission.
Whether you're reading alone, with your children, or alongside your church community, these Bible reading resources can help you move beyond isolated passages and discover the beauty of God's story from beginning to end.
This blog post was adapted from one of our posts on Bible Engagement Blog by Dr. Lawson Murray: https://www.bibleengagementblog.com/2026/07/31/reading-the-bible-as-one-story-recovering-the-unity-of-gods-redemptive-work/