Core 52 by Mark E Moore

Perhaps you want to know the Bible but reading it seems intimidating. Maybe you know that reading the Bible is good for you and helps in personal transformation but have no idea where to begin. Maybe you know the Bible contains valuable truths but don't attend a church so do not hear sermons.

Moore has created a book covering the 52 major teachings of the Bible, each chapter taking about fifteen minutes. Reading through the book will give you a good representation of the teachings of the entire Bible. Each chapter contains a summary of the key points contained within it and suggested activities for five days. Day 1 is to read the essay. Day 2 gives a verse to memorize. Day 3 suggests another Bible passage to read about the chapter topic. Day 4 provides some verses upon which to meditate. Day 5 contains a prayer or a journal prompt. A book is also suggested for further reading.

This is a good book to use as a devotional for a year. It takes just fifteen minutes a day, five days a week. At the end of the year, you will know the vast majority of the truths contained in the Bible and taught in churches.

I appreciated most of Moore's essays. I found it surprising that Moore has a chapter on the incarnation yet mentions nothing about the miraculous birth of Jesus or that Mary was a virgin. I was disappointed while Moore writes, “very smart and good people differ” on election, he only presented his own view of free will. (161) I was also disappointed in the discussion of predestination. Moore says predestination is to a task only, not a destiny. (165) I was pleased with his essay on eternal security, explaining both views on that subject.

This is a book that will give you a good overview of the major ideas in the Bible. You'll need to have your own Bible as the actual passages are not provided in the text.

You can read the first four chapters here.

You can download memory cards here.

Watch the book trailer here.

You can see how one church used this book to engage the Bible here.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Mark E Moore is teaching pastor at Christ's Church of the Valley in Phoenix, Arizona. He previously spent two decades as a New Testament professor at Ozark Christian College. He and his wife live in Phoenix, Arizona.

WaterBrook, 384 pages.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.