When reading the Bible, it is easy to get lost or to focus on one individual story. The danger in that is that the Bible can be seen as a bunch of independent stories that have no connection to or bearing on our lives. Hence, the Christian faith can easily become disconnected and compartmentalized. But as Life in Christ shows, each one of those biblical stories, and each one of us, is like a pieces of a puzzle that is not independent but connects to form a larger picture of God's ongoing work of salvation. Life in Christ uses Scripture and Luther's Small Catechism to increase biblical literacy and to cultivate a love of the one true God and a desire to dwell with Him through Word and Sacrament. Primarily for Lutheran adults who want to firmly understand Holy Scripture and the Christian faith, Life in Christ also can help pastors teach the basics of the Christian faith and life.   *** Life in Christ: Rooted, Woven, and Grafted Into God's Story by Adam T. Filipek takes you on a guided tour of God's Word. Uncover the treasures of the Holy Scripture and deepen your spiritual journey with each page turned. Whether you're new to the Bible or a seasoned reader, there's always more to discover in God's Word. This book is perfect for: 1.) Christians who want a deeper understanding of the Bible and its overarching, unified narrative. 2) Believers seeking to connect their personal faith journey to the bigger story of God's work in history. 3.) Individuals interested in a chronological and thematic approach to studying the Bible. Jack Kilcrease 1/19/24 The author has done a wonderful job of telling the story of Scripture as a whole, showing how the whole narrative converges on the work and person of Christ. His work is truly a Lutheran approach to Scripture. Unlike alternative attempts a finding the unity of the Bible in covenants, or dispensations, or even a central theme, like "Divine Glory" or "Love," the author understands that Scripture converges on the person of Christ. For the Bible, truth is not a concept, but a person- namely the person of Jesus. This book is highly recommended for all laypeople who want to see how each corner of Scripture comes together in the story of Jesus. Tina K 6/20/23 Whether an 8th grade confirmand, an adult confirmand, a long-time confirmed member, or a non-Lutheran teacher in a Lutheran School this book is for you! Pastor Filipek takes the reader on a journey that brings out the richness of the Scriptures that is found in the Lutheran Church and applies it to the daily living of the Christian. Into God's Story - Once a person is in Christ, the life lived is found Rooted, Woven, and Grafted into the Word, but also the Liturgy we speak/sing while our Lord and Savior delivers His nourishment to our body and soul weekly/daily through Word and Sacrament ministry. Pastor Filipek brings us along from accounts in Genesis to Revelation, challenging the reader to see just how much we are loved. Great for a High School Bible study group wanting to gather to study after Confirmation. Wonderful resource to help non-Lutheran teachers in Lutheran schools to grasp Lutheran doctrine as they teach this richness to their students and work together with Lutheran trained teachers. No matter the level of study, this book will grab the reader and share with them the depth of God's riches for them as they are Rooted, Woven and Grafted into God's Story. Becky F. 6/15/23 Reading the chapters that walk through the Bible, I kept getting an image of a storyteller telling God's story around a campfire. When I made it to the final chapter, I got the image in my mind of it turning into a bedtime story. This book is a wonderful overview of God's story of salvation for all mankind, and our place today in that story in Word and Sacrament, and how it will all culminate in dwelling with God face-to-face.