Covenant and Kingdom: The Dna of the Bible

by Mike Breen

For many, Scripture falls into much the same category as Shakespeare: valued and enjoyed, but seldom understood. It is not, however, out of reach. The ability to identify the main themes of any passage is a skill you can learn, even as you seek to apply its truth to your own life. Covenant and Kingdom: The DNA of the Bible guides you on a Scriptural quest for knowledge and understanding. Stories and verse from the Old and New Testaments are woven together and cross-referenced, until the connections are clear and indisputable, like DNA from the Bible. Although the great Biblical themes of Covenant and Kingdom find their fullest expression in Jesus, Covenant goes all the way back to the beginning, when the only thing required was to maintain the “oneness” that God had created. After the Fall, the way was blocked; yet, God built a bridge, in Covenant, back to us. In Jesus, that Covenant was fulfilled, as on the cross, he offered himself as the ultimate blood sacrifice. The Bible is

Genres: Theology, Christian, Christianity, Faith, Nonfiction, Discipleship

251 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t have many books of my shelf of books-other-than-the-Bible that I recommend most Christians read ... but this one may make that cut. I could so easily see using this book as a helpful overview of the overarching story of scripture. Helping readers link a particular part of the Bible to its place in God’s unfolding plan.

I wrestled between 4-5 stars. But I think there is a gap in clarity of what the use of power and authority are meant to look like in this age of God’s Kingdom. it’s there ... but buried. Plus there is one paragraph near final pages of the book on that topic that is pretty awful.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little changes between reading the hard copy and listening to the audio. Still, it’s a solid story of the overarching themes of the Christian Bible, who Jesus is, and why He came. I still like the sequence of words I learned elsewhere, “creation, the fall, salvation, Israel, prophets, priests, kings, Jesus, the church, and after.” These ten words take moments for the well-versed while “Covenant and Kingdom” takes about six hours, filling in the blanks quite nicely.

[Greg Grunau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview of these two great themes throughout scripture.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Een inspirerend boek om te lezen. De schrijfstijl maakt het prettig om te lezen. Ik heb veel geleerd en nieuwe inzichten opgedaan, die ik graag wil leren toepassen.

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very accessible theological overview of Scripture. It could be very helpful in a discipleship and church education setting.

The great theme is tracing covenant and kingdom through the biblical narrative in order that we the readers of Scripture might notice the same in our own lives.

The best way to understand this from the book is coming to see covenant as relationship with God and representation of God as God's method of announcing his reign, his kingdom. Another aide: covenant is being, kingdom is doing.

Yet while the book has the neat rhythm of portraying the story as a balance of covenant and kingdom, I didn't pull away with a clear eschatological goal from Breen. I may have read too fast, but was left asking: what is the end goal of God's covenant with us and kingdom for us?

[Brad Felix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Readers will likely come to this book at different stages in their religious journey, but it's themes and explanations of the Bible are good for all. The author takes us through the two central themes of the Bible: Covenant and Kingdom. In a brief, enlightening way, the author articulates and highlights these concepts while taking us on a journey from the Old Testament to the New Testament. I would highly recommend people spend time reading this book before reading the original text of the Bible. Mike Breen is an incredible speaker and, with this book, an accomplished writer as well.

[Jesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author makes a good case for a double helix of Covenant and Kingdom themes through the major events of the Bible. I've heard of the three chords of black, red, and gold, but this is a welcome addition by a true believer. I think you can get as much from this book, even as a "New Age" convert, as from the Course on Miracles, which is far too lengthy for its argument. This one isn't any longer than it needs to be. And if anyone is listening, I confess Christ Jesus my personal lord and savior. Ta da!

[Eric Lerew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is easy to read and extremely helpful when it comes to understanding the message of the Bible. Most Christians don't have a solid overview of scripture which results in a lack of understanding of their identity and purpose. Mike Breen in Covenant and Kingdom makes this crystal clear.

[Don Lett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two important principles, some very good insight

This book started off very strong with several profound insights into the Bible. The middle portion was OK for someone who's not very well versed in the Bible. But the book ended strong with insightful thoughts.

[Mike Mcqueary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. This gives you insight to want it means to be an active member of God's Kingdom and how to live your life as a follower of Christ.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good overview of the Bible with the themes of covenant and kingdom. Helpful for discipleship and further study.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

A concise, informative Bible overview that allows the reader to quickly focus on an area of scripture. Lots of space for making notes, and exceptional Bible references.

[Carlyn Cole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great for getting an approachable overview of the Scriptures from the perspective of covenant and kingdom. Recommended as an introductory text.