From Garden to Glory: How Understanding God’s Story Changes Yours

As you read Courtney Doctor’s book, it doesn’t take long to notice that she is a good storyteller. Even better than the stories Courtney tells, is the story she describes in her book from “From Garden to Glory.” We read of the amazing storyline of God’s redeeming work – the “story that resolves into glory – the glory we long for, the glory we were made for.”Courtney does not leave us wondering why she’s written this book. Her introduction tells the purpose for this book: that the Bible will become less mysterious and more loved, that the reader’s hunger for the Word of God will grow; that those who read will understand their own significance in the light of God’s story, and that our God will be exalted, proclaimed, and worshipped! Alone, these goals are enough to encourage you to read! Courtney accomplishes her goal and then some. While Courtney does a great job of recounting the story of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation, I especially loved the format of the book. Courtney knows what should accompany our reading and understanding of Scripture. She begins each chapter with a suggested verse to memorize and then follows that with another verse to pray. She’s teaching us even at the beginning of the chapter what’s important – memorizing God’s Word and praying it. At the end of each chapter is her summary of points to remember, followed by discussion questions and more questions for further study for those who want to keep studying. This is the perfect format for Bible study included in this important book which helps us understand the big story of the Bible. I highly recommend Courtney Doctor’s “From Garden to Glory”!

Loved this book! Garden to Glory is a book chalked full of hope and answers about the most important book that was ever written - the Bible! Garden to Glory explains thoroughly and creatively the entire gospel story beginning in Genesis and ending with Revelation. Will also be a great tool for small group leaders as it includes really good, engaging questions in the back of each chapter.This book will be a great resource for those just curious about what the Bible is all about and also for those who've read and studied the Bible for many years. The author uses personal reflections and illustrations that are easy to relate to and are very helpful. I highly recommend this book to all!

This book “is meant to be something like the beginning of a 500-piece puzzle, which enables you to put the edge pieces in place so that you can fill in the center later because you have the outline of the finished picture.” Using straight-forward, accessible language and warm personal illustrations throughout, Courtney Doctor takes us on a “30,000-foot view of the grand sweep of redemption.” We are left wanting more — and we are supposed to! Throughout each chapter, the main thread of the Bible’s storyline is followed so that the reader has a better understanding of how the Bible fits together as a whole. Doctor takes us from Genesis 1 in the Garden (Eden) to Revelation 22 where God’s people are with Him forever in Glory. What a helpful resource this will be, especially for those Christians like myself who did not grow up learning about the Bible as a single story from beginning to end. Even as a seasoned believer, I found new and thought-provoking connections that were made as the main thread was followed to its conclusion. Each chapter includes a suggested memory verse, as well as thoughtful questions to explore the material on your own or with a group. (For further study, the included bibliography is invaluable!)One word of discretion as you read: It is clear by the language used throughout the book that Doctor (rightly) believes that the glorious promises given to God’s people in the Bible are given uniquely to God’s people. However, there are times when I felt more explicit clarification would have been helpful as Doctor explored these points. She uses the language of “we” regularly throughout her book (clarified to mean “[God’s] people” on p. 238 and elsewhere). However, this language can at times feel tricky, since (in spots where explicit clarification is not given) “we” could also include any reader of the book, irrespective of varying belief systems.

This book is a wonderful companion to Scripture as it provides a clear and often entertaining broad sweep of the metanarrative of the Bible. Courtney sprinkles personal stories and anecdotes throughout each chapter and makes complex theological truths accessible to anyone. I plan to give this book to new believers and seasoned Christians alike!

From Garden to Glory is a wonderful book and an excellent resource for anyone at any stage of their faith journey. Courtney Doctor takes the readers on a journey through the truly epic story of the Gospel in which we get a picture of the depth of the love that God has for His people and creation. This book is a wonderful reminder that God longs to be with His people and it is that love that moved Him to embark on the greatest rescue mission ever. This would be a great book to do with a book club, bible study, or by yourself.