Have you ever tried to read the Bible straight through? You may have run out of gas by Leviticus or been bewildered by the prophetic writings of Daniel. Did you puzzle over the meaning of the Psalms or sigh with relief when you hit the Gospels? Could you disentangle the Apostle Paul’s letters or decipher the mesmerizing imagery in Revelation? The good news is that the Bible is easier to understand when it is viewed as an overarching drama, from Genesis to Revelation.

Major Max Sturge’s new book, Road to Redemption: Tracing God’s Rescue Plan Through His Mission People, guides readers through God’s mission story of redeeming fallen humanity, first through Israel and then through Jesus and the birth of the church. Endorsed by General Brian Peddle, international leader of The Salvation Army, and published by the Canada and Bermuda Territory’s Triumph Publishing, Road to Redemption is available exclusively in e-book or printable pdf format at no cost. Perfect for personal or small-group study, each chapter includes questions to encourage reflection and facilitate discussion.

Now retired, Major Sturge served for 41 years as a passionate teacher, preacher and officer in The Salvation Army, including 27 years in corps ministry and six years teaching biblical studies and theology at the College for Officer Training in St. John’s, N.L. He shared with Salvationist why he wrote Road toRedemption and what he hopes people will take away from their reading experience.

Why did you write Road to Redemption?

I have taken biblical courses at several Christian institutions, but I realized that something was missing from my grasp of Scripture as a whole. The biblical canon is an epic story of God and Israel, his mission people, and an unfolding drama of his rescue plan for humanity through them. I wrote Road to Redemption to help readers understand how this saga stretches from Genesis to Revelation. I hope when they see the grandeur of the Bible’s storyline that their knowledge and appreciation of the Bible and its Author will be enhanced.

What is the purpose of Road to Redemption?

Maturity in Christian discipleship requires our knowing “the Word of God in its fullness” (Colossians 1:25). The story approach of Road to Redemption is a unique way to help readers experience the magnificent sweep of salvation history from creation to new creation. They will be exposed to parts of many books in the Bible, but without getting distracted by too many details. Hopefully, it will whet their appetite for digging more deeply into the riches of God’s Word.

How did writing this book enrich your own life?

It clarified my understanding of some ideas, such as, why didn’t the Jewish people, especially Israel’s leaders, see that Jesus was the One who would die for their and the world’s sins? Also, for a long time I’ve deeply appreciated God’s love, but tracing his journey with stubbornly sinful Israel over many centuries elicited my profound gratitude for his patience with me and all of us who are aware of our flawed human nature.

How would you like to see this book used, both within the Army and beyond?

Road to Redemption is my gift to Salvationists and non-Salvationists alike for their biblical and theological enrichment. It has questions at the end of each lesson and optional online resources, including links to animated videos that provide context for the biblical narrative. It can be used as a discipleship resource for small-group discussion, in classroom settings, as a refresher course for seasoned believers and as an introduction to the Bible for those new to the Christian faith. I also think that because Road to Redemption does not focus on any one cultural perspective, it can be an effective discipleship resource in Army settings around the world. With the book being made available free of charge, both as an e-book and in a pdf format, I pray that its reach will extend far and wide.

Visit store.salvationarmy.ca or https://salvationist.ca/editorial/triumph-publishing/road-to-redemption/ to download your FREE copy today!