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A compelling dive into the significance of stories. Stories are the way to our hearts: we learn by their warnings and yearn for their happy endings. 

Why are we so invested in stories?

For centuries people have used fairy tales and folk tales to warn children not to stray into the woods or get too close to wolves. Whether fact or fiction the best stories have a familiar shape – a beginning, a middle and an ending – as well as characters that we recognise. It seems that a need for stories lives in the heart of every human.

Stories are powerful. They shape us and stay with us in a way that nothing else does. Ideas and wisdom can be portrayed in a way that draws the listener or reader in. Stories can build relationships and understanding. They can help to make sense of confusing concepts. In this compelling addition to the Track series, Joe Deegan explains why stories are so important – and what role they play in our everyday lives.

Joe Deegan explains why: we’re made in the image of a storytelling God. The main way God has chosen to reveal Himself is through the Bible – an epic story about who God is and how much He loves us. During Jesus’ earthly ministry He spent a lot of time speaking in parables. Between the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John we have a record of over 50 different stories He used.

If we’re fundamentally wired by, through and for stories, then it’s crucial that we understand God’s story, and our place in it. As we read the ultimate story, the truths and instructions held in God’s Word will shape out stories in line with the ultimate author, God.

Contents:

• Stories Shape Us
• Your Life Is A Story
• Your Story Is Not An Accident
• God’s Word Is A Story
• Advice For Reading God’s Story
• God’s Story Is True
• The False Narratives Of The World
• What Makes A Story Good
• Your Story Has An Author
• Your Story Has An Ending

• Appendix A: What Now?
• Appendix B: Other Books on This Topic

Track is a series of books designed to disciple the next generation in the areas of culture, doctrine, and the Christian life. While the topics addressed aren’t always simple, they are communicated in a manner that is.

With the intention of the content being absorbed, examined and applied, each chapter includes a summary of the main point, and reflection questions that can be used individually, in 1–2–1 mentoring or in a group setting.

Joe Deegan

Joe Deegan was born and raised in the small town of Tuscumbia, Alabama and currently lives in Houston, Texas with his wife Leah and his four kids Ellie, Sam, Will, and Maggie. Joe spent seven years working as a youth minister and has been the Worship Resource Coordinator for Reformed Youth Ministries since 2018.