I’ve always loved the format of the movie The Princess Bride.

If it had just been a story that started like any other, it might not have been as impactful. What made it unforgettable was the narrator, the grandfather, telling the story within the story. That layering, that sense of sharing the journey as it unfolds, is what makes the story come alive. It’s not just about handing someone the ending; it’s about inviting them to experience the twists, the surprises, and the growth with you along the way. These lessons aren’t just a guide you hand someone to review, it’s a journey you take together.

Imagine having the opportunity to sit down with your child and explain the fullness of what you believe. This is what this book aims to be. It simply breaks down that conversation into short, manageable pieces. These lessons are written more like letters to your children than formal instruction. A conversation more than a classroom.

Ultimately, what we are seeking to explain is the answer to Pontius Pilate’s question to Jesus, “What is truth?”

That is the question here and now and throughout the ages, everyone that has given any contemplation towards things more eternal ends up asking themselves, “What is the truth?” This book is a map, or a guide to finding that truth. These courses will try to explain or unpack that question in a way that gives context to the whole story. An overview of sorts as well as observing these higher seeking questions.

When you first understand the overarching narrative, the grand story becomes more alive. Then, the smaller details begin to matter more. The individual stories become richer, more alive, more personal. Context fuels curiosity. And curiosity leads to deeper understanding.

Growing up we might hear of the great stories; Daniel in the lion’s den, Jonah and the whale, David and Goliath. These stories are powerful, but they can sometimes feel isolated. Almost like flashes of the miraculous without a clear sense of the greater story being told. You might walk away thinking: God does incredible things. And that’s true, but it’s only part of the truth. What often goes missing is the bigger picture. I hope this provides that bigger picture, and once that is understood a revisit of those stories can be more impactful.

Nunc Coepi ‘Now I Begin’