Bible Books in 30 Minutes provides an easy-to-understand overview of each book of the Bible – from Genesis to Revelation.

Author, pastor, and Bible teacher Mike Beaumont gives a fascinating insight into every book and illustrates how each of the 66 is completely relevant today. 

The series of 52 half-hour conversations with David Taviner build up to become an invaluable resource for anyone who wants to get to grips with God’s Word.

We chatted to Mike Beaumont about the new series and his passion for the Bible:

What is the aim of Bible Books in 30 Minutes?

First, to give people a ‘feel’ of each individual book, in terms of its content and its context, to inspire them to dig deeper into it for themselves. And second, because the Bible is a library of books, to give a sense of how each book fits into the Bible’s ‘big story’ revealed through them. 

What most excites you about the Bible?

That it’s still as relevant today as when it was first written! Because while its books are written in particular historical contexts, they are ultimately part of God’s story rather than people’s stories, and so hold timeless truths about timeless issues as they reveal God’s heart, plans and purposes – and invite us to become part of that. 

Which books of the Bible would you recommend for a newcomer to God’s Word?

A good place to start is with the life of Jesus – the One who is the focus of the whole Bible. Luke’s Gospel is great, because it is quite detailed, and full of Jesus’ compassion for people. And then his second volume, Acts, is a good one to move on to with its exciting account of how the early church developed. 

Which is your favourite Bible book and why?

I love them all! But if I had to choose just one, it would be Exodus with its great themes of God rescuing people and revealing His heart to them. 

Is there a book that you find more difficult to get into? What encourages you to persevere with it?

There are several! Leviticus, because it’s full of obscure laws; Proverbs because it’s ‘bitty’; Revelation because it’s full of imagery… But I persevere with them because they all have hidden treasures – like a miner, you just have to keep digging until you find them. Sometimes a Study Bible or commentary is really helpful in explaining the background or customs and helping us reach the ‘Oh, I see!’ moment. But that’s the great thing about the Bible: there is always more to see!

Listen to Bible Books in 30 Minutes with Mike Beaumont every Saturday on UCB 2 at 9:15pm or anytime, as a podcast, from UCB Player or your favourite podcast provider.