Introduction When I was 15 years old, I began taking Driver’s Education. We started in the classroom with an instruction manual—the basics of operating a motor vehicle. Sit up straight, buckle up, adjust the mirrors, accelerator, brake, turn signals. I’d watched adults drive for years. I knew all this. Then came the laws of the road, the rules that could get you pulled over or worse. I was among the top students in the classroom, so I was in the first group assigned to the dr

If we’re going to suggest God as the ultimate and highest aim possible, we should make sure we’re on common ground before building on that. Many people assume God and religion are interchangeable, but there are important distinctions and common misconceptions about both. Addressing these up front will give us more sure footing moving forward. I grew up in a less culturally diverse area of the country than most—predominantly Scandinavian ancestry in a community much the same.

Before we explore what the Bible reveals about your highest aim, let me show you something remarkable about this book’s design. When you see how it’s organized, how the pieces fit together, and how it has been preserved through history, you’ll understand why millions have found it to be a trustworthy guide for life’s biggest questions. From Genesis to Revelation, through what appear to be separate stories, it weaves one coherent narrative—a love story between God and humanity

“How do I know which one?” That was the question once asked of me by a person I was visiting in prison. He told me there are “churches” in here. “How do I know which one?” It’s a question many people ask—maybe you’re asking it right now. With so many denominations, so many churches, so many variations, how do you know which is right? The better question is this: “Do you want a relationship with God?” Not, “Which religion should I choose?” You’re putting the cart before the ho