Bible Reading Resources

As the new year slowly rolls on…or maybe quickly for some…I know that many people desire to do more Bible reading this year. I was delighted to find a great little post by Crossway on 10 Bible Reading Resources.  You can read it HERE.  And, before you come back and leave me a comment about “10” being the wrong number…look very close!  And read the whole post!

Video Highlight: ESV Student Bible

Pastor Peter ESV Student Study Bible Promo from graceky on Vimeo.

The Reformation Study Bible ESV

The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version Hardcover 2nd Ed w/Maps by R.C. Sproul
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

One of the endorsements I read for this Bible said that this is the "Gold standard" in Bibles. I agree.

This Bible is the best study Bible I have yet to use. It is the flowing and easy-reading ESV version which is accurate and eloquent. On top of being a superb version, it contains wonderful study notes, articles, and commentary that make it not only a Bible, but a study tool. My favorite part is that this study Bible highlights the Word of God rather than any man's opinion as the contributors share insight based on a cross centered view point. While I use several other study Bibles in my personal study, I appreciate this one the most for coming back to the heart of the matter - the gospel - from start to finish. The features in this study Bible will help you learn more for your cross centered life.

This study Bible is a wonderful, easy-to-use, and simple tool for teens and adults both. It's a must-read and must-use!


BOOK OVERVIEW:

Widely considered one of the best tools available for Bible study and previously only available in the New King James Version, the Reformation Study Bible (RSB) has been updated to the readable and accurate English Standard Version (ESV).

Respected theologian Dr. R.C. Sproul, founder and chairman of Ligonier Ministries, served as this study Bible's general editor. "The Reformation Study Bible contains a modern restatement of Reformation truth in its comments and theological notes. Its purpose is to present the light of the Reformation afresh," stated Dr. Sproul.

The thousands of in-depth study notes included in the RSB were compiled from over 50 distinguished biblical scholars, including Drs. J.I. Packer, James Boice, and Wayne Grudem. In addition to the comprehensive study notes, the RSB offers readers extended discussions on the authority of Scripture, the atonement, and other key aspects of biblical theology.

The RSB is intended for use by anyone who wants a deeper understanding of the Scriptures. The reader will appreciate book introductions, an extensive cross-reference system, and illuminated words and terms within the Bible that are crucial to an in-depth understanding. This new edition in the ESV is published by Ligonier Ministries and produced and distributed by P&R Publishing of Phillipsburg, NJ.

Features:

Theological Notes index
In-text maps index
Charts index
Section introductions (Pentateuch, History, etc)
Book Introductions
Passage headings
Double-column format
Center-column references
Black letter edtion
Concordance
8 pages of full-color maps

Choosing A Bible: Understanding Translation Differences by Leland Ryken

Choosing a Bible: Understanding Bible Translation Differences by Leland Ryken
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Whether you are curious about the various Bible translations or not you should read this book. It is very short - all of 30 pages - and extremely informative and helpful in both learning and making a choice on what version of the Bible you want to use for your personal study.

I appreciated the way Ryken succinctly shares the facts in a book that can be easily read in one sitting. It is a book that is to the point and nothing but the point versus a thick "flowery" book that one never quite manages to read from cover to cover. While this is not a comprehensive book - as I am sure there is more that could be said - it says enough to help one know the appropriate settings in which to use the various types of versions.

My only disappointment in this book was that Ryken uses a lot of big words which make it a little hard to wade through at times. However, if you're willing to either look up words a few times or read what you can, you will enjoy it and benefit greatly from it. And the fact is, it's so short it's not that bad to work through - even if you don't know a word or two. Overall this is a must read for teens to adults of any age. If nothing else you will walk away with a basic understanding of Essentially Literal and Dynamic Equivalent translations.

Start! Bible for New Believers by Greg Laurie

START! The Bible for New Believers by Greg Laurie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Start! is a fantastic way to start the Christian life! I appreciate the work developed here to help new believers Live, Grow, Know, and Learn God's Word. The New King James version is easy to read, the bright red cover is attention catching, and the introduction chapters so very helpful. It is a Bible without the stuffy feel of the traditional award Bibles given out to new believers and comes with the benefit little tidbits and helps which will aid greatly in their understanding and continued growth. Every person should have one on hand to give to someone they lead to Christ!

Be sure to check out the Start! Bible website for more information.


BOOK OVERVIEW:

Start! The Bible for New Believers, NKJV was developed to help those beginning a brand new life of faith to place their trust in Jesus Christ while refreshing the foundations of the faith for longtime believers. START! is designed to take the hand of a new believer, or perhaps a believer who does not know their way around the Bible as they ought to, and lead them through. All of the notes are written to be understandable, conversational, and friendly while never assume that the reader knows what all the words mean. Start! The Bible for New Believers focuses on basic discipleship with articles and devotions on subjects including prayer, Bible study, church involvement, sharing your faith, and discovering God's will. Core biblical themes are introduced at basic levels of theological sophistication and presented in very simple language. Features include: · Grow entries, revealing key disciplines of the Christian life. · Know articles, exposing the core beliefs of Christians. · Live messages, focusing on various aspects of salvation. · Learn notes, providing mini-commentaries on key passages for spiritual growth. · Topical Index to articles and Scriptures · Secrets to Spiritual Success from the General Editor Greg Laurie – a crusading pastor and author who has impacted over four million people with the Gospel message, and seen well over 340,000 people come forward to make professions of faith in Christ.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Book Sneeze Blogger Review Program through Thomas Nelson. The opinions expressed are my own.

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The Case For Christ Study Bible

 

 The Case for Christ Study Bible: Investigating the Evidence for Belief by Lee Strobel

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

For a graduating senior from high school or college a wonderful gift is a Bible. This Bible - The Case For Christ Study Bible - is not only the treasured resource of God's Word, but also aids and helps to stand firm in our faith.

It is the Bible in the NIV version along with many notes about the case for Christ, the Bible, the case for faith, and for the Creator. This gives a young person - or any person! - easy access to articles and points that will help them flesh out their faith in God. I appreciate how you can be reading a passage and find a short article on the same page explaining that passage from a questioning perspective. It helps the Bible come alive and gives material to build a firm foundation for your faith in world that will do anything to shake it up.

This study Bible is a gift that will keep on giving long after the graduation day is a distant memory.

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This post is sponsored by Moody Publishing & Zondervan Publishing

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Comment on this post or any of the Graduation Gift posts to enter the giveaway for 2 Bible Study DVD’s by Andy Stanley!