Saturday, November 15, 2008

Another Good Bible, New Last Year


The Archeological Study Bible was new last year. It is also a great resource. It is the product of my doctoral Alma Mater: Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. I think this study Bible is especially important for those who may have overdosed on content study Bibles and commentaries. Even the way the pages are "browned" helps readers regain a fresh perspective on and experience of God's Word. The notes are good, but it's important to understand they are not inspired by theological questions as much as archeological questions. Also, if you're interested in this, note that it comes in different sizes. There is a smaller "personal" size, but you'll want to see if the print size works for you. I would recommend seeing before buying in this case. Most bookstores in our area have a copy of this for sale that you can peruse. This Bible also comes with online resources.

What a privilege and responsibility to live under the protective hand of God so much that we can have a discussion of which luxurious study Bible we want to buy next. Many Christians in other parts of our world cannot imagine this. Don't take it lightly. Keep praying and studying as if you know such privilege can at best be a temporary thing in a world like ours where God has assured us that if we live for Him, we will eventually face persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). 

If you've chosen a new Bible for a new round of Bible study, perhaps timed with the new year, drop me a line to let me know. I'm especially interested in encouraging any who want to read through the Bible in a year. All commitments get stronger when we tell others about them. It makes us less likely to talk ourselves out of it when the going gets tough: when you get to Leviticus. Have fun exploring the wonders of God's Word.   

Saturday, November 8, 2008

So Cool!


The ESV Study Bible. Wow. And you get the whole thing online too! You get ALL the notes, everything. You can LISTEN to the Scripture too. This is an excellent way to get through the Bible in year, by the way! Such a blessing.

Just go out and buy it. 

Do it.

And it's huge too. The thing is giant. It will probably be the biggest, heaviest Bible you own, aside from that monster family Bible someone gave you for a wedding gift.

Enjoy!

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

The ESV Study Bible

It's a best seller. The industry marvels at this new study Bible's sales. The ESV is a new "essentially literal" translation of the Bible. I read through the entire Bible every year, usually following the plan found in the "Daily Bread" devotional that we hand out in church. In 2006, I used the ESV translation for this, so I know it well. At one point, I wondered about changing the Bibles in the church from NIV to ESV. 

So, if you're looking for something new, then join me in getting this new study Bible. I'll probably use it for my reading through the Bible in 2009. When I use a study Bible, I also read through all the notes. For three different years, I've used the Spirit of the Reformation Study Bible (NIV) for this. I highly recommend it, although reading through all its notes everyday will be overwhelming for most people.

November 4th is election day, but it also is a good time to start thinking and planning for your Bible reading in 2009. Have fun with this. I always do. Nothing beats a brand new Study Bible!