Bibles

WHAT KIND of BIBLE should we READ? For those new to reading the Bible, a “paraphrase” may be helpful. For study, a “literal” study Bible is a better choice. Referencing several translations can be useful too.

“Why are there so many Bible translations, and which is the best?” – article by Got Questions.

“How to Choose a Translation for All Its Worth: A Guide to Understanding and Using Bible Versions” – book by: Gordon D. Fee, Mark L. Strauss

To properly understand what God is teaching through Scripture, we need to make sure we don’t take something out of context or put our own ideas into the text, or expect a promise that was meant for others, etc. This is called “hermeneutics” and you can learn more about it here.

Some people find it helpful to read through the Bible chronologically. The “Once a-Day Bible” is an NIV version from “Thru the Bible” and is designed to be read in a year or at the reader’s own pace (no dates). On a personal note, this was the Bible I read through this past year because injuries kept me from being able to hold my study Bible. I found the “reflection” following each reading section to be very helpful. Those commentaries were written by editor Chris Tiegreen along with a team of 8 other contributing editors. The verse he used on the dedication page is one that impacted me greatly: “Whoever serves Me must follow Me; and where I am, my servant will also be. My Father will honor the one who serves Me.” (personal note: I capitalized the pronouns referencing God. I’m not sure when or why that practice changed, but believe God is worthy of that distinction from mortal man and it also helps me to differentiate in passages that include both God and man).

There are also various online Bible reading guides so people can choose the reading plan that best suits their needs

ADULT BIBLES: “The Best Study Bible” – article by John R. Kohlenberger III for equip.org.

Founder of this sites’ favorite study Bibles:

“Archaeology Study Bible (ESV)” – “cutting-edge academic resource for those looking to dig deeper into the historical context of the Bible”.

“New Geneva Study Bible” with commentary by R.C. Sproul & J.I. Packer; site founder’s volume of “New Geneva Study Bible, Christian Statesman Edition” with commentary by D. James Kennedy; is falling apart after much use and there are no current printings.

“The Evidence Study Bible (NKJV)” – “Be prepared to share the gospel and answer skeptics’ objections with this New King James Version Bible. Learn how to prove the authenticity of Scripture through prophecy”.