Best Old Testament Bible Study
As one of the world's most recognized and respected Bible teachers, Joyce Meyer's insight on Scripture is an invaluable resource to many students of the Word of God. Her well-researched knowledge of Scripture and her passion for weaving the Word of God into daily life are inspiring companions to the Amplified Version of the Bible. Joyce has authored nearly 100 books, which have been translated into 100 languages. Joyce conducts approximately a dozen domestic and international conferences every year, teaching people to enjoy their everyday lives.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I bought this Bible 9 years ago."
"This is a really good bible for those who want in addition to the bible, all the insight that Joyce Meyers offers tucked in some of the pages as commentary."
"I'm very pleased with this Bible by Joyce Meyer."
"I love the way it's written in modern English, very easy to read."
"Bought it for my sister who loves it!!"
Your greatest regret at the end of your life will be the lions you didn't chase. In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day is inspired by one of the most obscure yet courageous acts recorded in Scripture, a blessed and audacious act that left no regrets: “Benaiah chased a lion down into a pit. Praise for In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day: “A thoughtful and energetic leader, Mark Batterson presses us to consider how we live out our faith in the world around us. Mark’s genuine warmth and sincerity spill over into his communication, combining an intense love for his community with a passionate desire to see them living the life God dreams for them. In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day helps us make sense of this beautiful mess we call life.” -Lindy Lowry, Editor, Outreach magazine “Mark Batterson is down-to-earth and humble—yet constantly pushes me to grow.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Mark Batterson said, "If your dream does not require divine intervention to accomplish, then it is too small.""
"A great book to encourage you to understand you potential to move forward, conquer and overcome!"
"One of my favorite books of all time."
"I've read Bible many times and don't always remember certain passages."
"Have given this book to friends and family who are beginning new life chapters."
"But we need to consider God's power in order to shrink our problems."
"Even if you don't have one right now, after reading this book you'll probably go looking for one."
"Until Mark Batterson's book, I paid no particular attention to this verse, although Samuel's description of David's Mighty Men in the same chapter is a favorite."
Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God - Member Book is the revised and expanded edition that helps leaders to promote the classic, best-selling, 13 week study and conduct an Experiencing God Weekend or churchwide spiritual growth emphasis. Henry Blackaby es fundador y presidente emérito de Blackaby Ministries International, organización creada para ayudar a las personas en su experiencia con Dios.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"It does a great job helping you take a spiritual inventory and challenging you in a good way."
"Now I plan to go back through, this time working through the questions at the end of each chapter and allow God to show me the changes and adjustments I need to make in my life to be in a right relationship with Him."
"I'm about 1/3 of the way into it and while some arching generalizations occur it seems to be an interpretation of how God acts that makes sense to me."
"Loving it so far....... We are studying this workbook in a small group and are only into Unit 3 at this point."
"I missed out on a Bible study using this so i am reading and learning slowly on my own."
"This is one of the best books I have read recently."
"These truths should be part of our experience as Believers, but too often they are not.I did this study many years ago in a group."
"Hope this study will keep me in God's word and closer to Him."
Best Christian Old Testament References
As one of the world's most recognized and respected Bible teachers, Joyce Meyer's insight on Scripture is an invaluable resource to many students of the Word of God. Her well-researched knowledge of Scripture and her passion for weaving the Word of God into daily life are inspiring companions to the Amplified Version of the Bible. Joyce has authored nearly 100 books, which have been translated into 100 languages. Joyce conducts approximately a dozen domestic and international conferences every year, teaching people to enjoy their everyday lives.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I bought this Bible 9 years ago."
"I'm very pleased with this Bible by Joyce Meyer."
"I love the way it's written in modern English, very easy to read."
"Bought it for my sister who loves it!!"
Best Christian Bible History & Culture
As one of the world's most recognized and respected Bible teachers, Joyce Meyer's insight on Scripture is an invaluable resource to many students of the Word of God. Her well-researched knowledge of Scripture and her passion for weaving the Word of God into daily life are inspiring companions to the Amplified Version of the Bible. Joyce has authored nearly 100 books, which have been translated into 100 languages. Joyce conducts approximately a dozen domestic and international conferences every year, teaching people to enjoy their everyday lives.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I bought this Bible 9 years ago."
"I'm very pleased with this Bible by Joyce Meyer."
"I love the way it's written in modern English, very easy to read."
"Bought it for my sister who loves it!!"
Best Additional Biblical Texts
This edition of The Septuagint with Apocrypha (the ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament and the apocryphal books of the same linguistic origin) gives the complete Greek text along with a parallel English translation by Brenton.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Proverbs 15:28 KJV. The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things."
"Rather uncomfortable for lengthly reading- it appears to be included only as a help to those who would be reading the Greek. Verses are fairly well marked, but trying to figure out what chapter you are in is basically a crap-shoot, aided by page headings and memory. I do also have the Apostolic Polyglot, which, for a non Greek-reader such as myself, is actually a better study tool, as it places each Greek word directly above the English word which translates it, and also includes the Strong's number of each Greek word- neither of which this volume does- but, alas, the Apostolic Polyglot is not very practical for actual reading. If you don't read Greek, this book is only helpful as an English translation- but in rather small print. As far as I know, that does not currently exist though, so if you're looking to read this widely accepted translation of the LXX, this is pretty much it. A note about the LXX in general: I'm a big advocate of the KJV, and reject all of the modern Bible [per]versions- but there is just no denying that when it comes to the Old Testament, the LXX is just more accurate than the Masoretic Text (Which basically was put together in the 9th century AD. You will see things which just don't appear in the standard English translations of the Masoretic text- bearing in mind that Greek is a much more precise language than Hebrew/Aramaic; the LXX has not been messed with as much as the Masoretic; and, as will be obvious to you when you read it, if you are familiar with the New Testament, this is the version which Jesus and the Apostles quoted."
"The Septuagint (LXX) translation by Lancelot C. Brenton is an excellent translation, especially given its original translation date (mid-1800s). Translated mostly from the Vaticanus codex, and some parts from Alexandrian codex, Brenton has faithfully translated the text as much as possible. Unlike other newer translations of the Septuagint, Brenton preserves the Greek Old testament translation without mixing other outside influences from other texts (such as the Masoretic text). For those of you who don't know, the LXX is a very old (roughly 2,200 years old) translation of the ancient Hebrew Scriptures, of which we do not have anymore, because they have been lost for 1,700 years or more. The modern Hebrew Scriptures, i.e. the Masoretic text (circa 500-600 A.D.) varies in meaning and differentiates from the Septuagint text. The Dead Sea Scrolls, which date during the time of Yahshua, also agree more in meaning and translation with the LXX (roughly 84% more), and less with the Masoretic text (agrees around 68% of the time). Pros of Brenton's translation include: +Bi-lingual text, so readers can learn Greek words, and if you know Greek, you can read the text in its original translation. +Faithful translation to the text it came from. +Hardcover, sturdy construction. Cons of Brenton's translation include: - Smaller print size for English translation."
"Minus one star for each, otherwise would be five stars."
Best New Testament Bible Study
The ESV Study Bible contains two kinds of words.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"(For a much fuller version of this review, covering more topics/texts, visit my website by searching for "Dwight Gingrich" and "NIV Zondervan Study Bible."). DIFFERENCES: It appears to me that the ESVSB is somewhat stronger than the NIVZSB in these areas: Charts, maps, illustrations, historical information, and general apologetic or bibliological articles. A comparison of the introductions to Exodus shows that the one in the ESVSB is slightly longer (six pages to the NIVZSB’s five), with more attention given to the historical reliability of the book and to its literary features. The similarities here outweigh the differences, but I give the ESVSB the blue ribbon for visual helps and breadth of topics addressed in articles. Creation – Henri A. G. Blocher. Sin – Kevin DeYoung. Covenant – Paul R. Williamson. Law – T. D. Alexander. Temple – T. D. Alexander. Priest – Dana M. Harris. Sacrifice – Jay A. Sklar. Exile and Exodus – Thomas Richard Wood. The Kingdom of God – T. D. Alexander. Sonship – D. A. Carson. The City of God – T. D. Alexander. Prophets and Prophecy – Sam Storms. Death and Resurrection – Philip S. Johnston. People of God – Moisés Silva. Wisdom – Daniel J. Estes. Holiness – Andrew David Naselli. Justice – Brian S. Rosner. Wrath – Christopher W. Morgan. Love and Grace – Graham A. Cole. The Gospel – Greg D. Gilbert. Worship – David G. Peterson. Mission – Andreas J. Köstenberger. Shalom – Timothy Keller. The Consummation – Douglas J. Moo. While I disagree with minor points in some of these articles, I find myself agreeing with a much higher percentage of what is said here than with what is said in most systematic theologies. I have a niggling question about the place of such essays in a study Bible (how many readers will really find and benefit from this content in their specific moments of exegetical need? They teach that both divorce and remarriage are “possible but never ideal” (NIVZSB, p. 1969) in cases where one marriage partner engages in “sexual immorality” (Matt. On the other hand, the NIVZSB takes a more rigid stance than the ESVSB on 1 Corinthians 7:10-16: “There are only two options for a divorced woman: (1) remain unmarried or (2) reconcile with her husband.” It acknowledges regarding verse 15 ("the brother or sister is not bound in such circumstances”) that “it is often suggested that this allows a deserted Christian spouse to remarry” but states that “this interpretation is not plausible.”. Homosexuality: Both study Bibles state clearly that homosexual relations are sinful. Nonresistance and Relationship to Government: On Matthew 5:38-48 the NIVZSB says that “Jesus is prohibiting retaliation for wrongs experienced.” It explains that a slap on the cheek is “a common Jewish insult by a superior to a subordinate, not an aggressor’s blow.” (p. 1939). The ESVSB presents this position much more clearly: “Jesus is not prohibiting the use of force by governments, police, or soldiers when combating evil… One should not return an insulting slap, which would lead to escalating violence. In the case of a more serious assault, Jesus’ words should not be taken to prohibit self-defense…, for often a failure to resist a violent attack leads to even more serious abuse.” This difference is also evident in places like Romans 12-13, where the NIVZSB gently questions whether governments have the right to administer capital punishment, while the ESVSB suggests one way believers can "overcome evil with good" is through military or police force. This is remarkable, given that Sam Storms, a strong continuationist, was chosen to author an essay on “Prophets and Prophecy.” In this article he only vaguely hints at his own position by some present-tense references to prophecy. ), ending thus: “However one understands the extent of the atonement, this passage clearly teaches the free and universal offer of salvation to every single human being; ‘desires’ shows that this offer is a bona fide expression of God’s good will.” On this Timothy verse the NIVZSB suggests that “what God ‘wants’ may be hindered by lack of human faith.” This last statement opens the door to non-Calvinistic interpretations (but does not demand them). At Exodus 20:8-11 the ESVSB makes no Christian application, while the NIVZSB mentions that the Sabbath “anticipates the experience of rest through faith in Christ” (p. 155). The NIVZSB's “Exile and Exodus” article presents one perspective strongly: “As the only perfectly obedient Israelite...—a faithful remnant of one—Jesus (not the unbelieving nation) is the sole heir of all of the covenantal promises made to Abraham, Israel, and David... Life everlasting, a land flowing with milk and honey, a posterity as numerous as the stars, a perpetual reign over all creation, and uninhibited access to the Father’s presence all belong exclusively to him” (p. 2661). However, both Bibles (perhaps especially the ESVSB) also suggest multiple times that seeing a future role for an ethnic Israel is a legitimate interpretative approach. On the other hand, it seems slower to affirm some of the more fundamentalist ideas of evangelicalism (things such as capital punishment or a special plan for the future of ethnic Israel), it feels slightly more cautious as it affirms some points of evangelical doctrinal dispute (inability of true believers to fall from the faith, distinct gender roles in the church), and it is sometimes slower to pick sides at all regarding what the text means for today (the Christian and the military)."
"I love this study Bible."
"But the paper used in this book did not match with their work, not as good as those bibles which printed in USA I had before."
"I have never enjoyed faithfully reading the Bible as much as I do now; whether it be in church, Bible study, or at home for daily devotions."
"If you can only have one Study Bible, I highly recommend this one, unless you're a new convert, I'd recommend starting with a Life Application Study Bible, before moving onto this highly in depth study Bible."
"ESV is considered as my first choice of the Bible version, my reviews on the make of the book, quality material for sure, book is in good size, can put in medium sized shoulder bag, portable, and the colorful pictures and charts, and the commentaries are very educational when it comes to understand a full chapter, of course, God's words and His wisdom is way beyond my plain comprehension, and I hope this good study Bible would help me move further a little bit in understanding the profound and perfect knowledge from Him!"
"I just received the indexed study bible, and the indexed pages are completely off except for Genesis and the Concordance."
Best Christian Bible Study Guides
NEW Anniversary Edition of Rose Book of Bible Charts, Maps and Timelines, Volume 1 covers over 200 Bible topics and features MORE pages, 6 EXTRA topics, updated information, and a bonus 24' fold-out on Jesus' Family Tree. This stunning, easy-to-understand reference book still provides the same full-color, REPRODUCIBLE Bible charts and overviews that made the original a favorite, but in an easier-to-use, updated format! 6 NEW pamphlets on popular Bible topics, including Psalms 23, Lord's Prayer, Twelve Tribes of Israel, and more. Psalm 23 Tabernacle Ark of the Covenant Archaeology & the Bible (50 Proofs of the Old Testament Solomon's Temple Names of God The Ten Commandments and You 100 Well-Known Old Testament Events The Creation The Exodus. Heroes of the Faith: Hebrews 11 The Twelve Disciples 1 Corinthians 13: The Love Chapter The Armor of God The Fruit of the Spirit 100 Well-Known Events from Acts to Revelation. Especially for the visual learner, this book is a real treat. From full-color maps of Bible lands, to summaries of every book in the Bible, to lists of key people and events, including an outline of Jesus' life and information about each of the disciples, to theological beliefs across the religious spectrum, this volume is a treasure of teaching aids.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This was a Christmas gift for a family member, and he has used the book every day since receiving it and can't say enough good things about it!"
"I love this book."
"In fact I bought one for a friend and they love it too."
"Incredible book to use when studying the Bible."
"I love this book."
"So good I purchased several and gave them to some of my friends."
"This is such a good book."
"bought for father in law he says its a great read."