A Review
Over the last two or three years I have reviewed several Study/Devotional Bibles. A few I have thought were of significant less value than others. Others, were okay, but would not be used regularly. The New Spirit-Filled Life Bible, on the other hand, is one that will sit within reach on my desk (or keys, as I am reviewing an e-book) for regular use.
As I am currently preaching from the book of James, these comments are reflect my observation of this book, more than any other. Built in helps include the expected wealth of cross-references. Almost every verse is addressed by at least one study note - some with more than one. Word studies (called “Word Wealth”) are included for the most important greek words in the text. Also included is an index to the English words translating the Greek and Hebrew words included as part of “Word Wealth”. Extended notes are grouped into two categories: “Kingdom Dynamics” and “Truth in Action”. Each of these includes an index to their contents. Finally, this Bible includes a number of extended essays discussing a number of topics that one might expect from a Bible edited by Jack Hayford. At least in the Kindle version of this Bible, these essays do not distract from the value of the book - and add to it if read with care.
My major concern with The New Spirt-Filled Life Bible is the lack of a unified index. Each “Help” has its own index - word study, topical studies, applications, etc. That means, if the user wants to study a topic in depth, he or she will need to search four or five different indexes to find relevant material. In addition, it does not appear that Bible notes are indexed at all - the user will need to know which verses might speak to a particular topic. This problem is not unique to this Bible - I have noted it in other study bibles. As in the past, a comprehensive index would be helpful. The New Spirit-Filled Life Bible is also available as part of the LOGOS Bible Software and its indexing and searching tools may make these notes more accessible. I did not verify this as part of this review.
I would expect having a paper copy of this Bible may be of value as one studies, but whether a paper or e-book is available, this one Study Bible will be of value to the lay or pastor leader or Bible Stuyd teacher in a congregation.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.
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