A Review
I find myself regularly reviewing study Bibles and devotional Bibles. The NIV Journey Bible is one of the most helpful devotional Bibles I have seen in the last few years. It is well-rounded enough that it will become useful to the new believer, the growing Christian, or the lifelong follower of Christ seeking ways to revitalize their lives.
As has been noted by other reviewers, each book is surveyed using the following the outline:
Introduction
The Bottom Line
Central Ideas
Outline (not included in every book)
Timeline
An example, from the book of Genesis demonstrates where the book fits into the history of the world and with God’s interaction with His creation:
Even more impressive to me are the themes that are used to guide the various notes included in the text of this edition:
• Knowing Yourself
• Managing Resources
• Addressing Questions
• Strengthening Relationships
• Discovering God
• Why Jesus?
• Reasons to Believe
These seven themes are appropriate for Christians at any point of their journey - as points to begin or be challenged in their Christian growth.
The notes are well-indexed by their type, but there does not seem to be general topical index that would allow the reader to draw from the notes as a whole - each index will need to be individually searched. Though this is a common problem with study and devotional Bibles, it could be easily correct with an on-line index made available to those purchasing the book.
This Bible is full of additional helps: topical studies, brief surveys of major events in Bible history, reading plans, etc.
The book would make a wonderful gift for a new believer or a pastor who is in the midst of their career. I would also suggest that it would make a worthwhile personal purchase for the Christian wanting to grow from wherever they are in their walk with the Lord.
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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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