Ancient-Modern Bible (NKJV) - A Review

Ancient-Modern Bible

NKJV

by

Thomas Nelson Bibles

A Review

This Bible is a great concept and probably needed by the church, but its design leaves something to be desired.

Designed with a new “Comfort Print” font that is supposed to be easier to read, the compilation of comments from authors writing across the centuries. Opening to a random page in Isaiah (Isaiah 54-56), I see quotes from Augustine, Billy Graham, and John Calvin. The quotes are interesting and applicable to the life of the Christian — both at the time they were originally written and in the modern context of this Bible. Also included are a number of essays by well-known church leaders. Setting between the book of Isaiah and Jeremiah is an essay by H. Richard Niebuhr entitled: “Connecting Christ and Culture”. This Bible concludes with a set of seven “Supplemental Articles” on a number of broader topics: Creation, Meditation, Church, Trinity, etc.

Though borrowing from a great deal of source material, the notes and essays are not well-cited. A bibliography is included in the end notes (following the “Supplemental Articles”), but the entries are not tied directly to the notes included in the margins of the Bible; thus adding a layer of complexity to the researcher or pastor wanting to verify the source material. Though many resources are used, it is unclear as to how varied they are. Only on reference from the Wesley’s is cited and there is no way to follow that citation back to see where, how, or how often it is used.

A bigger problem than the poor use of citations is the design of the Bible. Though using a new font, this font is so small it makes both the Bible text and the notes difficult to read. There is plenty of white space on most pages — a larger font could easily have been used — better still would be to have the notes available as supplements on the Internet for registered users of the Bible. The pages are thin, occasionally making page turning more cumbersome than necessary.

Assuming plenty of light, nimble fingers, and good eyes, this Bible has a place on most pastor’s desk. Laymen may find it of use or interest as well.
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This review is based on a free copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.

NKJV Spirit-Filled Life Bible Third Edition Leathersoft - A Review

NKJV Spirit-Filled Life Bible

Third Edition

Leathersoft

edited by

Jack Hayford

A Review

Thomas Nelson has created one of the better Study Bibles that have crossed my path. I find little wrong with this compilation of helps.

The helps are indexed and are presented in full color. The 500+ brief word studies scattered throughout are helpful, lots of practical helps (“Truth in Action”), and an extra -long concordance (compared to most Study Bibles), all add extra value to this new edition. I was surprised that the includes two ribbon bookmarks rather than the three ribbon bookmarks found in the leather edition. Built with a nice sturdy cover, the book feels solid and well-built.

Concerns are minor and personal. Though I am not a fan of Jack Hayford’s theology, this is a book that I am still glad to have in my library – it has valued thoughts from a leader of the church. Similarly, I am concerned about the choice to put Jesus words in red. I much prefer a Bible with all text in a common black font. Finally, all of the helps add considerable weight to this Bible. I can see this book being used at my desk, rather than being carried into church on a Sunday morning.

This would not be the first Study Bible I would add to my library – but it does belong there.

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This review is based on a free copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

NKJV Spirit-Filled Life Bible Third Edition Hardcover - A Review

NKJV Spirit-Filled Life Bible

Third Edition

Hardcover

edited by

Jack Hayford

A Review

Thomas Nelson has created one of the better Study Bibles that have crossed my path. I find little wrong with this compilation of helps.

The helps are indexed and are presented in full color. The 500+ brief word studies scattered throughout are helpful, lots of practical helps (“Truth in Action”), and an extra -long concordance (compared to most Study Bibles), all add extra value to this new edition. I was surprised that the hardcopy version did not include the three ribbon bookmarks found in other editions Built with a nice sturdy cover, the book feels solid and well-built.

Concerns are minor and personal. Though I am not a fan of Jack Hayford’s theology, this is a book that I am still glad to have in my library – it has valued thoughts from a leader of the church. Similarly, I am concerned about the choice to put Jesus words in red. I much prefer a Bible with all text in a common black font. Finally, all of the helps add considerable weight to this Bible. I can see this book being used at my desk, rather than being carried into church on a Sunday morning.

This would not be the first Study Bible I would add to my library – but it does belong there.

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This review is based on a free copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

NKJV Spirit-Filled Life Bible Burgandy Leathersoft Cover 3rd Edition - A Review

NKJV Spirit-Filled Life Bible

Burgandy Leathersoft Cover

3rd Edition

Edited By

Jack W. Hayford

A Review

Thomas Nelson has created one of the better Study Bibles that have crossed my path. I find little wrong with this compilation of helps.

The helps are indexed, they are presented in full color. The 500+ brief word studies scattered throughout the are helpful, lots of practical helps (“Truth in Action”), and an extra -long concordance (compared to most Study Bibles), all add extra value to this ne edition. I also appreciate the three ribbons included to provide bookmarks – not just the two that normally are included in most Study Bibles. Built with a nice simulated leather cover, the book feels solid and well-built.

Concerns are minor and personal. Though I am not a fan of Jack Hayford’s theology, this is a book that I am still glad to have in my library – it has valued thoughts from a leader of the church. Similarly, I am concerned about the choice to put Jesus words in red. I much prefer a Bible with all text in a common black font. Finally, all of the helps add considerable weight to this Bible. I can see this book being used at my desk, rather than being carried into church on Sunday morning.

This would not be the first Study Bible I would add to my library – but it does belong there.

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This review is based on a free copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

NKJV Spirit-Filled Life Bible Black Genuine Leather Cover 3rd Edition - A Review

NKJV Spirit-Filled Life Bible

Black Genuine Leather Cover

3rd Edition

Edited By

Jack W. Hayford

A Review

Thomas Nelson has created one of the better Study Bibles that have crossed my path. I find little wrong with this compilation of helps.

The helps are indexed, they are presented in full color. The 500+ brief word studies scattered throughout the are helpful, lots of practical helps (“Truth in Action”), and an extra -long concordance (compared to most Study Bibles), all add extra value to this ne edition. I also appreciate the three ribbons included to provide bookmarks – not just the two that normally are included in most Study Bibles. Thumb-indexed with a nice leather cover. The book feels solid and well-built.

Concerns are minor and personal. Though I am not a fan of Jack Hayford’s theology, this is a book that I am still glad to have in my library – it has valued thoughts from a leader of the church. Similarly, I am concerned about the choice to put Jesus words in red. I much prefer a Bible with all text in a common black font. Finally, all of the helps add considerable weight to this Bible. I can see this book being used at my desk, rather than being carried into church on Sunday morning.

This would not be the first Study Bible I would add to my library – but it does belong there.

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This review is based on a free copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

New King James Version: Holy Bible - A Review

New King James Version

Holy Bible

A Review

Tommy Nelson has put together a simple paperback Bible suitable for a gift for a young child. Included are 24 pages of colorful helps and a couple of maps. Though this will not serve as an heirloom gift, it would be appropriate for the child moving from 3rd to 4th grade or for a gift from grandparents to their grandchild. If is well-used, expect to replace it with something more sturdy and long-lasting within two or three years, but by then the child will be better prepared to appreciate something with a better binding and more helps.
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This review is based on a free copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.

NKJV Deluxe Reader's Bible, Cloth over Board - A Review

NKJV,

Deluxe Reader's Bible,
Cloth over Board

A Review

Thomas Nelson Publishers has made available a nicely formatted Bible designed for reading. Beginning with a cardboard slipcase to hold the Bible when not being read, the Bible itself is bound with a handsome gold and tan cloth over board cover. The text is printed in small margin single column text. My only concern is that the small margins include little room for the reader to add personal notes - though the text can be highlighted easily (NOTE: I prefer to use Crayola Twistable Crayons, rather than liquid highlighters).

This is truly a reader’s Bible. The beginning of each chapter is noted with a small number red number in the margin. Verse numbers are only given for major breaks in the text (i.e. most verses are not marked). There are no book introductions (save for a single sentence quote from a well-known author such as C. S. Lewis or John Piper), no textual notes, no maps - it is a reader’s Bible.

Some may not enjoy the minimalist approach taken by this edition; but for the person who is ready to READ the Bible, rather than studying it, it may be an appropriate tool for the task. There are plenty of Study Bibles out there, having an edition which focuses on the reading of the text may help some to better understand what the authors are saying.  

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This review is based on a free copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

NKJV Minister's Bible - A Review

NKJV

Minister's Bible

Imitation Leather

Published By

Thomas Nelson

A Review

Not a study Bible; not a devotional Bible - but a working Bible designed for the new (or experienced) pastor seeking to improve his/her public ministry.

The binding is a quality imitation leather with a nice feel, alas no leather smell. The Bible text is the NKJV (1982) text.  For those preferring the traditional KJV the same Bible is available with that translation. The font is readable and comfortable to use. The text includes the translator’s notes but is devoid of other footnotes or cross-references, though chapters and verse markings are present.

What gives this Bible value is the 180 pages of helps provided in one place for the pastor’s public ministry: weddings, funerals, dedications, the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, worship helps, pastoral care, and a variety of pulpit invitations. Some of this information will be used once, some multiple times, and others will serve as templates for future use. Much of this information can be found in a typical “Pastor’s Manual”, but having additional information present with the Bible is helpful. Also, not having to carry two texts (Bible and manual) into the pulpit is of additional help.

A couple of things I would like to see in the future:

1. Publish the helps with additional translations. Neither the KJV nor the NKJV are my favored translations. I would hope that the Thomas Nelson might work with other publishers to make these tools available with a greater variety of translations.
2. The other improvement would be to make the helps available as an e-book, thus allowing the pastor to manipulate the various service helps to fit their individual needs without retyping the material. As best I can tell, this edition is not available in Kindle, Nook, LOGOS, or WORDSearch - having it available in any of these formats would be helpful.

Most pastors would find either of the two available editions helpful - hopefully other editions will become available in the future.
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This review is based on a free copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

NKJV, Deluxe Reader's Bible, Imitation Leather - A Review

NKJV,

Deluxe Reader's Bible,

Imitation Leather

A Review

Thomas Nelson Publishers has made available a nicely formatted Bible designed for reading. Beginning with a cardboard slipcase to hold the Bible when not being read, the Bible itself is bound with a handsome black and brown leather-like cover. The text is printed in small margin single column text. My only concern is that the small margins include little room for the reader to add personal notes - though the text can be highlighted easily (NOTE: I prefer to use Crayola Twistable Crayons, rather than liquid highlighters).

This is truly a reader’s Bible. The beginning of each chapter is noted with a small number red number in the margin. Verse numbers are only given for major breaks in the text (i.e. most verses are not marked). There are no book introductions (save for a single sentence quote from a well-known author such as C. S. Lewis or John Piper), no textual notes, no maps - it is a reader’s Bible.

Some may not enjoy the minimalist approach taken by this edition, but for the person who is ready to READ the Bible, rather than studying it, it may be an appropriate tool for the task. There are plenty of Study Bibles out there, having an edition which focuses on the reading of the text may help some to better understand what the authors are saying.  

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This review is based on a free copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

NKJV Faithlife Illustrated Study Bible - A Review

NKJV Faithlife
Illustrated
Study Bible

A Review

Zondervan and Faithlife are offering a new edition of their Faithlife Study Bible - this one with lots of illustrations - most in color or using colored shading on text:

         

The study notes are edited from the previous version - some added, some deleted, some edited. Along with the extensive textual notes are 30 essays written by a variety of well-known scholars and educators. Examples include the following:

Douglas Stuart - How to Study the Bible

Randy Alcorn - Why a Good God Allows Suffering

Lee Strobel - Contending for the Faith - Apologetics

Other essays focus on issues related to Bible introduction.  Individual book introductions are included within the normal Bible notes.

The earlier version of this Study Bible was based on the NIV, this newest edition is rooted in the NKJV. Both are well-respected translations - I will let others comment on the pros and cons of using each translation for personal study. Though Greek and Hebrew were a part of my seminary studies, it has been 40+ years since I originally studied it. Most of my career was spent learning computer languages - I know more about COBOL, C++, and Java, than the Biblical languages at this point. I appreciate the variety of translations and their collective contribution to my understanding of the Biblical text.

This Study Bible is well suited for students, pastors, church libraries, and others wanting a deeper understanding of the scriptures.

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This review is based on a free copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

NKJV Unapologetic Study Bible - A Review

NKJV Unapologetic Study Bible

A Review

This Bible is non-apologetic in its approach to issues facing the 21st century Christian.  The content is based on eight general topics using four approaches:

Image borrowed from Amazon.com

Colors and icons are used to distinguish the various notes. Indexes at the rear of the Bible provide access to the various entries at a deeper level by providing access to the notes in both a canonical order and for use as a topical study.  Interestingly, unlike most Study Bibles, this edition does not include any colorful maps - yet given the ease at which these are found in other sources, they are hardly missed. Though the translator notes are included, other cross-references are also missing. Similarly, other than the topical helps included throughout the book, no individual textual notes are to be found.

Bible book introductions are included for each book as well as to how the book might fit into the chart given above.

The primary purpose of this Bible edition is not Bible Study per se, but in providing access to a variety of tools to assist the reader in completing topical studies on (as mention in my first sentence above) issues facing the 21st-century Believer. This Bible does have a strong focus on Biblical application, though that is not its stated purpose. The missing component of this study are pointers to additional resources which might assist the reader in doing further research, beyond that included in this text. It also should be noted that no bibliography is provided. A scholar would have no problem with this obvious omission; the lay reader would be helped by having guidelines of where to go for more information.

I will be keeping this Bible on my shelf, though I am not sure how often it will be consulted.

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This review is based on a free copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

KJV Know the Word Study Bible - A Review

KJV

Know the Word

Study Bible

A Review

This book represents a Study Bible that does not seem to know what it wants to communicate. Providing three tracks for study (Book by Book, Verse by Verse, and Topic by Topic), it never seems to really accomplish any of these with any sort of consistent vision. Tools are provided for each track, but none of them provide the depth this review would expect from a really good Study Bible. I would have preferred to have the editors pursue one of these tracks with more depth and consistency.  

Let me use the Topic-by-Topic track as an example. The Bible tackles 21 different topics (only 21? - for a true Study Bible, this seems weak) providing five notes on each topic. There are three exceptions. The discussion on “God the Son” provides seven notes, the discussions on “Sanctification” and “God’s Will” each provide six notes each. The notes are laid out in such a way that the reader can follow the “trail” forward to the next note, but without any reference to the previous note or the beginning of the thread, he or she is forced to refer to the index in order to follow the topic from beginning to end. Each note provides a look at one verse dealing with the topic, allowing the reader little room to more deeply explore the given topic. Cross references are either from the translators of the NKJV or from the verse by verse study notes - nothing specifically designed to help with further topical studies.  

Sadly, the indexing is minimal. The topic index, mentioned earlier, is designed to point the reader to the five, six, or seven, notes on each of the 21 topics. There are no indexes focusing on the Book by Book studies or the Verse by Verse studies. The appendices consist of tables of “Monies, Weights, and Measures,” a typical Bible Concordance, and a typical set of Bible Maps. None of these appear to be designed specifically to augment this Study Bible.

This Bible would serve as a great gift for a new believer, or for the high school graduate beginning their own study of scripture. The notes that are provided, are useful, but not sufficient for deeper study. Thus, this Bible would be of lesser value to the seminary student or pastor with access to other tools, Bibles, and resources, to supplement his or her study.
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This review is based on a free copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review.  The opinions expressed are my own.

NKJV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible - A Review

NKJV

Cultural Backgrounds

Study Bible

Craig S. Keener (Editor)

John H. Walton (Editor)

A Review

At almost 2500 pages, this is one of the largest Study Bibles I have encountered; but that is okay, it is also one of the best.

With copious notes for both the Old Testament and the New Testament, the comments focus on both background material (as the title suggests) but also material suited for more typical Study Bibles. My current preaching series centers around the book of Philippians 3. Here is an example of the kind of material found in this commentary (clipped from Amazon.com):

The text is full of illustrative material that would bring the scriptures to life for the congregation of the person studying Bible for themselves. Along with the many notes, are a series of over 300 essays on Biblical history and archeology. The full-color images, cross-references, a concordance, and indexes to the essays add additional value to this Bible edition.

For the church looking for an attractive gift for their pastor during “Pastor’s Appreciation Month” (October), this would make a nice addition to the pastor’s gift. Similarly, this Bible would make a wonderful gift for a pastoral student - whether in a college, seminary, or non-traditional program.  This would also serve as a nice addition to a lay person’s or  church library.

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This review is based on a free copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

Airship Genesis Kids Study Bible - A Review

Airship Genesis Kids Study Bible

Edited By

David Jeremiah

A Review

I am looking at a well-designed Bible, though probably more of a Devotional Bible, than a Study Bible.  The following screen grab from Amazon.com gives some hint of what is available - Amazon has additional page views for examination as well:

This edition is a hardbound book using the New King James Version Bible. Though directed by the capable hand of Dr. David Jeremiah; other authors contributed to the final product, including Robert J. Morgan, one of my favorite devotional writers. However, the authors of individual articles are not indicated.  The book has a Spaceship look throughout, with the comments found throughout the book labeled and typed in a science fiction type of font that might be seen on such shows as Star Trek or Star Wars display screens or during the opening and closing credits - a font that should appeal to the pre-teen or young teen.   Notes are in color - some used just for highlighting, others to illustrate the contents of the notes. The combination of fonts, colors, and illustrations should appeal to the young people this Bible is designed for.

The Bible would fit well into the church library or the middle school classroom.  It would also be a suitable gift for the middle school child beginning to read or study the Bible for his- or herself.

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This review is based on a free copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review.  The opinions expressed are my own.

NKJV Journal the Word Bible - A Review

NKJV

Journal the Word

Bible

  

A Review

The growth of Journaling Bibles has paralleled the growing interest in adult coloring books. This edition is a worthwhile addition to the available Journaling Bibles.

The larger print means there are fewer verses on each page that found in other Journaling Bibles - giving room for more creative efforts by the reader. The use of the well-received ESV in a Large Print edition will be welcome by those who have difficulty with normal sized print.  I also appreciate that the note taking space is on the outside margines, rather than trapped within the binding of the book. This allows for easier note taking or drawing. Finally, the pages appear a bit thicker than many similar Bibles - meaning that they are more easily turned as the reader makes his or her way from one passage to the next.

Two small concerns are also apparent - though the print is larger, the space reserved for notes or images does not appear larger than that found in other Bibles. Also, because of the larger print and heavier paper, the Bible is heavier than other Journaling Bibles. This is probably to be expected, but it also means that the very people who may be helped with the larger print may be hindered with the heavier book.

With an attractive, sturdy, hardback, binding, packaged in a cardboard wrapping (see the first image above), this Bible would make a great gift for the artist or older person. It is arriving just in time for Christmas and (in our family) birthdays. I expect that there will be an active audience for this version of what is becoming a standard presentation style for many modern Bible translations.

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This review is based on a free copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review.  The opinions expressed are my own.