Wednesday, September 25, 2013

NIV Integrated Study Bible

The NIV Integrated Study Bible shows the Bible unfolding in a new way as the landmark events are set in parallel. It's more than just a chronological Bible--not only are passages of Scripture arranged in their sequential order, but so also are individual events. And multiple interpretations allow for deeper revelations. For instance, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John's telling of Jesus feeding the 5,000--presented in four columns right next to each other--take on a new life. David's story about hiding from Saul in the wilderness is paired with the relevant psalms. In this new, hardcover edition, the NIV Integrated Study Bible will prove to be a lasting and invaluable resource for your customers.

The contents are divided into several distinct periods of history, including:

- Creation through the Patriarchs
- Exodus to Conquest
- Conquest Through United Kingdom
- Divided Kingdom and Exile
- Return to the Land
- The Life of Jesus
- The Early Church

Each of these sections has an introduction that provides context into the period of history, as well as a fascinating timeline that points out milestones by year. In fact, on the bottom of every page of the Bible is a running timeline that shows exactly where you are in history.

I've really enjoyed reading from this new study Bible. Having everything together in chronological order really opened up the story of scripture to me. I have made this Bible my new Bible for morning devotions and I'm just loving it! This is not a Bible I would recommend for taking to church but if you want scripture laid out in a concise manner this is for you.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Monday, September 2, 2013

NIV Homeschool Mom's Bible

First of all I love the NIV translation and being a homeschooling mom makes this a GREAT Bible for me. The devotions are written by an experienced homeschool mom, Janet Tatman, and each devotion speaks right to an issue that we homeschool moms face. At the end of each devotion is a prayer that you can use as starting point fr your own prayer regarding the topic of the devotion. This Bible is simple is its layout. There is the Bible text itself and interspersed throughout are the devotions. The devotions are placed on their own page so it doesn't interfere with the Bible text itself. There is no concordance in the back, instead you will find a topical index. So if you are struggling with a particular issue you can quickly find a devotion and scripture that speaks to that topic. There are also some blank note pages included in the back. The copy I received is a hardcover version. The construction and binding seems very durable. The cover is pretty without being what I call "ridiculously feminine." I am very pleased with this Bible and plan to make much use of it throughout our homeschool years.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Friday, June 28, 2013

NKJV New Spirit Filled Life Bible (2013 edition)

I own several study Bibles but this has easily become my favorite. For starters, it's in my favorite translation, The New King James Version. The copy I received is the hardback edition and I don't find this Bible heavy or overly huge like other study Bibles. It feels very comfortable in my hands. The font of the Bible text and study notes is also in a comfortable size font, a very big importance to me since I have very poor eyesight. The study notes included are not distracting and the page layouts feel uncluttered. Another feature I like is the margin size. The margins aren't huge but there is enough room for me to write notes. The paper is different than most standard Bibles. The paper doesn't feel like your standard Bible tissue paper but feels slightly thicker and has more "texture". There is minimal ghosting (see through) on the pages. I wouldn't use a highlighter though cause it will definitely bleed through. I use a dry highlighter and pencil for doing notes. The binding is excellent, it looks to be sewn and the Bible lays flat when open from Genesis to Revelation. I've been taking this Bible with me to church and its working out so nicely that I believe it is becoming my main Bible. The study features of this Bible are excellent and just a wealth of information. You can use the study notes as much or as little as you like but you will not be disappointed in this Bible.


Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Booksneeze.com in exchange for my honest review.