ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Hey there everyone!
When someone mentions Bible study, I have to admit that I don't jump up and down in excitement. When I hear Bible study, I relate it to work.
Do you have a similar thought or feeling?
Why do you think we feel this way?
In my case, I think it began when I was a child. I sometimes read books when I was little, but it was mostly required reading for school and when I did read the Bible it was only at church or when I was in trouble and I wanted to appear like a good boy who couldn't have possibly broken the neighbor's window with a baseball.
When I had to read the Bible, I didn't know how to. When I read it, I always started at page 1 like you do when you read a book. But, later I discovered that to read the Bible as you would a regular book, it can be very hard to follow which makes it discouraging.
Have a listen to this episode to gain a better understanding of how to Enjoy the Bible!
As I mentioned in the show, here are some Study Bible's that I have researched and can recommend. Also, please be aware that a Journey with Jesus takes part in affiliate programs, however, I would never recommend something that I don't believe in.
In evaluating these study Bibles, I used these requirements:
1.) Clear and easy to follow.
2.) Something to make it personal to me (stories, feedback, pictures, questions)
3.) No fillers (unnecessary information to make the Bible bigger)
Every Man's Bible: New Living Translation This is the Bible that I am personally using now. I really value its insights into daily life and relationships. It also has a lot of value when it comes to ease of reading.
The Bible in 52 Weeks: A Yearlong Bible Study for Women This Bible I don't have any personal experience with, however, I did spend time going through it and really liked how organized and well planned out it is. I especially saw a lot of value in the Action and Contemplation sections where you can really reflect on what you have read.
CSB Tony Evans Study Bible Tony Evans is by far my most favorite spiritual leader. I really appreciate his messages and how he can move me with his passion. I chose to share this study Bible with you because it also includes his perspective and it helped me to clarify some passages. The Bible is BIG so it may be a little much for some people.
CSB Essential Teen Study Bible Every teen needs a good Bible and this one is definitely that! This Bible is great for any teen because it explains the stories and lessons in easy to understand messages. The design will also suit your teen's style (maybe a little more boyish though). I looked through this Bible and found it to be pretty entertaining, especially the modern-day pictures that helped to take the story and bring it to reality.
The Bible Made Easy - for Kids I am usually skeptical when it comes to younger children's Bibles. In my opinion, I think things are made a little too silly and it can distort the child's perspective on the messages that we want to be conveyed. With that in mind, I thought this Bible did a pretty good job without getting carried away. The messages are simplified and there are many pictures, but as I read through I felt they were a good guide to help connect the message with understanding.
The NIV, Action Study Bible The cover of this Bible put me off at first and I almost didn't pick it up because I didn't want to recommend a comic book. However, when I looked inside I thought it was a good balance of message and images. I still would prefer the Bible Made Easy, but as an alternative, this might be more interesting to your children.
