Book Review: NKJV Apply the Word Study Bible, Thomas Nelson Publishers

Those who know me are aware that I love Study Bibles. When I do my daily Bible reading I like to challenge my mind further by reading notes and taking time to learn from the scripture. To that end, when another opportunity arose to review a Study Bible, I jumped at it. The Apply the Word Study Bible is much simpler than what I am used to in a Study Bible, and I would recommend it more to those who don’t want something too in-depth but still want a framework to apply the Bible to their lives and need some help focusing on certain aspects of the text.

Format, Layout and  Content

The Biblical text is presented in paragraph form as opposed to verse form, and the notes are in the form of articles instead of annotations. Some of the articles focus on a theme, some a geographical area, and some study the meaning behind a name. Many of the articles end with questions to get the reader to think about applying the lessons in the Bible to their everyday life (thus, Apply the Word). The Biblical text is fairly uninterrupted and the pages are not so busy that the text is lost. There are no center references, which cleans up the page and makes for easier reading. However, those who were hoping for those cross references might be disappointed. The Bible is hardback and thread bound with full-color pages and words of Christ in red.

Review of Content

I was personally a little disappointed in the lack of annotations, but I did find the Bible great for focusing on the text with some occasional extra reading. As I said before I would recommend the Bible more for someone not ready for an in-depth study just yet. I do find this Bible to be appropriate for everyday use though, or to take to Church. I enjoyed the historical background given in many of the articles, and as long as I don’t approach it like I would most Study Bibles I find the content to be informative and helpful.

I recommend the Apply the Word Study Bible to those looking for more than a pew Bible but not quite wanting the in-depth annotations typical of most Study Bibles. Of course, those looking for concrete ways to apply the Bible to their daily life will be happy with it as well! Especially considering that seems to be a major selling point of this Bible!

I received this book for free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions and thoughts I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Book Review: Exploring Christian Theology, Volume II: Creation, Fall, and Salvation by Nathan D. Holsteen and Michael J. Svigel, General Editors

Exploring Christian Theology, Volume Two continues to look at areas of Theology, focusing on creation and the fall, and Salvation. Part One focuses on creation, humanity, and the fall. Part Two turns things around a bit to focus of salvation. Both parts also give facts and principles with Biblical support and go into various pitfalls to avoid when studying these doctrines.

After having read Volume One, I knew a little of what to expect as far as the approach this book would take. I was able to get into this one a little more quickly, as it’s not exactly easy reading. Part One is very convicting of course, as it should be since it is talking about sin. It’s impossible to get through without examining your own life. Part Two focuses on salvation, a much needed reprise after reading about the fall! All credit is given to God for the redeeming work He performed on the cross! Each part ended with an extensive list of reading selections with descriptions for those looking to study further.

I appreciated reading Exploring Christian Theology, Volume Two, as it furthered my self-study of Theology without getting too difficult. I look forward to reading Volume Three, and so far can say I recommend the first two volumes for those looking to enhance their knowledge or references on topics in Theology.

I received this book for free from the publisher through the BethanyHouse Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions and thoughts I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255