Considering the Gospel Story Bible

I haven’t done many ‘commercials’ as of late. But sometimes you need to let people know about something. This may be one of those times.

My kids love the Jesus Storybook Bible. I do too. But my daughter is getting a bit old. Don’t tell her but she’ll probably get an NIV for Christmas (Bible Study Fellowship still uses the NIV, though that may change soon since the 1984 is being removed from their catalog). But I don’t see her just sitting down and reading through an “adult” Bible yet.

The Gospel Story Bible looks like a great transitional Bible for my young  reader. It has far more stories in it, so it deals with more of the biblical history. But each story is covered in 2 pages and includes a few questions. This can help young readers understand the flow of the Bible and maintain a focus on the Gospel. That’s a good thing, because it is easy for us to lose sight of the gospel in the details.

With a great sale price at WTS Books for the next few days, I’ll be buying a copy. If you have kids, you may want to get one or two as well.

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Considering the NIV 2011

A few weeks ago the on line Bible I often use unceremoniously switched from the NIV (1984) to the revised 2011 version as their default English Bible.  They since added notification, and have the older version(s) of the NIV available [note, I have an update at the end of the post].

I “grew up” on the NIV as a young Christian.  I use a variety of translations for my personal devotions, but have consistently preached from the NIV except when using my own rough translation.  Like many people, I did not approve of the earlier attempt to make the NIV gender inclusive.  There were times when they used inclusive language when they should not have used it.  While translating “brothers” as “brothers and sisters” is no big deal, there were some instances I consider a big deal in light of the context- historical & cultural.

So, I wonder what they new, updated NIV 2011 does with some of those very important texts.  Looking at the Big Picture, John Dyer has put out a graph.  It is helpful to see an overall consistency.  But the problem of particular texts remains.  We must examine the trees to see how healthy the forest really is. Dyer and Robert Slowley have ALL the changes.  Here are some I find important with regard to complementarianism.

Passage	1984	tNIV	2011
John 1:5	5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.	5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.	5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Romans 8	13 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, 14 because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. … 19 The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed.	13 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. 14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. …19 The creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.	13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. 14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. … 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.
	9 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.	29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.	29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
Ephesians 1	In love 5 he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—	In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—	In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will…
1 Timothy 2	11 A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent.	11 A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.	11 A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.

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Considering the Spirit of the Reformation Study Bible

Oh, happy day it is.  I learned from WTS Books that The Spirit of the Reformation Study Bible is available again (hardcover, genuine leather, sample pages). 

This is my favorite Study Bible.  It uses my preferred translation (the NIV).  It provides a good balance between accuracy and read-ability.  The General Editor is one of my former professors- Dr. Richard Pratt.  The study notes are extensive, and come from the Reformed Heritage.  The ESV Study Bible which came out in 2008 has a leg up when it comes to charts and maps.  But I think this Study Bible has a leg up  regarding the translation (I know some will disagree) and consistency of theological approach.  This is the Study Bible I recommend.

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Considering the ESV Study Bible’s Release

The ESV Study Bible is now available for purchase.  I’m a bit behind on this and WTS Books is already backlogged with orders.

• Hardcover
• TruTone Natural Brown
• TruTone Classic Black
• Black Genuine Leather

There are more available as well.  It looks like a great study Bible, though I often find the translation a bit archaic (as I’ve noted before.  It think the appealing thing is the great notes that don’t seem to come from one particular theological perspective.  For those wanting a good study Bible from a Reformed perspective try:

• The Reformation Study Bible (formerly The New Geneva Study Bible) which is in ESV as well.
• The Spirit of the Reformation Study Bible (NIV) which WTS Books doesn’t seem to carry.  I own a copy and it is a great study Bible.

One thing that concerns me is the seemingly inordinate desire I’ve noticed on other blogs regarding the ESV Study Bible.  You’d think no other good study Bibles have existed.  A tad disconcerting, but maybe I’m being overly sensitive or cynical.

Update: I spent time today looking at the “pulpit” edition.  It was certainly impressive.  The color maps were where you want them, in the proper text of Scripture.  And there were plenty of them.  It had a single column of text, which I love, with cross references in the margin.  They did a great job with the “study bible”, I am just not as sold on the translation (yes, I have read the ESV cover to cover twice).  I value readability for the masses, so I like dynamic equivilance more than formal equivilance.  But that’s just me, and how I understand the WCF, chapter 1.

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