The Return

Review: NIV Proclamation Bible: Correctly Handling the Word of Truth Zondervan 2013 Another version of the NIV?   Wow!   Not sure about the why’s, but this one is different as far as the extra-biblical features are concerned.   The text of the biblical portions is the NIV 2011, and I will not comment on that leaving the language experts to their jobs.   The format is dual column, paragraph form with verse numbering, and center column cross references.   The main text font that looks to be in the neighborhood of a 12 point.   My eyes thank the publishers for that.   The copy I have is hardbound and lays flat and has two ribbon markers.   There’s a concordance and color maps included.    The study information included with this version is a group of articles at the beginning that pertain to good Bible study methods such as a biblical overview, how to study without distorting the meaning and context, and even theology. ...

Review: NIV Once-a-Day Bible for Women Zondervan and Walk Thru the Bible 2011 As the date indicates this is not a new version of the NIV Bible, but a new edition.   This product has been arranged into a read plan that includes a portion of the Old Testament, New Testament, and a Psalm or Proverb.   Most of us have seen similar plans.   The nice part of this one is that you do not have to keep checking a list for the next segment.   Or have a series of bookmarks or however you may have marked the readings for this plan.   One set of readings follows the other and may be started at any time since the days are numbered and not dated.    What makes it for women besides the pretty pink cover?   Each day has a reflection that focuses on an item of interest to women from the daily reading.   For instance a reflection I read today spoke to the worth of women as portrayed in the Bible and in this case Paul, himself.    I...

This NIV Bible version contains notes written by Stephen Arterburn and David Stoop. Arterburn hosts a Christian counseling program and Stoop is a licensed clinical psychologist and appears as a co-host on the Arterburn program from time to time.   Together the publisher has compiled several helpful features for the reader follow in seeking spiritual renewal.   My comments will address those items only and leave the Biblical text commentary to the experts.    The introductory section suggests starting with the Spiritual Keys Devotional Reading Plan (xv) which, to me, resembles a twelve step approach that use seven stages rather than the usual number.   Each Key provides two weeks of devotionals prompted by an accompanying Bible reading. The reading that follows is noted and leads to the next.   Both the Old and New Testaments are considered within each of the seven keys.   A serious reader can benefit from following this track.   That is n...