Unique men's Bible: The Christian Standard Bible® He Reads Truth Bible from Holman Bibles at Lifeway.com [Review & Giveaway]

As Valentine's Day approaches, you may be pondering an appropriate gift for the man in your life. A husband. A boyfriend. Father. Son. Son-in-law. What a grand opportunity to share God's Word with a Bible especially crafted to help men study God's Word!

💝 💝 💝 💝

About the CSB He Reads Truth Men's Bible: This is a unique men's Bible that includes robust, well-crafted theological extras to draw the reader back to Scripture, increase biblical literacy, and foster a growing affection for God and His Word. This Bible is color-coded by genre, and each book of the Bible features detailed book introductions, a reading plan with supplemental passages for deeper understanding, and full-color maps, charts, and timelines by the He Reads Truth team. In addition, the He Reads Truth Bible features 66 key verses, artfully lettered to aid in Scripture memorization. This Bible for men invites every man to count himself as part of the He Reads Truth community of “Men in the Word of God every day.”

The He Reads Truth Bible offers a rare combination of creativity and insight into Scripture for men to explore the beauty, goodness, and truth of God's Word. The result is that whether looking to pair this Bible for men with existing daily devotions or using it as an anchor resource to teach a class, the CSB He Reads Truth Bible could be the perfect option.

Features include 66 hand-lettered key verses, 17 full-color timelines, 21 maps, 122 charts (including infographics and lists), and 4 illustrations, reading plans for every book of the Bible, one-year Bible reading plan, detailed book introductions, key verse list, smyth-sewn binding, two-colored ribbon markers, and wide margins for journaling and note-taking.

The He Reads Truth Bible features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible® (CSB). The CSB stays as literal as possible to the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture’s life-transforming message and to share it with others.

My thoughts on this edition (click here to find it): I have a copy of the Evergreen Cloth Over Board edition, ISBN: 9781535935036, which has a strong binding that facilitates the flat layout of the book in one's hands or desktop. This is a hefty, quite heavy, Bible that makes it more effective to use at a desk than a "take to church" Bible. The pages have very wide margins that facilitate personal notations.

The paper is quite thin as is the case in many Bibles. This paper is such that the type or imagery on one side bleeds through to the other side. This is annoying and troublesome when reading. The type face is quite small, too, which for many would create difficulty in reading for any length of time.

As can be seen from the two images below, the study aids "The Book of Nehemiah and the Life of Jesus" and "Read and Study John" provide gems of information to aid in one's study of Scripture. This is typical of the types of aids one can find in the CSB He Reads Truth Men's Bible.

But then you can also see the extent of bleed through or shadowing from reverse pages and the difficulty they might pose.

As can be seen on the Lifeway.com page for the CSB (Christian Study Bible) He Reads Truth Men's Bible, there are a variety of bindings, colors, etc. that can be selected. God's Word is always a 5-Star product and even with some points not being to my personal liking this copy is His Word and will provide guidance, comfort, leading for a man who chooses to read truth as presented in God's Word.

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February 4-March 1 on
ANY "CSB He Reads Truth Bible" at Lifeway.com

GIVEAWAY
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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of this Bible to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine alone. I do not purport to be an authority on Bibles and my review is to promote the use of God's Word and comment on the way it is presented in physically in this publication. Prize is provided by Blessed Freebies, publicist, or publisher and shipped directly to the winner that they choose. #HeReadsTruth #Lifeway

Tony Evans Study Bible from Holman Publishing [Review & Giveaway - Ends Dec. 10)

I am honored to review the Tony Evans Study Bible. This is a beautifully crafted Bible from reputable Holman publishing house. The theme (if one can title it such) of this edition is "Advancing God's Kingdom Agenda."

A Perfect Christmas Gift for Someone Special in Your Life!

My personal thoughts: The first "study Bible" I can recall is the one my father used and later passed on to me. It was the Scofield Reference Bible which was published in the King James Version and held notes by Dr. Scofield, eminent orator and preacher, indexed to the verses.. I loved that Bible and the insightful notes. That came out around 1916 or so and in the 1950s was still the "go to" study Bible. I have my own newer copy of this same "Old Scofield Bible" but a couple of other study Bibles as well.

It is interesting to see the way publishers are gearing their Bible printing with study helps to various audiences - boys, girls, children, teens, women, men. That is good, but it is also good to have a Bible that is appropriate for any and all.

Several years ago I began to hear the name "Tony Evans" dropped as a preacher that was worth listening to. He was making a difference. I heard one sermon by him on YouTube upon recommendation of a relative. I was quite impressed, although my being impressed was not what was important. What was important was his adherence to the Word of God, his clear and concise delivery, and the influence he had on his listeners.

The Tony Evans Study Bible is in the Christian Standard Bible version which is fast becoming a standard in Baptist churches. I'm still partial to the King James, but do see the value in this newer version. In this new study Bible, there are features you'll see in most study Bibles -- concordance, maps, etc. There are also articles by Tony Evans, devotionals, a harmony of the Gospels, etc. So much to use to glean nuggets of gold more readily from the richness of God's Word.

Beautifully bound in leathertouch and with thin, paper the feel of this Bible in your hands is that of quality and perfection. Black and Brown Leathertouch cover is soft and flexible. The Bible has a "hefty" feel but is comfortable in my hands.

There are modern, technological links in the print version and you can use the QReader on your mobile to access short comments. Example: The QReader for the Introduction to the Book of Exodus is just over 4 minutes in length where Tony Evans gives a visual intro to that Book of the Old Testament.

NOTE: QReader to scan
for video comments

About the Tony Evans Study Bible: 
The Tony Evans Study Bible, which includes extensive study notes and other ancillary resources to assist in both men’s and women’s Bible study that are carefully crafted and curated by Dr. Tony Evans as General Editor and adapted from his sermons, teachings, and writings. These features are strategically placed alongside the biblical text to explain God’s Word in a fresh way. Applying these truths will empower readers to have transformed lives and transfer the values of the kingdom of God to others.

Features include:

•  Elegant design
•  Study notes crafted from Tony Evans sermons and writings
• 40 inspirational articles
• 50 “Lessons on Kingdom Living”
• Plethora of “Questions & Answers”
• Numerous "Hope Words”
• Over 150 videos of sermons
• Devotionals, and teaching from Dr. Evans, page-edge cross-reference system
• Black-letter text
• Presentation page and introductory front matter
• Special back matter section with key definitions
• Theological and doctrinal charts, and other study helps
• Concordance
• Bible reading plan
• Full-color maps 

ENTER GIVEAWAY - CLICK HERE Simple to enter - name, email ENDS 12/10/19

PURCHASE IT - AND IT'S ON SALE RIGHT NOW - CLICK HERE

Places to learn more.....

Tony Evans Website:  https://csbtonyevansstudybible.com/
Tony Evans Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drtonyevans/
Tony Evans Twitter: https://twitter.com/drtonyevans
Tony Evans Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtonyevans/

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy from the publisher or its representative to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine alone, and are freely given.

Worldview Study Bible - CSB Version from Holman Bibles [Bible Review]

NOTE: It would take a Biblical scholar to truly evaluate the content of a version of the Bible verse by verse and also to evaluate the study notes included with said version. I do not purport to have such qualifications.

BIBLES/Christian Standard Bible/Reference
ISBN: 9781433604348
Navy Leather touch©
$69.99 USD

My thoughts: Study Bibles have basically two portions.... 1) The Biblical text or "The Bible," and 2) The study aids including cross referenced Bible verses, essays, commentary on specific subjects or verses, and maps. The most important of the two is the Biblical text or holy scriptures. While I prefer the King James Version, I understand today's readers often prefer a version such as the Christian Standard Version of the Bible for its readability. Scholars conclude that the CSB stays true to the original. I leave that interpretation and evaluation to scholars.

This is a beautifully appointed bible that has a soft leather-touch cover with great flexibility. The print is pretty standard in size though some might wish for larger typeset. I don't care for the comments sections that have grey background and smaller text. This presents a hardship when reading. I would opt to remove the grey background. For a modern version, the CSB is probably top ranked. The wealth of essays included present a variety of topics that are great for reading, referencing, and formulating a Christian Worldview.

Review by my son:

Pros:

• CSB Translation is very readable.  Flows well.  
• CSB Translation and publishing company are very reliable and true to scripture.
• Maps are in color and easy to understand. 
• I like how verses are separated by the paragraph or by train of thought.  
• The New Testament has each portion of a chapter titled or headed by subject. (See Matthew chapter 6 for example)
• The world view notes are excellent for studying different world views held up against God’s word.

Cons:

• I wish this edition had red lettering for the words of Christ.
• The map with Paul's missionary journeys has two colors that are so similar that it is difficult to distinguish between them.
• I wish the typeset was slightly larger.  This Bible reviewed is of the standard font edition, and it is difficult to read if you are beyond middle age.

Conclusion: Overall I am excited to receive this Bible and will cherish it.

Version

The Christian Standard Bible Worldview Study Bible is first and foremost a Christian Bible including all 66 books of the Bible - Old Testament and New Testament. The version is Christian Standard  which "features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible (CSB). The CSB stays as literal as possible to the Bible's original meaning without sacrificing clarity making it easier to engage with Scripture's life-transforming message and to share it with other." (from the promotional material of this Bible)

What is the "Worldview Study Bible"?

Verse commentaries help understand and interpret meaning (at bottom of pages with greyed background).
Center column references direct readers to other similar or associated portions of the Bible.

My thoughts: First of all one must understand what a "worldview" is and specifically what a "Christian worldview" is. A worldview is the basis by which one interprets each and every event and action that happens in the world or the method by which one makes decisions about how one will live their life. A Christian Worldview entails a person's looking at events and actions in the world from a Christian perspective and making his or her decisions about life and how they react to events and actions from a Biblical viewpoint.

From the product: The CSB Worldview Study Bible features extensive worldview study notes and articles by notable Christian scholars to help Christians better understand the grand narrative and flow of Scripture within the biblical framework from which we are called to view reality and make sense of life and the world. Guided by general editors David S. Dockery and Trevin K. Wax, this Bible is an invaluable resource and study tool that will help you to discuss, defend, and clearly share with others the truth, hope, and practical compatibility of Christianity in everyday life.

Study aids or materials (not actual Scriptural text) are included in this edition of the CSB Worldview Study Bible 

Hefty Bible but nice and flexible

• Extensive worldview study notes
• Over 130 articles by notable Christian scholars
• Center-column references
• Smyth-sewn binding
• Presentation page
• Two ribbon markers

My thoughts about the Bible's layout of notes and study helps. 

The extensive study aids, essays, etc. are no doubt quite valuable and would benefit new believers as well as those established in their faith. For a study Bible this would be highly beneficial. 

Some well-known verses comparing CSB and KJV (borrowed from https://www.eden.co.uk/blog/csb-side-by-side-comparison-p128899)

John 3:16

[CSB] “For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

[KJV] “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Jerehmiah 29:11

[CSB] “For I know the plans I have for you” ?— ?this is the Lord’s declaration ?— ?“plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

[KJV] “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

Psalm 23:1-2

[CSB] “The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need. He lets me lie down in green pastures”

[KJV] “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures”

Romans 12:12

[CSB] “Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.”

[KJV] “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;”

Genesis 1:1

[CSB] “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

[KJV] “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”

Find it on Lifeway - click here

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy of this CSB Worldview Study Bible was provided by the BH Blogger Review Program on behalf of Holman Bibles/BH/Lifeway to facilitate this review. Opinions expressed are mine and my son's and are freely given. 

NKJV Precious Moments® Precious Prayers Bible published by Thomas Nelson

ISBN13: 9780718090647
NKJV Precious Prayers Bible

I raised my children with a standard King James Bible and yet today the thinking is that the KJV is too hard for anyone to understand, especially children. The New King James Version is a somewhat updated (today's English) version of the KJV.

In the Precious Moments® Precious Prayers NKJV Bible, the publisher has the entire text of the Bible, study aids, and included colorful pages of classic poetic prayers for the young child. The artistic theme is that of the Precious Moments® category and brand. It is lovely. It is age appropriate. The prayers are worth reading and memorizing and will guide a child's thoughts toward God and belief in Him.

The Bible text itself is one that the young child (with parental guidance for respect and careful handling) can use throughout his or her childhood. The text size is 9.5 which is pretty good for reading. The pages of the Biblical text are, however, very thin and the text on the reverse side somewhat visible. This is a concern.

I personally prefer that the King James or the New King James versions be used rather than a "watered down" children's version to teach the young child God's Word. Bible "storybooks" that water down the actual text are great and serve a wonderful purpose. But when we teach a child to love, honor, and respect God's Word, let's give the child a true copy of God's Word. That, I believe, is the purpose of this NKJV Precious Moments® Precious Prayers Bible.

Please note in the product information below that this is a full-text Bible with eight pages for the child's personalized special moments, and 64 full color pages of classic  children's prayers. Also, there is extra material about how the Bible came to us, how to begin reading the Bible, getting to know God, maps, and much more.

Some prayers included are.....

Lord, teach this little child to pray,

And now accept my prayer;

Thou hearest every word I say,

For Thou art everywhere.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay

Close by me forever, and love me, I pray;

Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care,

And fit us for heaven to live with Thee there.

Book information:  Young children will delight in the pages of NKJV Precious Prayers, a Precious Moments® Bible. Full of the beloved Precious Moments® artwork and dozens of pages of full-color bonus material, this classic Bible will be a family treasure for years to come.

Written in the trustworthy New King James Version, this full-text Bible includes a special eight-page personalization area to record each child’s very own precious moments and events. Sixty-four color pages of classic children’s prayers are spread throughout NKJV Precious Moments® Precious Prayers, including themes of thanks, prayers of praise, prayers for school, for mealtime, for bedtime, for family, and so much more.

Young children will learn and embrace these prayers that will become lifetime favorites. Write down your little one’s prayers on full-color pages, creating a beautiful way to forever capture the innocence of their early faith journey! Featuring adorable Precious Moments® characters, this beautiful plush padded Bible with soft, eye-catching embellishments will be a treasured keepsake in any child’s library.

Children will be drawn to the soft, inviting illustrations, and parents will enjoy teaching the heartfelt prayers and the scriptures from the trustworthy New King James Version®.

Since 1978, Precious Moments has grown into an evergreen brand recognized worldwide, with more than 13 million books and Bibles sold. It is one of the most recognized and beloved licenses on the market today.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from BookLook Review Program on behalf of the publisher, Thomas Nelson, to facilitate a review of my own opinions. I was not compensated.