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The 7 Best Study Bibles on Logos.com

Bible_paperLast week, I wrote about the most important factors to consider when choosing a study Bible, and I explained how the Faithlife Study Bible performs in each of them. This is a powerful resource that has something to offer no matter where you are in your faith journey. But you may want to augment your FSB with an additional set of study notes, and there are number of other exceptional study Bibles available for purchase on Logos.com. Here’s a quick rundown of some of them:

ESV Study Bible—One of them most highly regarded study Bibles ever produced, the ESV was the first Bible to be named Christian Book of the Year. J. I. Packer, who chaired the ESV translation team, served as the theological editor for the study Bible. This study tool commands the respect of church leaders from virtually every denomination.

Nelson Study Bible—I’ll admit to a little bias here because I carried Nelson through high school and much of college, but ask anyone who has used it, and they’ll tell you that the Nelson Study Bible is one of the most theologically balanced study Bibles available today. It’s more pastoral than some of the other study Bibles on the list. Its scholarship is delivered in plain English with an emphasis on life application.

Believer’s Study Bible—In many ways, Believer’s is the predecessor of the Nelson Study Bible. Edited by W. A. Criswell, the Believer’s Study Bible reflects the fundamental Baptist tradition that undergirds much of the American church.

Apologetics Study Bible—Rather than offering an exegetical overview and historical background like most study Bibles, the Apologetics Study Bible articulates a compelling reason to believe at every turn. Many of the church’s leading apologists and thinkers—such as Ravi Zacharias, Norman Geisler, and Al Mohler—contributed to this great resource. Inside you’ll find expansive notes—more like essays—that address important questions like, “Is the Bible reliable and true?”

The MacArthur Study Bible—John MacArthur has plenty of critics, but few scholars have studied the Word as extensively as he has. MacArthur famously set aside 30 hours each week for purposed Bible study throughout his 30-year ministry. That amounts to more than 46,000 hours of deliberate Bible study. I think it’s safe to say that we all have something to learn from him.

Women’s Study Bible—In addition to a rich exegetical commentary written by women for women, the Women’s Study Bible also includes portraits of more than 100 women of the Bible. This is a valuable resource for both women and men of faith.

The Scofield Reference Bible—The Geneva Bible is widely regarded as the first-ever study Bible. But the Scofield was the first published in the modern era. It was groundbreaking in several ways. In a practical sense, it was one of the first Bibles to be printed alongside supplemental notes. In a theological sense, it brought dispensationalism into the mainstream. Now more than 100 years old, the Scofield is undoubtedly a classic Bible study tool.

Buy one or more of these study Bibles on Logos.com, and you can enjoy it right away in your FSB app.

Which of these study Bibles do you prefer? Tell us in the comments.

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7 Things the Bible Says about Leadership

Proverbs—one of my favorite books in the Bible—contains wisdom for nearly every facet of human life. Written primarily by the wise King Solomon, Proverbs is best known for its contrasting descriptions of wisdom and foolishness, but it has a lot to say about other subjects as well—leadership, for example. Here are seven things that Solomon tells us about leadership in Proverbs:

  • Sustainability is better than status. (Proverbs 12:9)
  • Wisdom is contagious. (Proverbs 13:20)
  • Productivity is messy. (Proverbs 14:4)
  • The ends do not justify the means. (Proverbs 15:17)
  • Those with great power ought to use it gently. (Proverbs 15:1)
  • To hate learning is to hate yourself. (Proverbs 15:32)
  • Ambition is a great motivator. (Proverbs 16:26)

baker-leadership-collectionProverbs can help us follow Abraham Lincoln’s sage advice: “Whatever you are, be a good one.” (Click to tweet) If God has placed you in a position of leadership, there are a number of resources on Logos.com for you. Tozer on Christian Leadership and the nine-volume Baker Leadership Collection come to mind immediately. Buy both of these resources, and you can enjoy them in your Faithlife Study Bible app today!

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Choosing a Study Bible

Bible_paperOne of the first Bible study tools that many believers acquire is a Bible with added footnotes, cross-references, and explanatory articles—a study Bible. But choosing a study Bible can be difficult. There are dozens to choose from, and many factors affect the helpfulness of a study Bible—including its publication date, size, the makeup of its editorial staff, and of course, the note content.

Here’s your guide to choosing a study Bible.

The size dilemma

Generally the more help included in a study Bible, the more useful it becomes. But as content is added, the book itself grows and the print shrinks. Some modern study Bibles, like the ESV Study Bible, tip the scales at more than five pounds with tiny font throughout. A book that big—no matter how helpful its content—is cumbersome to transport and difficult to read.

When a study Bible becomes digital, however, the size dilemma evaporates. On my phone, even the most massive study Bible becomes pocket sized. That’s the biggest reason our own Faithlife Study Bible can boast about being the largest study Bible in the world. If printed, this book of nearly three million words wouldn’t fit neatly into anything. But the FSB app, which you can download for free from your app store of choice, weighs nothing.

Publication date

Behind physical size, publication date is the second most important factor to consider when choosing a study Bible. While the truths of Scripture never change, our use of English does evolve over time. From the moment a study Bible is released, it begins to slowly fade from relevance. Bible translations and study notes start to feel stuffy as the vocabulary and syntax ages.

For example, The Scofield Reference Bible, published in 1909, was wildly popular through the mid twentieth century. While still a helpful study resource, it’s largely been replaced by more modern alternatives like the Believer’s Study Bible.

While the Faithlife Study Bible was released in 2012, it’s still growing and improving. We just added 58 new articles over the summer, and we plan to release even more. The Faithlife Study Bible will never fade from relevance because it’s constantly being updated with new content.

Editor & staff

Sometimes a study Bible assumes the name of the scholar or Christian leader who most heavily influenced its publication—The MacArthur Study Bible, for example. In other cases, a publishing house will assemble a team of scholars from various traditions to publish a balanced study Bible, like the Nelson Study Bible, or a study Bible with a more focused purpose, like the Apologetics Study Bible. When buying a study Bible, it’s wise to research the editorial team so you can read your study Bible with confidence.

To publish the Faithlife Study Bible, we assembled a team from the most trusted Bible scholars and Christian leaders. Timothy Keller, Randy Alcorn, Ed Stetzer, Lee Strobel, N. T. Wright, and Charles Stanley worked with our scholars in residence to construct the largest and most powerful study Bible ever conceived. You can review the entire editorial team at Faithlife Study Bible at FaithlifeBible.com/Contributors.

Price

While study Bibles can cost up to $75.00 in print, you’ll find them all for much less on Logos.com. And the Faithlife Study Bible, despite its massive size and groundbreaking format, is available for free!

Download the Faithlife Study Bible from your favorite app store today. And if you love it as much as we expect you will, leave us a review and rating so others can enjoy it too.

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Black Friday Deals for Everyone!

FSB-BlackFriday-Vyrso-FNL_r1_c1

The Logos family of brands has exceptional Black Friday deals for everyone across Logos, Vyrso, Proclaim, and Faithlife—check out which ones are best for you.

For students of Scripture

esv-study-bible-notesESV Study Bible Notes

Regularly $39.95—on sale for $29.95

Use the coupon code BLACKFRIDAY2013

Edited by J. I. Packer, these are some of the most universally trusted study notes in the world. More than 80,000 cross-references and over 200 full-color charts make this resource an excellent addition to your Faithlife Study Bible app.

systematic-theology-an-introduction-to-biblical-doctrineSystematic Theology

Regularly $39.95—on sale for $33.95

Use the coupon code BLACKFRIDAY2013

If you’re ready to take the next step in your study of Scripture, a concise, reliable theology resource like this one with strong emphasis on the scriptural basis for each doctrine is a great place to start.

For casual readers

the-insanity-of-god (1)The Insanity of God

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Follow Nik and Ruth Ripken as they embark on a missionary pilgrimage to one of the most dangerous places on earth. Watch as they wrestle with doubt, and God shows himself faithful.

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There will always be a measure of Christianity that defies explanation and must be experienced. Henry Blackaby has spent a lifetime leading others toward a personal encounter with God. In this book, his son Richard joins him on a return to the basics.

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Scripture describes many places that none of us have been able to experience—heaven one of the most important among them. This book departs from the traditionally cold descriptions of heaven you’ll encounter in most theology books, and opts instead to tell stories, moving and dramatic.

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Bestselling author Derek Prince and his wife, Ruth, expound from personal experience and study seven biblical principles for finding a godly mate.

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Not your average couple’s devotional, Songs in the Key of Solomon will invite you and your spouse to read, laugh, think, and pray together.

For pastors & ministry leaders

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Ministry leaders can save when they start or renew their Proclaim and Graceway Media subscriptions this weekend. Prices are so good, they’re only available over the phone! Call a Proclaim specialist (855-715-6467) to get your presentation-software and worship-art subscriptions for the year.

commentary-on-the-new-testament-use-of-the-old-testamentCommentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament

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New Testament authors regularly quote and reference Old Testament passages. D. A. Carson and G. K. Beale led a team of scholars to catalog and comment on each instance, even some of the more subtle allusions. This is a valuable tool for every Bible teacher.

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WikiChurch: Making Discipleship Engaging, Empowering, and Viral

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Steve Murrell, founding pastor of a multisite church in Manila, explains how the ancient practice of disciple making works in a modern context.

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Available until through Cyber Monday, these are some of the best prices you’ll see all year from Logos, Vyrso, and Proclaim. Act now to save big!

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11 Available Translations—$10 Each

Last week, I wrote about how to choose a Bible translation, recommending that you pair a highly precise translation with a highly readable one when you study. This week, I’d like to give you a quick guide to 11 of the modern English translations available on Logos.com, to help you understand the strengths and history of each.

Lexham English Bible (LEB)

The Lexham English Bible, translated right here at Logos, is unique in that the translation decisions are made transparently with notes in your Faithlife Study Bible, explaining why difficult passages were translated the way they are. While this translation represents more than a $10 value, it’s completely free. Download it together with the Faithlife Study Bible.

  • Reading level: 9th gradelexham-english-bible
  • Translation method: transparent hybrid
  • Precision: ★★★★★
  • Readability: ★★★

 

King James Version (KJV)

Originally published in 1611, the KJV has had a profound effect on the English language. The readability of the KJV has faded over time as language evolved.

  • Reading level: 12th grade or abovethe-holy-bible-king-james-version
  • Translation method: verbal equivalence
  • Precision: ★★★
  • Readability: ★

 

New King James Version (NKJV)

A team of 60 scholars and church leaders created a modern-English equivalent of the KJV. Only slight changes were made, making the NKJV less poetic and a little more readable, but equally precise.

  • Reading level: 11th gradethe-new-king-james-version-bible
  • Translation method: update of KJV (verbal equivalence)
  • Precision: ★★★
  • Readability: ★★

 

New American Standard Version (NASB)

The gold standard of precision translations, NASB is perfect for word-by-word study. But it has been criticized as hard to read because it lacks flow.

  • Reading level: 12th gradethe-new-american-standard-bible-1995-update
  • Translation method: verbal equivalence
  • Precision: ★★★★★
  • Readability: ★★

 

English Standard Version (ESV)

Dr. J. I. Packer provided oversight, leading to one of the most universally loved English translations. Dr. Packer called it, “the most important thing that I have ever done for the Kingdom.”

  • Reading level: 11th gradeenglish-standard-version
  • Translation method: update of the RSV (verbal equivalence)
  • Precision: ★★★★
  • Readability: ★★★

 

New International Version (NIV)

The translation committee behind the NIV included members from several English speaking countries for better international acceptance, hence the name. The 2002 update, polarized the church with its use of gender-inclusive language. The most recent update, published in 2011, rolled back many of the controversial changes.

  • Reading level: 8th gradenew-international-version
  • Translation method: hybrid
  • Precision: ★★★
  • Readability: ★★★★

 

New International Reader’s Version (NIrV)

The NIV was modified to help early readers understand the Bible. It uses shorter words and sentences, and it includes more subheadings to break chapters into smaller chunks.

  • Reading level: 4th gradenew-international-readers-version
  • Translation method: hybrid
  • Precision: ★★
  • Readability: ★★★★★

 

New Living Translation (NLT)

Revised from The Living Bible, the translation team used a thought-for-thought methodology (instead of word-for-word). The result is easy to understand but less precise.

  • Reading level: 6th gradethe-new-living-translation
  • Translation method: dynamic equivalence
  • Precision: ★★
  • Readability: ★★★★★

 

The Amplified Bible (AMP)

The translation team delivers synonyms of critical words, often verbs, in parentheticals to draw out an application. I find this approach confusing, but I know many who love it.

  • Reading level: 12th gradethe-amplified-bible
  • Translation method: verbal equivalence
  • Precision: ★
  • Readability: ★★

 

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

A team of 90 scholars, predominantly Southern Baptist, released the HSBC in 2003. While a strong, well-balanced translation, it has been overshadowed by the ESV.

  • Reading level: 8th gradeholman-christian-standard-bible
  • Translation method: hybrid
  • Precision: ★★★★
  • Readability: ★★★

 

The Message

The Message is unique because it is the work of a single scholar, Eugene Peterson, and because it leans heavily toward readability. It has its critics, but The Message has never claimed to be anything other than a paraphrase with a heavy emphasis on readability.

  • Reading level: 6th gradethe-message
  • Translation method: paraphrase
  • Precision: ★
  • Readability: ★★★★★

 

 

 

Add one or more translations to your Faithlife Study Bible for $10.00 each at Logos.com.

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7 Things the Bible Says about Wisdom

Scripture, and Proverbs in particular, offers wisdom about a wide range of subjects, from finance to relationships and everything in between. Some of its most prevalent wisdom, though, is framed around the subject of wisdom itself—what it is, how it acts, and how to get it.

A quick Logos Bible search led me to 106 verses in the book of Proverbs that contained the words “wise” or “wisdom.” Here are seven that jumped out to me:

  • Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. (Proverbs 1:7)
  • It’s foolish to think yourself wise. (Proverbs 3:7)
  • A wise person reads the instructions. (Proverbs 9:9)
  • In an argument, the quieter person is probably the wiser one. (Proverbs 29:9)
  • A wise person doesn’t wear his heart on his sleeve. (Proverbs 29:11)
  • Wisdom is contagious. (Proverbs 13:20)
  • God gives out wisdom generously to anyone who asks for it. (James 1:5)

proverbs-an-expository-commentaryI was first introduced to Proverbs’ pithy text by reading my father’s copy of H. A. Ironside’s commentary. Though Ironside is best known for his preaching ministry, his commentaries remain some of the most distinctly practical ever written.

You can download and enjoy H. A. Ironside’s commentary on Proverbs in your Faithlife Study Bible today!

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How to Choose a Bible Translation

Glasses on Open BibleSince the Bible was originally written in ancient Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic, it must be translated for most of us to read and understand it. In English, we have several options. But how are they different? How do you decide which version to read? Should you have more than one?

Here’s your guide to choosing a Bible translation.

What’s the difference?

Translating from an ancient language is a balancing act between precision and readability. The more strictly a translation holds to the word order of the original, the harder it is to read, and the smoother the translated language, generally the farther it strays from the original wording. Some translations sacrifice readability in favor of an extremely precise translation (like the NASB). Others play loose with the original word order and achieve a very smooth, highly readable final product (like the NLT). Most fill the space between those extremes.

There are four major translation methods:

  • Verbal equivalence—translate with strong preference to use the same word order as the original
  • Dynamic equivalence—translate with freedom to rearrange the order of words in the final product to enhance readability
  • Hybrid—a combined approach in which a committee of scholars decide which method to use in each situation
  • Paraphrase—translate with freedom to rearrange or use different words to express the author’s intent
    (Some scholars argue this method is not even a translation, but something different.)

Do I need more than one?

Yes.

While some teach that highly readable translations are better for children and new believers, it’s wise for everyone to pair a precise translation with a highly readable one, especially when dealing with a more complex passage. The readable one may lead to faster understanding, while the precision can clarify that understanding.

The NASB, a highly precise translation, pairs well with NLT, a smooth reading.

The ESV, a balanced translation with a tendency toward precision, pairs well with NIrV, which prefers readability.

While the Faithlife Study Bible comes free with the LEB, there are many other translations available for $10.00 each on Logos.com. Pick your preferred translations today!

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The Importance of Daily Devotions

daily-treasures-from-the-word-of-godToday we welcome guest bloggers Drs. Nick and Leona Venditti. Authors of Daily Treasures from the Word of God, the Vendittis have been serving together at INSTE Bible College for many years.

“Why daily devotions?” One of the best responses comes from Psalm 1. It sets the tone for the other 149 psalms. The psalmist compares the lives and fruit of the righteous and unrighteous. The key is in the second verse: “but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.”

Let’s ask our text two questions. First, what does the righteous person delight in and meditate on? And second, when does the righteous person delight and meditate? The answer to the first question is the Law. Some think of the Law as a list of dos and don’ts. Others think that Old Testament Law is not applicable because as New Testament believers, we are not under the Law. But these are inaccurate views of this verse. The word “law” (תּוֹרָה tôrāh) can be understood as instruction that comes from God. A Messianic-rabbi friend of ours says the Torah is God’s love letter to humanity. So we can say that it is our daily roadmap in life. The Law shows us what, where, and how to get to the destination God has for us.

When, then, are we to enjoy and reflect on God’s Word? The psalmist answers the question with a word picture. He says we are to do so day and night; in other words, all the time. That’s what Ezra did as we see in Ezra 7:10. When we have our time with God in His word every day, the Holy Spirit that inspires God’s written Word brings it to life in us. That is why we can delight in Him and His Word.

In conclusion, we end with a quote from a daily devotional about the Word of God: “Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure” (Kenneth Osbeck, Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions). Make a daily devotional an important part of your spiritual journey.

The Vendittis’ book, Daily Treasures from the Word of God, is available for free on Logos.com with coupon code NVDEVO all week. Download and enjoy it today on your Faithlife Study Bible app.

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6 Questions to Ask Before Raising Conflict

tin-can-phoneConfrontation is challenging. It’s even more challenging when it’s with someone whose relationship you highly value.  When the time comes to raise a difficult subject, use these six questions to prepare:

1. What is the ultimate goal of bringing up the problem?

What do you want to achieve? Be better understood? Curtail a certain behavior? Improve communication? These are valid reasons. But pointing out a problem without reasonable solution will likely just end with hurt feelings and resentment.

2. What are the potential repercussions of bringing up this problem?

Could bringing up this problem sever the relationship? Could it sever other relationships as well? Are you OK with that happening?

3. Have I logically thought through my reasoning?

When a problem arises, don’t dig into it until you have the chance cool off and evaluate from a less emotional perspective.

What are the most important points to bring up? Are they logical? Do they honor God?

4. Have I thoroughly thought out the rebuttal?

Play devil’s advocate with yourself before addressing the problem out loud. What will the opposing reasons be? Do you agree with any of them? If so, let the person know. It shows humility that you’re actually striving to reach an agreement—not just clinging to your argument (and your pride).

5. What will the setting be when this problem is brought up?

The first priority is to have this problem addressed through voice communication. Dialogue with the other person. In-person conversation is by far the best, but if that isn’t possible, phone or Skype are the only other allowable options. Texting? No. Emailing? No. Too much is lost in translation.

The second priority is to make sure the setting is place where there will be minimal distractions and interruptions. This will not only allow the conversation to flow better, but it will also help keep emotions in check.

6. What kind of tone will I maintain—is it loving?

Remember: “Words that soak into one’s ears are whispered, not yelled.”

When disagreements arise, it’s easy to let tempers flare. Make a pact with yourself that you will not raise your voice, and that you won’t take on sarcastic or undermining tones. Addressing a problem from a platform of love, grace, and empathy will be your most successful approach.

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Faithlife.com serves as the digital home for your faith community. You can organize groups, plan events, and share documents—because we learn best when we learn together. Create an account and get started at Faithlife.com.

 

 

 

 

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7 Things the Bible Says about Fools

Proverbs has a lot to say about wisdom, and it also has a lot to say about foolishness. See if anything on this list surprises you:

  1. A fool starts fights. (Proverbs 18:6)
  2. A fool is easily upset. (Proverbs 12:16)
  3. A fool believes everything he reads. (Proverbs 14:15)
  4. A fool loves to talk, but hates to listen. (Proverbs 18:2)
  5. A fool is fiercely independent. (Proverbs 28:26)
  6. A fool makes light of sin. (Proverbs 10:23)
  7. A fool hates their mama. (Proverbs 15:20)

I can always tell a fool, unless they’re hiding inside me. (Click to tweet) But Scripture—especially Proverbs—has a way of forcing me to confront uncomfortable truths. That’s why James said Scripture is like a mirror (James 1:22–25).

opening-up-proverbs

If you’d like to learn more of what Proverbs has to say, Opening Up Proverbs will help you unlock these life-transforming truths. You can add it to your FSB for just $12.95.

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The Faithlife Study Bible combines a modern English translation, three layers of detailed study notes, and rich multimedia to bring the Scriptures to life in a whole new way. Download it for free from your favorite app store.