Before I go: New 3 week FREE Bible Study

Pre-registration for Sarah Koontz' Fall Bible Study is now open and I could not be more excited! 

I was able to review the study early, and it is awesome. For me, it reads like an in-depth devotional. However, I've always been one of those meat and potatoes type of girls. It definitely reignited my love for John 14. So this is good for getting in some focused reading when I only have 10-15 minutes to spare. Something to remember is that while John is one with the Gospels, it differs from the other gospels in that John seeks to get his audience to see Jesus as one who loves us infinitely. There are some teachings of Jesus you find in John that you can't quite get the same anywhere else in the Gospels and THAT is one of the many things that Sarah focuses on in this study. This study focuses specifically on John 14-17.

Here are 5 things you need-to-know about the #JesusBeforeIGo study:

▪        It's a FREE email-based online Bible study.

▪        It is a 21-Day study with two rest days per week.

▪        It takes just 15 minutes per day to complete.

▪        It is full of powerful truths and practical takeaways.

▪        It will help you get to know Jesus Christ better and authentically share your faith with others.

The study starts on October 15, but you'll want to pre-register today! Everyone who signs up early will be entered for a chance to win a beautiful handpainted Bible from Wheat and Honey Co. Visit LivingbyDesign.org/Jesus for all the info & to sign up. 

The Woman's Study Bible NIV

Sounds like I am reviewing the same bible again, right?

Well, I am and I am not. 

 (Left is NKJV and Right is NIV)

Technically the same book yet a different translation. I was really looking forward to doing this for the comparison. See this bible is the exact same as this one. Same publisher, same editors. Same nice sized concordance and index as well. Same maps in the back (could be a few more maps but I can always Google for more).

So I wanted to see if there would be any difference between two and what I've found is that the section headers are different. For example Genesis 1: (NIV) The fall (more simple) and (NKJV) The temptation and fall of man (more in-depth). 

 (Left is NKJV, Right is NIV. Also you can see that the footnotes are actually fairly generous.)

All of the charts are identical, the design is nearly identical except where one is pink the other is blue. I attribute that as well to one being mere hardback and the other cloth over board. Both are equally beautiful. Equal in size. They have identical footnotes, quotes, book introductions, and articles. Both are also red letter Bibles (Jesus' words are in red letters). 

{The preface to each bible is different as well, which can be expected.}

Another thing I looked for was translation manuscript differences. If you ever researched what was the difference in translations, it often comes down to the manuscript used and if the translation is word for word or thought for thought or paraphrase (i.e. the Message Bible translation). NKJV falls between being a word for word and a thought for thought translations whereas NIV falls as a true thought for thought translation.

In Mark 7:24, NKJV says Tyre and Sidon whereas NIV says merely Sidon with a footnote that early manuscripts say Tyre and Sidon. So I noticed that the editors of this Bible want to make sure that readers have access to what the manuscripts that they used but also to know that there may be some discrepancies.

Another difference in translations is Mark 7:6-7. 

 (Top is NIV, bottom is NKJV)

I think these are really nice study bibles. And a preference of translation I think is more of a personal choice than to say one is better than the other. Some people may feel one is better for them than the other. And the goal is to get into God's Word. Now granted I generally stay away from the paraphrase Bibles. We do have a couple NIrV Bibles since they are created with children in mind and make it easier for our littles to grasp the Word.

I do recommend this as a Woman's study Bible. As the quotes and articles are unparalleled and are often the encouragement we as women could use. Plus its absolutely beautiful. Who doesn't like a beautiful study Bible? The footnotes are fairly generous (although not as extensive as a Life Application Bible) and the font is readable, even without my glasses (much better than my Life Application Bible). 

I plan to use this one a bit more as I am more comfortable studying from the NIV than the NKJV and I could definitely use the encouragement that it offers.  There are many articles on marriage and family life. As a wife and mom, there's always room for improvement.


{FYI: I received this Bible from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.}

Woman's Study Bible

One of my favorite types of books to review are bibles.

Why?

Because the content generally does not change although the delivery and add-ons do.

Most bibles I have are generally unisex bibles, that can be used by either myself or my husband. However, this one I have been using lately is engineered specifically for women. The notes and articles and commentary are geared towards women and helping us in our daily walk with God.

(What the outside looks like)

(What the edges of the pages look like)

Not only that but it is absolutely beautiful. It is cloth over-board so it has the feel of a beautiful cloth hardback. Jesus' words are in red, so they are easily identifiable. And best of all, the print is large enough for me read without my glasses. There are colorful maps throughout the Bible (not just in the back). It is literally one of the most beautiful Bibles I've ever owned.

I also love that while it is a study bible, it does not go overboard with the footnotes/commentary. There was a time when I wanted MANY notes in my everyday bible. And that's where my Life Application Bible came handy but now I am getting to the point where I want some notes just not nearly a half page worth and this Bible gives me that. I want to be able to make my own notes on what I read and allow the Bible be its own commentary through references.

( A little snippet of one of the many quotes throughout this Bible.)