What this blog is about and what I hope it does...

I hope this will be a simple fun tool for us to grow in our understanding and surrender to God through the Bible as we connect over the web. Reading the Bible is both simple and difficult. What could be easier than opening a book and reading? Yet we've all done that and wondered what sections of the Bible mean? What's with the book of Leviticus? What is Revelation really about? Is the Song of Songs about marital love or is it supposed to be more 'spiritual' than that?

So, my intent is for this blog to be a tool that helps us in our faith. A forum for better understanding. An honest place of sharing that nurtures us as we follow Jesus together.

(There are a few resources I have included under "PAGES" that may be a helpful start, especially to those newer to reading the Bible. It's located just below this and to the right. Also included is a READING OUTLINE. If you miss a day, go on to the next rather than trying to catch up.)

ONE LAST NOTE: you don't have to join or set up an account to share comments. Just click 'comment' at the bottom of a post, click the drop down and click 'anonymous.' Then write your post and if you want sign it with your first name and finish by clicking 'Post comment.' I would love to hear your thoughts.

Bible Translations

Recommendations for Bible Translations: I often get asked what translation of the Bible I would recommend…my response is always, “It depends.” It depends on whether you want a Bible for reading or for study. For reading, I suggest the following three:


(1) The New Living Translation (NLT). An all-around good translation. Accurate, up-to-date and easy to read.

(2) The Message by Eugene Peterson – this is a translation (not a paraphrase like The Living Bible). The language is contemporary (almost to the point of being trendy) and very, very different than you might expect if you have ever spent time reading the Bible. It’s geared to be very easy to understand. Great for reading larger portions of scripture.

(3) The New International Version (NIV). This is what we have for pew Bibles at Bergen UMC. This has been one of the most popular version for years. Accurate and easy to read.

If your looking for a Bible translation for study, I would recommend the following:

(1) New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) – a nice combination of accuracy and readability. The United Methodist Church has endorsed this translation.

(2) New American Standard Bible (NASB) – not very easy to read, but sticks very close to the original language even in word order.

(3) New Jerusalem Bible (NJB)

In addition to ‘versions,’ there are also a number of different kinds of Bibles (devotional Bibles, study Bibles, reference Bibles). Here, you need to be pretty careful about what you get. Many of them are either filled with fluff, or lean very much in a specific theological tradition. I would recommend the following:

Study Bibles:

(1) HarperCollins Study Bible – only in New Revised Standard Version (NRSV). My first recommendation.

(2) New Interpreter’s Study Bible – only in New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

(3) Oxford Annotated Study Bible

These three Bibles focus on background and interpretation issues rather than sermon or devotional type notes and comments. They require a little more effort and attention to use but can be very helpful.

Devotional Bibles:

(1) Life Application Study Bible: though this is marketed as a ‘study Bible,’ and includes a ton of notes and comments, in reality it is more of a devotional Bible. You can purchase this in a variety of translations.

(2) NIV Study Bible: very similar to the Life Application Bible…only comes in the NIV translation...obviously.

Whatever Bible you choose, make sure it is readable and understandable, to you. Stick to translations, and not paraphrases, especially for study. I would encourage you to jot notes, underline, circle etc. to make the Bible uniquely yours, and most helpful for you.
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