The Bible

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As you search for a bible of your own, you will quickly learn there are many different versions of the Bible!  It can be overwhelming at first.  You may just find yourself with multiple Bibles someday! (Nothing wrong with owning more than one Bible!)  Each bible is a different translation from the original.  Some are more accurate in the transcript, and others, well, they are just easier to read.  Below is a small list of a few versions:

King James Version (KJV) - A poetic language, a traditional and historical translation.  Harder to read for most in today's world.

John 3:16: - "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."

New King James Version (NKJV) - Still poetic in nature, with a modernization to a few words and phrases.

John 3:16: - "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

New American Standard Bible (NASB) - Considered the most literal Bible, a word for word translation.

John 3:16: - "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."

English Standard Version (ESV) - This version is more of a literal translation.  Some words are left out.

John 3:16: - "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

New International Version (NIV) - Probably the most popular version at this time. One of the easier Bible translations to read in today's time, and still accurate.

John 3:16: - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Other things to consider when selecting a Bible:

Red Letter Text - Some Bibles have Red Letter text for when Jesus is speaking.  Many people find this helpful when reading the New Testament to know exactly when and what Jesus spoke.

Study Bibles - Some Bibles are Study Bibles!  In front of each Book of the Bible may be a page or few that explain the timeline/characters of that book.  These Bibles can also have subtext or notes to the side for various verses.  These can be anywhere from cross-referencing other books/verses in the Bible for similar content, to definitions, or even just plain explanations of the verse/chapter. 

Devotional Bibles - These Bibles are for daily readings, usually organized into 365 sections for a year's worth of reading.  They are meant to help with day-to-day situations, praying and even just reflection on oneself.  They will incorporate scripture to supplement your day-to-day life.

Journaling Bibles - These type of Bibles have areas where you can write in them and take notes, usually on the same page as the scripture you are reading.

Yes, you can write in your Bible, you can highlight passages (they make specific highlighters for this!).  The Bible is to be respected, it is God's Word.  However, it is YOUR Bible.  Taking notes, highlighting, drawing in it, all these can help with your understanding of it.  It is not a book to be read once, but over and over.  And reflecting on your own notes, years down the road can be meaningful, joyous, sometimes sad and sometimes funny.

SO you can see where owning multiple Bible types can come in handy.  Whatever you choose, I encourage you to never stop looking for another great Bible to own.

The Bible is divided into two sections, the Old Testament and the New Testament.  The Old Testament is Before Christ (hence the BC acronym), and the New Testament is of Jesus' life, his death, and After Death (AD). 

Both books are equally important!  However some people/churches only discuss/preach the New Testament.  They believe that this is now the only relevant section of the Bible, but this is incorrect.  Jesus spoke and taught from the Old Testament.  The rules and laws of the Old Testament are still valid today.  Another way to think of it, Jesus "completed" the bible, so the New Testament is the completed version of the entire Bible.  Matthew 5:17-18, "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled."

Much like going to school, kids complete elementary school, then continue on to middle or Jr high, then high school, and then college.  And what you learned in elementary school is not forgotten or no longer valid anymore.  Why would the Bible be any different?