A Physical for the Christian Soul

One is a comprehensive study bible. The other is a book about theology.

With scores of study bibles in the marketplace these days, it can get a little overwhelming when choosing one. So how do you go about it?

1) Choose one with a reliable translation. ESV, NKJV, NASB, and the NIV are solid translations.  Each of them have their strengths and weakness as they attempt to portray God's Word as closely as they can from the orginal languages.

2) Choose one with notes that explain what some of the verses mean.  There will be some sticky verses that you may not immediately comprehend so notes are vital to helping understand what has been written.

3) Choose one with great maps, charts, and articles that help explain biblical concepts and are imbedded in the text.  This will help you understand key concepts, and discover where stuff is as you read your bible.  This is helpful when the Bible says stuff like Abraham came from the land of Ur.  Rather than having a Bible Atlas at your side, some study bibles will imbed a map in the text so you can glance over and get a general idea of where something is.

4) Be sure the study bible has introduction to each book of the bible that explains the date of when it was written, the author who wrote it, why it was written, the important theological themes that tie it together with the rest of the Bible, and an outline. This will help you immensely in understanding why a book of the bible was written a certain way and help you apply it to your daily life.

For our taste, the ESV Study Bible meets this criteria and then some.

Here are some of the other main features of the ESV:
* 2,752 pages—equivalent to a 20-volume Bible resource library all in one volume.

* 19,500 notes—focusing especially on understanding the Bible text and providing answers to frequently raised issues.

* Over 50 articles—including articles on the Bible’s authority, reliability, and interpretation; on biblical archaeology, theology, worship, prayer, and personal application.  These articles are worth the price of the study bible alone.

* Over 200 full-color maps—created with the latest digital technology, satellite images, and archaeological research; printed in full color, throughout the Bible.

* 200-plus charts—offering key insights and in-depth analysis in clear, concise outline form; located throughout the Bible.

* 80,000 cross-references—to encourage easy location of important words, passages, and biblical themes.

* More than 40 new full-color illustrations—including historically accurate reconstructions of the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, Solomon’s temple, Herod’s temple, the city of Jerusalem in Jesus’ time and throughout the history of Israel, and many more.

The ESV Study Bible is the most comprehensive study bible on the market today and will provide an excellent foundation for your walk with Christ. I highly recommend it!  Click on the image to order your copy today.

The other book you will need is a comprehensive one-volume systematic theology. It will help you navigate through all the major threads that weave the Bible together. It will help you understand how the major themes work together and also help you understand some of the stickier or harder issues to comprehend.

Look for one that offers explanation on the bible's view on man, God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, salvation, the church, end times, and Scripture in a clear and non-technical way.

For our taste, Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology offers the clearest and most accessible writing at a non-technical level. He does not shy away from difficult subject matter, but rather offers clear answers to it.

Though Systematic Theologies can be read straight through, they are more geared toward being used as a reference book when questions arise. This is another place that Grudem's book excels. It has an fantastic table of contents that is easy to navigate in order for you to find answers to your questions.

This book will also provide an excellent foundation for your walk with Christ.  I highly recommend it!  Click on the image to order your copy today.