I have another great resource to share with you! And there’s another one coming, but we’ll save that one for another day! But for now, let’s talk about the Abide Bible. I got this Bible in the mail right before I left for The Gospel Coalition and didn’t get a good chance to check it out, but there was a whole Abide Bible booth while I was there. So of course, I got a really great look at this Bible and what it all has to offer. This is definitely a GREAT study source for anyone looking to read through the Scriptures without a study guide. Now, for the details!
You can check out all the specific details by clicking here, but I wanted to share with you a few of the things I love about this Bible!
With this being called the ABIDE Bible, I wanted to be show you what the publishers were thinking by using the word Abide. Although it’s not directly stated here, I’m guessing this is coming from John 15 which talks about abiding in Christ. Often times we hear about abiding, but we’re not really sure what abiding looks like, so I LOVE they give a “how to abide” section. As you’ll see in the picture, there are different parts to abiding: contemplate, journal, picture, praying, and engaging with art. I’ll show you some examples of each of these throughout the blog! 🙂
Most Bibles provide some sort of reading plan. I’ve seen some that have individual reading plans right at the beginning of a book of the Bible, but this Bible offers a 365-day Bible reading plan. It divides it up into each month of the year with a morning and evening reading. I completed the 365-Day Bible Reading plan last year, and as much as it was great to read through the Bible, I felt like I missed so much by reading it all at once, so I appreciate the separation of the morning and evening breakdown!
Here is a great example of the Contemplate and Journal.
And here is an example of the Praying Scripture and Picture it.
With these concepts of Abiding, I really think it will help anyone get more out of their time in the Word. Anytime I talk with someone about getting in the Word, I always encourage them to read slower than what they’re used to. This isn’t just a book, it’s a living and active book that radically shapes our lives. And I love these tools in this Bible that really help you study and apply the Word to life.
Before each book, there is an introduction. So if you are planning on studying, these are EXCELLENT resources. It provides context for what you’re about to read.
Now, let’s talk about translation. Meet the NET (aka the New English Translation). I don’t really know a ton about this translation. I did read the beginning portion of the Bible which explains the translation. From what I gather, the publishers have created this translation that combines the original translation of the text from the original language, with a paraphrase as well. This means that in some areas there may be a footnote that explains other versions of translations. This may help when you’re reading a passage with someone who has a Bible translation that’s different from you. If you have more questions about the Bible translation, check out the link from above, but I would also encourage you to learn about other translations. It’s good when studying the Word to have multiple translations with you–so this Bible may be a great addition to your study!
FOR THE FUN!!
If you’re looking to purchase: CLICK HERE!
If you’re looking for a great place to start, I would recommend studying through the John. Thomas Nelson (the publisher) is giving away a FREE 21 Day Study through John. Just sign up HERE!
Rachel Bland 