Study Bible

Could someone recommend a good Study Bible for a new believer?

Brother or Sister,

Each individual has their own preferences and even versions! Some people need everything spelled out for them (what to believe on some topics) and some don't.

I have a copy of the NIV Archaeological Study Bible. I love all the history of the books. I would recommend that one if any.

If I were your friend, I would suggest getting a reference Bible, a Young's Analytical Concordance. Also get lots of notebook paper and colored pencils (or pens) and begin reading the Bible and doing studies on the 'eyes' and see where it takes you! Ask the Lord what He wants you to study and tells you! You will learn a lot more that way!

God bless you and I'm sure more will post on what they would tell you too!!

Lisa

Thompson Chain Reference has been my faithful book for 30 years. No commentary needed. Just the precious Holy Spirit.

Ruf

May I strongly recommend...NO STUDY BIBLE. Get a TEXT-ONLY KJV, NKJV, ASV (if you can find it), or if you must, a NASB (1995 update). No NIV or New Living (which are more interpretation than translation) or ESV (which is based on a poor, liberal RSV).

Alongside that Bible, get a Strong's concordance and a good set of maps; or alternatively, a good Bible study software program like E-Sword or Xiphos.

A pen and paper for notes.

The reason I strongly recommend AGAINST study Bibles is because you don't want to fill your head with someone else's interpretation and then get stuck with that wrong interpretation for life. It's sad to think about how many minds have been damaged by Scofield's reference bible. And as good a reputation as John MacArthur has, to be perfectly honest, in my opinion, his theology is shallow and off in many areas (not saying he's unorthodox or anything). The problem with reference bibles is that you get ONE man's interpretation, and because you "read it in your bible", your mind is now closed and dried up, and it will be impossible to unlearn those things. It's a great way to become a disciple of Darby, or MacArthur, or whoever, but it's a bad way to learn your bible.

Let the Holy Spirit teach you with the faculties he gave you, and when you are done studying a particular section, peruse (not study) a variety of commentaries like those in the free software programs to make sure you're not heretic!

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God's been at work in me, what can I say?

Now don't go blaming that on God, Krispy.

Thompson Chain Reference KJV is the best. No commentary except the Holy Spirit needed. And like the other brother said, Esword.

Here's my two cents. I have two possible suggestions.
One, I would recommend the new Evidence Bible by Ray Comfort:
http://www.livingwaters.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=7&Itemid=199&lang=en

It doesn't have notes on all the passages of the Bible. It has notes on equipping you to share Christ with the lost. It has quotes from past preachers such as Spurgeon, Whitefield, Wesley, etc. It's in the NKJV.

Or, get a plain NKJV Bible without notes, along with a Matthew Henry Commentary on the whole Bible. Here is a brief discription of the Commentary:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Henry

For those who are against commentaries, I would humbly submit that it is no different than being taugt the Word at a church service. All of us would agree that God has given gifted teachers of His Word to the body for it's edification. Commentaries are one way of learning from gifted teachers.

That said, it is always good to first read the Bible by itself with prayer, before looking at the commentaries or notes.

Charles Stanley has the "Life Principles Study Bible" which I think would be good for a new believer.

Also the Assemblies of God "Fire Bible" is great! I own one and it is very helpful.

allaboard wrote:
Thompson Chain Reference KJV is the best. No commentary except the Holy Spirit needed. And like the other brother said, Esword.

rufnrust wrote:
Thompson Chain Reference has been my faithful book for 30 years. No commentary needed. Just the precious Holy Spirit.

Ruf

I agree with this. The Thompson Chain Reference study Bible is a fantastic tool for the study of God's Word! It doesn't try to impart sectarian doctrine or interpret Scripture through commentary for you. Rather, it links passages through relevance and provides various study aids as well.

For instance, if you are searching the Scriptures about the "Passover," you will find the first passage in reference in Exodus 12:1. In the margins, you will see the word "Passover" with an assigned number (in case you want to look up ALL of the passages through that number in the index) -AND- you will have the very next passage in the Word mentioned in the margin.

The Thompson Chain Reference includes many other study aids in its index as well. Although it was originally created in only the KJV, I have used both the KJV and NIV versions of the Thompson Chain Reference for years.

For several years, I have been using BibleGateway.com as well. This website contains 25 different translations in English that you can cross reference (many in both text and audio versions). When you look up a particular passage, a menu will allow you to easily navigate. You can click links to move forward or backward from the passage. Another link provides the audio version of that passage/version. Another link (if applicable) will provide a list of various available commentary as well.

I also use eSword and BlueLetterBible quite extensively too.

As someone else mentioned, I think that it is wise for new believers to avoid commentary or doctrinally-infused Bibles until they have read the Word of God through for themselves. This could prevent a new believer from hearing particular interpretations meshed with the Lord's voice and guidance as they study through God's Word. If a new believer has difficulty with a particular passage or language of a particular version (like the KJV), I recommend prayer for guidance and that they look at other versions for clarity.

However, I think that the Thompson Chain Reference is a good study Bible for a new believer because it lacks commentary and provides a great deal of study aids. By the way, it is often less expensive to buy those Bibles online (like at Amazon.com or through eBay).

For me personally, i stear away from study bibles because it is my time to have intamicey with the lord when he walks me through his word. the things i use when studying are:

* strongs concordence, for different word translations
* Youngs Concordence, easier to find the words as they are bunched together in original meaning
* Treaury of Scripture knowledge
* KJV hebrew and greek translation - this maps well with the youngs, strongs, and treasury of knowledge
* NKJV - use this to help me to get around some of the KJV
* a good study guide on how to read the scriptures.

I got caught out earlier in my christian life by not being able to test words of preachers because i did not have a good way of checking things out for myself in the word. This becomes very evident when you see the diversity of believes towards revelations. But most of all pray always that the Lord leads you into knowing him the right way for it is he that will teach you what he wants you to know.

It is a beautiful thing when Jesus reveals himself to us directly through his word. as far as what you use to find this out is part of your journey in trusting the Lord.

i have been off a few times in my studies, not because of the tools i use but the spiritual condition of my heart at the time but God quickley brought me back to where he wanted me.