Bible Lighthouse

There have been two major recognized modern translations of the Bible from the original Hebrew language in which it was written.  The first of these translations was undertaken by the Church of England in 1604, under the decree of King James I.  This was done in response to the perceived inaccuracies in earlier translations.  Thus the King James Version of the Bible was written, and is still hailed as the most accurate of the translations ever performed.

However, in 1975, in order to combat the antiquated language of the King James Version, a man named Arthur Farstad initiated a modern translation to update the vocabulary and grammar of the original King James Version.  The fruit of the project was the New King James Bible, and although not quite as accurate as the original King James Version, has been updated to be understood and appreciated by modern audiences.

With the sheer breadth of concepts and ideas within the Bible, it can be difficult to understand what everything means.  Whether it’s a reference to another passage, or a word you simply don’t understand, having a resource to identify all things that don’t quite make sense to you can make your Bible experience much more valuable.  Tools like a Bible dictionary or Bible encyclopedia are almost essential for Bible study.  These references will also allow you to appreciate specific passages in greater depth. 

Whether for an adult, teen, or child, the Bible provides lessons for life and literature to enhance your faith.

I have found the NASB Study Bible that you’ve always wished someone would publish. 

The Zondervan NASB Study Bible is hands down the most comprehensive, up-to-date study Bible available in the New American Standard Bible translation.  This NASB Study Bible is like having a complete resource library at your fingertips!     

At the heart of the Zondervan NASB study Bible is its abundance of  in-text study notes.  Over 20,000 notes, adapted from the best-selling NIV Study Bible, draw on today’s leading experts to provide valuable commentary right where you need it.  I have found this is by far the most complete, detailed set of study notes available today for the New American Standard Bible.   

Simply put, if you’re an NASB lover, this is the study Bible you’ve been waiting for.  Contemporary.   Exhaustive beyond description.  Easy to use and remarkably practical.

The King James Bible developed out of a desire for one universal, English-speaking translation of the Bible. When Queen Elizabeth died in 1603 and left her throne to King James VI of Scotland, one of the first things he did was commission 54 men to write a new version of the Bible. He had been born at a time between the Geneva Bible and the Bishop’s Bible, and felt that there were too many translations circulating around. He ordered the writers to make this new version as close to the original Greek and Hebrew as possible.

In July of 1604, the 54 men (though only 47 participated) were split into six groups, and each given a section of the book to translate. Four years were spent on this preliminary translation, and the final version was finally done in 1611. It included a title page describing the translation process, a new title page for the New Testament and a dedicatory epistle to King James, commissioner of the King James Bible.

The Bible may be a bit of a tough read for children and teens. The language is heavy, and they may have some trouble understanding how it all applies today. So, what do you do?

Take a look at a teen bible. The language is brought up to date, and written in a clear and understandable way – without losing any of the flavor or beauty. Teen bibles also tend to have discussion sections on how the Bible’s messages relate to everyday life; specifically, to teen life. It’s one thing to hear about how something affects people as a whole – and another to see how it affects you specifically. These bibles aimed directly at teens will show them religion in a whole new light, and bring many more to understanding. 

 I have found a Bible Commentary that fulfills my most basic needs. Halley’s Bible Handbook, the classical layperson’s companion text, includes a concise Bible commentary, important discoveries in archeaology, related historical data, church history, maps, large print for the visually impaired and much more.

 Henry H. Haley’s conviction was that everyone should read the Bible; thus, his creation of Halley’s Bible Handbook.  From his first edition, a small give-away booklet of 16 pages, has grown into the 864-page “almanac” of Biblical information, used regularly by hundreds of thousands of laymen, teachers, and ministers.   Halley’s Bible Handbook contains more Biblical information than any other book of its size.  It has been a continuous best-seller through the years and has sold more than five million copies in many languages.

  According to The National Eye Institute, millions of Americans are visually impaired, and the numbers are expected to increase over the next thirty years as Baby Boomers age and eystrain from computer use continues among all generations.

 In this context, the Holman CSB Super Giant Print Bible could become one of the fastest growing Bible editions available.  This full reference Bible includes comfortable 18 point type print and the featured translation is already a best seller recognized for its exceptional accuracy and clarity.

 The Holman Christian Standard Bible is so accurate, yet so inspiring to read.  It literally sets the standard for generations to come.  The Holman CSB gives you the maximum transfer of both words and thoughts from the original languages, expressed in contemporary English.  The result is a text that shows respect for the inerrancy of Scripture– that is clear and understandable without being over-simplified, paraphrases, or held captive to cultural trends.    

 You will enjouy this Holman CSB Hand-Size Giant Print Reference Bible for years to come.  Use it for devotions or serious study for Sunday chool or seminary, for personal  study, or Scripture memorization–accurate, yet readable, it is the one standard for homes, schools, and churches everywhere. 

Explore all the riches of God’s Word and nurture your faith with the most faithful translation of all - The Holman Christian Standard Bible.

Have you been looking for a good Bible for young Catholic children?  Does it seem that you have a problem finding a Bible that will address their learning age?

I have found that Breakthrough!The Bible for Young Catholics has really done the job for the children that I know.  The Good News Translation has been created for young people leaving childhood and entering adolescence.  The fantastic 10 special features within make it much easier to read and understand for the young minds.   

As children read the child’s Catholic Bible they will see how God has been breaking through in human history and connecting with humanity for thousands of years.  Children are going to discover as they read Breakthrough! The Bible for Young Catholics that God’s messages are key to people of faith and have the same meaning for them today.