Resources For Spiritual Growth

I always tell people that if they're going to purchase a new Bible for themselves or someone else, they should buy a study Bible.

Having a study edition of God's Word in your home is like possessing a small spiritual library at your fingertips. You not only have the text of scripture, but thousands of explanatory notes to help you understand what you're reading. Over the years you might want to procure a variety of these types of Bibles which will just add to the possibility of increasing your knowledge of the Word.

Granted, study Bibles cost more than regular editions, but that's because you're getting more. If you're gonna put out the money to buy a Bible, why not pay a little extra and get the additional commentary and book introductions and character profiles that a study version provides? It's true that all those notes are not perfect and infallible like the scripture itself is, but they are put together by godly men, for the most part, who have prayed over and wrestled with the text and seek to offer profitable interpretations to us that we might be blessed.

I have some personal favorites that have really benefitted me. Check 'em out:

MacArthur Study Bible(available in both NASB and NKJV)

Reformation Study Bible(ESV)

NIV Study Bible

Nelson's NKJV Study Bible

Life Application Bible(various translations)

I sometimes refer to the New Spirit Filled Life Bible(NKJV). I'm excitedly looking forward now to the October release of The Apologetics Study Bible(HCSB) from Broadman and Holman. It's gonna be loaded with material on how to understand and defend the faith.

So...I encourage you, if you're interested in having some good tools to sharpen your grasp of God's Word, to consider acquiring one or more of these resources. And what better gift to give another believer than something like this?