Tools of the Trade!

Hey there, friends!

We start next Monday! I hope you’re getting excited!

I wanted to put together a list of a few tools and resources that should help you as you get going in your Bible Reading. 

First, let me answer a question that some of you may have. What Bible Translation should I use? The way I typically answer this is by saying any translation you will read is a good translation. With that in mind, I wanted to give you some recommendations. Personally, I have been enjoying the Christian Standard Bible (CSB). It has been my main translation for less than a year but so far I’m loving it. Any time I quote Scripture in the Newsletter, it will be CSB unless stated otherwise. With that said, here are my top 4 translations:

1. Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
2. English Standard Version (ESV)
3. New International Version (NIV)
4. New Living Translation (NLT)

Honorable Mention: New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Please note that these are different translations from ones that I might normally recommend. However, for reading through the Bible in a year, it is sometimes helpful to have a translation that is easier to understand like the NIV and NLT. For in depth study I would recommend you stay with CSB or ESV. If you have questions about Bible Translations please let me know!

Now, here are some resources you should know about:

Study Bibles

Study Bibles are Bibles that have study notes built in to them. These notes are located at the bottom of the page and correspond to the verses on that page. You will find that having a Study Bible with you when you read will answer most of the questions that you have about your reading.

Here are two Study Bibles that I recommend: 

1. CSB Study Bible  
2. ESV Study Bible 

YouVersion Bible App

The YouVersion App is available on almost any device. This app gives you access to tons of translations including the ones I mentioned. It gives you a built-in audio Bible to help you read along. And it allows you to highlight and make notes digitally to keep forever. You can also add friends and read together. You can find the link to download in any App Store or by going to Bible.com

BibleProject

BibleProject is one of the most helpful resources I know about. Essentially, their mission is to take the themes of Scripture and books of the Bible and make them visual. You can find overviews of every book of the Bible, as well as videos that explain different elements of reading the Bible such as the different Genres in the Bible or how to read the Gospels vs. Hebrew Poetry. I highly recommend you check out their YouTube channel or their website BibleProject.com. Also, expect to see many videos from them in the Newsletter.

These are just a few tools and resources. Click the links and check out the resources that are available to you. Also let me know if you have a resource that you use that you think I should mention!

Grace to you as you start this journey,

-Woody