When I first came into a relationship with Jesus Christ I was a third-class cadet at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Although I had gone to church most of my growing up years and even been confirmed in the church, it was not until I was 20 years old that the Lord and the Bible became real to me.
The Bible I had at that time was the Children’s Living Bible. I began to read it like it was a new best-seller. I was hooked on God’s word. I didn’t know the difference between a translation and a paraphrase. I just knew I loved what I was learning about God, I was really getting to know the Lord through His word.
Soon after I was baptized a friend gave me a New International Version (NIV) Bible. It was a hardback and I even had a cool blue Bible cover for it. For many years I stuck to this translation of the Bible. It was easy to read and understand. Over the years (28 now since that time) I still use the NIV often in my daily reading. I also used it in my preaching for many years. I have had several editions of the NIV: the old hardback, NIV Study Bible, Disciple’s Study Bible, and at least two Reference Bibles.
I often consult other translations in my Bible study. I have used QuickVerse Bible software with several English translations that I will compare. I like to study the New American Standard Bible for its more literal translation. I also have used other translations on certain occasions. When I taught a Bible study at a nursing home I used the King James Version. And I often use the KJV at funerals.
A few years ago I began using the New King James Version in my weekly preaching and teaching. I also read it often in my daily devotions. I have used a couple good NKJV study Bibles: the Thompson Chain Reference Bible and the MacArthur Study Bible.I suppose my favorite version is the one I am reading at the time. The whole point of the Bible is that we would read it, understand it, take it to heart, and live it. The Bible is not just for gaining knowledge, but for knowing God. And whichever version gets you to know the Lord more is probably the best one.
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim 3:17 NKJV)
So here’s the question:
What Bible version do you read most? And Why?
Posts
I had that exact children's bible! Coincidence or best seller? Either way, that's too cool.
ReplyDeleteI don't have an answer to your post question, though.
Erica, I loved the pictures in that Bible, especially the one with Jesus and the children, it looks like He is smiling and laughing and just enjoying their company. I still carry that picture in my mind as a reminder of how much God desires our company. --Richard
ReplyDeleteI currently use the New Jerusalem Bible and support my study with the New Revised Standard Version and the NIV. Occasionally I'll switch to a spanish translation called "The People's Bible" that has some great commentary. I actually got my Youth group to start bringing their own bibles by bringing five or six different translations with me and then passing them out randomly to those who had forgotten their own copy.
ReplyDeletePersonal favorite right now is the NJB because it's as accessible and easy to read as the NIV (I think) and it includes the apocrypha which is just fun to study.
NIV mostly.
ReplyDeleteSeiji, I had read the Jerusalem Bible years ago but not the New one. I may need to check that out again. I know it is one of the few that include the apocrypha.
ReplyDeleteI usually provide Bibles (NIV) for our youth group. I would like for them to bring their own though. I think it helps them to take it personally.
--Richard
Another question: Does it matter to you what version the preacher uses for the messages?
ReplyDeleteDoes it help or hinder if you have a different one than the preacher/teacher?
Well written post. Concise and to the point yet it contained some interesting information about you.
ReplyDeleteI use the NIV all the time. Mine is one of those big ones with study series and concordance in the back.
It doesn't bother me when the pastor uses a different version. Most of the time, the Scriptures are flashed on a screen up front anyway.
Janis
Janis, I suppose it would help to see the version that the pastor is using either projected or printed in the outline. We are still in the dark ages in my church and don't use a projector. I often print the passage I am preaching in the bulletin outline. --Richard
ReplyDeleteWhen I was first saved I often read from the Egermeiers Children's Bible. I knew nothing of the bible or Christianity. I wasn't even familiar with any of the major stories.
ReplyDeleteI read the NIV more than any other. I also like to study form the NASB.
Two of my other favorites is the TNIV and the NLT.
Larry, we are so priveleged to have multiple versions of God's word and so many study helps. -- Richard
ReplyDeleteI tend to stay with a translation for a while then move on, because it wakens me to hear it in new language. Why, for a little while I read a modern Spanish version (very haltingly, since I don't know much Spanish! :)
ReplyDeleteL.L., Good point, I had a church member who had read the Bible through several times and was wanted a different version as she started through again. I suggested the Message, although it is a paraphrase because of its fresh unique wording. --Richard
ReplyDelete