Everyone needs a good study Bible.

Listening to Dane speak on Sunday served to further my resolve to exhort us all to establish a habit of Bible reading this year. There will be various issues we discuss at Fuel and in our various groups, but always with the goal of developing a biblical perspective and living out biblical principles. If there's one thing I hope to accomplish this year is that everyone in The Journey will have established a regular, second-nature habit of reading the Bible.

If you are reading this right now and you haven't laid this important foundation yet, start reading the Old Testament book of Numbers with us starting, Thursday, April 17.

In his sermon, Dane recommended the NIV Study Bible. I totally agree that a study Bible is the best all-in-one resource for reading and understanding the Bible. But there are other good ones out there as well. Let me introduce you to a few of them...

NIV Study Bible - $19 (softcover)
This one does have it all: study notes, concordance, cross-references, maps, topical reference. It is a good study Bible in a classic modern translation. My only problem with it has been that it usually does not have a satisfying explanation for the truly difficult passages. If you want a good, all-purpose study Bible, look no further.

TNIV Study Bible - $20 (softcover)
I haven't used this one yet, but I do primarily use this translation for my sermons. It has the same features as the NIV Study Bible with an updated look and the updated version of the NIV translation called, Today's New International Version (TNIV). If you want an updated version of a good, all-purpose study Bible, this is the one.

The Quest Study Bible - $27 (hardcover)
I have never used or owned this one, but I have always wanted to. It has all the cool stuff the NIV and TNIV Study Bibles have, but it specializes in answering questions. The study notes are all in Q & A format. So, when questions pop into your head as you're reading, this study Bible has already anticipated your question and has an answer. If you are the inquisitive type, this might be the one for you.

Life Application Study Bible - $15 (paperback)
I have not used this one myself. But I have had trusted friends use this study Bible to great benefit and encouragement. It comes in just about any translation. I would personally choose the New Living Translation (NLT) with this particular Bible. If you are less interested in theology and mostly want some pratical insight about how to live out what you're reading, this is the one for you.

The New Spirit-Filled Life Bible - $53 (genuine leather)
When I was in high school, my campus pastor gave me this Bible as a gift. Regrettably, I lost the original. But the replacement has been a cherished resource for many years. It has all the good stuff of a study Bible (commentary notes, cross-references, maps, concordance), plus amazing articles on worship, healing, prayer, praise, end times, God's will, and the power of the Spirit. It is edited by one of my pastoral hereos, Jack Hayford. The only downside is the reliable, but less readable New King James Version (NKJV). If you are looking for a study Bible that presents a theologically balanced charismatic perspective, this is it.

The Apologetics Study Bible - $27 (hardcover)
I got this one for Christmas. Cristina and I have been using it to read the Storyline Challenge. It features the very readable Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) translation and many notes and articles answering questions about hard to understand passages and objections to the faith, some written by professors of mine at Biola. If you want to confidently defend the faith against rival religious, cultural, scientific, ethical, and philosophical views, this is a good place to start.

TNIV College Devotional Bible - $20 (softcover)
Okay, it's not a study Bible, but it is for college-aged young adults. So if you think you might benefit for a Bible that features stories that connect the scripture with your everyday life, this is the one for you.

I have provided links to the least expensive version of each of the study Bibles at ChristianBook.com. Most of them come in softcover, hardcover, bonded leather, genuine leather or Italian leather, in various colors. They are available at most bookstores, like Barnes and Noble or Amazon.com.

For those of you in need of a good study Bible, it may be time to put some of your tax refund/rebate to use! There really is no better tool for helping you understand the Bible as you read.