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185 of 186 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Superbly Presented Study Bible. Every Home Should Have One!, July 19, 2003
This review is from: The New Inductive Study Bible (Leather Bound)
Everything about this product exudes quality. From the cover, binding, paper and presentation, everything radiates excellence. I have many "study Bibles", each of which I value on it's own merits and each providing individual characteristics which I find helpful in my studies of Scripture. Yet few, if any match this one on an overall basis. Although a relative stranger to the Updated New American Standard Translation, it is "growing on me" and I have been warmly surprised with it's accuracy in a number of areas. Most of my previous experience being among the NIV, KJV and NKJV translations. The text here is very clear, relatively large and extremely easy to read, It is presented in what is best described as a "single column text". The latter is a rare feature but in my experience it makes reference to the Scriptures far easier and facilitates study and reading. Alongside the text are some of the best margins that I have come across. The margins measuring approximately 1 3/4", are located on the outside of each page. Ideal for making personal notes and references. Each book of the Bible has it's own introduction and study guide amongst other references/features. A thorough concordance and "Helps" section are also included. There is even a section with advice on how to approach the interpretation of Biblical prophecy, as well as an outline on how to read through the entire Bible in one year. The colourful maps are plentiful and accurate in their historical reference. Up-to-date maps pertaining to the current time are also provided. It is so refreshing to see the correct terminology used on the maps. Gone are the inaccurate quotations of "Palestine in the time of Christ" etc., which are frequently used in some versions. (Palestine not existing at the `time of Christ' and only coming into fruition following the Roman changing of the Jewish nation's name into Syria Palestina around AD135. This eventually becoming "anglicised" into Palestine) A chronological history of the Jewish people and the nation of Israel is also provided, together with a study on the Tabernacle and the two Jewish Temples. The coloured graphics are superb. Numerous blank pages are also provided for your personal notes etc.. A section is also devoted to the "Major Events In Israel's History" with a time-line stemming from Adam/Abraham, the Exodus to the Birth Of Christ & the Destruction of Jerusalem (AD70 & AD132), including the renaming of Jerusalem to Aelia Capitolina by the occupying Roman forces etc.. Also covered are the occupations of the Holy Land by the Romans, Byzantines, Crusaders, Ayyubids, Mamluks, Muslims, Ottomans and the British. The British Mandate and the Arab-Israeli conflicts of the modern era are also mentioned together with a reference to the ongoing `peace process'. Appropriately there are no political observations, just relevant comments on these events and appropriate Scriptural references. There is no "Replacement Theology" in this excellent presentation, just Scriptural accuracy showing the true place of both the Jewish People and the Christian Church in God's Purposes & Plans. Although initially provided for use with the "inductive study system", (which is clearly outlined/described), I do not use that particular system, preferring to use this Bible as per my own personal method of study. Another reviewer has described this as perhaps "the last study Bible you'll ever need". It will certainly take some beating ! Highly recommended.
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139 of 140 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Grab a Pen!, May 27, 2001
The first time I saw this Bible my first reaction was, "Look at those margins!". Yes, this Bible has a full 1 3/4" margin on the outside of each page! This is a note-takers dream. The only things you'll find between these pages other than the text are study helps at the beginning of each book, cross-references along the inside edge of each page, helpful charts, very few scattered "insights" (mainly for textual clarification) and a blank outline structure at the end of each book for you to complete. Even though most of the work is left up to the student, thankfully there is a concordance in the back. This Bible is all about getting into the Word for yourself. The only drawbacks I found were the single column text, since I prefer the double column format, and the large margins which create a rather large Bible to carry. These are just preferences however. I would also recommend "Living by the Book" by Howard Hendricks or "How to Study Your Bible" by Kay Arthur as companions to help in your approach to study the Bible for yourself.
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101 of 102 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Study Bible, Not a Coffeetable Decoration, December 10, 2002
If you're a serious student of the Bible(or an aspiring one), then this could be your Bible. This is certainly a thinking person's Bible - for the person who doesn't want to be spoon-fed the Word. I have been completely satisfied with this Bible. Here's why: Pros:
1) This is a translation and not a paraphrase. Essential to in-depth study. 2) The construction is study and holds up to the abuse of daily study. (You're going to study this Bible, not put in up on the mantle and admire its beauty, right?) 3) There's no devotional stuff at the bottom. The point of inductive study is to learn God's Word for yourself(with His help), and not to be persuaded by others' opinions and interpretaions. (Though its sometimes a good idea to check yourself against a reputable commentary to stay clear of any heresy ;) 4) The intoductions and questions at the beginning and ends of the chapters are actually useful. I find those in some bibles to be a little silly and/or watered down, but these will definately challenge you to fully examine what you are reading. 5) Margins Margins Margins 6) Ties in to Kay Arthur's excellent Precept Studies and Inductive Study Groups. 7) Offers insight to study groups where everyone else is using NIV or KJV or other. In my small group we all use different translations, and we have really enhanced our learning by studing passages with the versions in parallel to each other. (Possible)Cons:
1) I find the NASB translation to be a little more difficult to memorize than others. This is due to the fact that I am more used to HEARING the the verses spoken in either KJV or NIV. This makes memorization a little tricky at first. 2) I don't know if I really benefit that much from the highlighting system descibed in the book, though it might work well for some. 3) Not that many people use this translation, so don't be surprised if scipture readings on Sunday morning don't match this Bible word for word. This is not really a negative IMHO. If your still undecided about this bible, ask yourself what your purposes are. If the idea of learning the Truth of God's Word for yourself, and not someone else's opinion, excites you - look no further. If this is not your cup of tea, I'd suggest a kid's bible(Seriously. Sometimes the old KISS approach is best) or one of the many paraphrase versions (New Living, Contemporary English, etc...). Fortunely we are blessed to live in a place where there are so many versions available. If you want more information on the NASB translation it can be found on the web at the Lockman Foundation. They have an online version you can read to see if you like it.Kay Arthur studies can be bought on Amazon, and more information on those can be found at Precept Ministries on the web... I pray God blesses all your studies and guides you to the Bible that will profit you the most! -James
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