Find the Holy Spirit throughout the Bible. Dr. Jack Hayford, founding pastor
of The Church on the Way, has led a team of anointed leaders to produce the New
Spirit-Filled Life Bible. Even after more than twenty years, the Spirit-Filled
Life Bible offers a fresh look at the Scriptures and the work of the Holy
Spirit. This Bible addresses important issues of Spirit-filled living in the
context of solid biblical scholarship.
Features include:
- Kingdom Dynamic—41 themes throughout the Scripture that give us values as we advance the gospel throughout the world
- Word Wealth—More than 550 key terms defined and brought to life pulling the language from the original Greek and Hebrew to everyday English
- Truth-In-Action—Practical charts pulling out practical application from every book of the Bible
- Detailed book introductions to each of the 66 books of the Bible
- Verse-by-verse study notes
This is the first copy of the New Living Translation to make its way into my theological library. It is the only modern variant that I personally acknowledge. Though more inclined toward studious translations (i.e., the New King James Version, etc.) that can somewhat mirror the original as close as possible (by the way, there are none that can justifiably do so outside of the Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek Scriptures), I am willing to give this one a try for two purposes.
First, I am believer that if a method (morally and ethically, of course) will win a soul to Christ then go for it. It is not an apathetic invitation, but if a certain Christian rock musician or bible version will seem to be the sole platform to opening the eyes of the lost, then by all means: I am a fan. While very traditional in standards and very critical with anything touching the Holy Word of God, the New Living Translation passes my litmus test of acceptance and credibility.
Also, it is sometimes beneficial to obtain an semi-paraphrasing of a verse or story altogether. Whereas this can pose a dangerous position to take, this version parallels for more lucid comprehension and comfortable meditation should the need arise.
The New Spirit-Filled Life Bible from Thomas Nelson Publishers and edited by Jack W. Hayford is a beautiful copy of the New Living Translation of the Holy Scriptures. Replete with full-color maps, an extensive concordance, Words of Christ in red and a special area for notes, this is a must have for any seasoned, or especially young or new believer. Clarifying charts, graphs and timelines inundate each Book. A highlight that is unfortunately lacking in many bibles, even in educational compilations, but lines each page in these Old and New Testaments is parallel verse reference. An engaging introduction emphasizes major topics, themes and provides insight into the era and author who penned each Book.
Displayed much like the New King James Version of the New Spirit-Filled Life Bible series, the New Living Translation contains bonuses such as Kingdom Dynamics and, most uniquely, Word Wealth. Kingdom Dynamics showcases commentary throughout the bible from renowned pastors and leaders. The latter is a five and a half page index of particular key words in English aligned with their Hebrew or Greek transliteration and location in Scripture.
The single feature different between these two versions reviewed is Special Abbreviations which is missing from the New Living Translation. This section outlines miscellaneous footnotes of scholastic importance such as Arabic, Latin, Samaritan Pentateuch, Masoretic Text, etc. All in all, the New Spirit-Filled Life Bible series is a admirable tool for private study and prayer depending on your translation preference. Although it is a large hardback, it is still within the dimensions of a personal bible that is easily accessible, mobile and also makes a lovely gift.
Dr. Jack Hayford is president of The King’s University in Los Angeles, which he founded in 1997. From 2004 to 2009, he also served as President of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel. He is probably best known, however, as “Pastor Jack,” founding pastor of The Church on the Way in Van Nuys, California, where he served as senior pastor for more than three decades. Pastor Hayford has penned more than 52 books and composed 600 hymns and choruses.
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This Bible was provided free for review by
Thomas Nelson Publishers/BookSneeze
