Reader

Written by cycleguy on March 29th, 2015

Product Details

 

Since I wasn’t sure what my weekend would bring, I thought I would write about something I am using and have been using for close to a year now: the ESV Reader’s Bible.

If you read the Bible at all, or are at least somewhat familiar with it, you know it is filled with chapters, divisions, verse numbers, often notations, and a host of other things (i.e. helps which turn into distractions). This Bible is different. When I first saw this I wondered about the wisdom of a Bible like this…and whether I would ever use it. But one day last year I decided to buy it…as quirky as it seemed.

I CANNOT TELL YOU HOW MUCH I HAVE ENJOYED USING IT!

Late last summer I embarked on a journey. I began reading Galatians through Colossians in preparation for my 2015 sermon series on Freedom. Along with that I continued my practice of reading the Psalms and also Proverbs (every other month). My most trying leg of the journey though has been to read the whole Old Testament no matter how long it took. To date, that leg has me in I Kings 10. Yeah…long journey. 🙂

But I have thoroughly enjoyed just reading the Bible. No verses. No chapter headings. No notes to be distracted by. Just reading it like a novel. It doesn’t work as a study Bible. Nor will you want to take it to worship to use as the pastor preaches. But to just read the Bible like a novel? This is it!

I’d like to suggest you invest in one. I know of only one style (check out the link above for more information). I honestly believe your Bible reading will be enriched by it and you will find the Bible coming alive. Oh…be careful though: it just might change your life! 🙂

 

5 Comments so far ↓

  1. Daniel says:

    Are the chapter/verse labels really such a distraction? Or is it the notes? In truth I only look at the notes in my NIV version when I am confused by the text and need a bit of clarification. The chapter/verse labels I do not tend to notice as I am reading.

    • cycleguy says:

      The notes and also the cross references. Mostly the notes. I get distracted just reading by wanting to check them out. This Bible is just for reading like a novel.

  2. Sometimes we need a fresh take on sacred truths. This sounds good, Bill!

  3. Sounds like a great idea. I may have to try it.

  4. Betty Draper says:

    I really like, ” The Story” bible for it it is like reading a story which God’s plan for mankind is the most wonderful story. To see it laid out in that form is encouraging and gives an over all picture of who God is, who man is, what sin is, and how all of it works for the good of mankind to bring glory to the creator. Will have to check into the ESV Readers bible…