Life Application Study Bible-NASB

Everyone should read a Bible really. There is so much in there, which will always be fresh and new every time you read it, since you're in different stages of life. But the main message is the same of course. Jesus 😀

I love my Life Application Study Bible, NASB. I had gone through another Bible when I learned that NASB is the best modern translation. I was reluctant to let the other go because it was highlighted and noted from beginning to ending. I could find things in the old Bible. Nevertheless, I began once again on page one. It did not take long to discover that, yes, this is the Bible to read. What makes it so enjoyable includes several reasons. First of all, I love the translation. It maintains that sacred tone while in modern speech. Those who believe the King James translation is the only authentic version don't realize that it is a translation into the language of the King James court in England (during Shakespeare's time). A translation is never going to be an exact one because of language and cultural differences, but the NASB is certainly noteworthy. Another winning factor is the abundance of study guides for each book: time lines, vital statistics including summary and application for each book, maps, outline of the book, charts and diagrams, and megathemes. I looked forward to these with each book. I read them both before and after each chapter and made simple notes in the margins. Another winning aspect of this version is the Harmony of Old Testament scripture with New Testament passages. Jesus is first referenced in Genesis 1:26--"Let Us make man in Our image..." The footnote provides the Harmony. From Colossians 1:16 "we know that Christ, God's Son, was at work in the creation" (6). This continues throughout the Bible. In fact the footnotes are where important life applications are found. Here is one example: Gen. 1:27: "God made both man and woman in His image...From the beginning the Bible places both man and woman in the pinnacle of God's creation. Neither sex is exalted, and neither is depreciated" (7). Then there are the profiles of major characters interspersed throughout the chapter. For Adam there is a summary of his role, then a listing of his strengths and accomplishments, his weaknesses and mistakes, lessons form his life, vital statistics, and key verses. This same list is provided for each profiled person. This is an example of "Vital statistics," an important part of chapter study, applied to Genesis: a stated purpose, author, to whom written, setting, key verses, key people. Very concise, very orderly. If the student of God's Word starts at the very beginning of this translation and this study guide, s/he will finish about a year later much wiser and more knowledgeable of God's plan and our place in it. Then begin over because one reading is only a start. However, "Life Application Study Bible, NASB" is a great place to begin a life-long journey of spiritual growth.

I am in my 60's and found this Bible to be an outstanding version of the Bible. I use it for Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). The explanations, historical data, and clear print help me to understand the Bible and its meaning better than I ever have before in my life. This Bible gives me a clearer Spiritual understanding of Christ. I would recommend this Bible to a new adult Christian just starting to learn or a person who is a biblical scholar.

I already own a number of other Bibles in book form including an NIV study Bible and software with almost every English Bible translation available. This is my favorite Bible so far. The life application study notes are very good, maps, concordance, character studies etc are all very good. The text is big enough, the book itself is a little bulky but not too heavy, as can be expected for a complete Bible with all the study notes and other sections. I prefer hard cover Bibles as I think they are more durable, especially for the heavy use I make of them. Quality of the book is good, no issues with the binding, and I expect to be using this for many years, both in church as well as every day in personal Bible study. Update about a year later: Some time ago, I noticed somebody else had written a review and commented on the quality of the binding, complaining that it was not very good for heavy use. Having used the Bible VERY heavily over the last 12 months, I wanted to come back and disagree. Each year I read right through a Bible. My choice of translation for 2005 was this one. I read and cross referenced many chapters, every day. In addition, I carried the Bible to work and back home again. On most days, I used it more to choose some verses to use to send on to some friends via email, and looked through the life app study notes to add some comments for their benefit. At least once every week, ad often twice, it was subjected to some rather heavy handed treatment and inspection as I took it in and out of a prison in ministry. The binding held up well. Of course, it is showing signs of wear, but my use was probably substantially higher than most other people would have in a few years.

This bible is excellent. It seems as if everyone is now in a study group of some kind. This one has so many footnotes, and it explains everything, but what's so special is that it tells you how to apply these things in today's world. There's color maps, and a concordance built right in the back. I'm a Catholic and this book is awesome. It doesn't have the acrophya books that the Catholic bibles do, but I haven't been able to find a Catholic bible that has study notes to this extent. Definitely worth it! It's readable and applicable for everyone.