Can you Suggest a Good Study Bible??

[Nala]

Hey all,

This last month has been the worst in my life.  My mentor, best friend, my dad passed away.  I have never felt pain like this, EVER.  I hear some people say that they take things "one Day at a time" or taking it "day by day."  Honestly I don't know what that means.  For me and my sister, we are taking it hour by hour and sometimes minute by minute.
The only good thing is that I KNOW my dad is in Heaven and one day I'll see him again.  I also know that he wouldn't come back here if given the chance.

All of these things have caused me to re-focus on my faith.  I want to read the entire Bible for the first time.  I also want to better understand the things I am going to read and I think a good Study Bible would be ideal.  The problem is that there are so many Bibles it gets confusing really fast.

I have a NIV Translation Study Bible and I have had lots of people tell me not to use it because it is not faithful to the original translation.  Everyone suggests a KJV version.  I have no problem with that and that's probably what I need to use.  I will keep the NIV Bible I have to refer back to if I get confused on a passage or something.  What would a good study Bible contain?  Can you recommend a Study Bible for me or ones that I should consider?

Lastly, what do you think about the NKJV Translation?  Would it be just as accurate and good to use as the KJV translation?

Any help would be appreciated.  And of course if you don't mind, would you pray for me, my sister and her family, and my mom?  We could sure use it.

I almost forgot, I have access to a Strongs Concordance so I won't have to buy one of those.

Thanks for all your time and help.

BD

[Doc Nock]

I would suggest it's more the heart with which you read the bible, than to worry about the "version" and different use of adjectives or thee/thou... rules and regulations are the contrivanes of man and religion.  Truth is about building a personal relationship with Jesus.

Go with what you've got...and let God guide you.

[possumtrot]

NALA.
 The NASB is supposed to be the closest we have that has been translated in the English language. There are alot of versions out there that are paraphrases and should be understood as such. They can be read with enjoyment but should be careful. The NIV is in the middle. Remember the basic rule of Biblical interpretation is that the Bible will interpret itself when you look at it as a whole and within the proper context. Check out "E-Sword" on the web and you will have a ton of references to the original Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic and other Bibles to cross refrence. A lot of it is free but you can purchase some othere programs if you wish. Another good site is STR. org . It is an apologitical (defending your faith) site and has many links. It also has discussed the reliabilty of modern translations in length that should give you some encouragement. Other than the NASB the NKJV is fine... John

[BenBow]

Prayers sent for comfort for you and your family. In any study of the Bible you should always proceed it with prayer for God to reveal His truth to you. He won't tell you anything that isn't in the Bible and it will be confirmed by other believers. May you find His gracious love that gives life to the deepest part of you.

[Benha]

My son gave me the NASB Study Bible and it is great. I encourage you to read the Bible through but take time to "digest" what you are reading. I have read it through three times but should have taken more time while doing it to really study what I was reading. Now I try to meditate on what I read. May God bless you and comfort you in your hour of despair.

[cnorth]

Sorry to hear about your lost.I will be happy to pray for you.  Lord thank for another day that you have given us.  Please be with Larry and his family as they go through their time of sorrow.  Please give them the understanding, peace of mind that you will allow them to have at the present.  Thank you for letting Larry know that he does not have to face this hardship on his own, that he can put his trust and faith in you.  Please give Larry the strength to let you take over his life.  We pray that your will directs all of our actions from here on out.  Please remind us to always turn to you.  We thank you for your forgiveness, grace, mercy and love.  In Christ name we pray, Amen.  
  Larry as for as your Bible, the NIV is fine.  Just rember to pray berfore you you read.  Ask the Lord to open your heart, mind, and soul to the understanding that he would have you to recieve at the given time.  Then when you read, you will see and understand what the Lord has in store for you.  At Wal-Mart, there was a bible that had the KJ version and the NIV side by side so you can compare as you read.  Which ever Bible you decide on you be fine, because you will be readinf the word and giving him praise and honor.God BLESS!!!!

[Steve B.]

BD,
All the translations mentioned are fine for what you are doing.  I use a NKJV and my preacher uses an NASB.  Any differences will have zero affect on the bottome line, which is what Doc Nock has pointed out.  Your NIV is easy reading and would be a great way to get through the bible in order to get the 95% of the message.  If you really want that other 5% then some day get a study bible and get into the details.

Personally, I would have you read from Genesis to Judges then skip to the New Testament where I would have you start at the Gospel of John through to the end.  
I would not bother with a study bible or concordance until you have done this reading at least twice.  What you don't understand initially will clear up as you go.  Just skip hard parts and keep reading.  A picture will form as the puzzle pieces get put in place.  The Spirit of God will teach you His truth. You will begin to change as the picture becomes clearer.  Your understanding of right and wrong will become more pronounced in your mind.  Thoughts will come to you.  Perhaps things that you have done wrong in the past, people you have wronged.  Make right those wrongs.
Begin to obey your thoughts, not your feelings, your conscience.

I lost my dad a few years ago and I know what you are going through.  Recently my 12 year old daughter disappeared for awhile and all evidence pointed to her not ever coming back.  If you don't know that feeling, believe me, you don't ever want to know.  Not ever.  I bounced back from that and so will you, if you rely on God.

[DTS]

In my school work studies I have to use the King James.  I always have the New Living translation next to me so I can paraphrase what I read when needed..which is often.  I also use biblegateway.com and blueletterbible.com often. I find that the King James takes me back in my mind to the times of the bible like I am there..in my mind.  The paraphrased versions make it seem like I am reading a book for a bible study group. Both have their good points.  God will honor your efforts and always honors a desperate heart.  Keep seeking Him. The rewards are indiscribable.

[cnorth]

Very well put DTS