Fresh Start Bible: Giveaway and Review
Many people wait until New Year’s for new beginnings, but any time of year is perfect for a fresh start. What better way to grow our relationship with God than learning more about His Word? The Fresh Start Bible is designed to help us do just that.
What’s Unique about the Fresh Start Bible?
The Fresh Start Bible uses the New Living Translation (NLT) for its biblical scholarship as well as easy-to-read, dynamic writing style. A forward by Jimmy Evans includes his personal testimony and 52 lessons he wrote that address fundamental questions, such as:
- Who made me?
- Why do people die?
- How can I be saved?
- Why should I be baptized?
- Can I be saved without baptism?
- How do I deal with anxiety and worry?
- How do I build godly relationships?
After this foreword are the Old and New Testaments, and sprinkled among the books of the Bible are supplemental articles by church leaders. They are designed to break down practical teachings and inspire spiritual growth.
Following the Scriptures themselves is a section titled “Intersections” that examines major characters in the Bible’s narrative. Their purpose is to show God’s faithfulness and relationship with men and women through history. Finally, there are also full-color maps that show where Scriptural events take place, including:
- Topography of Palestine
- World of the Patriarchs
- Ministry of Jesus
- Paul’s Missionary Journeys
What Features Make this Bible a Great Gift?
My church has put a real emphasis on finding our “one,” at least one person God has placed in our lives to be a friend who needs Christian encouragement or an unbeliever who needs someone to point him to Christ. This Bible would be a great gift for my “one” or your “one” for a couple reasons:
- The first page provides a special place to write someone’s name, your name, the occasion, and date.
- An easy-to-use table of contents outlines the front matter, books of the Bible, and resources at the end of the edition.
- Welcome letter by Pastor Robert Morris: This conversational letter invites new and seasoned believers alike to be intentional in reading God’s Word and also explains some of the resources.
My Review Summary
The supplemental material provided throughout this Bible makes it highly approachable and helpful, especially for seekers and new believers. However, readers should understand that none of this information adds to God’s inspired Word, nor do I think that to be the intent of the contributors and publisher. While these commentaries and practical insights offer guidance, readers should still exercise discernment and be aware that believers may disagree on certain areas of practice.
For example, one of the lessons by Jimmy Evans asks the question, “Why should I pray in tongues?” This question assumes that readers should pray in tongues, which is a debatable topic among denominations. Personally, I believe tongues was a unique gift fitted for a unique time period (the church in the book of Acts). However, I can respect Jimmy Evans and others who believe it still has a place today. As with any interpretation of Scripture, readers should exercise discernment and prayerfully examine Scripture and its context.
A Giveaway for You
All that said, I’m glad to find this new resource and look forward to sharing it with others, starting with you! This week, you can enter to win a free copy of the Fresh Start Bible here on the blog. Here’s how to enter:
- Like this post and add a comment, explaining why you would enjoy this Bible or why you’d like to give it as a gift.
- Share any of my related posts on Facebook or Twitter and tag me in them. (You must tag me so I’m aware that you shared the post and can add you to the drawing.)
- Do more than one to be entered multiple times!
As we close out this year and anticipate the next, may we cherish God’s Word, prayerfully study it, and seek to know our Maker and Savior more.
~ Kristen
I’m grateful to the Blog About Network for hosting this giveaway.
Update: Giveaway Winner!
Congrats to Pamela on winning a copy of the Fresh Start Bible! Thanks to all who commented and shared on social media. This resource released December 1 and is available on Amazon.
