Bibles...? Help me please?

4 40+ yrs Iv studied the whole Bible, some parts many times. Religion doesnt = the truth. I know many Biblical things but its most important 2 know about is being Born Anew (Jn 3:3,5). Whats Biblical is built on it (NT - John is the place 2 start, Chap.3 1rst - the whole Bible is connected 2 John). Im not religious under "church" type labels b/c the Bible is about eternal life not how many rituals u can do (wrong use of the Bible - partly why theres many interpretations). By loving the truth 1rst u'll learn the true love of Jesus Christ.

2 begin 2 find our real Jesus, go 2 John 3:1-14 - note: Nicodemus was very religious but Jesus flat-out told him he had missed the 1rst most important step - being Born Anew. 2 b Born Anew u must 1rst understand no1 can live w/o breaking God's Law = sin separates us from God (Rom 3:23; Acts 3:19). So, u must pray 2 Jesus asking Him 2 forgive ur past sins, accept Jesus Christ as ur 1 & only Savior, ask Him 2 give u God's Holy Spirit (Lk 11:11-13; Jn 15:26; 14:26), seek 2 know/follow Him - u always need a Bible (Jn 7:17; Jn 1:12,13; 3:16,17;21; 36; 5:24: 6:37; 8:12; 10:9; 11:25; 14:6; 20:31; Is 34:16; 46:10 - memorize this verse set - later it helped).

In reading the Bible 1 must know this - theres many ways that seem right 2 men but its end = death & verses must b judged with right judgment. The Bible isnt 2 b read as a novel/a bedtime story. Many think they can just read it & understand it, its rubbish or pick parts of the Bible not easily understood even by seasoned actual Christians.

Many miss this - Jesus is the only 1 in history who said He's "the" way, "the" truth & "the" life & NO1 can know God except thru Jesus (Jn 14:6 - ref Acts 4:12; Jn 5:39; 10:1,7). So "the" whole truth was complete/finished thru what Jesus taught/did or God doesn't know what He's doing & cant b God. The truth is either fully true or its a lie. The full truth cant contain a lie - the absence of any lie. So any so-called new teaching/other religious beliefs or from self-proclaimed prophets/teachers r invalid & cant lead u 2 God. But God always knew what He's doing & all Jesus would do.

Jesus couldnt have done nor said what He did unless He fully knew the entire OT (NT didnt exist @ the time of Jesus) - only possible if God sent Him. The Apostles couldnt write the NT unless Jesus allowed them 2 remember/know His purpose (Lk 24:25-27,45). Only God could cause it.

No matter how much well-meaning ppl (religious or not) read the Bible they cant find Jesus without going directly 2 Him thru His Biblical instructions (Jn 5:39; 10:1,7; 3:3,5). God outsmarted man - the Bible's the only 1 that cant b properly understood w/o Jesus (Jn 14:6; II Cor 3:14; Is 29:11-12 - If Jewish ppl cant pierce the veil over the OT w/o Jesus then 4 sure all gentiles cant) - why theres many interpretations/many thinking its just fairy tales (Jesus came with the sword of division).

The Bible severely warns us not 2 trust humans, not even ourselves, clergy/churches/scholars/scientists (Jer 10:2-5,23; Is 2:22; Job 12:11; Prov 14:12; Acts 17:11). So carefully think over what I say. Dont just believe or dismiss what I write so u wont make the mistake many hv, getting caught up in religious beliefs that cant lead u 2 God (things written about the Bible r by man not Jesus - like books/commentaries).

Religions made many fatal errors. They built religions on what man would like God 2 b like. They cant all b right (i.e. Theres 1 Bible, why so many interpretations? - II Pet 1:**19-21). Religion wont teach u much about God (they cant teach what they don't know).

BIBLES:

Get the English Standard Version (ESV) [genuine leather cover if u can] as its the easiest 2 read (see below 4 details). Well-meaning ppl suggest others but theres issues: i.e. Many suggest the King James Version (KJV) b/c its the only 1 authorized by a human king [not God] (drawback - its written in older English not spoken 4 over 130 yrs, good in its day but a huge speed bump now - helps promote Biblical ignorance). Others suggest the New International Version (NIV & all related NL[living]T,TNIV, etc) but its made 2 appeal 2 humanist ideas (a novel/bedtime story/appeal 2 human nature [what ppl like] NOT what the Bible is 4 = huge roadblock). God's eternal truth that never changes is present in most standard translations but theres roadblocks/speed bumps b/c of various objectives (i.e. so-called missing bks dont belong in the Bible (see below)).

Many dont trust God, r stuck in old traditions & miss the right criteria 4 finding the real truth (buying a Bible b/c u like it isnt a good criteria). U want a version that gives u the quickest path 2 the truth (least amnt of speed bumps/roadblocks) 4 the best chance not 2 b confused, which u'll hv along the way - especially 4 young ppl - what u feed a child spiritually affects the outcome - input = output - Ur approach/methodology/purpose & attitude (in)directly affect what u learn. I hv access 2 30+ translations. Iv found the best 2 versions (1 or 2 others r almost as good but not needed). Why I use these 2:

The wise know there cant b many versions that can b the best/close 2 old texts. Theres 3 main types of translations with overlaps/mixtures within each category (dependent on agendas/philosophical approach - some may classify some in 1 category when they belong in another - especially within B&C below - 2 a degree more than 1 method may b used 4 readability or depending on agendas/theology concepts - some overuse):

A. Word 4 word with right amount of literal translation method

B. Dynamic equivalence/thought 4 thought - overused Literal

C. Concept 4 Concept/Paraphrased (free translation) - overused Literal

1a. Word 4 Word

I use Bibles based in "word 4 word" with right usage of "literal" (4 readability) translation methods. The reason is they adhere best 2 original text. The translations, best 1rst, r King James III (KJ III) (newest update) by J. P. Green - also published a Literal Translation & an Interlinear Version (IV) - includes Hebrew&Greek, **English Standard Version (ESV) - the "easiest good version" 2 read (related update of Revised Standard Version (RSV - best older 20th Cnt translation).

1b. Older English Versions

Regrettably all other English translations hv inherent issues/errors. Old English versions like the KJV, American Standard Version (ASV, AmV), Revised English Version (REV), Darby & similar versions r written in older English thats not been used 4 over 130 yrs. While poetically nice the Bible ISNT about poetry. The Bible's hard enough 2 understand without trying 2 decipher an outdated language - even word 4 word trans. wont help.

The truth's hidden in the Bible. It takes lots of time/energy 2 mine it as is. Again, many ppl claim the KJV is the only "authorized" version (KJV is authorized by a "human" king not God/has errors). Many older English words rnt even rightly definable any more. Use of OLD so-called "modern" English only helps promote Biblical ignorance, overriding its value 4 knowing God.

2. Dynamic Equivalence/Thought 4 Thought

B wise stay away from all other (un)popular versions b/c they, 2 1 degree or another hv rewritten passages/verses. While many were well-meaning they watered down/caused significant changes 2 the meaning of God's actual message/block the true power of God's word from being rightly understood.

Many well-meaning ppl tried 2 make versions so-called easier/more pleasurable 2 read - the Bible isnt a storybook/novel. They were trying 2 please humans instead of God. They used dynamic equivalence, thought 4 thought & used some literal/word 4 word method translation 4 where the original was obviously better. Where these methods went wrong is b/c they tried 2 1 degree or another 2 rewrite verses in their own words (calling them so-called modern English, etc.) or styles (sentence structure/other issues/errors). The more liberally applied the worse the version (especially 4 hidden agendas).

These versions include: The [NASB], RE, NAV, JB, NEB, KJV, NKJV, NRSV, HCSV, CEV, GNB, NCV, NJB & others with similarly applied methods & sad 2 say all Catholic versions [especially with inclusion of so-called "lost" or Apocrypha books, which dont adhere 2 the same foundation/structure, message or contradict God's 66 true books].

3. Concept 4 concept/Paraphrased/FT

This set includes but isnt limited 2 the NLB, LT, NIV, NIRV, NLV, NLT, TNIV, NLV, The Way - Paraphrased + the Message Bible (worst offenders but all versions listed here r almost as bad as these 2 - they make the Bible more like bedtime stories than the word of God). The more liberally applied the worse the version (especially 4 hidden agendas) - perversion 2 1 degree or another.

These translation methods bend/rewrite &/or water down what was originally intended ([un]intentionally 4 various preferences/agendas). If u want 2 know God's actual message dont use these versions - they will give u a distorted message & u could wind up remembering them that way - especially our impressionable children. Use the 2 versions I list under set 1 2 get 2 know what God actually intended.

Neither a label (like brother/sister/friend), title, name, its history, no. of members/converts, amount of time it existed nor claims made about them (like persecution) means anything (u can call anything anything). Its whats practiced that makes them either the whole truth or a lie. A dictionary definition doesnt necessarily encompass God's full definition or usage of a word (or His exceptions thereof). I.e. neither Jesus/Biblical prophets were ever muslims no matter what islam's usage 4 the word muslim is (calling a dog god [pope] doesnt make it God [pope]).

voyc4rmwldrns

Actually, you need to change your wording just slightly: Hebrew Bible Roman Catholic Bible Protestant Bible The Jewish scholars finished the edition of the Hebrew Bible in about the third century. That text is included in both the RC and Prot. Bible. The order of the books is different, because of underlying assumptions. The Christian Bible (the New Testament) wasn't really nailed down until nearly the tenth century or so. After that, it was locked in. This was done in a series of Church Councils. This text is the same in both the RC and Prot. Bible, and the Old Testament is pretty much the same in either of these Bibles, except that the order may be a bit different. The only difference between the RC and Prot. Bibles is the presence of the Apocrypha -- several books that were unknown in Hebrew, but were included routinely in Greek language translations of the Old Testament that were in popular use around the time of the early Church. That Greek translation of the Old Testament (called the Septuagint) was so popular (most Jews did not at that time remember how to speak or read Hebrew anymore) that whenever you find the Old Testament quoted in the New Testament, it is always the Septuagint text they are quoting.

I see a lot of words in the answers you've received so far without much advice about Bibles. There are plenty to pick from, but the most important thing is to get one you feel comfortable with. The best options right now are the NIV (New International Version) and NLT (New Living Translation). For a beginner the NLT is probably best, it's very plain and clear writing. The problem with the NLT is that there aren't many reference works to go along with it if you need to expand your library.

The best study Bibles are the Thompson Chain and Life Application. There are several versions of each at christianbook.com. I hope this is helpful

It is a daunting task for the new Bible student to walk into a store for the purpose of purchasing a Bible. Immediately, he is met with shelves upon shelves of more than 50 different English translation choices: NIV, TNIV, ESV, NASB, NRSV, CEV, HCSB, NLT, and on and on. He is even further bewildered when he realizes that there are different formats within each translation: a reference Bible, a study Bible, a life application Bible, an archaeology Bible, or just the standard format. He further notices that some translations claim to be Essentially Literal, while others claim to be Dynamic Equivalent (thought for thought), which has only served to increased his confusion.

How to Choose a Bible Translation

http://bible-translation.net/bible_translation_pri...

Also, I would recommend the following discussion group to ask all things Bible translation related.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bible-translation/

"The Dead Sea Scrolls Bible" By Abegg, Flynt and Ulrich is the only Bible to get.

The manuscripts from which this Bible is translated is a thousand years older than the material of any other Bibles. It is the only Bible which clearly delineates what the Israelites believed two thousand years ago.

Some material which the Jews of that date held as being the most important Biblical revelations (The Book of Enoch and Jubilees) are not included but these can be found in "The Dead Sea Scrolls" by Wise, Abegg and Cook.

If you read that material you will know far more about what Judaism and the heritage of Christianity is than all these pretenders who peddle "modern Bibles"!

You can get a reference Bible from your local Kingdom Hall of Jehovahs Witnesses. The reference Bible is a great study Bible. The Bibles are at no charge, but if you want to help with the printing costs, you can make a donation.

The study Bible most preachers use is the Thompson Chain Reference Bible.

I'd get one in the NIV or New International Version, the best selling English translation over the past 20 years.

http://www.kirkbride.com/

The above link is the publisher.

If you type in the following, into Google, you'll find places you can find them on sale:

Thompson Chain Reference Bible

The Chain Reference System links passages together on the same subject without telling what it means and that's good, it allows the Holy Spirit to tell you what it means.

The ESV has a new study bible and that's pretty good as well. I bought a copy of that only a few weeks ago.

This web site has lots of different translations all in one place:

http://www.biblegateway.com/

For NT, but only available separately far as I know are the entries in the Ignatius Study Bible.

Very good is the Jerusalem Bible Student Edition.

New American Bible won't light up the sky but I had the translators in school. It is certainly servicable.

I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses. I read and study many bible translations. Including the Catholic Douay, Knox, and New Jerusalem translations. My main translation to use is The New World Translation Of The Holy Scriptures.

http://www.watchtower.org/e/bible/index.htm

The Jerusalem Bible is one translation which used by Catholics.

Whatever you choose, make sure it is one with the full version of the Old Testament. Many Protestant translations omit the books which thye call 'apocrypha', such as Wisdom and Baruch.

Get a bible that encourages you to look at Yahweh's old-testament behavior with clear eyes. Don't gloss it over. Look at that god and realize that it is a hideous genocidal maniac. Then look into the New Testament and find the spot that says that Yahweh never changes. The god who did those things is the god that you are attempting to worship. Decide whether you're going to worship an obviously evil god. I hope that you won't. Good luck!