Special thanks to BookLook for providing a sample copy of this book for review purposes.
Study Bible Description:
Are you experiencing a hunger to know God more completely in your life? Do you long for a deeper connection with him? If so, then the NIV Spiritual Renewal Bible – the recipient of the 1999 ECPA Gold Medallion Award – is for you. Using a time-tested process honed over decades of counseling and teaching, Stephen Arterburn employs 7 core principles of spiritual renewal and refreshment, connecting you more closely with God’s Spirit through his Word and helping you to develop the deep, satisfying change you desire in your spiritual life.
About the Bible Study Author:
Steve Arterburn is a bestselling author, radio host, and entrepreneur. He is the founder and chairman of New Life Ministries, the largest faith-based broadcast counseling and treatment ministry. He is also the host of “New Life Live!”—a nationally syndicated daily radio program—and founder of Women of Faith conferences. He is the author of many bestselling books, such as the Every Man’s Battle series and The God of Second Chances. Arterburn lives in Indianapolis with his family.
Study Bible Details:
Hardcover: 1376 pages
Publisher: Zondervan; Special edition (December 25, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310417376
ISBN-13: 978-0310417378
Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.8 x 1.8 inches
Retail Price: $39.99
My Thoughts:
The Spiritual Renewal Study Bible is a study Bible that is set up to help readers seek God’s plan for our lives on a daily basis. This study Bible is set up in a way that focuses on the following 7 keys:
- Seek God and Surrender to Him
- See the Truth
- Speak the Truth
- Accept Responsibility
- Grieve, Forgive, and Let Go
- Transform Your Life
- Preserve Spiritual Gains
Each book of the Bible starts off with an introduction which gives a summary of the book including an outline of the contents of the book, a summary of the book (The Big Picture), the theme of the book (Spiritual Renewal Themes), and Essential Facts such as the purpose, author, audience, date written, setting, key verse, key events, and key people. This is a really cool feature as it gives a really interesting glimpse into each book of the Bible prior to reading.
Throughout the Bible, readers will encounter character profiles which include an overview about the person(s), their strengths and accomplishments, their weaknesses and mistakes, lessons from their lives, and a key verse. These profiles help readers take a closer look at the individuals covered in a way that shows both the good and bad in their lives.
Also included is the Spiritual Keys Devotional Reading Plan which highlights the 7 keys mentioned above. At the end of the devotional, the reader is then sent to the next devotional in the plan. A full list of devotionals, arranged by the 7 keys, are featured at the end of the Bible.
There are also Spiritual Disciplines Devotionals which are topical studies in the various spiritual disciplines such as prayer, service, solitude, worship…. Once again, there is a notation that directs the reader to the next devotional. A full list of the topical studies is given at the end of the Bible in case someone prefers to go through all of the studies in the particular spiritual discipline.
Keeping with the theme of Spiritual Disciplines, there are also articles that highlight different characters in the Bible and how they utilized the various spiritual disciplines in their life.
As with any study Bible, this Bible features text notes. These notes highlight the concepts/lessons being taught that focus on the spiritual renewal theme. These text notes are quite tiny which is something that may concern those who need a larger print.
The font of the Bible itself is easy to read. The hardcover under the dust cover is a plain brown. From what I can see, the devotionals and profiles appear to be Biblically sound. Overall, it’s a nice topical study Bible, but it is not a Bible that will provide an in-depth look into the topics covered.
