Operation Actually Read Bible

Sunday, December 31, 2023

Hebrews 4:16 (Translation Fun)

Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment]. [Amplified, new]

Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it]. [Amplified, classic]

Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help us in time of need. [American Standard Version]

Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need. [Christian Standard Bible]

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. [English Standard Version]

Let us therefore go boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. [1599 Geneva Bible]

Let us have confidence, then, and approach God's throne, where there is grace. There we will receive mercy and find grace to help us just when we need it. [Good News Translation]

Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time. [Holman Christian Standard Bible]

Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with fullest confidence, that we may receive mercy for our failures and grace to help in the hour of need. [J.B. Phillips New Testament]

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. [King James Version]

Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. [Legacy Standard Version]

So let us come boldly to the very throne of God and stay there to receive his mercy and to find grace to help us in our times of need. [The Living Bible]

So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help. [Message]

Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. [New American Standard Bible 95]

Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need. [NASB 2020]

Let us, then, feel very sure that we can come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we can receive mercy and grace to help us when we need it. [New Century Version]

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. [New International Version]

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. [New King James Version]

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. [New Living Translation]

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. [Berean Standard Bible]

Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need. [New American Standard, 1977]

Let vs therfore goo boldely vnto the seate of grace that we maye receave mercy and fynde grace to helpe in tyme of nede. [Tyndale Bible, 1526]

Let vs therefore come boldly vnto the throne of grace, that wee may obtaine mercy, and finde grace to helpe in time of need. [1611 King James Bible]

Sunday Salon #53

Final wrap-up of the Bible-reading year!

ESV with apocrypha -- Psalms 116-150

NKJV Wide Margin -- 1 Samuel 9-31; 2 Samuel; 1 Kings; Ecclesiastes; Song of Solomon; Proverbs 1-7; 1 Timothy; 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon; Hebrews; James;

KJV -- Genesis; Ezekiel; Obadiah; Jonah; 3 John

Amplified John; Acts; Romans; 1 Corinthians; 2 Corinthians; Galatians; Ephesians

Sunday, December 24, 2023

Sunday Salon #52

Current Bibles

ESV with apocrypha -- Psalms 86-115

NKJV Wide Margin-- Deuteronomy 24-34; Joshua; Judges; 1 Samuel 1-8; Amos, Habakkuk; Zephaniah; Haggai; Zechariah; Malachi; Romans 12-16; 1 Corinthians; 2 Corinthians; Galatians; Ephesians; Philippians; Colossians; 1 Thessalonians; 2 Thessalonians;

Amplified New Testament Matthew 16-28; Mark; Luke;

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

90. How To Memorize Scripture for Life

How To Memorize Scripture for Life: From One Verse to Entire Books. Andrew M. Davis. 2024. [January] 72 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Welcome to the rich and challenging journey of Scripture memorization! You are about to embark on a searching and rewarding exercise of spiritual and mental labor: the memorizing of whole chapters and books of the Bible. This effort will challenge you greatly—not simply because memorizing is hard work (it is) but also because the verses themselves will search your soul with the light of God’s perfect truth.

I thought it would be a great idea to read another [a second] book on Scripture memorization. [Plus this one is a review copy.] I ended up comparing this one to Memorizing Scripture: The Basics, Blessings, and Benefits of Meditating on God's Word by Glenna Marshall. Was it intentional? unintentional? A bit of both if I'm honest.

I will start with the pros. Davis is nothing if not practical. Also emphatic. He says while it is okay to memorize [random, topical] verses, it is absolutely the best to memorize whole chapters, whole books of the Bible. His reasoning is that this affords the greatest benefit. It helps you a) meditate on the Word, b) apply and obey the Word, c) encourage and support other believers with the Word of God, d) evangelize to unbelievers. Back to his practical nature, his approach doesn't seem to vary all that much. Pick a book (with the Spirit). Pick a deadline (with the Spirit). Tackle one new verse a day using his very specific method. Review previous verses. [Lather. Rinse.] Repeat. [I jest.] His method is to a) read aloud a new verse, say Ephesians 1:1, ten times. Then repeat the verse [Ephesians 1:1 in our example] ten times without looking. The next day repeat [without looking, I believe] Ephesians 1:1 ten times. Then read aloud Ephesians 1:2 ten times. Then repeat Ephesians 1:2 ten times without looking. The next day, recite Ephesians 1:1 and Ephesians 1:2 ten times apiece without looking. Read aloud Ephesians 1:3 ten times. Then repeat Ephesians 1:3 ten times without looking.

More pros are that he a) admits that it is hard, difficult, challenging, time-consuming. He's honest about the effort and level of commitment. He also does not back down [nor should he????] that Scripture itself commands believers to memorize it.

Are there cons? Yes, in my opinion [for what it's worth.] He doesn't really allow for diverse learning differences, styles, techniques. It's like this is the way I've done it, copy me exactly. The practicality ends rather quickly if his method doesn't work well for you. Other authors offer MORE tips and tricks. Like writing the verse you are memorizing, like listening to the verse you are memorizing, like writing out first letters for each word, putting up cards around the house, recommending various apps, etc. He also doesn't have great "bedside manner" in my opinion. He is more a brisk, just do it as opposed to someone who is a natural at encouragement and inspiration.

I also found that the title was slightly misleading. His goal is not to memorize "for life" in the interpretation that these are verses/chapters/books that you will retain for life. Instead, I believe, his "life" means for the spiritual benefit and improvement of life. He actively talks about how each book you memorize should be "forgotten" or "wiped clean" so that you can start a new project.

He does try to impress upon readers the benefits of Scripture memorization. However, Glenna Marshall's book was more encouraging and even more practical.

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Thoughts on Bibles, 2023 Edition

In 2023, I read through twenty-one [whole] Bibles, and an additional three New Testaments.

Did I mean to read through the Bible this many times? NO. No. no. I typically read through between 8 to 10 times. Am I planning on reading through twenty-one times next year? Again no.

By far, this is the most I've read the Bible. Or in some cases, "read" the Bible. How much is reading? How much is "reading"? I think you reach a point where you come across chapters and you're like, I don't "need" to read this for the umpteenth time--usually something about priests' garments, clean and unclean food, or sanctuary/temple arrangements. (Though sometimes the begats).

I read through the ESV three times.

1. ESV Large Print Thinline Reference Bible. 2001/2016. God. 1232 pages. [Source: Gift] (ISBN: 9781433532788)

2. ESV Church History Study Bible: Voices from the Past, Wisdom for the Present. God. 2022. [December] 2112 pages. [Source: Bought]

6. ESV Large Print Bible. God. Crossway Publishers. 2001/2011. 1408 pages. [Source: Bought]

I read through the King James Version four times.

8. Fourth Edition (1964) King James Thompson Chain Reference Bible. God. 1591 pages. [Source: Bought]

13. King James Version, Personal Size Sovereign Collection. God. Thomas Nelson Publishers. 1696 pages. [Source: Bought]

19. King James Version, Giant Print, End of Verse Reference, Special Helps. 1976. Nelson 882BR. 1962 pages. [Source: Bought]

21. The New Chronological Bible (Large Print) (King James Version) God. Edited by R. Jerome Boone. 1980. 1551 pages. World Bible Publishers. [Source: Bought]21.

I read through the New King James Version twice.

5. NKJV, Deluxe Reader's Bible. God. 2018. 1952 pages. [Source: Bought]

17. NKJV (New King James Version). Personal Size Reference. Sovereign Collection. God. 2022. 1696 pages. [Source: Bought]

I read through the NASB 1977 three times.

9. Giant Print Handy Size Reprint NASB 1977 Edition. 2011. AMG Publishers. 2304 pages.

16. NASB, 1977 Edition. Thompson Chain Reference Bible. (Leathersoft) God. 2021. 2240 pages. [Source: Bought]

20. Nelson NASB 1977 776B Royal Reference Bible. God. 1977 (1989) 1460 pages. [Source: Bought]

The three New Testaments:

2.5 Wycliffe New Testament 1388: An edition in modern spelling, with an introduction, the original prologues, and the Epistle to the Laodicieans. William R. Cooper, ed. 2002. British Library. 528 pages. [Source: Bought]

5.33 New Testament with Study Helps: New International Version. God. 1973/1976. 489 pages. [Source: Bought]

5.66 The New Testament in the Language of the People. Charles B. Williams 1937. 572 pages. [Source: Bought]

The others:

3. NRSV XL: Holy Bible. God. 2007. 1824 pages. [Source: Bought]

4. The NIV Rainbow Study Bible. (NIV 1984) 1992. 1576 pages. [Source: Bought]

7. ISBN 9780310460534. NASB 2020. Thinline Bible, Premium Goatskin Leather, Brown, Premier Collection, Black Letter, Gauffered Edges, 2020 Text, Comfort Print. God. Zondervan Publishers. 1216 pages. [Source: Bought]

10. Legacy Standard Bible, Giant Print Reference. 2023. [July] 1984 pages. [Source: Bought] [Bible]

11. Holy Bible (Gideons) Revised Berkeley in Modern English (A Completely New Translation from the Original Languages) 1969/1983. 928 pages. [Source: Bought]

12. New International Version, 1978 edition. God. 1342 pages. [Source: Bought] [Bible]

14. NASB 1995 XL. God. Zondervan. 2021. 1664 pages. [Source: Bought]

15. KJ21: Holy Bible. God. 1994. 1888 pages. [Source: Bought]

18. Holy Bible, RSV CE 2 (Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition). God. 2006. 1096 pages. [Source: Bought]

89. The Sisters of Sea View

The Sisters of Sea View (On Devonshire Shores #1) Julie Klassen. 2022. 448 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Sarah Summers carefully lifted the family heirloom, a warm mantle of nostlagia settling over her.

Historical romance--Regency Romance--Christian fiction.

After the death of their father and the decline of their mother's health, four sisters--Sarah, Emily, Viola, Georgiana--decide (somewhat reluctantly) to open up their seaside home to (paying) guests.

Long story short: I absolutely loved, loved, loved, loved this one. It was just giddy-making. I loved the family. I loved the neighborhood and community. I loved meeting the guests. I loved the stories. I loved the relationships. I loved the layers.

Three of the four sisters are well-developed and get a lot of time and attention. [Georgiana, well, maybe in future books she will be developed and have a story.]

There are multiple narrators. The narrators do not switch over at chapter breaks. Within a chapter, the point of view might change several times. The only negative thing I can say about this one is that--at least in the advanced reader's copy--there's no visual clues that the narration has changed.

It was so funny to have Mr. and Mrs. Elton from Emma show up as guests in this one!!! They added much comic relief.

ETA: Yes, I read this one twice in one year. The sequel just released. I checked both books out of the library.

Monday, December 18, 2023

21. KJV New Chronological Bible

The New Chronological Bible (Large Print) (King James Version) God. Edited by R. Jerome Boone. 1980. 1551 pages. World Bible Publishers. [Source: Bought]

First sentence: Thy throne is established of old: thou art from everlasting. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God.

There have been other Bibles in the King James Version that have been arranged chronologically. This one is from 1980. I am guessing--pure speculation--that it was not a huge success from a publishing standpoint and did not stay in print. Then again, I had never heard of World Bible Publishers until I started thrifting.

This one is double column, words of Christ in BLACK. The font size is nice.

What makes this one unique? Or mostly unique? It is arranged chronologically. Any verse from any chapter any book could be spliced--rearranged--according to one man's editing desires. Some are obvious editorial choices; perhaps others less so. I would love a behind the scenes peek into WHY he put certain verses/chapters where he did.

The Bible is arranged in an outline with twelve major headings.

Development of the Early World
Development of Israel as a Tribe
Development of Israel as a Nation
Development of Israel as a Kingdom
Division of Israel into a Dual Kingdom
Survival of Israel in the Southern Kingdom
Captivity of Israel in Babylonia
Restoration of Israel as a Nation
Preservation of Israel During the Intertestamental Period
Inauguration of the Kingdom of God on Earth
Continuation of the Kingdom of God on Earth
Consummation of the Kingdom of God on Earth

The earliest section, so far, is the most choppy. I don't envy anyone the task of trying to mix and blend the whole Bible into a grand opening. (I personally would not mess with Genesis 1:1, but that is just me)

Here is how Boone worked it:

Genesis 1:9-13, 14-19, 20-23, 24-26,

Any arrangement is going to obviously reveal the theological belief system of the arranger, the editor. For example, in this instance the interpretation that Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28 refer to Satan's fall. He also places the book of Ruth and the last five chapters of Judges BEFORE the rest of the book. (Perhaps with the exception of Judges 1). He also has SAMUEL contemporaries with SAMPSON.

He arranges some sections with parallel passages. (Though thankfully not in the New Testament). I found this more annoying than not. I found myself unable to read both in any meaningful way. I was more having to pick and choose which column to focus on and which to skim. And the passages may have dealt with the same king, etc., but the phrasing wasn't the same. So in my personal opinion not all that "parallel."

Though I didn't particularly know this at the start, I ended up not really being a fan of chronological arrangement. (This isn't to say that I regret my time in God's Word). I much prefer to read whole books to reading spliced books. To each his/her own however. I have no issue with readers--believers--who greatly appreciate/love this method of Bible reading.

This will almost definitely be my final Bible to complete in 2023.