The focus of this blog is the study of God’s Word, but I also use devotionals, commentaries, and other resources when I study. I thought it might be handy to share some of those books on this site.
Bibles
The Reformation Study Bible
Holman Illustrated Bible Handbook is available in ESV and the New King James translations. It has been thoroughly revised and carefully crafted under the editorial leadership of R.C. Sproul and the contributions of 75 distinguished theologians and pastors from around the world. Over 1.1 million words of new, expanded, or revised commentary represent 40% more content faithfully presented to emphasize the need for the grace of God to lead out of the darkness and into the light of Scripture.
I just purchased this Bible for my study because it has a number of key features that I have not found in other study Bibles in this translation. It contains:
Faithful Commentary
- New theological notes from general editor, R.C. Sproul
- Commentary from 75 distinguished theologians from around the world
- New topical articles to enrich additional study of Scripture
Thoroughly Revised & Expanded Study Aids
- Over 1.1 million words of verse-by-verse and topical explanations
- Over 20,000 new, revised or expanded study notes
- Historical creeds and confessions from 2,000 years of church history
New Study Tools & Visual Helps
- 16 pages of high-resolution full-color maps at back of Bible
- Embedded maps provide quick references as you read
- Concordance, table of weights and measures, and more
John MacArthur Study Bible – ESV Translation
John MacArthur Study Bible in ESV is still one of my favorite translations. It is in English Standard Version or New American Standard Bible. It includes a very thorough commentary by John MacArthur and has been my go-to bible for several years. I often use a combination of the John MacArthur and Reformation Study Bible. I enjoy the helps in both.
Commentaries
Holman Illustrated Bible Handbook
I purchased the Holman Illustrated Bible Handbook fairly recently. I like it because it covers some historical context with photos and maps and commentary.
“The Holman Illustrated Bible Handbook“ is designed with an awareness of the obstacles people have to understand the Bible. It begins with an essay on “How to Read and Study the Bible” before proceeding to chapters that provide a thorough overview of each of the Bible’s 66 books, summarizing each one’s content, author, evidence of authenticity, and historical context.”
Devotionals
'Utmost for His Highest', by Oswald Champers
I purchased this devotional about 2009. I have read it almost every day since then. Chambers was a godly man with great insights.
For years, millions of Christians the world over have trusted the spiritual companionship of Oswald Chambers’ beloved daily devotional, My Utmost for His Highest. Now, this timeless devotional is available in a beautifully designed edition that will be read and treasured through the years. The updated text makes Chambers’ meditations accessible to modern readers while carefully preserving their meaning and style. My Utmost for His Highest Quality Paperback Edition includes the complete updated text, helpful subject and Scripture indexes, and a brief, inspiring biography of Oswald Chambers and his beloved wife, Biddy.
Tozer on Christian Leadership: A 366 Daily Devotional (Tozer for Today)
This is a devotional I have had for about 2 years. I really like A.W. Tozer’s straight forward approach. He does not hold back.
This 366-day devotional reflects A.W. Tozer’s passion for God-ordained, Christ-centered leadership. As reflected in these excerpts from the best of A.W. Tozer’s writings, Tozer’s interest in the subject of Christian leadership was not simply academic, but devotional, inspirational and practical.