NIV Essentials Study Bible

• Hardcover: 1728 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (November 26, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310442419
• ISBN-13: 978-0310442417

My thoughts on this Bible:

The NIV Essentials Study Bible really is an essential tool for anyone wanting to not only dig deeper into God's word but because this Bible is written in the NIV translation you're actually going to understand what you are reading.

The cover of this one says that it grasps the fundamentals of scripture through the lenses of 6 bestselling NIV resources such as the NIV Study Bible, Quest Study Bible, Archaeological Study Bible, Student Bible, Great Rescue Bible and the Essential Bible Companion, so really it's like getting six Bibles rolled into one. The first thing that I noticed is this isn't a heavy Bible which makes it great for me to take along to church, the next thing that really jumped out at me was the size of the font, it's actually very easy on the eye. There are so many useful features included that I am only going to touch on the ones that really were the most helpful for me. Each book of the Bible has an introduction which is so much more detailed than most that I have seen, it provides key concepts, verses, teachings and terms for each book, as well as maps photos and a timeline which really makes it easy to grasp the time period in which the events in that particular book took place. Other useful features were People in Focus that shines a spotlight on particular characters of the Bible, highlights peppered thru the scripture are really short notes that explain some of the tougher to understand scripture. Of course there are plenty of study notes alone the bottom of each page as well.  Also included are several reading plans, a subject index,a concordance,several color maps and a place to jot down notes as well. I really find this Bible an essential tool in my daily study, and feel like it is one of the most useful study Bibles that I own. Anyone looking for an in depth study Bible that will expand your knowledge and perhaps strengthen your faith can't go wrong with this one. Perfect for every new Christian and would make a wonderful gift for the new convert!

Publisher's Synopsis:

The NIV Essentials Study Bible helps you quickly and easily understand, interpret, and apply God's Word to your life. The variety of features in this Bible presents a multifaceted, exciting format for studying Scripture. There are many different ways to explore God's Word: question-and-answer studies; detailed in-text study notes; timelines, photos and charts; helpful devotional insights; and profiles of Bible characters. Now you don't have to choose, because the NIV Essentials Study Bible provides you the chance to explore the Bible using all these study methods and more. With each of these lenses included in one Bible, you will discover how to best understand the essentials of Scripture.This edition includes the entire NIV Bible text with the world's best notes for learning. It incorporates the finest content, images, and study tools from the most popular Bibles that are loved and used by Bible readers just like you. It features:* Flyover Lens: Start each book of the Bible with the right perspective from easy-to-read introductions from the popular Essential Bible Companion.* Unpack Lens: Easily understand and interpret Bible passages with bottom-of-the page study notes and in-text charts from the best-in-class NIV Study Bible.* Dig Deep, Look Close Lens: Understand the fascinating historical significance of the Bible with articles and photos from the bestselling NIV Archaeological Study Bible.* Qand amp;A Lens: Get concise, easy-to-grasp answers to your most perplexing questions about the Bible with questions and answers from the beloved NIV Quest Study Bible.* People Lens: View Scripture from the perspective of the 100 most important people in the Bible with notes for the student of any age excerpted from the timeless NIV Student Bible.* Guided Tour Lens: Get a bird's eyes view of Scripture with a Guided Tour, also excerpted from the category-leading NIV Student Bible.* Insight Lens: Find meaning in the Bible by reading these magazine-style call-outs from the NIV Student Bible.* Rand amp;R Lens: Reflect and amp; Respond with this quick inspirational focus time, which unveils the sweeping narrative of the Bible as seen in the award-winning The Great Rescue, NIV.

A complimentary copy of this Bible was provided for review.