BIBLE GATEWAY- My review on its' updated website.

 

On July 1, 2020 I received a request to review BIBLE GATEWAY’s updated website. Bible Gateway has been my resource of choice for years even though many people and my church suggest another one. There was nothing wrong with the “classic” site but I decide to give it a try, that is why it has taken me this long to share my opinion.

I have been very irritated with the new site, I am glad it gives me the option of going tot he “classic” view because when I am studying it is important for me to utilize that view. 

Both sites offer the viewer the same thing it is just a matter of choosing a tab on the top of the page or a menu item on the side of the page. 

The classic is brighter, the fonts are lighter but all I want to do is go to my Bible verses.

I use BIBLE GATEWAY to view multiple translations of the same passages. I like to compare the new King James, The Expanded and the Voice- I have a print version of each of these Bibles but I will often add a translation that I don’t have. With the classic website, once I log on, the search tool automatically defaults to the new King James Bible Version and I can add the other two versions in the order that I mentioned. 

Since the update the default is the New International Version, yes I have this in print, I rarely seek the NIV translation. 

Now, it is possible that I could set up the New BIBLE GATEWAY website to accommodate my idiosyncrasies but why? My opinion, when I first looked at the updated site was: They are trying to compete with the other Bible search tools. 

Coca-cola tried to compete with Pepsi by coming up with a “New” Coke and it was not a success. Yes, there were people that liked the flavor but most people chose to stick with the classic. Not everyone is going to switch from Pepsi to coke just because you created a flavor that is similar.

Not everyone is going to come to the New Bible Gateway just because you redesigned your website. BIBLE GATEWAY is perfect for what people who study GOD’s word needs. Perhaps you may get a few new subscribers but as long as mega church leaders promote the other site people are not going to switch, your just aggravating the people who have been with you for years. 

As a #BibleGatewayParner I was informed that the new site has a responsive design (whatever that is) and is easily viewed on whatever format you are using- cell phone, tablet, computer, etcetera.  I did try to use my cell phone to look up a verse but I had the same problem I had before the revamp- let's just assume it is operator error.

I still love Bible Gateway and prefer it over the other Bible resource tools and recommend it to everyone. I prefer the Classic coca-cola and the classic Bible Gateway.  

                                                                                          Written by Marsha L F Randolph

NKJV UNAPOLOGETIC STUDY BIBLE - Thomas Nelson publishers

Reviewers bias: I love Bibles and I love the New King James Bible and I have declared the last few Bibles as my “new favorite Bible.”  But this is the BIBLE I NEED!

Thomas Nelson has presented many Bibles with commentaries and references the NKJV UNAPOLOGETIC STUDY BIBLE has become my most relevant Scripture source in addressing today’s issues.

NKJV UNAPOLOGETIC STUDY BIBLE- Confidence For Such A Time As This (the complete title) focuses on eight specific areas of study: Church, Corruption, Economics, Education, Family, Government, Sanctity of Life and Virtue. Within each of these areas of study there are commentaries.

Ecclesiastes 9:9 could lead to a discussion on marriage. In this case there is a commentary on: THE MYTHS OF COHABITATION, found on page 724 of my Hard cover copy. This discussion is  in the area of Family,  and addresses Adultery and Fornication by sharing 4 myths living together.

This Bible is not for the “Sunday Only Christian” using it will push you further away from worldly living into the Kingdom of God. No modern day issue is avoided in this Bible. Sanctity of Life addresses the issues of abortion and infanticide. A biblical perspective of homosexuality and transgenderism are also presentend.

In addition to the areas of study there are also what is refered to as quadrants. These four quadrants: Biblical, Historical, Quotation & Writings and Commentary help put the writings in perspective. For example: Psalm 139:13-16 There is an Article “Embryonic Stem-cells: Fearfully and Wonderfully made. This is under the area of “Sanctity of Life”, it is undeer the subcatagory of “Stem-Cell research, Cloning and Biotechnogolgy. Psalm 139:13-16 has been placed in the QUADRANT- BIBLICAL. With this Bible you will want to take full advantage of the INDEX FOR CANONICAL STUDY, which is what I did to find and present this example.

THIS IS A SERIOUS STUDY BIBLE MEANT FOR THOSE SERIOUS ABOUT KNOWING THE WILL OF GOD. (All caps intentional.) It will challenge your theology. This Bible was published for such a time as this.

NOTE: The NKJV UNAPOLOGETIC STUDY BIBLE  links with a website dedicated to assisting church leaders in their quest for “Spirit-directed, kingdom-building thought and action” discipleship. I have visited the site: www.kairosjournal.org and found it to be worth using. - - - written by Marsha L F Randolph

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers  book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL by John MacArthur

The first question one must ask is: Why read another book on the Apostle Paul? This is what I asked myself when I agreed to review THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL by John MacArthur. My answer was: it is written by John MacArthur and I respect his writings.

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL is a type of survey of the teachings of the Apostle. In writing this book the author presents the basis of Christianity, there really is no other way to say it. What is important about this book is: it serves as a reality check for those who profess to be Christians.

The book is easy to read and only 134 pages not counting the Appendix which brings it to 190. The Appendix is just as an important a read as the body of the book. I was intrigued by the discussions found in the Appendix particularly “Redefining Atonement” page 141; Appendix 1 “In Defense of Substitutionary Atonement.” THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL proves that you do not need a thousand page book to present information.

This book, THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL, is a necessary read and not like other books I have read or skimmed through. If you were going to purchase a book about the Apostle Paul this is the one. It is a very informative read thus I recommend it.  — written by Marsha L F Randolph

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

EXPLORING CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY

Now more than ever it is very important for Christians to study the Bible not just read it. EXPLORING CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY Volume One, General Editors Nathan D. Holsteen & Michael J. Svigel is a great tool to help individuals understand the context of Scripture.

In general EXPLORING CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY is a Bible Study help that guides the individual through basic principles of faith regardless of his or her denomination. This book will: help the individual put events in the Bible in context, understand various foundational truths and reveal what was not seen by the reader before as he studies.

Graphics are used to illustrate various points and there are text boxes with suggested verses to remember throughout the book. There are charts and extensive reference notes throughout the book. What I appreciated was the sections entitled “Shelf Space” which contained an abundance of recommended reading.

EXPLORING CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY allows the reader to examine personal beliefs without the assistance of a dictionary. You will, however, need your Bible.

Each section is a study by itself though some may try to read the entire book I would suggest the reader pace himself. It is possible to use this book as part of a Bible Study group.

EXPLORING CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY is not for everyone. I have to admit that the writing style took me some getting use to. Quite frankly, I did not particularly care for some of the analogies used to segue to a particular concept.

The book is not necessarily an “easy” read but it is not difficult either. Based on its’ content I can recommend it.  Marsha L Randolph

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”