Tip #2 – Choose a Bible that you are comfortable with.
Translation: There are many great translations out there. Some are strict word for word translations while others are a paraphrase. Paraphrases can be great for an easy reading experience although sometimes the strength of a passage is missing but all in all most are reliable.
Kevin’s Bible of choice is the New International Version which is a combination of paraphrase and word for word. For my reading I will be using the English Standard Version which is a word for word translation. Whichever translation you use, make sure you are comfortable with how it reads. You will be reading it for the next year.
Method: The Bible is more accessible now than it has ever been. Go to any bookstore and you can purchase one for less than $10.00. There are also tons of free digital options as well.
If you want a Bible that is everywhere you have access to the internet than check out YouVersion.com. Here you can not only read the Bible but what countless others are saying about what you are reading. You might even find interesting videos or websites linked to those passages. It is a total community reading experience. There is also Biblegateway.com, Crosswalk.com and I am sure countless others. YouVersion.com is my online service of choice although it is still in beta testing. This is also where we are getting our 1 year reading plan.
If you would be more comfortable with something that you can have on you computer but does not require the internet then you need look no further than E-Sword. Not only are most of the options completely free, but there are tons of them as well. You can download various Bible translation, dictionaries and commentaries. You can also customize your reading experience a bit as well by adjusting the font type and size. All in all it is the best free Bible software around in my opinion.
For reading purposes I suggest you pick one translation but utilize every method needed to keep your reading on schedule.
I actually have E-Sword on my pocket PC that I use most of the time, and I like the functionality of it, the topic searches and what not. But there are times when it is somehow more satisfying to have a bible in hand, and actually turn pages. I personally like the TNIV, which if I understand correctly, is more of an actual translation than paraphrase compared to the NIV. Is that correct?
I used Pocket E-Sword for awhile but it ran to slow for me. Oh well. I agree, having a printed bible is generally more desirable for me as well.
Concerning the TNIV, it is actually the exact same as the NIV in method. They are both considered a thought for thought translation. The TNIV however attempts to remove, even more so, outdated terms that we would not use today. Like the ESV it also tries to use gender correct speech when referring to passages that are not gender specific but in fact include both men and woman. Having not read the TNIV but remembering some of the write ups when it was released that’s about all I know. I really need to get a copy and read it a bit.