Book Review: Start! The Bible for New Believers

Start! The Bible for New Believers
Greg Laurie, General Editor

(Note: This book was provided free for review by the publisher. This did not affect the review in any way.)

As a part of Thomas Nelson’s BookSneeze book review program, I get to choose books that the publisher will send me to read and review here on my blog. When I saw this Bible for New Believers I was intrigued, because I am always on the lookout for a Bible that Oak Tree Community Church can keep on hand for that purpose.

I’m glad to say that Start! could be a great fit. The back cover summarizes the various notes, articles, and entries that are generously sprinkled throughout the Bible. Here’s how they describe them:

Grow entries, revealing key disciplines of the Christian life

Know articles, exposing the core beliefs of Christians

Live messages, focusing on various aspects of salvation

Learn notes, providing mini-commentaries on key passages for spiritual growth

I have to say that I was pleased to find the articles that I read (I did not read them all) to be well thought-through, clearly presented, and theologically sound. I was especially glad to see that Laurie made a clear distinction between the Rapture and Jesus’ Second Coming (note on Titus 2:13, page 1256).

In addition, at the very beginning is a clear presentation of the gospel and a call for the reader to place his or her faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.

Overall, I think this will be a great benefit to many new and growing Christians. If I had to give one critique, it would be that the Bible used is the New King James Version. While that is not surprising (the NKJV is published by Thomas Nelson), I would have preferred a different, more modern version for new believers.

You can find out more about Start! The Bible for New Believers and Greg Laurie at http://www.thestartbible.com. You can get your copy at Amazon.com or all over the web.