Something to Consider – Your Bible
Bible Versions
People often ask me what the best Bible version is. My somewhat coy response is, “Whatever version you will read is the best version.” I mean that, but I want to spend a little more time helping you answer this as a concluding part of this study.
My Versions of Choice
Primarily I use one of three versions in my quiet time. Most often I read from the Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) New Living Translation (NLT) or the New American Standard Bible (NASB). In preaching these are the three versions I use most frequently as well. I refer to others as well, but find I am most comfortable with these.
For Your Use
I would recommend that you use a version that is easy to read and comprehend. In addition I would recommend that you get a study Bible. I recommend the Life Application Study Bible to most people when they ask. This study Bible has notes at the bottom of each page referring to verses on that page. By using those notes it helps you understand what you have been reading in the context of the time it was written. There are helpful insights and lessons that you can apply to your life directly from the Scriptures.
(http://cbd.com is a great place to purchase Bibles and Christian books)
How to Choose
If you would like to compare Bibles this is what I would encourage you to do. In each Bible you are going to look at read the first chapter of John. Compare each version considering how you are able to read it and understand it. You might also consider reading the pages in the beginning of the Bible. Many translations offer you information about the scholarship behind that particular translation in the front of the Bible.
Some Less Academic Considerations
Size Matters
As you are picking out a Bible you are probably looking for a Bible that you are going to want to carry to church, pack in your suitcase when traveling, and bring to Bible studies and small groups that you are attending. You probably don’t want to get a ten pounder.
It’s Ok to Carry a Bible Cover
In addition you may want to look for a good Bible cover. Many of these covers provide a way to carry a small notebook, pens, and highlighters along with your Bible. There are covers for women and for men. (Take a look at www.cbd.com to find a selection of Bible covers). In thinking about taking notes you may also want to take a look at the space available in your Bible for writing note, for example in the margins.
Read it…Read it…Read it…
Most important of all is that you take the time and make the commitment to read it.
Enjoy the Journey!
Next step on the trail – Getting your Bearing through Prayer
bigdbentley 
Before I get it posted on here…I have nothing at all against, and in fact most of my Bible memory is in KJV – but I’m writing this for people who primarily have little or no exposure to the church and Scriptures and find that they are better able to read and understand the modern translations, and are more likely to read from one of those versions, and that is my ultimate goal.