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Large Print Bible

By Joe Felim

As we grow a bit older, our close up vision becomes a bit more strained. This does not mean that we cannot enjoy reading the Bible as often as we had in the past when our eyes were sharper.

Bibles that are specially crated with those of us who need a little more help these days making out the small print are great for home study groups, too. That’s because when you can actually read every word you can underline the important passages you are studying without missing a beat. For people who have low vision, a large print Bible is a must. It can really help your sense of independence. You will be able to study God’s word at any time without bothering someone else to read for you.

Without having to squint, lean back and otherwise contort your head to read the Word, you will feel more relaxed and get much more enjoyment from your study time. You will look and feel younger again simply by not distorting your face when you read. But a large type Bible is more than just something you take with you to church on Sunday. Any time you want to look up that favorite verse, or gain new understanding from a commentary you might have listened to, you would benefit from the large type - especially when you live alone.

You’ll also find that large print study bibles are very useful for both personal and teaching purposes, too. But, finding the right bible for your purposes can be a huge, daunting task. First, consider which translation you are more comfortable reading. Ask yourself if you would like an illustrated version, or perhaps one that includes study chapters?

Consider where you will use it most. The NIV Large-Print Reference Bible is great for people on the go, in a convenient, easy-to-carry size. If your bible reading will mostly be done in your home you may want to consider the Life Application Study Bible. This selection offers a bit more text, so it is a bit larger in size.

Many different versions include notes that will challenge readers to apply the truths of Scripture to everyday life. Some Bibles will include book introductions, in-text maps and charts, personality profiles, and topical indexes all in large, easy to read print. And one of the last considerations is which language do you want to order? Having a Spanish Large Print Bible available will allow Spanish believers to have a format, in their own language that makes for easy reading.

niv zondervan study bible

Study the Bible - The Most Important

Element in Bible Verse Study

By Kip Keith

Here’s the most important thing you need to know when it comes to understanding the Word of God:

You can’t.

Well . . . not by yourself, anyway.

I find that a lot of people feel like they can just pick up a copy of the Holy Writ and start reading it with full comprehension. Many treat the scriptures like some sort of giant, leather-bound fortune-cookie. They pick up the Bible, dust it off, and randomly begin reading expecting the wisdom of the ages to be implanted into their lives.

It doesn’t work that way.

In fact, there is a word for this kind of approach – bibliomancy. Bibliomancy is divination by interpreting a passage picked at random from a book, especially from a religious book such as the Bible. This can lead to results that range anywhere from the ridiculous to the dangerous. Imagine someone randomly connecting the following verses of scripture:

(Matthew 27:5)

Then Judas . . . went out and hanged himself.

(Luke 10:37)

“. . . now go and do the same.”

(John 13:27)

. . . “What you do, do quickly.”

What we need to realize and accept is that there is a proper way to study and apply the scriptures. In this day of tolerance we’re afraid to say that somebody’s interpretation is wrong. Faith is a very personal thing and conventional wisdom says that we should not question someone’s religious experience. But, the truth is that not every one is correct in their approach to the Bible.

In future articles we will be discussing proper methods of Bible study. Things like context and culture must be considered along with literary styles and the author’s intent. But for now I want to just touch on the number-one, all-important, necessary ingredient for understanding the Bible. Without this component, it is impossible to grasp the things of God, and the most learned among us become fools. It’s found in this one simple verse:

(1 Corinthians 2:14)

But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.

Notice what this verse says about the natural man, without the Spirit of God:

• He does not accept the things of God

In fact, he considers them foolish. This would naturally lead him to mock the truths of God as well as those who follow them.

• He cannot understand the things of God

Natural man – no matter how intelligent or sophisticated – will never be able to understand the things God because they are spiritually evaluated. Those who idolize human intellectualism will find this hard to accept, but this is actually the way God delights in doing things.

1 Corinthians 1:27 NLT

(27) . . . God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And He chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful.

In attempting to comprehend God and His Word, don’t miss this basic principle:

Understanding the things of God begins with being submitted to the Spirit of God. When you approach the scriptures with humility, the Word of God will open up to you.

You may want to check out my other guide on audio bible and large print bible