I am a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid (BG²). As a #BibleGatewayPartner, I have received a copy of the NKJV Thompson Chain-Reference Bible published by Zondervan Bibles at no cost to me in exchange for an honest review here on the Adonai Shalom USA blog. #BG²

A few months ago, I had the opportunity to review the KJV (King James Version) Thompson Chain-Reference Bible that had been newly published. Now, I will review the NKJV (New King James Version) Thompson Chain-Reference Bible that is part of the same collection.

NKJV Thompson Chain-Reference Bible Book Review & Description

The Thompson Chain-Reference Bible is available in several translations including the King James Version (KJV) [as mentioned above], New King James Version (NKJV), New International Version (NIV), New American Standard Bible (NASB), and English Standard Version (ESV). Additionally, if you are involved with a Spanish-speaking ministry or are looking for a Spanish translation, Zondervan has made the Thompson Chain-Reference Bible available in the Reina Valera (RV60) and Reina Valera Revisada (RVR).

This publication of the Thompson Chain-Reference Bible has been done with utmost quality. The King James Version (KJV) and New King James Version (NKJV) hardcover editions feature a glossy book jacket with metallic embossed lettering. The hardcover NKJV Thompson Chain-Reference Bible features a beautiful crimson red cover and comes integrated with red and golden-yellow satin bookmarks as well as full-color maps at the end of the book. The font print size is very readable at 9.5.

The Chain-Reference System

FaithGateway provides an explanatory video on their website that helps familiarize anyone who may not be accustomed to the Thompson chain-reference system used in this Bible. This helpful video is also available on YouTube:

The triangles indicate the beginning of a “chain” of references which is assigned to a “topic number.” Following that number, there is a Scriptural reference that points the reader to the next occurrence of that topic in Scripture. Continuing the chain will lead the reader to an end point, indicated by a square.

This system was developed by Dr.Frank Charles Thompson who began working on the chain-references in 1890. Some of them were incomplete, so Bible scholars have put in much time and effort to ensure the completeness of this work; the fruit of their labor now published as this newer edition NKJV Thompson Chain-Reference Bible.

Of note on page 1635, “Principles of Bible Study” are provided in Thompson’s own words. It really provides a wonderful context to understand his personal reasoning and conviction in compiling such detailed references.

This Bible is intended to help serious students of the Scriptures engage in topical Bible study and even sermon preparation. Besides full color maps, the final section of this Bible provides an alphabetical index, numerical index, character studies, illustrated outlines, evangelical resources, memorization suggestions, concordance, and map index.

My recommendation:

★★★★★

Rating: 5 out of 5.

The NKJV Thompson Chain-Reference Bible definitely earns a 5 out of 5.

This is a high-quality study resource that will benefit anyone who loves the Word of God. It would make an excellent gift for anyone, whether a teenager, mother, father, seminarian, seasoned pastor, or even a retired professor!

As Dr.Thompson wrote: “Study the Word as a miner digs for gold or as a diver plunges into the depths of the sea for pearls. Most great truths do not lie on the surface; they must be brought up into the light by patient toil.” (NKJV Thompson Chain-Reference Bible, p. 1635).

This is a Bible edition worth treasuring.

Pastora Jennifer Mieliulis Fuentes, M.Div., Duke University

Book details

Title: NKJV Thompson Chain-Reference Bible
Author: Dr. Frank Charles Thompson
Publisher: Zondervan
Release Date: 4/11/2023
Genre: BIBLES/New King James Version/Reference

ISBN-13: 978-0-310-45940-8

PURCHASE LINKS:  Amazon | FaithGateway Store

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Review: KJV Thompson Chain-Reference Bible

I am a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid (BG²). As a #BibleGatewayPartner, I have received a copy of the NIV Student Bible published by Zondervan Bibles at no cost to me in exchange for an honest review here on the Adonai Shalom USA blog. #BG²

NIV Student Bible Book Review & Description

The NIV Student Bible is intended to help guide young people in deepening their familiarity with and understanding of the Bible. It was just recently published this month by Zondervan Bibles so if you are looking for a new Bible edition to gift to a student, this may fit your needs.

The hardcover edition of the NIV Student Bible features an attractive book jacket. The colors are appealing and the design continues throughout the overall Bible. The use of blues and neutral patterns makes this appropriate for both young men or young women. This Bible includes a yellow satin ribbon for use as a bookmark.

The NIV (New International Version) of the Bible is an accessible translation so it is appropriate that it was the translation chosen for a new student Bible. The New International Version is not my personal favorite, but when used comparatively, it holds its own and is valuable. The NIV translators sought to bring a modern English cadence to the wording which is particularly helpful for younger readers who may be unfamiliar or unready for a more complex cadence.

The NIV Student Bible contains short explanations of key verses and book introductions that will capture the attention of a young person. For example, in the introduction to Hosea, a caption reads, “Tearing God’s Heart” and posits the question: “Why would He love such a woman?”

In the introduction to Habakkuk, the issue of theodicy is introduced (but not mentioned by its technical name). (“Theodicy” refers to the question of why God who is so good permits evil). I wonder whether it may be a disservice to the young student to not at least mention the term, but then again, this is aimed at teenagers who probably don’t need all the technicality yet. The introductions to each book appear to be intentionally kept short and simplistic so as not to overwhelm a young person.

Philip Yancey and Tim Stafford contributed to the notes found throughout this edition of the Bible. While the NIV Student Bible does contain some devotional-like study commentary, it would not be considered a “Study Bible” for most academic purposes. Yancey and Stafford’s writing style is easily understandable and the textual insertions are tastefully done.

The Bible text of the NIV Student Bible is printed using a “Comfort Print” font so it is readable and attractive.

This NIV Student Bible contains very useful information in the back of the book: a “Where to find it” section that includes “100 People You Should Know,” “Glossary of People and Places,” “Well-known Events,” a “LineUp of Rulers,” a “Subject Guide,” and beautiful glossy color maps.

The LineUp of Rulers is so well done I wish I had it in my own personal study Bible! It is an excellent resource that will benefit anyone interested in the history of the kings and chronicles of Scriptures. It is exceedingly helpful for keeping straight the kings of Israel vs. the kings of Judah!

My recommendation:

★★★★★

Rating: 5 out of 5.

I would recommend the NIV Student Bible for high school aged students and possibly young college students. Some of the topics in the glossary may be too mature for middle schoolers.

This is a useful and valuable resource for students today who are wrestling with tough questions and are seeking guidance from the Word of God.

Book details

Title: NIV Student Bible
Publisher: Zondervan Bibles
Release Date: April 4, 2023
Genre: BIBLES/New International Version/Reference

ISBN-13: 978-0-310-46163-0

PURCHASE LINKS:  Amazon | FaithGateway Store

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Rev. Jennifer N. Mieliulis Fuentes, MDiv, Duke University

Review: “Spurgeon and the Psalms: The Book of Psalms with Devotions from Charles Spurgeon” published by Thomas Nelson

Review: KJV Thompson Chain-Reference Bible

Review: “Eternity Now: The New Testament Series” (NET)

I am a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid (BG²). As a #BibleGatewayPartner, I have received a copy of “NET Eternity Now: The New Testament Series” published by Thomas Nelson Publishers at no cost to me in exchange for an honest review here on the Adonai Shalom USA blog. #BG²

“Eternity Now: The New Testament Series” (New English Translation

The “Eternity Now: New Testament Series” comes as a boxed set of five books. Each cover is appealing and each title captures the essence of the New Testament books contained within them. The titles are creative but remain theologically appropriate. I was particularly struck by the “Now but not Yet” title for John’s writings because it reminded me of one of my seminary professors who always reminded us of this aspect of John’s record. To me, this suggests accuracy and faithfulness to the original texts while tastefully displaying the creativity of those who compiled this series.

The New English Translation (NET)

Of note, the Bible version used here is the NET, the New English Translation. This is a fairly recent translation, completed in 2019. The translators’ aim according to the series’ note to the reader was to “creat[e] an English Bible translation that could overcome old challenges and boldly open the door for new possibilities.”

I’m assuming the “challenges” may refer to moving beyond the archaic language of the King James Version, but I am unsure as to of what exactly consistent the “new possibilities” hoped for by the translators. It seems to me that the New English Translation seeks a more vernacular tone making it easier for modern readers to understand without losing accuracy.

In each book, a letter to the reader explains more about the NET translation. One thing that I found particularly interesting was this claim: “Throughout the NET’s translation process, every working draft was made publicly available on the Internet. Bible scholars, ministers, and laypersons from around the world logged millions of review sessions. No other translation is so openly accountable to the worldwide church or has been so thoroughly vetted” (Eternity Now, viii). Additionally, the NET allows ministries to use the translation freely due to “ministry-first copyright innovations” (Eternity Now, x).

That really is very unique and an awesome use of modern technology for the sake of the Gospel!

Book Review and Description

The “Eternity Now“ series is a compilation of all of the books of the New Testament/B’rit Chadashah arranged in a manner making it read more like a novel. This book set would be a wonderful gift idea for a young person in your life who might not otherwise read the Bible.

Each book contains the writings of the New Testament, still divided into chapters, but verse number superscripts are left out. Again, this makes the text read more like a novel than a traditional Bible, but the Biblical text remains the same and has not been altered. This series would perhaps not be appropriate for traditional “study” due to the lack of verse number indicators, but would work well for any type of personal devotional.

The paperback format makes these books easy to carry. Someone sitting beside another on the metro will not immediately recognize that the person with one of these books is reading Scripture. It is reader-friendly, eye-catching, and somewhat unconventional.

My recommendation:

★★★★★

Rating: 5 out of 5.

I value anything that gets Scripture out to people, especially to people who might not otherwise read the Bible for themselves. This is a useful evangelical tool that I could see placed on coffee tables at clinics and coffeeshops with the hope that someone might pick it up to read and be surprised by the wonderful Good News it contains.

I recommend the “Eternity Now: New Testament Series” and hope that you find it to be a blessing either for yourself personally or for someone who you are praying will come to the saving knowledge of and relationship with our LORD.

Pastora Jennifer Mieliulis Fuentes, M.Div., Duke University

Book details

Title: “NET Eternity Now: The New Testament Series”
Author: Compilation
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: July 2022
Genre: Bibles/Other English Translations/Reading

ISBN-13: 978-0-7852-9127-5

PURCHASE LINKS:  Amazon | FaithGateway Store

If you are looking for another wonderful Scripture resource, check out my review of “Spurgeon and the Psalms: The Book of Psalms with Devotions from Charles Spurgeon” also published by Thomas Nelson.

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I am a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid (BG²). As a #BibleGatewayPartner, I have received a copy of “Spurgeon and the Psalms” published by Thomas Nelson Publishers at no cost to me in exchange for an honest review here on the Adonai Shalom blog.

“Spurgeon and the Psalms” Leathersoft Edition

Few devotionals truly captivate my attention. I find that many of them are full of overly simplistic stories and cutesy platitudes. Certainly, for a new believer or a young person, these types of devotional books may be suitable, but for the serious and mature believer, I often recommend simply turning to the Scriptures themselves because everything else falls short.

That is why this devotional resource is WONDERFUL! “Spurgeon and the Psalms” will get you straight into the Scriptures and focusing on the LORD. That’s the point of having a devotional time, isn’t it!?

It is essentially a “Psalter”: the Book of Psalms published in a lightweight edition. Each Psalm is appropriately prefaced with words written by Charles Spurgeon, a well-known and beloved Christian pastor who lived in England and preached during the 1800’s. His timeless commentary and exhortation will bless you.

Book Review and description

I was struck by the high quality of “Spurgeon and the Psalms” as soon as I took it out of its protective book jacket. The cover is embossed with a simple mountain/nature picture and the quality of the binding is excellent. Keeping with the mountain theme, the inside front and back covers have beautiful gray-toned mountain art.

Like any high quality Bible, “Spurgeon and the Psalms” has gold page-edge gilding.

Interestingly, near the back of the book, you will find a note on the selection of type/font.I found it to be such a nice touch that the explanation was included, as I had noticed the unique font used in this Psalter.

This definitely seems like a book that the publishers want you to treasure. I’m quite certain of that because there is a guarantee printed on the back of the book jacket: Thomas Nelson guarantees their Leathersoft “Spurgeon and the Psalms” for life!

The book contains all 150 Psalms with unobtrusive devotional commentary preceding each Psalm. There are also blank “notes” pages at the back.

The selections from Spurgeon’s own writings help connect the Psalms to the Gospel narrative. If you are unfamiliar with Spurgeon, you will find his writing to be eloquent, detailed, yet exceptionally applicable. There is no doubt he sought the LORD because his writing reflects that type of close relationship with the Father.

My recommendation:

★★★★★

Rating: 5 out of 5.

If you are looking for a Psalter, this is your book. As Spurgeon laments in the Preface, God’s people don’t know the Psalms the way they used to – and he was saying that well over 100 years ago! I encourage you to take the opportunity to truly meditate on and learn the Psalms, and this book will truly help you to do that.

If you are looking for high-quality devotional material for yourself or as a gift, you will very likely enjoy the newly published

I wholeheartedly recommend the newly published “Spurgeon and the Psalms” book to everyone! It is appropriate for believers at all stages in life, and quite honestly, is the type of book every follower of our Messiah should own.

This would make a wonderful gift for anyone you love and care about.

Pastora Jennifer Mieliulis Fuentes, M.Div., Duke University

Book details

Title: “Spurgeon and the Psalms”
Author: Compilation
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: May 10, 2022
Genre: Bibles/NKJV/Devotional

ISBN-13: 978-0-7852-5343-3

PURCHASE LINKS:  Amazon | FaithGateway Store

I am always a fan of books that primarily use the Scriptures! Check out my review of the Word for Word Bible Comic’s Gospel of Mark! There are so many wonderful resources that directly refer us back to God’s Word, and I love to recommend them so you can grow closer to the LORD each and every day!

I have treasured Your word in my heart, so I might not sin against You.  Psalm 119:11, TLV

Do you read the Psalms as a daily devotional? Let us know! Leave a comment below!