A few weeks ago, I got an email from Thomas Nelson publishers asking if I would be willing to take a look at one of their newest products Compass: The Study Bible for Navigating Your Life. I was excited to have a chance to take a look at this resource as it claimed to be a Compass to point you in the right direction. The back of the Bible says: Compass will help you find the answers you’re looking for in the pages of the Scriptures and reveal the truths for finding your way. Packed with tons of Bible-reading helps, explanatory notes, and Bible search tools, Compass is a Bible designed with you in mind.
One of the first things I noticed in flipping through the Bible is the way that the biblical text has been organized to read more like a script. I think that will be particularly helpful for those that are trying to understand who said what and who they were talking to. There are also a lot of explanations throughout that give the reader great perspective on the historical and cultural context for the text they are reading. Since I work primarily with high school students, I see this Bible as being a welcome resource for a student that might not have a strong biblical background…one that would be otherwise overwhelmed by the idea of just picking up a Bible and trying to figure it out. This resource is great for someone new in Bible study and also great for someone that is familiar with the Bible, but desires to go deeper in making the connections that can be missed with just a cursory reading of the text.
There are multiple resources in Compass that point a person where to go related to certain themes or situations. I find that very helpful in trying to counsel someone or offer encouragement during a difficult time. What greater gift is there than to point a person to Scripture?! There are also multiple Bible reading plans throughout Compass including one that gives the reader a chance to read the entire Bible in a year.
With Christmas coming, Compass would be a great gift for anyone in your life that desires to go further in their study of Scripture. It would also make a great gift for a new believer. I hope you will consider picking up a copy today!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”