This is my favorite Bible right now. I am a commentary nut and, if I’m not careful, I can get lost in the commentary while trying to read Scripture. This Bible solves that problem for me. It DOES offer commentary but the commentary is Scripture itself. This has been a great tool for me to learn the Word for myself.
Let me give you an example of how this works…
Looking at Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Let’s say this Scripture really stands out to you and you want to know more about what it means WITHOUT turning to your favorite commentary. In the margin, you will see topics that pertain to this Scripture. Here’s how they read:
3035 Fear of God
2023 Spiritual Knowlege
3967 Instruction Despised
3853 Folly
These are topic numbers/topics that you can look up in the back of the Bible that will give you all Scriptures you can look at that pertain to this topic in this verse. Sometimes it will take you all over the Bible and, when you are done, you will have a better understanding of what this Scripture means without ever having picked up a commentary. I love it!
I have spent the majority of my Christian life trusting other people to know the Bible for me. It is a joy to read it for myself and allow the Holy Spirit to open my eyes to TRUTH. It blesses me and changes me when I take the time to see what the Scriptures say for myself. You don’t have to do it with this Bible of course but I encourage you to do it with God’s Word…get into it…little by little…daily…
Matthew 4:4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'”
Commentaries are not bad and neither are listening to sermons…I do it all the time. BUT if you don’t know what the Word of God says for yourself, how can you discern what is right teaching or wrong teaching?
…many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Matthew 24:10-11
The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 1 Timothy 4:1-2
The words of Jesus are RED in this Bible and I simply love that!
For more information, check out the Thompson Chain Reference Bible NIV 1984. They do not make NIV 1984 anymore but this Bible comes in this version because it was originally done with this version. They have not updated it to NIV 2010 (which is a good thing in my opinion). It also comes in KJV and NKJV.
Looking to buy a 1984 tompsonchain niv bible are thay available some place ?
I’m still looking Joan…I couldn’t believe the price of the one that was linked on my page. WOW! I will post here again if I find something. God Bless You!
I did check Amazon and have found newer ones in other translations…like ESV, NKJV, KJV, NASB. I think any of those would be just as good. I love this particular one (and I’m terribly sorry it is not available unless you want to pay a ridiculous price) because it is the NIV 1984 version. When I first said YES to Jesus, the NIV 1984 was the Bible I read. Good luck in finding a good one you guys! Praying that all who reads this finds exactly what you need. Blessings!
Is there differences in this Bible and the one by Kirkbride?
I’m honestly not sure. I have not heard of Kirkbride but if it is called a Chain-Reference Bible, then I would say they are similar. I hope you find one!
I did check Amazon and have found newer ones in other translations…like ESV, NKJV, KJV, NASB. I think any of those would be just as good. I love this particular one (and I’m terribly sorry it is not available unless you want to pay a ridiculous price) because it is the NIV 1984 version. When I first said YES to Jesus, the NIV 1984 was the Bible I read. Good luck in finding a good one you guys! Praying that all who reads this finds exactly what you need. Blessings!