Customer comments on this selection.
 Good but not the Best
After owning a John MacArthur Study Bible and an NIV Study Bible, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one. I was recently involved in a local church's DISCIPLE Bible Study in which the other participants used the Life Application Bible. I was often impressed with the comments they shared in class, gleaned from the pages of this study Bible. I especially admired how the Life Application supplied more than one interpretation of a particular verse. Now that I'm using my own copy, however, I am disappointed to see that it lacks any comment at all regarding other challenging verses. I am also often finding the notes to be vague and lacking detail. While John MacArthur is sometimes biased in his interpretations, he addresses most verses with detail and historic facts. I don't like the NKJV version that his Study Bible comes in, however. The NASB is much more accurate, although not the easiest to understand. For those not brought up on the KJV as I was, I would highly recommend the NIV Study Bible. It too contains many, many notes with excellent explanations regarding most troublesome verses. Above all, pray that God's Holy Spirit will give you understanding. He is Faithful to do so.
 Great!
I'm still learning but, this book is the answer to life. You will never be unhappy again. You will be joyful. You should definetely buy it!
A good place to begin
I love my Life Application Study Bible, NASB. I had gone through another Bible when I learned that NASB is the best modern translation. I was reluctant to let the other go because it was highlighted and noted from beginning to ending. I could find things in the old Bible. Nevertheless, I began once again on page one.
It did not take long to discover that, yes, this is the Bible to read. What makes it so enjoyable includes several reasons. First of all, I love the translation. It maintains that sacred tone while in modern speech. Those who believe the King James translation is the only authentic version don't realize that it is a translation into the language of the King James court in England (during Shakespeare's time). A translation is never going to be an exact one because of language and cultural differences, but the NASB is certainly noteworthy.
Another winning factor is the abundance of study guides for each book: time lines, vital statistics including summary and application for each book, maps, outline of the book, charts and diagrams, and megathemes. I looked forward to these with each book. I read them both before and after each chapter and made simple notes in the margins.
Another winning aspect of this version is the Harmony of Old Testament scripture with New Testament passages. Jesus is first referenced in Genesis 1:26--"Let Us make man in Our image..." The footnote provides the Harmony. From Colossians 1:16 "we know that Christ, God's Son, was at work in the creation" (6). This continues throughout the Bible.
In fact the footnotes are where important life applications are found. Here is one example: Gen. 1:27: "God made both man and woman in His image...From the beginning the Bible places both man and woman in the pinnacle of God's creation. Neither sex is exalted, and neither is depreciated" (7).
Then there are the profiles of major characters interspersed throughout the chapter. For Adam there is a summary of his role, then a listing of his strengths and accomplishments, his weaknesses and mistakes, lessons form his life, vital statistics, and key verses. This same list is provided for each profiled person.
This is an example of "Vital statistics," an important part of chapter study, applied to Genesis: a stated purpose, author, to whom written, setting, key verses, key people. Very concise, very orderly.
If the student of God's Word starts at the very beginning of this translation and this study guide, s/he will finish about a year later much wiser and more knowledgeable of God's plan and our place in it. Then begin over because one reading is only a start. However, "Life Application Study Bible, NASB" is a great place to begin a life-long journey of spiritual growth.
Study Bible Review
I think it is an excellent Study Bible. It has all kinds of notes throughout the different chapters of the bibles. Some of the notes go into more detail about certain verses and give explainations. It has a small dictionary at the back which is a good quick reference.
Life Application Study Bible
This Bible has renewed my hunger for God's word. It is like having a Bible Study at your fingertips while you read the Bible. I love the background information provided to put things in context while I read. The notes at the bottom really encourage you to take what you read and apply it to life. Having this Bible makes it easier to understand scripture that I may not have been able to otherwise without the commentary. Highly Recommend!
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