Rating: 
Summary: Nearly Perfect in Packaging
Review: First, to set the record straight: This is a review of the New Living Translation (NLT) Bible, Personal Edition, Black Bonded Leather, ISBN: 0842354484 . Some of the reviews for different Bible products have been lumped together and somehow caused confusion.This Bible is nearly perfect in terms of "packaging": compact, light, beautiful, and yet the typeface is amazingly readable. It is not much bigger than the palm of your hand, but its print/font is clear and easy on your eyes by any standard, complimented with adequate line spacing. It is even much more readable than most of the regular-sized Bibles that I own by other publishers. Not everyone I've shown this Bible to is a fan of the New Living Translation, but they all love this Bible for the above stated reasons. It is a beauty inside and out AND it is practical and useful - now that combination is a rarity. Now, unto the translation itself: I have studied most of the major translations available (NIV, NASB, KJV, NKJV, NRSV, ESV, NLT, and HCSB) and found that each translation has its strengths and weaknesses. Personally, I love the NLT translation and for now use it as a supplement to my study of the other versions. I find its writing style beautiful and the rendition inspirational ,even though the language is thoroughly contemporary. If I can someday find enough reasons to use it as my primary Bible, I will do so. I would say that, if you are looking for an NLT Bible or an addition to your existing collections, and you don't "need" cross-references or study notes, then this Personal Edition in Black Bonded Leather is "absolutely" a keeper, whether you intend to use it for long study at home/work (and therefore desire comfortable print) or for occasional reading on the road (and therefore desire portability). As for which translation is most "suitable" for you, you'll have to do some research and ultimately seek wisdom from God to reach the right answer. By the way, I would really LOVE to see the other publishers come up with something comparable: a Bible that is compact, beautiful, durable, and yet has "clearly" and "comfortably" readable print/typeface. I myself am eager to own something similar in other translations. If Tyndale can do this with NLT, I really don't see why Zondervan, World, and Nelson (just to name a few) can't do the same with, say, NIV, NASB, and NKJV.
Rating:
Summary: Many Versions - this is the clearest for a modern reader
Review: For a long time I was an advocate of the Authorized King James Version, and it served me well as a reference for the passages I loved. There's nothing like the KJV for beautifully written and authoritative quotations, and to give a sense of authority to a passage. However, as a bible for study and for reading straight through it was not so good. I always had trouble understanding the more difficult passages, and I missed certain meanings that should have been clearer. The archaic 17th century English used in the KJV was often a stumbling block to easy comprehension. Then, a few years ago, when I brought up the difficulties I was having with the KJV, a friend persuaded me to look into more modern translations. At first I was sceptical. After all, the KJV had been in use for over 300 years. So for a couple more years I allowed my natural conservative nature to overwhelm my judgment, and I stuck with a version of the bible that was difficult to read and understand, simply because I had been persuaded that the KJV was the only 'true' bible. Fortunately, my friend's words stayed with me, and eventually, frustrated at the KJV's inaccessibility, I came to my senses and bought a book called 'Choosing a Bible' by Steven Sheeley and Robert Nash Jr. (great book by the way - short, simple and gets right to the point). This led me to look at other bible versions, and to really search for a version that was both accurate to the message, readable, and understandable. That bible is (for me) the New Living Translation. This wonderful version of the bible is a treat to read, and for me it's the most easily understood of all the modern versions. Everything in it is in modern English that anyone can understand. The message is still exactly the same as the King James Version, but it's translated into modern English that seems much more natural than any of the alternative versions that are currently available. Now I keep my old King James Version, which I use to refer back to on occasion for the beauty and stateliness of its writing. But the bible I use day to day is the New Living Translation, and I feel I understand the bible better for having found it. I now have a lovely leatherbound edition of the NLT for study, as well as a pocket paperback New Testament for travel. I can't recommend it too highly. The bible should first be accessible to modern readers. Jesus told stories in the way that was most easily understood by those he was teaching. He didn't teach them using words they couldn't understand. Those who claim that there's only 'one true bible' are like the Pharisees and teachers of religious law in Matthew 15. They are the blind leading the blind. We must ignore them and keep our eyes open to new ways of understanding the message of Truth that's in the bible. If the archaic language of the KJV presents a barrier to understanding, we should open our eyes to more modern translations to help us to understand.
Rating:
Summary: Easy to read, beautifully done!
Review: Gorgeous burgandy leather, gold page edges and a red satin book mark with acid free paper make this book well made. NLT version makes this very readable. I have never read the bible before because I could not understand most of it. Now, at age 30 with this version it is very clear and enjoyable to read. You must get this bible you will love it!
Rating:
Summary: It's the Bible...what can I say?
Review: Hey people, this is the living word of God...anything less than five stars would be a sacrilege. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone, young or old.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful resource for your daily walk with God
Review: I bought this bible as I was looking for a resource to bring me closer to God. For me it is simpler to read and understand. I am just beginning my walk with God and His word is so very important. The living translation is fantastic. I would recommend it those who are seeking the word of God. I value mine greatly!!
Rating: 
Summary: I failed -- it didn't
Review: I bought this particular Bible, hoping that by reading and meditating on the wonderfully numerous calligraphic passages, I'd be inspired to read the surrounding passages ... until by the end, I would have covered much of the Bible. At least that was the plan. Well the calligraphy is beautiful, but the plan didn't work. It's hard for me to read a Bible that doesn't have references or a concordance. So this one gets 3 stars for looking pretty on the coffee table (if anyone has the needed room on his/her coffee table), but that's about it. Imagine the added beauty of a few well-selected references calligraphically done! Then it would have been 5 stars for sure. As it is, I think my copy will make a nice Christmas present for a friend.
Rating:
Summary: Holy Bible - New Living Translation - Large Print
Review: I have been a born-again Christian for over 30 years. I have tried for all of these years to read the King James version and the Living Bible. Neither one was able to break the scriptures down into a language I could truly understand. Now I can! I can finally understand God's word, His wonderful message! Not only do I find this translation understandable but also fasinating! I can barely put it down. I am amazed at how much of the New Testament I have read in such a short time. This version holds my attention and keep me yearning for more. So much of what I have heard in sermons and been taught in Sunday School over the years finally come together for me. I am very careful when someone talks about what God has to say. Too many put their own twist on the Word to suit their purpose instead of using the Word as it is intended. I have cross checked The New Living Translation with the King James version and I find the NLT to be very accurate. So does my Pastor! This version will fire you up for Jesus! Imagine Gods pleasure that in this day and age we can understand His will on our own. No other interpretation is needed. This is a "must have" for all Believers in Christ.
Rating:
Summary: Actually - 10 Stars
Review: I have every book I have ever been able to find by this cal1grapher. Always beautiful, always inspirational, always a pleasant read. I keep Tim's Books on my coffee table to share with all of my friends, and I read them over and over without tiring of them. He's the best! I especially loved the "Proverbs". Timothy makes observations about each Proverb and writes a little prayer. Heart warming and insightful. I can not get enough of his works!
Rating:
Summary: Actually - 10 Stars
Review: I have every book I have ever been able to find by this cal1grapher. Always beautiful, always inspirational, always a pleasant read. I keep Tim's Books on my coffee table to share with all of my friends, and I read them over and over without tiring of them. He's the best! I especially loved the "Proverbs". Timothy makes observations about each Proverb and writes a little prayer. Heart warming and insightful. I can not get enough of his works!
Rating:
Summary: The best Bible Translation available!
Review: I have numerous translations of the Bible, but the New Living Translation is unsurpassed for ease of reading, accuracy and beauty of language. The best choice, both for new believers and those who have read "The Book of Books" for many years. You'll love it! Even difficult passages become clear and easy to understand.
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