Looking for a Study Bible? #Giveaway

***** I received no compensation for this.  I am posting this to help a friend with her giveaway.  Jumpin Beans Blog is not responsible for prize.

I do not know about you, but I think Bibles are amazing gifts.  I have had several through the years and was so blessed when Marc gave me a beautiful one as a Mothers Day gift one year.  Last year, I took a Bible Study Lesson at church and while I know some of the Bible, there is much to learn... My mom gave me a Bible of hers, since it had lots of information that would be great to help me in my spiritual journey.  (Have I ever mentioned that I really do have an awesome mom?)

Well, my dear friend Rosey is hosting a review on a Beautiful NIV First Century Study Bible. I am adding her post after this, so that you may enter and win!   Good Luck to you all!

Disclosure: I received a product to help facilitate the review. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.

Available at Zondervan

Not long ago, a close friend and I were talking about Bible interpretation, and how nice it would be to know what certain things meant, during the time frame they were written. Shortly thereafter, I received an e-mail asking if I would like to know more about the NIV First-Century Study Bible. Perfect timing, and a perfect solution!!

This Bible makes it easier to understand what you're reading, and it allows for a deeper understanding of what things meant, in context, at the time they were written.

I love the photographs throughout the NIV First-Century Study Bible.
It is incredible to see the culture, scenery, & customs come to life through pictures.

There are photographs in the NIV First-Century Study Bible that help the reader 'see' the culture, scenery, customs, etc. that they are also reading about. It really helps bring the stories to life, and makes for pleasant reading.

Because it is a study Bible, there are excellent references to help you find things,
like this table that shows where to locate the parables of Jesus.

Since it is a study Bible, you will find all kinds of helpful inserts throughout. There are many examples, and the one I used above shows a table of the Parables of Jesus. It is a helpful, fast way to locate them, all conveniently listed for you in one place.

The NIV First-Century Study Bible has maps!

There are also maps. They provide you with a nice reference point and a great visual. 

Words you  might not understand are explained.
One example can be seen in the Table of Weights and Measures shown here.

Words that you might not understand, such as those used to describe weights and measures, are explained in convenient tables that are easy to read, and understand.

The Concordance is one of many helpful features.

And of course, there are many thoughtfully designed features to help you get the most out of what you are reading (like the Concordance pictured above).

The General Editor is Kent Dobson

Here is what experts are saying in response to the NIV First-Century Study Bible:

“The NIV First-Century Study Bible is the most exhilarating and deeply moving work of accessible Biblical commentary and presentation that I have seen in years. Carefully constructed and beautifully presented, The First Century adds a depth and a rootedness to our Christian heritage that will both comfort and enliven the believing heart. I, for one, cannot even begin to express my gratitude for this body of work.”

-Phyllis Tickle, founding editor of the Religion Department of Publishers Weekly

“The NIV First-Century Study Bible is one of the finest publications available today. It deserves a Gold Medallion award for its academic excellence, practical application and beautiful presentation. Kent Dobson makes the biblical world come alive to today’s readers. He helps connect the New Testament to its Jewish roots in the Hebrew Scriptures, examines ancient interpretations and challenges his readers to dig deeper into the Word of God for themselves. Don’t miss this beautiful, helpful and insightful Study Bible. It will make the biblical world of the first-century speak to your heart in the twenty-first century.”

-Dr. Ed Hindson 
Dean & Distinguished Professor of Religion
School of Religion, Liberty University

The new NIV First Century Study Bible from Zondervan allows you to explore scripture through the eyes of a first-century disciple. It includes full-color photographs and illustrations, ancient life depictions, Greek and Hebrew word studies, Jewish and Christian interpretations, and current cultural background details, all which reveal that the Bible is a living book. Learn more at http://www.zondervan.com/more/top-bibles/niv-first-century-study-bibles

One lucky winner is going to get one to call their own. There is no guarantee it will arrive by Christmas, but the giveaway ends at midnight (EST) on 12/18 (so there is a possibility it might!). I'll run the Rafflecopter to randomly select the winner, as soon as the giveaway ends, and notify the winner by e-mail right away. If you are hoping to get it for gift giving, be sure to check your e-mail if you entered, the faster I get your info., the faster I can forward it to the sponsor. :)

Of course, you could purchase this too. It would make a lovely gift for the holiday. US entrants only. Good luck to all who enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway