The Benefits and Challenges of Using the NIV Full Life Study Bible
The New International Version Full Life Study Bible: A Comprehensive Resource for Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to read the Bible with a Pentecostal or Charismatic lens? Do you want to learn more about how the Holy Spirit works in your life and in the world? If so, you might be interested in the new international version full life study bible (NIVFLSB), a unique study Bible that combines accurate translation, scholarly commentary, and practical application from a Pentecostal and Charismatic perspective.
the new international version full life study bible
In this article, we will explore what makes the NIVFLSB different from other study Bibles, how it was developed and translated, what it contains and how to use it, and what impact it has had on Christian communities around the world. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of what the NIVFLSB is, why it matters, and how it can enrich your spiritual journey.
What is the new international version full life study bible?
The new international version full life study bible is a study Bible that uses the New International Version (NIV) as its base text, but adds a wealth of features and resources that aim to help Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians understand and apply God's Word in their lives. The NIVFLSB was first published in 1992 by Zondervan Publishing Company, and has since been translated into over 40 languages and distributed on six continents.
The NIVFLSB was written by a team of scholars, pastors, missionaries, and educators who share a common commitment to Pentecostal and Charismatic theology and practice. The general editor of the NIVFLSB was Donald C. Stamps, a prominent Assemblies of God missionary who died before completing his work. The associate editor was John Wesley Adams, a professor of New Testament studies at Baylor University. The contributors came from various denominations, backgrounds, cultures, and regions, reflecting the diversity and unity of the global Pentecostal and Charismatic movement.
The main features and benefits of the NIVFLSB include:
A complete cross-reference system that helps readers find related verses and topics throughout the Bible.
Maps and charts near relevant texts that provide geographical, historical, cultural, and theological information.
Book introductions that give an overview of each book's authorship, date, purpose, theme, outline, and key verses.
A detailed subject index that helps readers locate specific topics or issues in the Bible.
A concordance that helps readers find words or phrases in the Bible.
The words of Christ in red that highlight the direct speech of Jesus.
16 full-color maps that show the locations and movements of biblical people and events.
Themefinder symbols located in the margin that indicate verses that address specific themes such as Baptized in/Filled with the Holy Spirit, Gifts of the Spirit, and Healing.
Study notes written in the Pentecostal tradition that explain the meaning and application of biblical passages, with special attention to the role and work of the Holy Spirit.
77 articles that address a wide variety of topics of doctrinal and practical importance, such as The Trinity, The Inspiration of Scripture, The Baptism in the Holy Spirit, Spiritual Warfare, and Women in Ministry.
5 charts uniquely designed for this Bible, such as Old Testament Prophecies Fulfilled in Christ, and The Kingdom of God Versus the Kingdom of Satan.
The history and development of the NIVFLSB
The NIVFLSB was born out of a vision to create a standard by which Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians of many nations could study, preach, and teach God's Word. The idea was first conceived by Donald C. Stamps, who had served as a missionary in Brazil for 17 years. He noticed that there was a lack of reliable and relevant study Bibles for Pentecostal and Charismatic believers, especially in the developing world. He also observed that many Pentecostal and Charismatic doctrines and practices were misunderstood or misrepresented by other Christian traditions. He felt a burden to provide a study Bible that would present a balanced and biblical view of Pentecostal and Charismatic theology and experience.
Stamps began working on the project in 1984, with the support of Zondervan Publishing Company and the International Bible Society. He recruited a team of scholars and practitioners who shared his vision and passion. He also consulted with Pentecostal and Charismatic leaders from various countries and regions, seeking their input and feedback. He used the New International Version as the base text, because it was widely accepted and respected as an accurate and readable translation. He also used other translations, such as the King James Version, the New American Standard Bible, and the New Revised Standard Version, for comparison and clarification.
Stamps worked tirelessly on the project until his untimely death in 1991, at the age of 49. He had completed most of the study notes for the Old Testament, but left some unfinished sections. He had also written some articles and charts, but not all. His associate editor, John Wesley Adams, took over the responsibility of completing and editing the project. He enlisted the help of other contributors to finish the remaining parts. He also revised and updated some of Stamps' work to reflect the latest scholarship and developments in Pentecostal and Charismatic studies. The NIVFLSB was finally published in 1992, as a tribute to Stamps' legacy and vision.
The content and structure of the NIVFLSB
The NIVFLSB is organized and formatted in a way that makes it easy to use and understand. It follows the standard order of books in the Protestant canon, from Genesis to Revelation. It divides each book into chapters and verses, with headings that indicate the main sections or topics. It also provides footnotes that indicate textual variants or alternative translations.
The NIVFLSB uses different fonts and colors to distinguish different types of content. The main text is printed in black, with cross-references in blue. The words of Christ are printed in red, with themefinder symbols in green. The study notes are printed in brown, with articles in purple. The charts are printed in gray, with maps in color.
The NIVFLSB uses different types of symbols to highlight different themes or topics in the Bible. These symbols are explained in a key at the beginning of the Bible. They include:
A dove symbol that indicates verses that deal with Baptized in/Filled with the Holy Spirit.
A flame symbol that indicates verses that deal with Gifts of the Spirit.
A hand symbol that indicates verses that deal with Healing.
A cross symbol that indicates verses that deal with Salvation.
A crown symbol that indicates verses that deal with Victory Over Sin/Satan/Demons.
A globe symbol that indicates verses that deal with World Evangelism/Missions.
The NIVFLSB also uses different types of notes to explain or apply different aspects of biblical passages. These notes are placed at the bottom of each page, under the main text. They include:
Explanatory notes that clarify or comment on difficult or obscure words, phrases, or concepts.
The impact and influence of the NIVFLSB
The NIVFLSB has been widely used and appreciated by Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians around the world. It has been praised for its accuracy, clarity, relevance, and richness. It has also been criticized for its bias, exclusivity, inconsistency, and ambiguity. In this section, we will look at some of the advantages and challenges of using the NIVFLSB, and how it has contributed to global Christian missions and education.
One of the advantages of using the NIVFLSB is that it provides a comprehensive and accessible resource for Pentecostal and Charismatic believers who want to grow in their knowledge and experience of God's Word. The NIVFLSB helps readers to understand the historical and cultural context of the biblical text, to interpret its meaning and application in light of Pentecostal and Charismatic theology and practice, and to apply its principles and promises to their personal and communal lives. The NIVFLSB also helps readers to discover and appreciate the diversity and unity of the Pentecostal and Charismatic movement, as it showcases the contributions and perspectives of different authors, denominations, cultures, and regions.
Another advantage of using the NIVFLSB is that it serves as a tool for evangelism and discipleship for Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians who want to share their faith and witness with others. The NIVFLSB equips readers with biblical answers to common questions and objections that they may encounter from skeptics, seekers, or believers from other traditions. The NIVFLSB also empowers readers with biblical promises and testimonies that they can use to encourage others to receive Christ as Savior and Lord, to be baptized in water and in the Holy Spirit, to exercise spiritual gifts, to seek divine healing, to overcome sin and Satan, and to participate in God's mission.
One of the challenges of using the NIVFLSB is that it may create a sense of isolation or superiority among Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians who rely on it as their sole or primary source of biblical interpretation and application. The NIVFLSB may foster a tendency to ignore or dismiss other perspectives or insights that may differ from or complement its own. The NIVFLSB may also reinforce a tendency to impose or expect a uniformity of doctrine or experience among Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians that may not reflect the reality or diversity of the biblical text or the global movement.
Another challenge of using the NIVFLSB is that it may contain some errors or limitations that may affect its reliability or validity as a study Bible. The NIVFLSB may reflect some outdated or inaccurate scholarship or information that may need revision or correction. The NIVFLSB may also lack some depth or nuance that may be needed for a more balanced or comprehensive understanding or application of certain biblical passages or topics. The NIVFLSB may also have some inconsistencies or ambiguities that may cause confusion or contradiction among its readers.
The NIVFLSB has made a significant contribution to global Christian missions and education by providing a study Bible that meets the needs and interests of Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians who represent one of the fastest-growing segments of Christianity in the world. The NIVFLSB has helped to spread the gospel message and the Pentecostal experience to millions of people across different countries and cultures. The NIVFLSB has also helped to train and equip thousands of pastors, leaders, teachers, students, and laypeople who serve in various ministries and contexts within the Pentecostal and Charismatic movement.
Conclusion
Further reading on Pentecostal and Charismatic studies
If you are interested in learning more about Pentecostal and Charismatic studies, here are some books and journals that you may find helpful:
Anderson, Allan. An Introduction to Pentecostalism: Global Charismatic Christianity. 2nd ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2013. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the origins, development, beliefs, and practices of Pentecostalism around the world.
Cartledge, Mark J., ed. The Routledge Companion to Pentecostal and Charismatic Theology. London: Routledge, 2020. This book offers a collection of essays by leading scholars that explore various aspects of Pentecostal and Charismatic theology, such as biblical interpretation, doctrine, ethics, spirituality, ecumenism, and mission.
Cox, Harvey. Fire from Heaven: The Rise of Pentecostal Spirituality and the Reshaping of Religion in the Twenty-First Century. New York: Da Capo Press, 2001. This book examines the historical and sociological factors that have contributed to the growth and impact of Pentecostalism in the modern world.
Hollenweger, Walter J. Pentecostalism: Origins and Developments Worldwide. Peabody: Hendrickson Publishers, 1997. This book traces the historical and theological roots of Pentecostalism and its diverse expressions across different continents and cultures.
Journal of Pentecostal and Charismatic Christianity. This journal publishes research in global Pentecostal and Charismatic studies, focusing on the constructive and systematic theology, history and missiology of the movements.
Pneuma: The Journal of the Society for Pentecostal Studies. This journal publishes scholarly articles on topics related to Pentecostal and Charismatic Christianity from various disciplines, such as biblical studies, theology, history, ethics, sociology, and psychology.
Conclusion
In this article, we have explored what the new international version full life study bible is, how it was developed and translated, what it contains and how to use it, and what impact it has had on Christian communities around the world. We have seen that the NIVFLSB is a unique study Bible that combines accurate translation, scholarly commentary, and practical application from a Pentecostal and Charismatic perspective. We have also seen that the NIVFLSB has some advantages and challenges as a study Bible, and that it has made a significant contribution to global Christian missions and education.
We hope that this article has given you a better understanding of what the NIVFLSB is, why it matters, and how it can enrich your spiritual journey. If you have any questions or feedback about this article or the NIVFLSB, please feel free to contact us or leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the NIVFLSB:
Where can I buy or access the NIVFLSB?
You can buy or access the NIVFLSB online or offline from various sources. For example, you can order it from Amazon.com or other online retailers. You can also download it as an e-book or an app from various platforms. You can also borrow it from a library or a friend who owns a copy.
How can I use the NIVFLSB for personal or group study?
You can use the NIVFLSB for personal or group study in various ways. For example, you can read it daily as part of your devotional time. You can also use it as a reference tool when you encounter a difficult or unclear passage in the Bible. You can also use it as a guide for deeper study or discussion when you want to explore a specific topic or theme in the Bible.
How can I use the NIVFLSB for evangelism or discipleship?
You can use the NIVFLSB for evangelism or discipleship in various ways. For example, you can share it with someone who is interested in learning more about Christianity or Pentecostalism. You can also use it to answer questions or objections that someone may have about the Bible or the Christian faith. You can also use it to encourage someone to receive Christ or to grow in their relationship with Him.
How can I use the NIVFLSB for ministry or service?
You can use the NIVFLSB for ministry or service in various ways. For example, you can use it to prepare a sermon or a lesson for your church or group. You can also use it to find biblical principles or promises that relate to your ministry or service. You can also use it to pray for your ministry or service, or for the people you are serving.
How can I use the NIVFLSB for research or scholarship?
You can use the NIVFLSB for research or scholarship in various ways. For example, you can use it to find relevant sources or information on a topic or issue that you are studying or writing about. You can also use it to compare or contrast different perspectives or interpretations on a biblical passage or topic. You can also use it to cite or quote from as an authoritative reference in your academic work.
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