The TEXT Bible: Uncover the message between God, humanity, and you (NET, Hardcover, Comfort Print) Hardcover – August 9, 2022

First off, if anybody is confused like I was, this Bible has nothing to do with texting or the internet. NET is an acronym for the (New English) translation and TEXT is an acronym for a Bible study method.This is my first experience with the NET translation and it feels fresh and new. It is not as poetic as some other translations, but the language is crystal clear and easy to understand. It has been interesting to contrast verses from the NIV, which I've been using for decades, to the way they read in the NET. For example, in NIV John 3:16 begins, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son..." and in NET John 3:16 reads, "For this is the way God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son..."There are study helps spread throughout and so far what I've seen is they highlight key verses and key points. I like the introductions to each book of the Bible, giving some background, authorship, dates and other relevant information. Besides the book intros, the rest of the additional material is connected to what the authors call the TEXT study method (Talk to God, Encounter God, eXamine your heart, Talk to others), which is fully explained and a useful method for personal devotions. The additional material also does a good job of tying themes together and following threads in Scripture.What I really love about this Bible is the font and layout. The font is nice and clear, and the subheadings are in larger and bolder font, which makes it really easy to skim through to find what I'm looking for. Verse numbers are listed down the left side of the text (also easy for navigation) and there is plenty of room for notes. In the back is a concordance, maps, and some pages with nifty little check-off boxes to keep track of what books/chapters you've read. It's silly, maybe, but it's motivating to me to be able to check off the chapters I read each day and it has helped me get back into daily Bible reading.Overall, I give this new Bible 5 stars. One heads-up: if you get a copy that has every set of two pages stuck together, exchange it for a less defective copy. It took me 3+ hours to separate all the pages. Totally worth it now, though!

I am new to the Bible and wanted to read it front to back. This one is amazing. I now have 6 Bibles but I keep returning to this one for study.Things I love:— Text color, font, and spacing is easy to read.— Commentary is minimal but strategic so I never feel overwhelmed as I’m guided through the books— Commentary focuses on actively observing the nature of God and humanity as the relationship evolves. (So you can start developing your own relationship with him).— The commentary is Christ-focused, even in the Old Testament— There are relevant graphics in the back material:1. Prophesies fulfilled at the Cross (though my Jewish Bible has a longer list)2. A table comparing the old covenant and the new3. Spiritual gifts4. A table comparing worldly wisdom and spiritual wisdom5. A praying the text index6. A unique #hashtag index that references spiritual and contemporary issues like #depression, #failure, #dating, and #racialequality— There are also a few reading plans and a concordance— The “Text the TEXT” reading method consistently invites you to actively engage with the reading, in a questioning, independent manner.— The simple overviews at the beginning of each book orient the reader well. They contain main themes, basic book plot, a short commentary, select allusions/references to Jesus/messiah in the book, author, dates of writing, and purpose of the writing. So, context (but not too much).Note the accessible voice in this introductory excerpt from Numbers:…. “By this book, God has delivered his people from slavery in Egypt. They have crossed the Red Sea. They have riches galore. You’d think after that, the people should be ready to take the 40-day journey into the promised land. But nope. Their failure to trust God keeps them wandering in the desert for an entire generation: 40 years, in fact. But God doesn’t give up on his people ….”What I don’t love:The NET translation.The translation is the most “transparent” one that currently exists. You can freely access every single note a translator made on something as they translated it. And there’s commentary on why they made a particular decision. I think this makes it superior for research.However, it reads more clunky than other translations I have, like the CSA. Of course, this is subjective. It’s still quite accessible.Final Note:This Bible does a great job for active readers who want to be oriented and engaged, and who enjoy independent thinking. At the same time, it frames the entire Bible in a Jesus-centered context, from beginning to end.Finally, the relatable voice of the commentary is refreshing. I don’t need things to be relatable, but the authors have done a great job of it, without being gimmicky or distracting.

It's good that I always get my purchases on time

I have several Bibles that I use for study and teaching. I kept seeing notes about this Bible so I took a chance and ordered it. I am glad that I did! It has a lot of good features that make it the perfect Bible to use when I have only room to take along one Bible. "Just Jack"

I love the wide margins in the Bible and also the translation.

Great Bible and love all the notes. Good font size as well

I love everything about this bible. Lots of information, clean layout , and beautiful scripture based prayers.

This bible greatly helped to increase my understanding of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. It's easy to read and understand. I love the stated purpose, author, date before each chapter. It helps clarify the context of what I'm reading.