Month: January 2021

Recently, we received a great question from one of our NLT readers. We though you would be interested in the response as well.

Question:

Why do you list Manasseh as a tribe of Israel in Revelation 7v6? Shouldn’t it be Dan (Genesis 35v23-26)?If not ,why is Dan no longer listed as Jacob’s son/ Israel’s tribe in Revelation? Where does God or anyone else ,for that matter, replace Dan with Manasseh in Scripture?

Answer:

This is a good question, since the list of Israelite tribes given in Revelation 7:5-8 doesn’t completely line up with the various lists that appear in the Old Testament, though even these are not completely consistent (see Genesis 35, 1 Chronicles 4-7, Ezekiel 48). The tribe of Joseph was divided into the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh (Genesis 48), as Joseph received a double portion in the allotment of land in the Promised Land. In the list given in Revelation 7, Joseph is listed along with Manasseh, but Ephraim is not mentioned. Since Joseph would have included both Ephraim and Manasseh, it appears that Manasseh was included as a replacement for Dan, which was excluded from list.

Though we don’t know the exact reason why Dan is not listed, commentators suggest it was done to remind readers of the story in Judges 17-18. The tribe of Dan did not find the land that God allocated for them acceptable, so they stole idols from a home in the land of Ephraim, took over a portion of the land allocated to the tribe of Naphtali, and instituted idol worship in the land of Israel during the time of the judges. The tribe of Dan was symbolic of Israel’s failure, which is likely the reason they were excluded from the list in Revelation.

“Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved.” Isaiah 30:15

Devotional from the Beyond Suffering Bible

God’s people find strength only as they rest in the promises of God, relating to him as the center of all reality. Trusting in any other form of security leads to failure, because God knows what is best for us: to return to him from our foolish habits of rebellion and the lonely experience of exile. The book of Isaiah is filled with stark contrasts between angry prophetic threats of destruction because of disobedience and precious promises of quiet confidence experienced in the loving arms of God. If only Israel would have returned to their God-given destiny—existing in covenantal communion with the Father and testifying of his love to the nations—what peace they would have found!

Our situation may be different from Israel, but the truth that our salvation is found in God alone is just as applicable for us. God’s promise of rest is intended to encourage us in the midst of disheartening situations. We often pray for immediate change in our circumstances: relief from pain, satisfaction of our desires, restoration of physical comfort, or an influx of money. But the promise of God’s presence—resting in him—is at the heart of our need. We can, and often do, experience his faithful presence in the midst of suffering.

In John 17:15, Jesus prayed for his disciples and for us as his followers, “I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one.” What does it mean to be kept safe? God graciously welcomes us as his precious children through our union with Jesus Christ. This does not guarantee preservation from harm, but it does mean the gift of eternal security and rest in communion with God, which is much more significant. Our attention is directed away from our circumstances and back toward God. Understanding that God’s good plan for us extends beyond our momentary circumstances is the deepest possible encouragement.

Learn more about the Beyond Suffering Bible

“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” Romans 3:23, NLT

Key Verse Activity from the Hands-On Bible.

Everyone has sinned.

Read Romans 3:23 out loud several times until it’s stuck in your brain. No matter how hard we try, we just can’t be as good as God. It’s kind of like this!

1. Draw a bullseye target on a sheet of paper. Tape the paper to a wall.
2. Use more paper to make paper wads or paper airplanes.
3. Step as far away from the target as the room allows, and try to hit the center of the target with your paper wads or paper airplanes. Play several rounds.

If you think of God as the center of the target, we just can’t hit the target every time. But that’s ok. Do you know why? Because of Jesus!

Jesus took the punishment for our sins when he died on the cross.  After we believe in Jesus, God helps us to choose to follow Jesus so we can be on target.

That’s the only way to hit God’s target. To believe in Jesus.

Learn more about the Hands-On Bible

What a joy to be able to offer Bibles and resources that help people draw closer to God through His Word. We were recently honored to learn that several of our Bibles have been recognized by the ECPA for excellence in sales. We are so thankful God continues to let us be a part of helping to get His Word into the hands of others. We hope you celebrate with as us as God’s Word continues to move and change lives.

The Bronze Award is in recognition of over 100,000 copies sold. The following Bibles received this award:

• Abundant Life Bible NLT
• Every Man’s Bible NLT
• Inspire Bible NLT
• Teen Life Application Study Bible NLT

The Gold Award is in recognition of over 500,00 copies sold. The following Bible received this award:

• Hands-On Bible NLT
• NIV Life Application Study Bible 2^nd Edition

The Platinum Award is in recognition of over 1 million copies sold. The following Bible received that award:

• Abundant Life New Testament NLT
• One Year Chronological Bible
• One Year Bible NLT

by HEIDI DEAN, CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION BIBLE SPECIALIST, CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS INTERNATIONAL

Where does Generation Z stand with Bible literacy, here in 2021? The struggles that evangelical churches and families have in discipling kids and teens to read the Bible is all too easily documented: Teachers point to the rise of screens, the decline of reading generally, and the busyness of family life as displacing the historic practice of daily Bible reading. But we are also seeing positive developments with Bible literacy here in 2021, too exciting to miss.

Tyndale House is supporting the work of Christian Schools International this February 11-12, as CSI opens its Bible Instruction Symposium to all educators and youth workers for the first time. And CSI has an exciting approach to recommend that could turn a corner on Bible literacy with young evangelicals.

CSI has gathered a group of model schools from around the nation who have been implementing a new approach for the past 2-3 years: A plan to read through the full canon during the school day so that by graduation, students have read, enjoyed, and discussed each book of the canon with their teachers and peers.

Bible class is being revamped in these model schools—yes, to address the struggle that parents and churches have in getting students to read through the Bible independently—but also with a vision to equip students with richer tools of reading and interpretation than ever before. How better could class time be utilized than to read and enjoy the adventurous, compelling, deep wisdom of the Bible?

This move away from lecture-based learning—where students hear about the Old and New Testaments in survey courses—is appealing to nearly all evangelical schools. But the trouble is imagining how this would go in the day-to-day classroom. Can students truly read their way through even the prophetic and poetic literature? Won’t they get lost or bored?

Come hear from the K-12 teachers deep into this approach who are eager to share how they and their students have been re-enchanted by the Bible through the literary tools of biblical theology. Hear how they are pairing together: Read-aloud of Scripture, hands-on skills of marking up the text, imaginative skills of getting into the story, and literary skills of connecting motifs across books.

Reader Bibles like Tyndale’s Immerse (NLT Bible) lie at the center of the approach, since students spend their time marking up Bibles like they were novels: feeling the tragedy and the triumph, finding the metaphors and the beauty of the redemptive story. Since a literary approach lends itself to frequent connections to literature, movies, art, and “real life in a concrete world,” students have found the world of the Bible’s symbolism and imagery to trigger new wonder and fascination.

We hope you will come hear the testimonials of teachers, administrators, and students, all benefiting from reading through the canon during the school day.

Join us for the 2021 CSI Bible Instruction Symposium on February 11–12, available through virtual format. All are welcome to join in this community of learning. Your $100 registration will provide connection to others who are passionate about the biblical literacy of children and teens through live interaction in every breakout session. And registration will also provide ongoing access to the recorded footage afterward.

Come help us further a rich Bible education for the next generation. Learn more and register here: https://www.csionline.org/curriculum/bible-instruction-symposium

We love hearing how God is using our Bibles to draw people closer to him. Recently, we heard from a pastor friend who had shared a Life Application Study Bible with a member of his congregation who was overwhelmed by the circumstances. We are so thankful that this Bible is bringing truth and hope!

“I have almost finished reading Romans. This is the most I have ever read the Bible in my life. The Bible you gave me has been life-changing. Much of what I’ve been told is truth is not what is in this Word. It has helped me through depression, some pent up past bad emotions. When my loved one died on Christmas morning I didn’t feel sad because I knew he was a true follower of Christ. I was overjoyed that he finally gets to be where we truly belong. It’s been a pretty awful year (actually a pretty awful few years) but I know Jesus is pulling me through the storm.” – Life Application Study Bible reader.

Learn more about the Life Application Study Bible 

The start of a new year means some great new Bibles are releasing in early 2021. See what’s coming your way this winter and early spring.

Filament Bible Collection

The Filament Bible Collection now includes a Personal Giant Print line. These Bibles have a 12 pt readable font and are a great size to carry with you on the go. They are available in the NLT and KJV translations and include the revolutionary Filament Bible app. Learn more

A New Testament for a New Generation

We have partnered with an amazing ministry, Streetlights Bible, to release a multimedia New Testament. This visually compelling, easy-to-understand Bible links to remarkably creative audio and video resources. The NLT Streetlights New Testament explains Christian truth and is a discipleship tool for young people and beyond. It’s unique tone and approach removes road blocks, allowing users to actively engage with God’s Word. Learn more.

Journaling and Art Bibles

Our Inspire Bible line continues to bring beautiful and exciting ways for you to engage with God’s Word through art journaling and coloring. Releasing this month are two beautiful new covers for the original Inspire Bible. A navy and pink floral hardcover and a pink softcover provide more cover options for this beloved line of Bibles.

We are so excited about our new Art of Life Bible that releases next month. This Bible features 450 original hand-drawn illustrations in a unique style that encourages contemplation and visual interaction with God’s Word. Learn more about this beautiful, unique Bible. Take a look inside.

For Kids

The Hands-On Bible is more than just a Bible you read; it’s a Bible you experience. The entire text of the NLT is surrounded by games, crafts, recipes, and so many more activities to get all the senses involved. It helps kids (and you) better understand and get excited about God’s amazing Word. And the new LeatherLike covers releasing next month add to the fun of this Bible. Find out more about the Hands-On Bible.

Women’s Devotional Bible

The THRIVE Devotional Creative Journaling Bible for Women has become a fan favorite. In the fall, we released two new covers in the journaling edition. Next month, we are releasing an edition with no wide margins, making it easier to carry with you. It still has the treasured 365 devotionals within the entire NLT text, but this edition has a beautiful rose interior. The navy and pink floral hardcover and rose metallic LeatherLike covers will be cherished.

Reading Plan Bibles

Just a few months ago some exciting new One Year Bibles and the NLT Daily Reader’s Bible were released. Check out these Bible if you are interested in reading through the entire Bible in a year.

Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience is revitalizing communities and bringing people together in God’s Word. This spring, we will be releasing a large print edition of Immerse: Messiah and Immerse: Beginnings. Learn more about Immerse.

Study Bibles

Every Man’s Bible is the top-selling Men’s study Bible. We recently released some new covers in the large print editions, including a beautiful genuine leather cover. See them all.

The Life Recovery Bible is now available in a LeatherLike rustic brown cover, and the personal size recently released in a black LeatherLike cover. Learn more about The Life Recovery Bible

Want to see more? Check out tyndalebibles.com

Taken from the HelpFinder Bible Index

Courage is the ability to act on what we know is right and good, to dare to do what we should or must. Fear paralyzes; courage is what helps us move ahead. Courage does not conquer fear, it simply renders fear ineffective. It gives us a confident assurance that we can succeed. Christians recognize that they have an extra resource in God’s promised help in time of need. This should bring about a boldness to face any situation that comes our way. It should be noted that sometimes the courageous thing to do is run, if that is what will bring about the greatest good. The Bible speaks of courage to stand firm against evil, to remain strong in our faith, to resist temptation, to do the right thing. The more we learn to rely on God, the more courageous we will become.

Where do I get the courage to go on when life seems too hard or obstacles
seem too big?

DEUTERONOMY 20:1 | “The Lord your God . . . is with you!”

PSALM 27:1 | The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid?

ISAIAH 41:10 | “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your
God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

JOSHUA 1:9 | “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord
your God is with you wherever you go.”

1 CHRONICLES 19:13 | “Be courageous! Let us fight bravely for our people and the cities
of our God. May the Lord’s will be done.”

True courage comes from God. It is understanding that he is stronger than our mightiest foes and that he wants to use his strength to help us. Courage is not misplaced confidence

in your own strength but well-placed confidence in God’s strength.

DEUTERONOMY 20:8 | “Is anyone here afraid or worried? If you are, you may go home before you frighten anyone else.”

Courage is contagious—you gain or lose courage by watching others, and others gain or
lose courage by watching you.

Learn more about the HelpFinder Bible

Every year for 20 years, Hank has read through a One Year Bible. But reading these Bibles goes beyond personal edification or completing a resolution. They are his legacy to spur others on in their Bible reading and inspire them to grow in their relationship with Christ.

“I love the Bible. It’s such a joy to read it, and I just want everyone to have that joy and understand what it can give you,” said Hank.

“For 20 years I have read through a One Year Bible, and each year I dedicated it to a family member. The notes in the margin were personal, such as ‘This is my prayer for you.’ I’ve underlined, circled, and highlighted many passages, letting them know what inspires me. It is my legacy to them,” said Hank.

Through these Bibles, Hank has encouraged a love for God’s Word in others. Sharing his struggles, joys, failures, and triumphs as he moves closer to God has been a comfort and a catalyst for his family members to grow deeper in their understanding of God through his Word.

“When I give it to them and they read it, they always come back saying, ‘I didn’t know you were going through that’ or ‘when you wrote this it helped me to better understand what I was facing.’ The Bible gives me joy whenever I read it, and I get joy by sharing it with others. The more you get into it, the more your joy will grow,” said Hank.

In 2020, Hank read through The One Year Pray for America Bible.

“I especially love the prayers that have to do with that day’s reading. . . . I also love the prayers you’ve inserted throughout the Bible, such as a prayer by Dr. Pridgeon for the anniversary of 9/11,

or the prayer by the Rev. Samuel Smith spoken July 4, 1831, or the broadcast by FDR on D-Day on radio, June 6, 1944. What a wonderful Bible!” said Hank.

We are excited to hear what Bible he will be using in 2021!

What Bible will you be reading through this year? Still not sure which one is right for you? Check out all our One Year Bible options.

The Bible is a huge book. It is made up of lots of smaller books which are made up of stories, letters, poetry, prophecy, and more. The Bible can look overwhelming when we start thinking of it as something other than a beautiful story of God’s love and redemption. When we try to dissect it into categories, it sounds more like a textbook than a life-giving word from our Savior.

That is one of the reasons I like reading through the Bible in a year. It’s important for us to go deeper—learn more about the different stories, trace how the prophecies thread through the different books, see why poetry is important, and so much more—but we can’t lose sight of the overarching story. Using a daily reading Bible helps you to stay connected to the bigger message while discovering areas where God is leading you to dive deeper.

The One Year Bible reading plan is one of the most beloved ways to read through the Bible in a year. It was created to help people move beyond roadblocks and into daily conversation with God through his Word. Understanding each person is different, The One Year Bible offers different ways to read through the Bible in a year.

There are daily reading plan versions that have a portion from the Old Testament, the New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs for each day’s reading.

Want to read the Bible in the order the events occurred? There are chronological plans.

Enjoy note-taking, coloring, art-journaling? The journaling editions come with wide-margins, and some editions include beautiful line-art for coloring.

Our newest addition to the One Year family is our “pray for” series. The One Year Pray for Bibles include prayer prompts at the beginning of each day’s reading to help us focus our prayers on pressing issues, allowing us to intercede for others. In the newest edition, we have teamed up with the amazing staff at Joni and Friends to pray for the sanctity of all life with The One Year Pray for Life Bible.

Want to learn more about The One Year Bible? You can see all the options and find the one that’s right for you at theoneyearbible.com.

One more thought: Though not a traditional One Year Bible, the new Daily Reader’s Bible offers another way to read through the Bible in a year. Each day’s reading consists of Scripture from three categories—story, teaching, and wisdom—that are grouped together by theme. Learn more about this Bible at thedailyreadersbible.com