About me.

me

My name is Bob Snyder.  I don’t have any degrees or formal education that would qualify me as an expert in the field of theology.  I do love God and His word.  I am a Christian first.  Everything I am is colored, and determined by my faith.  My faith didn’t originate with me, but it was the gift of God.  I adhere to the accepted orthodox doctrines of Christianity as understood by the Reformers and the Puritans.  I like to read the old dead guys.  I like the modern writings of J.I. Packer, R. C. Sproul, and John MacArthur.  I like to listen to sermons preached by Paul Washer, Justin Peters, and Steve Lawson.  I enjoy listening to Dr. James White debates.  I am firmly planted in the, “Reformed” camp of soteriology.  I guess I would fit best with the 1689 Baptist Confession.

I have been a Corrections Officer in the Pacific Northwest since 1994.  I retired from Corrections after 26 years.  I’ve been retired since 2021, and work here, and there.  I have been married once.  My wife, and I have been married since 1991.  We used to regularly attended a local Nazarene Church, where we had been members for about nineteen years.  Somewhere along the line, my theology changed by the will, and work of God in my life.  Early on I intellectually affirmed the principles of the gospel, but had not truly repented, or trusted Jesus to save me.  God saved me from from my sins, and Arminianism was left in the dust, as well as the Nazarene Church.  I now regularly attend White Stone Christian Fellowship in Payette, Idaho.  I have four children, and seven grandchildren.  I hope these articles can be helpful to someone besides me.

Most all of the books, and Bibles I review were given to me for free from the publishers to do an honest original review on.  Just assume that I got them all for free unless I otherwise mention it.

74 thoughts on “About me.

    1. Hi Bob, I’m searching for a softcover (lay flat) bible . Solid lighter brown tan/cognac color no design or stamping a on the outside. It’s seems like such an easy thing to find but am having a difficult time finding one. Any ideas or suggestions?

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      1. NIV. Leather (cognac, light brown). No real preference for layout. Slim, lays flat. No designs or markings on the covers.

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  1. Dear Bob,

    I recently wrote the book Breaking Free: How to Be Completely Free from Any Addiction, and I am looking for some reviewers for Amazon and/or people’s websites. I found you are a Christian blogger and review books. I think my book may have interest to your readers.

    My book will be free to download this coming Tuesday and Wednesday (9/9-9/10): http://amzn.to/1qafe5c. You can see a brief write-up on my site: http://prayer-coach.com/breaking-free. I would appreciate a review from you.

    Thank you for your time and consideration.
    Blessings,
    Kevin Shorter

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  2. Hi, Bob.
    I’m a blogger writing about Bibles. My blogs are biblias.tumblr.com and edbiblias.wordpress.com I need some counsels from you, please contact me at josemariaderus at gmail dot com
    Best regards,
    JM

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  3. Hi Bob
    May I please ask about the smell of Bibles, like the Lockman NASB SC side margin 9781581351606
    I want to add an NASB to my studies, but the one I’ve got is eye wateringly smelly! (Precept Ministries Induction Bible, though printed in the US). I also have trouble with Hendrickson Parallel bibles, printed in China.

    (My nose tells me Cambridge printing is OK (browsing in their shop), my ESV Calfskin Legacy is OK, as is LBCP, if a little earthy, and I have an Oxford NKJV Scofield which isn’t too noisome.)

    So I wondered whether the Calfskin NASB SC side margin etc. you reviewed is not chemically, because I hope it’s better quality all round?

    You talk about the lovely smell of leather, and I like that too, but I have allergy trouble with chemicals in ink and glue, and would like to know whether the actual text block smells, since it is printed in China? I read there is one Chinese bible printer, Nanjing Amity, and my Hendricksons are Chinese, and they smell, so that doesn’t look good for me, unless they have different inks for different qualities. It reminds me of pungent newspapers fresh off the pile.

    I am in the UK, so post in either direction is very expensive if I buy from the US. I don’t just want to send things back but try to get it right in the first place! So I thought I’d ask a man who notices smells!

    Thank you
    Belinda

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    1. I agree, some Bibles smell excessively of chemicals. The Oxford KJV Scofield Study Bible III I just received is pretty bad. Part of it is the processing of the leather and some of it is the adhesives and inks. The NASB Large Print Ultrathin I received recently in genuine leather was pretty strong, but the same Bible in genuine cowhide was much less odiferous. I don’t know what your budget is like, but if you can afford it, I would recommend the R.L. Allan Readers Bible. It does smell a bit of leather, but it is very mild compared to the Chinese bound ones. The recent edition of the Allan is printed by Jongbloed in the Netherlands. They are the same bindary that produces the Cambridge Bibles. I hope this helps.

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    2. Part of the problem with commenting on the smell of the SCR is that I did that review a while ago. Back when that one was made, it didn’t stink. With Chinese manufacture it is hard to say if the ones they are making right now are being made out of the same materials. The manufacturing methods are not consistent. You could very well order one and it would be fine. On the other hand, they might be using a different adhesive or leather supplier and it could be very unpleasant. It is too bad Christian bookstores can’t afford to keep Bibles on the shelf to look over first.

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    3. Belinda, I purchased that same bible – but it’s the Leathertex version. Initially the text block was a bit chemical smelly and it did bother my eyes, nose, throat quite a bit. It has aired out and now I don’t notice it unless I actually put my nose within 4 inches of the open book, barely smell it if closed and touch my nose to the pages. My bible’s copyright page says:

      NASB Side Column Reference Edition
      Copyright 1996 by The Lockman Foundation
      All Rights Reserved

      (blah blah stuff)

      Published by
      Foundation Publications, Inc.
      Anaheim, California, 92816

      Printed in China

      I just double checked and the ISBN-13 matches what christianbook dot com has for the leathertex version of the bible you asked about.

      I wish I could tell you about the leather smell but that is why I purchased the leathertex. My previous attempt at buying a bible was horrific. Not only was I severely allergic to the text block chemicals but the leather chemicals caused severe contact dermatitis.

      This was the bible that did that to me: ISBN-13: 9781581351316
      NASB UltraThin Large-Print Reference Bible–genuine leather, black.

      I highly recommend staying away from that one.

      Blessings to you.

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  4. Bob, I have been comparing bible translations and noticed that my beloved NASB actually says:

    1 Corinthians 15:21 NASB
    For since by a man came death, ***by a man*** also came the resurrection of the dead.

    I am very upset by this! Jesus was no ordinary man. He was God-man! At the very least it should read:

    For since by a man came death, ***by Man*** {also} came the resurrection of the dead.

    {delete}

    Ok before I blow a gasket..

    How do you feel about that wording?

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    1. Just looked 1 cor 10:21 up in my little Greek New Testament, and the words for man is the same Greek work for both ‘men’, Adam and Christ. This is the greek text used by KJV and NKJV. Looks to be the same in the modern txt sources. Anthropos. Cf Rom 5:12, the same word anthropos. Note there is says that Adam is a Type of Christ. The point is Jesus can take the sin away because he *was* anthropos. He wouldn’t qualify otherwise?

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    2. @IAmHis This is one of those sections, that if read by itself, without context, we could eisegetically utilize it in error to support heresy. Since context is part of a good hermeneutic, we can look at it in light of the rest of scripture to see it for what it is.

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      1. Bob, you are absolutely right. I, being a newbie to the faith, forgot that context is everything and reading 1 Corinthians 15:21 makes perfect sense when read after verse 20.

        I had been comparing bible translations and came across that individual verse.

        Thank you.

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      2. Is there a better place on your blog where questions like the one I asked can be placed? I don’t know what you mean by your comment above: “We also see federal headship in both Adams.”

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  5. Hey Mr. Snyder,

    I was wondering if you could help me with finding a bible.

    I am looking for edge lined, goatskin, sewn binding with indexing. KJV. Know of any?

    Thanks!

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Bob — I enjoy coming by your site on occasion and seeing your thoughts and reviews. I have had a thought and wonder if this has already been done. or if it would interest you: “The Basic and Essential Library for a Christian.”

    This would be a set of books that are solid resources for the fundamental doctrines and issues that a serious Christian should have command of. It would cover such areas as the nature of God; the person of Christ; Christ’s work on the Cross; redemption; Scripture; etc. Perhaps it would be 15-30 books.

    I see two tasks in this: determining the categories, and then selecting 1-3 books that would be good candidates for each area.

    This idea occurred to me after I recently read Stott’s The Cross of Christ. I wondered why I had not read it much sooner, and I thought that this is a book I should own and re-read every few years. It is one I should mark up and index so that I can easily reference key concepts when a question or concern arises.

    Anyway, if it would be of good value to your readers or others, I would certainly value your thoughts. Regardless of that, thanks very much for your work on this site. God bless you.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That is actually an idea I’ve have been contemplating for awhile now. I do have a reading list I give to new Christians. It is targeted on the layman and primary articles of the faith. I think I would have to come up with basic, intermediate, and advanced, lists. Some of the books are pretty much scholastic works, and would not be accessible to neophytes. I am glad you enjoy checking in from time to time. Out of curiosity, would you rather see more Bible reviews, book reviews, or original articles? Thanks again for your feedback. Oh, and could you tell me what theological affiliation you are? Could you also tell me if there are any books you would recommend for the new convert, with no prior Christian education?

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      1. I am generally of the baptist and reformed camps. I am a big admirer of Mohler, Sproul, Macarthur, Piper and others in the reformed circles. Of the three categories, the easiest items to replace would be the Bible reviews, as I also read bibledesign blog. But I do like all that you have; it seems a great mix. I recently gave Stott’s Basic Christianity to a new convert, and she seems to be getting good value from it. I haven’t been good at getting through his works, but I have high regard for Jerry Bridges, and heard him speak here in Portland a couple of years ago. His humility and devotion would be great examples for new believers to follow.

        Thanks again for your work.

        Liked by 1 person

  7. Pretty sectarian as you talk Ref vs Arm, you use a link fully reformed for that description, yet use a link that discusses both for the arminian viewpoint. As you say the Thomas Nelson study is not fully honest as compared to the Holman,; i think you’ve been the same. Your sectarian choice is fine but you are not laying both visions side by side. You shouldn’t be afraid of an honest side by side comparison, should you?

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    1. I don’t know what link you are talking about. What are you commenting on? I am pretty clear that I am in the Reformed Baptist camp. I don’t hate Arminians. I’m not sectarian as far as the notion of bigotry or hatred are concerned. I am convinced that Arminianism is wrong. I do think the Holman did a better job. I write reviews from my perspective. I’m not, “afraid” nor do I have any obligation to layout both sides. It is my site. I pay the bills for it. They are my opinions. If you don’t agree that is your prerogative. If you want to espouse the Arminian view, go get a web site, domain, and write articles. I am capable of defending my beliefs. My site is not a place for debate or conversation that way. Of course I set the rules, because it is my site. If you want to sponsor my site, then you can have a smaller soapbox on my soapbox lol. Seriously though, calling me sectarian isn’t fair. You don’t know me. Even if I use strong language it doesn’t mean I am a hate filled bigot. Maybe you are just used to people being overly polite in your circles? I have been a Corrections Officer for 22 years. I have a thick skin, and sometimes come off a bit gruff.

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  8. NKJV, Apply the Word Study Bible. I am looking at that one right now, but also looking at hour Holman vs. Thomas Nelson Review. When you say NonDenom vs. SBC. I know what you mean, I am looking for a bible which is relatively open in its approach, letting me make my decisions as to pre- post or mid trib, just as example, or Once Saved Always Saved, vs. can fall away. Thanks

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      1. I have the MacArthur Study Bible as well as others. You seem like a devout Christian but I don’t
        think Calvinism is correct. If you are interested in a fair commentary check out thenarrowpath.com and topical lectures & Calvinism. Steve

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      2. Steve, thanks for the comment. I was in the Holiness movement for about 19 years before I started to have my eyes opened to why my faith was a mess. I used to fight against Calvinists, and even went so far as to say they weren’t Christian. I read pretty much every argument against Reformed theology, I’ve even used some of them in arguing with Calvinists. Over the years, God opened my eyes to the errors that I believed. I was in a man centered system that would rob God of His glory. I am pretty convinced that the doctrines of grace are true. I doubt I will ever be convinced otherwise. I don’t call Arminians heretics, nor do I say they are not brothers. I hope you will afford me the same consideration. I will look at your site.

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  9. Dear Mr. Snyder:

    Happy 2019!

    I hope you will test out the following article in which I contend that Kelefa Sanneh’s critique of Christian rock, which appeared in the September 24, 2018 issue of The New Yorker, was rendered unfair and false by an anti-Christian agenda that the author pretended not to have. (The author pretends to impartiality. His writing reveals something else.)

    Although my New Yorker rebuttal was directed to open-minded nonbelievers (with whom it hopes to challenge), I hope that it resonates with believers as well.

    I hope it gives a little direction to some believers who remain silent in the face of anti-Christian media bias even though, I sometimes believe, such silence hurts God’s feelings.

    (Isn’t it possible to be both loving and critical?)

    With my New Yorker critique, I am looking for honest engagement–nothing more or less.

    But if you try it, and like it enough, I hope you will share the article with others who sense might find it worthwhile to engage.

    Here is the link:

    https://scenesmedia.com/2018/12/is-christian-rock-as-lousy-as-the-new-yorker-says-it-is/

    I hope you have a truth-filled year.

    And thank you very much for your attention to this stranger (an ex-literary editor and writer who, as of 2015, is grateful to call himself a Christian).

    Truly,

    Marc Smirnoff

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    1. I forwarded your article to my audience. It was a bit longer than what I am accustomed to reading on a web site. I’m suprised Stryper didn’t make it into your article lol I always thought they were under rated. There is an anti-Christian bias in almost all media forms. We must be salt and light.

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  10. A reader had this to say, “DanO
    Thank you for this article. It was interesting and a real trip down memory lane. The author needs to do a write up on Christian Rock from the 80s. There was some good stuff made during that time. I still have the cassettes somewhere.”

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  11. It makes me sad seeing Calvinists referring to Arminianism as being lost and non Biblical, and then Arminians referring to Calvinists as lost and non Biblical. What a terribly ignorant position to think that a non salvation issue difference of interpretation soteriologically is one person being right, convicted of the HS etc and the other position being wrong. Come on, you realize both sides claim the HS lead has confirmed their views to them, lead them out of Calvinism or Arminianism etc, why do Christian leaders have to be so divided like this, I’m so sick of it. It’s important to be educated on these issues and the arguments for both sides (research done for the arguments for each side, BY ACTUAL LEGITIMATE AND RESPECTED PROPONENTS OF EACH SIDE, not learning about Arminianism from James White or John Piper, and not learning about Calvinism from Roger Olson, John Lennox etc.

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    1. Maybe I wasn’t clear enough. I wasn’t a false convert because of Arminianism. I was a false convert and Arminian. I left Arminianism shortly after I truly repented and put my faith in Christ. The fact that both happened at roughly the same time should not be indicative of my views on Arminians and the gospel. I do believe there are Arminians who are Christians.

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      1. I saw you on YouTube and I was wondering if you could give me your opinion on a few bibles you would recommend with the things I’m looking for below. I also heard Zondervan is coming out with a verse by verse NIV next year and wondering if it will be any good?

        1. NASB OR NIV

        2. Premium Bible

        3. Prefer stitched perimeter

        4. Art Guilding

        5. Prefer full tap

        6. Prefer Good double faced satin ribbons like Allan Bible 10 millimeter

        7. Prefer raised ribs but doesnt have to be

        8. non glossymaps

        9. Prefer 36 GSM paper or higher

        10. Prefer Goatskin leathercover

        11. Edgelined

        12. Line matched

        13. Prefer Smith sewn binding

        14. Not too thick

        15. Prefer 2 Column verse by verse but possibly also the Single column verse by verse

        16. Lined paper in back

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      2. I would suggest finding a Bible you like and having it rebound. I was once on the quest for the fabled unicorn Bible. I discovered that the creature doesn’t exist, and it is better to have numerous Bibles for specific purposes. Your mileage may differ.

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  12. Hi from Australia

    I am a Christian author of 12 published books (ivanrudolph.com) and am hoping for some reviews for my 13th as yet pre-published book, but only my second prepared for the American market. Westbow Press are its pre-publishers. Please consider reviewing it now because, unlike in Australia, it has to gather some pre-published reviews in the USA. If you are prepared to have a look at it, please send an appropriate email address.
    Thank you,
    Ivan (Rudolph)

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  13. Hi Bob,
    I love your website and the wonderful service you provide. So thank you sincerely.
    I’m interested in purchasing a Geneva Bible and am undecided which to buy. Could you tell me if the 7 point font in the Hendrickson version was difficult to read. I love the old English but am concerned about the font size.would you be able to offer any advice. Thank you again!

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  14. Glad I came across this site! What’s a good email to contact you regarding submitting books for review?

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  15. Hi Bob,
    I’m looking for a NASB large print Interleaved Bible.
    It must be high quality paper.
    If not, do you know someone that could build one for me?
    Thanks,
    Blessings,
    Craig Dadian

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    1. Bob,

      Do you know anything about Zondervan’s NIV preaching bible verse by verse due out in May 2020? Is there a chance you’ve seen pictures of it? Paul

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      1. Nope, I don’t know a thing about it. I am biased against the NIV though. Ever since the 2011 debacle. I’ve been trying to focus on the NASB, and ESV translations. Oh, and Zondervan doesn’t have the same kind of generous review program that Lockman, and Crossway do. Matter of fact, Lockman, and Crossway, are the only ones that allow me to request what I want. The other publishers that are owned by unbelievers, make you jump through a bunch of hoops to get a review Bible. When I retire, I’m going to start buying one a month, and giving them reviews they won’t want lol. Much of the production has returned to low quality, but due to the interest in high quality Bibles they big publishers have finally dipped their toes in.

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    2. Sorry, I don’t know of one that meets your requirements. Lockman foundation has one, but I think it is on a regular book paper. I’ve also been out of the loop for a while. My every day life has been too demanding to keep up with all the new editions. Perhaps when I retire from Corrections soon I’ll be able to devote more time to reviews. God bless. I hope you find what you are looking for. If not, start a crowd funding page, and go to work 🙂 If you want it, there are others out there that do as well.

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  16. Hello Bob,

    I am wondering if you would be interested in reviewing my new book “We Are One” on Amazon and Goodreads?

    It is a quick read (120 pages) packed with a very deep message of hope, unity, and love. I compare the Jew/Gentile relationship to the relationship between a man and a woman.

    My story begins by talking about my own journey through darkness to light that revealed a love story to me.

    I have a unique vision and outlook on life based on my own challenges and now I see the world going through a similar thing.

    The book is also complemented with poetry to illustrate this message.

    I think you would be encouraged by it and I am curious what you would think of it. Please let me know if you are interested in reading it and I will forward you the epub file.

    Kind regards,

    Shannie

    amazon.com/author/shanniealvarez
    http://www.shanniealvarez.com

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    1. I’m not a big fan of the 2020. I don’t like how they translated some of the Greek, while in other spots I do. I can understand why they translated sections the way they did, and it is a valid translation. Personally, I’m going to wait for the Legacy Standard Bible which is a tightening of the translation, rather than a loosening of it. Master’s Seminary is working, with permission from Lockman foundation on making a, in my opinion, more accurate translation even better. Zondervan is owned by unbelievers. Most all formerly Christian Bible publishers have been purchased up by secular companies. Zondervan is the main licenser of the Lockman NASB, and has more to gain by making the translation more palatable to modern readers. I think that is their true motive in making the 2020, but I could be wrong. People have called the 95 wooden for a long time. I never understood why. I really liked the 95. Some Koine Greek words don’t translate directly into English, and some ideas that are clear in Greek, don’t seem to follow over into English sometimes, so the translators do have quite a bit of room for interpretation. After looking at many of the changes, I see no compelling reason to switch to the 2020. I am looking forward to the Legacy Standard Bible from Master’s. I hope that helps.

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  17. Mr. Snyder,
    Would you happen to know of a place that I could buy a Zondervan NASB Study Bible, top grain leather? I have a bonded, and I’m looking for a top grain/genuine leather for my son with cerebral palsy.
    Thank you very much,
    Clarence Jasmagy
    clarencejasmagy@gmail.com
    619-486-7505
    510 Roberta Ave
    El Cajon, CA 92021

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  18. Hi Bob Snyder,

    I am a Christian too …..my name is Sheji Jos. I am from India. Living in Middle east – United Arab Emirates.

    I want to purchase a Bible from Local Church Bible Publishers. I cannot access their site from this country. Will you be able to send me the one you have shown in your web site.

    The one with wide margin to take notes.

    I can give you an address in USA. May be you can send it to that person and he can bring it to me. Mostly he will travel to Dubai during the month of September 2022.

    Regards
    Sheji Jos

    Like

    1. Why don’t you purchase a Bible that has been translated into Hindi? It would be much easier to read and understand than a Bible translation that was done in early modern English.

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  19. Hi there!

    I wanted to let you know about a new Christian Living book called Jesus Take All of Me: Learning to See God as Beautiful in Every Part of Life.

    Why is it that the lives of Christians and non-Christians look so similar so much of the time? Is following Jesus just a set of intellectual beliefs about the cross, forgiveness of sins, and an afterlife? Or is something more than that? What is a truly Biblical perspective on our time, careers, love lives, families, friendships, money, and emotions?

    The book was ranked #2 this past week in Christian Discipleship on Amazon.ca and #1 for Hot New Releases. It is currently available through most platforms. Please let me know how I can send you more information. Even if you can’t review it, read it. 🙂

    http://www.jesustakeallofme.com

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  20. Perhaps you can assist me.

    I read your article on premium Bibles.

    I am looking for a Bible that is single column, wide margin or interleaved, with no headings, no numbers, 12pt type, with thick paper.

    I don’t care how heavy it is. I prefer goatskin if possible but I am learning to rebind so I will if I have to.

    Any thoughts?

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  21. Hi Bob. I need a 10.5 or great font size Bible with room to make a few notes if I want. Commentary is nice but not essential. Verse by verse layout preferred – 1 or 2 columns is fine. Portability and good paper to highlight are also important. You’ve had great reviews. However I still have no idea what to do. I have used the MacArthur for years and also the Reformation SB but the font is too small in both anymore. I got a 10.5 Crossway Thin line ESV through truth for Life but there’s really no room to make a note. Any recommendations based on all you’ve reviewed? Not being able to see these at a store anymore is a real drawback! ESV is preferred but not essential. Appreciate your heart!

    Clint

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  22. Hey, thanks for the comment/question. The LSB Large Print Wide Margin in any cover would be a good place to start, but they are hefty. Any time you start to increase the font size along with the paper width for wider margins/note taking the other finite dimensions must be tweaked to permit it. Here is a link to the LSB I mentioned. I’ll also put a couple more links to different Bibles for some choices. https://316publishing.com/collections/lsb-large-print-wide-margin
    https://www.wtsbooks.com/collections/search-result?q=9781433561955
    https://evangelicalbible.com/product/lockman-nasb-1995-large-print-ultrathin-reference-bible-black-genuine-leather/
    https://evangelicalbible.com/product/cambridge-esv-aquila-wide-margin-reference-bible-black-goatskin-red-letter/
    https://evangelicalbible.com/shop/?woof_text=wide+margin&post_type=product&swoof=1

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  23. I too: don’t have any degrees or formal education that would qualify me as an expert in the field of theology. I do love God and His word. I am a Christian first. God put upon my heart to write a book when I got sick ‘A Mechanic’s Handbook To The God Of The Bible: Why God Just Makes Sense’ I would like to know your thoughts on the book, if God puts it upon your heart to read it. Thanks.

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  24. Hi Bob,

    Hope you had a good New Years. How do you choose books to review?

    If you like well written Bible study/devotionals I wonder if you would consider my new one for reading and review when you have time. It’s titled:
    Have You Heard from God Lately? 30 Messages from Heaven to You

    A retired pastor said it “is a wonderfully written devotional that is meant to lead people into a closer walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. I believe this book is one of the best-written discussions on who God is and how we may approach Him.”

    You can learn more about it and preview a few chapters here:
    https://keonlindsey.com/books/have-you-heard-from-god-lately/

    Thanks for your time and blessings for your 2024,
    Keon

    P.S. I’m an indie author but the book has been professionally proofed.

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