Bulletin Inserts by Dr. Hoyt W. Allen, Jr.

"BIBLE BUYING TIPS”

By Dr. Hoyt W. Allen, Jr.

When one decides to go shopping for a Bible they often ask someone for some advice on what to “look for” in order to get what they need and to get their money’s worth. The following has been written to offer some assistance in this area.

1) Price - what does one’s budget allow? Will your Bible be used once a week or several times daily? A cheap purchase price may not be the best for you in the long run. The old saying, “One gets what he pays for...” really holds true in a Bible. Often one can find a discounted price in a clearance sale, via catalog, or on the web. However, like buying anything, “the more ‘bells and whistles’, the more cost”.

2) Cover - These range from paper back to genuine leather. A buyer should keep in mind about the color and attractiveness. The better quality covers allows to have one’s name engraved on it.

3) Binding - The better quality Bible has a binding that will endure a person dropping the Bible without pages tearing out. Look for thread and not only glue.

4) Paper - India paper is like tissue paper and when one makes a note in the margin it often will bleed through onto the other side.

5) Print size and font - Print which is not easily read will tire one’s eyes and cause one to avoid reading the most important book in the world. Print size and boldness should be a main consideration.

6) Pronunciation marks - The many long and unusual words in God’s Word can be more easily pronounced with the aid of pronunciation marks.

7) Marginal References - In studying the “Master Book” for directions in our lives one should have additional scriptures for comparison.

8) Red Letter Edition - Lois Klospch developed this edition in 1901 He based it from Luke 22:20, "This cup is the New Testament in my blood, which is shed for you". He reasoned that all blood is red, thus Christ's words should be in red, as a constant reminder to the reader. This is a very helpful aid.

9) Translation - The Old Testament was written in Hebrew and the New Testament in Greek. Thus, one must read from a translation that is in his/her vernacular (familiar language).

10) Concordance - Quality Bibles always have a good lengthly alphabetized listing of words with scriptures where they are located. This is a very important aid!

11) Maps - A series of colored maps with an index for fast locations of sites, rivers, mountains, etc. is helpful.

12) Thumb Index - Fast location of a book, chapter, and verse is often needed or one can be “left behind” very quickly.

Possibly one of the best things that one can do for growth in the “Book Of Books” is to enroll in a FREE Bible correspondence course through KYOWVA. Each person sets his/her own schedule. Courses for youth beginning at age ten through adults. No “Arm-Twisting”, your choice!

Plainly, don’t get short changed. Let’s be ready to meet our Maker. The Bible teaches that to avoid hell and gain heaven - one must:

1) Believe In Jesus As Savior (Acts 16:31) 2) Repent Of Sins (Acts 17:30) 3) Confess Christ Audibly (Acts 8:37) 4) Be Baptized In Water (Acts 2:38) 5) Live A Christian Life (Acts 14:22) 6) Be Active In The Church (Acts 2:47)