Midweek: NKJV Study Bible for Kids

The wonderful people at Thomas Nelson Bibles have given me the opportunity to review their newly released purple Leathersoft™ edition of their NKJV Study Bible for Kids. This study Bible has been created for children ages 8-12 with targeted helps and a multi-colored interior. My complimentary copy arrived in an eye-catching protective sleeve. Other editions include a hardcover edition, a softcover, and a blue Leathersoft™ edition. All but the paperback have a satin ribbon bookmark and some are available with the words of Jesus recorded in red print. 

A description from Thomas Nelson's website is as follows:

Key features include:

Epic Ideas articles cover key topics and important themes of the Christian life—from sin and death to salvation, forgiveness, God’s promises, relationships, wisdom, mercy, kindness, end times, and more

Action! segments provide practical ways to apply scriptural truths to everyday life by relating to the issues and emotions encountered by biblical characters

Spotlight: sections show how God has worked among his people in Bible times and how He continues to work in our lives today

Starring Roles: show personality profiles of leading Bible characters—from the greatest to the least—and how God used each of them for his purposes

Behind the Scenes: are informative introductions to each book in the Bible, including highlights, key passages, author, dates, and more

In Focus: call-outs showcase definitions and pronunciations of key words

Book Introductions provide an overview and context for each book

On Location Sections are colorful maps displaying a visual representation of Israel and other biblical locations for better context

Helpful headings dot the two-column format between subjects and events. Additional resources include timelines and a dictionary/concordance.

So, what do I think? Well, I like the timelines. They're a great way to piece together the entire picture of events --especially for children who may be preparing to study world history in school. The print is really small, and the pages are pretty thin. Care should be taken when handling or highlighting. I believe the commentary regarding Cain and Abel takes some liberties with regard to why God was displeased with Cain's offering. I've never known anyone to definitively state the reason --until now. I believe the suggestion a third grader (or higher) call Nicodemus "Nick," is a bit uncalled-for. (We're not talking about Methuselah or Mephibosheth, here.) Most children of that age are perfectly capable of pronouncing Nicodemus, and suggesting we make Scripture unnecessarily familiar or edgy can encourage children to irreverence. Likewise, the commentary on John 3:16 and the salvation message seems a bit adulterated. 

Have you ever acknowledged Jesus as your Savior? Lots of people go to church and do all sorts of religious things (even reading the Bible), but have never made this choice that will impact them for all of eternity.

If you've never taken this step, you can do it now! Just thank God for loving you, and tell Him you believe that Jesus' death paid for your sins.

That's it. No mention of a child's need for a Savior; just that Jesus died for us because God loves us. Nothing about following Jesus and all His ways or becoming His modern-day disciples; just the benefit children receive simply by expressing thanks and belief. In designing a Bible study resource, would it not be foundational to establish the purpose and means of accepting God's free gift of salvation? In a commentary on 1 John 5:12, entitled Having Jesus Is Eternal Life, benefits of life with Jesus --eternal life --are mentioned, but there is little obligation to respond outside of, "I want that." Having been raised around church and Bible doctrine that excluded "the cost," even as a child, when circumstances contradicted the "new life" I was told I now had, my response was to believe "it hadn't worked" or I "was too bad to save." A realistic, informed Gospel message is crucial as we evangelize. All this to say, while the features of this Bible might provoke thought and jumpstart important discussions, I can't heartily recommend it as a study Bible --more of an attempt at an application-style resource. I think a study Bible, even for children, should encourage them to deeper dives into Scripture --cross references and further historical background. This Bible may familiarize them with the format of a study Bible, but I am not confident it will provide your child with a clear study guide absent your help.

This Bible retails for $49.99, but is currently selling for $47.86 on Amazon.