Fresh Start Bible

Published by Gateway Publishing, who kindly sent me a copy to review, the Fresh Start Bible is certainly well-named. Instead of copious footnotes about cultural, political, or geographical scenes in the Bible, this edition of the New Living Translation (NLT) has sidebars of articles and suggestions for a new (or renewed) life in Christ.

For example, the feature of a “Fresh Start Journey” consists of 52 lessons on the Christian life, which can be studied by individual readers or guide weekly discussions in a church group. Topics focus on learning more about God (and yourself!), studying the Bible, receiving baptism in the Holy Spirit, living in the spirit, praying in a prayer language, finding a church, building healthy relationships,and more.

Number 37 “What Are Inner Vows?” especially interested me. Since that biblical concept is based on Matthew 5:33-37, I looked up those verses in NLT on Bible Gateway to help clarify:

³³ “You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the Lord.’ ³⁴ But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne. ³⁵ And do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is his footstool. And do not say, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King. ³⁶ Do not even say, ‘By my head!’ for you can’t turn one hair white or black. ³⁷ Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.”

The “Fresh Start Journey” then explains:

“An inner vow is a self-oriented commitment made in response to a person, experience, or desire in life. Whenever we focus a commitment inward, it becomes an inner vow. We often make inner vows in response to pain or frustration in an attempt to comfort ourselves regarding the future. Rather than freeing us from the problem, though, inner vows act as tethers that tie us to the past in an unhealthy way. Some common examples of inner vows include:

‘No one will ever hurt me again!’

‘I’ll never be vulnerable again to anyone.’

‘I’m never going to be like my parents’.”

Shockingly, such vows are apt to dominate our lives – regardless of what God’s Word says! It’s not that we mean for this to happen, but once forgotten by the conscious mind, inner vows continue to direct our choices, commitments, relationships, and even our feelings. Simply recognizing this enables us to turn these ill-advised promises over to God and ask Him to break their power. We’re also encouraged to forgive where needed and “Find out what the Bible says to do in that situation and obey God’s Word.”

 Other fine features in this edition include lists of miracles and parables, colored maps ending with “Israel and The Middle East Today,” and “Intersections,” which look at major figures in the Bible and their relationships with God. I also greatly appreciated the “Worship Way,” which discusses the Whom, what, why, and how of acknowledging God’s worthship and expands our understanding of what worship can be. For example,

“When you speak or act in God’s name, you worship. This includes:

– raising your hands to the heavens

– bowing your knees

– singing songs of praise

– comforting a hurting friends

– working diligently at your job

– teaching your children about God’s love

– buying groceries for a struggling single parent

– giving an encouraging word to a neighbor

– and so much more.”

Indeed, more and more opportunities for praise, thanksgiving, and awe surely come as we draw ever closer to the Lord.

 

Mary Harwell Sayler, ©2020, poet-writer, Bible reviewer.

 

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