NIV, Celebrate Recovery Bible, Paperback

I was a bit skeptical when I first saw the NIV Celebrate Recovery Bible online. The thing that got me the most was that the Foreward was by Rick Warren. But I said to myself “Self, you really should come at this with an open mind!” and so I did! And I was rewarded for it.
I would like to start off with my biggest complaint. It is a paperback. There is something in my mind so disrespectful about a paper back bible. On a more practical side paperbacks will not stand up to any sort of real use. I would love to see this bible in a Bonded Leather or Genuine Leather binding. It is worthy of such things!
But on to the heart of the review. I was unsure if I could get over the paper back aspect. But when I opened the bible and took a glance at Genesis 1:1 I was instantly put at ease. The page format was gorgeous and the font was adequately sized and clear. Visually it is a masterpiece.
When I first looked at this bible I was unsure if it would be applicable for me as I am not a drug addict or an addict to gambling and the like. But that is not solely who this bible is for. If you struggle with depression, self image issues, weight issues, anything that you struggle with, this bible is for you! We all have our things we need to recover from and the tools given to us by this bible will help with that. A neat feature of this bible that I wish more bibles had, is the 30 day devotionals. I am a huge fan of standalone devotionals but having them built into the bible is a even more desirable feature.
One of the features I love about this bible is at the beginning of each bible we are given the recovery theme of that book. Additionally we are give over 50 full page Biblical Character Studies which are linked to stories from people we may have heard of and not known their struggle but have found Serenity from their vices and pains. Closely tied in with that is the fusion of the 8 recovery principles with what they call “Christ Centered Twelve Steps”. I found this to be refreshing and similar to what my Uncle went through when he went through AA and found Christ again and turned his life around.
I am extremely pleased that they went with the NIV translation for this one. I find the NIV to have the clarity and modern language that so many of us desire, without losing the beauty of the KJV. I know I may be alone in that assessment but I truly love the NIV. Again my suggestion to Zondervan is to put this out in a more durable format. Leather Bound Editions with quality bible paper. This beautiful bible deserves that!
I definitely recommend the NIV Celebrate Recovery Bible for those who are struggling with Addiction of any kind, with the pain of loss, with self image issues, depression or anything that prevents you from living your life with absolute peace and joy. If you know someone in your life that could benefit from this book, it makes a wonderfully affordable gift retailing for $27.99 at Zondervans website and as of this writing, $21.41 on Amazon.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

L9ve the devotionals, character studies, and testemonies#

Just what I wanted.

I go through seasons where I want a new Bible to start studying all over again. The last Bible is all highlighted, underlined, with notes on the side, and I want to start fresh. I began again with this Bible. It offers daily devotions, comments from those in recovery, and goes through the 10 step process in a very interesting yet simple and Biblically based method. I would definitely recommend this Bible.

Since 2007, the Celebrate Recovery Bible (CBR) has been a standard resource for those working with those working through various recovery programs within the church. In 2014, Zondervan created a slightly revised (i.e. very slightly revised) version of this work. The major change was an updated Bible text: the 2007 CBR was based on the 1984 edition of the NIV; the 2014 CBR is based on the 2011 edition of the NIV.

The back cover suggests that two "lessons" have been removed from the newer edition (reduced from 112 to 110 lessons). All other material remains essentially unchanged - though I did not look at all the text, I could find no changes in the various essays, lessons, and biographical material I did examine.

As in the past, Celebrate Recovery uses an eight step recovery process - rather than the better known 12 step process. I did not find this to be difficult as I have seen in my studies of the recovery movement programs ranging from 8 to 10 to 12 to endless steps. Regardless of what model seems most helpful, the Celebrate Recovery Bible will serve as a helpful tool in growing as a believer during the recovery process.

On the other hand, if you own the earlier version of the CBR, I see no reason to make an additional purchase of this new version, unless you are a strong supporter of the 2011 NIV. If you do not own a copy of the CBR, picking up a copy of this Bible will help an individual in their own spiritual growth or assist the one walking alongside someone on their own spiritual journey.
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This review is based on a free copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Awesome Book

Good print and quality. I like reading it on my extra time. If you are also interested, you can have a try.

You'll love this very accessible Bible that coordinates perfectly with the Celebrate Recovery Program.

Quality of item is good.

Great Book