Bible Recommendations for a Family Member

[peaceful-forest]

I have a family member that is going through some trouble. He is in his 20s, has money problems, smokes marijuana, and is expecting a baby with his girlfriend.

I have thought about buying this family member a Bible, but I do not know which one to buy him. I believe his current problems are happening and God is allowing them so that this family member will turn to Christ for salvation.

What recommendations do you all have?

Thanks.

 

[d taylor]

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Get him The Gospel of John, it was written to tell people how to receive God's free gift of Eternal Life.

LivingWater

 

[Greg J.]

It sounds like he would benefit more from words of encouragement and support. You might consider what you think will motivate him to read it at all. But if you want to get him a Bible, I recommend a translation that is fairly easy to understand. The New Living Translation (NLT) is the most popular one, but the passages I've read in the CSB, CEV, and NIRV also seem good, too, and may be even easier. (There are even easier translations if, for example, English weren't his first language.) You can compare a passage at biblegateway.com in multiple translations. Also, publishers add footnotes to help explain the actual Scriptural passages, which I found very helpful for years. These are called "study bibles." You can find most combinations of features for a Bible at christianbooks.com, such as searching there for "NLT study bible."

 

[timf]

first Corinthians was written to people that were recently pagan. They were even getting drunk at communion. It might be a relatable place to start.

 

[peaceful-forest]

It sounds like he would benefit more from words of encouragement and support. You might consider what you think will motivate him to read it at all.

I was hoping to give him some kind of comfort and support while pointing him to Jesus.

He's got a lot of trouble for someone young. He didn't grow up in a family that was serious about Christianity and God. His parents are terrible role models.

I think he could be hostile towards the Gospel, but I don't know what to do and sometimes it's on my mind.

 

[Greg J.]

I was hoping to give him some kind of comfort and support while pointing him to Jesus.

He's got a lot of trouble for someone young. He didn't grow up in a family that was serious about Christianity and God. His parents are terrible role models.

I think he could be hostile towards the Gospel, but I don't know what to do and sometimes it's on my mind.

Just an idea: give him a Bible and explain seriously that God is real, that He loves him, and wants to help him, but we have to choose to seek Him, because He will not override our option to keep away from Him. You'll want to be prepared for what he responds with—personal experiences with God or something authentic that is related to you, in my mind, is more valuable than repeating what other people say about God that is outside your experience.

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, (1 Peter 3:15, 1984 NIV)

 

[bèlla]

Patrick Morley has some wonderful resources for men. The Man in the Mirror and How God Makes Men are good starting points. I’d gift the first one and The Power of a Praying Parent which can be used by both. If your resources are tight I’d give him a gift for the baby with the book on prayer. He’s becoming a father and I wouldn’t ignore that in deference to your concern about his salvation. You’ll make more inroads by acknowledging the child and demonstrating your concern than focusing on him alone.

~bella

 

[BobRyan]

I have a family member that is going through some trouble. He is in his 20s, has money problems, smokes marijuana, and is expecting a baby with his girlfriend.

I have thought about buying this family member a Bible, but I do not know which one to buy him. I believe his current problems are happening and God is allowing them so that this family member will turn to Christ for salvation.

What recommendations do you all have?

Thanks.

Get him the New American Standard Bible, easy to read and very accurate.

But if he is not inclined to read that sort of thing, think about the NIV or the Living Bible.