Book Review: NIV Essentials Study Bible

I was wow-ed when I got this in the mail last week:  the NIV Essentials Study Bible: Easily Grasp the Fundamentals of Scripture through Lenses from 6 Bestselling NIV Resources
If you're looking for a Bible packed full of good study materials in an easy-to-apply-to-life format, check out this Bible.  It takes the best resources from 6 bestselling NIV resources and integrates them into one Bible.  It includes these highlights:

-Book Introductions from The Essential Bible Companion
-Maps, photos, timelines and Q&A from the NIV Quest Study Bible.
-Study Notes and Guided Tours from the NIV Study Bible.
-Articles from the NIV Archaeological Study Bible 
-`People in Focus Lens' with character studies from the NIV Student Bible
-Reflections from the Great Rescue Bible 

I particularly enjoyed the personal and thought-provoking questions in the Guided Tour sections.  I also liked the Reflect & Respond devotional studies with their application questions and challenges for shifting perspectives.  The Q&A sections answer common questions you've always wondered about with answers from scripture and Bible scholars.

I would recommend this Bible to any teen or adult who wants to know God and his word more intimately.  If you are inquisitive and eager to explore, you will be drawn into this Bible.  If you are looking for questions and teaching to help you apply scripture to your daily life, then you will be blessed by this Bible (well, any Bible will bless you richly, but this one is extra helpful!).

I received this book as a gift from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.