Jay Forrest - Jay Forrest's Blog

Recommended Bible Translations

Every so often somebody will ask me about which translation of the Bible do I recommend. Although there are exceptions to this, I usually recommend one of two translations. It depends on what they are going to be using the Bible for.

Read or Study?

There are two basic uses of the Bible. The first use is to read the Bible. The second use is to study the Bible. And there is, in my opinion, a best translation for each of these practices.

New International Version

For reading the Bible, I recommend the New International Version (2011). I think it is in modern English, it is fairly accurate, and it is easy for most people to read. It is currently the best-selling Bible translation.

New Revised Standard Version

For studying the Bible, I recommend the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (2021). That is because I think this is the most accurate and scholarly translation. But admittedly, the translation uses more difficult words and requires a larger vocabulary. Therefore, it requires a little more work.

So there you have it. If you’re looking to read the Bible, get the NIV. If you’re looking to study the Bible, get the NRSVue.

Lenten Prayer for Forgiveness

Lent 2025 begins today, Wednesday, March 5, it ends Saturday, April 19. This is Psalm 51:1-17, it is an appropriate prayer to pray every day during Lent.

God, be merciful to me
    because you are loving.
Because you are always ready to be merciful,
    wipe out all my wrongs.
Wash away all my guilt
    and make me clean again.

I know about my wrongs.
    I can’t forget my sin.
You are the one I have sinned against.
    I have done what you say is wrong.
So you are right when you speak.
    You are fair when you judge me.
I was brought into this world in sin.
    In sin my mother gave birth to me.

You want me to be completely truthful.
    So teach me wisdom.
Take away my sin, and I will be clean.
    Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Make me hear sounds of joy and gladness.
    Let the bones you crushed be happy again.
Turn your face from my sins.
    Wipe out all my guilt.

Create in me a pure heart, God.
    Make my spirit right again.
Do not send me away from you.
    Do not take your Holy Spirit away from me.
Give me back the joy that comes when you save me.
    Keep me strong by giving me a willing spirit.
Then I will teach your ways to those who do wrong.
    And sinners will turn back to you.

God, save me from the guilt of murder.
    God, you are the one who saves me.
    I will sing about your goodness.
Lord, let me speak
    so I may praise you.
You are not pleased by sacrifices.
    Otherwise, I would give them.
    You don’t want burnt offerings.
The sacrifice God wants is a willing spirit.
    God, you will not reject
    a heart that is broken and sorry for its sin.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Version: ICB

The Map and the Territory

Only in religion does it seem that people mistake the map for the territory. They have a deep relationship with the Book but know nothing about an experiential relationship with the God of the Book.

The Bible is the Map

Think of the Bible as a map. A map is not the territory. A map is a symbolic representation of an actual reality.

Now if I go to a map, I point to a city, and I say that’s New York. You know that it’s the symbol of New York City, not the actual City itself. That’s a metaphor.

Likewise, the Bible is a map, a symbolic representation of an actual reality. That reality is God and our relationship with Him.

Knowing God Personally

And we should never mistake the map for the territory. People have ended up having a relationship with the map, but never have had the experience of the territory. They know about God, but they don’t know God personally. What a shame.

It’s like looking at a menu and not realizing that it’s not food. People are eating the menu, rather than procuring the food. The Bible is the menu, personal experience is the food. “O taste and see that the Lord is good” (Ps. 34:8).

A Prayer for America

O Lord, America has lost its way
Save this nation from
greed, hatred, and confusion.
Convict and convert our president,
members of congress, our politicians,
our judges, and all that are in authority.
Protect those who are fighting the good fight,
be with them and give them courage.
Open the eyes of our citizens
and bring them to repentance.
Without Your intervention,
Lord, this nation will end.
Bring us back to righteousness,
truth, love, and compassion.
In Jesus’ name.
— Amen.

Paraphrase of the Prayer of Ephraim the Syrian

O Lord and Master,

Deliver me and keep me free from a spirit of idleness, despondency, ambition, and idle talk.

Rather give me a spirit of chastity, humble-mindedness, patience, and love.

O Lord King, grant me to see my faults and not condemn my brothers and sisters: for blessed are you unto the ages of ages.

Amen.