The beauty of studying God’s Word

In 2015, I began studying the Bible with some acquaintances, and doing so truly changed my life. One friend invited me. I recognized others because our kids went to school together. I essentially never left that every-other-Thursday-morning study. 

Groups changed, friendships were deepened, COVID-19 protocols interrupted us, and groups multiplied. All because we studied the Word of God together. My closest friends are the product of this Bible study that has cycled through many different expository studies and a few topical ones. 

I have since accidentally become a leader of a different group of women who meet every other Thursday morning to study. My other dear friends lead other groups, but we are rooted together because we grew closer to Jesus and each other around those circular tables. We have the text thread of testimonies to prove it. 

I’m excited to add the Alexander Maclaren Study Bible to my stack of resources as I continue studying God’s Word and drawing nearer to Jesus. My friends and I recently started a Precept Upon Precept study of Galatians. I especially love the introductions to each of the 66 books of the Bible, study notes, and life applications. I also like comparing the NKJV translation to my usual ESV. 

About the Bible

Alexander Maclaren Study Bible includes uplifting, clear, and Christ-centered insights from the “Prince of Expositors.” Few preachers in the nineteenth century rivaled Alexander Maclaren, who was considered one of the best preachers of his era, acclaimed for offering remarkable biblical insights in a poetic style.

The Alexander Maclaren Study Bible invites you to learn from his powerful insights as you explore the Scriptures. Study notes drawn from his more than 1,500 published sermons illuminate every chapter of the Bible. 

Other features include book introductions exploring each book’s background and key themes with insights from Maclaren’s work; 1,400 study notes that cover every chapter of the Bible; 380 Christ Connection notes showing the relevance of Christ to all scripture; 380 Life Application notes to help you live out the Bible’s principles; 209 Passage Outlines based on Maclaren’s sermon outlines; and eight essays addressing major doctrines of Scripture, personal devotion to Christ, and how to properly apply the Bible to your life; comprehensive concordance and index of features; bottom of page study notes; and center-column cross-references.

Learn more about it in this promo video, at the Bible’s website, or at Amazon.

About the preacher

Born in Glasgow, Scotland, on Feb. 11, 1826, Alexander Maclaren was the pastor of Union Chapel in Manchester, England, from 1858–1903. Heralded as the “Prince of

Expositors,” he is considered by many to be one of the best preachers of the 19th

century. The popularity of Maclaren’s published sermons helped him develop global acclaim for remarkable biblical insights delivered in a poetic style. Maclaren’s works continue to be read and studied due to their timeless relevance, verbal beauty, and profound freshness.

Giveaway

I am so happy I get to share this lovely Bible with one of you! Just leave a comment about how a Bible like this would enhance your study time. I will randomly choose a winner on Friday, Sept. 5. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents. 

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Many thanks to HarperCollins Christian Publishing for providing the Bible to review and to share in the giveaway. Opinions are 100% my own. Other resources I love in the included picture: Precept Upon Precept studies and Christ-Centered Exposition commentaries.

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