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Life Essentials Study Bible: Biblical Principles to Live By
"So what?" That's the response many people have to the Bible. Read a passage, interpret it, and still they ask, "So, what difference does that make in my life?"
In the Life Essentials Study Bible, renowned Bible teacher Gene Getz complements the full text of the popular HCSB translation by elaborating on 1,500 principles in Scripture that are as relevant today as when the sixty- six books of the Bible were written. Distilling these truths into principles, Getz helps the reader more easily remember and effectively apply the Bible's wisdom to everyday life. He explains how each of these principles represents a supracultural truth - one that can and should be applied at any moment in history and in every cultural situation.
In addition, the Life Essentials Study Bible was created with an integrated digital study systemmore than 250 hours of free online coaching content led by Getzthat fosters a greater understanding of the Bible's grand story.
Along the way, Getz adds pertinent questions in print to inspire personal reflection or group discussion of each principle. There's also an introduction to each book of the Bible and its list of corresponding principles, plus a topical index and cross references for all 1,500 principles. Other features of this dynamic study Bible - available in six different editions - include a two-piece gift box (leather editions only) as well as a presentation page.
6626 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2011
133 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Gene A. Getz
150 books25 followersGene A. Getz, (B.A., Rocky Mountain College; M.A., Wheaton College; Ph.D., New York University), a host and teacher of Renewal Radio, served as a professor at Moody Bible Institute and Dallas Theological Seminary. He has authored more than 60 books, including The Measure of a Healthy Church, Elders and Leaders, and the Men of Character series. He has been a church planting pastor in the Dallas metroplex since 1972 and now serves as President of the Center for Church Renewal and Pastor Emeritus of Fellowship Bible Church North in Plano, Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 19, 2020
The Life Essentials Interactive Study Bible is the result of a lifetime of study and well over a decade of work. Originally published in 2011 after seven years of work, Dr. Getz’s text and video teachings have been completely reworked for this 2020 edition. This has been an intensive labor of love for Scripture and for those whom he is teaching. With nearly a half-million words of commentary and 300 hours of video content, this interactive study Bible is set to revolutionize the way you study Scripture.
The Concept | Life Essentials Interactive Study Bible
I have a whole shelf of study Bibles. Some are rather minimal, basically occasional explanatory footnotes. Others have extensive notations and commentary that help readers understand culture, context, or interpretation. The Life Essentials Interactive Study Bible goes one step further, offering a few paragraphs of commentary, but also linking to a ten to fifteen video of Gene Getz teaching over that topic via a QR code. Just wave your mobile device over the page and you suddenly have a short teaching from Getz on that very topic. (I think the only way to get more immersive would have been to engineer pop-up holograms…maybe fifty years from now, who knows?!)
There will be some who say that this is distracting and takes away from the reading experience. The same can be said of regular study Bibles and it’s a legitimate concern. Are you reading Scripture and allowing the Holy Spirit to work through you? Or are you reading one person’s interpretation of Scripture? Users need to take care that they are going to the Word for the Word, and not for whatever pastor or Bible teacher’s teaching.
Thus, I would recommend that the Life Essentials Interactive Study Bible not be the only way you read the Bible. Let it be a magnificent supplement and teaching tool, but don’t let it overtake the purity of just you and the Word. (That’s how Getz got his 1,500 principles after all!)
The Principles | Life Essentials Interactive Study Bible
Getz’s commentary is divided into 1500 (FIFTEEN HUNDRED) life principles. This means there is around 300 hours of video teaching included. The average small group video-based curriculum is four to six weeks long, maybe three hours of total video content, and costs $40 or more. For the same price, you can purchase the Life Interactive Study Bible and you’re set for years.
Pretty much every page of Scripture contains at least one principle. Even the typically “dry” areas of Leviticus and Numbers come to life with modern application through Getz’s teaching. And while the principles are written to be encountered throughout the text, there’s also a topical index that allows you to search for videos by topic. (Also to note, you can access all the video materials separate from the study Bible for free at BiblePrinciples.org.)
The one limitation that I see is that Getz’s principles are anthropocentric. Humanity and our perspective—what we are do, how we are to respond, what we should feel—is a common theme. This is obviously purposeful on Getz’s part. Nearly every principle has “we” or “us” or “our” as its focus. The problem becomes that Scripture is God’s story about what he is doing, not just us. Now it is called the Life Essentials Interactive Study Bible so, you know, it is meant to have that central focus. But this shows why you also must take the Bible first, and then the principles, because—even with 1500 principles—what you can learn from Scripture is even greater than what Dr. Getz is teaching.
The Translation | Christian Standard Bible
The Life Essentials Interactive Study Bible is exclusive to the Christian Standard Bible (CSB). The CSB is a relatively new translation (first published in 2017) that is a revision of the Holman Christian Standard Bible (first published in 2004). It is a very readable, accessible translation done by top conservative, evangelical scholars.
The CSB has been my “daily reader” for the past couple of years and, while I don’t agree with every translational choice, I’m fine with it as a translation. The main issue I have, though, is a large one. There is a definite translational bent toward the belief that women should not be church leaders. For instance, Romans 16 contains the names of two female church leaders: Phoebe and Junia. The NIV 2011 has:
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. – 16:1
Greet Andronicus and Junia…are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. – 16:7
In this translation, Phoebe is called a deacon and Junia is an apostle. But in the CSB:
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church in Cenchreae. – 16:1
Greet Andronicus and Junia…They are noteworthy in the eyes of the apostles, and they were also in Christ before me. – 16:7
In the first verse, the word deacon/servant is διάκονος (diakonos) and is where the English word deacon comes from. In the second, there is enough debate over the Greek grammar what is intended that the NIV translation should at least be noted.
Since the CSB comes from publisher Broadman and Holman and parent company Lifeway, which is in turn the publishing arm of the Southern Baptist Convention, this translational choice is no surprise. Like I’ve been mentioning throughout this review, this should not be the only Bible you read or the only translation you read. Other than its complementarian bent, I haven’t really encountered or seen much translational controversy over this translation.
The Commentator | Dr. Gene Getz
Gene A. Getz (1932-): A college and seminary professor, writer, and pastor who successfully integrated the philosophy of renewal into a local church setting. He is perhaps best known for his 1974 text, Sharpening the Focus of the Church, which looks at the church through the lenses of Scripture, history, and culture. Out of this book came the Fellowship Bible Church movement, which has hundreds of churches across the U.S. today.
A popular and prolific author, many of his books focus on developing local church leaders and Christian character. Getz has had significant influence across evangelical Christianity.
The Concept | Life Essentials Interactive Study Bible
I have a whole shelf of study Bibles. Some are rather minimal, basically occasional explanatory footnotes. Others have extensive notations and commentary that help readers understand culture, context, or interpretation. The Life Essentials Interactive Study Bible goes one step further, offering a few paragraphs of commentary, but also linking to a ten to fifteen video of Gene Getz teaching over that topic via a QR code. Just wave your mobile device over the page and you suddenly have a short teaching from Getz on that very topic. (I think the only way to get more immersive would have been to engineer pop-up holograms…maybe fifty years from now, who knows?!)
There will be some who say that this is distracting and takes away from the reading experience. The same can be said of regular study Bibles and it’s a legitimate concern. Are you reading Scripture and allowing the Holy Spirit to work through you? Or are you reading one person’s interpretation of Scripture? Users need to take care that they are going to the Word for the Word, and not for whatever pastor or Bible teacher’s teaching.
Thus, I would recommend that the Life Essentials Interactive Study Bible not be the only way you read the Bible. Let it be a magnificent supplement and teaching tool, but don’t let it overtake the purity of just you and the Word. (That’s how Getz got his 1,500 principles after all!)
The Principles | Life Essentials Interactive Study Bible
Getz’s commentary is divided into 1500 (FIFTEEN HUNDRED) life principles. This means there is around 300 hours of video teaching included. The average small group video-based curriculum is four to six weeks long, maybe three hours of total video content, and costs $40 or more. For the same price, you can purchase the Life Interactive Study Bible and you’re set for years.
Pretty much every page of Scripture contains at least one principle. Even the typically “dry” areas of Leviticus and Numbers come to life with modern application through Getz’s teaching. And while the principles are written to be encountered throughout the text, there’s also a topical index that allows you to search for videos by topic. (Also to note, you can access all the video materials separate from the study Bible for free at BiblePrinciples.org.)
The one limitation that I see is that Getz’s principles are anthropocentric. Humanity and our perspective—what we are do, how we are to respond, what we should feel—is a common theme. This is obviously purposeful on Getz’s part. Nearly every principle has “we” or “us” or “our” as its focus. The problem becomes that Scripture is God’s story about what he is doing, not just us. Now it is called the Life Essentials Interactive Study Bible so, you know, it is meant to have that central focus. But this shows why you also must take the Bible first, and then the principles, because—even with 1500 principles—what you can learn from Scripture is even greater than what Dr. Getz is teaching.
The Translation | Christian Standard Bible
The Life Essentials Interactive Study Bible is exclusive to the Christian Standard Bible (CSB). The CSB is a relatively new translation (first published in 2017) that is a revision of the Holman Christian Standard Bible (first published in 2004). It is a very readable, accessible translation done by top conservative, evangelical scholars.
The CSB has been my “daily reader” for the past couple of years and, while I don’t agree with every translational choice, I’m fine with it as a translation. The main issue I have, though, is a large one. There is a definite translational bent toward the belief that women should not be church leaders. For instance, Romans 16 contains the names of two female church leaders: Phoebe and Junia. The NIV 2011 has:
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. – 16:1
Greet Andronicus and Junia…are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. – 16:7
In this translation, Phoebe is called a deacon and Junia is an apostle. But in the CSB:
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church in Cenchreae. – 16:1
Greet Andronicus and Junia…They are noteworthy in the eyes of the apostles, and they were also in Christ before me. – 16:7
In the first verse, the word deacon/servant is διάκονος (diakonos) and is where the English word deacon comes from. In the second, there is enough debate over the Greek grammar what is intended that the NIV translation should at least be noted.
Since the CSB comes from publisher Broadman and Holman and parent company Lifeway, which is in turn the publishing arm of the Southern Baptist Convention, this translational choice is no surprise. Like I’ve been mentioning throughout this review, this should not be the only Bible you read or the only translation you read. Other than its complementarian bent, I haven’t really encountered or seen much translational controversy over this translation.
The Commentator | Dr. Gene Getz
Gene A. Getz (1932-): A college and seminary professor, writer, and pastor who successfully integrated the philosophy of renewal into a local church setting. He is perhaps best known for his 1974 text, Sharpening the Focus of the Church, which looks at the church through the lenses of Scripture, history, and culture. Out of this book came the Fellowship Bible Church movement, which has hundreds of churches across the U.S. today.
A popular and prolific author, many of his books focus on developing local church leaders and Christian character. Getz has had significant influence across evangelical Christianity.
August 21, 2018
This is an excellent study Bible. The daily readings and Life Principles will help you to grow in your spiritual walk with the Lord. Being able to have access to Dr. Getz teaching the daily lesson and give a better understanding of the Life Principles is an added bonus.
I did this study in a group and it took 4 years, 1 month, 2 weeks, and 2 days to complete and it was worth it. Being able to discuss the daily Reflection Response Question helped give more insight and depth to my learning.
This study will also teach discipline in daily study of the Word of God if you commit to do it daily. I highly recommend this study and strongly suggest that you gather a group and take the journey through the Word of God. You won't be sorry.
I did this study in a group and it took 4 years, 1 month, 2 weeks, and 2 days to complete and it was worth it. Being able to discuss the daily Reflection Response Question helped give more insight and depth to my learning.
This study will also teach discipline in daily study of the Word of God if you commit to do it daily. I highly recommend this study and strongly suggest that you gather a group and take the journey through the Word of God. You won't be sorry.
December 31, 2022
Well done! Loved the richness of Dr. Getz’s study and cross-reference material.
July 14, 2024
Beautiful format. Amazing quality.
April 18, 2020
Giveaway Alert: Visit Create With Joy for a chance to win the Life Essentials Interactive Study Bible now through February 24, 2020 (US, 18 or older see blog post for full details).
The CSB Life Essentials Interactive Study Bible is an application-oriented study Bible that’s edited by renowned Bible teacher Dr, Gene Getz. What’s unique about this Bible is that Dr. Getz guides us through Scripture by highlighting 1,500 life principles that are found throughout the Bible and teaches us how to apply them to our lives.
The verses that Getz spotlights are highlighted in blue and complemented by grey teaching boxes that not only expound upon the passage, lesson and application but also contain questions that are perfect for personal reflection, journaling and small group discussion.
In addition, you’ll find a QR code located within each grey box that provides you with free access to a multi-media video library. This library contains an additional 250 hours of in-depth video teaching on each life principle. You can easily access this library from your smartphone.
If you’re looking for a Study Bible that will not only help you to learn more about God but will also help you to better understand how to live out your faith in the various circumstances you may encounter in your life, then the CSB Life Essentials Study Bible is perfect for you.
This excerpt is taken from the original review that is published on my blog. To read my review in its entirety, please visit Create With Joy.
The CSB Life Essentials Interactive Study Bible is an application-oriented study Bible that’s edited by renowned Bible teacher Dr, Gene Getz. What’s unique about this Bible is that Dr. Getz guides us through Scripture by highlighting 1,500 life principles that are found throughout the Bible and teaches us how to apply them to our lives.
The verses that Getz spotlights are highlighted in blue and complemented by grey teaching boxes that not only expound upon the passage, lesson and application but also contain questions that are perfect for personal reflection, journaling and small group discussion.
In addition, you’ll find a QR code located within each grey box that provides you with free access to a multi-media video library. This library contains an additional 250 hours of in-depth video teaching on each life principle. You can easily access this library from your smartphone.
If you’re looking for a Study Bible that will not only help you to learn more about God but will also help you to better understand how to live out your faith in the various circumstances you may encounter in your life, then the CSB Life Essentials Study Bible is perfect for you.
This excerpt is taken from the original review that is published on my blog. To read my review in its entirety, please visit Create With Joy.
May 14, 2020
I always love the opportunity to review Bibles and this one is an exciting discovery. I get frustrated with myself when I am doing daily Bible reading and my mind gets distracted. I have tried various plans, and really need them while reading a few books (like Leviticus, Numbers, etc), but my mind does tend to wander. So the set up of this Study Bible is an intriguing surprise.
Using a structured technique in each chapter: "The Nehemiah Principle," "The Amos Principle," "The Romans Principle,"... and you get the idea, Dr. Gene Getz gives insights, as well as highlighting key verses to help the student [of the Bible] to focus on what is being said. Of course, you should read it all, but that extra illumination is a huge help for me to hone in with what the Bible is saying. Commentaries, maps, concordance, and footnotes are very useful inclusions that I use.
The Reflections and Response section is useful for both personal and group study. They are connected with smartphone-accessible QR codes to videos. There are more than 250 hours of videos by Dr. Getz. A downside for me is that I don't own a smartphone (but have been considering getting one). However, I believe the Life Essentials Interactive Study Bible is well worth owning for the other info I am gleaning. I also love the sturdy hardcover and the print size is comfortable to read.
Using a structured technique in each chapter: "The Nehemiah Principle," "The Amos Principle," "The Romans Principle,"... and you get the idea, Dr. Gene Getz gives insights, as well as highlighting key verses to help the student [of the Bible] to focus on what is being said. Of course, you should read it all, but that extra illumination is a huge help for me to hone in with what the Bible is saying. Commentaries, maps, concordance, and footnotes are very useful inclusions that I use.
The Reflections and Response section is useful for both personal and group study. They are connected with smartphone-accessible QR codes to videos. There are more than 250 hours of videos by Dr. Getz. A downside for me is that I don't own a smartphone (but have been considering getting one). However, I believe the Life Essentials Interactive Study Bible is well worth owning for the other info I am gleaning. I also love the sturdy hardcover and the print size is comfortable to read.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews