Summer 2021 marks my 35th year as a follower of Christ. I wish I could tell you that I’ve been a serious student of God’s Word for all of that time. That would be a lie, and I DO know the Bible tells us not to lie. But the older I get, the more dear I hold this book. And the more I want to know it.
As a member of the Gateway Bible Blogger’s Grid, I am fortunate to be offered free Bibles to review from time to time. I don’t always accept, but when they presented me an opportunity to try a Thompson Chain Reference Bible, I wanted to check it out.
I have heard of Thompson Chain Reference for years, but I’m a little embarrassed to say, have never actually looked at one.
This Bible (in English Standard Version), is an all-around great study Bible. In addition to the alphabetical and numerical index of topics, it contains Outline Studies of the Bible, Biblical Character Studies, Bible Harmonies and Illustrated Studies, an Archaeological Supplement, a Hebrew Calendar, an ESV Concordance, an Index to the Scripture Atlas and Colored Bible Maps. So much. But what I really wanted to know – how does the Chain Reference Bible study method work?
Dr. Frank Charles Thompson began the original research for this in 1890 to enable Bible students to follow a single Biblical topic from Genesis to Revelation. This version lists over 7.000 topics supported by more than 100,000 marginal references. And a how-to section at the beginning of this book. Whew!
Equipped with this knowledge, and unsure of a particular topic to study, I turned to the beginning of God’s Word. In Genesis chapter 1, I settled on Omnipotence (referenced in verse 3). And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. My first thought? This verse makes no mention of God’s power! But I came to understand that the verse is ABOUT how powerful God is. He spoke all of light into being!
The word “omnipotence” in the margin gave me a number to trace in the Numerical Index of Chain Topics. There I found 12 Chain verses listed in bold type along with 27 others. Dr. Thompson distinguished the bolded chain verses because he considered them the primary texts on the topic. So depending on how much time you have or how in depth you want to go, you can choose to look up or follow all the passages, or just the key condensed offerings. Either way, I was able to trace the idea of God’s omnipotence from Genesis to Revelation!
I took issue only with the size of the this Bible’s print. I found myself getting the references and then looking them up on my phone for ease of reading. But if I could put all the study helps I wanted in a bible with large print, I would have to put wheels on it. So if you have younger eyes or a better correction than me, add this great study tool to your collection.
And now for this week’s featured post from the link up.
Elisabith from instaencouragements.com knocked me on my can in the best possible way with 3 Ways We Can Steward Our Bodies Well. I know that physical fitness and all it’s spiritual implications is an issue for many of you. You have been generous with your stories in this area. So when I tell you that you should read this, I mean that I took 1/2 a page of notes. From a blog post! And then emailed it to two friends. It’s that good. Thank you, Elisabith.
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MAREE DEE – Embracing the Unexpected
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LAUREN SPARKS
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Thank you so much for the feature, Lauren! Elisabeth will be thrilled! 🙂
My pleasure. Her post spoke volumes to me.
This sounds like a great resource. The problem with word studies is that the word you’re searching for doesn’t always show up in a verse discussing the topic, as you mentioned. This book sounds like it takes care of that problem.
Patsy’s post was very convicting.
It convicted me too, Barbara. Thanks for chiming in!
It sounds like such a useful tool for people who like to read through all the different areas covered by a topic that speaks to them while they are studying the bible! 🙂
Hope you are having a good weekend 🙂
Thanks, Mica. And thank you for visiting my corner of the web!
I confess I’ve never really looked at this version either, even though I’ve had friends who have used it. It sounds like I would have trouble with the small print, so I might need to leave it to those with younger eyes. ha.
The eye thing makes me feel older than anything else!
LOVE my TCRB, and when I want to do serious study, it’s my first stop.
So glad it’s still being used.
Great to know, Michele!
Thank you Lauren 😀
Blessings,
Jennifer
Thank you, Jennifer.
What a cool way to study the Bible! I, too, have problems with small print these days. Which is sad, because I have a couple of Bibles that are easy to carry, but I can’t read them!
#gettingolderproblems
How cool that you get the opportunity to review study Bibles! It looks like a beautiful copy that is easy to follow. I laughed at the part about small print. I can totally relate to small print issues! I even have my cell phone set on the giant font where long words don’t even fit on one line! Haha. Thanks for sharing and linking with me, my friend!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
I had a family member tell me that they could read my texts from two rows behind in a movie theater!
Wow! This is so cool. I had never heard of this reference Bible before. I love that you can find passages that illustrate a certain principle even if it doesn’t actually contain the word. That is so helpful! There are so many stories and passages that suggest something about God’s character, for example, without actually listing the words outright.
Yes! I really think it’s a great tool, Rebecca.