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Your email address will never be sold, shared, or used for any purpose other than to bring you updates on new, free, Christian reading!
MAY 2021
New Format Options for Our NET and WEB Bible Downloads!
We have now added new format options for two of our most frequently downloaded Bibles – the NET (New English Translation) and WEB (World English Bible) versions. Previously we have only been able to offer these versions in .epub format, but now you can download these bibles in .pdf format to read on any computer, .mobi format to read on Kindle, as well as .epub format to read on most e-readers and also on smartphones with a suitable app such as the free MannaBooks app for Android and Apple phones.
If you have not already tried them, the NET Bible is primarily an “idea for idea” translation, while the WEB Bible is a more “word-for word” translation. In this sense, the NET Bible is fairly close to the NIV (New International Version) and the WEB Bible is similar to the ESV (English Standard Version), to use two well-known versions as reference points. This makes the NET version a good reading Bible and the WEB Bible a little more useful as a study Bible. Using both types of translation can be helpful in getting the most out of our personal Bible reading and study. You can download the new formats for these Bibles here.
New Format Options for Our NET and WEB Bible Downloads!
We have now added new format options for two of our most frequently downloaded Bibles – the NET (New English Translation) and WEB (World English Bible) versions. Previously we have only been able to offer these versions in .epub format, but now you can download these bibles in .pdf format to read on any computer, .mobi format to read on Kindle, as well as .epub format to read on most e-readers and also on smartphones with a suitable app such as the free MannaBooks app for Android and Apple phones.
If you have not already tried them, the NET Bible is primarily an “idea for idea” translation, while the WEB Bible is a more “word-for word” translation. In this sense, the NET Bible is fairly close to the NIV (New International Version) and the WEB Bible is similar to the ESV (English Standard Version), to use two well-known versions as reference points. This makes the NET version a good reading Bible and the WEB Bible a little more useful as a study Bible. Using both types of translation can be helpful in getting the most out of our personal Bible reading and study. You can download the new formats for these Bibles here.
APRIL 2021
NEW Free Certificate Course in the Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament
Cornerstone Bible Courses new thirteen unit course provides a detailed study of the five books known as the Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs. The course focuses on the backgrounds and messages of these books and provides many insights not gained by other methods of study. All materials for the course – including textbooks and lesson materials – are free and can be downloaded directly from the Cornerstone website. For those who desire it, a free personalized certificate of completion is also available after finishing the course and taking a short final test. This new course is now available here.
NEW Free Certificate Course in the Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament
Cornerstone Bible Courses new thirteen unit course provides a detailed study of the five books known as the Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs. The course focuses on the backgrounds and messages of these books and provides many insights not gained by other methods of study. All materials for the course – including textbooks and lesson materials – are free and can be downloaded directly from the Cornerstone website. For those who desire it, a free personalized certificate of completion is also available after finishing the course and taking a short final test. This new course is now available here.
MARCH 2021
The NEW Tactical Christianity Website!
After seven years of operation, our TacticalChristianity.org website has been completely remade! The new site features an improved layout, as well as navigation, search, and other features that are a great advance over what the earlier site was able to offer. If you had visited the site before you will find that the page redesign also makes reading easier and more enjoyable.
We hope that you will visit and enjoy the new site and what it has to offer (here)!
The NEW Tactical Christianity Website!
After seven years of operation, our TacticalChristianity.org website has been completely remade! The new site features an improved layout, as well as navigation, search, and other features that are a great advance over what the earlier site was able to offer. If you had visited the site before you will find that the page redesign also makes reading easier and more enjoyable.
We hope that you will visit and enjoy the new site and what it has to offer (here)!
FEBRUARY 2021
SPOTLIGHT ON THE PROVERBS:
TIMELESS WISDOM FOR TODAY’S WORLD
When it comes to wisdom, many Christians default to what the apostle James tell us: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God ... and it will be given to him” (James 1:5). But this does not mean that prayer has replaced study in the New Testament. The book of Proverbs remains a key way in which God does, in fact, give us wisdom – to the degree we study and internalize its principles! Our new e-book will open up your understanding of many of the proverbs, show you some surprising spiritual principles contained in the work, and enrich your knowledge of one of the most practical and helpful books of the Bible.
You can download a free copy of Spotlight on the Proverbs in several formats for reading on computer, e-book reader, or smartphone (without having to register or give an email address) from the download page, here.
SPOTLIGHT ON THE PROVERBS:
TIMELESS WISDOM FOR TODAY’S WORLD
When it comes to wisdom, many Christians default to what the apostle James tell us: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God ... and it will be given to him” (James 1:5). But this does not mean that prayer has replaced study in the New Testament. The book of Proverbs remains a key way in which God does, in fact, give us wisdom – to the degree we study and internalize its principles! Our new e-book will open up your understanding of many of the proverbs, show you some surprising spiritual principles contained in the work, and enrich your knowledge of one of the most practical and helpful books of the Bible.
You can download a free copy of Spotlight on the Proverbs in several formats for reading on computer, e-book reader, or smartphone (without having to register or give an email address) from the download page, here.
JANUARY 2021
BEREAN STUDY BIBLE
The Berean Study Bible (BSB) is a relatively new translation of the whole Bible first published by the online Bible study site BibleHub.com. The translation was accomplished by a team of scholars associated with the Bible Hub ministry, and although the team was relatively small, the translation avoids many of the pitfalls associated with both single-person and large committee translations. According to the Berean Study Bible website, the Berean Bible consists of four components or “translation tiers,” including the Berean Study Version which is recommended for personal study, public reading, memorization, and evangelism.
Like all translations, the BSB is not perfect, but its attempt to faithfully follow the meaning of the underlying Hebrew and Greek text is commendable, and it is a very good translation that can be trusted for normal study of the Scriptures (see the review article on our sister site, here ). We are particularly happy to be able to offer the BSB on this site at this time, and pleased that the generous policies of its publishers mean that we can offer the Bible in all three major formats – as PDF, E-PUB, and Mobi (Kindle) files. If you have not used the Berean Study Bible, we recommend that you download a version of your choice here and that you try it. Not only is it a very worthwhile Bible version to have available for comparison, but also one that you may find yourself using regularly.
BEREAN STUDY BIBLE
The Berean Study Bible (BSB) is a relatively new translation of the whole Bible first published by the online Bible study site BibleHub.com. The translation was accomplished by a team of scholars associated with the Bible Hub ministry, and although the team was relatively small, the translation avoids many of the pitfalls associated with both single-person and large committee translations. According to the Berean Study Bible website, the Berean Bible consists of four components or “translation tiers,” including the Berean Study Version which is recommended for personal study, public reading, memorization, and evangelism.
Like all translations, the BSB is not perfect, but its attempt to faithfully follow the meaning of the underlying Hebrew and Greek text is commendable, and it is a very good translation that can be trusted for normal study of the Scriptures (see the review article on our sister site, here ). We are particularly happy to be able to offer the BSB on this site at this time, and pleased that the generous policies of its publishers mean that we can offer the Bible in all three major formats – as PDF, E-PUB, and Mobi (Kindle) files. If you have not used the Berean Study Bible, we recommend that you download a version of your choice here and that you try it. Not only is it a very worthwhile Bible version to have available for comparison, but also one that you may find yourself using regularly.
DECEMBER 2020
RECOMMENDED BOOK OF THE MONTH: DON'T FOLLOW YOUR HEART By Jon Bloom
Often one of our top downloads, this helpful book examines the truth that "God's ways are not our ways" and the spiritual problems that come from "leaning on our own understanding." A guide to learning to direct our hearts rather than being directed by them, this book covers many aspects of following God's will rather than our own.
If you have not yet read this book, it is a must-read – and you can download a free copy here.
RECOMMENDED BOOK OF THE MONTH: DON'T FOLLOW YOUR HEART By Jon Bloom
Often one of our top downloads, this helpful book examines the truth that "God's ways are not our ways" and the spiritual problems that come from "leaning on our own understanding." A guide to learning to direct our hearts rather than being directed by them, this book covers many aspects of following God's will rather than our own.
If you have not yet read this book, it is a must-read – and you can download a free copy here.
NOVEMBER 2020
A NEW, FREE, BIBLE COURSE!
CORNERSTONE CERTIFICATE BIBLE COURSE IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
It's not exactly a new free e-book, but it is free – and you can download the course units and study them on your computer, tablet, or smartphone, at your own pace. The carefully prepared courses are non-denominational and non-commercial in approach and provide in-depth information on the Bible for those who cannot attend Bible school or seminary, or who simply want to understand the Bible at a deeper level in their own personal study.
All course materials and textbooks are provided for free and there are no charges of any kind. Courses can be completed offline, and for those who desire certification a final exam can be taken online and a personalized certificate of completion is provided. A twenty-four unit course in the Old Testament is available that offers a detailed examination of key biblical events and provides many insights not gained by other methods of study. A course in the New Testament is currently in preparation. All Cornerstone courses combine careful biblical scholarship – utilizing information from theology, archaeology, and biblical history – with practical insight and applications. Download a course from the Cornerstone website today – we are sure you will learn and profit from it!
A NEW, FREE, BIBLE COURSE!
CORNERSTONE CERTIFICATE BIBLE COURSE IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
It's not exactly a new free e-book, but it is free – and you can download the course units and study them on your computer, tablet, or smartphone, at your own pace. The carefully prepared courses are non-denominational and non-commercial in approach and provide in-depth information on the Bible for those who cannot attend Bible school or seminary, or who simply want to understand the Bible at a deeper level in their own personal study.
All course materials and textbooks are provided for free and there are no charges of any kind. Courses can be completed offline, and for those who desire certification a final exam can be taken online and a personalized certificate of completion is provided. A twenty-four unit course in the Old Testament is available that offers a detailed examination of key biblical events and provides many insights not gained by other methods of study. A course in the New Testament is currently in preparation. All Cornerstone courses combine careful biblical scholarship – utilizing information from theology, archaeology, and biblical history – with practical insight and applications. Download a course from the Cornerstone website today – we are sure you will learn and profit from it!
OCTOBER 2020
SECOND EDITION and FRENCH LANGUAGE EDITION!
LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF JESUS: PRACTICAL INSIGHTS FROM THE GOSPELS
By R. Herbert
Our free e-book, Lessons from the Life of Jesus, has always been one of our most popular titles and tens of thousands of copies have been downloaded since its publication in 2017. Now we are happy to announce that a new and revised (but still free!) second edition is available. This book is a perfect companion for background while studying the NET Bible Harmony of the Gospels (see last month's new book below) or for reading by itself. Lessons from the Life of Jesus contains twenty-five topics, each drawing from biblical history, archaeology, or culture, and giving a fresh insight into some aspect of the life and ministry of Christ – along with practical lessons you can apply in your Christian life today.
Like all our e-books, Lessons from the Life of Jesus is free for instant download in the format of your choice here.
Also this month we are excited to announce the publication of a French language version of Lessons from the Life of Jesus.
You can download a free copy of this new translation – LEÇONS INSPIRÉES DE LA VIE DE JÉSUS – here.
SECOND EDITION and FRENCH LANGUAGE EDITION!
LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF JESUS: PRACTICAL INSIGHTS FROM THE GOSPELS
By R. Herbert
Our free e-book, Lessons from the Life of Jesus, has always been one of our most popular titles and tens of thousands of copies have been downloaded since its publication in 2017. Now we are happy to announce that a new and revised (but still free!) second edition is available. This book is a perfect companion for background while studying the NET Bible Harmony of the Gospels (see last month's new book below) or for reading by itself. Lessons from the Life of Jesus contains twenty-five topics, each drawing from biblical history, archaeology, or culture, and giving a fresh insight into some aspect of the life and ministry of Christ – along with practical lessons you can apply in your Christian life today.
Like all our e-books, Lessons from the Life of Jesus is free for instant download in the format of your choice here.
Also this month we are excited to announce the publication of a French language version of Lessons from the Life of Jesus.
You can download a free copy of this new translation – LEÇONS INSPIRÉES DE LA VIE DE JÉSUS – here.
SEPTEMBER 2020
THE NET BIBLE SYNTHETIC HARMONY OF THE GOSPELS
STUDY EDITION – Edited by Jerry Peyton
If you are a regular visitor to this site, and our other Christian websites, you will know that the NET (New English Translation) Bible is a version that we recommend highly. This month we are especially pleased to provide access to the excellent NET Bible harmony of the Four Gospels prepared by Jerry Peyton and published by Bible.org.
Rather than utilizing an arrangement of the four Gospels that organizes the different accounts into parallel columns, this harmony is of the synthetic type – meaning that it weaves the accounts together into a more continuous flow. This format has advantages and disadvantages. While it can be a little more difficult to quickly see which Gospels include or do not include a specific account, it is far easier to read a synthetic harmony which preserves a better sense of narrative flow.
This harmony is well organized and places accounts together that are sometimes separated as though they represented different events purely on the basis of differing details. The harmony also includes a good number of study notes and explanations as well as some very useful appendices.
As with all the e-books we offer, THE NET BIBLE SYNTHETIC HARMONY OF THE GOSPELS is free – Check it out here.
THE NET BIBLE SYNTHETIC HARMONY OF THE GOSPELS
STUDY EDITION – Edited by Jerry Peyton
If you are a regular visitor to this site, and our other Christian websites, you will know that the NET (New English Translation) Bible is a version that we recommend highly. This month we are especially pleased to provide access to the excellent NET Bible harmony of the Four Gospels prepared by Jerry Peyton and published by Bible.org.
Rather than utilizing an arrangement of the four Gospels that organizes the different accounts into parallel columns, this harmony is of the synthetic type – meaning that it weaves the accounts together into a more continuous flow. This format has advantages and disadvantages. While it can be a little more difficult to quickly see which Gospels include or do not include a specific account, it is far easier to read a synthetic harmony which preserves a better sense of narrative flow.
This harmony is well organized and places accounts together that are sometimes separated as though they represented different events purely on the basis of differing details. The harmony also includes a good number of study notes and explanations as well as some very useful appendices.
As with all the e-books we offer, THE NET BIBLE SYNTHETIC HARMONY OF THE GOSPELS is free – Check it out here.
AUGUST 2020
MANNABOOKS APP GOES iOS:
READ CHRISTIAN E-BOOKS ON iPHONE AS WELL AS ANDROID NOW!
The free and excellent MannaBooks App for reading Bibles, devotionals, and a wide range of Christian books on your Android smart phone or tablet has been our recommended app for Christian e-book reading on-the-go since the app’s release. Now, that same app is available on the iOS platform for use on the Apple iPhone.
The new app allows you to browse MannaBooks’ growing collection of classic and new Christian e-books, devotionals and children's books (a great many of them free) and to enjoy them instantly on your smartphone. You can search for books by author, title, or topic, or browse the new, most popular, and trending e-books categories which are updated weekly.
The MannaBooks App has many additional benefits, not least of which are the customization options it provides. You can choose the background color for reading and also text in the size and style you prefer. Night Mode makes reading easier on your eyes before bedtime, and you can lock the screen in portrait or landscape mode for added comfort. You can also start reading on one device and pick up on another – the MannaBooks App always remembers where you left off, so you can keep reading across all your compatible devices.
The new app is also quite interactive. You can post your favorite quotes, notes, and thoughts from what you’re reading directly to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and you can rate and review the books you’ve read or read reviews from fellow Christian readers.
If you want to have a Christian library with you for reading anywhere – without having to carry a bulky laptop or e-book reader – the free new MannaBooks iOS app is available for download now from the Apple Bookstore .
And, of course, if you are an Android user, the app is also available from the Google Play Store.
Whether you are an Apple or an Android user, be sure to download this great app for Christian reading on your smartphone!
MANNABOOKS APP GOES iOS:
READ CHRISTIAN E-BOOKS ON iPHONE AS WELL AS ANDROID NOW!
The free and excellent MannaBooks App for reading Bibles, devotionals, and a wide range of Christian books on your Android smart phone or tablet has been our recommended app for Christian e-book reading on-the-go since the app’s release. Now, that same app is available on the iOS platform for use on the Apple iPhone.
The new app allows you to browse MannaBooks’ growing collection of classic and new Christian e-books, devotionals and children's books (a great many of them free) and to enjoy them instantly on your smartphone. You can search for books by author, title, or topic, or browse the new, most popular, and trending e-books categories which are updated weekly.
The MannaBooks App has many additional benefits, not least of which are the customization options it provides. You can choose the background color for reading and also text in the size and style you prefer. Night Mode makes reading easier on your eyes before bedtime, and you can lock the screen in portrait or landscape mode for added comfort. You can also start reading on one device and pick up on another – the MannaBooks App always remembers where you left off, so you can keep reading across all your compatible devices.
The new app is also quite interactive. You can post your favorite quotes, notes, and thoughts from what you’re reading directly to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and you can rate and review the books you’ve read or read reviews from fellow Christian readers.
If you want to have a Christian library with you for reading anywhere – without having to carry a bulky laptop or e-book reader – the free new MannaBooks iOS app is available for download now from the Apple Bookstore .
And, of course, if you are an Android user, the app is also available from the Google Play Store.
Whether you are an Apple or an Android user, be sure to download this great app for Christian reading on your smartphone!
JULY 2020
UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE:
THREE STEPS TO ENRICH AND DEEPEN YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF THE SCRIPTURES
By R. Herbert
The Bible is sometimes called “the most-read and least-understood of all books,” and most Christians admit that it does contain many verses that seem confusing or difficult. This new e-book addresses that situation by working through the three steps necessary to better understand almost any Bible verse or to enrich your knowledge of the Scriptures. Whether you are a relatively new Christian or an experienced student of the word of God, this book is sure to increase your comprehension of the Bible.
Like all our e-books, UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE is free for instant download in the format of your choice here.
UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE:
THREE STEPS TO ENRICH AND DEEPEN YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF THE SCRIPTURES
By R. Herbert
The Bible is sometimes called “the most-read and least-understood of all books,” and most Christians admit that it does contain many verses that seem confusing or difficult. This new e-book addresses that situation by working through the three steps necessary to better understand almost any Bible verse or to enrich your knowledge of the Scriptures. Whether you are a relatively new Christian or an experienced student of the word of God, this book is sure to increase your comprehension of the Bible.
Like all our e-books, UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE is free for instant download in the format of your choice here.
JUNE 2020
THE HOLY BIBLE, EASY-TO-READ VERSION
We are particularly happy that of the new books we hope to upload to our site in the coming months, the first is the Easy-to-Read Version (ERV) of the Bible produced by the World Bible Translation Center and published by the Bible League International. The ERV uses simpler vocabulary and shorter sentences to make it easier to understand and is ideal for those using English as a second language, as well as others who find the more formal language of many versions of the Bible difficult to follow.
The ERV is available in many languages at the Bible League International website here, and we are very happy to be able to make the English language version available on this site. Despite its simplicity of style, the ERV is a carefully translated version that utilizes recent advances in biblical scholarship and follows a reasonable thought-for-thought rather than word-for-word approach.
The ERV Bible includes helpful footnotes and an overview of biblical history and the flow of the biblical narrative that will be useful for many without a lot of previous experience in Bible reading. The .pdf version has links to all the books of the Bible and the .epub and .mobi versions also have individual chapter links for each biblical book. Download a free copy in the format of your choice, here.
THE HOLY BIBLE, EASY-TO-READ VERSION
We are particularly happy that of the new books we hope to upload to our site in the coming months, the first is the Easy-to-Read Version (ERV) of the Bible produced by the World Bible Translation Center and published by the Bible League International. The ERV uses simpler vocabulary and shorter sentences to make it easier to understand and is ideal for those using English as a second language, as well as others who find the more formal language of many versions of the Bible difficult to follow.
The ERV is available in many languages at the Bible League International website here, and we are very happy to be able to make the English language version available on this site. Despite its simplicity of style, the ERV is a carefully translated version that utilizes recent advances in biblical scholarship and follows a reasonable thought-for-thought rather than word-for-word approach.
The ERV Bible includes helpful footnotes and an overview of biblical history and the flow of the biblical narrative that will be useful for many without a lot of previous experience in Bible reading. The .pdf version has links to all the books of the Bible and the .epub and .mobi versions also have individual chapter links for each biblical book. Download a free copy in the format of your choice, here.
MAY 2020
WHY EVERY CHRISTIAN NEEDS MORE PATIENCE
(AND HOW TO DEVELOP IT)
By R. Herbert
While many people acknowledge patience is a virtue, it is easy to regard it as only a minor one – a distant cousin of the great spiritual virtues such as faith and love. Our new e-book shows that patience is not only biblically commanded, but also of fundamental importance for every believer – far more so than many people would guess. Why Every Christian Needs More Patience shows exactly what the Bible says about this quality and the unexpected ways the Scriptures help us to make patience a part of our Christian lives.
This e-book is available in multiple formats to read on most computers, e-book readers, and smart phones. There is no need to register or give an email address – simply download a free copy here.
WHY EVERY CHRISTIAN NEEDS MORE PATIENCE
(AND HOW TO DEVELOP IT)
By R. Herbert
While many people acknowledge patience is a virtue, it is easy to regard it as only a minor one – a distant cousin of the great spiritual virtues such as faith and love. Our new e-book shows that patience is not only biblically commanded, but also of fundamental importance for every believer – far more so than many people would guess. Why Every Christian Needs More Patience shows exactly what the Bible says about this quality and the unexpected ways the Scriptures help us to make patience a part of our Christian lives.
This e-book is available in multiple formats to read on most computers, e-book readers, and smart phones. There is no need to register or give an email address – simply download a free copy here.