Scripture is to preaching as wood is to a carpenter. It is the stuff we are all about; it is the material we work with, we craft, and we present to others. The analogy does break down, of course. While the carpenter cuts and shapes the wood, it is more often the Word which cuts and shapes us.

The biblical Word is at the heart of the preached word. Most of our study, then, will inherently focus on the Bible. We read it again and again, usually in different translations; we ponder the meaning of its words and phrases; we look to the counsel of others for new insights into its interpretation and application. Preachers are people of the Word.

Thus, there is a natural interest in resources which will help us better understand and proclaim the Bible. That is why Preaching offers a brief survey each year of some of the publications of the past year which will be of interest to preachers.

Bibles

Of translations, there is no end. Or at least so it seems.

Unlike 1995, however, 1996 has produced no major new translation of general interest to preachers. Last year's hot topic (at least for a couple of weeks) was the Inclusive Version of the New Testament and Psalms, published by Oxford University Press and a favorite of radio talk shows. No such controversy this year.

What 1996 has seen is the repackaging of existing translations. For example, Thomas Nelson Publishers released The Promise, a new package for the Contemporary English Version previously released by the American Bible Society. The CEV is written at a 5.4 grade level, and is a successor to the Society's previous successful paraphrase, Today's English Version (often sold as Good News for Modern Man).

While The Promise is not likely to be a major study resource for most preachers, it may be valuable for churches in leading youth and adult Bible study groups and for evangelism.

Another example of such repackaging is the True Love Waits Bible, a softcover New International Version produced for young people by Broadman & Holman. The title alludes to the successful program which encourages young people to commit themselves to sexual abstinence until marriage. Several introductory articles and helps scattered throughout the text are written for teenagers.

For example, right there between II Samuel 2 and II Samuel 4 is a colorful insert on "So You're Tired of Pizza and Movies?" and offering wholesome ideas for dates. How that particularly fits with the story of Joab murdering Abner (II Samuel 3:22-38) is a bit confusing, but I'm sure these colorful pages will prove winsome to any number of young people looking for something to think about besides their Sunday School lesson.

Broadman & Holman has also produced a series of pocket-size Bibles (KJV, NIV, and a Spanish-language edition) which could prove quite popular with preachers. Light, easy to read, and convenient to slip into a coat or pants pocket -- it may not represent a new translation, but there's also something to be said for a convenient format.