Parent & Teen

Version: NIV
Publisher: Zondervan

Includes a reading plan, subject index, 260 daily devotions, short weekend devotions, book introductions, Hot Topic pages, and Wide World of the Bible, which gives Biblical information in a lighthearted manner. Great for any young Christian.

A translation of the Bible into the language of the city. Rob Lacey reworks the metaphors, situations, and speech patterns of the Bible for the modern, urban reader.

Taking the key texts of the Old and New Testament, Lacey employs the “MTV” dialect of today’s urban city to create a new look at what may be over-familiar stories. Through its modern style, this book acts as an introduction to the Bible for the uninitiated reader while giving a fresh perspective to the church community. A translation that will bring the timeless message of the Bible into the 21st century.

http://zondervan.com/Books/Detail.asp?ISBN=0310922674

Version: God’s Word
Publisher: World Bible

Life is the final exam. Fortunately, it’s open book. This Bible includes a very easy-to-read translation along with 365 daily devotions written by 24 top youth workers across the U.S., hundreds of life-track notes — short topical studies that relate to a passage, a one-year Bible reading plan, and an index of devotions and life-track notes, book introductions, and much more. Perfect for the young Christian at any level.

This idea is a great communication tool for parent/student or senior/student discussions. Our youth and seniors still talk about it.

All you require is two larger cubes which serve as dice [two 4″ pieces of 4×4 will do, but foam blocks are preferable], sticky notes, and pens.

Once everybody was seated in a circle, we asked each senior to write one question on a sticky note which they would like to ask a young person and the youth one question they would like to ask a senior. The seniors then placed six of their sticky notes on their cube/ die [one on each side] and the youth did the same. Then they switched cubes.

Each person, young and old, then took a turn “rolling the die” — the youth rolling the senior die and the senior rolling the youth die. Whichever question came out on top of the roll, the person responded to. You can leave it at the person’s response and move on to the next person, or you can take a moment to open that question to the group for deeper discussion.

The questions ranged from the topic of sex and sexuality to dealing with peer pressure; for both adults and youth. The response to this event was both surprising and rewarding. It fostered a geniune appreciation between these two age groups and the seniors have become our youths’ greatest supporters.

Version: NKJV or Living
Publisher: Tyndale House

The Life Application Bible For Students includes Moral Dilemma notes that utilize real-life situations and biblical guidance, Megathemes that relate significant book themes to everyday life, Ultimage Issue notes addressing tough questions such as “Does God Exist?”, personal testimonies by students who explain how they applied the Scripture to difficult situations in their lives, and numerous life application notes, profiles on important biblical characters. Great for the studious Christian looking for gobs of information.

Have a family picnic for the youth group and their families. Have each family pack a picnic and meet at a park or a place large enough for everyone. If there is a lake nearby have a family fishing tournament. Don’t forget to check the weather before you plan.

Version: NIV
Publisher: Zondervan

Includes a three-track reading plan, overview of each book of the Bible, Highlights and Insights (in-text notes and articles), student subject guide, and a Where to Find It page. Good for the more mature Christian who doesn’t need all of the extra study notes, devotions, etc.

The “Starting Point Study Bible” is published by Zondervan. I like it so much because it is a good Bible for students who are new to the Christian faith. “Starting Point” has bold words every so often that the students (even adults/youth workers) can refer to in the back glossary concerning what that word means. Also in the back it has a section called ‘Glossary of Christian Jargon’ which tries to help define and clarify Christian Jargon in a general way.

The glossaries are great for students new to the faith and even for students that have been Christians but are still learning (aka everyone). I just graduated from an undergrad university with a Ministry/Theology major and I love “Starting Point” because it helps me to remember things that I sometimes think everyone already knows. “Starting Point” helps the Bible become real. It is a GNT translation (Good News Translation) but it is still a really good Bible.

Version: Living
Publisher: Garborg’s

Divides the Bible into daily readings throughout the year, coupled with commentary written by youth pastor and author Doug Fields. The title, look, and feel are all very “youthy.” Excellent for new Christians and those you have difficulty getting to read anything.

Message Remix 2.0 Hardcover
By: Eugene H. Peterson
ISBN: 1600060021

The Message Remix 2.0 is packed with a variety of features ideal for
students and youth pastors. This latest version of the best selling Message
Remix is 20% thinner than its predecessor and includes expanded book
introductions, a topical concordance of student related material and
reference resources with maps and charts. As always, the Remix includes the
exclusive Message numbering system.

* 20% thinner than the original
* Expanded introductions to each book of the Bible including unique
information about the author and events in world history
* New topical concordance of issues students face every day
* Fresh new binding styles, textures and colors selected by hundreds of
high school and college students from across the country.
* Charts that explain the chronological order of the Old Testament and
New Testament books.
* Five new handcrafted maps
* Exclusive Message verse numbering system
* 7″ x 5.25″
* 1856 pages
* Hardcover