Book Review: The Voice New Testament: Revised and Updated

   Review: The Voice New Testament:Revised and Updated
  This is my review of the latest edition of The Voice from Thomas Nelson Publishers. I received a complimentary copy from their Booksneeze program but this in no way affects my review.
  The Voice New Testament is a recent translation produced by the Ecclesia Bible Society. In essence it is the New Testament presented in a somewhat expanded form presented in a dramatic format.
  I am familiar with The Voice, having bought the original New Testament when it was published. I must say, that this new edition is a definite improvement on bringing the translation more into line with the plain meaning of the scriptures, particularly if you skip over the expansions(in italic type) in your reading. The delineated material is also often helpful. I find that the screenplay format actually helps one on occasion, particularly in the gospels, in imagining how the various scenes must have played out in history.
  All in all I recommend this translation, not as one's primary New Testament, but as one to be read alongside another more formal translation. It brings a freshness to the texts for bibliophiles like me and helps enliven the texts for new readers.

Purpose?

" He died for the sake of all so that those who are alive should live not for themselves but for the one who died for them and was raised."-2 Corinthians 5:15(CEB).
  The purpose of all our lives, of those of us who know Christ is to glorify Him and to live out His will in our lives. We gave ourselves to Him, becoming His slaves so that He might live His life out through us in this world. We are His body. Seek Him, submit to Him, and allow Him by His Spirit to speak and act through you. That is what you were made for!

Here goes...

" What do I think about this? Just this: since Christ is proclaimed in every possible way, whether from dishonest or true motives, I’m glad and I’ll continue to be glad."-Philippians 1:18(CEB).

  If you love God you will love His word. Some people are confused, confounded, or taken aback every time a new translation of the Bible appears. I am thankful. Each translation is a chance to connect with God anew, a chance to allow His Spirit to show you things you've never seen before, in ways you've never before seen them. God's wisdom is infinitely multifaceted, like a brilliant gemstone and with every turn of phrase and nuance His light is revealed in a new way.
  Therefore it is with gratitude that I have received the Common English Bible. It is quite easily read and understood and I hope that those who come in contact with it will see in it God's truth and breathe a prayer of thanks for the men and women who have labored so diligently in this particular vineyard.