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When I am studying the Bible to give Bible Studies or Sermons, I make use of many Bible versions. The most common ones are the NIV, NRSV, and the KJV. In addition to the version, I also have various study Bibles that help to open up the Bible. The first is a Thompson Chain Reference Bible that has seen many days and the cover is falling off. This is a very good and important work that provides a wealth of resources at your fingertips. Mine is in the King James Version. I would encourage you to purchase one if you do not have one, in that it is very helpful in looking through the Biblical materials. The next bible I use is the NRSV Study Bible. This is a "critical" edition in that it takes the Historical Critical approach to a text. You might say it is the liberal approach to a text. The notes are often helpful rather you hold to that approach to the Bible or not. Another helpful Bible is the NIV Study Bible. This is a evangelical study Bible that takes a different approach to interpreting the Bible then The NRSV study bible. This one helps to see what evangelicals are saying about a particular text. It would be pricey to get all three, but you might be able to find them on sale. At any rate, you will gain a greater knowledge of the Bible if you study and read these important resources.