The Journey

A Bible for Seeking God &
Understanding Life

New International Version
Zondervan

Hardcover ISBN 0-310-91949-5, $24.99
Softcover ISBN 0-310-91950-9, $19.99

Look Here and Nowhere Else,
Street-Smart Church Hoppers

Maybe you know the type--a man or a woman who is up to the gazoo with a demanding job, three kids, social obligations, and looking for God--or hoping to be found by Him. They go from church to church trying to connect, not to be put off by a church's use of a specific version of Scripture. When they ask questions, they never feel they get clear, practical answers so they move on to another--or they quit. They are the spiritual seekers of the nineties.

The Journey, a new edition of the New International Version from Zondervan Publishers, has just been issued with this audience in mind. Published as a part of the Willow Creek Resources ("Helping people become fully devoted to Christ" is the motto), The Journey clearly guides readers to discover and to understand God. None of the "sweet Jesus, meek and mild" here, it gives answers to the question, "Why should I believe?" and uncovers the Bible's most practical aspects. It also strengthens relationships as it focuses on marriage, parenting, leadership, and social relationships.

The Journey is not a Bible for formal religious settings. It is written for "seekers," for those who are willing to put out some effort to find truth but who may not yet believe the Bible is God's Word. There aren't any pages here to write out the family tree or to record weddings and funerals or to press flowers. It's more for people who know that some problems don't have tidy, sewn-up solutions, but are willing to ferret out all they can anyway. One premise underlies all the helps in The Journey: Jesus is the divine Son of God and only Jesus can introduce you to Him.

Embedded in the pages of each book are boxes of additional commentary under the headings: "Discovering God," "Reasons to Believe," and "Knowing Yourself." These segments do not beat around the bush.They speak directly to readers and answer questions seekers are likely to ask about the Bible and its relevance. Following the Willow Creek model of ministry, the features start with practical illustrations that deal with the major issues of life in today's world.

This edition has some features at the opening of each book to help give readers some handles as they read: Central ideas, a brief outline of the contents, the original author and intended readers, and a timeline of the period covered. Nothing technical but enough to introduce the book.

The look of the Bible's pages should appeal to today's generation with its easy-to-read type and two-color design. The text lines are a little long to follow without two columns per page.

The Journey also has value as an evangelistic tool to help seekers find the answers to their questions and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

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