WOW 1997

The NIV Student Bible

Zondervan, $19.99

ISBN 0310994888

CCM artists add testimonies to Bible

Review by Jay Graham

A Bible with testimonies from 13 top Christian artists. WOW! Imagine reading through your Bible and coming upon a special page from a recording star. It might be Twila Paris telling about her interpretation of Romans 11:36. Or you might read the heartwarming story behind her WOW 1997 cut, "Love's Been Following You." As a child, this pastor's daughter heard her father use a vivid image in a sermon on Psalm 23:6. "God's protecting agents had been following me throughout my life. . . . Every time I perform this song, I think of those tireless workers, Goodness and Love."

That testimony fills your heart, and it's just a sample from the WOW 1997 Student Bible. Artists who contributed their personal reflections include Anointed, Clay Crosse, Carman, Steven Curtis Chapman, Margaret Becker, and others who perform in the WOW 1997 CD.

Using the latest Student Bible edition of the NIV text, the WOW 1997 Student Bible features notes throughout by Philip Yancey and Tim Stafford. These notes further explain the meaning and application of Scripture for young adults.

At the heart of this translation is recognition of three basic reasons for not reading Scripture that bother young people particularly: "I get discouraged," "I can't understand it," and "I can't find it." The editors explain and suggest their three-track plan for reading every book in the Bible as a solution for those who really want to get into God's Word but get discouraged.

The artists featured in this version of Scripture will go on to other hit songs and other experiences in a few years, but their testimonies will remain valid. Best of all, God's Word will be planted in the hearts of young users of the WOW 1997 Student Bible.

Jay Graham is a youth pastor in Greensboro, NC.