Essential IVP or YABD

[Scott Ferguson]

Hi Everyone,

 

I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of my Standard Library software. After purchasing the ESV study Bible for my Iphone, I have realized the potential of electronic resources. I'm a Sunday School teacher and would like some advice about future module purchases. I'm considering the following three: 1. The graphics bundle, 2. the Essential IVP collection, and 3. the YABD. I will need to proceed incrementally and wondered if anyone would care to offer an opinion as to which I might consider first. I'm open to other English study module suggestions as well. (Working independently with Dr. Mounce's "Basics of Biblical Greek" but very slowly.)

 

Thanks,

 

Scott

[mikes]

I'm a Sunday School teacher and would like some advice about future module purchases. I'm considering the following three: 1. The graphics bundle, 2. the Essential IVP collection, and 3. the YABD. I will need to proceed incrementally and wondered if anyone would care to offer an opinion as to which I might consider first. I'm open to other English study module suggestions as well. (Working independently with Dr. Mounce's "Basics of Biblical Greek" but very slowly.)

Welcome!

 

I am much like you (with a little more Greek under my belt from my classics classes in college).

 

I would definitely suggest the IVP CD as your first next purchase. Check out Dr. J's podcasts and esp. the one on IVP.

 

I use YABD every single day. It is an absolutely amazing resource, but I also find the IVP dictionaries a necessary addition for the less scholarly, and more theological needs I have.

 

One of the things I'm finding is that the The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology (NIDNNT) and it's OT equivalent NIDOTTE have been amazing word study resources in addition to providing historical and cultural background. If I were starting out again like you, I would first grab these two resources before YABD if I had IVP already.

 

Enjoy your time digging into the Word!

 

One last thing to check out that a lot of people seem to overlook; the video training.

 

Mike

[Sean R.]

If you have limited purchasing power, I recommend buying the IVP collection before the Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary. The IVP collection includes several excellent dictionaries which, for many Bible students, are more than sufficient. The New Testament dictionaries included with the collection are excellent! The Hard Sayings of the Bible reference tool is also a splendid resource which, as a Sunday school teacher, you just might find yourself referencing more than occasionally. All in all, you can't beat the tremendous value you get with the IVP collection for a limited investment (more than a dozen books).

 

Once you have the IVP collection, you just may discover that it satisfies your needs without purchasing the hefty Anchor dictionary.

[Sean R.]

Additionally, I recommend the Graphics Bundle as your second purchase after the IVP collection. You'll find in this bundle tremendous graphical resources (the PhotoGuide is superb!) which will bring the Bible to life for you and your class.

[Scott Ferguson]

I really appreciate the feedback. I'm going with IVP, it sounds great.

 

Thanks again,

 

Scott