By Aaron Wilson
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – With the need for mental health services on the rise, Holman Bibles of Lifeway Christian Resources and New Growth Press have partnered to publish the “CSB Life Counsel Bible,” a resource designed to help Christians see how God’s Word addresses life’s most common difficulties and pain points.
“A simple survey of the publishing landscape reveals Christian counseling literature has seen a significant increase over the last several years,” said Andy McLean, publisher for Holman Bibles. “This growth in content not only shows attentiveness to tangible felt needs that exist within culture and the church but also reflects the church’s call to showcase how the gospel and biblical wisdom speak to personal and cultural challenges we all face.”
The “CSB Life Counsel Bible” features more than 150 articles on tough life issues such as parenting, suffering, grief, anxiety, guilt, stress and difficult relationships. These topics are addressed by respected Christian counselors and scholars including David Powlison, Edward Welch, Paul Tripp, Stephen Viars, Amy Baker, Michael Emlet, Elyse Fitzpatrick, Justin Holcomb, Bob Kellemen, Diane Langberg, Timothy Lane, Robert Jones, Marty Machowski, Deepak Reju and Joni Eareckson Tada.
“The development of the ‘CSB Life Counsel Bible’ was meant to add to the rich biblical literature in the counseling space, bringing together a list of expert contributors capable of helping readers directly apply biblical principles to hundreds of everyday life issues in ways that are Christ-honoring, immensely practical and pastorally helpful,” said McLean.
Mental challenges are especially prominent for today’s pastors. A 2021 study from Lifeway Research found pastors identify stress and discouragement as the two most prominent mental challenges they face in ministry. Meanwhile, the same study found 44% of pastors listed counseling as a skill that is important for them to continue investing in so they can improve in their roles.
“It is our hope the ‘CSB Life Counsel Bible’ will not only show readers how to read the Bible for wisdom about various life topics but also how to internalize that wisdom in practical ways that will lead to lasting change in their lives,” said McLean.
Additional features of the “CSB Life Counsel Bible” include:
- Book introductions – Including “Circumstances of Writing,” “Structure,” “Contribution to the Bible” and a “Truth for Healing” section with an overview of key themes and truths related to healing from each book of the Bible
- Word studies – More than 100 word studies focusing on key biblical terms applicable to personal healing, growth and counsel
- Callouts – Quotes placed near each article that provide truth, hope and encouragement
- Cross-references – More than 25,000 cross-references connecting Scripture passages from Genesis to Revelation
- Topical index, wide margins for notetaking and more.
The “CSB Life Counsel Bible” uses the text of the Christian Standard Bible, which features an optimal blend of accuracy and readability. The CSB has continued to gain traction with readers of all ages and has been the No. 2 bestselling English Bible translation three of the last four months, according to ECPA sales data.
Additional information about the “CSB Life Counsel Bible” can be found at LifeCounselBible.com.
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Aaron Wilson is a writer for Lifeway Christian Resources.
About Lifeway Christian Resources
In operation since 1891, Lifeway Christian Resources is one of the leading providers of Christian resources, including Bibles, books, Bible studies, Christian music and movies, Vacation Bible School and church supplies, as well as camps and events for all ages. Lifeway is the world’s largest provider of Spanish Bibles. Based in Middle Tennessee, Lifeway operates as a self-supporting nonprofit. For more information, visit Lifeway.com.
Holman Bibles is the oldest Bible publisher in North America, publishing high quality Bibles and reference resources that are trustworthy, accessible, and useful for the pursuit of lifelong discipleship. Print and digital releases include the “CSB Tony Evans Study Bible” as well as the “Tony Evans One Volume Commentary,” “The She Reads Truth Study Bible” and the “Apologetics Study Bible.” Holman Bibles is a subsidiary of B&H Publishing Group.