We are all susceptible to spiritual deception. But there are steps you can take to guard yourself against deception.One important step you can take is to make sure you are reading Scripture in its correct context. A good tool to help you get the context is a study Bible.Of course, the commentators' notes are not inspired. But a good study Bible will help explain the historical and cultural context behind the books of the Bible. And knowing the context is a key to the proper interpretation and application of Scripture.The study Bible I use is the ESV Study Bible, published by Crossway Bibles. I highly recommend it. The contributors are top-notch, biblical scholars. While I don't agree with everything they say, I find their knowledge very helpful for my own understanding of Scripture.

One of my favorite features of the ESV Study Bible is the extensive introductions to each book. I also enjoy the focus on the "themes in the history of salvation"--which show how each book fits into God's overarching plan to unite all things under Christ and how Christ's work on the cross is the climax of history.The ESV Study Bible also includes very helpful articles such as "Interpreting the Bible," "Reading the Bible for Personal Application," and "The Bible and Religious Cults."Consider buying this Bible for yourself or for someone else--maybe for an Easter gift.And if you do buy it, let me know what you think!FYI: I am not getting paid for endorsing this Bible. But if you do buy it using the above link to Amazon, I will get a small percentage of the sale, which will help support this ministry.-- By Holly Pivec