The Voice - New Testament

I was so excited to receive this book from Nelson Publishing (I post reviews for BookSneeze and receive the book at no cost to me).  I typically use NIV (New International Version) for all my study.  The Voice is as dynamic as The Message was when released.  The style is very readable and unique as the writers (many collaborators contributed:  scholars (Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic), pastors, writers, musicians, poets and many other artists) brings forth an informative, narrative study Bible.  'The Voice help believers experience the joy and wonder of God's revelation by weaving these four key descriptions; Holistic - considers heart, soul and mind, Beautiful - achieves literary and artistic excellence, Sensitive - respects cultural shifts and the need for accuracy and finally Balanced - includes theologically diverse writers and scholars' (preface vii).  "The heart of the project is retelling the story of the Bible in a form as fluid as modern literary works yet remaining painstakingly true to the original manuscripts" (preface vii).  "The Voice is essentially a retelling of the story of God's love and redemption of creation" and has 5 truths intricately weaved through each chapter.  These 5 truths include: A New Retelling, Readable and Enjoyable, Personal and Diverse, Faithful, Stimulating and Creative and Transformative.  The introduction discusses the importance of a covenant.  The Bible is God's Covenant to us, His people.  One of the unique things about The Voice that I really enjoy is within the text of the Scriptures, there are text boxes with deeper information about the culture, and expands on the theme.  In the back of The Voice is an Index to Biblical References for deeper study.  The Voice also has an introduction to each book of The New Testament and also includes the author.  The introduction gives the reader rich history that gives us the idea of what has been going on in the authors life and the ministry of Jesus.  One thing I have struggled with is the word change of the Christ to the Liberator.  Although the longer I study and read using The Voice, I understand the Christ is my liberator!  Chris Seay, President of Ecclesia Bible Society says this, "I invite you to listen to The Voice with an open heart,  You will hear God as he whispers of His love to you."