Review: “Make a Difference Bible”

I am so excited to review the Make a Difference Bible by my friend Ken Castor. As a gift from Ken, I received a pre-release copy late last spring. Now, I am finally getting around to putting a review out there of this “Loud Time Bible.” Some Bibles are quiet time Bibles, but this one is a live Out Loud Bible! 

The *Make a Difference Bible* is a compelling resource designed for young believers eager to engage with their faith and make a real-world difference. This New Living Translation (NLT) is more than just another teen Bible; it’s a guidebook for action, with practical insights and tools aimed at equipping students to live their faith out loud! What stands out to me is that this Bible emphasizes “difference-making”—it resonates throughout every page.

Ken Castor is an experienced youth ministry guru with years of experience in many settings, which shines through this carefully curated esource. His heart is for this Bible to help readers connect the timeless truths of Scripture with the real-life needs of the world young believers are facing. Ken also wisely chose a team of amazing writers and youth ministry minds to help him craft this Bible carefully over many years.

The Make a Difference Bible layout is user-friendly and visually engaging, which is crucial for a student reader. It includes over 200+ “Make a Difference Challenges” written in a conversational tone. Throughout, it offers prayer prompts and question boxes. And even “story arc” sections that make the full scripture connection.  Each side box explores how biblical principles can be applied to global challenges like poverty, justice, environmental stewardship, and more. They are strategically placed alongside the Scripture, making it easy for readers to see the connection between God’s Word and the world they live in.

This Bible features numerous “Difference Maker” profiles—stories of individuals, both historical and contemporary, who have lived out their faith in remarkable ways. These profiles serve as both inspiration and challenge, showing that making a difference is not just a theoretical ideal but a concrete possibility for anyone willing to step out in faith. This approach effectively bridges the gap between biblical teachings and real-life application, making it clear that following Jesus means actively participating in God’s mission to renew the world.

My favorite feature is the “Church Network” graphic, which shows the hub of relational connections and the power of the community. It helps young believers see authentically the importance of making the journey of faith together, not alone!

Most importantly to me, the *Make a Difference Bible* is its focus on discipleship! Readers will find a series of “Now What?” questions and “Faith in Action” challenges throughout the Bible. These prompts encourage reflection and action, helping them become lifelong Christ-followers. The interactive elements make the Bible a perfect ministry too for youth pastors to offer as both a personal devotional or for group study.

I highly recommend The Make a Difference Bible by Ken Castor. It is one of the best student Bibles I have gotten ahold of in a while. I have already given away quite a few and have ordered more. It is well worth your budget to order a few of these, or if you can, order one for every student in your ministry (*I’m not kidding). 

BUY IT HERE