Customer Reviews: Read 233 more reviews...
Handy and easier to use November 11, 2008 I really like this little reference. The size is just right and the text is large enough to be easy to read without squinting. Having the New testament, Psalms and Proverbs together in one small portable reference is especially useful.
I enjoy the freshness of the Message. It gives one another angle to view scripture and often gives surprising insight into difficult passages. Finally, I really enjoy the insight the book introductions provide as they are so right on. Well done NavPress, well done!
The Message by Eugene Peterson(the Bible in Contemporary language) October 11, 2008 For the first time I could understand pretty much every line and verse I come across in Eugene Peterson's Bible in contemporary language.
The paraphrasing really made an huge difference to help clarify things for me!
The Message Bible, numbered edition October 6, 2008 I received the Message Bible in a timely fashion and it was as described. It's a great paraphrase of the bible and very readible and understandable.
The Message: The Bible In Comtemporary Language, Large Print Numbered Edition October 5, 2008 I Love this Bible. Anyone that has trouble understanding the King James Version will enjoy reading it. It is plain spoken and easy to understand. I use the New King James version as my main source and read this along side of it.
Very awesome commentary September 8, 2008 I got this Bible because I really needed to get jazzed up about reading the Word again. This is exactly what I needed at the time.
This is NOT the Bible, but a paraphrase - understand that. It is not meant to be used as the Bible, but a tool for inspiration and study, kind of like a commentary.
I find it very helpful and useful as such.
Sometimes the language is hit or miss. When it is good it is good, and I can really savor God's love even more in those verses.
At worst, it takes scripture out of context or misinterprets it, and while that is bad, again, understand this is NOT the Bible. It doesnt claim to be.
All the bad reviews of this book are pretty irrelevant, because if this is used properly, then it is a great tool for study and fresh interpretation.
The way I use it is I read primarily from an NIV translation, then if I didnt understand something I will see how the Message interprets it. I also use NASB, Amplified, and KJV if necassary.
Also, like I said, when the paraphrased verses are good, they are good! Beautiful and inspiring, and sometimes even hilarious - when slang is mixed in there.
If you are looking for another tool to help you understand God's Word or even to spice up your time with God, this isn't bad at all. It helped me. Just make sure you use as directed.
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