The Message vs. The English Standard Version
Very disturbing, read on….
Red – Solid.
Pink – Uh-Oh, something’s a bit fishy!
Psalms 25:10
MSG:
“From now on every path you travel will take you to God. Follow the covenant signs. Read the charted directions.”
ESV:
“All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.”
Notice the difference.
Romans 8:35-36
MSG:
“Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture:”
ESV:
“35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written,”
I was listening to a sermon by Eric Ludy recently, and in it he brought to light a couple of the lies of “The Message” listed above. I was shocked and upset. This is not just a little typo, these things will effect people eternally. You may say: “Come on Ben, this is not that big of a deal! The Message is just a more modern version of the Bible meant for modern day people to understand a little better” Well, maybe that was the intention of this “translation”, but there are things that are in “The Message” that neither the Psalmist nor Paul wrote or meant thousands of years ago. I think it is possible that Eugene Peterson(writer of The Message) may sow some of Revelation 22:18-19: “For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and [from] the things which are written in this book.”(NKJV) I am no judge though, only God can see the heart.
Another sad reality is that many influential authors and speakers are often seen quoting from this “translation” as total truth. When a person reads from The Message that even “the worst sins described in the Bible” will not be able to separate him from the love of God, he in essence could become an adulterer and drunkard constantly being given over to debauchery and still be “under God’s grace” NO! This is not right, in Galations 6:9 as well as 2 Thessalonians 3:13 it says “And let us not grow weary while doing good”. Paul is very clear when he is addressing those who live according to the flesh(or self) in Romans 8. “To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:6, “Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” Romans 8:8. Friends, please consider the evidence of the scriptures and make your desicion. My allegiance lies with truth.
The lost art of reading.
Lauren and I were thinking about this subject a few days ago after we finished discussing some books we have been reading. Many people just don’t have the time or don’t want to make the time to sit down and read. Whether it’s the bible, or just a good biography or something. If it’s longer than just a short article in a newspaper pertaining to something recent or “relevant” then it is probably not worth putting much time into. TV, video games and the computer have taken over. Now, I must say that this is not true with all people. But I think for the majority of people, this is the case.
I don’t think it’s a good idea to start telling everyone “find a book and start reading!” Becuase, there are many, many, many books, even in the Christian book store(no, there is no one who monitors what is sold in the christian book stores. This very subject needs another entry…) that are not good to be pouring yourself into. A book can be allot like TV, you just zone out and “listen” to whatever you read. Whatever it is will eventually effect or influence you. Anyway, watch your hearts and minds, take every thought captive, and always ask, “Does this _______ (though, action, lifestyle or whatever it may be) honor God, or does it sound good to the throne of Self?
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.
Philippians 4:8
This is not my first entry…lol
I am working on my first entry(other than this one). It should be good.
