This large-print edition of The Message is designed for those who prefer a larger type for easier reading with a 12.5 point size.
It includes
• the full Message numbered text
• several maps, including The 12 Tribes and The Most Likely Route of the Exodus
• a chart of the books of the Bible organized by general order of events
• a ribbon marker
Trim size: 6 13/16 x 9 3/16
1
How well God must like you- you don't hang out at Sin Saloon, you don't slink along Dead-End Road, you don't go to Smart-Mouth College.
Instead you thrill to God's Word, you chew on Scripture day and night. You're a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month, Never dropping a leaf, always in blossom.
You're not at all like the wicked, who are mere windblown dust- Without defense in court, unfit company for innocent people.
God charts the road you take. The road they take is Skid Row.
2
Why the big noise, nations? Why the mean plots, peoples? Earth-leaders push for position, Demagogues and delegates meet for summit talks, The God-deniers, the Messiah-defiers: "Let's get free of God!
Cast loose from Messiah!" Heaven-throned God breaks out laughing. At first he's amused at their presumption; Then he gets good and angry. Furiously, he shuts them up: "Don't you know there's a King in Zion? A coronation banquet Is spread for him on the holy summit."
Let me tell you what God said next. He said, "You're my son, And today is your birthday. What do you want? Name it: Nations as a present? continents as a prize? You can command them all to dance for you, Or throw them out with tomorrow'strash."
So, rebel-kings, use your heads; Upstart-judges, learn your lesson: Worship God in adoring embrace, Celebrate in trembling awe. Kiss Messiah! Your very lives are in danger, you know; His anger is about to explode, But if you make a run for God-you won't regret it!
3
A David psalm, when he escaped for his life from Absalom, his son.
God! Look! Enemies past counting! Enemies sprouting like mushrooms, Mobs of them all around me, roaring their mockery: "Hah! No help for him from God!"
But you, God, shield me on all sides; You ground my feet, you lift my head high; With all my might I shout up to God, His answers thunder from the holy mountain.
I stretch myself out. I sleep. Then I'm up again-rested, tall and steady, Fearless before the enemy mobs Coming at me from all sides.
Up, God! My God, help me! Slap their faces, First this cheek, then the other, Your fist hard in their teeth!
Real help comes from God. Your blessing clothes your people!
4
A David psalm
When I call, give me answers. God, take my side! Once, in a tight place, you gave me room; Now I'm in trouble again: grace me! hear me!
You rabble-how long do I put up with your scorn? How long will you lust after lies? How long will you live crazed by illusion?
Look at this: look Who got picked by God! He listens the split second I call to him.
Complain if you must, but don't lash out. Keep your mouth shut, and let your heart do the talking. Build your case before God and wait for his verdict.
Why is everyone hungry for more? "More, more," they say. "More, more." I have God's more-than-enough, More joy in one ordinary day
Than they get in all their shopping sprees. At day's end I'm ready for sound sleep, For you, God, have put my life back together.
5
A David psalm
Listen, God! Please, pay attention! Can you make sense of these ramblings, my groans and cries? King-God, I need your help. Every morning you'll hear me at it again. Every morning I lay out the pieces of my life on your altar and watch for fire to descend.
You don't socialize with Wicked, or invite Evil over as your houseguest. Hot-Air-Boaster collapses in front of you; you shake your head over Mischief-Maker. God destroys Lie-Speaker; Blood-Thirsty and Truth-Bender disgust you.
And here I am, your invited guest- it's incredible! I enter your house; here I am, prostrate in your inner sanctum, Waiting for directions to get me safely through enemy lines.
Every word they speak is a land mine; their lungs breathe out poison gas. Their throats are gaping graves, their tongues slick as mud slides. Pile on the guilt, God! Let their so-called wisdom wreck them. Kick them out! They've had their chance.
But you'll welcome us with open arms when we run for cover to you. Let the party last all night! Stand guard over our celebration. You are famous, God, for welcoming God-seekers, for decking us out in delight.
Continues...
Excerpted from The Message-MS by Eugene H. Peterson Copyright © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Excerpted by permission.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
| Introduction to The Message 9 |
| OLD TESTAMENT |
| Genesis 15 |
| Exodus 105 |
| Leviticus 174 |
| Numbers 222 |
| Deuteronomy 295 |
| Joshua 361 |
| Judges 405 |
| Ruth 449 |
| 1 Samuel 457 |
| 2 Samuel 514 |
| 1 Kings 560 |
| 2 Kings 614 |
| 1 Chronicles 668 |
| 2 Chronicles 716 |
| Ezra 774 |
| Nehemiah 793 |
| Esther 822 |
| Job 839 |
| Psalms 910 |
| Proverbs 1093 |
| Ecclesiastes 1162 |
| Song of Songs 1182 |
| Isaiah 1201 |
| Jeremiah 1342 |
| Lamentations 1474 |
| Ezekiel 1489 |
| Daniel 1579 |
| Hosea 1608 |
| Joel 1631 |
| Amos 1641 |
| Obadiah 1660 |
| Jonah 1664 |
| Micah 1669 |
| Nahum 1684 |
| Habakkuk 1692 |
| Zephaniah 1700 |
| Haggai 1708 |
| Zechariah 1713 |
| Malachi 1733 |
| NEW TESTAMENT |
| Matthew 1743 |
| Mark 1808 |
| Luke 1846 |
| John 1914 |
| Acts 1966 |
| Romans 2030 |
| 1 Corinthians 2064 |
| 2 Corinthians 2094 |
| Galatians 2113 |
| Ephesians 2125 |
| Philippians 2135 |
| Colossians 2143 |
| 1 Thessalonians 2151 |
| 2 Thessalonians 2158 |
| 1 Timothy 2161 |
| 2 Timothy 2169 |
| Titus 2174 |
| Philemon 2177 |
| Hebrews 2180 |
| James 2201 |
| 1 Peter 2209 |
| 2 Peter 2217 |
| 1 John 2222 |
| 2 John 2231 |
| 3 John 2232 |
| Jude 2233 |
| Revelation 2236 |
Anonymous
Posted August 12, 2005
I believe The Message bible is an extrodinary tool for the lifelong convert to the new follower of our Lord Jesus. Our modern American English language contains multiple idioms and terminologies related to our current timeline and culture, as well as euphemisms that would not be understood if translated word for word, phrase for phrase to another time period and culture. There would need to be an equivelent phrase for that culture. The same is true for the first century. The first century language used in the New Testament, as well as the Old Testament Hebrew enact the use of idioms which are rich, with exponentional added meaning behind each word in comparison to our modern language English. The language barrier coupled with idioms and cultural understanding can make the Word have less than intended meaning for the reader. The Message, I have found is an excellent translation, capturing the deep meaning behind the rich literature of the bible. I use NKJV/KVJ most of the time, but I find that when I read The Message, I read it as if it were a novel, flowing and comprehensive. A gripping read, that is more fluent in understanding than of other iterations. I recommend this translation, but with strong caution to have NIV/NKJV/KJV handy for clarification.
7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 11, 2005
I'm not an expert, just a Mom whose been saved for 8+ years and would have no problem with my young children reading this translation. That's just the point here...this is a translation just like all the rest that we're going to find today. We also have to remember that the original Bible was highly edited, there are Gospels (of Peter and Thomas firmly rejected) letters (of Barnabas) and Acts (of Andrew and John also firmly rejected) for example that have not been accepted. The earlier translations we have do an ok job, but really don't explain what verses mean and leave a lot up to each individual's interpretation and if you don't have someone who has been highly educated that you trust to take you through the Bible, that can be pretty intimidating and a bit scary. Many Pastors today (from what I've been told) have stopped indepth teaching of the Bible, I'm not certain if they offer Bible studies or not, but those who used to learn what the Bible means in Church services are no longer receicving that education on Sunday. Also, don't forget about the young believers, and I'm not just talking about age although that is a huge point as well. Many new believers in Christ will get bogged down in language and it doesn't have to be that hard, The Message Bible is a wonderful learning tool for new believers and young readers. I would rather my children read The Message than watch T.V.. Rick Warren (and my Pastor as well) use this translation as well as several others simply because certain translations say it better than another. It's Ok for you to have a favorite translation of the Bible, that doesn't mean it will be everyone else's. Also, if someone were truly worried about reading The Message without having an older translation, they have this revolutionary thing called a Paralllel Bible - It has The Message on one side and the NIV translation on the other...problem solved. I would highly recommend having more than one translation to refer to anyway, the differences are often interesting. It's all about the language...if you were one of the people who wrote a condemning review on this Bible or are thinking of doing so, ask yourself this question...would Jesus get that uptight about his message of love and how to live a good life for His glory being translated into words a child could identify with? If you still are considering writing a bad review please read Matthew 18:1-9 in any translation that pleases you :-D And remember what dear old Mom likes to say, if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. God Bless, and keep talking to our Lord...He will respond if you only take the time to hear Him!
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted July 1, 2005
My husband was having a difficult time reading the bible. I recommended 'The Message Bible' to him b/c he can get the idea of what God was saying. This book is NOT intended to replace the Bible, it is a beginning point for those who need it. I'm happy to say my husband loves this easy to understand translation and I do not anticipate problems with him moving to the real Bible later. This is an excellent starter bible. Some people need milk before meat, why is that so hard for people to understand. God Bless all who are reading anything about the love, life, and words of Jesus Christ are Savior.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.jcraig23
Posted December 25, 2009
I'm slightly amused by those reviewers who find The Message "dangerous" or "dumbed down" (also a reference to the NIV). I'm sure many Roman Catholics were saying the same thing when Martin Luther first translated The Bible into German at the beginning of the Reformation, followed soon after by King James. What people fail to realize is that the Old English of the KJV is NOT some holy Biblical English, but rather it was the contemporary language of the day, much like the current translations of the NIV and The Message. One of the main tenants of The Reformation was that God's Word be translated into the language of the common people so that it can be read and easily understood by all. If you want to call that "dumbing it down" then so be it, but The Word should not be a mystery or a mass of confusing obsolete language. "The Message" is meant to be read, and it's a wonderful read. It is NOT meant to replace a conventional Bible, but rather be a compliment to it. In that sense, it's a winner, and should help even the most accomplished Bible scholar find new meaning in these passages.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.MarlaMae
Posted March 11, 2010
Studying the bible has always been a personal desire. The Message Bible has made that task so much easier. The clear 'message' in today's language affords a much smoother read and creates an environment of understanding I only hoped to achieve. This Bible is highly recommended as a stand-alone, or for use in conjunction with the NIV or other versions.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 13, 2005
If this bible leads any person to a personal relationship with Jesus.....then I don't understand why people who call themselves Christians can insist that it is a misleading translation. There is not a single translation into the English language that is going to be 100% perfect....the only perfection you can find is by learning the language and reading it in the original text (to the reviewer who is using quotes from revelation to back up the claims I hope you realize that you would have to use the same claim for every english translation because none of them are perfect.....also re-wording for comprehension is not adding or taking away). This translation is a great starting point for anyone who is searching or wants to strengthen their relationship with Jesus. God created us to worship every minute of every day, and every day we divide ourselves over things like a translation that could lead one of us to a new life in Christ. How sorry I feel for those of us who choose to divide the Church of Christ rather then to unite and stand firm in the absolute truth. If you are searching.....then I hope with all my heart that which ever translation you choose, you find God....because he's waiting for you. God Bless You!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 9, 2013
I Also Recommend:
I just received this Bible as a gift and it looks wonderful. just by looking at a few pages I can tell this is exactly what I was looking for as a start to reading the Bible. It is the perfect start to anyonw who finds the orginal version of the Bible intimadating. I will recommend this to everyone I know and to all beginngers who would like a beginner Bible.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted April 23, 2010
So glad I purchased this Bible for my husband - he just loves it! Perfect easy read for someone who finds reading the King James Version too intimidating. Will now purchase one for my 14 year old son who has been wanting another Bible. We know that not everything is 'perfectly' translated in this Bible - but it is great to use alongside another Bible when doing a study and you need different versions to help you understand a passage. Also a perfect way to explain something in todays terms to someone who is not so versed in the Bible and could be intimidated by some of the older texts. When going over a passage you don't feel like you are over someones head - just using common everyday talk.
The cover itself is just beautiful - very soft and comfortable to hold.
I know my husband will get many years enjoyment out of this Bible.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted March 21, 2010
I Also Recommend:
This is not the bible... this "author" got some of the bible and made an entirely new book!
1 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 17, 2009
This book is one for your home libraries. It's got large enough print so that you don't have to squint. It it very unstandable reading. Very much like we might talk today. Use The Message along with your other Bibles.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 12, 2008
I am disappointed in all the positive hype regarding this Bible translation..there is New Age language througout, as well as omissions from the KJV. God's Word cautions us that in the last days to be on guard of deceptions that will come in various forms. This is one of them...God's Word also says to keep from silly profane language...well you don't want to read some of the language in this translation. This translation of the Bible will not be in my house.
1 out of 9 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted September 27, 2005
Just when you thought the Bible couldn't get dumbed down any further from the NIV along comes The Message. I am deeply troubled by the use of the Message in the church and even in the home. The language is deceptive and stears far clear of the true meanings of the Bible and when people exclusively use this translation there is a vast disconnect between them and other Christians. In order to be united as Christians it is essential that we stay close to what God intended for us to read and not keep coming up with poorer translations to justify our laziness. In fact I think the message is the first book that comes right out and says, 'If you're too stupid to understand the simple NIV check out the Message the first translation able to be read with your eyes closed.' My point is that God intends us as Christians to be intellectuals and dumbing down the Bible more and more only simplifies the concepts and makes lazy Christians more justified in remaining as infants in Christ.
1 out of 9 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 30, 2005
This translation uses a phrase in the Lords prayer 'as above so below.' This is a new age power word. Do a Google search on the phrase and see the 1000's of new age web sites that have this phrase as a motto. When Rick Warren and other pastors use this translation they mislead many new Christians. Thus over 90% of the new Christians are falling away only a year latter. If you need more evidence read MATTHEW 5:1-8-- AKJV then read MATTHEW 5:1-8--TM. It is shocking how much is added and taken away. Keep in mind what is said in the last few chapters of the Bible: Rev 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: Rev 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and [from] the things which are written in this book.
1 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted October 28, 2004
This bible is a mistranslation luring christians into new age thinking and preparing them for a world religion. It mistranslates the lords prayer. It even uses new age terminology. Don't read this bible, if you own it throw it out. I urge you to please take me seriously. I'm only 15 and realize the deception in this book. If you compare the verses in this bible to other translations you will see it too. The only message this bible is teaching is the new age message.
1 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Posted September 29, 2004
This translation of the Bible is eminently readable. I am surprised by a couple of comments here. First, one of the great treasures of the translation is how nice the cadence is for much of the wisdom literature. It comes closer to capturing the poetic rhythm of many of those books than any other translation that I can think of. The Psalms just pour over you as you read them. Second, this translation has been worked over with Peterson by some top-notch scholars. While I'm sure that there are places where the translation could better capture nuance and detail, there are NO egregious errors in the translation, i.e., where the text has just plain been mistranslated. (Caveat: there are passages in the Bible about which there is general controversy on how to translate them. But such a worry would apply to *all* translations, not just The Message.) It is truly disappointing when so-called experts claim that they have found errors, but never provide any citations or examples, or provide their credentials to suggest why we should believe them over, e.g. Tremper Longman, John Walton, Darrell Bock, Donald Hagner, Moises Silva, and the many other first-rate Bible scholars who served as consultants.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted February 14, 2004
This version of the Bible is easy to read and understand but I have found that many parts of this book are incorrect translations.
1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted August 6, 2003
I have quite a few bibles in my house, but, this is brilliant. It breaks downs the thus, thee and thou's into 2003 language. Its a must for anyone wanting to study the word of God, but got lost in the many other versions. Be blessed!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted April 7, 2003
I was at Barnes & Noble a few days ago and spotted this Bible. Although I did not buy it at the time, I glanced through it and liked what I saw. I flipped over to a passage that was hard for me to comprehend, and after reading the passage in 'The Message Bible', I understand the selection clearly! I am planning to buy this product as soon as I possibly can!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted April 3, 2003
Having just recently come back to Christianity, I tried reading an OLD family Bible that my Mother sent me. It just didn't help me. So, off to Barnes and Noble and a search in the Bible section, which brought me to The Message Bible. After buying it, I went to have my car fixed, and brought the book with me to the waiting room. While sitting in a GARAGE waiting room, I became enlightened!!! I started taking notes. Starting in the New Testament, with Matthew, I began reading, learning and, most importantly, understanding God's word! I recommend this Bible to any person who wants to perceive God's word as if it were written today. Beautiful, calming and enlightening.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted February 17, 2003
Today was the first time I had ever heard anyone read from this Message Bible. When the man of God read from the Message Bible it made the meaning so much clearer to understand in today's language. Now I cannot wait to buy the Message Bible to help me understand God's word so I can live more closely to Him. I plan to go to the Barnes & Noble Book Store in the morning to purchase one. What a masterpiece of divine inspiration!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Overview
This large-print edition of The Message is designed for those who prefer a larger type for easier reading with a 12.5 point size.
It includes
• the full Message numbered text
• several maps, including The 12 Tribes and The Most Likely Route of the Exodus
• a chart of the books of the Bible organized by general order of events
• a ribbon marker
Trim size: 6 13/16 x 9 3/16