Preaching from "The Message" bible

[Jeffrey]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

I view The Message as fun to read, but I wouldn't use it as a doctrinal source. JMO

Personally, from a teaching perspective, I think it's best to read a more reliable version, and then have a parallel reading from The Message. (Or any similar version).

I don't have a problem with different versions of the Bible, but The Message is such a casual, broad translation, that I prefer to at least reference a more traditional version.

What's a more traditional or reliable version to you?

[Sam]

Originally Posted by freeatlast

This guy thinks it is the only "authorized" version.

I do believe he thinks God authorized the KJV.

Who "authorized" the KJV?

some pervert named James (not the epitome of Christian morality and holiness)

[Sam]

Maybe it's an age thing and maybe it's because I've read the KJV so long but it's still my favorite. Actually, I judge all other versions (or perversions) by it. I also like the NKJV because it is basically the KJV without some of the archaic words.

I do not believe that the JKV is the only "real" Bible. I have over 20 different versions, some NT only and some both Old and New. I have read the NLT through twice and the Jerusalem Bible through once. I have read the CJB through once and then read the OT portion through again. I am certainly open to other Bibles.

I have one New Testament called "The Contemporary Parallel New Testament." It has 8 versions. They are arranged 4 to a page so that when you have the book open you have 8 versions of the same passage open on two pages right in front of you. I have not read all the way through that book but have spent lots of time in it. It's very handy to read the same passage several times in different translations. It helps in understanding.

One favorite of mine is The Living Bible. I was very much opposed to it when it came became available years ago in sections. One day I read the testimony of the man who developed it. He told how it came about and how it has helped people come to the Lord. I've since learned to appreciate it and have preached from it a few times.

A few years ago I saw some DVD's of Sis Nona Freeman preaching a three night service at a nearby church. She mentioned how she reads the Bible through every year and some times reads it through in different versions. She mentioned that she never really understood one particular passage until she read it in The Message. I thought, if the Message is good enough for Sis. Freeman, it should be good enough for all of us.

One pastor told me a few years ago that once for a Sunday morning sermon he just read the Book of Colossians aloud to the congregation from The Message.