Sunday, November 30, 2008

Is the Bible Difficult to Understand?


With many versions of the Bible in print, we can be thankful that there's a version that makes God's word easy to understand. Take a look at these familiar verses:

John 3:16-18 (The Message)

16-18"This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person's failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.

Click here to try out other versions.


15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sally, This verse is the only one I memorized as a child and still remember it. Thank you so much for remembering my Cory in your prayers.

Hugs,
Chris

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the early morning laugh. As a linguistics/English person, I think conjugating verbs would help--a lot--but I know that I am in the minority here. I personally am a fan of the old King James because that's what I was raised with, but any version of the Bible that gets the message across (no pun intended) is fine by me.

artis1111 said...

I think most of us remember this verse yet sometimes we may not keep it in our hearts all the time. That is why he is a forgiveing God. Kathy

squawmama said...

Good Morning Sally... That was beautiful... I remember it oh so well... Have a blessed Sunday

(((HUGS)))
Donna

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Oh, yes! Great verse! The one that really matters. Thanks for sharing. :-)

Wishing you a blessed Sunday and looking forward to a beautiful Blue Monday.

XO,

Sheila

Unknown said...

Cute cartoon Sally!

That verse pretty well sums it up doesn't it?
Diane

Anonymous said...

This version really puts it in plain words. I think the reason some people aren't interested in reading the Bible is because the King James Version is the only one they are familiar with and it's so hard to understand. I'm thankful for all the newer versions that are out there. Cute cartoon as usual.
Charlotte

Raxx - A day in the life said...

I don't know, I think we go to church to have it explained to us, that's how I understood it, as a child, the message was clear to me my entire life.

I do agree with Becky, if the message reaches more, better.

Anonymous said...

Good Morenig
Cute cartoon Sally.

I appreciated reading that section of verses in the Message.

Ginger~~Enchanting Cottage said...

I am so thank-ful for all the different versions. I my self need the easy read one. Thank-you for sharing this perfect verse.
God Bless,
Ginger

Musings of A Minister said...

Excellent. I don't go to church to have it explained to me, I go to have a student of the Bible give me their view for my consideration. I love the King James but I really appreciate The Message and all the translations and paraphrases too. My wife told me about a cartoon you had on this morning that just went poof! She told me what it said and I have been smiling off and on all day.

Missy Wertz said...

My first memorized scripture. And I learned it in the old KJV. Barely understood it. The Holy Spirit really had to go to work on me there!

Very well put.

Alexandra MacVean said...

Hi Sally...I really liked today's post. It reminded me of a few things...needed to hear it. Hope you're having a blessed Sunday!

Cottage Rose said...

Hey Sally; I think that verse is one that every Christian loves. This is just my opinion that the Message bible would be great for all the New Christians, to read and comprehend more easily. I love my Max Loucadio not sure I spelled his last name right. Thank you for the wonderful verse. Love the cartoon. have a great week.

Hugs;
Alaura

sara said...

I do like reading out of the message, but like studying out of the NIV. So, I bought a bible that has both translations on each page...I love it!!!

Have a great week!