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Monday, May 21, 2018

The Message Bible (Version): Interesting Bookmarks


Recently, I have read The Message Bible (Version). Like anyone’s testimony, I have found few things that I don’t find in other Bible versions (sometimes good, but other times a matter of concern). It is a paraphrase Bible, but I do agree with the critics that it is also a rendering of what the translator (Eugene Peterson) would like the Bible to say. I enjoy reading it and would recommend anyone to read it, however not as a primary Bible for your Bible study or to bring to church.
Here, I would like to present top 28 interesting bookmarks I have created while I was reading it. I have given NKJV rendering to each of them for comparison.

Psalms 19:2


(MSG) Madame Day holds classes every morning, Professor Night lectures each evening.
(NKJV) Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge.

Job 7:10

(MSG) They don't return to visit their families; never again will friends drop in for coffee.
 (NKJV) He shall never return to his house, Nor shall his place know him anymore.

Psalm 100:4

(MSG) Enter with the password: "Thank you!" Make yourselves at home, talking praise. Thank him. Worship him.
(NKJV) Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

Proverbs 10:5

(MSG)  Make hay while the sun shines--that's smart; go fishing during harvest--that's stupid.
 (NKJV) He who gathers in summer is a wise son; He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.

Proverbs 12:27

(MSG)  A lazy life is an empty life, but "early to rise" gets the job done.
(NKJV) The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting, But diligence is man’s precious possession. 

Proverbs 19:7

(MSG)  When you're down on your luck, even your family avoids you-- yes, even your best friends wish you'd get lost. If they see you coming, they look the other way-- out of sight, out of mind.
 (NKJV) All the brothers of the poor hate him; How much more do his friends go far from him! He may pursue them with words, yet they abandon him.

Joel 3:4

(MSG)  "As for you, Tyre and Sidon and Philistia, why should I bother with you? Are you trying to get back at me for something I did to you? If you are, forget it. I'll see to it that it boomerangs on you.
(NKJV) “Indeed, what have you to do with Me, O Tyre and Sidon, and all the coasts of Philistia? Will you retaliate against Me? But if you retaliate against Me, Swiftly and speedily I will return your retaliation upon your own head;

Zechariah 11:6

(MSG)  GOD's Decree: "I'm washing my hands of the people of this land. From now on they're all on their own. It's dog-eat-dog, survival of the fittest, and the devil take the hindmost. Don't look for help from me."
(NKJV) For I will no longer pity the inhabitants of the land,” says the LORD. “But indeed I will give everyone into his neighbor’s hand and into the hand of his king. They shall attack the land, and I will not deliver them from their hand.”

2Corinthians 4:17

(MSG) These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us.
(NKJV) For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,

Romans 3:15

(MSG)  They race for the honor of sinner-of-the-year,
 (NKJV)  “Their feet are swift to shed blood;

Revelation 2:23

(MSG) The bastard offspring of their idol-whoring I'll kill. Then every church will know that appearances don't impress me. I x-ray every motive and make sure you get what's coming to you.
 (NKJV) I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.

 --------------------------------------------------------------------

Proverbs 14:5


(MSG)  A true witness never lies; a false witness makes a business of it.
(NKJV) A faithful witness does not lie, But a false witness will utter lies. 

Proverbs 21:31

(MSG)  Do your best, prepare for the worst-- then trust GOD to bring victory.
(NKJV) The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But deliverance is of the LORD.

Jeremiah 16:12

(MSG) And you're even worse! Take a good look in the mirror--each of you doing whatever you want, whenever you want, refusing to pay attention to me.
 (NKJV) And you have done worse than your fathers, for behold, each one follows the dictates of his own evil heart, so that no one listens to Me.

Lamentations 3:30

(MSG)  Don't run from trouble. Take it full-face. The "worst" is never the worst.
(NKJV) Let him give his cheek to the one who strikes him, And be full of reproach.

Luke 8:21

(MSG)  He replied, "My mother and brothers are the ones who hear and do God's Word. Obedience is thicker than blood."
(NKJV) But He answered and said to them, “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.”

Matthew 10:9

(MSG)  "Don't think you have to put on a fund-raising campaign before you start.
(NKJV) Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts,

Luke 19:26

(MSG)  "He said, 'That's what I mean: Risk your life and get more than you ever dreamed of. Play it safe and end up holding the bag.
(NKJV) ‘For I say to you, that to everyone who has will be given; and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Proverbs 14:5

(MSG)  A true witness never lies; a false witness makes a business of it.
(NKJV) A faithful witness does not lie, But a false witness will utter lies. 

Proverbs 21:31

(MSG)  Do your best, prepare for the worst-- then trust GOD to bring victory.
(NKJV) The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But deliverance is of the LORD.

Jeremiah 16:12

(MSG) And you're even worse! Take a good look in the mirror--each of you doing whatever you want, whenever you want, refusing to pay attention to me.
 (NKJV) And you have done worse than your fathers, for behold, each one follows the dictates of his own evil heart, so that no one listens to Me.

Lamentations 3:30

(MSG)  Don't run from trouble. Take it full-face. The "worst" is never the worst.
(NKJV) Let him give his cheek to the one who strikes him, And be full of reproach.

Luke 8:21

(MSG)  He replied, "My mother and brothers are the ones who hear and do God's Word. Obedience is thicker than blood."
(NKJV) But He answered and said to them, “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.”

Matthew 10:9

(MSG)  "Don't think you have to put on a fund-raising campaign before you start.
(NKJV) Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts,

Luke 19:26

(MSG)  "He said, 'That's what I mean: Risk your life and get more than you ever dreamed of. Play it safe and end up holding the bag.
(NKJV) ‘For I say to you, that to everyone who has will be given; and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.


To Read further about the Message Bible Version:

Friday, May 18, 2018

Popularity


He must increase, but I must decrease.” – John 3:30 (ESV)

Summarize in a Word: Popularity
Key Principle: We live for Christ, no longer for ourselves.
Key Application: Allow Christ to be known and seen in you!
Main point of the Passage: Popularity of Christ over our own popularity
Illustration: John’s Attitude
Exhortation: Dare to risk your own reputation for the advancing of the name of Christ.

Everybody wants to be popular for different reasons, especially for good cause. Who among you does not want to have a hundred likes in a Facebook post? What Christian ministry does not want thousands of email subscriber?

Monday, May 14, 2018

Should you care God exists or not?


[This is a repost of 2014 article, which was deleted by mistake]
For centuries, humankind has been debating about the existence of God. Most people say God exists; some say that God does not exist, and still, others say that nobody can know whether God exists or not. Friedrich Nietzsche went on to say, “God is dead.” Should you care God exists or not? If it doesn’t matter, one need not pay attention, but how does one know it matters or not? Let us define God first. Defining God exactly is impossible, for He is beyond definition and comprehension. But for this article God is the “maximally great being,” by which I mean He is the greatest, perfect, infinite, invincible, omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent Being. Moreover, He is the Creator of the Universe and everything in it.

Friday, May 11, 2018

Enduring Adversities


 If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.  Psalm 119: 92 (ESV)
Summarize in a Word: Enduring Adversities
Key Principle: God’s Majesty is inscribed in His words. 
Key Application: Meditate on the words of God
Main point of the Passage: All adversities look pale when we discover the Majesty of God in His words.
Illustration: If you can enjoy World Cup Football, you can enjoy God’s goodness too.
Exhortation: Would you treasure God’s word in your heart, in your blood; not on paper, not on phone, not on internet, but in your being?

We often have False View of God. Our view of God is revealed unprecedentedly when we are in adversities. We like to think of God as one who satisfies our desires, who will excuse all our sins by His grace. This is dead wrong if we don’t understand His Majesty – the Majesty, which should make us tremble before Him (Ps. 119: 120). God does not exist to serve you; rather you are created to serve Him 24 x 7 eternally (v.91).

Monday, May 07, 2018

Great Christian-YouTube Channels for Subscription

Is there any internet user who has not spent hours and hours on YouTube Videos? Who has not benefitted from YouTube? At the same time, who among us is not guilty of excessive use? Like it or hate it, technology always comes with merit and demerit. Unfortunately, the nature of human is on the slippery slope of demerits. Moreover, there are YouTubers, who uploaded various versions of the original, and sadly many to out dislikes. Also, there are countless titles which are misleading. Today, I would like to mention some great Channels of YouTube (solid Christian resources) you may want to subscribe if you have not so far. And, do tell me your recommended channels too.

Saturday, May 05, 2018

Rongmei Theological Society (RTS) Conference, Khoupum


Recently I have attended Rongmei Theological Society (RTS) Conference in Lubanglong Baptist Church, Khoupum. RTS has been around for many years convening conferences at least 18 times across Rongmei inhabited areas in North East India – Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland. It is my first time to RTS Conference, also to visit the Khoupum Valley. Like any first-timer, I do have few things to say about each of them.

Friday, May 04, 2018

Overcoming Jealousy


 Do not let your heart envy sinners, But be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day; For surely there is a hereafter, And your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 23:17-18 (NKJV)
Summarize in a Word: Overcoming Jealousy
Key Principle: God Rewards the Faithful
Key Application: Delight in God
Main point of the Passage: Nobody is immune to Jealousy but those whose delight is in God shall overcome it.
Illustration: Successful Inmate in prison v/s Successful man in a free land
Exhortation: Do not be troubled by sinners, but be assured by God’s faithfulness.
Who is immune to Jealousy? It looks like we are hardwired especially when we are in desperate want. Jealousy is never a pleasant emotion. Unfortunately, I have seen many frustrations and anger in several families because they were jealous of neighbor’s successes.

Monday, April 30, 2018

Top 20 Websites for Biblical Resources

The title itself is hard to believe. There are more websites than we can explore. Certainly, you don’t expect me to evaluate each and every website available, and to defend my list without committing an error. I prepare this based on my theological background and my exposures to various websites those help me grow in the knowledge of God. If you are curious about my theological position: I am 7 points Biblicist. I believe the Bible – its authority, its sufficiency, its inerrancy, its infallibility, its inspiration, its reliability, and its effectiveness. Therefore, you can surmise which websites I would be inclined to list here.
1.              Grace to You It is the teaching ministry of John MacArthur. You can get almost all his sermons (video and audio), and sermons transcripts. You will also find articles, questions and answers, devotional insights, and much more. It always has been my top go-to website.
2.            Ligonier Ministries It is the teaching fellowship of R.C. Sproul. There are several articles and Lectures on various themes from various personalities of R.C class.
3.            Albert Mohler Even if you are not an American his briefing will help you to be an articulate Christian thinker. There are Articles, lectures, essays, sermons, and questions and answers.
4.            Answer in Genesis It is an apologetics ministry spearheaded by Ken Ham. It is a go-to website, especially for Science and Creationism.
Above are the top four websites. Here is another list:
5.             Desiring God It is a teaching ministry of John Piper
6.            Martyn Lloyd-Jones Recording Trust It has the recorded Sermons of the Doctor.
7.             One Passion It is the teaching ministry of Steve Lawson
8.            The Spurgeon Archive It is the largest archive of the works of Spurgeon online.
9.            Monergism It is a go-to the web of Reformed literature.
10.       CARM It is an apologetics ministry
14.        Biblical Training
15.        Sermonaudio

Other Helpful Sites

16.        Got Questions It attempts to answer any of your questions you probably want to know.
17.        Christianity Today It is like a newspaper, magazine, essay of Christianity today.
18.       Bible.is You can download various audio Bible from here.
19.        Hymnary.org You can get the lyrics, biography, scripture references and tunes.
20.      The Babylon Bee If you want some fun
If you are curious about any websites, which give bad theology look at what Phil Johnson has done for us in his bibliophile. If you happen to be reading any of the websites listed there, you better be discerning!
R. Solomon