The concepts in the Bible are complicated, no matter what version of it you have. But don't be discouraged - there's real power in these pages.

The more time you spend in The Message, the more you'll be able to read, think, pray and live the truth. Plus the new verse-numbered paragraphs make it easier to study.

A lot of people think that the Bible originally sounded like something from the Middle Ages, but it was written in the language of the streets - the language of fishermen, shopkeepers, and other regular people. Author Eugene Peterson wanted to get the Bible back to that kind of everyday, common language that all of us use when we're not trying to sound religious. With that in mind, The Message isn't about religion. It's about making God's Word easier to read. So first things first - read it. Then think deeply about it, never being afraid to ask Why or How come. All the while, pray that God's message to you will soak in. And then, live it out.