The Irresistible Life
The Irresistible Life is a modern paraphrase of the Gospel of John. It’s different because it’s written exactly the way people talk today – with contractions, emotion, and emphasis. No more “thees” and “thous” that make the Bible hard to understand! It reads like a best-selling novel. And why not? It is, after all, the greatest story in the world!
In the back of the book we’ve included a brief message to help people see the difference between a religion about Jesus and a relationship with Him. Plus, we’ve included “next steps” information so the reader knows exactly where and how to get the help they need in their spiritual journey. This makes it an effective tool for reaching both “saints” and “sinners” alike!
The Irresistible Life points people to a Living Christ, causes the Good News about Him to come alive, and makes reading the Word of God irresistible!
Thank you Chip and Karla. Thank you for all the time and devotion you put forth to reach out in Love. We all need God’s word planted in our hearts. If His hand is in it, it will not return void, no matter what version He choses to enter in to our heart. I believe that the boundries in our lives are not on the outside, but rather the inside. If it is His seed that is planted into our spirit, we will receive it no matter what it looks like. Open your hearts, for the just shall live by faith. God bless all of you, in the mighty name of Jesus.
After reading all the messages, concerning all the different translations, it must be noted that studying the history of each does in fact enlighten one. Most folks do not know the history of the KJV, for if they did, they MAY NOT accept it any more. The King who had this version made, was a bloody, fighting, christian hunting horrible man. He had the original texts changed to suit him, for he felt as King he was not subject to all the laws of God, but others were. As king, he was the exception. He committed many offences in the name of God, and did not like the reformers nor the Church telling him what was evil in the eyes of God. He killed many a good Christian who only sought the truth in GOD’S original text, Aramaic, Greek and Jewish! Please study thyself to be approved, as the scriptures command us to do!
May I say that we should not debate KJV or not. This translation may be difficult in the older language, but he New King James is much easier reading. I encourage the NKJV (or 2nd NIV), because it is truly closest to the Greek Interlinear. I started with the NIV (not word for word transl), then went to NASB (word for word) but found that it had so many errors. When I would look up a word in the original I would find it was not true to original and would cross it out and change it in my bible. I started to have so many crossed out words that I changed to the NKJV because it didn’t put in the wrong word. So far the only thing I have crossed out in the old KJV is the word “church” in Acts where it was used instead of the word “together”. I have now become a user of the NKJV and the Wuest, but am not dogmatic about it, nor do I exalt it. I just got tired of crossing out so many errors in the other NASB translation. The NIV is closer to accuracy as well, but I want a “word for word” translation.
I truly believe that the Judgment Seat will be void of the KJV debate.. People who condescend using the ‘ignorant’ banter to all who don’t use ‘their version’, especially some of those ‘uneducated poor folk’…. don’t really look ignorant, they look arrogant. Let’s get some perspective. Throughout history, people have been saved by God’s mercy and grace without KJV language. That’s the beauty of God… limited qaulifications… namely brokenness and childlike faith.
It’s only when we need to become more ‘scholarly and discerning’ that these things start to become a fruitless thorn. How many of us were redeemed and justified with KJV in our hands?? To some, this may make me anti-KJV, but that isn’t the case. I’ve seen a lot of venemous and circular debates on this and I’ve come to only one conclusion… God’s not in it. If some were so inclined to take the time wasted on this and enlist into the prayer closet, God’s people would avail staggeringly more.
The reason i am inclined to read the kjv is because i have noticed with a lot of other translations that they adlib or take away from the original text (by original i mean the kjv, as it is the only original i know of). so i feel much better staying closer to the truth as was originally written. i feel that the more we stick with what is the original text the more we will fully understand what Jesus is trying to say. there are some beautiful bible verses etc in the bible that other translations totally tear apart..to me that is sad. to me it’s okay to explain something in more understandable terms as long as you do not stray from the original message at all..for example if you say “you” instead of thou, that is saying the same thing but not taking away from anything except an older style of talking.
if you can say exactly what the message is saying but in more understandable language then i believe it is okay. but i think that we are never to try and take away from what the bible is saying..the message is always the same regardless of how we say it type of thing..do not EVER change the message.
and i am in full agreeance on the fact that we cannot understand any of the bible unless we ask for God’s wisdom because it was written of and inspired by God. STICK WITH THE FACTS AND WE HAVE NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT.
you know what the sad fact is? and this is a whole other subject, but i wish we as a people could all read the bible and get the same truth out of it..isn’t there just one truth? or is the truth manipulated as to how each of our human minds translates it? all i want is the truth..Jesus says He is the Truth. Jesus, please lead me to You and all of your Truth…all i want is the truth.
Thank Jacqueline. That’s a good point. You can use easier-to-understand words so long as you do not change the meaning or the intention of the original. Some modern paraphrases are really bad about that and should be avoided. However… the KJV is NOT the original text. It is a translation of a translation, and in some places it is a translation of a translation of a translation. The Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, and the “originals” are long gone. Throughout history men have become inspired to translate the Bible into common language because they believed the Truth should not be limited to the religious leadership. Who wanted to keep the Bible in Latin? The Roman Catholic Church, because they could then tell you whatever they wanted and you had no way to know for yourself. Now the Bible is the most copied and translated book in the history of the world. That’s wonderful! It is no longer a closed book for the religious elite only. There is no reason to give the KJV special status. It was a good translation in 1611 but not the best for 2011. Which one is best for today? I tell people the best version is the one that you can read and understand. I would rather you read the poorest version of the Bible than read nothing at all. Honestly, if KJV works for you then great. It does not work for most people, and those are the people I am concerned for. Thank you for your feedback.
I have read “Irresistable Life” and found it very helpful. It is definitely very useful for many who get stuck with a disaffected interpretation.
Thank you James. Coming from someone in the U.K., that says a lot.
Is what we need clearer or simpler language? Or do we need to be guided by the Holy Spirit. If we believe we understand a precept through the use of of our mind, will we ever seek the true meaning through guidence by the Holy Ghost? Does it matter?
We need both. We need the Holy Spirit to give revelation and we also need understanding. “I will pray with the Spirit… and with the understanding.” We best cooperate with the Holy Spirit when our minds are renewed and cooperating with Him. Jesus used parables to make His teachings easier to understand by ordinary folk. Of course the Holy Spirit still had to give them revelation.
Not to be argumentative . . . but “thees” and “thous” do not make the Bible hard to understand. A statement like, “No more “thees” and “thous” that make the Bible hard to understand!” on your part in order to market a book is simply ignorant and an insult to those of us who own and use a King James Version Bible and know otherwise.
I’m glad you’re not being argumentative John, because calling me “ignorant” might give some the wrong impression.
I think most educators and teachers agree that King James English is archaic and difficult for the average reader to understand, requiring a college-level reading comprehension or more. If you are honest, you will find that words like bestead, blains, curious arts, fitches, murrain, rereward, sop and stomacher are just a few examples of dozens of words in the King James Bible that ordinary mortals cannot decipher – and shouldn’t have to – because that’s not how we speak today. And when you add to the mix examples of Jesus saying things like, “I trow not” it makes Him sound more like an actor in a Shakespearean play than the Lord of Glory.
So in my experience, those who defend the King James Version with such emotional vehemence and nullify the Word of God with their traditions are the truly ignorant ones.
The King James is just a translation of the Bible it is not the Bible. In our home we have over 10 different translations of the Bible. As a serious student of the Word it is good to compare and be open to the Holy Spirit. Having a closed mind and heart to the profoundness and at same the simplicity of Christ will stop us from truly knowing the Father. But then many are called but few are chosen….may we be enlightened to be one of the chosen!
Good point. The Book of Matthew, for example, was originally written in Aramaic. I don’t speak Aramaic. It was translated into Greek. I don’t speak Greek, either. Then Latin. Sorry, I still can’t read it. Then King James English. Well, we’re getting close, it’s a little more recognizable to me, but still kind of ancient. Read the Mayflower Compact in the original English and it’s very difficult, too. You can figure it out but it’s a struggle for most people. I think the point is to make it understandable to the person reading it, whatever the language, so the Holy Spirit can touch their heart and renew their mind. Updating the English from 1611 to 2011 seems inevitable. What kills me is when people PRAY or PROPHESY in King James English, thinking that’s how God really speaks! Please.
Hi John -
I agree with you as a very mature believer, but for new believers, “thee’s” and “thou’s” can seem an obstacle to many. I remember trying to read the King James when I was younger and inexperienced, and for some reason these kinds of words were a stumbling block. I guess what we need to focus on is this book is readable for everyone you may witness to in case you wish to share it. I don’t think any offense or “watering down” was meant. The good news is, once you have God in your heart you can read His word easily. Hope you have a great day!
This is a great translation our brother has made of John’s Gospel. I read it like 4 times in a row and was blessed. Because of the new simpler clearer language Jesus revealed things I was unable to see before. The whole book became a great new experience and blessed and fed me!!