Having read from both the Message and the ESV with Kalled2Preach, I must say that I think it's a bit funny too. I can see the benefits of a paraphrase for those who are new to the faith (or who have not been properly taught), but really I don't like paraphrases since I think it insults not just the person reading but the gospel also. I think when the authors wrote what they wrote by the Holy Spirit that they said it in the way it needed to be said and that there are some things that are meant to be "hard" for a reason and other things that are meant to be easily understood for a reason. Commentaries and Paraphrases are alright, but what I want and we all really need is the Bible.

Oh, (Though I chose not to go all out in Christmas celebration) I did receive an ESV for Christmas.

Well, just thought I'd throw in my 2 cents and all that.

-Brother Luke