Friday, October 11, 2013

My Hope with Billy Graham - You can do it!

We have been stressing the importance of My Hope with Billy Graham for a few months now, and ever since we four pastors went to a training meeting back in April (I'll never forget because they fed us the best cookies I've ever had...just saying) we have felt the need and the call to participate in this amazing and powerful opportunity to see the lost come to faith in Jesus here in a few weeks. We have been praying, and our church has been listing names and inviting people already-trusting in the Holy Spirit to provide the conviction and help we need to bring salvation to friends, neighbors, and relatives in our community.Never before have we had a united, national effort to see the lost saved and discipled in Jesus Christ, so I'm excited to see what will happen and how God will transform lives across our nation through this event.
It's simple, really, all we are asking people to do is open their homes and give people an opportunity to watch a 30-minute video featuring powerful testimonies from celebrities such as Lecrae (Christian rapper), Lacey Sturm (Christian band Firefly), David Tyree (NFL), and Jim Munroe (Illusionist). These characters share their stories and how the gospel impacted them at a defining moment, and they gave their hearts to Jesus when nothing else could possibly satisfy. The focus is hope, for we live in a world grasping for some semblance of hope in the world, whether it be through entertainment, pleasure, sports, food, alcohol, success, money, or some other route. Truth is, they'll never find it there. True, lasting hope comes only in the assurance of salvation that Christ gives. Let's pull together and make a difference for Christ in our community by giving the lost an opportunity-we don't save them, we simply give them the gospel. I'm trying my best to meet and invite neighbors, will you too?

Watch, download, and order DVD's from this link

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Bible Apps for Kids!

     While there are plenty of opinions about the use/overuse of technology among children these days, I want to point out some great ways that your iPhone, iPad, or other device can be used to teach children Christian values and about the Bible while still providing that waiting-room/in-the-car/bored at the store level of entertainment and commitment. There is a lot of good that can come from such incredible technology, so let's be sure to use it to allow children to connect with God's Word and with Jesus so that their faith can be matured literally anywhere and at anytime.Below I've listed a few of the best apps that I have used myself and some educated opinions on them. If you're kids already play on your phone or iPad regularly, why not use that time to have fun while learning the Bible?

1. Children's Bible Games & Activities (Barcelona Media)
      As one of the highest rated Bible apps for kids, this game-based app engages children with Bible truths and stories through over 300 games and 60 comic-book style Bible stories. Guaranteed enjoyment for kids around 6 or 7 and up. Full version with all packs is $10 but a trial version with 15 games can be downloaded for free and then additional packs can be purchased in-app. Visit this site for a full review and information.

2. Granny's Bible Dojo
     What could be more awesome than a karate-fighting wise sage of a grandma to teach the books of the Bible? This app is designed to help anyone learn the books of the Bible and their order through a fun game setup. $1.99 in the App Store.

3. Olive Tree Bible Study
     While not designed as a kids' app, this is by far the best free Bible/Bible Study app I have ever used. Features the KJV and ESV for free with tools such as notes, bookmarks, highlighting, and more! Can be used by children and adults alike for an accessible way to always have the Bible at your fingertips. Other Bibles and resources can be purchased in-app as well.

4. Bible Time
     This is a fun, interactive, and challenging Bible app for children ages 5 and up. Involves games, puzzles, and stories to teach the Bible and basic Christian truths. Users can recreate Bible scenes using props. $2.99 in the app store - see it here

5. Children's Bible (Barcelona Media)
      There really is not another kids Bible in digital form that compares to this app. Featuring thousands of comics and pictures of Bible stories, this app allows kids to read and look through the whole Bible in a fun way. Free to try, $20 for everything including a video Bible, but it also provides cheaper options for separate parts of the Bible.See it here