Posted by Chuck on December 30, 2008 under Resources | 
Just the other day someone asked me which Bible translation I preach and teach from. While I primarily use the NIV to preach and teach from that is only because the NIV is the first translation that I was exposed to. I’ve also used the NASB, KJV, and NKJV for preaching and teaching. It all depends upon the audience.
An easy way to compare and contrast verses in different translations is with a Bible program. I’ve personally been using QuickVerse since version 3 and I am currently using QuickVerse 2008. It’s not that I really, Really, REALLY like QuickVerse, but since I’ve been using it for over 10 years now I’ve built up quite a library. Unfortunately QuickVerse does not come with Hebrew. It hasn’t for years and for $800 it should come with more.
One of these days I’m going to take the plunge and buy Logos. Logos has been the “standard” in Biblical scholarship. I’ve just never been able to afford it! (The Scholar’s Library: Gold costs over $1,000!). Of course, they know it’s expensive, but you get what you pay for and it comes with Hebrew! Unlike QuickVerse, the Logos library is ever expanding. One other “bonus” is that if you really want this scholarly tool, they now offer a payment program.
The more economical BibleWorks (about $350) has Greek and Hebrew and a LOT of Bible translations. BibleWorks is good, affordable, and easy to use, but lacks many of the scholarly works in Logos.
So . . . money, money, money – these all cost money. So, what’s good AND free? e-Sword. e-Sword is a fully functional FREE Bible program – BUT if you want contemporary Bibles (like the NIV) you’ll need to start forking over ca$h and the modules vary in price and could easily start to add up to the price of BibleWorks.
Now, if you are just starting out in the ministry, don’t have a budget, maybe a student, and you’re broke – but you have an Internet connection (or can access one) there’s always the Biblegateway.com with dozens of FREE translations including Greek and Hebrew! Study “on the cheap” – but it gets the job done!
http://www.quickverse.com
http://www.logos.com
http://www.bibleworks.com
http://www.e-sword.net
http://www.biblegateway.com
Posted by Chuck on December 29, 2008 under Resources |
NTGreek.net
Registered students pay a $200 fee, but the good news is that you can go through the online course for free, just without help. Jeff Smelser is the minister of the Centreville church of Christ and has done a great job in putting the site together.
http://www.ntgreek.net/
Greek Bible Study
If you want an excellent parallel Bible with NT Greek then Greek Bible Study is superb. The only caveat is that you have to register, but that is so you can take notes and it’s all FREE!
http://www.greekbiblestudy.org
The New Testament Greek Lexicon
If you want a quick free and flexible lexicon, check out Crosswalk. You’ll find other tools linked from their site too!
http://www.biblestudytools.net/Lexicons/NewTestamentGreek/
Finally I’d like to give a tip of the hat to Duke University’s Dr. Mark Goodacre and his site The New Testament Gateway. Why should I list every great NT Greek site, when he’s got them?
http://ntgateway.com/
Posted by Chuck on December 24, 2008 under Resources |
Moyer’s Family Bookstore
On the west coast Christian bookstores are few and far between. Moyer’s Family Bookstore is a shining light in the darkness.
http://www.moyersbookstore.com/
Mars Hill Bookstore
For a diverse collection of Christian books, Marks Hill has a nice collection.
http://www.mhbook.com/
21st Century Christian
For curriculum, VBS supplies, books, and videos 21st Century Christian is a staple.
http://www.21stcc.com/
Gospel Advocate
From the publishers of the doctrinal standard: The Gospel Advocate, is a bookstore offering many classic works and soon to be classics.
http://stores.homestead.com/GospelAdvocateCompany/StoreFront.bok
ACU Press
Varying perspectives are always good to keep us balanced. ACU Press offers books from Christian authors with diverse viewpoints to keep us well informed.
http://www.acu.edu/campusoffices/acupress/index.html
Lambert Book House
This is a favorite of mine for good down-to-earth Bible study materials for all ages. The VBS material is good, conservative and adaptable.
http://www.lambertbookhouse.com/
Posted by Chuck on under Resources, Stone-Campbell Restoration |
Here are a few Christian news web sites that I frequent to catch up on happenings in the churches of Christ and a few of my favorite universities.
Christian Chronicle
http://www.christianchronicle.org
Abilene Christian University News
http://www.acu.edu/news/index.html
Harding University News
http://www.harding.edu/news.html
Oklahoma Christian University News
http://blogs.oc.edu/ee/?/featuredevents
Pepperdine University News
http://www.pepperdine.edu/pr/releases
Here is another resource that is not related to the churches of Christ or other RM church, but OneNewsNow is a conservative news clipping resource that I view almost daily.
Posted by Chuck on under Ministry, Resources |
http://www.housetohouse.com/info/index.htm
The minister that taught and baptised me used direct mail before it was ever “popular” among the churches of Christ. House To House makes it simple, easy and affordable to reach people in the community through direct mail.