Category Archives: Web sites

4 Ways to Use the Internet for Better Bible Study

Bible General, Web sites

Almost 80% of US residents have access to the internet in some form. To say that the internet is everywhere is a truism. While there is much negative about the internet (from pedophiles and porn sites to time sinks like Facebook) there is also much that is positive. The internet is like a large city where you can find drug dealers, bars and strip clubs, but also fine museums and excellent hospitals. There is plenty of good on the ‘net. In fact, the internet will help you become a better Bible student. Here are some suggestions.

1. Local Church Connections to the Internet for Better Bible Study

Almost every congregation has a website. Some are better than others. But a well-designed website does more than offer directions to the building. It allows visitors to know what to expect when they visit and allows them to check out the church from the safety of their own home.

Better church websites also provide a constant source of current information. Meetings times, youth activities and upcoming events are posted and well maintained. You are never more than a click or two away from the current schedules.

2. Internet Sites Offer Teaching and Training for Better Bible Study

In the past, Bible students would wait for paper editions of various publications to arrive and then begin a frenzy of reading and studying. Today, those same publications are online and easy to access. The best part is that you can search across millions of websites to find information on very specific topics. For example, one search engine offers over 6 million different pages for the search phrase “crucifixion of Jesus.”

Obviously, some sites are better than others and studious discretion is required. I find Wayne Jackson’s christiancourier.com to be an excellent site with a large number of posts on almost any topic you can think of. Another is apologeticspress.org. This site offers a wide range of articles on topics related to the existence of God, evolution and the nexus of science and faith. This site,  bryantevans.com is now in its 7th year with hundreds of articles.  One other site is brotherhoodnews.com. Randy Matheny and his writers bring articles of interest from across the globe. Stories of church activities and news of congregational events are presented. It’s a great encouragement to see what the churches of Christ are doing across the globe.

3 Internet Sites Offer Biblical Background for Better Bible Study

Have you ever wondered about the size of Jericho’s wall? Maybe you are curious about Queen of Sheba who visited Solomon. The internet offers plenty of historical and archaeological research for your consideration.

Some of this information is written by Christians although much is written by Jews, Muslims and even atheists. Look for scholarly research written by people with the knowledge and experience that makes them trustworthy.

Internet Sites Offer Bible Translations for Better Bible Study

Physical Bibles can be expensive. But almost every translation is available on the internet. Comparing different translations can be helpful. Two sites come to mind that are available from any computer. Visit biblegateway.com or for even better tools, go to unbound.biola.edu where you can even create a personal notebook to record your studies and thoughts.

With all of these sites, even mine, remember to use wisdom and discretion. Only the Bible is inspired. While most try to present the truth, at least in their way of thinking, some do have an axe to grind. Be careful and never entrust your soul to mankind. The Bible alone must be the core of your studies.

 

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter  @jbevans.

 

Rethinking Trouble

Culture, Government, Islam, News, Web sites, ,

I’d like to point you to an article I saw this morning from Forthright Press. It concerns the trouble in the Middle East and, I think, puts an interesting perspective on the religious clashes now taking place. Author Michael Brooks is a Christian who writes from Bangladesh which is not particularly friendly to religious diversity. I think Michael makes some fine points that have been lost in in all the news coverage.

See Call for peace in the Middle East.

The Dangerous Prom

Culture, Daily living, Family Issues, Sin, Web sites, Youth, , , ,

Spring brings the prom. It’s the social event of the year for many young people. But hidden beneath all the fancy dresses and well groomed, tuxedo-clad men lies a dangerous truth. The prom is no place for a Christian. It’s an optional event that is fraught with danger. So much so that the term “prom babies” was coined by the students themselves who know that prom night is a time of relaxed morals.

A dear friend and former classmate of mine from Freed-Hardeman, Cindy Colley has written extensivly about the prom. Please read her latest post,Don’t Tag Me.” Cindy’s words ought to resonate with parents who attended the prom. Do we really think the prom is better than it was in our days? Read this with an open mind and seek the wisdom of God, not the ever-shifting thoughts of men.

By the way, Glenn Colley, Cindy’s husband, preaches at the West Huntsville Church of Christ in Huntsville, Alabama. He and I were also classmates and worked together at WFHC  radio many years ago.

Important Religious Research

Culture, Legislation, Web sites,

Sometimes, the practice of faith receives a boost from the sciences. Over the weekend an analysis was posted by the Heritage Foundation which brings together many studies on the benefits of religion. One of the conclusions hints at the breadth of this report.

The available evidence clearly demonstrates that regular religious practice is both an individual and social good. It is a powerful answer to many of our most significant social problems, some of which, including out-of-wedlock births, have reached catastrophic proportions. Furthermore, it is available to all, and at no cost.

The report cites studies which demonstrates the following benefits gained from the religious life.

For example, there is ample evidence that:

  • The strength of the family unit is intertwined with the practice of religion. Churchgoers are more likely to be married, less likely to be divorced or single, and more likely to manifest high levels of satisfaction in marriage.
  • Church attendance is the most important predictor of marital stability and happiness.
  • The regular practice of religion helps poor persons move out of poverty. Regular church attendance, for example, is particularly instrumental in helping young people to escape the poverty of inner-city life.
  • Religious belief and practice contribute substantially to the formation of personal moral criteria and sound moral judgment.
  • Regular religious practice generally inoculates individuals against a host of social problems, including suicide, drug abuse, out-of-wedlock births, crime, and divorce.
  • The regular practice of religion also encourages such beneficial effects on mental health as less depression (a modern epidemic), more self-esteem, and greater family and marital happiness.
  • In repairing damage caused by alcoholism, drug addiction, and marital breakdown, religious belief and practice are a major source of strength and recovery.
  • Regular practice of religion is good for personal physical health: It increases longevity, improves one’s chances of recovery from illness, and lessens the incidence of many killer diseases.
The report is detailed and lengthy but is required reading for Christians. You will be encouraged. There are specific suggestions for religious leaders as well as specific steps which should be undertaken by Congress and the President. Care is taken not to establish a single religion. The article is not about Christianity only but about religion generally.
Given the effort to exclude faith from the public square this article is timely and very needed.

Toleration Run Amok

Web sites, ,

We are still being assaulted by the tolerance police. You know them. They are the ones that think we should be squishy tolerant and accepting of anything and everything. Of course the TP are not tolerant of our beliefs, thoughts and ways.

My Good friend Scott McCown reflects on A New Tolerance Policy at the Morning Drive. Please read it. Scott writes a fine blog.

I wrote an article too a couple of months ago. I called it Has Tolerance Gone too Far? I hope you will read it also and leave a comment.

Worship: Spectator or Participant?

Web sites, Worship,

Should our presence in worship be that of a spectator or a participant? It’s a good question and one that is discussed at the Sharefaith blog. I am uncertain as to the religious background of the author but he makes some fine points. He is right on target in suggesting problems with worship in both the liberal and the more conservative faiths.

I commend this article for your consideration and prayerful meditation.

The Church and Poverty

Culture, Web sites, ,

Jesus confronted poverty and instructed his people to care for the poor (Matthew 19:21). The present economy highlights the need to help the less fortunate. More and more people are needing help and the church is positioned to help many meet physical needs while teaching them of deep and abiding spiritual needs. I guess there are plenty of reasons excuses for not helping but we cannot forget the instructions of our Lord and the example of the apostles (Acts 2:42-47; Acts 4:34-35; Acts 6:1-7; James 1:27) who taught us to care for others.

I recently came across an article written by a person in need. I have to say that it was a real eye opener to me. Take a moment and see the impoverished world from the eyes of a person struggling.