niv-study-bible-leather-bound

NIV Study Bible - Goatskin Leather Black

By Joe Felim

The NIV Study Bible has established itself, since its first publication in 1985, as the bestselling study Bible, with a wealth of resources for students of the Scriptures.

This edition includes the fully revised 2002 setting, with updated notes expanded to take into account discoveries made since 1985 in archaeology, linguistics, and biblical studies. This edition of the NIV Study Bible is produced to the high quality standards traditionally associated with Cambridge, using the finest European materials and the bestPrinted on French-milled Bible paper with good opacity, it also has more generous inner margins than other editions of the NIV Study Bible to enable the book to open out comfortably. It is Smyth-sewn for enhanced durability and flexibility and is bound in top-quality goatskin leather, another Cambridge specialty. production techniques.

on-line-bible-colleges

Doctrines of OBC

By Joe Felim

There are three points of doctrine that immediately strike the eye when examining the statement of faith at the website of The Online Bible College.

First, it says that justification is through faith (”by simply believing”) PLUS something else: “acting out that faith through receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.” This is not “faith alone.” It is faith PLUS an action on your part. The statement also speaks the language of decision theology.

Second, under “Water Baptism” the website teaches contrary to what Paul writes in Romans 6:4 - “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Paul is speaking of a real event, something that actually happened to us in and through Baptism. The website says that “baptism is SYMBOLIC (emphasis added) of our death, burial, and resurrection with the Lord Jesus Christ….”

Third, the website speaks of the Lord’s Supper as an ordinance we should celebrate, but says nothing about what we receive in the Supper or how this Supper profits us.

An observation: We have never found a nondenominational ministry that does not make similar statements regarding the sacraments and very few that have not included some kind of “decision theology” in their statements on justification.

A recommendation: Go to the WELS website. Click “Faith.” Click “Bible.” Click “Bible Studies.” Click “Bible Study Basics” and/or “Explore the Bible.” Discontinue the course that will not build up and could well weaken your Lutheran convictions.

bible-software-for-linux

Bible Software on Ubuntu Linux

By Joe Felim

As a Christian I am keenly interested in software that can help when studying the Bible. Coming from the Mac OS where there are no good Bible software offerings anything would be a blessing. So, for all you fellow Ubuntu-using Christians here is what I found GnomeSword 2 is the only Gnome-native app of the bunch (I am running Ubuntu 8.04 with the Gnome desktop). It is based on Crosswire’s Sword project.

Overall this is a great Bible study application. While it is very simple, lacking many of the features of the more advanced apps (like Sword Searcher and e-Sword discussed below), there are a few things that Gnome Sword excels at. It integrates into the default Ubuntu desktop very well. Navigating to new books and chapters is very easy. The text of each chapter is displayed in a clean font. But what it really excels at is finding and adding new Bible texts (or any text.) It has a very simple method of connecting to Crosswire’s remote server, allowing you to browse all available translations in any language. When you have checked all the texts you want it downloads and installs them in one fell swoop. Here is a screen shot of the Module Manager.

Like GnomeSword, BibleTime is based on the sword project. It it very similar to GnomeSword with one very obvious exception-it is written for the K desktop environment.

It has one very fun feature that sets it apart. After searching for a word in the Bible you can press the “analyze” button and see a visualization of that word’s occurrence throughout the books of the Bible. Sweet.

bible-christian-colleges

Vintage Bible College

By Joe Felim

VBC is a non-denominational Bible college and theological seminary located in historic Winston-Salem, and centrally situated in the Piedmont Triad area of Forsyth County, North Carolina. We offer both on-campus and distance learning degree studies in Biblical Studies, Theology, Christian Counseling, Pastoral Ministry, and Christian Education.

Vintage Bible College and Seminary is dedicated to providing affordable quality education with excellence. Our on-campus programs of study are proven and celebrated and our exclusive online Bible college Interactive Seminary Study Program provides an excellent self-paced distance education environment which virtually brings the classroom right to your front door !

There has never been a better time and opportunity for you to take advantage of your previous education and experience and to allow it to work for you in the form of an earned Christian college degree. You may be eligible to accelerate your studies and fast track your degree upon completion of our Free Academic Evaluation to assess your current credits, life experience, and determine your level of entry into a program of study.

You can complete the Student Application online, download our catalog, or try a Free Interactive Online Bible Seminary Course today.

southern-california-bible-college

Time Line History of Southern Evangelical Seminary

By Joe Felim

Southern Evangelical Seminary was co-founded in 1992 by Ross Rhoads, former evangelist and then Pastor of Calvary Church in Charlotte, and Norman Geisler, long-time Seminary professor and apologist. Pastor Rhoads’ burden for evangelism and Professor Geisler’s concern to defend the Faith combined in the two-fold vision of the seminary to evangelize the world and to defend the historic Christian Faith. It was officially incorporated in the State of North Carolina on January 6, 1992. A feasibility study prepared by Dr. Geisler was presented to and approved by the Calvary Elders on February 24, 1992. The agreement with the Church included the acceptance of its doctrinal statement and involved a fraternal and supportive relationship between the two organizations. However, both entities agreed to remain legally and economically independent and autonomous. Ross Rhoads was appointed as the first President of the Seminary, and Norman Geisler was the first Dean. By May 4, 1992 SES had obtained permission from the State of North Carolina to offer a Seminary program with degrees, as provided for under North Carolina General Statutes Section (G.S.) 116-15 (d). Preparation began to develop a faculty, catalog, and library. The first classes began in September of 1992. The Seminary grew rapidly, attracting students from all over the United States and several other countries. From the beginning it attracted national attention by its unique program in evangelism and classical apologetics.

The first graduate received his degree in 1995. In late summer of 1997 the Seminary moved to 4298 McKee Road, Charlotte, NC to property graciously provided by McKee Road Baptist Church. On February 27, 1998 Southern Evangelical Seminary was granted Candidate Status by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS), a national accrediting association recognized by the United States government.

In 1999, Norman L. Geisler was appointed President of the Seminary. At this same time “The Norman L. Geisler Chair of Christian Apologetics” was named after him. In March 1999 Southern Evangelical Seminary was accepted as a member organization of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) certifying that it has met all standards of financial integrity and Christian ethics. On March 2, 2001 Southern Evangelical Seminary was granted accreditation by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) and started the Doctor of Ministry Program.n the late summer of 2003 Southern Evangelical Seminary completed the building of its own 23,000 square foot facility on a ten and one-half acre lot located at 3000 Tilley Morris Road, Matthews, NC. In the Fall of 2004 Southern Evangelical Bible College was established to offer students the opportunity to complete an undergraduate degree.

On April 7th, 2006 it was announced that popular evangelist-apologist Alex McFarland, a long time friend of the seminary, would become its third president. A graduate of Liberty University, Alex McFarland earned a B.S. and M.A. in Christian Thought / Apologetics, and was awarded an honorary D.Div. from SES in May 2006. Alex had been in full-time Christian ministry since 1989, and has been traveling as an apologetics-based evangelist since 1996 (speaking in all 50 states and at well over 400 venues in only ten years). Alex’s blend of apologetics and evangelism was found to be a perfect fit for SES which includes both of these in its two-fold mission statement: To evangelize the world and defend the historic Christian faith. In Spring of 2007 the Veritas Graduate School of Apologetics at SES was approved to offer the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree. The Phase two building construction was completed, including a recording studio, radio station, and student center. Three new graduate degrees were approved. Co-founder and long time Dean, Dr. Norman L. Geisler, announced his retirement which was accepted by the SES Board on August 27th.

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free-online-bible-courses

Free Online Bible Courses

By Joe Felim

Looking for practical ways to apply the Bible to your everyday life? These free online Bible courses can help you reign victorious over the every-day battles that you face as a 21st century Christian.

God knew that living your life for Him was not going to be easy. In His infinite wisdom, He revealed the answers to questions you are facing right now thousands of years ago in His Word.

How do you deal with emotions like anger and fear? How can you balance work and family obligations? How will you ever get out of debt and gain control over your finances?

These free online Bible courses will not just help you to find those answers, but to live them out in your daily life.

God wants to be involved in every aspect of your life. Isn’t it time you invited Him in?

the-holy-bible-on-cd

Not Perfect But Excellent !

By Joe Felim

I am totally enthralled with this CD set of the Holy Bible. I like the reader of the Old Testament better than the New Testament, but I like the idea that there are two different voices. I have found a couple of glitches, like where the end of a chapter gets cut off abruptly and then the next chapter begins. This however was not enough in my opinion to give less than the best grade.

It totally amazes me how much I understand just listening to the CDs. I thought I was going to listen while I read and this would keep me “on track,” so to speak, but I find I enjoy just listening, and this way I rest my eyes, and also get great comprehension. I personally don’t find I get much comprehension while driving, but others have commented to the opposite, and I can’t disprove what they say, it’s just this isn’t an application that works for me.

If any producers of Bibles on CD are reading, I would like to give my “suggestions” for improvement. I would like no CD to start or end in the middle of a chapter. My utmost preference would be for each Bible book to be on its own CD, I realize that some of smaller books would have to be combined onto a single CD, and I also realize my “suggestion” would mean the CDs weren’t all of equal time length, that’s just the way I would like it! I also think I would enjoy a variety of voices in the complete set, perhaps a female voice, even a youth’s or child’s voice (but of course with clear pronunciation and soothing tonal quality.

All in all, I think this is a great CD set. I would recommend it highly as a gift for anyone who loves the Bible. The carrying case is also great, I didn’t expect that and it’s beautiful and useful and and “serendipity.”

life-application-nlt-study-bible

Pretty in Pink - Fruitful in Hearts

By Joe Felim

We bought this as an Easter gift for our 7 year old daughter and she loves reading it, as well as it’s beautiful pink cover that is wonderfully made and textured. I really enjoy this Bible as well!

The teaching throughout is extremely helpful in helping us connect to each other and to God. The stories and teaching help her APPLY God’s Word to her life, and gives us an opportunity to talk about how she’s feeling and what she’s personally going through-then, allowing her to see it through God’s eyes; helping her to make decisions pleasing to God in the “smaller things” in life-preparing her for a life-time of applying His Word to her life and making godly decisions about all things, great and small !

For memory verses I sometimes prefer other versions, but for praying, Bible reading and teaching, I really LOVE the New Living Translation-it really makes God’s Word easily understandable using todays language, especially for kids.

I almost always use this translation for Praying God’s Word-I used it in my “Alphabet Prayers” book and have received a great response from Moms, Grandmas and girls using them! For older Christians using this translation, it gives a deeper meaning, or newer explaination (I love digging deeper into a verse by comparing Bible versions) and for new Christians it’s translated to this new generation with current language.

There are some things a bit more applicable for older girls, we’ll just save those for later. Over-all this is a very wonderful Bible for girls of all ages-with timeless principles, relevant stories, and adaptable to many ages. I am very glad that we got her this Bible-and believe that she’ll use and keep this one for years to come! It is ALREADY BEARING FRUIT IN HER HEART & MINE !

student-life-application-bible

Student’s Life Application Study Bible

By Joe Felim

Totally updated and expanded, the Student’s Life Application Study Bible is a one-of-a-kind Bible designed for teens who desire to deepen their relationship with God. Engaging notes, questions, and graphics challenge readers with the Bible’s relevant message. Today’s teens will quickly discover God’s perspective and learn how to apply vital truths to the situations they face daily. Now in a convenient size for carrying to church and school.

Ever feel like God and life just don’t make sense together? Like the situations you face are beyond anything your parents-or even God-can understand? The Bible can help-it has a lot to say to teens. Advice that can really make a difference. And truths that relate to even the toughest situations you might encounter.

The Student’s Life Application Study Bible helps bring God’s Word to life. It helps teens progress from a simple understanding of the Bible to making a real life-change through applying God’s word to everyday situations.

large-print-bible-nrsv-catholic

Great Bible Except One Thing

By Joe Felim

The type-font of the text is wonderful and allows a small amount of space for notes and thoughts as you read. This is a version that you can underline and not worry about marking the proceeding line. The cover feels smooth and not cheap. The readability is wonderful and while the text is big, you don’t get the sense that you need the extra large text because your eyes have gone bad; in fact, it’s the right size.

The pages are thin but not so thin that the text bleeds through from the other side. This is a plus considering that the Standard NRSV version makes it almost unreadable because of the defect.

The only thing that I found lacking was its width. It is a wide Bible and could have been shorten by an inch. While it’s advertised as your anywhere-you-go Bible, it is a bit big and not friendly for opening up in the train or bus. The weight is not heavy and you could carry this Bible with you in a larger bag - as it’s durability is sturdy.

Overall, great devotional Bible and should get a lot of use throughout the years.