July 5, 2016

Olive Tree iOS | Android | Web | Desktop (The World Map of Christian Apps: 48 tools every Christian should know about; by Jeffrey Kranz)

Here is another app that the Pastor uses – the only bible reference app I have on my smart phone. Here are some words about it:

“The Bible Study App by Olive Tree is a widely-used tool for Christians who likes to dig around while they’re reading the Bible. Plus, John Piper has said it’s his go-to Bible app.”

From their app page: “Over 4 million people on 6 continents use ‘The Bible Study App’ to read and study God’s Word! This Bible app is more than just an e-reader, ‘The Bible Study App’ links your Bible reading with outstanding commentaries, maps, and dictionaries for an in-depth study experience. You can take notes, highlight verses, bookmark passages, and sync all of these things between different devices. Install now to explore over 100 free downloadable resources that make ‘The Bible Study App’ a must have.”

I mentioned this is the only bible app I have on my phone, and it is an incredible resource for anyone to use. I have at least six different translations of the bible and several bible commentaries including the Lutheran Study Bible. And, like the Bible Gateway site listed yesterday, Olive Tree offers more than just reading scripture. They too offer reading plans, study bibles, and other reference tools. Most of these tools cost some amount of money, but if you plan to use these tools on a regular basis, there is no site that is more convenient.

I do not know if you have selected a simple bible to read scripture, or if you have selected a “Study bible” for your reading and study of scripture. The more information you have at your fingertips, the better informed you will be and the more confident you will be in your conversations about scripture.

Pastor Dave

July 4, 2016

Bible Gateway iOS | Android | Web (The World Map of Christian Apps: 48 tools every Christian should know about; by Jeffrey Kranz)

As you have figured out, for the next round of devotions, I have decided to give advice for “Apps” for your phone and other devices – and these “Apps” are Christian oriented. If you type the name of the “App” into your web browser you should be taken to the web site to download that app. So, the next app for your consideration is Bible Gateway’s app. Here is a little news about their app:

“Google any Bible reference, and there’s a good chance Bible Gateway is your #1 result. But they’re more than an online Bible reader: they have mobile apps and lots of supplementary resources.

From their website: “Bible Gateway is your rich social and personal connection to freely read, research, and reference Scripture on your desktop, laptop, tablet, smart phone . . . anywhere; in more than 70 languages and more than 180 versions! Its simple yet advanced searching capabilities allow you to quickly find and compare particular passages in multiple Bible translations based on the keywords, phrases, topics, or Scripture references you have in mind.”

Every time I “Google” a scripture verse, I usually get results that begin with the Bible Gateway site. I have used this site almost exclusively to search scripture, and to compare different translations. But, their website offers more than scripture. It offers devotionals to follow, bible reading plans, and newsletters to read. It truly is a website that offers so much more than you possibly could imagine. For example, go ahead and “Google” the gospel lesson for July 10, Luke 10:25-37. Probably the first resource that is listed is from the “Bible Gateway” website. Click on that website and then explore. There is an option for seeing a parallel reading from other translations (like the NIV or NKJV). Then on the right hand side of the page you should see options for going to study bibles, commentaries, dictionaries and even sermons, all on this particular text. And although the Bible Gateway site is just one of many sites you could use, I suggest you try this one – and see how it can enhance your bible study.

Pastor Dave