June 4, 2024 – The Christian “App” Devotions

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

When I was in seminary, once we had finished our Greek and Gospels classes, then the instructor informed us of some helpful software tools to use for doing exegetical work on scriptures. The Logos Bible Software was one of those tools. Here is some helpful information:

“Logos Bible Software has been a powerful research library for preachers and seminarians (though they’re becoming more lay-friendly). Their intricate tagging system makes Logos an invaluable tool for hardcore Bible geeks.”

From their website: “With easy‐to‐use tools and a massive theological library, Logos 6 delivers insight. Pinpoint answers in seconds, study the Word in its cultural context, uncover meaning in the original languages, and answer questions with confidence.”

Not everyone is going to have the need for the in-depth type of research information that “Logos Bible Software” offers, but just knowing that these sites exist gives us a sense that there are so many different ways we can approach our study of scripture. Here is a final thought about Logos Software from someone who wrote a commentary on the software:

“I often see Logos at major conferences advertising as software that may appeal to the casual Bible reader. I would urge people to be very cautious before making a significant investment. Logos alone will not change your heart or give you a new desire to read and apply G-d’s Word. It is a useful aid in Bible study, but is very unlikely to be the key that unlocks new spiritual depths. While it is certainly useful for any Christian, the greatest value is for those who have to do the greatest amount of Bible study and who can purchase the greatest number of resources for it. At the very least, give it a good test-drive before making the financial investment.”

There are so many resources out there on the interweb. Find the right one for you and your depth of study and the ease of searching will seriously improve your scripture reading.

Pastor Dave

June 3, 2024 — The Christian “App” Devotions

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 G-d’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 earlier, 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