“The View from Mount Calvary”

As I read through the Scriptures, I am struck by how often the cross was pre-figured in the Old Testament, and how often the results it accomplished are presented in the New Testament. While I have preached on this subject in “bits and pieces” over the years, it was when I discovered The View from Mount Calvary by John Phillips that I realized the fullness and impact of the subject. His subtitle gives us a clue: “24 Portraits of the Cross Throughout Scripture.”

This is a powerful and persuasive way to preach the gospel of Christ, both to believers and seekers. The 24 “portraits” are divided into seven sections: … Continue Reading

“First Steps – Studies for Those New in the Faith”

“Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death…so we too might walk in newness of life” – Romans 6-4

Author: Richard Cravy

This study outline is excellent for both personal study and group study with an emphasis on those new to Christianity. First Steps features 15 lessons in 4 sections. Each lesson is designed to be self-contained and used as a weekly lesson for a class format.

The four sections of First Steps are:

1. First Steps to Understanding the Bible
2. First Steps in Christian Evidences
3. First Steps to Understanding Salvation
4. First Steps in Christian Living

“Living the Questions in John”

I have just finished a sermon series on “The Questions of Jesus.” In the clearance section of my local Mardel’s bookstore, I found the book Living the Questions in John, a discussion guide published by Navpress. Each of the ten chapters focuses on one of the questions Jesus asks, or is asked, in the Gospel of John. While I did not find much of the material within the chapters useful for developing a lesson series, the questions themselves served as great introductions to impactful messages for my Sunday morning audience. Here are my titles, comments about each, and links to the audio of my sermon for that question. … Continue Reading

“Effective Bible Study” Video Preview

Enjoy this free preview of the DVD set entitled Effective Bible Study. This video has been optimized for playback on the Internet. Video quality is much higher on the DVD version of the video. This DVD set is available for sale in our store.

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Developing a Lesson Series

There are times when a single, definitive, and passionate message needs to be delivered from the pulpit for those under my care. However, the majority of the time, a series is in order. This is already true in our Bible classes where a study guide or Bible book provides weekly lessons for a quarter or more. Series provide time and opportunity to explore a book or topic in detail. All that the scriptures say on a given subject can be explored. More detail and background can be presented. The church can be led to see the cohesive nature of revelation and its grace for us. A series also gives me a structure and direction for my preaching. I usually know what I will be speaking about for weeks to come.

My practice is to preach almost entirely in series. While not entirely predictable, my general plan is to alternate studies from the Old Testament, the New Testament, and then a topical study. At least one series each year focuses specifically on Jesus – perhaps a gospel or his miracles or his divinity. A separate series is always being pursued at the Sunday evening services. … Continue Reading

Viewsonic PJ551D Projector

How the video projector market has changed. Just 8 years ago I purchased a new Viewsonic projector (900 lumens / 800 x 600) for $3,100. Five years ago I replaced it with a Panasonic (1600 lumens / 1024 x 768 / smaller and lighter) purchased off eBay for $1,000; it was one year old.

In June I replaced my Panasonic with a new Viewsonic, the PJ551D. It cost $585 with free shipping from Buy.com. It included a coupon for a free extra lamp ($250 value). Here are some of the details: … Continue Reading

Choosing a Video Projector

When I first entered ministry in the late 1960s, “multimedia” consisted of slide projectors, overhead projectors, cassette or LP record players, and reel to reel film projectors. Today the most popular multimedia device for teaching and preaching is the video projector. In my role as technology guy for the Sunset International Bible Institute, I am frequently asked by preachers and missionaries how to get a “good deal” on a projector. Here are the general things I tell them:

• Brightness — measured in lumens, a projector needs to be bright enough to fill the screen in the auditorium or room where it will be used most often. An auditorium seating 350+ people may well need a projector with 2500 to 3000 lumens. Even then, better results are obtained by at least dimming the room lights in the area of the screen. Those traveling with their projectors often face a variety of environments. Err, if possible, on the side of more lumens, not less. … Continue Reading

Internet version of e-Sword now Online

We just wrote last week about new “for pay” resources for the free e-Sword Bible software. Now comes the beginning of live.e-Sword.net, an interactive, online version of e-Sword. Still a site in its beginning stages, it seems that only one Bible version, one commentary, and one dictionary are “live” for now, but it is enough to try out and see what you think. The site also explains how to link Biblical references on your website to their site, allowing readers to click and immediately read what the appropriately linked Bible resource says. As much as we enjoy the regular version, we will be watching with great anticipation as this new online resource continues to develop! In addition, this online version makes it possible for Macintosh and Linux users to access this great resource. Thank you, Rick Meyers.