E-Sword Updates Worth Noting
Our favorite Bible study software continues to be upgraded. The current version of e-Sword is at 7.9.8. This update adds a few new features and includes better support for Windows Vista. One problem I had after upgrading from my 7.7.7 version was my NASB Bible module had to be downloaded and installed again. More exciting for me were some new modules which are now available for purchase:
- NIV Family Bundle — the NIV, TNIV, and NIrV Bibles are available for $29.99 through eStudySource
- Nelson’s New Bible Manners and Customs is available for $9.99 through eStudySource
- A Word for the Day by J. D. Watson is $10 from AMG Publishers
- See many more resources available on the eStudySource website
As I normally teach from the NIV, the first download was more than welcome. A Word for the Day provides a daily word study from the Greek, and provides good insights useful for teaching and illustration.
While e-Sword itself is and always has been free, the above resources and a number of others cost money because their copyright holders need compensation for that which they own — in this case books and Bible translations. If these resources would be of use in your Bible study, and you are already using e-Sword, I really recommend them.
Free Clipart from Microsoft
No, this is not one of those “Bill Gates (Microsoft founder and one of the world’s richest
men) is giving away $1,000 to everyone who forwards this e-mail” kind of thing. Instead, I want to let you know about a valuable, free resource available from Microsoft for users of their Microsoft Office line of products — Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Publisher, etc.How often have you needed a photo, drawing, or other illustration to complete a presentation, article, or paper? 
Automatically installed with each MS Office product is a free program called Clip Organizer. You should be able to find it in your program list by going to START – MICROSOFT OFFICE – MICROSOFT OFFICE TOOLS. Not only does it already have 100s of bits of “clip art” already installed, but it is the doorway for a seemingly unlimited additional amount for free from Microsoft’s website.
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Classic Bible Art Sources
I can still remember as a child looking through our big family Bible at the color pictures. They were reproductions of famous paintings. I could “read” the pictures before I could read the words! I still have an affinity for those classic scenes, even when I know they may not closely represent the original event.
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Internet: “www.ApologeticsPress.org”
Another very useful website resource for Christian evidences is Apologetics Press. Producers of books, magazines, newsletters and multimedia resources, there is much very good material on their website for use in personal study, evangelism and teaching. As impressive as their “for sale” materials are, even more commendable is the large number of articles, audio files, and even books that can be downloaded free of charge from their site. In addition, more and more materials are being made available in Spanish as well as English.
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“www.DoesGodExist.org”
Faith is founded on evidence, in contrast to superstition or wishful thinking. A long-time resource for me in Christian evidences has been materials produced by John N. Clayton. Recently I learned that the “Does God Exist?” website has been expanded to include both viewable and downloadable video lessons by Clayton.
What I appreciate most about the “Does God Exist” material and John Clayton is their overall balanced and reasonable approach to the subjects of science, faith, God, atheism, creationism, and evolution. While many may disagree with Mr. Clayton on some of his viewpoints,
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John W. Smith DVDs Now Available
John W. Smith is a celebrated author and storyteller. His popular books communicating simple spirituality, love, and biblical truths include My Mother Played the Piano, My Mother’s Favorite Song, Hugs for Moms, and Oak Trees and Angels, among others.
But my interest in John does not rest in his popular books. Instead, he and I have several things in common we both cherish a great deal. First, he is my friend and brother in Christ, having first ministered together in sister congregations some 15 years ago. Second, we have both spent our entire ministries committed to a concept which might be called “New Testament Restoration;” this is the conviction that God’s people and church today should fundamentally be modeled after the teachings and practices of the Christian church of the first century. Third, we both love to tell and hear good stories that promote godly values and build people up. And finally, we are passionate about teaching God’s Word – both as to what it says, and what it does not say!
During the last couple of years John has spoken on the concept of “What Is a Restoration Church?” at several workshops and programs hosted among the churches of Christ. He has also written a series of books on various aspects of the Restoration plea which touches on worship and music in the church, marriage and divorce, the role of women, and more. Those books are available directly from him on his website: www.JohnWSmith.com.
Now, three of his teaching series have been videotaped and are available on DVD. We have elected to carry all three in our store. They are
- A Restoration Church and Its Music (DVD)
- A Restoration Church and Marriage, Divorce, & Remarriage (DVD)
- A Restoration Church and the Role of Women (DVD)
I do not promise that you will agree with all John says; I may not agree with all his conclusions, either. I hope you will agree with the underlying principles he emphasizes. I believe we need to listen to what others have to say which can stretch our thinking and test the principles upon which we stand, especially if what they are saying is done with love and respect for God’s Word.
– Richard Cravy
Extra Resources on the Feasts of Israel
Back in November we announced the release of our 7 lesson series on Seeing Jesus in the Feasts of Israel. There were many resources I used while studying and presenting this series. Below are listed just a few of them:
Feasts and Holidays of the Bible foldout chart produced by Rose Publishing. Also worthwhile to make copies available to serious students in your audience. A set of 80+ Powerpoint slides is also available: Feasts & Holidays of the Bible PowerPoint CD-ROM.
“Jeremiah” DVD Set
Instructor: Richard Cravy
This package includes 18 hours of classroom study over 14 lessons on 7 DVDs. Also included with this product is an additional CD containing the resources and presentations utilized in this study. These resources include three PowerPoint presentations and five printable handouts in PDF format.
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