The Gospel on Arabic TV: Live Streaming

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Looking for a Gift Book of Substance? "100 Names of God"

Most of us have found comfort in hymns that remind us, once again, of God’s attributes, of His names, of His unchanging character.  We sing of Him as “A Mighty Fortress,” or as our Rock; we rejoice that He is unchanging, and we never cease to be amazed at His grace.  Rose Publishing’s recent publication “100 Names of God,” by Christopher D. Hudson, is a volume of 207 pages, totally devoted to exploring its topic. The book is quite beautiful.  Each section begins with a title, followed by a verse illustrating the meaning of the name under consideration.  There is then a discussion, followed by a searching question and the section ends with a prayer, plus suggestions for further Bible reading.  As well, the readings have been organized into weeklong themes. .  For those who are linguistically studious, there is an Index to Names and Strong’s numbers.   The book would be suitable for a daily study by an individual or family, or for other small group devotional times.  I received an advance copy in return for a frank review.

Listen to the Gospel in Russian!

Here is a link to FEBC's Russian broadcast from, I believe, Moscow!  Listen, now!

Far East Broadcasting Company, Moscow

Some Bible Story Images -- Free! -- for Sunday School

The site whose logo is here is very useful in providing picture slides which can be used electronically or by printout.  Major Bible stories are included in the collection and there is a capacity to develop a storyboard of one's own, including or leaving out specific slides.  The link to this website is below:

Free Bible Images

Un Testimonio de Fe de Parte de Un Sacerdote de la Iglesia Católica Romana

Dios puede salvar a cualquiera, en cualquier momento y en cualquier lugar.

Sacerdote, pero desconocido para Dios

Joseph Tremblay

Donde quiera que se encuentra la persona, cualquiera sea su profesión, cualquiera
sea su raza, Dios todavía puede salvar en nuestros días a quien se arrepiente de sus
pecados y confía en Jesucristo para su salvación. Mi propia experiencia es un
testimonio de ello.
Todo comenzó en 1964 en Chile, cuando era misionero de la congregación de los
Padres Oblatos de María Inmaculada y terminó en Canadá en 1966. ¿Qué ocurrió
entre esas dos fechas? La salvación de mi alma. Había querido entregarme al Señor.
En realidad pensaba que ya lo había hecho por ser miembro de la religión en la que
había nacido. Pero un día Dios me abrió los ojos, permitiéndome comprender mi
pecado y su camino de salvación. Esto es lo que ocurrió.
Nací en Quebec, Canadá, en 1924. Desde la niñez mis padres me inculcaron un
gran respeto a Dios. Yo deseaba intensamente servirle lo mejor que pudiera y
consagrarme totalmente a él para poder agradarle, según las palabras del apóstol
Pablo: “Así que, hermanos, os ruego por las misericordias de Dios, que presentéis
vuestros cuerpos en sacrificio vivo, santo, agradable a Dios, que es vuestro culto
racional” (Romanos 12:1). Fue este deseo de agradarle lo que me motivó a decidir
tomar las Ordenes Sagradas de la Iglesia Católica Romana.
Misionero en Bolivia
Luego de varios años de estudio fui ordenado sacerdote en Roma, Italia. Un año
después me enviaron como misionero a Bolivia y Chile, donde serví durante más de
trece años. Me gustaba esa vida mucho, y trataba de cumplir lo mejor posible mis
responsabilidades. Disfrutaba la amistad de todos mis colegas, e incluso si me
miraban con cierta ironía por mi pronunciado gusto por el estudio de la Biblia, sus
invitaciones a compartir con ellos los resultados de mis estudios evidenciaba su
aprobación. Cuando me llamaban “Joe la Biblia”, yo sabía que a pesar de la expresión
sarcástica, en realidad me envidiaban. Mis fieles también apreciaban el ministerio de
la Palabra de Dios, tanto que organizaron un club para hacer estudios bíblicos en los
hogares. Me sentía impulsado a entregarme al ferviente estudio de la Biblia, tanto
para prepararme para las improvisadas reuniones caseras como para preparar mis
sermones del domingo.
Estudios bíblicos serios
El estudio de la Biblia, que hasta ese momento había sido solamente un
pasatiempo, pronto se convirtió en una obligación profesional. Tomé conciencia de
la claridad con que se enseñaban allí algunas verdades, y por otra parte, descubrí que
no había nada en absoluto escrito sobre muchos dogmas que yo había estudiado.
Mis estudios bíblicos me revelaron que yo no conocía la Biblia. Cuando llegó mi
período de vacaciones, les sugerí a mis superiores que quería hacer estudios más
profundos de la Biblia. Mientras tanto, los jesuitas de Antofagasta me invitaron a
enseñar Biblia en la Escuela Normal de la Universidad que ellos dirigían. No sé cómo
supieron de mi interés en la Biblia. A pesar de mi falta de preparación, acepté la
invitación, sabiendo que esta nueva responsabilidad requeriría estudios todavía más
serios de la Palabra de Dios.
El Evangelio por la radio
Consagré horas, días y noches a la preparación de mis clases, mis reuniones y mis
sermones. Para mantener el ánimo durante mis lecturas y estudios, tenía la
costumbre de escuchar música. Me habían regalado una pequeña radio a transistores
en la que podía escuchar hermosa música de fondo sin tener que estar cambiando los
discos. Fue así que un día me di cuenta de que lo que me estaba llegando por medio
de la pequeña radio eran himnos y música religiosa. Escuchaba la palabra “Jesús” de
tanto en tanto mientras leía la Biblia o los comentarios bíblicos. La atmósfera era
muy propicia. Pero los himnos no siguieron mucho tiempo. Les siguió un breve
lectura bíblica. El último versículo de la lectura me llamó la atención: “Al que no
conoció pecado, por nosotros lo hizo pecado, para que nosotros fuésemos hechos
justicia de Dios en él” (2 Corintios 5:21). El sermón que siguió se basaba en este
versículo. Al comienzo me sentí tentado a cambiar el dial, porque me distraería
mucho escuchar hablar mientras trataba de estudiar. Además, pensé interiormente:
¿qué más me puede enseñar este ministro, después de todo? A mí, con todas mis
acreditaciones. Yo podría enseñarle a él. Después de dudar un momento, decidí
escuchar lo que tenía para decir y, verdaderamente, aprendí algunas de las cosas
más maravillosas en relación con la persona de Jesucristo. Incluso me llenó de
vergüenza saber, sin lugar a dudas, que yo no hubiera podido hacerlo tan bien como
la persona que había hablado. Me había parecido que era Jesús mismo quien me
estaba hablando, que El estaba allí mismo frente a mí. Y qué poco lo conocía, a este
Jesús, quien sin embargo era el objeto de mis pensamientos y de mis estudios. Sentí
que estaba lejos de mí. Era la primera vez que se me había presentado un
sentimiento así en relación a Jesucristo. Parecía muy extraño. Parecía como si todo
mi ser no tuviera otra cosa que vacío, alrededor del cual había levantado una
estructura de principios y dogmas teológicos, hermosa, bien construida, bien
ilustrada, pero que no había tocado mi alma, que no había cambiado mi ser. Sentí un
gran vacío dentro mío. Y a pesar del hecho de que continué estudiando y
atracándome de lectura, oración y meditación, este vacío crecía con cada día que
pasaba.
Conocí la salvación por gracia
Seguí escuchando esa estación radial, en cada programa que podía. Me enteré de
que la estación estaba en Quito. Era la HCJB. También supe que era una estación
radial dedicada exclusivamente a la predicación del Evangelio a todo el mundo. A
veces me sentía muy conmovido por todo lo que escuchaba y en esas ocasiones
escribía directamente a la estación para agradecerles y pedirles información.
Lo que más me impresionó de todo lo que escuché fue la insistencia con que se
hablaba de la salvación por gracia, de que todo el mérito de la salvación del hombre
debía darse, no al que se salvaba sino al Señor Jesucristo, el único Salvador; que el
hombre no tenía de qué jactarse, que sus obras no eran otra cosa que trapos sucios,
que la vida eterna se podía recibir en el alma solamente como un don gratuito, que
no era una recompensa a cambio de méritos logrados sino un regalo inmerecido de
Dios a cualquiera que se arrepintiera de sus pecados y recibiera a Jesús en su corazón
y en su vida como Salvador personal. Todo eso era nuevo para mí. Era contrario a la
teología que se me había enseñado: que el cielo y la vida eterna se obtienen por los
méritos propios, la rectitud, la caridad y los sacrificios. Y eso era por lo que yo había
estado esforzándome tantos años. Pero, ¿cuál era el resultado de mis esfuerzos?
Al pensar en el asunto, me dije: No he ganado nada. Si cometo un pecado mortal,
iré al infierno si muero en ese estado. Mi teología me había enseñado que la
salvación es por obras y sacrificios. En la Biblia descubro una salvación gratuita. Mi
teología no me da ninguna seguridad de la salvación; la Biblia me la ofrece. Me
siento confundido. Tal vez debería dejar de escuchar esos programas evangélicos.
Mi batalla interior estaba tomando proporciones alarmantes. La sufría en el
cuerpo y en el alma, con dolores de cabeza, insomnio, temor al infierno. No tenía
ningún deseo de celebrar la misa ni escuchar confesiones. Mi alma tenía más
necesidad de perdón y consuelo que todas las demás personas con las que estaba en
contacto. Evitaba a todo el mundo.
Pero Dios siguió hablándome en la soledad de mi alma angustiada. Afloraban a
mi mente muchas preguntas. La Palabra de Dios vino en mi rescate, untando un
bálsamo refrescante sobre mis emociones afiebradas. “Porque de tal manera amó
Dios al mundo, que ha dado a su Hijo unigénito, para que todo aquel que en él cree, no
se pierda, más tenga vida eterna” (Juan 3:16). “Por cuanto todos pecaron, y están
destituidos de la gloria de Dios, siendo justificados gratuitamente por su gracia,
mediante la redención que es en Cristo Jesús” (Romanos 3:23‐24). “Porque la paga del
pecado es muerte, más la dádiva de Dios es vida eterna en Cristo Jesús Señor nuestro”
(Romanos 6:23). Muchos otros versículos vinieron a mi mente, versículos que conocía
porque los había oído con frecuencia por la radio de la estación HCJB.
Mi iglesia Madre
Comencé a pensar que debía hablar con mi superior. Un hombre muy sabio y
verdadero padre para todos, ya había notado mi actitud. Comentó que yo había
cambiado, que algo andaba mal. Le expliqué por qué había cambiado. Me dejó
hablar. Al terminar mi confesión le dije: “No solamente me gustaría leer y estudiar la
Biblia, sino también tratar de adaptar mi vida a lo que ella dice, vivir de acuerdo a lo
que está escrito en ella sin imposiciones de hombres”. Su respuesta fue muy vaga.
No quería ofenderme. Me aconsejó seguir leyendo la Biblia, pero me recordó que
debía mantener mi fidelidad a las enseñanzas de nuestra “madre, la santa iglesia”, a
quien debemos someternos incluso en lo que no entendemos. Escuché a mi superior
con todo el respeto que le debía. El mismo no estaba seguro de su salvación. Pero en
mi corazón yo había perdido la confianza en mi iglesia porque no enseñaba sobre la
seguridad de la salvación. Ya se había producido una fisura en mi corazón, que
crecería y rompería todo, y más rápido de lo que yo mismo esperaba.
La luz brilló en mi corazón en el momento que menos lo esperaba. Me tocaba
predicar en mi parroquia. Para ese domingo había elegido como tema la “Hipocresía
religiosa”, basándome en el pasaje de la Biblia que dice: “No todo el que me dice:
Señor, Señor, entrará en el reino de los cielos, sino el que hace la voluntad de mi Padre
que está en los cielos. Muchos me dirán en aquel día: Señor, Señor, ¿no profetizamos en
tu nombre, y en tu nombre echamos fuera demonios, y en tu nombre hicimos muchos
milagros? Y entonces les declararé: No os conocí, apartaos de mí, hacedores de maldad”
(Mateo 7:21‐23).
El Espíritu Santo obra
Yo conocía a mis fieles. Quería llevar su atención a la vanagloria que
manifestaban ciertas personas en relación a sus buenas obras, olvidando que sus
buenas obras con frecuencia ocultaban un corazón corrupto. Mientras daba mi
mensaje, estaba consciente de que la Palabra de Dios se volvía hacia mí, como una
pelota de ping‐pong que rebota y golpea al jugador en la cara. Es curioso ver cómo el
espíritu humano, en pocos segundos, puede construir un marco de pensamiento
completo, que quizá llevaría horas poner en palabras. Fue así que, mientras yo daba
mi mensaje, algún otro estaba hablando a mi corazón y predicando un sermón
precisamente adaptado a mi necesidad personal. Yo pensaba que, por ser religioso y
sacerdote, era mejor que todos los que me estaban escuchando. Y sin embargo, esas
palabras también golpearían mis oídos algún día: “Nunca os conocí, apartaos de mí”.
Escuché mis propios argumentos frente a esa amenaza y condena: ¿Cómo es
posible, mi Dios, que no me conozcas? ¿Acaso no soy tu sacerdote? ¿No soy un
religioso? Mira todos los sacrificios que he hecho por ti: los años de estudio, la
separación de mi familia y mi país, mis votos de pobreza, obediencia y castidad,
consagrándote todas mis riquezas, mi voluntad, incluso mi cuerpo, para servirte
mejor? ¿Y me dices que no me conoces? Piensa en todos los sufrimientos que he
padecido durante mi vida misionera: no siempre he comido lo suficiente, he llorado
con los que lloraban, he bautizado cientos de niños, he escuchado toda clase de
confesiones, he consolado tantas almas desesperadas y angustiadas, he pasado frío,
soledad, desprecio, ingratitud, amenazas, incluso estoy dispuesto a dar mi vida por
ti.
A pesar de todos los argumentos que presentaba a Dios, la misma condenación
seguía resonando en mis oídos: “Nunca os conocí . . . “ Había llegado al final de mis
argumentos, al final de mis fuerzas. Sentí que me vendría abajo y comenzaría a llorar
allí mismo frente a los fieles, que también percibían la tormenta que se avecinaba.
Me era imposible soportar la desilusión que sentí al ser confrontado con esa terrible
frustración de los propósitos de toda mi vida, frente a mis pecados y a la
condenación de Dios. Me refugié en mi oficina.
Allí, de rodillas, esperé hasta que volviera la calma. ¿A dónde iría ahora? Tal vez
mi teología me salvaría, si volviera a ella y siguiera fielmente sus dogmas y
preceptos. Pero esa teología a la que estaba pensando adherirme otra vez ya había
comenzado a experimentar el desorden, el cambio, la destrucción. Mis pensamientos
se volvieron hacia mis amigos. Pero ellos estaban en la misma situación que yo: la
incertidumbre. ¿Confiar en mí mismo? Ya no podía contar con mis buenas obras.
Mirándome, me sentía una ruina total. No podía hacer nada, estaba en un estado de
completo agotamiento, deprimido y desilusionado. Este fue el momento en que Dios
me dio Su gracia. “La necesidad del hombre es la oportunidad de Dios”.
Después de la convicción de pecado –la respuesta
Durante todas mis reflexiones, Dios estaba preparando su Palabra de salvación:
“Porque por gracia sois salvos por medio de la fe; y esto no de vosotros, pues es don de
Dios; no por obras, para que nadie se gloríe” (Efesios 2:8‐9). Fue aquí donde entendí mi
error y el motivo del rechazo de Dios. Había estado tratando de salvarme por mis
obras; Dios quería salvarme por gracia. Alguien ya se había ocupado de mis pecados
y del juicio que merecían. Ese alguien era Cristo Jesús. Fue por eso que murió en la
cruz. Fue por los pecados de otro que murió, porque él mismo nunca pecó. ¿Por los
pecados de quién entonces murió? ¿Sería por los míos? Sí, por los míos. Recordé las
palabras de Jesús: “Venid a mí todos los que estáis trabajados y cargados, y yo os haré
descansar” (Mateo 11:28). Entendí que debía ir a Jesús si quería tener la seguridad de
la salvación y paz en el alma. Tuve la intención de preguntarle: “Pero, ¿dónde estás
Jesús, para que pueda asirme de Ti?” Pero antes de que este grito de impaciencia
brotara de mi corazón recordé otras palabras que había oído: “He aquí, yo estoy a la
puerta y llamo; si alguno oye mi voz y abre la puerta, entraré a él y cenaré con él, y él
conmigo” (Apocalipsis 3:20).
Ahora sabía dónde estaba Jesús. Estaba más cerca de lo que creía. Me apresuré a
invitarlo a entrar a mi corazón, sin esperar a pedir permiso a ningún hombre: “Entra,
Señor Jesús; entra en mi corazón. Sé su guía, su líder, oh querido Salvador”. En ese
momento supe que estaba librado del castigo que me había amenazado durante
tanto tiempo. Estaba salvado, perdonado. Tenía vida eterna. Dios había iniciado su
obra en mí. Ahora comprendía las palabras que había oído con frecuencia, y se
hicieron reales para mí: “Al que no conoció pecado, por nosotros lo hizo pecado, para
que nosotros fuésemos hechos justicia de Dios en él” (2 Corintios 5:21). “Más él herido
fue por nuestra rebeliones; el castigo de nuestra paz fue sobre él, y por su llaga
fuimos nosotros curados” (Isaías 53:5).
Mi lucha por seguir
¿Qué ocurrió después de eso? Al comienzo seguí con mi servicio sacerdotal lo
mejor que pude. Pero poco a poco comencé a sentirme como un extraño en esa
posición. Comprendí que la gracia que me había salvado, que me había convertido en
hijo de Dios, entraría en conflicto con las “obras” de la posición en que estaba
tratando de vivir. Estaba contento de tener la seguridad de mi salvación. Pero me
sentía atado en una posición en la que se me esforzaba a hacer buenas obras para
merecer la salvación. Tenía la salvación, así que comencé a dejar de lado una a una
todas esas obras. El orden y la presentación de mis predicaciones cambiaron. Todo lo
que me interesaba era Jesús: quién era y lo que había hecho. Abandoné los temas
preparados de antemano por la organización litúrgica de mi diócesis, para dedicar
todos mis esfuerzos a la Persona y la Obra de mi amado Salvador, presentándolo así
a mis sorprendidos fieles, que se sentían a veces confundidos pero con frecuencia
edificados. Pedí ser librado de mis funciones como sacerdote parroquial, ya que no
podía seguir predicando lo que entraba en contradicción con la Palabra de Dios. Mis
superiores aceptaron mi renuncia, aunque no podían entender por qué quería irme.
En verdad me habían tratado muy bien, haciéndome muchas concesiones; por lo que
a ellos les constaba, no me faltaba nada. Eso era verdad, en lo referente a comida,
ropa, techo, etc. Pero ahora tenía la seguridad de mi salvación. Ahora Cristo era mi
Señor. Ya no necesitaba hacer nada para ganar mi salvación; otro la había ganado
por mí. El mismo continuaría la obra iniciada, porque nunca hace su obra a medias.
La visita de cristianos
Volví a Quebec, Canadá, en 1965, para un período de descanso. Poco después,
me visitaron cristianos evangélicos. ¿Cómo sabían de mi interés por la Palabra de
Dios? Fueron francos conmigo: el personal de la estación radial HCJB les había dado
mi nombre. Sin embargo, aunque encontré muy edificante su conversación, no me
abrí completamente a ellos. No quería caer en otro sistema teológico, por haber
estado reprimido durante años por el sistema en el que había nacido y en el que
había crecido y vivido durante alrededor de cuarenta años. Sin embargo oré al Señor
para que me ayudara a encontrar hermanos y hermanas con quienes pudiera unirme,
para no sentirme tan solo. Conocía la experiencia de los primeros cristianos, por los
relatos de los Hechos: “Y perseveraban en la doctrina de los apóstoles, en la comunión
unos con otros, en el partimiento del pan y en las oraciones” (Hechos 2:42). ¿Sería
posible que los cristianos todavía se reunieran en nuestros días para recordar al
Señor, esperando su regreso? Dios, que había provisto para la salvación de mi alma,
proveería una vez más para revelarme la existencia de sus hijos.
Nueva tarea
Mis superiores en Montreal me llamaron para invitarme a reemplazar a un
profesor de teología en un Instituto en Rouyn. Dudé en aceptar el cargo,
principalmente porque nunca me había gustado la región de Abitibi, de la que Rouyn
es la ciudad principal. De todos modos acepté, ya que sería solamente por unos
meses. La asignatura que debía enseñar era “La Iglesia”. Me dieron acceso a todos
los libros que fueran necesarios para la preparación de mis clases.
Comencé a prepararlas usando solamente la Biblia. Expliqué a los estudiantes lo
que era la iglesia, de acuerdo a la Biblia. Admito que yo mismo tenía dificultad en
entender lo que estaba enseñando. Era un contraste tan grande con la iglesia
jerárquica en la que todavía me encontraba. Disfruté mucho el estudio de ese tema.
Usaba un pequeño grabador para ilustrar las lecciones, les hacía escuchar a los
estudiantes algunas entrevistas que había hecho al público en general en diferentes
lugares de la ciudad.
Un día supe por un periódico que habría un programa de televisión cuyo tema
sería “La Iglesia”. Grabé el programa para utilizarlo en mis clases y descubrí que el
tema había sido tratado desde el punto de vista de lo que enseñaba la Biblia. Me
impresionó tanto la similitud entre la presentación de esta persona desconocida,
quien supe después que era un cristiano evangélico, y la mía, que envié una nota de
agradecimiento al predicador, invitándolo a venir a visitarme si le resultaba posible.
Vino, y reconocí en él a alguien que conocía al Señor. Después de varias visitas, me
invitó a su hogar para pasar un domingo con su familia. En esa visita asistí por
primera vez a un servicio en “Memoria del Señor”.
Dios contesta mis oraciones
Reconocí en ese servicio al que estaba descripto en 1 Corintios 11 y comprendí
que Dios había contestado mi oración, al guiarme a los hermanos y hermanas en el
Señor, y al mostrarme que los cristianos en nuestros días efectivamente se reúnen
como iglesia local para recordar al Señor mientras esperan su regreso. “Así, pues,
todas las veces que comiereis este pan, y bebiereis esta copa, la muerte del Señor
anunciáis hasta que él venga” (1 Corintios 11:26).
Poco después, escribí a mis superiores en Montreal, anunciándoles la noticia de
que había hallado una familia, y pidiéndoles que me consiguieran una dispensa de
todos los votos que había hecho a la Iglesia Católica Romana, porque ya no me
consideraba miembro de ella. Mi vida ahora pertenecía al Señor y la dirección que
tomara estaba bajo su control.
Nueva vida en el Señor
Fue así como el Señor me liberó, no solamente de mis pecados, no solamente de
Su condenación, sino también de todo sistema humano que reprime y significa una
carga pesada. “Ahora, pues, ninguna condenación hay para los que están en Cristo
Jesús, los que no andan conforme a la carne, sino conforme al Espíritu. Porque la ley del
Espíritu de vida en Cristo Jesús me ha librado de la ley del pecado y de la muerte”
(Romanos 8:1‐2)

Joseph Tremblay habla con fluidez el idioma francés, el español y el inglés. Hace
obra de evangelización en diferentes países. En 1995 fue a Irlanda para presentar el
evangelio y dar su testimonio, y para explicar el contraste entre el cristianismo
bíblico y el catolicismo romano.
Traducido por Dante Rosso

Keeping Prophets, Prophecies and Circumstances Straight: Pamphlet on "Major Prophets" by Rose Publishing

I find this pamphlet on the Major Prophets to be exceedingly helpful.  One of the particularly useful aspects of it is the map, where the successive empires are shown:  the outlines of the Assyrian and Babylonian Empires are superimposed over the general map, where one can view the entire Mediterranean area comprised of its numerous countries, with little Israel and Judah highlighted, as well: I have always found this aspect a little confusing, so, here is visual clarification!  Rose Publishing pamphlets often utilize tables, and the ones here, along with a timeline, help us keep prophets, prophecies and groups to whom they are given, all clear.  The introduction, stating the purpose for the prophecies. along with reasons to read them, also provides motivation to the reluctant reader.  This is a splendid aid to the study of the longer prophetical books. I thoroughly recommend the it and plan to purchase copies.  I received a pamphlet in return for a frank review.

Rose Publishing: "Timeline of Church History"

Of course, we would want to be far more conversant with the Bible, its stories, teachings and doctrines, and, supremely, with its Divine Author, than with the later history of the church.  Having said that, it is also true that knowledge of Christian history is a very enlightening matter, and, if you agree with this, you will thoroughly enjoy the Timeline of Church History just out this week from Rose Publishing.

“I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it,” said our Lord, and it becomes evident that this has been exactly the case.  Historical facts helps us realize how exponentially Christianity spread, yet how soon error entered in, and institutionalization, in a few cases, rendered it more dead than alive. It can help us realize, humbly, the price that many have paid, and are paying, for their loyalty to Christ and to His Word. I must say that I love this timeline -- I would suggest, though, that in future editions, Christianity's first century spread to India and other apostolic evangelistic sites be included.  I received free access to the timeline in return for a frank evaluation..

Accommodating Physical and Mental Disabilities in the Church

Just yesterday, my husband received a phone call from a friend in the church whose son has autism.  The boy had been accompanying his father to meetings, had not been at all disruptive, and the only irregularity one might have noted is that he would fall asleep from time to time on the back bench where they customarily sat.

Most people were happy about the fact that this teenage boy had been brought to services by his father, and one lady, in fact, said:  "We need boys like this," in order to broaden our understanding and to open our hearts.

In his conversation with my husband, however, the father of that boy mentioned that someone in the church had told him that it would be better if he did not bring the boy to meetings!  This statement was one that was very astonishing to us, given the fact that the Lord Jesus, in his time on earth, received, over and over, those with disabilities and, one would think, would have rebuked those in our present day who reject them, were He present in a physical way in our midst.

Persons with disabilities often, nowadays, find that ramps have been built to accommodate those with wheelchairs.   That is a small beginning, but, persons with other disabilities, that do not necessarily involve the use of a wheelchair, often find that church buildings and programs are built to take account only of those with normal functions.  They may find, furthermore, that attitudes within the church are not inclusive of those with a disability.  

However, there is hope on the horizon.  Various church groups have started to address these two problems, and one of them has even produced a manual helpful to those wishing to be inclusive and helpful to those with a disability of one type or another.  While your church may be different in emphasis and practice from the one producing the manual, I think that you will find this little booklet helpful, if only as a place to start thinking about disability and the church.  The link to it is:

Disability Resource Manual: A Practical Guide for Churches and Church Leaders




While your group may not wish to employ the particular practices mentioned in this manual, it will undoubtedly find this little volume helpful, if only as a catalyst for thought.  

Rose Publishing: "How We Got the Bible" -- Six-Session DVD Presentation

Has it ever struck you -- when passing the inevitable headline on a checkout counter magazine -- that, in fact, you don't have an immediate answer to the suppositions about the Biblical canon, and what "they" (?) are hiding from you -- mainly because, other than knowing the names of men such as Wycliffe and Tyndale, you are not all that familiar with the story of how the Bible was brought to us, over time.  Problem is, so many of the ways to acquire this knowledge involve reading a several volume tome -- and this might not be the priority for your biblical studies right now.  Fret no more!  This six-DVD study is simple enough yet detailed enough to inform you on this topic, so that, next time someone informs you of some popular but misled beliefs about the Word of God, you will not only have an answer, but, perhaps, some interesting info for them, as well.  Good format, also,by the way!  Good from teenage onward. Rose Publishing forwarded a free excerpt for my candid review.

N.B.:   This particular study is available in other forms, such as in a Power Point Presentation, in an E-book, in chart or pamphlet form, as well.  Also, the components of the study I reviewed, above, for instance, the leader's book, the students' books, are available separately.

Rose Publishing: I Want to Know... Something About Abraham

“Abraham: A Journey of Faith,” is a recent attractive and quite comprehensive booklet by Rose Publishing.  As usual, the map is just right:  no need to sift through too many details – we see Abraham’s journeys in standalone fashion, and the sheer distance involved, in a day without modern transportation, is immediately impressive.  Since there are promises by God about Abraham’s descendants, a simplified family tree showing how the twelve tribes of Israel are descended, is also included.  Several tables help the reader to remember conditional and unconditional promises to Abraham, similarities between Abraham and the disciples, parallels between Abraham and Jesus, and a timeline, as well, helps us to be accurate about the timing of events in Abraham’s life:  one positive note – a number of the important aspects of Abraham’s life occur after the age of 75 – so, it seems that our elders might take heart from that interesting fact!  I received a free advance copy in return for a review.

ROSE PUBLISHING: Blandness, In Part

The Plan of Salvation is, in a number of ways, a helpful and encouraging pamphlet for those who wish to share the good news of salvation. The general sense that I get after reading it, however, is that humanity has fallen into an unfortunate predicament and that God has been nice enough to get us out of it. For some reason, the lostness of the sinner has been muted, the transcendence of God seems less than obvious, and the kingship idea alone has taken its place. Having said that, there is a very good section on how evil works its way through things, warping human relationships with God, with other humans, and with nature, and there is a creditable discussion of forgiveness and reconciliation. As well, the Romans Road section and, particularly, the one called Presenting the Good News present Biblical emphases. Rose Publications has given me an advance copy of this pamphlet in return for a fair assessment

Rose Publishing [pamphlet]: The Seven Churches of Revelation

A Multi-Use Pamphlet
“The Seven Churches of Asia” has many things to commend it, and is a pamphlet that can be utilized in numerous ways. The context of these churches in this attractive booklet is quite clearly communicated: first of all, with a map that has just the right amount of detail, then with individual descriptions of the cities and their enterprises and philosophies, and, after that, with a number of tables that identify their virtues, their faults, their potential rewards, and the manner in which their Lord communicates with them. The Isle of Patmos, where the writer, the Apostle John was exiled, is not so very far offshore, and one can imagine the many "home thoughts" he must have had from abroad. This pamphlet would be a help either to someone making a first study of these churches or to someone teaching it: it would prevent getting lost in the details, since the main ideas would always be in front of one. Great stuff! Rose Publishing gave me a free copy in return for an unbiased review

Movie: Sing Over Me

I see that a fairly new movie, by Dennis Jernigan, a well-known Christian songwriter, is out. In it he traces the story of his life, including a period of homosexuality, through a life-changing experience at a concert given by a Christian group, on through his eventual marriage and his becoming the father of nine, to the present time.

It is not a free movie, but the cost to rent is not a large one:  I think it is $4.99 USD, or something like that.  It is at Vimeo so it can be seen on your computer screen.  The DVD version could be ordered from Amazon.

Here is the Vimeo link:  Sing Over Me
And, here is the trailer link:   Link to trailer:

This is an unusual story, but Dennis' transparency has led to many other people finding hope in their particular dilemmas, particularly if they are ones like his.
I, personally, have viewed it, and thought that this film did not try to take a prescriptive role, but merely described the experience of a particular person, taking account of the fact, that, for example, that not every person that is same-sex attracted will change his or her orientation or even be able to do so, even if those persons take the traditional Biblical view.
It would appear that, in the case of Dennis Jernigan, there were significant factors from outside that encouraged his lifestyle initially, so it was something perhaps more environmentally than biologically related.
So, it could be helpful to someone whose dilemma is the same as Jernigan's.  It is a film, moreover, that helps us realize that there are many cases within the domain of homosexuality that do not fit the usual profile.
In the case of others, such as Sam Alberry of the UK, the situation is quite different, although Allberry takes the traditional Christian and biblical stance as well Sam Allberry's Same-Sex Attraction Remarks at Synod.

So, this film depicts a particular situation:  there are others, as well, within the Biblical and Christian paradigm, eh?

Audio Book: One God: One Message

One God: One Message

King of Glory: the movie and a free download of the book: English language

Here is the link to King of Glory, a movie, and, on the same page, to a free download of the accompanying book:

King of Glory: Movie and Book link

SERIOUSLY STUDY BIBLICAL DOCTRINE in RUSSIAN: Ariel MInistries: NO COST!

Good afternoon!   I just saw a group of studies that I have listened to in English, and found that they are also offered in RUSSIAN!

These studies relate to major Bible doctrines, and are given by Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum, founder of Ariel Ministries, which is a group that ministers to both Messianic Jews and non-Jewish Christians.

Important information:  this is a FREE study!

RUSSIAN BIBLE STUDIES

Included are a PDF and online tests.  The level of instruction, I would say, is approximately college-level, but, if you are very studious, it would be entirely possible to study these at a lower level.  

The Gospel of Mark: Dramatic Recitation by Max MacLean: Online

Here is a real treat:  to be able to listen and watch to a stage production of the Gospel According to Mark.  Link is below:

The Gospel According to Mark: Max Maclean recitation

Hope in the Fire

As we are all aware, there are people who are quick to diagnose the reasons for which trials come, and, sometimes, they limit themselves, as Job’s comforters did, to blaming the person who is having the trial: that person, they say, must certainly have sinned, and probably, have sinned very drastically! The Bible, June points out, shows us various causes of trials. In any case, she notes, it is important to focus on what should be our attitudes during trials, how God can be very close to us throughout their duration, and how He is refining us during their process. While not minimizing trials, this booklet, I think, helps! Right now, in fact, I am thinking of at least one person who would probably benefit greatly from a copy and be encouraged by its contents. When we experience trials, it is easy to focus on the difficulties, and to develop a kind of tunnel vision. Ms. Hunt, as always, helps us to take a higher look, and, as always, encourages us to get our spiritual focus right. Rose Publishing kindly provided me with an advance reader copy.

AMAZING! AMAZING! AMAZING! (Rose Book of Bible Charts, Maps and Timelines Tenth Anniversary edition)

My reaction, as I went through the amazing tables and charts and timelines in the first part of the book, was a combination of "Hallelujah," and, probably, also, a sanctified "Triple-Wow!"   I was so happy to see facts immediately at hand.  Probably, if someone is preparing a Sunday School lesson, as I often am, or a preaching message, as so many others are, it is not so much the major facts of it that are the puzzle, since we study those assiduously.  It is the supporting facts, or supporting settings, and, since one studies those secondarily, it can take a lot of time looking them up and verifying them.  This, I think, is one place that the Rose Book of Bible Charts, Maps and Timelines Tenth Anniversary edition, comes in.   There is quick verification, right at hand, with no need to spend valuable time better spent on the main theme, on the supporting details.  

This might, of course, be but one of the functions of this book.   I am sure that a person who is simply browsing might also learn a great deal in that process.  To tell the truth, were there not preschoolers present around my coffee table quite frequently – I sort of remember some small damage I did to a Bible Dictionary, at the age of four or five – I might even want something like this as a coffee table book.  I am sure sales of it would soar, since all my believing friends would want one of their own.  I believe, however, that my unchurched friends would be quite taken with some of the sections, such as those about proofs of the Bible, or, perhaps, those about the different translations.

And, what about apologetics, generally?   If you are like me, the facts of apologetics tend to float around in a nebulous mass in my mind, unless I am, during that precise week, involved in reading something like "Evidence that Demands a Verdict,” by Josh McDowell.   I remember the evidence, but, at the same time, somehow do NOT remember it -- a look at some of these charts, however, brings it back! 

And, what about the timelines?   If we have the tendency to place our Hebrews building pyramids in Egypt, that idea is quickly changed as we look at timelines, isn't it?  Or, if we are confused by the various Herods, we can become less confused.   Maps are fine, but in most books, we have an ancient map on one page, and a modern one on another.  Rose Publishing has helped us by sometimes combining them.

There is another problem with knowledge that we have garnered from various sources:  we vaguely remember such-and-such a fact, but, was it in that course we once took, or was it in a tome we afterwards read, or, was it in a magazine article that came out after that?   How can we look up that fact, or, worse, how will we be able to cite it?  Having this one-stop volume means that we can cite the information from this work, or, if we need access to the original source, can verify exactly which source it, in fact, was.

The book abounds with all kinds of information that might be needed by almost anyone studying the Bible.  There are very helpful sections on church history from the first century onwards, on denominations and on various cults and religions.  Different stances on the End Times are explained and charted.  There are helpful charts about the kings of Israel and Judah.  There is the genealogy of our Lord.  There are illustrations of such structures as the Tabernacle and the Temple.  And, if you are like me, and have memorized the prophets, the people to whom they spoke, and other such details, only to forget or only partly remember, not so long afterwards, there are fine charts on these, as well.

And on it goes.  I truly recommend buying this book for yourself or for some Bible-studying family member or friend.  I am quite amazed at the modest price:  the book is abundantly and colorfully illustrated, and, in fact, I am planning to show my three-year-old grandchild, a Noah’s ark enthusiast, the picture found in this book, since he was sorely disappointed with a recent animation of that story, which lacked animals.  And,  as if all of the other features are not truly amazing,  the fact that pages of this volume can be reproduced, for classroom use only, is a very unusual feature in a book of this dimension, and, especially, of this price.

This is a book, if not for all seasons, at least, then, for all ages.  And I believe it will prove to be a delightfully helpful one, indeed. 

BOOKLET REVIEW: "The Prodigal Son," by ROSE PUBLISHING

Understanding the Father's Heart

Come high or low, rise or fall, our Heavenly Father loves us.  We may well misunderstand the love of the Father, however, and the family member that demonstrates this misunderstanding most overtly may not be the one who misunderstands it most profoundly.

In the Holy Bible, we find an example, given by our Lord, of a two family members that did not appear to understand a particular father’s love.

The pamphlet, “The Parable of the Prodigal Son: Jesus’ Story of the Lost Son,” by Rose Publishing, looks at the various aspects of this story told by Jesus in the New Testament, reminding us of the unconditional love of the father; the unappreciative response, initially, of his younger son, followed by his eventual sincere repentance; and the complete misunderstanding, on the part of a legalistic and self-righteous older brother, of what a father’s heart is all about.

 In our own times, this booklet encourages the parents of prodigal children to trust the Lord to work in their children’s lives, and to do His own unique work in His own unique time in the lives of them all.  It also encourages all of us to recognize that His love is vast, unmerited and free, and reaches out to all His children, including those who, for a time, go astray.

Personally, I find this a helpful booklet.  I am glad that the writer gives the Jewish context in which Jesus speaks, and, as well, notes the other parables adjacent to this one in the Biblical text that emphasize a similar message.  I am happy, likewise, that the Holy Bible is allowed to speak for itself, in that small, but entire passages are cited. In dire situations, we often ask “What can I do?” or, “What should I not do?”  Two very practical sections of the pamphlet are “Invitation to Trust,” and “Avoid Giving In To Anger.”  The booklet also includes helpful psalms, and various prayers, including a prayer for prodigals.  Some comparisons are, helpfully, charted.

The booklet demonstrates a very sympathetic grasp of the dilemma of parents who have a wandering loved one, and who do not know how to deal with the angst as they await his or her return. 

This story may not appear connected to the booklet, above, but, I happen to know a family in which the youngest brother took a brief foray into the world of unbelief.  It was, by no means, as flagrant a journey as that of the Biblical prodigal son; the young man was, nonetheless, for a time, out-of-fellowship with Christian norms.   What I observed on the part of his older siblings in his absence, was a manifest yearning for his return, and great joy when it finally happened.  They had not feared that his return would diminish any of their own familial joys, because their parents loved them all as much as they loved the absent younger brother; and they realized that that same love was strong enough to weather some vicissitudes, including the possibility that the son might have to learn, perhaps, through hard experience.

The mother, in one statement, later, wrote, “Thank you to all my beautiful kids who are always a blessing, never a disappointment and my greatest joy. I am so proud of all of you.”

Surely, that is the heart of a true parent, whose initial response to the newborn infant was not based on merit, but on love, and, if that is so in the earthly realm, how much more in the Heavenly. 

And the end of the story can be truly surprising – only today, I read the obituary of a missionary who had spent a lifetime serving the Lord in a foreign field, an answer to his godly mother’s prayers:  in his teens, though, her faith must have been sorely tested, as, prior to his conversion, he stood before the juvenile courts….

The topic is both timely, and needed, and will undoubtedly find appreciation from many readers.  Rose Publishing has provided me with an advanced reader copy.

List of Audio-Bibles Available

Here is an interesting linkto many of the audio-Bible now available:

List of Audio-Bibles

The Bible in EASY ENGLISH

Do you speak English, but find that the vocabulary in most Bible translations is still a bit difficult.  Perhaps the Easy English Bible would be helpful to you.   This particular Bible limits its vocabulary, so that a person who knows English, but does not have a large vocabulary, can read it easily.

Many of you are acquainted with the Wycliffe Translators: Easy English Bible is an offshoot of that work.

On the Easy English website, there is an Easy English Bible, as mentioned above.  However, there are also Bible studies and commentaries written in that same Easy English.

Not only English learners, but English native speakers might benefit from Easy English:  children, for example, or those who have only recently become literate, might enjoy the Easy English texts.

If you think Easy English would be helpful to you, or to someone you know, the link is here:

Easy English Bible and Studies

Bible Stories Alive: Mrs. G

There is a website that might interest you:  it is a loved resource for Bible stories narrated by the late Katy Anna Griffiths, known on her broadcasts as "Mrs. G."  The "G" designation does not come from her surname, but, as it happens, from the category "General Audience" to whom the narrations are directed.
It is only within the past week and one-half that Mrs. Griffiths went to be with her Lord, so, in addition to  a link for the website, I shall provide a link to her obituary notice.  If, therefore, you have not met her in person, or, if you have not heard of her before, you will have some small acquaintance with her through her own personal story.

The Bible Stories Alive radio schedule

The Bible Stories Alive website

Life Story of Mrs. Griffiths

As you will have noticed, the Bible stories are narrated and are available as CD, MP3, book and on radio, to many provinces of Canada, to many states of the USA, and to many countries of the world, in some cases, in translation.

Homegoing (Funeral) of Gospel Singer GEORGE BEVERLY SHEA

This is a very inspiring funeral.  George Beverly Shea was 104 years old when God called him home.  YouTube has the Homegoing Service at this link:

Homegoing of George Beverly Shea

You might wish to hear some of his earlier singing:

Holy, Holy, Is What the Angels Sing: sung in 1957 

Here is another song:

It Is No Secret What God Can Do 

Once More: Free Online BIble Course: The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus

The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus - Free VideoBook

---

"The Bible is the world's best-seller. But I don't know what's it all about!"

The Bible is big, ancient book filled history, poetry, letters and prophecy. How can anyone figure out what is its main message? Why are there so many copies of the Bible around the world and yet so many fail to grasp its meaning?

If you have always wanted to know what the Bible's message is or if you've read the Bible but are unsure how it all ties together, then you can benefit from this course.

This self-paced video course is adapted from The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus VideoBook. It aims to give a solid overview of the Bible. It ties together key Old and New Testament stories to reveal the identity of God and the nature of sin, all the time answering two questions: “Who is Jesus?” and “What is the story of the cross and the tomb all about?”

As you watch "the greatest story ever told" unfold, you will begin to understand clearly the Bible's main message. The course does so with simplicity, without religious jargon and without any arm-twisting. The learner is invited to make up his or her own mind.

Whether you have significant Bible knowledge, or have never read "the Book"—this online course is for you.

---

Bible Study Video Course Navigation

This 11-hour video course comprises an introduction and 15 chapters. Each chapter is made up of several video clip sections. Begin by watching the introduction and continue at your own pace by clicking on each section title. Each video clip will load into the player below.

Introduction

Introduction to the Course


Chapter 1

1 - The Prologue 2 - Getting Things Straight 3 - A Unique Book


Chapter 2

1 - In the Beginning God 2 - Angels, Hosts and Stars


Chapter 3

1 - Heaven and Earth 2 - It Was Good 3 - Man and Woman


Chapter 4

1 - I Will 2 - Has God Said? 3 - Where Are You? 4 - Death


Chapter 5

1 - A Paradox 2 - Atonement 3 - Two By Two 4 - Babel


Chapter 6

1 - Abraham 2 - Belief 3 - Isaac

Chapter 7

1 - Israel and Judah 2 - Moses 3 - Pharaoh and the Passover


Chapter 8

1 - Bread, Quail and Water 2 - Ten Rules 3 - The Courtroom


Chapter 9

1 - The Tabernacle 1b - The Gold Box 2 - Unbelief 3 - Judges, Kings and Prophets


Chapter 10

1 - Elizabeth and Mary 2 - Jesus 3 - Among the Sages 4 - Baptism


Chapter 11

1 - Tempted 2 - Power and Fame 3 - Nicodemus 4 - Rejection 5 - The Bread of Life


Chapter 12

1 - Filthy Rags 2 - The Way 3 - Lazarus 4 - Hell 5 - Acceptance and Betrayal


Chapter 13

1 - Arrested 2 - Crucified 3 - Burial and Resurrection


Chapter 14

1 - The Emmaus Road 2 - (Adam to Noah) 3 - (Abraham to the Law) 4 - (The Tabernacle to the Bronze Serpent) 5 - (John the Baptist to the Resurrection)


Chapter 15

1 - A Convenient Time 2 - Credits



The VideoBook is produced by GoodSeed International. You can learn more about it or purchase a copy for your use. GoodSeed focuses on providing tools and training that provide a clear, objective overview of the Bible's main message. Its tools are designed around different audience needs. There are resources for different ages, learning styles and worldviews. Visit goodseed.com to learn more.

Learn how to add this videobook to your site or blog.

Gospel/Bible Radio Broadcasts in Portuguese

Here is a link to many Bible broadcasts: some are teaching broadcasts, others are dramas -- take your choice -- enjoy:

BBN in Portuguese

At the website, you will find listings of RADIO STATIONS in Brazil where you may hear the broadcasts if you do not wish to hear them from the Internet.

DRAMAS are listed here:

Dramas

EMISORAS are listed here:

Emisoras

BBN: Christian Radio Broadcasts in Spanish

A fine selection of Christian radio broadcasts in the Spanish language is available from BBN.  You may wish to listen on-line, live, or you may wish to consult the schedule for your country at the BBN website.  If you like dramatizations, which I do, you will find a few of those, including the Spanish-language version of "Hope for the Heart," which is broadcast in the form of a novela!

BBN: Christian Radio Broadcasts in Spanish

"The Spoken Word of God": Audio Bibles, Solar Bibles, Christian Gospel Radio Broadcasts, in Many Languages

This morning, I encountered a ministry that was new to me.  Apparently, it has been operating for a long time.  A man, and, later, his wife, heard and responded to the Christian gospel message through radio ministries.  That man, Jack Turney, who has now turned 90 years old, began to establish spoken word ministries around the world.  You can find his story, and that of the organization he founded, at the following link:

"The Spoken Word of God"

Here is an interesting quote that relates to the RADIO ministry of The Spoken Word of God:

The Spoken Word of God is now available in over twenty languages of the most spoken native tongues worldwide. In India and Pakistan – Telugu, Hindi and Urdu. In Iraq and the surrounding Middle East – Arabic. In the Philippines – Tagalog. In China – the Mandarin language; and many more. In each language, 
the Scriptures are set forth in the people’s own native tongue.

 The Spoken Word of God also distributes materials on CD, DVD, MP3, and, interestingly, solar Bibles!

Check out this ministry!  It may have something for you!

"The Bible in Living Sound": dramatized audio-recordings in English, French, Japanese, Bamanan, Chinese, and one other

Would you like to have audio Bible recordings for children, particularly for those of elementary school age?   This may be a product that will interest you.  As you will notice on the link, these recordings are also available in several languages as well as in English:  for example, some of these languages are French, Bamani, Chinese, and Japanese.  I can't read what it is, but there is another language listed.  Here is the link to this product:

The Bible in Living Sound

Try listening to a segment, and you will be able to determine whether it is what you want.

The recordings are available in various formats:  CD, Audio-DVD, and MP3.  There is a cost, but it seems reasonable, compared to other, similar products on the market.

It is possible to LISTEN to samples from various recordings.  I found them interesting to hear.  There are 450 stories, if one buys the entire set of recordings, but it is possible to buy the series by sections. Probably a great gift for a grandchild or for a son or daughter.   I think that maybe 8 to 15 years old would be the ideal audience, but, still, that could vary.

Free Online Theological Studies from Well-Known Bible Scholars

Today, I encountered something rather unusual.  I was seeking theological degree scholarships for someone, and encountered a link to free theological studies -- actually, I encountered two or three of them -- and I guess I thought that these would not be high academic ones, and, since, as we all know, the "bright boys are not always the good boys," that was not a problem.

This particular link, though, leads to somewhat well-known names [Wallace, Moo, Bock, and others] that you may have noticed in your prior readings, and, normally, accessing their courses would mean enrolling at a well-known seminary or college, and that is often prohibitive because of cost, or because it is far away, geographically.  So, the good news is: these courses are free.

So, if you are a person who is highly academically-oriented, and you want exposure to the well-known scholars, for a, b, or c reasons, then, here is an interesting link to evangelical studies with scholars that represent a variety of views. I think that people realized that it should not be necessary to be wealthy to access theological studies. You are free to agree or disagree with these scholars, so, if you are up for something like that, maybe this link will be one for you:

Free Biblical Training On-line

It may also be that you simply wish to listen to one or more of these scholars, and do not wish to take a course.  That is also an option, since it is not necessary to register for a course, although there are some benefits to doing so,  Anyway, that is my 'find' for the day!

"WILD BIBLE"

The Australian Bible Society has done it again!  They have graphical representations of Bible stories, contests and other activities.  Check out their website, below:

WILD BIBLE site

Perhaps there will be something that will be useful to you.  They have aimed their stories at elementary school children.

Re: "THE LAMB" and other at-one-time free e-book downloads I posted some time ago

Good Morning!

Some time ago, I posted a number of free e-book downloads that could be obtained from the people at GoodSeed.  

They were offering them in many languages.   They are NOT now making this offer, and now there is a charge for their materials.

HOWEVER: they do have a caveat to all of this, for those who are

1. wishing to have a copy, but cannot afford the price
2. living in a country where the purchase of such materials might incriminate one with political authorities
3. are in a ministry where multiple copies are required.   I shall quote them, below:

_____________________________________________________________

QUOTES FROM THE GOOD SEED WEBSITE: the general website, itself, can be found at GoodSeedWebsite    The following quotes are to be found at certain places on it.

Important notes

Financial Difficulty. Are you facing financial difficulty? Are you questioning whether you can afford this eBook? Well, we really want to make it possible for you to have. If you will commit yourself to reading this eBook, we will happily provide you a coupon code that allows you to obtain this book free of charge. Click here for coupon code.

Possible Opposition. Are you facing possible opposition in your home or country if you make a financial transaction with GoodSeed? We can provide you with a coupon code so you can download the book without making a transaction. Click here for coupon code.

GoodSeed is a not-for-profit organization. Revenue from sales is ploughed back into providing resources around the world to people who otherwise have no access to them. On behalf of those who cannot thank you, we wish to thank you for purchasing this book.
For Ministries
As a ministry, GoodSeed seeks to equip other ministries with tools and training to share the core message of the Bible. If you are a ministry and are in need of our tools in bulk, please talk to us about your needs. You can either call one of our offices directly or fill in our contact form. We will be happy to discuss your needs.
Office contact information
Contact form

How Deep The Father's Love For Us

Esperanza Para El Corazon

"Hope for the Heart" is available in the Spanish language -- here's the link:

Esperanza Para El Corazon

Bible Radio Broadcasts in Many Languages!

Good news, today, for a number of language groups:  we have another resource to present:  the BBN radio network -- also available on Internet and Android, et cetera, has broadcasts, and, I believe, Bible courses, in many languages.  Click on your favourite link, below:

Russian

German 

Korean

Japanese

Chinese: traditional

Chinese: simplified

Portuguese

Spanish

English

I'm sure a number of other languages will be added, as time goes on.  Enjoy!

A Worthwhile Pamphlet: "Anger: Aim It in the Right Direction"

Review of Anger: Aim It in the Right Direction," by Rose Publishing

The first thought that came to me, as I began to peruse this pamphlet, was that it might contain God-talk with great-sounding spiritual platitudes, but that it might not, in the end, quite jibe with the actual experience of "life-on-the-ground." I was pleasantly surprised at the transparency of the persons in the examples given, who, as one person expressed it, wanted to follow, in their anger, a different trajectory than that of merely "pasting on a smile."

The opening story deals with the very real pain of betrayal in a case where a spouse has not only committed adultery with another woman, but has, beyond that, decided to leave her, and to live with that other woman. This story illustrates the fact that anger often moves beyond being directed at the betrayer, only, to being directed at God, inasmuch as He, obviously, has not prevented this horrible experience.

The pamphlet proceeds: Joni Eareckson, a paraplegic known to many, relates a story from her early days in hospital, when anger of this type turned into despair.  She documents her journey -- helped by a sensitive but tough-love nurses' aide-- from despair to feeling.

The latter part of the pamphlet reviews for us the kinds of prayers that people in the Bible prayed during their toughest moments -- prayers that were totally realistic and that came from the space in which they, at those moments, found themselves in.

One or two of the Psalms are cited as particularly good examples of how to pray.  A quotable quote from the pamphlet is one that tells us that these ancient songs of praise and worship, and, sometimes, despair give us the nouns and verbs and grammar to go through the process of anger, and even rage, and to come up and out of it into a better space.

The author of the pamphlet, nonetheless, cautions us against railing against God, against accusing Him of plotting evil, and against bringing down His name before friends, but, at the same time, encourages us to find, in these same Psalms, for example, prayers that express our situation -- often rather precisely--and to then use the language of the Psalms to direct our own feelings and petitions towards God.

The author exhorts us, furthermore, to  direct our indignation against the real enemy--Satan--and reminds us that, out of such real and even extreme anger against evil have come movements such as "Mother Against Drunk Drivers," and the like.

 I found this pamphlet to be genuinely helpful, well-grounded in reality, yet, even more, based in Scripture, and, in particular, the Psalms and would have no hesitation in giving the pamphlet to a suffering Christian friend, since I do not think that the friend would say, "But they don't understand."

We are encouraged, in this pamphlet, to see that God meets us where we are at, not at some place, where, fictionally, we are supposed to be.  And, by the way, for those who don't, at this moment, find themselves in extreme dilemmas, there is a small section at the end dealing with the anger that comes from small, daily irritants.

N.B.:  Rose Publishing has provided me with an advanced reader copy.

  

A Set of Lessons for General Audience Secondary School Students

Here is a set of lessons from Australia for secondary students.  These lessons were designed to be taught in schools, I believe.  The link is:

Secondary School Bible Lessons

The Good News Beads: Lessons and Activities

I am sure that everybody reading has heard of the "Wordless Book," and even Spurgeon preached, using that illustration.

However, here is another "wordless" set of lessons, and, like the others we have posted from Australia, it has a corresponding set of Activity Sheets -- printable, as usual.

Here are the lessons:

 

The Good News Beads: the LESSONS

 

 

 

 

Here are the Activity Sheets: 

 

The Good News Beads: the ACTIVITY SHEETS

The Gospel Pack for Children

Here are five gospel lessons for children, again, from the Australian Bible Society:

The Gospel Pack: the LESSONS

 

 

Here are the activity sheets that are designed to go along with these lessons:

 

 

The Gospel Pack: the ACTIVITY SHEETS FOR KIDS

Five Bible Lessons for Primary Children: "Jesus: Who is This Man?"

Here are five Bible LESSONS from the Australian Bible Society: the visual aid suggestions, et cetera, are given, and a lot of suggestions are also included.

Five Planned Bible Lessons: "Jesus: Who is This Man?"

 

 

 

Here is the link to ACTIVITY SHEETS for children, which accompany the lessons, above:

 

 

Activity Sheets for the Children

Christmas Story Animations for Child and General Audience

Here are some more animations from Australia:  the link is below:

Christmas Story Animations

 

 

The videos can be downloaded at Vimeo for free.



IMPORTANT:  be sure to download the ACTIVITY SHEETS for children at this site.  They are available for four different age groups! 

An Australian's Methodology for Teaching Bible Lessons to Kids

Here is a presentation by an Australian who teaches Bible stories to kids: the link is below:

An Australian Demonstrates His Methodology

Easter Story Animations: Designed for Australian Schools: Also in Chinese

Here are some interesting Easter story animations.  They appear designed for a general audience, including the 'unchurched.'  In fact, they were designed for use in Australian schools.  They are also available in Chinese -- click on the LINK that is available at this site.

There are additional animations at this site for a less general audience.  I think that they are called "What Happened Next?"

Bible Apps for Kids: in English and Spanish

Well, there are apps for everyone, and, here is an Bible-based app for kids!  It does have a price, but, it is only, at the moment, $1.99 USD, so, is possibly accessible for many.  Here is the link:

Bible Adventures for Kids

Recommended for ages seven and under, it contains 10 stories and 10 games, plus various other interesting activities.

Kids' Bible Stories, Music, and Coloring: OnLine at the Canadian Bible Society

Here is another site for kids to review or look into Bible stories.  The link is:

Bible Kids

Hope for the Heart: Free Downloads on Various Topics

    

Visit HopeForTheHeart.org
to see Bible help topics on the web.

With Hungarian Subtitles: The Last Sin Eater: Film -- Online

Here is Francine Rivers' novel about a Welsh community of 1850, brought to life in a movie which can be watched online:
"The Sin Eater"

The.Last.Sin.Eater.rv Arabic Subtitles