My Favorite Apps for the Believer

2015 List of Must-Have apps for the Christ-Follower

Each of these apps are free and useful for the life of a Christian seeking to be more like Jesus Christ. While they may not all be necessarily "Christian apps" they are useful for the Christian believer. 

Echo Prayer Manager

Prayer (iOS / Android)

Echo Prayer Manager - I used to use Prayer Notes from Chuchutrain to keep track of my prayer list.  However, I found Echo Prayer Manager by Echoprayer.com to be simpler and easier to use. It keeps track of who I'm praying for as well as allowing me to mark prayers as answered. It even sends me a push or email reminder to pray based on the settings I choose. The Interface is clear and user-friendly.

Bible by YouVersion

Bible (iOS | Android / Windows / Amazon)

Bible by youversion is still my go-to app for Bible reading.  Follow along every week with Sunday worship at KCC by using the Live feature of Bible. Place a Bible verse on an image, either stock or your own, and share it to Facebook or other social media. Choose a Bible plan and be reminded daily to read. Social media integration allows you to create a friend list to share with one another what you are reading. Videos from major Bible-based motion pictures. are integrated right in the app. Enjoy reading from numerous Bible versions and in countless translations.

Spotify

Music (iOS / Android / Windows)

Spotify  Listen to Christian music at home or on the go with streaming service Spotify. It's free if you don't mind ads. The Premium version for $9.99 a month removes the ads and allows you to listen to music without connection to a tower or WiFi. Search for a playlist and listen to your favorite artists just like a radio station. Create your own playlist and share it! Listen to an artist and find related artist recommendations.

Memorize Anything

Bible Memorization (iOS)

Memorize Anything by Bendy Tree allows you to record your own voice reciting scripture then play it back. Depending on the setting the app will drop words as you speak allowing you to fill in the space as you memorize valuable Bible verses. Listen to it over and over at home or in your car to "hide God's word" in your heart!

National Religious Broadcasters

Christian Programming (iOS / Android / Windows / Amazon)

NRB Network - Apologists will enjoy NRB with shows such as "I Don't Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist" with Frank Turek, "Cold Case Christianity" with J. Warner Wallace, and "Defenders" with Dr. William Lane Craig.  Josh McDowel, Ravi Zacharias, Kay Arthur, and RC Sproul are other scholars you'll find on this network.  Tune in for the 700 Club, Turning Point, and my favorite, the satirical Todd Friel on "Wretched."

Bible Stories you DON'T hear in Sunday School

As we read through Genesis each morning with my family, I'm struck by the number of Bible stories that never make it to our Children's Sunday School class. I guess they've been marked "censored" due to their sexual content. And for good reason. These are stories you might only encounter in a Playboy magazine! Sexuality is described so candidly that a Viagra commercial looks like Skittles candy next to them. 

Sex in Genesis. Click on any to read the entire account straight from the Bible.

• The first two people are part of the first nudist group.
• Noah plants a vineyard, gets drunk, falls asleep naked, and Noah's youngest son takes advantage of him in some way.
• Abram lies to Pharaoh about Sarai being his wife in order to save his own skin allowing him to take her as his own.
• Sarai encourages her husband, Abram to sleep with another woman.
• Circumcision is the sign of the Covenant
• Lot offers his daughters to the homosexual men of Sodom and Gomorrah.
• Dinah is raped; Her brothers take revenge on the Shechemites. 
• Judah courts a lady of the evening and uncovers it's his daughter-in-law, Tamar

So, I'm thankful that my prepubescent children were not exposed to these stories when they were young, however, there does come a time when they should be discussed. 

Our tweens and teens are bombarded with sexuality in today's culture. The message from Pop Culture is loud and clear: "Do what makes you feel good." But, is that the message from God?

Sex is good, don't get me wrong. God created sex. We are sexual beings. However, just like a raging river, sex becomes damaging and painful, if not experienced within Biblical boundaries. What feels good today, comes with dire consequences tomorrow. These Biblical stories are candid about sexuality; They are also candid about the consequences that follow unbounded sexual conduct.

Parents. Youth Leaders. Please take the time to read and discuss these stories with tweens and teens before our culture indoctrinates our young people into the world's way of thinking about sex. We cannot leave the responsibility up to schools, secular counselors, or the media. Negligence is not an option when it comes to this subject because if we don't teach on sexuality with a Biblical viewpoint, a God-less, Bible-less, moral-less society will fill in the void for us. 

Cup of Cold Water

"I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward." - Mark 9:41

This verse was part of Sunday's sermon at KCC and a discussion at our Life Group. It can be confusing. However, in light of a parallel passage and other Bible verses, we can shed some light on it.

The parallel passage to Mark is found in Matthew where he writes,

"And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward." -Matthew 10:42

Looking at the context of Matthew 10 we can understand that Jesus was sending out the 12 Apostles to "drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness." They were going on a mission. Their mission was to proclaim the Kingdom of God using wonders of divine healing giving validity to their message. It was at the tail end of their commissioning that our focus verse appears.

Some terms are clear.

"Anyone" refers to a person who recognizes the value of your relationship to Christ and the purpose for which you are living your life. It may exclude someone like an atheist who may perform a good deed, but probably wouldn't do something "in my (Jesus') name."

"You" or the recipient of the "cup of water" would be a disciple or follow of Jesus Christ.

"A cup of water" could be taken literally or taken to be inclusive of any act of kindness no matter how small or simple.

William Barclay sums it up like this, "Any kindness shown, any help given, to the people of Christ, will not lose its reward." 

Notice the addition of the words "even" and "cold" in Matthew.

"Even a cup of cold water" connotes that the simplest act of kindness is noticeable by Christ. No deed is too insignificant to be qualified for a reward.

"A cup of cold water" lends to the idea that this is a deed providing relief to the Christian laborer. It is refreshing and soothing. It may be sharing warm clothing on a cold, winter day or taking someone in to give them shelter after a disaster.

This generosity of good deeds jives well with the parable of the sheep and the goats found in Matthew 25: 31-46.

Does this verse helps us focus our generosity? I believe it does. Many times the church is approached with a need. With a limited budget, there comes times when all the requests for help cannot be met. It is in times like that when Members of the church may receive aid first before someone who is not part of the family of God.

Two examples from scripture come to mind:

Cain's selfish response when asked by God about the whereabouts of his younger brother was, "Am I my brother's keeper?" This rhetorical question should be clear in the Christian's mind. Yes, of course we are! We are commanded to bear one another's burdens, loving, and caring for each other.

Paul writes to the Galatian church to encourage taking care of fellow Christians a priority when he says,

"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." 

The priority is clear, but it doesn't end there. In James 2 the concept is clear that the Christian is one who does good deeds whenever the opportunity presents itself. To not do so, deems our faith as worthless.

Church Suicide - Staying Alive

Yesterday over lunch, I drove to the East Jordan Church of Christ. I had gotten word that the church building, after being empty for over 5 years, had been sold and the new owner was looking to get rid of the items left in the building before remodeling it into a housing unit.

Two typewriters, an overhead projector, several boxes of hymn books, many pews, and a flannel graph with cut-out characters were among the items that needed to be removed.

I'd saddened to see the remnants of a church that was forced to shut it's doors. The Huffington Post reports that:

somewhere between 4,000 and 7,000 churches close their doors every year. Southern Baptist researcher, Thom Rainer, in a recent article entitled "13 Issues for Churches in 2013" puts the estimate higher. He says between 8,000 and 10,000 churches will likely close this year.

Many online articles speak to the problem of older churches closing their doors. Their solutions are usually the planting of new churches. Why? Because existing churches, such as the East Jordan Church of Christ, struggle with change. Many times without knowing it long-time members resist the very changes that would allow the church to continue.

Churches that remain stagnant - refusing to update, refresh, and improve - find their relevance in society is diminished and their impact fading. Without realizing it, they are committing church suicide - slowing killing themselves and fading into irrelevance.

I serve in a church 127 years old. We could have easily fallen into the "church suicide" trap, but the leadership and membership have all understood we needed to change. As a result of adopting new methods and new strategies to reach people with the Gospel message, we have experienced significant growth over the past 5 years.

Here are some of the changes we have experienced as a church that kept us alive.

Changes in Technology
Free wifi in the church building allows members to read the Bible on tablets and phones. Our website is the new welcome mat. Facebook, twitter, and other social media sites allow us to pray, encourage, and mourn with people. Connecting online is the new "small group."

Changes in Worship
Worship music style has changed from Hymns to contemporary Christian music. The talented musicians and singers in our worship band are becoming younger and younger. Light boards, soundboards, and updated computer software set the mood for worship. The digital screen has replaced stained glass windows.

Changes in Decor
In 2012 we finished a new modern church building. We're using fewer flowers and more creative stage elements. TV screens are replacing paintings and wall hangings. Comfortable chairs have replaced pews. The pulpit is in storage.

Changes in Giving
Right now, how much cash do you have on you? A 2014 study from bankrate.com showed that 80% of Americans carry less than $50 cash in their wallets. Online giving & tithing with Credit and Debit cards will soon be a necessity if a church wishes to stay afloat financially. Newer methods include the lobby giving Kiosk and giving via text.

We could go on with the changes, but I think you see the point. And as always, we'll strive to remain true to the Bible. We'll continue to present the timeless truth of the Gospel in a manner that is timely and culturally relevant.

Paul's words in Corinthians speak to his desire to maintain his leverage for reaching the culture, "...I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some." 1 Corinthians 9:22

Today, we must stay committed to the Gospel message with no compromise - and yet balance our presentation of that same message in respect to the culture around us. Not an easy task, but one that all Christians must undertake.

Food That Satisfies

After Jesus' encounter with the woman at the well (John 4), his disciples urged him to "eat something." But he said to them, 'I have food to eat that you know nothing about.'"

These words of Jesus did not indicate that he had a granola bar packed away in his knapsack. Nor a Snickers bar hidden in his back pocket. And even as the disciples questioned if someone had brought Jesus food, he continued by saying,  “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. (John 4:34) 

Jesus' spiritual food was to be actively doing the will of God. How can working fill you up? Doesn't working deplete you and make you hungry? Evidently Jesus was tapping into a different meaning. 
"Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” (John 6:27)

Have you ever completed a job, then sat down with great satisfaction of a job well done? You just feel like you couldn't have done any better. The job is done. Your work is finished. What a feeling of accomplishment! 

Jesus said the harvest is plentiful and the crop is ready for eternal life (John 4:35). As more and more people listened to his teaching and began to follow Him, He was fed. God's will was that no one be lost. Jesus was leading people away from themselves and into a selfless cross-bearing life. 

Review of Exodus: Gods and Kings

I watched the movie "Exodus: Gods and Kings" this week. It's described as a "Biblically-inspired epic fantasy" by Wikipedia. At least they are honest about it. It's "Biblically-inspired" but NOT Biblically accurate. These movies, and I'm referring to other so called "Biblically-inspired" movies such as "Noah" and "Left Behind," leave a disturbing sense of foreboding judgment due to the tampering with the inerrant Word of God, the Bible. 

Two striking inaccuracies from Exodus are: the character of Moses and the depiction of the crossing of the Red Sea.

It seemed throughout the entire movie that Moses was NEVER on-board with God and his plan. He never bought in. He never experienced the life transformation that God brings a person through (burning bush for Moses), in preparation to use mightily for His glory and purpose. We become His vessel as we submit to His Lordship.

The crossing of the Red sea was just inaccurate. It was a miracle and not the result of some earthquake producing resulting in a tsunami. They crossed over on "dry land" and didn't wade into waist-deep water. Moses was not consumed by the returning waves either. He LED the people to freedom. The waters that returned killed everyone who were still in the seabed. He wouldn't have survived.

The problem I have with these movies is the tolerance that they are creating in the minds of people. It began with "The DaVinci Code" years ago. They encourage people to think outside the pages of the Bible. To say, "maybe it could have happened that way" and then ultimately, "well, who knows how it happened!" "No one knows" And it boils down to the atheist agenda of believing and accepting anything you want. Truth is diluted to the point of no longer being recognized.

I hesitate to try to interpret some verses in the Bible, due to their connection with judgment, but as I watched Exodus: Gods and Kings my mind drifted to Revelation where John wrote:

"I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book." (Revelation 22:18-19 ESV)

It may be fine to fill in storylines with your imagination as to how events could have happened historically ("Son of God," "A.D."), but don't straight-out change the facts that are already in place. The Bible is history and NOT fiction. I think it should be treated that way. Write a fictional story if you like. Make it into a movie even. But don't mix it with the Bible nor call it a "Biblically-inspired fantasy." Biblical fantasy is a contradiction in terms. Same as truth and a lie.

Disappointment with A.D. Miniseries

The TV miniseries, A.D - The Bible Continues, on NBC has been disappointing in some ways. Granted, the acting is very good. The plot is intriguing. But after painfully enduring recent Hollywood release "Noah" and it's departure from scripture, I had hoped that A.D. would remain true to the Bible. I believe you can use creative license and still stay true to scripture. Sadly, it hasn't happened. Here are three departures from the Bible in A.D. that bother me. 

The Character of Peter

Prior to encountering Jesus on the shores of Galilee, Peter was an impetuous fisherman known for speaking before thinking. However, the book of Acts depicts Peter having been changed from the inside out through Jesus' teachings and the power of the Holy Spirit. Yet in A.D. we see Peter again and again confronting Saul face to face in some sort of pre-heavyweight title fight stare down.

In one scene, Peter sets up a petroleum filled trench to light afire as Saul and his cronies come for the Christians in their impromptu camp. As Peter ignites the gas/oil mixture he shouts, "Now we'll see whose flame burns the brightest!" That's totally out of character for the new Holy-Spirit filled Peter.  This is the man who wrote, "love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing because to this you were called..." (1 Peter 3:8b-9)

Peter was bold and courageous preaching to thousands publicly, in the temple courts, and before the Sanhedrin. Yet when confronted by the authorities, he remained meek and passive. 

Camp of Christians not Biblical

The camp of Christians set up outside Jerusalem supposedly by Peter and the other apostles is not found in the Bible. In fact, quite the opposite is shown in the book of Acts. From Acts 2 we see Jews who had come from "every nation under heaven" (2:5) present, being baptized (2:38) and logically returning back home after Pentecost. They didn't stay in a Christian compound worried about the Jews finding them. The Christians who lived in Jerusalem met daily in the temple courts and from house to house (5:42). Again, we don't see everyone huddling up together in a camp, but rather boldly proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His resurrection from the dead (4:2).

Omissions of Powerful Conversions

Nothing inherently wrong here, just disappointed in what has been omitted from A.D. The creative license to weave the conflict between Christians, Jews, and Zealots may be entertaining, but to do so at the cost of leaving out powerful conversions, is disheartening. 

Peter's sermon (Acts 2) and subsequent baptisms of 3,000 people was only hinted to. 2,000 more people came to Christ at Solomon's Porch (4:4). The Samaritan's came to Christ after the church in Jerusalem was persecuted and scattered (8:1). Philip was instrumental in preaching in Samaria (8:5,6). And while the scene involving Simon the Sorcerer was given a lot of airtime, it should be noted that Simon wanted to buy the powers of Peter and John, not Simon. Peter and John could give the Holy Spirit by placing their hands on people. Simon sought to buy this power and was rebuked for wanting to do so. 

I'm anxious to see how A.D. will treat Philip and the Ethiopian as well as the conversion of Saul. I would not discourage anyone from watching A.D., but watch it with your Bible open.