The Simple Truth

Simple Truth Devotions

A couple of years ago I started doing the Simple Truth Devotions Podcast.  You can check them out on the Princeton Bible Church website or thru the podcast section on iTunes.  Two times each week I do a recorded 5-10 minute devotion from a particular chapter in the Bible.  People frequently tell me how much they enjoy listening to the devotions during their commute to work.  I'm thrilled that people find them helpful.  

Since it's inception we've made our way thru Genesis, Matthew, Proverbs, many of the Pauline Epistles, and Psalm 119.  After finishing up Psalm 119 I took about a month off from doing the podcast and now I'm looking for the next book or subject to tackle in the devotions.  I need your input - let me know if there is a particular book or subject that you'd like to see covered.  I hope to start writing and recording the Simple Truth Devotions again next week.  I hope you'll tune in.  

Simple Truth Devotional Podcast

Just wanted to let you know that the Simple Truth Devotional Podcast is once again up and running.  I took a little break over the holiday from recording the devotions, but we have now cranked it back up.

What is the Simple Truth Devotional Podcast you ask?  They are brief (5-10 minute) audio devotions which typically consider a key point from a chapter in the Bible.  We are currently making our way through the book of Genesis.  I really enjoy preparing for and recording these devotions and hope they are ministering to people.  In fact, several people have commented to me about listening to the devotional podcast during their commute on the train.  They listen to the podcast and then read the chapter from the Bible as well. 

Anyway, check it out.  This is just one of several ways our church is trying to bring the timeless truths of scripture to you using modern technology.  To get the podcast just click on this link.

Growing Big Faith

I was listening to a podcast by Andy Stanley the other day in which he was talking about growing "big faith".  It has been his observation throughout his time in ministry that faith typically grows when one or more of the following five things are occurring in your life...

• Practical Teaching - you need a steady stream of relevant Bible teaching.
• Providential Relationships - people that God puts in your life to help you, or for you to help.
• Private Disciplines - these are the daily spiritual disciplines (i.e. reading your Bible, prayer, meditation, etc.).
• Personal Ministry - an expression of your God given gifts in ministering to others.
• Pivotal Circumstances - these are life changing occurrences (good or bad) that take you to a new place with God.

What do you think?  Are these the five things that God has used in your life to grow your faith?  Did Andy miss any faith growth factors?

Podcast

Recently I've received a lot of positive feedback regarding the PBC podcast on iTunes - some of it has been from people who don't attend our church or who are considering coming to our church.  I can't tell you how thrilled I am that God is using this technology to reach and minister to people.  I truly believe that podcasts (and the internet) are going to be a growing part of the way our church ministers in the future.  I'd love to see this area of our church really expand - we just need people with the skills to make the vision a reality.  Something to pray about!

If you haven't checked out the podcast give it a try.  You don't need an ipod or MP3 player - you can listen right on your computer.  Click this link and it will get you to the right place.  If you don't have iTunes on your computer, you can download it free from Apple.

We are currently doing two podcast:  The Sunday morning service and The Simple Truth Devotions (twice weekly).  Enjoy! 

Let me know if you're listening or if you have thoughts on how to improve what we are doing.

My Favorite Podcasts

In keeping with my last post about websites that I frequent, I thought I'd share some of the podcast I enjoy.  Podcast are an amazing tool.  The days of having to pay to hear some of your favorite speakers are long gone.  The message of Jesus Christ can be spread all over the world through this amazing medium. 

Don't fret if you don't own an ipod (they make great Christmas gifts, put it on your list.  Oh, and by the way, they've got a cool new design for the ipod Nano out now - I've seen the commercials and it made my lust for gadgets sin rear it's ugly head), all you need is the free itunes software from Apple and you can download podcasts right onto your computer - pretty cool.  Once you've installed the software open itunes and go to the itunes store.  From there click on the podcast link and search for the podcast you desire to download or listen to.

Ok, enough of that, here's my list...

• Princeton Bible Church Podcast - I actually don't subscribe to this one.  I hear it live in my head each week.


• Let My People Think - this is the podcast of Ravi Zacharias.  If you are interested in philosophy and apologetics, check this out.


• Active Word Daily Audio Podcast - these are sermons from Calvary Chapel in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.  The pastor is Bob Coy - he's really good and cracks me up.


• North Point Ministries - this is the podcast of Andy Stanley at North Point Community Church in GA.  Like his dad, Charles, he is a great communicator of God's word.  Nothing too deep, just real practical.


• Rick Warren's Ministry Podcast - this is a podcast directed at pastors.  Just practical advice for those in the ministry.  I listen mostly to hear the people that he is interviewing.


• KCBT Podcast - The church I was saved in.  Dr. Jeff Adams is a great expositor of the Bible.


• Grace Church - My friend Tim Howey's church in Overland Park, KS.  They have some great topics.

I'm always on the lookout for new podcast that I can check out.  Let me know if you have any that you listen to frequently and I'll give them a listen.