Should You Read The Bible In A Digital Format?

Everyone of us has a device of some kind. It could be a Kindle, iPhone, iPad, etc. Many of us use them on a daily basis. We play on apps, check our social media pages and even check sports highlights. One of the common questions being asked as of late is should we read the Bible on those devices or should we just stick with a hard copy.

This past year, as I was on vacation, I had my Kindle and my Bible. My plan was to read my physical Bible long with other books as well as some e-books. There was a lot going on during my vacation that instead of reading my physical Bible, I ended up reading the Bible on the Kindle. I have to admit, it was a little refreshing especially when I had to read in the early morning hours where I can lie in the bed or sit another room without turning on any lights to disturb others.

I felt no conviction because I read the Bible on my Kindle. God's Word is God's Word. Whether we read a paperback Bible or a digital one, it is still God's Word. I know some preachers preach from a digital Bible, but that is not my preference nor is it my preference to bring my Kindle to corporate worship. If that is your preference praise God and there is nothing wrong with that. My wife and son read the Bible on their phones. My daughter still loves reading from the leather bound Bible she got when she was baptized.

If reading the Bible on a Kindle or whatever device you use helps you grow and memorize scripture, great. Do that. If that's not you, don't speak harshly to those who do. They are reading the Bible just like you. There are many apps that are out there that will help a believer in studying the Bible or even memorizing the Word. Just recently, I have been trying to get into the habit of listening to an audio Bible on my phone.

It does not matter if you have a leather bound book or an app, the Word are still holy because they are from God.

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Thoughts on E-Books

For the past couple of weeks, we have had two write about e-books. Tim Challies has written that he is going all in with e-books while Michael Hyatt said he is is ditching e-books. Both writers give their reasons for going the way they chose when it comes to reading books.

My purpose is not argue for either one of their cases. but I would like to share some thoughts regarding e-books and whether or not Christians should them. First, should a Christian read from a printed book or an e-book? Yes. A book is a book. I don't think we can judge one's salvation or maturity based on if he/she uses an e-reader or not. Both have advantages and disadvantages. For printed books, you can write thoughts in the book and you can get easier then an e-book at times especially when you have to wait for the e-reader to charge or until your youngest child is done using it. That's a true story, by the way.

There are times e-books are cheaper than printed books and other times free especially on Kindle. Second, should I use the Bible in my e-reader? Yes and no. Yes, when you are going on a trip and want to make sure you pack light, having the Bible on your e-reader is a plus. If you are a student, having that in your backpack might not be a bad idea especially you have one of those nice leather Bibles. Where I say no is for your own personal Bible reading and study. Yes, it does not matter if your Bible is hardback, leather bound, or even an e-book, it is the Word of God. I have found more benefit from having an actual printed Bible to read and study in than an e-version. In addition, I don't think one should be in a worship service with one. I think it would be a benefit to you and your brother and sisters around you if have a printed copy of the Bible. A printed copy of the Bible will help know where the books are in each testament.

Third, should I ditch one of over the other. That depends on you and your budget. This is not one of those you are a better Christian if you have an e-book or a printed book. I know I would personally not get rid of printed books nor would I stop using e-books. If there is an e-book that is free on Kindle, of course, I am going to download it and the same thing goes if a printed book was offered for free, I would take advantage.

One final question, is why would you use e-books only? In other words, what are your motives. Do you want to use e-books because it is the trend or because it is your best option for reading and lighter on your budget. Do you want to stay with printed books because you think technology is the mark of the beast, which I have known a few people in the church like that.

Personally, I love printed books more than I do e-books. I love the feel of a book in my hand. I don't mind using an e-book, but I prefer a printed one. Yes, it does cost more and take up space especially when you use your last empty bookshelf, but that is my preference. I also would not preach or teach from an e-version of the Bible unless it was necessary such as teaching at a church overseas. Whether or not a Christian should use an e-reader, is a matter of preference. So regardless of what kind of books you are reading, keep reading.

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Why Are Book Reviews So Popular?

Of my top 10 posts, 6 of them are book reviews. It amazes me at the popularity of book reviews on a lot of websites. Why are they popular? Why do people read them more than anyone blog entry? I can only think of two reasons why book reviews are popular:

1. People want to know if the book is good before purchasing it. How many of you look at movie reviews before going to the movies? I know I have at times. We treat books that way too. We want to know if it is worth our time, effort, and money. I made a little exception to this rule when Rob Bell's Love Wins came out a couple of years ago. I read a lot of reviews on it but wanted to read it for myself. It was exactly like I thought it was, a Bible teacher going against the Bible on the doctrine of hell.

2. People who have read the book want to hear other opinions. Most of the book I have reviewed have been read by other readers and I am sure, they want to know if I liked as much as they did. Also those who liked or did not like the book can offer some if their insights on the book. My most popular book review to date is Mark Batterson's The Circle Maker, which I did not care for nor recommend, and one lady in the comment section talked about her and her husband's experience in reading the book. They were excited about reading the book then they were more "confused and mislead." She went on to say this book is some from of witchcraft. I did not think of witchcraft when I read the book and I appreciated her input.

Please note that I have only reviewed non-fiction Christian books. I have never reviewed a fiction book and do not see myself doing that in the near future. So I know the reasons for book reviews on fiction books maybe different than other genre of books. When I write a book review, I will give you my honest opinion about the book. I will tell you if it is worth it or not. If you have read a book that you liked that I did not, and vice versa, that's okay. We are all entitled to our own opinions. I know I have other book reviews on books I liked that the writer did not.

As you read a book review, do it prayerfully and understand what the writer is expressing no matter how long or short it is.

Happy Reformation Day

Today is not only a day where people can dress up like their favorite superhero or movie monster. Today is Reformation Day which a big day in church history where Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses on the door of the Wittenberg Church. There have been a few posts today for other websites commemorating Luther's legacy and the importance of this day.

Kevin DeYoung posted on 5 key concepts in the Reformation for understanding the doctrine of Justification:

First, the Christian is simul iustus et peccator.

Second, our right standing with God is based on an alien righteousness.

Third, the righteousness of Christ is ours by imputation, not by impartation.

Fourth, we are justified by faith alone.

Finally, with all this talk about the necessity of faith, the Catechism explains that faith is only an instrumental cause in our salvation.

You can read the entire post here

Justin Holcomb has also a great brief history on the Reformation as well as some recommended readings on the Reformations and Reformers.

Crossway is giving away The Joy of Calvinism (e-book format) for free today. You can also check out my review of the book before you get it.

Zondervan is having a Reformation e-book sale until November 5th.

Tweeted about a post from Liberate on the Reformation earlier today that had this video at the end. This video is so good, I had to watch it more than once and even put it on my blog. Hope you enjoy it:




One more thing: Remember that Reformation Day is all about Jesus. If make much of Martin Luther, then the Reformation was a waste of time.

Digital or Printed

Paper or plastic? How many of you remember going to grocery stores hearing that question? Granted there are still quote a few number of stores that still have sackers to work for them and take your groceries out to your car. With the increasing advances in techonolgy, we have access to electronic books (e-books), which can be downloaded on a computer or an e-reader such as Amazon's Kindle.

You can get book downloaded on an e-reader for a good price and sometimes for free. Sometimes people are asked if they prefered the digital copy of a book over a printed one. When it comes to the Bible, most Christians love to have a printed copy of the scriptures yet I know quite a few people that bring their Kindles to church as well as their smart phones if they have a Bible app on it.

Some pastors have got to say, when telling his congregation what scripture he is going to, "If you have your Bible or your app, turn to..." I have notice a growing trend in my church of people using their Bible app on their Kindles. Sometimes I see them with a printed Bible and a Kindle.

I know many people like the e-readers because it is easier to carry than books. I remember Steve McCoy on Twitter saying as he was in Starbucks, people were staring at his Bible as if their faces were starting to melt. I know I had a similar look when I left one of our local high schools carrying my Bible after speaking their FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes).

My pastor and I were talking about our people using Kindles instead of a printed Bible, we both agree that we have no problem with it. I still love using my printed Bible. I have read the Bible on the Kindle, but (this is my opinion) it's not the same as reading a printed Bible in your hands you can underline and look at with reverence. If you are tech savy and love reading the Bible, or a book, on an e-reader, then glory to God.

Now the question is, should we read our Bibles on a Kindle and/or Bible app on a smart phone? I know some churches will allow it. Others simply frown upon it. I personally do not have a problem with it. I know our local RA/GA (Royal Ambassadors/Girls in Action) camp have banned Bibles on e-readers because they want kids to use printed Bibles. To help answer this question, Justin Childers has a good post on why is it a good idea to bring a printed copy of the scriptures to worship.

Do you still bring a physical, "ink and paper" Bible to church on Sundays? With the popularity of the iPhone and iPad, many people are leaving their bonded leather at home in favor of their Bible app. It is very convenient to have the whole Bible in your pocket and not have to keep track of a heavy physical Bible. But, I've got a few concerns about this growing trend.

One concern is that iPhones and iPads carry an irresistible temptation to do something other than concentrate on the Bible. You can listen AND see what others are doing on Facebook or Twitter. You can listen AND shoot a text to a friend. Which of course, seriously reduces one's ability to actually listen and concentrate on God's Word.

However, my main concern is another subtle temptation: The temptation to turn the device off during the sermon. For example, I preach for about 45 minutes and I usually refer to particular words, phrases, and verses all the way through the sermon. Each and every point I make is hopefully tied to the passage I'm preaching from. I don't want people to assume I'm saying true things, I want them to see it in the text itself. I do not just read a text and then tell unrelated stories for 40 minutes (if this were the case, I'd encourage you to bring your iPhone and read a good expository sermon instead).

Check the entire post here.

Free Books To Download on Your Kindle

My family and I recently got a Kindle for Christmas. It was a generous gift from extended members of our family. Of course, I could not wait to get some books downloaded. I was able to download four books yesterday, which the first one was the Bible in the ESV. Here are two more books that I am looking forward to dive into:

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners by John Bunyan.

Concerning Christian Liberty by Martin Luther.