Welcome to TheoloTech.com

TheoloTech.com focuses on the unique needs (theological and technological) of people involved in ministry. TheoloTech.com is dedicated to help people incorporate and better use technology in their theology (or ministry).  In other words, we help people in ministry do stuff better and faster with good theology and good technology, most of the times, absolutely FREE!  So browse around, check us out and make it a great day!   Nick G.

Two Free Books from LOGOS.com

Checkout these two books that Logos.com is giving away this month.

1 Peter (The Two Horizons New Testament Commentary | THNTC) Even though 1 Peter only has five chapters, it is nonetheless distinctive for the clarity with which it presents the Christian message. In this volume Joel Green offers a clear paragraph-by-paragraph analysis of 1 Peter and, even more, unpacks the letter’s theology in ways that go beyond the typical modern commentary.

A Cultural Handbook to the Bible. If you are a student of the Bible you will enjoy this free handbook. The author not only deals with cultural contexts but also cross-cultural encounters translating important social concepts and applying them to biblical texts. Each chapter concludes with a list of useful references from cultural anthropology or biblical studies, making this book an excellent resource for students of the Bible.

Thanks for visiting. If you enjoyed this blog post click here for updates. Also, check out my Marriage Matters blog and follow me on Twitter, or Instagram, Nick Gonzalez.

Theolotech.com
“The Jubilee of Theology and Technology”

How to be a Good Zoom Host

29 tips on how to have a better zoom meeting.
By Nick Gonzalez

 

Zooming is booming. Here’s how to do it better.

1. If you are new to Zoom, have practice meetings with friends and family. Learn how to use Zoom’s basic features.
   

2. If you don’t know how to use the basic tools you will have problems.

3. Don’t let another person schedule your meeting. Get your own zoom account. Prices start at zero.  Invest and save yourself problems.

4. If you have a large group of over 20 people, assign someone to help you with the meeting.  This is called being a co-host in a zoom meeting.  Co-hosts can mute people, monitor the chat, spotlight people, etc. Make sure that your co-hosts know how to use Zoom.
   

5. Learn to use the mute button.  When you mute everyone, make sure to uncheck the box that says “allow participants to unmute themselves” if necessary. Or else you may be saying often, “everyone please mute yourself” when that’s not necessary.
   

6. Spotlight yourself, students, or special guests when they speak.  Spotlighting places a participant that you pick on the screen for everyone in the meeting to see. If you don’t use this feature the main screen will switch to wherever is talking or to wherever there is noise. Make sure to turn off the spotlight feature after they are finished speaking. 

7. Make sure to schedule a zoom meeting correctly.  Do not use your personal Zoom ID for meetings. Let zoom generate the meeting ID.

8. After you schedule a zoom meeting, test the zoom link in another browser or another computer to make sure it works. Test it as soon as you schedule the meeting.  Send it to a friend to test.

9. When sending the link to participants send the correct link.  Send the Zoom link (ex: https://zoom.us/j/123456789) and the zoom ID: 123456789.

10. Start your meeting a few minutes before the official start time. This will allow participants a few minutes to get their video and sound.

11. Start the actual meeting on time. Waiting for others to show up is wasting the time of those who showed up on time. And if you have more meetings they too will be late.

12. Don’t be late to your own meeting.

13. Know that everyone can hear everything you say and all sounds around you including children, pets and music, etc. Turn off your audio often if necessary.

14. If you are having an important meeting with a guest speaker, have a test meeting with that person to make sure he or she has Zoom installed, has a good connection, good lighting, sounds, etc.

15. Make sure that the main person speaking has extra lighting. Normal house lighting is not enough. Use a lamp and position the light in front of you, not in the back.

16. When you start your meeting (especially if its a school course) tell your participants what to expect and how to act. This could include to telling participants to turn ON their video, to position the camera directly in front of them, not to have side conversations, don’t walk around or eat in front of the camera, and don’t lay in bed.

17. Encourage participation from the beginning of your meeting to use the thumbs up, wave, and the chat.

18. Learn how to use Zoom polls, break out rooms, annotations, etc. This can really change the dynamic of your meeting.

19. Learn how to share your screen. Be creative, share a document, a slide, a youtube video, etc. 

20. Pay attention to the body language of your participants. They will tell you when the meeting is too long or when you need to either take a break or continue the meeting at another time.

21. Learn to use the Gallery view. The gallery view allows you to see everyone in the meeting instead of just yourself.\

22. Make sure to look directly at the camera often when speaking. This gives the effect of eye-to-eye contact with your participants and helps your communication.
    

23. Ensure your background represents you well. Use the Zoom green screen option.

24. As a host make sure you are in the center of the screen. Don’t be on the edge.  Tell your participant to place themselves in the center of the screen. 

25. Wear headphones if you will be in a noisy location.

26. If you plan to have lots of zoom meetings consider a separate microphone.

27. Know that paid Zoom customers can record their meetings.  This is a great feature that allows you to send to others.

28. Turn off the video of people in the meeting who are distracting: walking, not paying attention, eating, sleeping, etc. You can be sure that your participants will be chatting about it during your meeting.

29. Keep the chat open on your computer so that you can see what people are talking about or asking about.

That’s it for now. Thanks for visiting. If you enjoyed this blog post click here for updates. Also, check out my Marriage Matters blog and follow me on Twitter, or Instagram, Nick Gonzalez.

Theolotech.com
“The Jubilee of Theology and Technology”

TheoloTech.com Review of ChristianAudio.com

If you enjoyed this brief video review, leave a comment.

I’ve been using ChristianAudio.com for several years now and I think you just might like their service.  They provide Christian books in audio format. I have several of their books and thoroughly enjoy them.

I’m really happy that they finally have an Android version of their app.  I love it!  I download several of my books and now I have access to them anytime.  This month they are giving away the King James version of the New Testament absolutely free.  Enjoy!

 

 

Letting Go!

Here is a scripture to help you start out this new year fresh.

“Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.”  Ephesians 4:26

Although at times you and I may get angry, we should not sin.  The way to prevent sin is to deal with “the anger before the sun goes down”.

Here’s my point, as you start out the new year, don’t allow yourself to bring in anything that is negative (anger, troubles, etc.).  Let it go.  Whatever happened last year that makes you angry, upset or discouraged, let it go.  Do not bring it into the new year (don’t let the sun go down on it).  Even though this verse is an excellent tip for married couples, it can also work wonders for us as individuals too.

Apostle Paul got angry (at least once) with Mark, one of the guys in his ministry.  He apparently misjudged Mark in Acts 15:37 by not wanting to bring Mark with him on his second journey (Mark did leave Paul’s first journey for a reason no one really knows).  Paul talks bad about Mark to his cousin Barnabas.  Barnabas didn’t agree with Paul and this disagreement led to a split in Paul’s ministry.  Paul went one way and Barnabas the other.

Later on in 2 Tim. 4:11 Paul writes, “Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.”  It looks like Paul had a change of heart because now he wants Mark back.  We don’t know exactly what happened except that Paul now wanted Mark back on his team. Some commentators guess that maybe the reason Mark left Paul on the first journey was that Mark was just being rebellious or not willing to pay the price.  Others say that it’s possible that Paul was just so on fire and passionate about this ministry that he neglected his team or that maybe he was a little too harsh and hard to work with.  Yet others say that Mark just got homesick. We really don’t know the reason why Mark left Paul.

When Paul writes asking for Mark he is in prison knowing that his life may be ending soon.  I take it that Paul did not want the sun to go down on his anger (he was pretty upset earlier).

Have you ever misjudged someone?  Has someone misjudged you?  The Word of God says to let it go by not letting “the sun go down while you are still angry”.  Deal with it quickly.

You might be thinking, how do I not let the sun go down? Good question, here a are a few suggestions:  Ask God to help you.  Think before you speak.  Forgive yourself, forgive people, build good relationships (by being a good listener) and expect great things.  Love your spouse and kids.  Speak positive things.  Stop being negative and expect grace and favor.  Expect God to do great things in your life this year as well as in your family’s life.

If you want to take it a step further stay in God’s Word, work hard, mind your own ministry, grow yourself, be creative, be positive and don’t be afraid to ask for help.  If you are involved in ministry don’t isolate yourself, be a good team player, be available, teachable, have a good attitude, roll with the punches and smile.  If you are not involved in ministry, get involved. Give your time, talents & treasure to God.  Start small but do something.

Be happy on purpose, keep your eyes on the Lord and position yourself to have a great year (by your commitment, faithfulness, and excellence).  Lastly, while we are talking about starting out this new year fresh, don’t forget to plan, prioritize and to pray.

Don’t bring into the new year anything negative from your past.  Forget about it on purpose.  Stop thinking about the bad things that happened to you.  Let them go.   Don’t bring them into this new year.

“Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry”.

Free Ebook Reader – Vyrso

Who needs another ebook reader?  That’s what I thought when I first heard of Vyrso.  After a little time I realized that Vyrso is not just another reader.  If you like reading (on your Android device or iPad) you will enjoy Vyrso.

What separates Vyrso from other ebook readers is this, “one-touch Bible reference”.  In other words if the book you are reading includes a Bible verse, you can tap the scripture and it is opens up for you.  With a simple touch, Vyrso shows you the Bible passages that your ebooks reference.  This is a wonderful timesaver, allowing you to read the Bible along with your favorite Christian authors’ ebooks.  Plus their cross-library search tool helps you find what every ebook in your bookshelf says about a given topic; you can find the quotes and passages you want in no time!

If you are a Logos Bible Software or Biblia.com user, (I’ll review them both later)  Vyrso connects all the books in your library, enabling you to make connections you never knew possible.  Very nice!  You can now integrate all of your Logos Bible study materials with your leisure and personal reading.

Vyrso offers a broad selection of ebooks written by Christians for Christians.  The Vyrso experience brings readers the best Christian titles on any mobile device, providing a virtual Christian bookshelf that goes wherever you go.  I’ve been using Vyrso for several weeks now and I am enjoying it.

The best part is that Vyrso is free and comes with a free King James Version of the Bible!  Download Vyrso on your mobile device from the App Store or the Android Market.

Here’s a video clip that describes how Vyrso works on Android devices.  To see the video clip for an iPad click here.

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Vyrso has thousands of ebooks to choose from, (many of them free) including genres such as Christian Living, Fiction, Politics, Ministry, Young Adult Fiction, and more.

Visit http://vyrso.com/dg today to download John Piper’s latest ebook, “Holy Ambition” free (available until Dec. 25th, 2011).  There are lots of other free books on Vyrso.  I just downloaded three free ebooks a couples of days ago, they are: “The Whole Bible Story” by William H. Marty, Marty William H.  “Money, Possessions, and Eternity” by Randy Alcorn and “Game Plan for Life: Your Personal Playbook for Success” by Joe Gibbs.  Gotta love it!   Click here to see what else is available for free.

The Vyrso experience brings readers the best Christian titles on any mobile device, providing a virtual Christian bookshelf that goes wherever you go.  Try it out and let me know how you like it.

If you don’t have an Android device or an iPad or iPhone there’s still hope!  Just visit:  http://www.biblestudytools.com/classics/ to access a free collection of classic Christian works that does not require an eBook reader.  Just click on the link and start reading on your computer.  The collection includes cherished favorites like John Bunyan‘s Pilgrim’s Progress and landmark Christian works like St. Augustine‘s Confessions and Thomas a Kempis‘s The Imitation of Christ.  It also includes more recent classics from theologians like B.B. Warfield and Christian writers like G.K. Chesterton.  Enjoy!

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Best Online and Onsite Study Bible

If you are looking to get a new Bible, check out the ESV Study Bible.  I first picked up a copy from the library to see if I would like it and I’m glad to say it passed the test.  I placed an order online and just received my copy a month ago (the burgundy leather edition). All I can say is I’m truly loving it. It’s like having a Bible School at your finger tips (And now for quick commercial: For a real Bible School visit, http://www.VetiOnline.com).

The ESV Study Bible includes 20,000 notes, Over 50 articles, 200-plus charts, over 200 full-color maps, 40 all-new illustrations and 80,000 cross-references in all of its 2,752 pages. The book is so thick that it can probably stop a bullet.  You definitely can’t be ashamed of the Gospel carrying this book around.  In order to really appreciate everything the ESV Study Bible has to offer you must first take a tour.  Here’s a link to several short video clips to introduce you to the ESV Study Bible.   To find the best price for the hard cover edition click here.

One of the best things I like about the ESV Study Bible is that it comes with an online version (free to all those who purchase a copy of the print edition).  The online version contains all of the references of the print version plus a whole lot more.  For a Free Preview of the ESV Online Study Bible click here.  You can also purchase the online version by itself for $19.99.

The online version contains all of the reference materials in the print edition with links to the cross-referenced scriptures and notes. You can also create and store personal notes online and to listen to audio recordings of the ESV too.

So there you have it, the best online and onsite study Bible in the entire world.  The ESV Study Bible is the most comprehensive study Bible ever created.  Just remember that it doesn’t make a difference which version of the Bible you prefer, (ESV, NIV, NKJ, etc.) the best version of the Bible is the one that you actually read.

http://www.ESVStudyBible.org/

For details on Bible translations read my previous post here.  And for my review of two excellent Bible Background Commentaries click here.

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Read & Listen to the Bible on your Phone

 

There are plenty of apps that will let you read the Bible on your phone, but here’s one that let’s you listen to the Bible as well.   And it works too!   Plus it’s FREE.   The dramatic audio is excellent plus it’s available for the iPhone, Andriod and iPad in several languages.  All you need to do is to search for Bible.is on your phone.

 

Bible.is also let’s you listen to the Bible on your computer through this link: http://www.bible.is/ Bible.is can even send you a daily text message with a link to one chapter from New Testament a day.   How cool is that?    All you need is a cell phone with a data plan.  This is great for exercising or when you just want to relax.  To get started text “YES” to “Bible (24253).

 

So check out http://www.bible.is/ If you like to read and listen to the Bible your search is over.

Free Reformation eChart

Ever wondered where all the different denominations came from? What the difference is between Lutherans and Baptists? How great would it feel to be the one in your small group who knows the difference between Calvinism and Arminianism?

Click here to download a Free Reformation eChart by Rose Publishing or on the image below.

The Reformation e-Chart explains the 5 points of Calvinism and Arminianism, the 5 solas of the reformation, and 4 important branches of the reformation. It also includes a map and family tree of reformation movements. This is available to Download For One Week Only!

This free e-Chart is taken from the book Rose Book of Bible Charts 2 which includes a five-page illustrated Reformation Time Line showing more than 100 key events and people.

Did you know on October 31, Protestants celebrate Reformation Day? The day almost 500 years ago that Martin Luther posted The 95 Theses in Germany forever changing the landscape of the Western Church and the world.  Eager to learn to an more, but turned off by old hard-to-read history books? Rose publishing has a tool for you! Their easy-to-use Reformation Time-line pamphlet shows you visually how the Reformation unfolded in Europe while explaining the thoughts behind the events.

If you really like this type of stuff sign up to Rose publishing’s FREE newsletter and get 9 Free Bible eCharts plus weekly eCharts by email.  I’ve been receiving these e-Charts for a few months now and they are very informative.   Rose Publishing provides easy-to-use, full-color Bible study pamphlets, maps, charts & timelines. Visit their site here http://www.rose-publishing.com and browse their entire collection for some excellent Bible references.

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Top “FREE” Bible Study Tools

Mechanics have tools, doctors have tools, and so do students of the Bible.

If you plan to effectively study the Bible you will eventually want to invest in some of the tools that can help you become a good student.  One thing to remember is that all tools contain explanations of people and do not provide the authoritative words of God.  Bible study tools should be used as immediate helps and not meant to be the end of your investigation.  Do not depend solely on the explanations found in your Bible study tools and never replace the Bible with a Bible study tool.

Bible study tools contain lots of information.  You will find helpful introductions to each book of the Bible and outlines that show you how books fit together.  Bible study tools will include explanatory notes about the text, doctrine, and Christian living.

If you are serious about Bible study get a good study Bible.  A few good ones includes the Life Application Study Bible, The ESV Study Bible and The Apologetics Study Bible.  I’ll be reviewing the ESV Study Bible soon.  You also want to consider getting a good Bible commentary.  For more details on choosing a Bible translation click here.

To begin always interact with the Bible text first before consulting with your tools.  It’s important to keep in mind that Bible study tools, (commentaries, dictionaries, study Bibles, encyclopedias, concordances, atlas’ etc.) should not be the final word on any portion of scripture.  Remember that you are learning how to study the Bible, not learning how to study commentaries.

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Whether you read the Bible in book format, on your cell phone or you would rather listen to it, do not stray away from the Bible.   One way to stay on track is to begin a Bible reading plan.  You can get a good reading plan from BiblePlan.org free. They have reading plans that will help you read the Bible in a year, read Proverbs in a month, read just the words of Jesus, read just the Psalms or Gospels or read a plan that combines the New Testament and Old Testament.  Pick a plan that will help you read the Bible systematically.

Here’s my top 15 “web based” Bible Study Tools.

1. The Bible (the actual book)
2. BibleGateway.com
3. BibleStudyTools.com
4. BlueLetterBible.org
5. Christianity.com
6. Crosswalk.com
7. ChristianBibleStudies.com
8. Belief.net
9. Bible.org
10. StudyLight.org
11. SearchGodsWord.org
12. Bible.com
13. NETBible.org
14. OnePlace.com
15. Biblos.com

If you really want to take the study of the Bible a little more serious, I recommend using LOGOS.com.  (I wrote a short review here).  It’s one of the best if not the best Bible Study Software program that I have ever used.  It will cost you some money but then again, this program will definitely take you to the next level in your Bible study.  The best part is that you can buy the starter program and keep adding resources as you can plus they have a very nice payment plan.

Keep in mind that a lot of the free “web based” Bible commentaries are in the public domain, (in other words, they were written a very long time ago).  Public domain Bible tools are also included in many Bible software packages.   Using old (19th-century or earlier) resources for Bible study may present valid insights for interpretation, but they should be used with caution, because of their age, and with awareness and acknowledgment of the original date of publication (rather than the date of the reprint or electronic version).

Learn to be passionate about what you are reading in the Bible.  After all, they contain the very words of God.  While we are talking about being passionate about the Word of God take a look at this short video interview with John Piper.  John  is the Pastor for Preaching at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota.   He is the author of more than 30 books and more than 25 years of his preaching and teaching is available free at http://www.DesiringGod.org He is being asked, “Where and How Did You Learn to Preach?

If you have a good Bible study resource that you would like to share please click on “Comments”

The Gospel in 3 Minutes

So you don’t know much about God, Jesus, salvation and you’re in a hurry.  Here’s the solution for you, “The Gospel in Under Three Minutes”.

This short video will let you know everything you need to know how to give your life to God.  (or as some people say, how to get saved, receiving salvation, giving your life to Jesus Christ, repentance, etc.).  Check it out and share it with a friend.

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No matter what you call it or how you say it, the Gospel is about realizing that we are sinners, (basically that meas we’re messed up) recognizing that Christ died on the cross for you and I, (He is the solution) repenting of our sins (because we need forgiveness) and receiving Jesus into your life.  It doesn’t have to be complicated.  When we accept Christ into our lives, we give God our junk and he gives us His joy (not to mention peace, love acceptance and eternal life).  Sounds like a win-win-win situation to me.  If you have any questions about this, shoot me an email, Nickg at TheoloTech dot com.

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Free Online Class ~ How to Study the Bible

If you long for a relationship with God but feel lost when you open the Bible, the course, “How to Study the Bible” is for you.  Learn how to effectively study God’s Word for more impact, value and significance.

Based on the “Inductive Bible Study” method, discover the tools and skills to help you observe biblical text, dig out its meaning, and then apply it to your life. One of the best ways to grow in Christ is to learn how to study the Bible.

This free course is no longer being offered.

This online class is being offered free from Victory Education & Training Institute , V.E.T.I.   Class begins this Mon. 9/13/2010 so register now if you are really are interested.  By the way, I (the creator of this blog) have the privilege to teach this class.  For those who enroll, I hope you enjoy the course.

Free Audio Book ~ Spiritual Leadership ~ Revised!

You are reading this post just in the “Nick of Time” (pun intended). Each month ChristianAudio.com gives away a premium audio-book download for free. If you are reading this post after the month of Sept. 2010 the link to the book will be a different book . If you want this audio-book, download it now.

This month they are offering the Christian classic, Spiritual Leadership, a study on principles of excellence for every believer. The book has been recently updated and revised so if you have an older copy of the book you may want to check this out. This book is so good that even after you download it I recommend that you purchase the book. It’s a “must have”. Even though I’ve read this book several times I’m now listening to it (in the MP3 format). Sounds great!

I am always challenged when I read this book. I’m going to copy the file to my phone so that I can listen to it throughout the day. If you have not read Spiritual Leadership by Oswald Chambers you are in for a delight.

To see the contents of the book click on the image above.
To download the audio-book click here.

The mission of ChristianAudio.com is to shape Christian hearts to think and do right. Sign up to their free newsletter and they will notify you about their monthly free audio-book download. ChristianAudio is in the business of making contexts in which Christians can think properly about God, themselves, and the world. They believe that spiritual growth occurs within the framework of proper beliefs – the contexts that allow Christians to go about enjoying God and serving others.

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How God Speaks Today.

You do know that God still speaks today, don’t you?

If you don’t that’s OK. Pastor James MacDonald explains the way God speaks very clearly in this short video below.    Click here or on the image below to view.  Don’t forget to download the chart used during the presentation too.

So how has God spoken to you recently? What did he say?  Please leave a comment.

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Organize Your Prayer Lists

I wonder how the Psalmist organized his prayers and songs.  Since David wrote at least 73 of the Psalms, how do you think he kept it all nice and neat?   If he had an iPhone, he probably would have used the new app. called, “My Prayer List”.    😉“My Prayer Lists” helps to organize your prayers into lists and pray for them on certain days or certain times of the day. Forget about trying to remember who or what you wanted to pray for or trying to remember where you left the prayer request slips.

Here’s a demonstration how it works:

This little application will let you organize your prayers into groups, it’ll email your prayers to your friends to remind them of important needs in both your life and others and even has password protection.  Not bad for only $3.99.

So what do you use to organize your prayer list? Paper? A computer program? Memory? Let us know what system works best for you.

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