If you're interested in apologetics, you should really add these to your video library.
Also, if you're interested in a Christian acappella internet radio station and you are an iTunes user, under the Library section go to Radio, then under Religious look for Acappella. If you don't use iTunes, you can also go here and find another way to listen.
I just recently started using the new ESV Study Bible, which just came out last month. I'm really liking it so far and would recommend it if you're in need of a new Bible any time soon. In the past I've used an NIV Study Bible (which is a "dynamic equivalent" translation) and an NASB Thompson Chain Reference (which is really hard to beat in my opinion). The ESV translation has only been around since 2001. It's an "essentially literal" translation as opposed to "dynamic equivalent", meaning the translators went to great efforts to translate the exact word-for-word meaning of the ancient texts (as much as possible), instead of "dynamic equivalent" paraphrasing which can intentionally or unintentionally lead to preconceived doctrinal ideas being included in the translation. The study notes give alternative interpretations to controversial passages such as Matthew 19:9 (including the correct strict interpretation, which is usually pretty obvious when you take away selfish motivations and approach His Word with a pure and honest heart). Other features include:
Brief summary notes at the beginning of each new section, explaining the meaning and purpose of the section. These correspond to the outline for each book of the Bible, and are shaded within the notes to help identify the structure of each book.
Background descriptions of historical and archaeological information, providing a contextual framework to help illuminate and understand the text.
Explanation of key Greek and Hebrew words (usually given in their lexical form), to provide insight into the meaning of key words in the original languages of the Bible.
Interaction with and responses to challenges concerning the truthfulness, historicity, or believability of specific Bible passages.
Application to life today for selected key passages.
Extensive introductions to each section and book of the Bible, focusing on authorship and date of writing, the historical setting, key themes, literary features, and detailed outlines.
A series of articles on the major doctrines and ethical teachings of Scripture.
A summary of the basic differences in doctrine and the understanding of the Bible within Christianity, including Evangelical Protestantism, Liberal Protestantism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Roman Catholicism.
A description of the other world religions (modern Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism).
An overview of the teachings of prominent cults, explaining how and where they depart from Scripture and classic evangelical Christianity.
Over 200 full-color maps
More than 40 illustrations, created specifically for the ESV Study Bible, including full-color renderings of important biblical structures, cities, and objects. These unique dimensional drawings were carefully researched and precisely rendered by architectural illustrators.
200-plus charts offering key insights and analysis in clear, concise outline form, located along with the notes throughout the Bible.
80,000 cross-references and an extensive concordance.
The ESV Study Bible is being published simultaneously in print form and online. The online edition is available free to all who purchase a copy of the print edition. The online edition includes additional features, such as the ability to create personal online notes; to search and follow interactive links between notes, maps, articles, charts, timelines, illustrations, and cross-references; to listen to audio recordings of the esv; as well as additional resources not included in the print edition.
I just bought this last month too - I'm really enjoying how thorough the comments and illustrations are in the Study Bible. I just wish it had an Encyclopedia index like my NASB study bible does.
I like my ESV so far as well. Matt 19:9 is the biggest thing i've seen wrong in the NIV, most of the verses that deal with the plan of salvation seem to be just as clear in the NIV though, so not too much calvinism.
speaking of salvation, the ESV Study Bible does try to use the notes to make the faith only argument that is so prevalent in mainstream Christianity. (Rom 3:21-4:25, Eph 2:8-9) they try real hard to get around James 2:14-26.
If you've ever driven on Hwy 6 between Waco and College Station, you've probably seen this building. Apparently some Baylor fans tried to paint something on it, but ended up just throwing buckets of green and gold paint on it. Full story here.
The man who owns the aggie barn is friends with my boss and came into the bank today to see about borrowing his pressure washer. :-)
good stuff! yeah i just had to rant about that... i think it's good to dress nice, but some people will always have their own opinions on what nice is. Maybe there's other things to worry about besides that junk?
