PastorZeller's Xanga

Bible Works Part II

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:32:02 GMT

Well as I have had the opportunity for nearly thirty days to use Bible Works 8 I have to say that I absolutely love the software. Here are some of the features I have enjoyed.

- Easy to use

-Focuses almost exclusivley on the text not on opinions, commentaries etc.

-The most commonly used applications are very easy to figure out and can be mastered very quickly

-The speed of the searches is incredible, especially compared with programs like Logos Scholars Gold.

- Greek and Hebrew Diagrams

-Greek and Hebrew Language cue cards that keep track of whether you have the word mastered or not.

-Easy to use morphology and lexicons, much easier to access and to use than the logos software.

-Simple program

In closing the Bible Works 8 package has become my default software package although I have Logos Scholars Gold, Wordsearch 8, and PC Study Bible Advanced reference. The simplicity and speed of the Bible Works software is simply awesome. In my next review I will explain further why Bible Works 8 is my favorite of the software packages I own.

Bible Works 8 Part I

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 02:49:01 GMT

Bible Works 8 is the first software review I will be posting in my series of comparative segments on Bible software. Bible Works 8 is a software program that focuses on the biblical text. The other software programs that I will review will all have Greek and Hebrew helps but their focus is different. Most other software packages are designed to help the user collect a theological library and to collect electronically formatted books from a wide range of subjects. While Bible Works 8 does have a wide variety of tools its aim is not to help the user amass a theological library filled with commentaries and explanatory notes but rather the focus is on the proper exegesis of the Biblical text.

While I have Logos Scholars Library with over 900 works, Wordsearch 8 with more than 900 works, and PC Study Bible advanced with more than 350 works I have found myself spending most of my time in Bible Works 8. Why would I do that when the Bible Works library only has a few commentaries sermon aides? Because Bible Works 8 is the quickest and most convenient program of the four I have examined. In addition Bible Works 8 allows you to do the exegesis without the temptation of turning to a commentary to do it for you. Bible Works 8 includes many lexicons, language diagrams, and other grammars to help the expositor to correctly determine the precise meaning of the passage being considered. The language package in Bible Works 8 is incredible, and it is very simple to use. As their motto indicates "focus on the text" this is the beauty and simplicity of Bible Works 8.

In subsequent articles I will delve further into the features and resources contained in the Bible Works 8 software package.

The Great Bible Software Review: Postponed

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 21:28:39 GMT

Ok, I know I said that I was going to begin my review of Bible software on September 30th but then I received word from 2 of the software providers that they would not have the software to me until early October. As a result I am going to postpone the software review until mid October. By mid October I will have a received a Copy of Bible Works 8, Wordsearch9, Logos Scholars Gold, and Pc Study Bible Advanced Library with Greek and Hebrew Editions. So far I will tell you that I am impressed with both PC study Bible and the Logos products. The review should be exciting and informative. Stay tuned!

PastorZeller

The Great Bible Software Review

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 02:32:39 GMT

As a seminary student and a pastor-teacher I have a substantial interest in Bible software and the different products on the market, as well as the features that they offer. Over the past few months I have done a great deal of research on the subject and requested software from several major software companies so that I could do a comprehensive review of the major Bible software products. Beginning September 30th I will begin my reviews on the products that I have had the opportunity to view and to explore in Bible study. At the writing of this article I have received a demo copy of PC Study Bible Advanced Library with language add- in, I was promised a copy of Wordsearch 9 by Wordsearch Corp., and I have purchased Bible Works 5 as well as Logos Scholars Library Gold. I will begin by offering a review of each product on hand and then once I have completed individual reviews I will summarize my findings in a comparative review. If you are curious about the electronic Bible study products that are currently on the market you should find this review interesting. And if you are doing research to figure out which Bible software product is best for you, this review could provide some valuable information.

Blessings,

Pastorzeller

God's Judgment or a Freak Occurrence?

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 17:50:12 GMT

Yesterday as the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) met to discuss the possibility of accepting homosexuals into pastoral ministry at the Minneapolis Convention Center something remarkable happened! A tornadoe struck the Minneapolis convention center at about 2PM which is exactly when the denomination was scheduled to have its discussion on this controversial issue. The tornadoe also hit Central Lutheran church and broke its steeple removing the cross that was affixed on top. The tornadoe was not expected and was considered a "freak occurence" by the meterologists in the Minneaplois area. So the question is this. Was it a freak occurrence or an act of divine judgment? I believe it was the latter. God has made it clear in His Word that homosexuality is an abominable lifestyle in His eyes. The prospect of a Christian group even considering "gay" clergy into the ministry is a total departure from the basic tenets of the Christian faith and can only be rightly called apostasy. My hope and prayer is that the ELCA will heed this divine message and repent and return to the teachings of the scriptures.

What do you think? Freak occurrence or divine judgment?

See John Piper's blog on this subject here:

http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/1965_the_tornado_the_lutherans_and_homosexuality/

Calvinist 1st Anniversary Give Away!

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 06:53:24 GMT

The Calvinist first Website, a blog that is dedicated to the promotion and teaching of reformation theology is having an unebelieveable giveaway!! They are giving away two copies of BibleWorks 8 bible Study software! This is the premiere biblical exegesis software on the market which allows anyone to do deep and detailed study into the original languages of the Holy Bible. This software costs $349.00 per license and is the best on the market.

If you are looking for Bible study software this is one of the best you can get. If you are interested just follow the link below:

http://cal.vini.st/2009/06/cal-vini-st-first-anniversary-giveaway/

God's blessing,

Pastor Zeller

The Value of Freedom

Wed, 27 May 2009 14:14:24 GMT

The Greatest Gift is Freedom

What makes America great? Have you ever considered that question? Most Americans agree that our country is a wonderful place but rarely do they discuss why our country is so special. Now trying to explain why America is great is harder than it might seem because there are so many factors that make America the exceptional place that it is. But after much thought and reflection I believe I have pin pointed the very essence of American greatness. In a word freedom is what makes America so special and indeed the envy of the world. In this great country we have freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom to bear arms, freedom of choice, freedom to own, buy, and sell property, we are a free people, free to make decisions based upon our own values, opinions, and beliefs. We are free.

Some might be tempted to suggest that it is our strong economy or our mighty military that make America great but the reality is that every facet of American life is what it is as a direct result of the marvelous freedoms we enjoy. Our economy is the center of world trade and commerce because of free market capitalism and the ingenuity of American entrepreneurs who are free to take risks and pursue the American dream. Our military is great because of the economic engine that supports it and enables it to produce and use the most sophisticated weaponry in the world and our free society and the liberty that it values produces the most dedicated and exceptional soldiers on earth. But whatever sector of American society we examine the reality becomes quite clear that each is what it is as a direct result of the benefits of freedom and liberty. We are truly a blessed people because we are a free people.

Even though we are experiencing a time of fear and uncertainty in this great country due to hardship and economic difficulty it is important for us to remember that we are still quite fortunate because we still have our freedom. Regardless of what happens economically or otherwise we must never lose sight of the fact that we possess the greatest gift of all, we are free. As Americans we have the opportunity to enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We have that opportunity because our founding fathers understood the great value of freedom and many brave men in our armed forces have laid down their lives for the sake of liberty in their service to this country. The men and women of our military value freedom and have the ultimate price and each of us should recognize that it is freedom that makes this country great.

Liar, Liar Pelosi's Reputation Is on Fire

Wed, 20 May 2009 04:23:22 GMT

Over the past week Nancy Pelosi has provided five different stories regarding the briefings she received about waterboarding and other enhanced interrogation techniques. It is clear to any casual observer that Pelosi is obfuscating the truth about her knowledge of EIT's prior to their use by the CIA to extract information from terrorists held at Guantanamo Bay. Pelosi claimed that the CIA routinely misleads the congress, she accused them of lying and then was gently rebuked by Lou Panetta the new leader of the agency who just happens to be a liberal Democrat. In addition Panetta made it clear that Pelosi was indeed briefed about and had full knowledge of the methods being used by the CIA to extract information.

Pelosi is trying to hide this for two major reasons: 1.) Her political survival in her ultra liberal congressional district depends on her denying her knowledge of the EIT's before they were used. Liberals consider these methods torture and would never support a candidate who had condoned them. 2.) She wants to hold a "truth commission in order to prosecute the Bush administration for what she considers to be "war crimes" and if she was complicit then any "truth commission" would implicate here along with the Bush administration in addition to other members of congress who had prior knowledge of the EIT's that were used. Pelosi is in a terrible position and her power has been significantly damaged as a result of her many missteps during this fiasco. In the end what matters most is that the American people do not trust her and since she is the face of the democratic congress this means that the GOP has just found some traction against the one party rule in Washington. This was a gift from Pelosi.

Whether or not Pelosi will remain the speaker much longer doesn't even matter at this point. If Pelosi stays she will be a weakened Speaker who will be largely ineffective and seriously lacking moral authority. If Pelosi ends up stepping down or being forced out it would be an embarrassment to the Democrats and lead to some serious momentum for the GOP. Either way the GOP will benefit from this and the Democrats will be hurt. Pelosi should just admit she was wrong and apologize but I doubt that will ever happen. But the good news is that as a result of this I believe a "truth commission" is highly unlikely which is good for America, the last thing we need to be doing is prosecuting Bush administration officials for protecting Americans in a post 9/11 world. In the end what do we take from all of this? Nancy Pelosi is a liar!

(The Photos can be found at http://quipster.wordpress.com/2009/05/18/nancy-pelosi-and-pinocchio-affliction/ )

The Hyper-Partisan Obama

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 05:17:07 GMT

Barrack Obama is by far the most partisan president in American history. Now I have waited for several months and held my tongue about the Obama administration in an attempt to be fair and give our new president a chance. But I can hold my peace no longer. President Obama is a hyper-partisan political opportunist pure and simple. At first glance Obama attempts to appear to be above the fray and post-partisan but when one looks closely at what Obama says and does it become quite clear that his goal is not to simply overcome his opposition but rather to destroy them.

First let’s look at the Obama administrations Department of Homeland Security. How did a report casting suspicion upon veterans, Christians, pro-lifers, and other conservatives end up distributed to law enforcement agencies? Why did this report intimate that right wingers posed a threat to national security? And why did this report go out when the report itself states that there is no current intelligence suggesting these groups are a threat to homeland security? This was clearly done to cast a negative light on the conservative protestors at the tea parties and to discredit them before they held one of the best organized protests in recent memory. This was a partisan calculation by the Obama administration pure and simple.

Secondly why did Obama release the interrogation records of the CIA revealing the details of enhanced methods or the torture of terrorists in American custody? I mean everyone already knew what we were doing it was reported in the NY Times two years ago. What's worse is that congress knew about these procedures since 2002 and on a bi-partisan basis the congress chose to allow and adopt the methods in question. So what's the problem? Did America cross a dangerous line and torture prisoners unfairly? NO! And even if anyone suggests they did then congress, Department of Justice, and Bush Administration knew and approved the methods used by the CIA. The only reason this is an issue now is because it is politically expedient for the left to use against the right. Obama is using this issue for political gain pure and simple. His goal is to smear the right and point again to the failings of the previous administration in hopes that Americans will rejoice that he is president rather than George Bush. These political maneuvers might gain him temporary political advantage but they don't help our country at all. What’s worse is that the result will be that America will be less safe and more vulnerable to terrorist attack. Without the tools necessary to aggressively interrogate dangerous terrorists Americans will die and our country will suffer. Obama is a Hyper-partisan political opportunist only concerned about winning politically. Obama is selfish, dangerous, and a pathetic excuse for a leader. I hope America wakes up and stands up against this hyper-partisan president.

(read this WSJ article about congress and their approval of "torture": http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124044188941045415.html )

A DNC Plot to Grab Power

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:03:03 GMT

Remember Ted Stevens? Yeah you remember the corrupt US Senator from Alaska that resigned last year after being convicted on seven counts of corruption. Well hold that thought. You see, it seems that the charges against Senator Stevens are about to be dropped. What's more they are about to be dropped by a Department of Justice that is led by the hyper-liberal Eric Holder. What does this mean? It means that from the very start the DOJ case against was fundamentally flawed, so much so that when Holder saw the case file he realized that the DOJ had to drop the charges.

Now to be fair Holder needs to be commended for being a man of integrity and seeing to it that Stevens is treated fairly. But beyond Holders role in this something smells fishy. You see the corruption charges against Stevens just happened to perfectly coincide with his re-election bid in 2008. Do you think that is a coincidence? Of course not! Why did DOJ employees distort the facts and withhold information from their investigation in court? I mean Holder actually suggested that there was a problem with misconduct in the DOJ. What could motivate such misconduct? It couldn't be a partisan attack could it? Uh! Of course it was! And this is what has me simply outraged today!

You see the exoneration of Stevens will receive little to no news coverage in the major newspapers or in the big media but his prosecution was big news and was seen every night for weeks on every network (Fox included). And even if the media covered this story like they should it matters little because Stevens lost his re-election bid because of the shady nature of the DOJ case against him. In addition the overall reputation of the Republican Party was affected profoundly during the election cycle because of a barrage of stories claiming RNC members were corrupt. The Stevens story was pushed hard by the news media to drive home the perception that the Republican Party can't be trusted. This was quite clearly a partisan attack from some Democrats either in the DOJ or able to influence some in the DOJ. In the end I now have to question everything that the DOJ and the media purport to be true. It is quite clear to me that the DNC used the DOJ to make a power grab during the last election cycle. From the bogus charges against Sarah Palin in the Troopergate scandal to the Stevens corruption scandal the DNC has created controversy and scandal in order to destroy the careers of prominent Republican leaders so they can once again hold the reins of power. And it makes me sick!

(See the Fox News Article this blog is responding to at: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/04/01/doj-sources-say-case-dropped-ex-sen-ted-stevens/)