I can’t believe my eyes.

My PC is now a MACINTOSH computer. Seriously.

And all I did was follow the installation directions that came with the Accordance for PC I recently received from Oak Tree Software to review.

Basically, whenever I want to run Accordance, all I have to do now is rev up my Mac emulator (called Basilik II) via a desktop shortcut, just like any other application:

Then a full-screen Macintosh computer comes to life on my PC:

After “start-up,” you get a full Macintosh desktop, complete with top of the screen menus and its own virtual hard drives (which you configure during installation) and all. You’ll notice my Accordance Folder open on the left of the Mac desktop with all my Accordance goodies ready to run:



And just as if I’m running Accordance on the Mac, I can launch the actual bible study application by clicking on the Accordance icon:



And voila!



I must say that the installation documentation was one of the best manuals I’ve used for installing software on a Mac or PC. And because we have to install and configure the Basilisk II Mac emulator application on the PC before you can install Accordance for Mac (on the PC which thinks it is a Mac!), there’s risk of getting derailed or discouraged along the way. But this documentation had detailed screen shots for *every single* move you make between inserting the install DVD to getting to run accordance for the first time on the PC. It was super easy.

Now I just have to go back to the Training DVD which came with the package and start to watch some intro videos so I can get a good handle on the application. If the training is as well thought out as the installation docs, I’m completely excited to engage with the Accordance platform training DVD. Afterall, who likes going through instruction manuals? But so far, these guys have made it super simple to follow-along. I kind of understand why Mac users tend to rave about Accordance. Now there doesn’t seem to be a reason for PC users not to do the same!

Are you an Accordance user (either on the Mac or PC)? Got any tips for me as I dive into the text (my current anchor text to exegete is Luke 11:5-13)? Please leave them as comments below!

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Here’s some legalspeak about sponsored posts. . .I have not received any compensation for writing this post other than a complimentary review copy of the software package mentioned. I have no material connection to any of the the brands or products/services mentioned in this post. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Mosaic Church has made the finalists in this year’s television commercial showdown sponsored by Doritos:

The church, led by Erwin McManus, has already won $25,000 for becoming one of the 6 finalists. The masses were invited to vote for their favorite over at www.crashthesuperbowl.com. And the winning tv commercial will not be announced until the actual Superbowl commercial is run during the Superbowl.

Erwin McManus explains in this video clip a little about their tv project, and why they want you to support their cause over at www.VoteForCasket.com

The 30-second spot is bringing a lot of attention to Mosiac Church. The big question of course is if this type of engagement with secular culture is worth it for the church and the Church (with a capital “C”). Of course, any church pursuing this sort of mass-media tactic to gain attention will garner a lot of support and criticism at the same time.

“Phil Cooke, a Christian producer, filmmaker and author has commented about Mosaic’s tv commercial:

Nobody’s going to fall on their knees and accept Jesus as a result of this spot. But advertisers on Madison Avenue spend millions on a Super Bowl spot because they know it influences people,” said Cooke, the producer. “It might not get someone converted, but I think it will get someone to say, ‘Maybe there is something I ought to investigate.“‘

source:FoxNews

I leave you with TWO QUESTIONS:

• What do you think of the actual tv commercial?
• Did Mosaic cross the line by spending their time, money and energy toward this contest?

Please share your reaction and thoughts in a blog comment below.

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UPDATE @ 7:09 PM SUPERBOWL SUNDAY. . . IT AIRED! Congratulations Mosaic Church, congratulations to the Church.

Today, I had the pleasure of doing something which I believe hasn’t ever been done!

It was a first. A first for me, and most probably a first for the world:

I bet that no one has every pursued seriously theological ponderings in the world of Chuck E.

It was one of the best reading sessions I’ve had. Complete concentration and complete fun with the kids afterwards. And just to put it into context, we’re talking a brand new, two-story, fully renovated with “new carpet smell,” stocked with all the latest video games for $0.125/game facility (and of course, complete with singing animatronics and purell stations throughout!). A win-win situation, I proclaim!

Go ahead, let the predictable *jokes* comments get posted. Just saying ahead of time that “suffering” can be relative and based on perspective!

Today, I’m sharing a public service announcement here on Godvertiser.com

Look what I found around town recently…

Sometimes “Mom knows best”. So much so that they make a sign to remind everyone - including you and me!

If you have a PC and want to dive deep into the Scriptures, you’ll likely come across Bibleworks Bible Study software. It’s a robust package that aims to help you with Biblical exegesis work. There are tons of bells and whistles to keep you occupied when doing research about any verse, passage or chunk of the Bible.

I’m happy to have gotten my hands on a copy of Bibleworks 8, their latest version to try out.

CALLING ALL BIBLEWORKS 8 USERS: If you’re already a BW8 user, would you share either (or both) of two things with me in the comments below?

1) What’s your MOST used function or features of Bibleworks?
2) What’s the one thing you wish BibleWorks would have or change to make your life easier?

Disclosure of Material Connection: Here’s some legalspeak about sponsored posts. . .I have not received any compensation for writing this post other than a complimentary review copy of the software package mentioned. I have no material connection to any of the the brands or products/services mentioned in this post. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Last year, we packed our bags and headed to Virginia Beach for Wave Conference.

It was a great time for me to learn from some great ministry leaders, meet one of my fav pastors, spend some great family time together on the beach and really recharge my soul. The worship center at Wave Church is just awe-some. If you ever have a chance to go see Pastor Steve at Wave Church, you really should.

This summer we’re trying to figure out what to do, but it looks like the combination of Wave Conference 2010 and getting a chance to play with the kids on one of the best beaches on the east coast is making Wave 2010 a very strong candidate for a summer trip at the beginning of August.

Early bird registration of $70 doesn’t hurt either. A great price for a great weekend. [fyi, don't know about this year, but last year, child care was available for only $5/child...and no, that's not a typo. They have a great kids ministry area complete with indoor jungle gym, they rented outdoor bouncy inflatables, did crafts, etc]

If you’re going to Wave 2010, definitely leave a shoutout in the comments below! Perhaps we can coordinate a meet-up at the event too!

What conference(s) are you going to this year and is there anything that makes it a must-go-to experience? Please share your planned big trips and leave a comment below!

If I walked into your church today, just how many people do you think would have said “Hello” to me?

Most churches think evangelism and visitor retention is a big deal. Churches create tactical plans, committees, strategy and more.

But the big secret is that it all starts with “Hello!” — Does EVERY PERSON in your church or ministry live this out?

One of my randomization rituals entails taking one day a month and committing to saying hello to EVERY PERSON that I cross paths with throughout the day. Sounds easy, sounds silly, but it is actually pretty hard to do! Our culture and society (especially in NYC!) has become a society of strangers existing together. Just get onto an elevator full of people and you’ll understand just how close we can be with others and still never bother to say a simple greeting.

If you are self-aware of this simple practice, you might be surprised at just how often you choose to look away, look at the floor, stay silent, or just simply walk right past people you do not know.

Remember that culture is formed top-down. So your behavior is critical in influencing how others in your spheres of influence actually act. What’s more is that I’m willing to bet that if everyone in your church has a mindset to simply say “Hello!” or “Good morning!” or “Good afternoon!” or “Hi there!” to every person they personally see coming into the building, you’re attendance will change within weeks. Seriously.

Do you yourself say “Hello!” to everyone you see at church? And what do you think about this one-word answer to visitor retention in your church? Please leave a comment below and share what you decide after reading this post.

For those of you that feel a little dizzy after opening up Bibleworks the first couple of times from the plethora of features available, there is an upcoming BibleWorks Training Workshop in the Northeast region. These training workshops are being aimed at Westminster Theological Seminary students and faculty, but are open for registration to others in the Philly/NJ area. If you’re in the area, it’s the best $30 you can spend this month.

LOCATION: Westminster Theological Seminary in Glenside, PA

SCHEDULE: Saturday, February 27, 2010

BibleWorks Essentials Workshop — 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.

BibleWorks Intermediate Workshop — 1 - 4 p.m.

FEES: $30 per workshop

REGISTRATION: Online or call 888-747-8200

Any seminary scholar or pastor serious about engaging with the Scriptures understands that Bible Study Software is one tool worthy of investment. It will not only bring new resources to your fingertips, it will dramatically cut away hours and hours of tedious research and analysis. The question is which one to choose? If you’re on a Mac, most people know about the Accordance software package. It has a reputation for intuitive interface, powerful search and great integration of other resources.

And recenlty, Oak Tree Software recently shipped me a comp review copy of their Accordance 8 Bible Study Software for Mac.

The only thing is that I have a PC!

No worries though — Because their software works completely on the PC — all you need is their Accordance 8 with a twist. . .

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Here’s some legalspeak about sponsored posts. . .I have not received any compensation for writing this post other than a complimentary review copy of the software package mentioned. I have no material connection to any of the the brands or products/services mentioned in this post. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Dave Ingland is one of the people that I know who always has a new book on his night stand. One of his latest reads focuses on the “Word of Faith” movement and the “prosperity gospel” in our current times. His review of Hank Hanegraaff’s book below retains a healthy perspective which you’ll hopefully appreciate.

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Let me first state that I have somewhat of a bias towards Hanegraaff’s theology and his personal stand on truth. He conveys his theology and truth very well in Christianity in Crisis, but he does so at the expense of extreme prejudice against pastors that have been categorized as being in the Word of Faith movement. In essence, he uses this book as a tool to discuss what he perceives as being untruths regarding the gospel in the context of teachers of the prosperity gospel. He even uses the acronym: F-L-A-W-S to discount the position of some Word of Faith pastors.

If Hanegraaff chose to take a stand against the propserity preachings (which I personally disagree with as well) and explained why he feels the Bible opposes such teaching it would be one thing. However, Hanegraaff chooses to name some pastors and devotes a chapter to explaining the specific context of each individual pastor and why some words that were quoted by them are unbiblical. It delves into becoming too much of a personal attack on others at times, which discounts the arguments he makes in some cases.

Christianity in Crisis: 21st Century appears to have been written as an expose against specific individuals and this is where I take most issue with the book. It creates strife and causes damage to the church in my opinion. It comes across almost like gossip.

If you are not familiar with some of the Word of Faith teachings and want to see how they contrast with the author’s view of Biblical truth this is a good book to read as it is comprehensive and well- researched.

However, if you are looking to find some dirt on why you should speak against a Word of Faith preacher’s ministry I would hesitate in recommending this book.

Learning about various interpretations of Scripture can be a very important part of how we view our faith and I am all for encouraging it. In that context this book has a purpose. It would be my hope for any that read this book, that they would do so with an open mind and just as a primer to further study on the Faith movement.

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Dave Ingland is a church planter based in Sacramento, CA. He’s a husband, father, activist, agent for change, advocate for the arts, and lead revolutionary of Revolution Church Sacramento. When he’s not building out his ministry you can find him twittering under @daveingland.