LOGOS Bible Software in partnership with Desiring God is offering Memoir and Remains of the Rev. Robert Murray McCheyne for free on LOGOS Bible Software or the LOGOS iPhone / iPad app. John Piper’s message this year will focus on Robert Murray McCheyne, an influential nineteenth-century Scottish Presbyterian minister and missionary. Their hope is that this resource will better help attendees prepare for the upcoming 2011 Desiring God National Pastor’s Conference, running January 31 through February 2, 2011 in Minneapolis, MN. Even if you’re not going to the conference, you can still download the resource for free.  Visit the LOGOS blog here:  LINK for details.  If you’d like to learn more about Robert Murray McCheyne, you may also want to consider these other titles from Christian Focus Publications (see  below).  If you’ll be attending the conference, be sure to visit the Christian Focus Publications tables in the book hall. Tell Anthony that Shaun sent you. (Don’t worry, he knows who I am.)

If you pay attention to popular news media, you’ve no doubt seen numerous stories related to fall fashion week.  This is where designers showcase their latest clothing line for the upcoming year.  One neglected segment of society with insufficient representation at these events is the BiblioBlogging, seminary attending, original language learning Bible Geek.  Truth be told, we are a diverse bunch of folks, so designing a fashion line with broad appeal to this wide audience is a monumental task.  However, here at Bible Geek Gone Wild we are always up for a good challenge.  While I don’t think we’ll be invited to be a part of the larger fall fashion week festivities just yet, we do hope our grass roots efforts will set some exciting changes in motion and bring us one step closer to the recognition and representation we deserve.  With that said, sit back and enjoy the show….
Welcome to Bible Geek Gone Wild’s first ever fall fashion show.  First up we have Shaun.  He looks like he is ready to walk across campus and do some serious learning.  Shaun’s shirt is made from preshrunk cotton.  It’s short sleeves are perfect for the ongoing fall weather.  The graphic on the front boldly announces LOGOS Bible Software, version 4.  Version 4 has been available for PC for sometime, but will officially be available for Mac on October 1, 2010.  This limited edition shirt comes in either green or blue and is available exclusively from LOGOS Bible Software.  (Click the photo to the left for details on how to order your own Logos 4 t-shirt.)  By the way they sell Bible software too.    In addition to a fine shirt, every student is going to need some sort of backpack or bag to carry all of their books, notebooks, school supplies, etc.  Complimenting Shaun’s ensemble today is a one of a kind messenger bag from InterVarsity Press. This messenger bag has one large zippered compartment accessible from the top as well as a velcro-secured front flap with several pockets for pens, highlighters and the obligatory Greek and Hebrew flashcards.  The built in shoulder strap makes this bag a sensible and stylish choice.  This one of a kind bag is not available in stores.  The only way to get this fine bag is to join the IVP book club.  Not only will you receive five books of your choice for $1.00 plus shipping and handling, you will also receive this attractive messenger bag.  (Click the photo to the right for details on how to join the IVP book club, so you to can get 5 books for a buck and this great messenger bag.)  Chances are you would feel quite foolish if you were caught walking around campus with an empty bag.  It is inevitable that you will either meet up with some fellow students in the library or coffee shop and you will no doubt try to out do each other as you brag about your original languages resources.  Coming out on top in these conversations can be tricky depending on whether your fellow students are Old Testament or New Testament “guys”.  One sure fire way to ensure you will not be left in the dust is to procure a bible that has both Greek and Hebrew.  An excellent choice for beginning language students is A Reader’s Hebrew and Greek Bible from Zondervan. This excellent volume combines A Reader’s Greek New Testament and A Reader’s Hebrew Bible.  Students will appreciate the footnoted definitions for all Hebrew words occurring 100 times or less, Aramaic words occurring 25 times or less, and Greek words occurring 30 times or less.  It is a very handsome looking Bible with a fine-grain Black European leather binding and two marker ribbons.  While we can’t make specific promises, we are quite confident that possessing A Reader’s Hebrew and Greek Bible will make you the envy of all of your fellow students.  (Click the photo to the left for details on how to get your own copy of A Reader’s Hebrew and Greek Bible from Westminster Books.)  As our fashion show comes to a close, we arrive at the final piece of Shaun’s ensemble.  Here at Bible Geek Gone Wild we realize that the Bible software debate is just as heated as that of Mac versus PC.  In the event that the LOGOS Bible Software t-shirt is too much for you to bear, we suggest that you support your Bible software vendor of choice through something a little more personal.  Perhaps through skin art (AKA a tattoo).  As Shaun lifts up his right sleeve, you’ll notice he is sporting a tattooed rendition of the BibleWorks 8 logo.  Just in case you’re not familiar…BibleWorks is an original languages Bible software program for Biblical exegesis and research.  Considering the number of resources in its base package, it is an excellent value offered at a very fair price.  BibleWorks 8 is the official Bible Software of choice here at Bible Geek Gone Wild.  However, we do try to remain teachable, so we’d be open to LOGOS Bible Software trying to change our minds, should they ever be inclined to send a review copy, so we can do a Bible Software “taste” challenge.  You know like the Coke and Pepsi taste challenges from back in the 90′s.    (Click the photo above and to the right to learn more about the stupendous value of BibleWorks 8.)

Well, we hope you enjoyed Bible Geek Gone Wild’s 2010 Fall Fashion Show.  May you look fabulous as you write your book reviews, parse your verbs and serve the Lord!

LOGOS Bible Software is making the version 4.0d update available today.  Check out all of the new features and fixes in this release here:  LINK.  Unless you’ve turned it off, you should automatically be notified when this update has been downloaded and is ready to install.

Getting into a discussion about BibleWorks versus LOGOS Bible Software is kind of like having a Mac versus PC discussion.  Most of us Bible Geeks took up residence in one of the two camps long ago and are staunch defenders of our Bible software of choice.  I have experience using BibleWorks 7 & 8 as well as LOGOS Bible Software 3.  BibleWorks 8 currently retails for $349 with a respectable number of resources and tools, including Greek & Hebrew.  LOGOS Bible Software’s Original Languages Library (version 4) is a comparable offering from LOGOS, which currently retails for $415.95.  I’m curious to hear why you might have chosen or would at a future time choose one Bible software package over the other.  What are the decision altering factors?  ( cost, features, resources, peer / mentor recommendations, library expandability, compatibility, etc.)  You can get a list of features and resources from the respective vendor’s sites:  BibleWorks, LOGOS Bible Software.

Just in case you ever wondered what happens when LOGOS Bible Software is ready to ship a new product…

If you use a computer for advanced Biblical studies, chances are you had to take the plunge and choose a Bible software package.  In the past, if you were a PC user, you’d choose either LOGOS Bible Software or BibleWorks.  If you were a Mac user, you’d choose Accordance.  For far too long, the poor Mac users looked longingly on the always expanding library of resources from LOGOS Bible software and waited for the day they too could make use of  all of the digital library goodness.  Just in case you haven’t been paying attention, let me tell you that the day you’ve been longing for has finally arrived.  The great folks at LOGOS Bible Software released LOGOS Bible Software for Mac in late 2008.  This native Macintosh version is available in 5 flavors.  (see below)

Being a diehard PC user, I haven’t had the chance to play with LOGOS Bible Software for Mac just yet, but Daniel J. Doleys over at the Text, Community, & Mission blog has been putting it through the paces.  Be sure to take the time to read his excellent multi-part review.

• Part 1:  Installation & Support
• Part 2:  Contents & Searching
• Part 3:  Support Videos
• Part 4:  Original Language Searches
• Part 5:  Final Assessment

Format: CD-ROM for Libronix Digital Library System
Page Count:  N/A
Publisher: Concordia Publishing House
Publication Date:  2008
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0758615515
ISBN-13: 9780758615510
List Price:  $29.99
Rating:  5 Stars!

Many thanks to Rosemary Parkinson & Paul T. McCain at Concordia Publishing House for the opportunity to review Concordia:  The Lutheran Confessions on CD-ROM – A Reader’s Edition of The Book of Concord.

Later this month on June 25th, Lutherans worldwide will be celebrating the 479th anniversary of the presentation of the Augsburg Confession and the 429th anniversary of The Book of Concord.  In honor of the occasion, I offer this review.

If you didn’t grow up in the Lutheran Church and you don’t rub shoulders in Lutheran circles, the question you’re probably asking right now is, “What exactly is The Book of Concord?”  Any guesses?  Could it be the long lost secret recipe for the concord grape wine used for practicing the sacrament of holy communion in the early Lutheran Church?  While that would certainly be interesting, it’s not even close.  The Book of Concord is a compilation of sorts, containing the authoritative statements of faith for the Lutheran Church that have been in place for the last four hundred plus years.  While many of us may have works like Luther’s small and large catechisms in our libraries, fewer of us will have works like the Augsburg Confession, the Smalcald Articles, etc.  The Book of Concord has all of these and much more.  Below is a general list of the works included in this book:

•    The Three Universal or Ecumenical Creeds
o    The Apostles’ Creed
o    The Nicene Creed
o    The Creed of Athanasius
•    The Confession of Faith:  The Augsburg Confession
•    The Apology of the Augsburg Confession
•    The Smalcald Articles
•    The Power and Primacy of the Pope
•    Enchiridion:  The Small Catechism
•    The Large Catechism
•    The Formula of Concord:  Epitome
•    The Formula of Concord:  Solid Declaration

The text of the digital edition is based on the second edition of Concordia:  The Lutheran Confessions – A Reader’s Edition of The Book of Concord, which was released in 2006.  One of the strengths in this work is its accessibility for the modern reader.  The text has been updated to reflect changes in the English language.  Also, each major section begins with an editorial introduction, timeline, and outline.  In addition, there are insightful notes throughout the entire text.  These features go a long way in helping those less familiar with the material to better grasp the context and understand the content of what they’re reading.  A surprise feature in this volume are the more than one hundred beautiful illustrations that add to the overall appeal and beauty of the book as well as aid the reader in better understanding the material.  Regardless of your experience level with the Book of Concord; laypeople, teachers, and pastors alike will be educated and edified by Concordia:  The Lutheran Confessions.  This book is a must have for the library of every Lutheran home around the world.  If a digital edition is not right for you, you may want to consider buying this work in one of these additional formats:  paperback, hardback, bonded leather, and genuine leather.

Let me close with a brief word about digital books.  This digital edition of the Book of Concord is designed for use with the Libronix Digital Library System from Logos Bible Software.  Those of us who do a lot of reading and research tend to have mixed feelings about digital books.  While I don’t think digital editions will ever completely replace printed books, I do think digital editions have some important things to offer.  One of the best things about digital books is that they’re highly portable.  In fact, you can take a whole library’s worth of books anywhere you go on a single laptop.  This is especially important for students, seminarians, and pastors who by nature of what they do have a rather itinerant lifestyle and their “office” is wherever they are at the moment.  In addition to their portability, the ease of search and study that is possible when viewing this and other digital books in the Libronix Digital Library System can’t be beat.  As an added bonus, the digital edition of Concordia:  The Lutheran Confessions includes the ESV Bible, valued at $39.99.

Paul T. McCain is the general editor for Concordia:  The Lutheran Confessions – A Reader’s Edition of The Book of Concord.  He is an ordained pastor in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.  Presently, he serves as Publisher and Executive Director of Editorial at Concordia Publishing House in St. Louis, MO.  Paul and his wife Lynn have been blessed with three children.  You can learn more about Paul at his web site:  www.cyberbrethren.com or by following him on twitter at:  www.twitter.com/ptmccain.

You may download this review as a PDF: 

Get Concordia:  The Lutheran Confessions for 50% off.  Click HERE.  (Sale price available for a limited time.)

I’ve been hoping LOGOS would release Mark Driscoll’s sermon archive at some point.  It turns out my hopes and dreams are in the process of being fulfilled.  Our friends at LOGOS Bible Software just added the Mark Driscoll Sermon archive to their pre-pub page.  The pre-pub price is a great value at $89.95, which is less than half of the suggested retail price.  You can place your pre-pub order here:  LINK.  I’d encourage you to get your pre-pub order in quickly.  This will surely be a hot title and will most likely be available at the exceptionably reasonble pre-pub price for only a short time.  I’ve included the product description from the order page below.

Ten years of preaching and teaching from Mark Driscoll—now available at your fingertips!

The Mark Driscoll Sermon Archive contains nearly ten years of preaching and teaching by Mark Driscoll, the Preaching and Theology Pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Washington. In this massive archive, more than 1,000 hours of audio will be transcribed and made instantly available for Logos Bible Software users. That’s ten years worth of preaching and teaching from one of today’s most influential and provocative pastors now available in the most advanced digital format anywhere!

Because everyone is a sinner and Jesus is Lord over all, then the preaching of repentance of sin and life of faith in Jesus works for everyone—believer and nonbeliever. It seems obvious, but preaching Jesus every week is both faithful to Scripture and fruitful in the lives of everyone.
—Mark DriscollEach week, more than 10,000 people gather at Mars Hill Church in Seattle to hear Mark Driscoll’s preaching. Driscoll is unafraid to talk about sin or confront the most difficult cultural issues. Drawing from the rich insights of Augustine, Calvin, Luther, Spurgeon, and others, he never hesitates to explain the raw and confrontational truth of the Gospel. Driscoll’s goal, in his own words, is to “study the Bible all week, pray to the Lord, and then. . . speak from my heart” (Seattle Times, November 30, 2003).

Driscoll’s passion for the Gospel and his deep honesty in explaining its truths has placed him at the center of a resurging interest in Reformed theology. It has also helped foster Mars Hill’s explosive growth in recent years, and drawn the attention of supporters and skeptics alike. With the Mark Driscoll Sermon Archive, you can go deep into his sermons, or simply read the text. Either way, you get access to an amazing wealth of preaching material.

We’re nearing the start of 2009.  Most of us are probably coming up with resolutions and goals to make life changes and improvements in the new year.  One of my goals for 2009 is to become more proficient and productive with the electronic tools I use every day.  Many software companies are offering free tutorial videos to give users a jump start with their software.  While my first inclination is always to poke around with software and try to figure it out on my own, I’ve found that I’m able advance my skills in a software package much faster with brief tutorials.  If you’re a LOGOS Bible Software user, I strongly encourage you to take advantage of the free training resources links on their training page.  Click the picture below to learn more.

Mark Driscoll gives a glowing endorsement for LOGOS Bible Software, especially their new MAC version.  Read more here:  LINK.