Useful Apps

Posted on by josiahkagin

#Inpire14.png

“There is an app for that.” While that certainly seems to be true, I have found some apps to be especially helpful. Here are some of them!

YouVersion—website

Here is one I use on a daily basis. This app enables me to have a plan for reading or listening through the Bible. I also love its ability to create church events on it for free. We are testing it our with our Acts series. 

Hoopla—iOS/Android

This is an app that I have been using for about a year. Essentially it is your public library at your fingertips—anytime, anywhere. This gives you access to TONS of digital content for free. I have been blessed to listen to many Christian audio books from great preachers and writers in the past and present. 

Swapp—website

This is an app that I have been watching for a couple of years and seems to be making great improvements. It is a soulwinning management app. Recently testing it for our church’s outreach.

Commission—iOS/Android

Ever wish you could pull up a tract on your smartphone and use it to give the Gospel? Well, now you can. You can even keep a prospect list on it! It is a fantastic Gospel tool.

Abiding Radio—how to listen

What you listen really influences you! Many times Christian radio does not sound so Christian. I have enjoyed listening to this internet radio station through their app. Give it a try! You will find the music to be Christ-centered and spiritually nourishing. 

Technology and Christian Homes

Posted on by josiahkagin
Teens-and-Technology-blankIt is very clear that technology is not going to go away. Children and teenagers growing up now need parents to both protect and direct them in the Godly use of technology. The fact is they will be using technology daily as adults and the principles that they learn now will help them live Godly while using technology. Here are a few suggestions.
  1. Use a family policy. 
    Every family with teens should have a carefully thought through and written set of guidelines regarding the use of technology. As with any guidelines, what is not inspected should not be expected. Be sure that you establish adequate accountability such as parents should have open access to all devices and accounts. By the way, open accountability ought be modeled by mom and dad. Teens ought to see that their parents are practicing what they preach.
  2. Use your computer’s existing features.
    Both Apple and Windows come with parental controls as a feature. You can set up allowed apps, sites people and time limits. Here are instructions for Mac and Windows. If you have Android devices, you can use an app called Kids Place. Apple devices have a built-in feature called restrictions.
  3. Use an internet filter.
    While parental controls limit access, filters filter content. There are two that I have discovered to be great options— Covenant Eyes and Safe Eyes. Each are full service filters. Each come with a monthly cost (which are cheaper than lifetime scars). I would encourage you to take the time and research a filter that is best for you and your family’s devices.
  4. Develop the heart. 
    One man said in relation to the internet, “The best filter is the heart.” While parental controls and filters will make it harder to stumble on or intentionally view junk on the internet, the heart is what determines to do right or wrong. If a man, woman or teen has a heart for God and righteous living, they will not seek out the dark side of the internet. No filter is completely fail proof, but coupling a right heart and a good filter will insure internet safety.

    Proverbs 4:20-27 My son, attend to my words;
    Incline thine ear unto my sayings.
    21 Let them not depart from thine eyes;
    Keep them in the midst of thine heart.
    22 For they are life unto those that find them,
    And health to all their flesh.
    23 Keep thy heart with all diligence;
    For out of it are the issues of life.
    24 Put away from thee a froward mouth,
    And perverse lips put far from thee.
    25 Let thine eyes look right on,
    And let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
    26 Ponder the path of thy feet,
    And let all thy ways be established.
    27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left:
    Remove thy foot from evil.