Well, it’s been quite a busy 12 months at the BLB HQ! Over the next few days, we want to share with you an end-of-the-year update of what God has accomplished through our team here at the Blue Letter Bible. In this first installment, we discuss why our ministry exists in the first place. Thank you for using the BLB!
The Global Need
The ministry of BLB is predicated upon our call to make disciples of all nations and is rooted in the inerrancy and guidance offered by the firm foundation that is the Word of God. In light of this call, BLB has identified information technology as a powerful and increasingly popular avenue through which the Bible is studied. BLB’s mission is supported by three key areas of global need:
- Presenting the Word of God as Inerrant, Unchanging, and Foundational
- Increased Global Access to Technology
- Increased Demand for Online Bible Training
Presenting the Word of God as Inerrant, Unchanging, and Foundational
Above all else, man is in need of forgiveness from sins through faith in Jesus Christ alone, as is revealed in the Word of God, which is followed by a life journey of growing in the understanding of His Truth and magnificence. We know that the Word of God is “living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12 NKJV) The Word is inspired by God, “and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV) Sowing Circle’s intention is not only to reach the lost with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but through BLB, to offer in-depth biblical study tools that will encourage and exhort the Body of Christ in deepening their personal walk as well as their ability to accurately divide the Word of God when discipling and evangelizing those living within their communities.
Unfortunately, Bible passages have been distorted to support false religions and doctrines, such as Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and wealth prosperity doctrines. Such incorrect uses of God’s Word have become alarmingly prevalent around the world, particularly in developing countries. In Western societies, postmodernism has further de-emphasized conservative, Biblical doctrine leaving those, even among Christian circles, prey to false teachings that distract people from maintaining a focus upon Jesus Christ, and Him alone.
Increased Global Access to Information Technology
In an increasingly global society, the world’s access to internet and mobile phones has laid the groundwork for monumental opportunities to disseminate the Word of God and doctrinally sound Bible study tools. This is due to the fact that internet and mobile phone technology is transferring to all reaches of the world at rapid rates. Mobile phone technology, in particular, has offered significant utility at low costs to users throughout the developing world, and has quickly emerged as the communications technology of choice.
According to recent data, global internet usage has increased from 3.2% in 1998 to 21.3% in 2007 and global mobile phone subscriptions has grown from 5.4% in 1998 to 59.8% in 2008. Meanwhile, mobile phone subscriptions specific to least developed countries experienced rapid growth in usage from .06% in 1998 to 21.3% in 2008 (see Figure 1).1 In addition, the rates of change of mobile phone subscriptions (year over year) have shown continued growth trends around the world with particularly high rates of change in least developed countries (see Figure 2). This data not only illuminates the global expansion of mobile telecommunications and internet usage over the past 10 years, but it points to future expansion trends in technology access and usage, particularly in the developing world (source: World Bank).
When viewed in relation to one another, the link between internet and mobile phone use is rapidly converging through the widespread expansion of “smart” phones (mobile phones with internet access). This trend was discussed in an article published by The Economist:
“Now a further mobile phone revolution is under way, driven by the iPhone and other ’smart’ handsets which let users gain access to the internet and download mobile applications, including games, social-networking programs, productivity tools and much else besides. Smart-phones accounted for over 13% of the 309m handsets shipped in the third quarter of 2009. Some analysts estimate that by 2015 almost all shipped handsets will be smart. Mobile operators have started building networks which will allow for faster connection speeds for an even wider variety of applications and services.”(source: The Economist, The Apparatgeist Calls, 2009)
As the internet becomes more widely available through mobile phones, web-based Bible distribution and study resources are positioned to be accessible to billions of people worldwide.
Increased Demand for Online Biblical Training
Concurrent with the rapid expansion of information technology is an increased demand for online Bible training, with a particular emphasis upon regions around the world where Bible training facilities are unavailable. Lay people and church leaders living in developing and closed countries are hungry to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ for both personal enrichment and in the building up of the local church body. However, Bible training facilities are oftentimes disallowed, unavailable, or unreachable by many people groups.
Since 2003, BLB has been monitoring the number of people who have registered as students with BLBi. According to BLBi statistics, 3,126 people living in restricted nations (19% of total foreign students) were registered as students in January of 2010, including students living in Iran (20), Somalia (4), Oman (26), Algeria (48), Vietnam (16), Myanmar (16), and China (120).2
BLB statistics also reveal an increased demand for online Bible education in the United States, as the number of U.S.-based BLBi registrants has grown from 5,726 to 50,365 between 2003 and 2009. This 780% growth rate in United States student registrations over a period of 6 years may be due to the growing popularity and convenience of internet-based learning, and demonstrates an increased affinity to growing in the biblical truths that have been expounded by teachers of the conservative, historical traditions.
Summary
Man is ultimately in need of forgiveness from their sins through faith in Jesus Christ alone, as is revealed in the Word of God; which is followed by a life journey of growing in our understanding of Christ’s Truth and magnificence. In light of communications technology advancements, BLB is at the forefront of spreading the Word of God and fostering the spiritual growth of millions of people through increased access to web-based technologies—from the subways of New York City to the remote areas of Sub-Saharan Africa. In the mid 1990’s, at a time when personal computers were only beginning to surface in mainstream public, the Lord was giving Sowing Circle a vision for Bible access and in-depth study through BLB. Since then, we have faithfully led the way towards providing web-based Bible resources for the edification of the global Church.
It is BLB’s aim to meet the ever-growing global demand of web-based Bible search and study tools. With a full-time staff of computer programmers and technicians alongside a wealth of technological experience and Bible resources, BLB is pioneering web-based Bible search and training resources for the spiritual growth of the Body of Christ throughout all corners of the globe, to His glory alone.
Scott says
December 20, 2011 at 4:49 amIts been an amazing year in God’s grace or more importantly mercy. Love BLB I use it all the time for my Bible study. Merry Christmas to everyone
Pat G says
December 20, 2011 at 6:16 amIt truly is a blessing this Blue Letter Blog!
I did not discover it at its inception. Read starting here and see the progression of its blessing.
http://blogs.blueletterbible.org/blb/2011/02/01/
As I read starting with the beginning entry I felt my faith grow even stronger. The pointers to Scripture so sweet.
Thank you Blue Letter Bible Blog authors for your work as a vehicle to share amongst the nations.
Here is an entry we need to read as we count our blessings this time of celebration.
Pray for the Persecuted Church
February 9
Let’s remember to pray for our brothers and sisters around the world who are being persecuted for their faith.
The website http://www.PERSECUTION.ORG is a great place to start.
Read the Monday Martyr series. Look for The Fox Book of Martyrs also and the Early Church Fathers.
Praying: Thank you Father for sending Christ into this world. We look forward in this world or in the third Heaven. In Jesus, Immanuel’s name.
Amen
Pat G says
December 20, 2011 at 7:28 amHave a Blest Christ Mass to all.
Debi C. says
December 20, 2011 at 7:56 amMerry Christmas, everyone. I am blessed to be part of this online community. I feel like I have another family in these pages. I, too, use these pages to study God’s Word. I think one of the greatest ways God has been working in me to change me is through Day by Day Grace. And I learn so much from my “family” on these pages (all of your posts enlighten me, too, and cause me to think).
Thank you, Blue Letter Bible writers, for this amazing ministry. I look forward to more in 2012.
love, Debi C.
Pat G says
December 20, 2011 at 8:26 amHi Debi C!
Yes, Grace as Scott said.
You reminded me I haven’t read my emailbox for Day by Day Grace in a few days. I confess I am remiss
🙁
Blue Letter Bible > Devotionals
http://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/
Day By Day By Grace
Conceived by Pastor Bob Hoekstra, Director of Living In Christ Ministries, the Day By Day By Grace devotional series seeks to illuminate the grace of God through daily readings set to inspire the child of Christ toward the heart of his Creator and Benefactor.
Have a blest rest of this year and of many more to come.
I love you Sister from afar!
🙂
Pat G
Pat G says
December 20, 2011 at 9:02 amNOTE TO SELF as a reminder to me:
Day By Day By Grace
Bob Hoekstra
November 29, 2011
Centuries before the Messiah (Jesus) came into this world, the Psalmist prophesied of the words of grace that would flow from His mouth. “You are fairer than the sons of men; grace is poured upon Your lips.” God’s grace guided and poured forth through the words of Jesus and set His speech above that of every other person. Those who listened to Him during His earthly pilgrimage testified of this fact. “All bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth” (Luke 4:22). One of the distinctive aspects of Jesus’ words was the unique authority this grace imparted. “Then He went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and was teaching them on the Sabbaths. And they were astonished at His teaching, for His word was with authority” (Luke 4:31-32). At one point in Jesus’ ministry, the Jewish leaders wanted the temple officers to take Jesus into custody, but they returned empty-handed. “Then the officers came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, ‘Why have you not brought Him?’ The officers answered, ‘No man ever spoke like this Man!'” (John 7:45-46).
The Lord intends for this same grace to pour forth when we speak. “Let your speech always be with grace.” When we humbly allow the Lord to flood our speech with His grace, our words have a heavenly flavor to them: “seasoned with salt.” His grace will also add heavenly wisdom to our words: “that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” This causes our speech to be edifying to others, because our words are ministering God’s grace into their lives. “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29).
Praying to the Father:
Lord Jesus, Your words are the kind of words I want to speak—words permeated with the grace of God. Please forgive me for the many words I have expressed that were corrupted by my own fleshly wisdom or selfish interests. I humbly ask You to season my speech with heavenly righteousness and godly insight. I long to impart edifying grace to all who hear me speak. In Your holy name, I pray, Amen.
Pat G says
December 20, 2011 at 11:03 amIn part:
Day By Day By Grace
Bob Hoekstra
December 16, 2011
Relating Rightly to the God of All Grace
The God of all grace…to the praise of the glory of His grace…the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ…the Spirit of grace. (1 Peter 5:10; Ephesians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 8:9; and Hebrews 10:29)
…
As we get to know the God of all grace more and more, He develops in us two strategic relational realities: humility and faith. Relational realities are spiritual qualities that become practically real as a result of a growing relationship with Christ. We have looked at these two spiritual qualities many times throughout our meditations. Repeated reflection on humility and faith is appropriate, since they unfold the practical heart of living daily by God’s grace. “Be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble'” (1 Peter 5:5). God’s grace is given to those who “walk humbly with [their] God” (Micah 6:8). Likewise, faith accesses grace. “We have access by faith into this grace in which we stand” (Romans 5:2). Walking in humble dependence is the way to relate rightly to the God of all grace.
Dear [Father] God of all grace, I want to relate to You rightly that I might live daily by Your grace. Help me to know You more and more that humility and faith might develop in my life. I long to walk before You in humble dependence, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pat G says
December 20, 2011 at 11:20 amIn part:
Day By Day By Grace
Bob Hoekstra
December 18, 2011
Even More on Relating Rightly to the God of All Grace
The God of all grace… Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God…He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises. (1 Peter 5:10; 2 Corinthians 3:5; and Hebrews 8:6)
…
Living by the sufficiency of God is a profound opportunity to relate to the Lord in humility and faith. This heavenly perspective begins with a declaration of our own inadequacy. “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves.” It is true that we disciples of Jesus Christ are so inadequate that we are unable to produce any of the Christian life ourselves. Jesus Himself taught this radical fact. “Without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5b). If we embrace this humbling truth, we are walking in humility before the Lord. The corresponding declaration points us to the source that we need. “But our sufficiency is from God.” Only God’s resources are sufficient to produce the kind of fruitful spiritual life that God calls us to live. Jesus taught this great truth as well. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit” (John 15:5a).
…
Dear [Father] of all grace, I humbly admit that I can only live by Your sufficiency and your promises. By faith, I look to You to do for me and in me what You alone can do,
[In Jesus name, Amen]
Pat G says
December 20, 2011 at 5:15 pm! Steve and others of Scripture expertise !
You are needed on aisle
December 19
http://blogs.blueletterbible.org/blb/2011/12/19/
Curiously enough right before running into difficult post I was reading Luke 4.
steve morrow says
December 20, 2011 at 6:41 pm1 Corinthians 3:10 According to the grace of GOD which is given unto me as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation and another buildeth thereon BUT LET EVERY MAN TAKE HEED HOW HE BUILDETH THEREUPON
Acts 20:32 And now brethren I commend you to GOD and to the word of HIS grace WHICH IS ABLE TO BUILD YOU UP and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified
Proverbs 24:3 Through wisdom is an house builded and by understanding it is established
Titus 2:11&12 For the grace of GOD that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men (12) Teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts we should live soberly righteously and godly in this present world
James 1:21&22 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness and receive with meekness the engrafted word which is able to save your souls
Matthew 16:27 FOR THE SON OF MAN SHALL COME IN THE GLORY OF HIS FATHER WITH HIS ANGELS AND THEN HE SHALL REWARD EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS WORKS
ROMANS 2:6-11WHO WILL RENDER TO EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS(7)To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality eternal life (8) But unto them that are contentious and do not obey the truth but obey unrighteousness indignation and wrath (9) tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that doeth evil of the jew first and also of the gentile (10) but glory honor and peace to every man that worketh good to the jew first and also to the gentile(11) for there is no respect of persons with GOD
Luke 1:50 And HIS mercy is on them that fear HIM from generation to generation
Loving the LORD
Pat G says
December 21, 2011 at 3:56 amYes!
Romans 2:6-11
Jesus guides us through His words.
His will be done.
He always keeps His promises to us.
He quickens us to Him.
Trust in Him.
Acts 8
John 14
Psalm 71
Psalm 119
Psalm 143
Praying: Father: guide and direct us. In Jesus Holy Name, Amen.
Pat G says
December 21, 2011 at 3:48 amYes!
Romans 2:6-11
Jesus guides us through His words.
His will be done.
He always keeps His promises to us.
He quickens us to Him.
Trust in Him.
Acts 8
John 14
Psalms 143
Praying: Father: guide and direct us. In Jesus Holy Name, Amen.
Pat G says
December 21, 2011 at 3:57 amJesus Sabbaths with us through His words.
He guides us.
His promises are sure.
He quickens us.
Trust in Him alone.
Acts 8
John 14
Psalm 25
Psalm 71
Psalm 119
Psalm 143