When I first became a believer back in the late 80s, radio and cassette tapes were where you supplemented your learning about the Bible and the things of Christ. From there technology exploded and with the invention of Apple’s iPod and then the iPhone, the source of information and teaching we can carry with us in our pockets has become limitless. 

In part 2 of Helpful Technology, I want to share some of my favorite encouraging teaching supplements with you. But before I do, let me say something about supplements in general. Webster says that a supplement is “something that completes or makes an addition.” Many of us are familiar with dietary supplements which are (also from Webster), “a product taken orally that contains one or more ingredients (such as vitamins or amino acids) that are intended to supplement one's diet and are not considered food.” While all true Christian teaching is spiritual food, we must understand that the food that makes up our main diet is to be partaken of in the local church we are part of. We are meant to be fed first in our local church and then add to that the rich teaching of others as a supplement.  Here is a great little article on the local church and its importance in teaching as well as life:https://www.challies.com/articles/why-the-local-church-really-matters/

Now, on to the teaching supplements that I enjoy! I will start with blogs. Years ago I was consumed with blogs but not so much now. I began to realize that I could not and did not need to keep up with everything. However, I have found one blogger extremely helpful in this, Tim Challies, yes, the guy from the article above.  He not only writes articles himself that are quite edifying, but his “A La Cart” highlights daily articles he deems as at least somewhat worthy our time. You simply read the title and the description and decide if you want to click on that article.  In other words, he does a lot of work for you.  So, if you like to read blogs, he is a good resource to for sure. I also like https://www.michaeljkruger.com/ and https://clearlyreformed.org/ by Kevin DeYoung.

The next supplement I will mention is podcasts.  Podcasts are the current “big deal” in our culture with millions of people listening to various “Casters” daily. There are some great Christian podcasts out there. You can find these on any podcast app or music service app you may have. We use Spotify because of all the music lovers in our family but Spotify also has Podcasts and even audio books now (there is a cost for Spotify).  You can also find and use apps from Ligonier, and other reformed teaching entities.  Along with this, Reformed, Covenant, and Westminster Theological Seminaries have apps that will allow access to full seminary courses. It really is truly amazing!!

However, because of the limited time I have, and you are probably not that much different, I typically don’t listen to the hour+ long podcasts unless I am working in the yard or driving on a long trip. I do however enjoy a few short ones that would benefit you greatly as you have time:

• Things Unseen with Sinclair Ferguson (5 min)
• Ultimately with R.C. Sproul (3-8 min)
• Life and Books and Everything with Kevin DeYoung (time varies widely and includes reading of his blog articles)
• Mortification of Spin (28-35 min)

I hope you enjoy these and other teaching supplements that encourage your walk with Christ. In closing, I would add not to forget audio books. They are a great supplement you can add to the helpful technology that is available in today’s world.  

Peace of Christ, 

Patrick