A number of reader’s ask where all my information comes from, and how do I produce the materials on this site, and even how I produce the site. Today I thought I’d take some time to answer those questions.

I’d like to mention at the start that the tools I use are only tools. I have a bachelor’s degree and some graduate level work in Biblical Studies and as such I do my own work before consulting others. I have a knowledge of the Greek language that aids me in my own translations and I write every day to keep getting better at explaining truth.

Logos Bible Software – I’ve used this software from the very beginning. I used a DOS-based program called Bible Tools that was bought out by Logos, and Logos then offered me the next to the top of their line Bible Study package as a free upgrade. Their customer support is as fantastic as their product. They now offer their vast library as an online subscription for a few dollars a month. This is great because you can access the resources from any PC.

Bible.org – This website has a fantastic free translation of the Bible that you may quote from as much as you like without worrying about violating copyright law. The translation has had more translators working on and debating the merits of word choices than any other translation, ever. And all those translator notes are available alongside every verse. They have other resources as well, but this is what I use the site for.

Wikipedia – a great online encyclopedia that I have contributed both content and money to.

Biblical Archeology Review – the magazine and the online Library are very useful, even if it does come from a primarily liberal theology.

Microsoft Office 365 – Primarily I use Word, OneNote, Excel and Visio.

Adobe Creative Suite – Illustrator and Photoshop are the primary tools, though InDesign is used to create the downloadable PDF files.

Paint.Net – a free paint program that is great for quick jobs.

Xara Photo & Graphic Designer – Every slide used on the home page is created with this inexpensive tool. It could possibly replace Illustrator, Photoshop and Paint.Net but I do not know the software well enough yet to use it for all my graphic needs.

I have a Linux-based web server running Joomla for the web site. Joomla is a free application that uses web templates for site design and has its own content management system. Think WordPress, but free and open source.

Between the subscriptions, upgrades, hosting costs and contributions the site operates for far less per year than most any other blogging site. The site has no advertising, no membership fees or contributions of any kind with a singular exception: Blue Sol Design is my go-to administration service. This site would not have been possible without their administrative guidance and maintenance which they supply me for free. They are out of Greely, Colorado and come highly recommended.