Everywhere you go these days you see them. In line at the Wal-Mart, on the golf-course, in your classes, they are there. It seems like everyone has an iPod, or MP3 player. As we are living in a culture saturated with multimedia, it should come as no surprise that people want to take their tunes with them. We stick the ear buds in our ears and the bombardment of our minds begins. We may not consciously realize it, but the things we put into our minds, whether through our ears or eyes, affect our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The old mantra “garbage in; garbage out” rings truer today than ever. What kind of information are you inputting into the computer that is your mind? Is it useful, or just garbage? The Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Philippi saying, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8, ESV, emphasis mine). Because your media player is a conduit of information to your mind, and wanting to help you follow the Apostle’s instructions, we present “Redeeming Your iPod.” Below is a compilation of resources of content for your portable media player, so that you can put less garbage in and have a more positive effect on your mind.
Music
Music is what people are primarily listening to on their iPods. We’ll save the secular music/Christian music debate for another time, but it should be noted that music that encourages you spiritually and exalts Christ is de facto more beneficial to you than music that does not. Moving on, here are some resources:
Grassroots Music is a company dedicated to providing quality Christian music for good prices. Their prices are always competitive. This is a good place to start if you are looking for new music. They also have a section of free downloadable MP3’s.
Pure Volume is a site that many new artists are using to help promote their music. Every artist has streaming media available, and many artists have songs available for download in mp3 format. Browse the genre entitled “Christian”.
Though not specifically Christian, this site has links to tons of free classical music. Many people like listening to instrumental music while studying their Bibles, as there are no lyrics to distract from what you are reading.
The Bible
The Bible is the inspired word of God, and reading it is the most beneficial thing you can do for your Christian life. Want to put more of the Word into your busy life? Why not try listening to it. Check out these resources.
Audio Treasure has downloadable audio version of the Bible in a couple of English translations, as well as several foreign languages. (Anybody going over seas on mission soon?)
Fire Fighters has the entire Bible free to download in MP3 format. King James Version only.
Audio Books
Many great Christian men and women have written their thoughts down on paper, allowing us the privilege of being spiritually encouraged by them.
As its name implies, this site has free Christian audio books available for you to download. Not sure where to start? Check out Charles Spurgeon, one of the great theologians and writers of modern times, called the “Prince of Preachers.”
Christian Classics Ethereal Library
This is another site of free Christian books. Browse the downloadable audio section.
Sermons and Podcasts
Sermons are a great way to be instructed in what the Bible says and how it applies to our lives. These resources are downloadable sermons as well as podcasts on various Christian topics. Podcasts can also be found in the iTunes podcast directory.
Dr. Danny Akin is the president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Browse a directory of many of his sermons.
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary Chapel Messages
Southeastern Seminary gets some of the best preachers in the country to deliver their messages in its chapel services. You can download messages, or you can subscribe to the podcast (requires iTunes).
Hickory Grove is located in Charlotte, NC. It is one of the largest churches in the state, and has a solid biblically based staff. Sermons are available to stream online. A daily devotion podcast is also available (requires iTunes).
Way of the Master is a ministry of evangelist Ray Comfort. His radio program is podcasted (requires iTunes) each day and covers numerous topics concerning Christians.
Dr. Al Mohler is the president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. His radio program is podcasted every day, on which he endeavors to engage our culture from a biblical perspective. Instructions for subscribing to his podcast are available on his website. His podcast can also be found by searching the iTunes podcast directory.
Hopefully, these resources will serve you in helping to fill your media player with content that will encourage and grow you spiritually. Now go get started redeeming your iPod.