Free Christian Resources - a Little "Lagniappe"
Being in ministry, creative Christian resources are something we are always keeping our eyes open for. We have decided to call these new findings - "lagniappe."
Webster's dictionary defines "lagniappe" as: A small gift presented by a storeowner to a customer with the customer's purchase or an extra or unexpected gift or benefit.
It originated in New Spanish la ñapa which meant "the gift." When it came into the Creole dialect of New Orleans, it gained a French spelling. It is still used throughout South Louisiana and South Mississippi to mean "a little extra."
Working on this website has been so much fun! Along the way though I am finding little bonuses and wanted to create a page to share these creative Christian resources with you.
Growing up in Louisiana and having several wonderful Cajun family members, "lagniappe" has become a fun word when giving a "little extra." As Webster's says, it's an unexpected gift or benefit. It's not earned or bought. Doesn't that sound like "GRACE"?!
As Christians, this should be an action seen in our everyday lives as we strive to go over and beyond for the cause of Christ. Let's never stop short of being overly kind or giving or loving - always going the "little extra" for Christ.
Jesus certainly gave us more than a "little extra." He gave us what we didn't deserve - "GRACE - God's Riches At Christ's Expense."
We'd like to bring you a new little "lagniappe" every now and then. It may be an outstanding Christian website or free Christian software we've found, a Christian book recommendation, a special testimony or story, or just some good clean fun with Bible trivia, clean jokes, & Christian cartoons. All will be free Christian resources which can add to the variety in your world of Bible study and ministry.
We want to equip you as much as we can in finding joy and excitement in your Bible study time and as you share God's Word.
Also, if you know of any valuable Christian resources you use and believe they would be useful to others, please let us know.
A Little Lagniappe'
Search the largest library of audio sermons with over 156,000 FREE MP3 sermons which can be streamed online for immediate listening or optionally downloaded to your computer or portable MP3 player for listening at a later time.
You've probably heard of YouTube - especially if you have teenagers around the house! Well, now there is Godtube - a Christian version which offers multiple ways for creative use whether it be to emphasize a Bible lesson using visual technology or to include a visual illustration in a sermon powerpoint. They also have Christian drama videos, Christian music videos for worship, and more. Check it out!
These inspiring Christian stories are ideal for short devotional talks, and as Bible lesson or sermon illustrations.
Try this FREE downloadable Bible study library! There have been times that I needed to work on a Bible study, but was unable to connect to the Internet. This program will allow you to have several Bible versions, commentaries & dictionaries, as well as, several free classic Christian books such as Foxe's Book of Martyrs, Complete Works of Josephus, and Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah. All these Christian resources can be right at your fingertips anytime, anywhere!
Christianity Cove offers very creative Christian resources and Bible lessons for kids! With over 700 free Sunday School lesson articles on their blog, and 26 best-selling resources in their library of products, they’ve helped thousands of teachers around the world revitalize their Children’s Ministry programs and fill their classrooms with eager students.
If you need something short for a quick children's sermon or devotion for kids, Sermons4Kids.com has an easy search tool to find what topic you need. ChildrenSermons.com also offers free short Bible messages for kids.
Are you needing sermon illustrations or Bible study illustrations? How about using movie clips? Here is a site that provides free movie clips that inspire and illustrate. They are organized so that you can search by movie title or Bible theme. This is truly a creative Bible resource!
WingClips gives the following reasons for using their movie clips to "spice up" your Bible study lessons:
Why should I use WingClips™ in my teachings?
Simply, to better communicate with your audience. For better or worse, movies form a lasting impression on our hearts and minds. Studies suggest that three days after an event, people retain only 10% of what they heard from an oral presentation, 35% from a visual presentation, and an overwhelming 65% from combination of a visual and oral presentation. Incorporating inspirational WingClips™ in your service will dramatically connect the themes of your message to the hearts and minds of your audience.
