
FreeMultiMediaBible.org FAQ
Q: Is
FreeMultiMediaBible.org a ministry or a business?
A: It is a ministry. The
fact that I do not seek tax exempt status from any
government does not detract from this fact. I
reserve the right to make a profit (which may actually
fund further works for Christ), as the "ox is not
muzzled". Therefore it might be seen in some ways as comprising
a business aspect, but it IS a ministry
first and foremost!
Q: Is it OK if we email people about your site?
A: It depends...
We all have certain friends who send us the latest jokes and inspirational messages.
Those “opt-in” relationships are great for sharing nice things with each other, as long as we don't
bother other people who don't want that sort of thing. After all, nobody likes spam.
Therefore, if you do choose to email anyone, please let it be only those who regularly forward emails to you (please don't spam anyone).
Q: Does the presence of a copyright notice mean that our
church has to seek permission to copy the resource?
A: No need to seek
such permission... it is already publicly
granted. Both this site and the install
for the resource itself clearly state that this
resource may be freely copied, provided it is
unmodified from how we offer it on our site(s).
Copy it as-is and no problem. But if anyone
modifies it (such as corrupting the scriptures to
endorse satanism), they can get legally stopped before
they cause too much damage.
Q: I noticed end user agreements for installing the resources,
such as the Bible disc and the HGO program that powers it. By
giving away copies is my ministry bound by those agreements?
A: Merely by copying and giving away, no.
But there are limitations posted about copying, such as, it must
be copied as-is (without modifying it from how we offer it), and
(except by prior written permission), it should be using our cover art.
The EULAs actually come into play when you USE the resources, such as
by installing and running them.
The resources are shareware, which means
that they may be freely copied under the terms specified where
the permission is granted for copying them. That's totally
different from the EULA (End User License Agreements). The EULAs
cover USE of the resources. Although permission to copy and distribute
the resources is limited to the terms specified, merely doing so does
not constitute USING the resources, according to the EULAs. Therefore,
provided that you comply with the simple terms specified in the places
where copying permission is granted (such as "copy as-is, using our cover art"),
your ministry is not being bound to the EULA merely by copying and giving
away these resources.
Q: Speaking of EULAs, I notice the EULA of the HGO program powering the Bible disc
prohibits using HGO to bash people or groups. Are there any exceptions? Could you just weigh in on our own particular political cause?
A: This resource is for Worship, not politics. We have no political position to exploit, no axe to grind.
There are no exceptions. HGO is for use in Worship and the Holy Scriptures of The Bible, not for bashing any person or group.
Our EULA strictly prohibits using HGO to bash any actual person, whether living or dead, regardless of whether celebrity, politician, prophet or preacher; and it
strictly prohibits using HGO to bash any real group, past or present, regardless of whether commercial enterprise, common interest group, political party, Hollywood party, social club or religion.
Q: I notice that provision is made for end-users who may
optionally wish to purchase additional features to
enhance their enjoyment of worship music. Does
that mean that the Free MultiMedia New Testament is a
"promotional" or "advertising" material?
A: No Way.
Many gospel tracts freely given out door to door bear
contact information whereby one may order more of the
same or other tracts, for a price! The
mere presence of opportunity to seek out and purchase
more than what's given for free does not negate the
gift of what is freely given. The
same holds true for the Free MultiMedia New Testament.
Try telling a computer store that the presence of
trial versions of software means the "computer is just
an advertisement", and therefore not worth paying
for. They'll laugh. It IS a
worthwhile and expensive resource in and of itself,
regardless of what additional opportunities it may
make available. Likewise, the Free MultiMedia
New Testament IS a worthwhile and priceless
resource in and of itself, and is well worth receiving
as a gift. The additional opportunity for anyone
so inclined to seek out and buy extra goodies does not
detract from the value of what is freely given to all.
It IS an outreach resource
from a ministry, NOT an advertisement from a
business.
Q: But don't you think it's wrong to also provide links
to where worship artists charge money for their worship
music?
A: This is actually a religious
and philosophical question. Let's break it down
for a clear look at it...
What are you wondering is wrong: the fact that I'm
helping believers to find good, Christ-honoring
worship music, or the fact that worship artists get
paid for their albums?
If the enemy of Christ had his way, nobody would know
where to find Bibles or worship music at all,
because both are at the center of this wonderful end
times revival. Providing such information
clearly furthers the Kingdom of Christ!
Now in regard to worship artists getting paid, there
is a mistaken belief that anything having to do with
God should be done for free. For some reason,
plumbers have no problem billing a preacher for
unclogging a sink, yet many think the preacher should
give away all of his time for free. That
attitude is very carefully cultivated by the prince of
the power of the air, as a thinly veiled attempt at
starving out the Gospel.
(And many did starve. The gospel has
been spread through suffering, but that doesn't
somehow make it right for us to treat others
unfairly!)
The Apostle Paul had to confront the same error in his
own time:
1st Corinthians 9:7 thru 9:14 says:
Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges?
who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit
thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of
the milk of the flock? Say I these
things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?
For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt
not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the
corn. Doth God take care for oxen? Or saith he it
altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt,
this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in
hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be
partaker of his hope. If we have sown unto you
spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall
reap your carnal things? If others be partakers of
this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless
we have not used this power; but suffer all things,
lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. Do ye
not know that they which minister about holy things
live of the things of the temple? and they which
wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even
so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the
gospel should live of the gospel.
Folks can refuse to pay the preacher (it's a free
country), but there's no moral high ground in being a
deadbeat. The Bible says those who work in the
gospel deserve to get paid for it. Nonetheless,
it's good to receive with thanksgiving whatever is
freely given... but it's wrong to try to coerce anyone
into giving everything away for free.
Q: Why do you use the KJV Bible? Are you a
KJV only guy?
A: I love the KJV, and I
personally believe that the latest research shows that
it is more of an accurate translation than had been
believed before (especially at the time of publication
of other versions), but it is not perfect. And
there are a few verses where the NIV or NASV says it
better. Yet I do personally prefer it.
I've always had a love for the version.
But just because it is KJV does not mean it must be
read by a someone who sounds like a "bad Shakespeare
actor". I read it like it was my native dialect,
so it does sound "fresh". I chose
it mainly because it is not copyrighted, so there is
one less hurdle to getting it into everybody's hands
for free.
Q: I have a question to add to this page, which I
think would benefit everyone.
A: Please send it here.