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Frequently Asked Questions
Who preaches the messages?
Each sermon is preached by Tony
Capoccia. Tony became a Christian in 1978 at the age of 34, and graduated
from seminary in 1983 with a Master of Divinity in Bible Exposition. Tony
began two online ministries: Bible Bulletin
Board in 1986, and Gospel GEMs in 1997. Each message is delivered in a
normal preaching style, rather than just being read.
Why do you "lightly" update the messages?
We are aware that for centuries, these sermons have been
consistently recognized, and their usefulness and impact have continued to the
present day, even in the outdated English of the author's own day. So you ask a
valid question, "Why then should expositions already so successful and of such
stature and proven usefulness require adaptation, revision, rewrite or even
editing?"
The answer is obvious. To increase the sermon's usefulness to today's listener,
the language in which it was originally written needs updating. Though the
sermons have served other generations well, just as they came from the pen of
the author in their century, they still could be lost to present and future
generations, simply because, to them, the language is neither readily nor fully
understandable. Our goal, however, has not been to reduce the original writing
to the vernacular of our day. It is designed primarily for those who desire to
listen, read and study comfortably and at ease in the language of our time. Only
obviously archaic terminology and passages obscured by expressions not totally
familiar in our day have been revised. However, neither the author's meaning nor
intent have been tampered with.
Will the CDs play on any CD
Player?
Yes, the CDs have been tested on a
variety of CD players, to include, CD Players in cars, portable CD players,
computer CD-ROMs, and Walkman type CD Players.
What if a CD refuses to play or
often skips. What could cause this?
In almost all cases it is a faulty
CD player in which the laser eye is either dirty or the drive itself is failing.
If this ever happens then try playing the CD in another CD player. If it
works in the other device then you can be certain that the original CD player
needs repairs, cleaning, or replaced. Bear in mind that the more the CD
Player is used (reads data), the faster the optical head ages. As the laser head
ages, it will be more difficult for the CD player (reader) to read data from the
CD.
One common problem found on desktop PCs is that the same CD could be read on one
computer but not on other. That is probably caused by the aging laser head that
fail to read data. Although a CD-ROM player/reader is very inexpensive now but
changing one can be a daunting job for non-technical personnel.
If the CD does not play properly in
more than one CD player then you may have a faulty CD, which is very rare, but
does happen. If you have determined that it is a faulty CD, then please
advise us of the CD Title and GEM number and we will gladly send a replacement
out to you at no charge--you do not have to send the faulty CD back. I
can honestly say that in the last seven years of sending out thousands of CDs we
have only had to replace a couple CDs.
Another important factor to
consider is that our CDs are divided into tracks--a new track every 2 minutes.
There are no breaks between tracks so it seems seamless to the listener.
We did this so it would be easier to go back and review a statement/point just
made. Now, this works great, unless a person has selected "random tracks" on
their CD player which will seem like it is skipping (every 2 minutes)--it would
not necessarily go to the next track in sequence, but rather "skip" to the wrong
track. Just ensure that "random play" or "random tracks" is not selected.
If I take out a monthly
subscription, then who decides what four sermons I will receive each month?
Normally, we will pick the titles,
always trying to diversify the selections. However, you can select which
four you receive by simply sending us an email by the last day of each month
stating the titles you desire.
I have previously ordered some
sermons on CDs, so if I now start a subscription now, will I receive duplicates
of what I ordered before?
No, for when a person signs up for
a subscription, we first check our records to see if they have ever ordered
before and note which sermons have already been received to ensure that no
duplicates are sent.
How easy is it to stop and
restart subscriptions?
As easy as sending us an email or
a letter with your request.
What kind of guarantee comes
with the CDs?
If at any time and for any reason you are not satisfied with the
quality or performance of any CD, MP3, BBB-CD or BBB-DVD you receive from Gospel GEMs,
then simply return it for prompt replacement or refund. We appreciate
your order, and we won't be satisfied until you are.
Do your CDs have audio tracks
so I can review points in the sermons and also easily find my place again if I
don't have time to listen to the whole sermon?
Yes, we have audio tracks every 2
minutes. There is no delay between the tracks, so the sermon is not
interrupted, but you can select different parts of the sermon at 2 minute
intervals.
Can I request a faster shipping time than First Class or Media Mail?
Yes.
Normal shipping will be First Class or Media Mail (depending on
weight).
Faster Shipping
is available via Priority Mail, FedEx or UPS...simply
request it when you place your order
(in the "Comments
section"). The additional shipping costs will be added to your invoice.
How fast can I expect my order
to ship?
Our goal is to ship all orders out
within 24 hours. We use the US Mail service, thus we ship Monday thru
Saturday, except on holidays. There are a few times each year when we may have a
slight delay in shipment due to being out of stock or other staff limitations.
In those cases where it will be more than a couple of days, then we always
include a free sermon for your patience. Also, if the order is being paid
by credit card then we never charged your card until the order is ready for shipment.
I have been using the BBB for many years now and am interested in the BBB-CD or
the BBB-DVD for
when I'm traveling or not able to get on-line. I had one question though, is
there a way to access,
search and open the files without having to keep the CD or DVD with you at all
times? Can you download the files in a central location on the hard drive and
then use some sort of application to search for what you may be looking for?
Yes, you can simply make a subdirectory on your
hard drive and copy the entire BBB-CD or BBB-DVD into it, and then click or make a shortcut
to the index.htm file, in that subdirectory, and it will run just like it does
with the CD or DVD inserted. Note: If you have one of the new dual-CD BBB-CDs,
then you simply make two subdirectories...one for each CD, and still use the index.htm in each subdirectory to launch the two different menus. |
