I see great potential in games for spreading the word over to every one who can access the internet so that it does not preach to the player but introduces Jesus to the player using different approaches (but always in truth) and challenges or encourages the player to hear more.
Other great side of games is that there are many young people who believe in Jesus but are not growing in Christ because they are stuck in the secular media. So here is an opportunity to bring word to those who have not yet tasted how good it is.
The idea in both mentioned above is not to have an independent automated soul winning machines nor online churches that people can attend instead of a real church. But the idea is to provide a starting point and rather call people of from playing games than make great games which will only create addiction.

Here's some basic ideas.

In story based games every one in Christ can base the game's main character's background to something similar that has happened to real people. How they lived their life's in ignorance of better and without hope of everlasting life and peace. Possibly in daily sorrow or grief but was then saved by God's grace. And since that is a true story it's good to represent in truth and show how this main character who him self is weak finds blessing and power in God who is his redeemer.

Then we have a spiritual battle which is a serious thing. We are victories through this battle by He's word so what is more encouraging to a Christian than read about God's wonderful works and His grace. That is how God never forsakes and strengthens and gives us the shield of faith through His word so that he maybe able to withstand all temptation (Eph 6:16).

In the Bible we are instructed to build up each other with psalms and our gifts (1Co 14:26). So instead of anything else we may enjoy of these blessed scriptures in game. One way to do that would be a puzzle solving game where you can find the hints for solving the puzzles from the psalms because the images in your puzzle would represent the glory of God and His promises to us. Another way is to ask the player questions or make arguments (which are not true) by the game characters and allow player to counter those arguments with the Word.

Well I better stop writing now or this will get too long. Those were just some basic ideas and I would really like to hear how every one sees the possibilities and it would be nice to hear what Lord might have put in your heart. Maybe we can work together in order to create blessed games when He blesses.

In Christ,
Jari.

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1Jo 2:9-10 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. 10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
Joh 17:26 And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

[VoHW] (Help needed) [Blog] - Truedisciple (mp3)

[This message has been edited by jari (edited January 20, 2007).]

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MM out-
Thought travels much faster than sound, it is better to think something twice, and say it once, than to think something once, and have to say it twice.
"Frogs and Fauns! The tournament!" - Professor Winneynoodle/HanClinto

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~~~boogie woogie woogie~~~

Anyway, I have been mediating on this a lot, every day. By just reading the psalms (119 recently) I wish to make a game that glorifies the truth of those scriptures. How God's statues are great by His mercy He quickens and so on. Such great words of truth. Anyway Im thinking of edifying but at the same time while I wish to (roughly say) put lot of scripture in games the idea should not be to set aside actual reading of Bible. But then on the other hand I find it constructive to hear God's word in music so why not also in games?

I'm writing this in quite relaxed mood because I want to hear your views and what God has put in to your heart.

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1Jo 2:9-10 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. 10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
Joh 17:26 And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

[VoHW] (Help needed) [Blog] - Truedisciple (mp3)

Even you were not that interested all comments are welcome anyway!

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Psa 32:5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

[VoHW] (Help needed) [Blog] - Truedisciple (mp3)