Photo
to Right: The wrong reason to start a Christian website!
Christian
friend, have you ever thought about creating
your own website? The Devil's crowd has an overwhelming
surplus of website's promoting every form of godless filth and wickedness
imaginable. Did you know that 12% of all websites are now porn
sites?1 It
is evil. I beseech you in the name of Christ to consider joining us on
the firing line as we fight the good fight of faith for the Lord Jesus Christ.
If it
weren't for the love of money, Hugh Hefner never would have been able to
publish his filthy pornographic
smut in America since 1954. The fueling evil
behind pornography is the love of money. It's all about money. Internet porn
has become an epidemic problem. Europe is the biggest spender on porn, due
to both its appetite for smut and the relatively high-priced nature of adult
content.
It is my earnest prayer and desire that more
born-again Christians would get upset over the wickedness of our time
and build websites to take a stand for righteousness, preach the Gospel of
Jesus Christ and defend the precious King James Bible. The world is filled
with fat-cat charities and greedy ministries. It is my prayer that God will
touch the heart of hundreds of people to start free websites that aren't out
to make a buck.
I am a nobody, but
Jesus is Somebody. John the Baptist said, “He must increase, but I must
decrease” (John 3:30). Every believer should feel that way. I don't want
people to go away saying, “That's a great website”; but rather, “Jesus is a
great Savior!” HEAR YE HIM!
Doesn't
anyone else get mad over all the wickedness in the world today? There ought
to be thousands of websites like this proclaiming the truth of God's Word
with zeal, contending for the faith, boldly standing against the evil
agendas of our time!!!
Getting Started
-
Choose
and purchase a domain name (i.e., the name of your website)
-
Purchase a
webhosting plan (i.e., an agreement with a company which allows you to
upload and store your website onto their hardrive, for others to access via
your domain name). The webhosting company's computer is commonly called a
“server.” Some Christian ministries offer free webhosting to
other ministries, or you can get a ton of resources from Netfirms (amongst
other companies) for only $60
a year, which is all you'll likely ever need.
-
Purchase a
web-design software program. The only program I use is Microsoft
FrontPage. I started with an older version, and then upgraded to 2003, which
I think is the last year Microsoft sold the program. There are still some
new and used copies available on the internet, but you have to search for
them. Amazon.com usually has a couple sellers who offer the product. There
are other web-design programs, but I am not familiar with them.
I am not familiar with the
following websites, but what they offer looks
simple and legitimate...
http://www.homestead.com/
http://www.bluevoda.com/
Get a free HIT
COUNTER HERE. This free code will allow you to track either the
number of webpage hits or unique visitors to a particular webpage. Unique
means that if a visitor clicks 10 times on the webpage, it will only
register once. There are many nice looking counter styles. Just choose your
preferred style and the number that you want your counter to start off with
(I always choose 10,000 or something), then just copy and paste to your
webpage and upload it using a file-transfer program like the free program
FileZilla (which is what I use).
I create my webpages using
Microsoft FrontPage, but you can use any one of a number of programs.
I publish the website to my desktop, and then use FileZilla to transfer the
files from my desktop to the server at Netfirms.
You'd be surprise at how easy
and inexpensive it is to
design and publish your own site.
Don't believe those online ministries who beg for money because of the “high
costs” associated with operating a website. They're lying to you. A domain name
will cost you about $10 per year, if that.
Netfirms offers a nice webhosting package for just $4.95 per month, which
includes 10 GB of server space and 500 GB of monthly bandwidth. That's their
smallest package, for only $60 per year. Not too bad at all.
A word on domain names...
Once you've purchased
your domain, it cannot be changed. You would need to start another
website, so choose carefully something that sounds good to you, that you
think would be easy for other people to remember. Although I used the
dash symbol in my domain name, I wouldn't repeat that choice. I
recommend that you choose a name that only uses alphanumeric characters.
Also, although the
“.com” extension sounds “internety” (I think I just made up a new word),
I prefer the “.org” or “.info” extensions. Using “.org” sounds like a
big organization, which you don't need to have of course. The type of
extension you use is a matter of pure preference. To my knowledge there
is no other difference. I chose
www.soulwinning.info because it is an information website. I like
that domain name.
Then again,
Netfirms doesn't offer (at least
not at the writing of this article) privacy options for any domains
other than .com or .net (meaning that .info and .org domains cannot be
hidden from the public). I like my privacy, so I ended up moving my
.info and .org websites to a different company (although I still choose
Netfirms to host the websites). The domain name of a website is
completely separate from the hosting plan. As I mentioned, I use two
different companies (one where my domain is registered, and the other
which hosts my website). I was not aware that Netfirms didn't offer
privacy for .info and .org domains until after I signed up; but still,
they are a great company. So seriously, I think I would just make
everything easy and go with a .com domain (although I like the sound of
a .org or .info better). I hope that makes sense. Netfirms may have
changed their policy since then, so please double-check if you really
want a .org, .info, .biz (or other domain suffixes besides .com).
Also, please note that
for $9.95 per month, Netfirms allows you have 2 free domains for the
same price; meaning that you can choose 2 additional domains names and
have 3 different websites, all under the same account at Netfirms. I
have been with them for 9-years and overall they've been good to me.
Also, I'd recommend
avoiding loooong domain names that are a nuisance to type in all the
time, and it will be for your visitors as well. Most webhosting
companies will allow you to create different sub-domain names (that can
be changed) which are then redirected back to the primary domain name
(which can never be changed). Netfirms offers unlimited sub-domain
names. Howbeit, I don't use this feature for my
website to avoid confusion. It's best to choose a shorter, easy to
remember, domain name with an extension that you feel best suits your
type of website.
All you need is "Microsoft FrontPage." FrontPage even has the built in FTP feature which enables you to
upload your files directly to your website's URL (i.e.,
your internet address). If
you have "Microsoft Office Professional", "FrontPage" may be
included with it (depending on the version).
It will be a bit frustrating at first until you
learn how to work FrontPage; however, the program will allow you to create a
very nice website fairly quickly. FrontPage is designed specifically for
creating websites. You can learn how to use Front
Page by reading the
"help" articles included with the program. Also, there are many articles online. You do NOT need to
know HTML to use "FrontPage," but a very basic knowledge of HTML would
be a plus.
Learn more on how to use FrontPage HERE
If
you'd like to learn HTML, click
HERE—25 page
HTML basics. You really don't need to learn all this, but
it wouldn't hurt to learn as much about the basics as you can (it
let's you be more
creative in designing). You'll learn as you go.
To
learn how web pages work, click HERE
You can
evencreate and upload a website using just "notepad"; however,
this is the very hard way of doing it.
Go buy a web design program! I
recommend Microsoft FrontPage. I used
FrontPage 4.0 (an older version) and then upgraded to version
5.0; FrontPage 5.0 is basically the same as version 4.0 with
a few added features. Either version is fine to use. I haven't
upgraded to version 6 because I'm happy with version 5.0, it does what I need.
There are tons of free resources available online to help you create your own
website—use them!
If you would like a FREE Website;
but with audio limitations, Netfirms offers it. However, for just $4.95 a
month, you can have a fully hosted website. I highly recommend a paid
website so you can use MP3 sounds and such, and get rid of any
advertisements...
Netfirms
— I believe you can have MIDI audio; but no mp3's or WAV files for the FREE
hosting. Again, it's best to pay for the minimum package in my opinion.
If you don't mind paying $60 a year, you can
also use mp3 and WAV sounds. Also for the small amount of money you eliminate those pesky
banner ads. It's an incredible deal
for $60 with UNLIMITED disk space and bandwidth.
Building a website couldn't be easier nowadays.
Once you get your basic website going, here are some
sites to really enhance everything:
FREE
graphics for your web
After you've mastered the
basics, you'll love the FREE goodies at the site below:
Dynamic
Drive
Free Logo Designs (real nice
banners you can make for free). Here's one I made...
Adding
Sound (MIDI's are best to use because they are small
files and play quickly. MP3's are the best
sound quality but can take 10-15 seconds to load. Note: mp3's will only
work if you purchase a premium package for about $60-80 a year. Freebie
offers won't allow you to upload any files larger than 3 MB...
most mp3's
are around 4-5 MB.) A MIDI file is around 20-50KB.
To add sounds with FrontPage, simple right mouse-click
on the webpage you're working on, and select "Page Properties." Then look
for "Background Sound" and browse for the sound file you want to use. Click ok. It's that simple. Please note that MP3 sounds don't
appear, as this is a problem with FrontPage. You can type the MP3
file location in manually, or copy/paste the file from your folder list to the
left (i.e., from within the FrontPage program).
Also, here's
a nifty list of FrontPage keyboard shortcuts,
some of which I use often. SHIFT + ENTER is a favorite of mine in
FrontPage, as it allows me to go to the next line without having a space
between the lines.
You can build a basic website in as
little as an hour. Of course, it takes time to build a larger website. What takes the MOST time is deciding what to build, as website building is an
art. The hardest part about anything is taking the first baby steps to get
going, then it gets easier as you go. Building a website is fun,
challenging, and a rewarding if it's done in Jesus' name to reach
lost sinners with the Gospel.
You don't need all the latest and greatest tools
and technologies to build a website. In fact, I prefer keeping it simple.
That is, you don't need Flash Presentations and a degree in HTML coding
to build a website. I have neither and look what the Lord has done through
my humble efforts. If you want to make a website, just start somewhere, and then ask questions as
you go. There's several forums online that you can join to ask questions
about web building. I won't sugarcoat it too much though, you're going to
have to work at it and have enough DESIRE to be patient. I was
determined, and stuck with it, and learned as I built. The nice thing is
that you can start with a homepage, and then build from there, a little at a
time. Rome wasn't built in a day.
My website has become like the
haunted mansion in the movie, Rose Red, it grows on it's own. I'm just
kidding of course.
I'll give you some really
helpful
tips on Using FrontPage
You don't need any templates. I don't like
them and never use them. They are confusing indeed. Here are some
instructions to make a new web. I'm using the 2003 version:
- In FrontPage, go up to "File" and then
select "New."
- In the right menu on your screen, select
"One page Web site"
- Under the "General" tab, select "One page
Web site."
- Your new website is now created. You need
to go to the location where it was stored, which is likely at...
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\My Documents\My Webs\myweb2
- You want to rename your new website from
"myweb2" (or "myweb1") to whatever you'd like to call it. I renamed
mine "JIS." It's just easier to recognize by renaming it, and I think a
good idea. Also, one thing that I do, but you don't have to, is to
relocate the new website folder directly into the C: directory. I just
don't like my web buried in a bunch of subfolders. To move your web,
simply copy the folder and paste it into the C: directory.
- That's it, you've got a new web.
Expanding your web...
- Your new website should be opened in
FrontPage. On the left of the screen you should see a "Folder List." You can place your mouse over the wall separating the two screens and
slightly drag the wall to the right, so you can see the files in your
folder list. If you don't see the folder list, go up to "View" and
click on "Folder List."
- In your folder list you will see a page
called "Index." This is, and always be, your main webpage. NEVER name
this anything else. The search engines recognize your "index" page as
your home page. Also, you only want ONE "index" page. You can name
other files anything you want.
- To expand your website, the sky's the
limit. You can create additional webpages simply by going up to "File,"
and then selecting "New." This time, select "Blank Page." A blank page
will appear and you can design it any way your heart desires. Then
simply save it into the C:/yourwebsitename directory. Once you save the
first time, FrontPage will remember this location.
- Over time you're going to have many files,
and I wouldn't recommend saving them all into your root directory. You
want to create some new folders. Your root directory in simply your
websites main folder, i.e., the C: yourwebsitename folder. Your index
file is in the main root folder. In the folder list to your left,
you'll see two folders. One is called "private" which you never need to
touch. It is used by FrontPage, so just ignore it. The other folder is
"Images" which is empty for now, but this is where you should store all
your photos. You don't have to put your pictures here, but trust me,
being organized from the start will save you a lot of frustration later
on. I say... A place for everything, and everything in it's place. I
would recommend creating several folders in your root directory other
than just the "Images" folder. To do this, simply right-mouse-click on
the main folder at the top of your Folder List to the left. Select
"New," then "Folder. This is where you'll store things.
Also, don't make the same mistake I did
years ago by naming everything real long. For example: When I started
my web, I named a folder "Books_Tracks_and_Preaching." Big mistake. The problem is that when you go to copy/paste the internet link in any
e-mail to someone, the link is cut into half and often won't work. I
cannot rename the folder now, because all my articles in the search
engines will show up dead. So I am stuck with my mistake. Uggh! I
recently created a new folder, for all additional books, sermons, and
preaching... I simply named the file...
BTP. That is so much simpler. SO KEEP IT SHORT! I would name a
soulwinning file just "soul." Or an Evils In America page, "eia." You get the idea.
Another bit of advice, name files and
photos in lowercase lettering, as some files, like photos, may not show
up if they're in UPPERCASE, Now, it's ok to name Folders in upper or
lowercase, but not the files stored in the folders. I learned this all
the hard way.
If you right-mouse-click on the page you're
working on, a menu will appear. Select "Page Properties." You'll see
"Background sounds." This is where you add sound, as you mentioned you
are able to do. However, here's what you don't know, and I learned the
hard way. MP3 sounds won't appear here. It's a bug in FrontPage. To
add Mp3 sounds, you need to find the sound file located in your folder
list, copy/paste it into the "Background sounds" box. I store all my
sounds in a folder I created called "sounds." I have another folder
called "videos."
NEVER rename a folder or file once it's
been stored into the search engines, or else people will find a dead
webpage. I never rename or delete webpages once their stored in the
search engines. Another reason for this is because many people link to
my webpages, and I don't want their links to refer to a dead page. I
never rename anything, so I try to get it right from the start, because
I can't change it later.
Content content, content. Your website
will not be popular unless you have a lot to offer. It's just like a
store. If you want more customers, you've got to give them what they
want. You are welcome to use anything from my web to speed along your
website. Please keep in mind that I only had a couple thousand visitors
my first year. My second year I only had 64,000. My third 117,000
(and so forth). It takes time to get your web popular. Please don't fall
for the gimmicks, like allowing Google to advertise on your web in
exchange for a hot spot on their web. They promote Catholicism, false
doctrine, a prosperity gospel, and all sorts of ecumenical garbage. I've built my site from the ground up, no gimmicks.
Although I do have
my site listed in the Fundamental 500, and I think this is certainly
appropriate. You should do that. There's the Baptist 1000, and some
others. Also, I hate pop-ups, as I feel like taken advantage of when I
go to someone's web and they bombard me with pop-ups. My site is plain
and simple. No pop-ups. No credit card ads. I will never use my
ministry to make a penny. No Google garbage. I think it's unethical
for Christians to be willing to promote heresy for the sake of getting
higher ratings.
These are just a few helpful suggestions. You'll be using your Folder List quite often, and it is a big help. Here you can see all your folders and files at a glance.
I create all my hyperlinks from scratch. Simply type your phrase, highlight it, and then choose your
"Hyperlink." Also, here's a big tip... you cannot copy/paste into the
hyperlink bar using copy/paste; BUT, you can using CTRL + C (to
copy), and CTRL + V (to paste).
And here's another awesome tip. You'll get
frustrated at times because there's too much of a gap between lines. The solution is to simply press, SHIFT + ENTER
There are other keyboard shortcuts online,
and some FrontPage forums where you can get tones of helpful
information.
Well, this ought to be enough information
to make you dangerous...lol.
The Need is
Great for Christian Websites
Why not glorify Jesus Christ with your own
website? Start with the
Gospel of John and a couple of articles. You can publish the whole New Testament with less than 1 MB of space! You can get many ideas from my website, and from hundreds of
others. There's nothing worse than a webpage that's hard to read, or
annoyingly bright, with weird colors and lots of advertisements. I hate
pop-up messages and don't recommend them.
You're welcome to copy/paste
anything from my website. You are welcome to use my articles. No credit
needs to be given. God keeps track of what I have done. I just want the
truth to get out to people. I do ask that you not exploit my labors in the
Lord to make money. The webhosting company for girls-gone-wild wanted to
promote my website in exchange for promoting their filth on my website with
banner ads. That's how evil this world has become.
Feel free to
use anything on My website, including your
web-servant's writings.
Fair Use
Copyright Law
Don't Be Greedy
A woman once told me how wonderful I was and my
work. Then she said she owned her own webhosting company and wanted to host
my ministry online for free. I told her that Netfirms had stood by me, and
I'm standing by them. She wanted to exploit my site's popularity and promote
her own company to make a buck. She never talked to me again after that.
Some people
are so greedy these days. So beware of this as your site grows. It takes
years to build a popular website, it won't happen overnight. I only had
2,745 visitors my first 8-months back in
2002. Now I get 12,000 people per day, thanks to the Lord and a lot of hard
work. There's ways to cheat, like promoting Google ads on your web in
exchange for them promoting your web, but Google promotes tons of false
religions, New Age doctrines, sensual advertising,
Christian Rock, et cetera. You have no control
over the content of the ads. I've never have and never will compromise my
beliefs to get ahead. I'm not kidding, the webhosting company for
girls-gone-wild wanted to promote my ministry in exchange for allowing them
to promote that Satanic filth on my website. Can you imagine? We are living
in sick, greedy and evil times.
I'm just an amateur web designer. I taught
myself as I went along. As you know, nothing is a picnic in life, except
maybe a picnic itself...lol. I had desire, which
saw me through the times of frustration and motivated me not to give up. My
purpose was to influence people, even if just a small handful. To this day,
I think about reaching the individual with my ministry. If there's
one person listening, I'm happy.
The best way to increase ratings is to
continually add more content to one's website, which will appear in the
search engines. Make sure you submit your website's URL
(web address) to the search engines. Another way
to increase web traffic is to publish articles
which interest the public. I thought my 12,000 hits a day was great
until I heard that mugglenet.com, a Harry Potter website, gets 40,000,000
hits per month...
http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False%20Religions/Wicca%20&%20Witchcraft/hp-hits.htm
Content is everything.
I really don't care about numbers, only that I reach as many people
with the Gospel of Jesus Christ as possible. I am so glad that I have never
made a penny from my ministry and never will. I do it to help others in the
Lord. If I want to make money I'll go start a hotdog stand.
Disclaimer: Please
keep in mind that I am not giving anyone advice. I am not a web-designer,
nor claim to know what I am doing. I'm just a Christian who loves God and
has something to say, and I discovered a way to speak my mind via the
internet. It's been a joy and a privilege to see God change people's lives
through my humble labors in the Lord.
“And we
know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness”
(1st John 5:19).
Start
You Own Christian Website
Ye Must Be Born Again!
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