IC.31-The Imitation of Christ, 31—Meditating on Death / Final Desire / Eternity
Written on January 31, 2019 at 12:01 am, by Douglas Jacoby
Scripture: Phil 3:14; (1 Macc 2:63); (Sir 7:6); (Sir 38:22); Luke 21:36; Matt 24:44; 2 Cor 6:2; Rom 6:8; Ecc 7:2; Psalm 144:4; Luke 12:33; 16:9; 1 Pet 2:11; Heb… Read More
IC.30-The Imitation of Christ, 30—Coasting / Delight / Free spirit
Written on January 30, 2019 at 12:01 am, by Douglas Jacoby
Scripture: Psalm 43:3-4; 55:6; 34:8; 106:45; 40:5; 19:9; 1 John 2:15; Rom 8:6; Col 3:11; Rom 6:6; Gal 5:17; Psalm 89:9; 44:26; 68:30; (Sir 36:6); Isa 26:3; Matt 6:25-34 Application… Read More
IC.29-The Imitation of Christ, 29—Desiring Eternal Life
Written on January 29, 2019 at 12:01 am, by Douglas Jacoby
Scripture: Phil 1:23-24; Jas 1:17; Rom 8:21; Luke 22:18; Josh 1:6; Eph 4:24; Isa 61:3; Phil 1:20 . Powerful sentences: * “It’s not by your own meditating and striving that… Read More
A Prayer Space, by Jennifer Francis
Written on January 28, 2019 at 2:53 pm, by Douglas Jacoby
Make Your Prayer Space Ready For God Jesus notoriously went off into the garden of Gethsemane to pray before he was betrayed and eventually hung on the cross. What most… Read More
IC.28-The Imitation of Christ, 28—Rash Judgment & Words
Written on January 28, 2019 at 12:01 am, by Douglas Jacoby
Scripture: Matt 7:1-2; Jas 3:7-9; Matt 26:41; Eph 4:29; John 21:22; Rom 14:12; Ecc 1:14; John 2:25; Rev 3:20; 1 Pet 4:7 . Thought questions: * Am I aware of… Read More
IC.27-The Imitation of Christ, 27—Sensitive Heart
Written on January 27, 2019 at 12:01 am, by Douglas Jacoby
Scripture: Prov 4:23; 19:23; Jas 4:9; Eph 4:29; Col 2:20-23; Psalm 80:5; 75:5. Spiritual focus: * Holy reverence * Discipline * Avoiding senseless humor (flippancy) * Cultivating spiritual sensitivity. * Clear… Read More
IC.26-The Imitation of Christ, 26—Security / Temptation
Written on January 26, 2019 at 12:01 am, by Douglas Jacoby
Scripture: 2 Cor 6:7; Psalm 91:14; Rev 2:17; Rom 8:18; Psalm 27:14; Psalm 91:15; Job 7:1; 1 Pet 5:8; Jas 1:14; Col 1:11; (Sir 31:26); 1 Cor 10:13; (Jud 8:17); Luke… Read More
Are Signs and Wonders for Today?, by John Piper
Written on January 25, 2019 at 3:47 pm, by Sandy Anjilivelil
“And now, Lord, look upon their threats, and grant to thy servants to speak thy word with all boldness, while thou stretchest out thy hand to heal, and signs and… Read More
IC.25-The Imitation of Christ, 25—Reading the Holy Scriptures
Written on January 25, 2019 at 12:01 am, by Douglas Jacoby
Scriptures: 2 Tim 3:16; Heb 13:9; Psalm 117:2; Heb 1:1; Rom 2:11 Ten thoughts: * We shouldn’t seek novelty for novelty’s sake. The gospel is seldom advanced through curious, shocking,… Read More
4 Things I’d Say To My 30 Year Old Self
Written on January 24, 2019 at 8:45 am, by Sandy Anjilivelil
by Steve Staten | Jan 23, 2019 At age thirty I had been in technology for nine years and fulltime ministry for just over a year. My wife and I had three little… Read More
Time to Break the Silence on Palestine
Written on January 24, 2019 at 8:34 am, by Sandy Anjilivelil
Martin Luther King Jr. courageously spoke out about the Vietnam War. We must do the same when it comes to this grave injustice of our time. By Michelle Alexander, Opinion Columnist, Jan. 19,… Read More
IC.24-The Imitation of Christ, 24—Exercises of a Righteous Person
Written on January 24, 2019 at 12:01 am, by Douglas Jacoby
Scripture: 2 Pet 1:5-8; Prov 16:9; Jer 10:23; Heb 12:1; Eph 6:11; Rom 8:18; Luke 12:37,42 Application: * Daily renewal: Begin the day the right way! * Stay busy. Redeem… Read More
IC.23-The Imitation of Christ, 23—Peaceableness / Purity / Conscience
Written on January 23, 2019 at 12:01 am, by Douglas Jacoby
Scripture: Gal 5:22-23; Eph 4:2; Gal 6:2; Rom 12:18; Phil 4:8; Rom 2:9; 1 Pet 3:16; Isa 57:20-21; 2 Cor 1:12; 7:4; 1 John 3:21; Isa 48:22; Mic 3:11; Psalm… Read More
Jesus spent most of the time doing this…
Written on January 22, 2019 at 2:48 pm, by Sandy Anjilivelil
Dear Renew Subscribers, I was recently in a theology class where the teacher made this point: anyone wanting to be like Jesus should try doing what he did. What did… Read More
IC.22-The Imitation of Christ, 22—Peace of Mind / Solitude & Silence
Written on January 22, 2019 at 12:01 am, by Douglas Jacoby
Scripture: John 14:27; Matt 3:10; Gal 2:20; 5:24; 6:14; 2 Tim 2:4; Rev 2:4; Psalm 37:7; Mark 6:31; Luke 5:16; 2 Cor 1:12; Psalm 4:4; 1 John 2:17; Prov 23:32;… Read More
IC.21-The Imitation of Christ, 21—Bearing with Others
Written on January 21, 2019 at 12:01 am, by Douglas Jacoby
Scriptures: Luke 11:4; Gen 50:20; Titus 3:10; Gal 6:2,5; 2 Cor 3:5; Prov 3:7; Col 3:13; 1 Thess 5:11 . Application: * We often operate under a double standard, wanting others… Read More
IC.20-The Imitation of Christ, 20—Confidence of Grace
Written on January 20, 2019 at 12:01 am, by Douglas Jacoby
Scripture: Jas 1:17; Nah 1:7; Matt 11:28; Jer 32:27; 1 Pet 5:10; Num 23:19; Ps 40:1; Matt 8:7; 6:34; John 14:27; 14:1; Ps 44:21; John 15:9; Luke 8:15; 2 Cor… Read More
Ministry in the #MeToo Moment
Written on January 19, 2019 at 11:27 am, by Sandy Anjilivelil
As abuse awareness grows, pastors are searching for ways to protect the vulnerable and care for survivors. MORGAN LEE @Mepaynl Image: Davide Bonazzi / Salzmanart Last summer Stephanie Lobdell, co-lead pastor… Read More
No Sign Language in the World Has Its Own Bible Translation
Written on January 19, 2019 at 11:22 am, by Sandy Anjilivelil
Deaf communities around the world are still waiting to experience God’s Word in their first language. How much longer will it be? Donations from the 40,000 attendees at this year’s… Read More
IC.19-The Imitation of Christ, 19—Contempt of Worldly Knowledge
Written on January 19, 2019 at 12:01 am, by Douglas Jacoby
Scripture: 1 Cor 1:26-27; 2 Tim 4:3; Num 16; Ps 94:10; 119:100,130; Col 3:4; Zeph 1:12; 1 Cor 4:5,20; 12:11. . Application: * “Sweet-sounding compliments”: beware flattery, and people lowering… Read More
IC.18-The Imitation of Christ, 18—Guard of Humility / Thinking Humbly
Written on January 18, 2019 at 12:01 am, by Douglas Jacoby
Scripture: 1 Pet 5:5-6; Matt 6; Jer 10:23; Ps 91:4; Rom 11:25; 12:3; 1 Cor 13:1-3; Rom 11:20; 12:3; Jas 3:1 Practical application: * We should be modest about our… Read More
Q&A 1545 – What is meant by “godhead”?
Written on January 18, 2019 at 12:00 am, by Douglas Jacoby
What is meant by the word “godhead”? While many use “godhead” to stand for the trinity, the word actually means (only) divinity. In older English, god-head = god-hood. All three… Read More
Large Numbers of Young Adults Dropping Out of Church
Written on January 17, 2019 at 10:53 am, by Sandy Anjilivelil
Young adults are dropping out of church in large numbers, survey finds. This is why. www.usatoday.com 3 mins read ASHVILLE, Tenn. —Large numbers of young adults who frequently attended Protestant worship services in… Read More
Churches & Race
Written on January 17, 2019 at 10:44 am, by Sandy Anjilivelil
Christian churches still struggle with race, how to discuss it, what to do www.usatoday.com 10 mins read CINCINNATI — On a Wednesday night at Crossroads Church in the Cincinnati neighborhood Corryville,… Read More
IC.17-The Imitation of Christ, 17—Over-anxiety / Holy examples
Written on January 17, 2019 at 12:01 am, by Douglas Jacoby
Scripture: Ps 37:4 Matt 26:41 Heb 12:1; 6:12; 11:1-40 John 12:25 Application (10 areas): * Learn from those who have gone before us (in church history, the O.T., and even… Read More
Focus on Gardening, by Greg Koukl
Written on January 16, 2019 at 4:05 pm, by Sandy Anjilivelil
Greg encourages Christians for whom evangelism seems overwhelming to focus on small opportunities of influence rather than “sealing the deal.” Look forward to more Mentoring Moments from Greg in the… Read More
IC.16-The Imitation of Christ, 16—Benefits of Obedience / Self-denial / Surrender
Written on January 16, 2019 at 12:01 am, by Douglas Jacoby
Scripture: Jas 1:22-25; Ezek 20:19; Eph 5:17; Gren 32:10; 1 Cor 4:7; Rom 2:11; Jas 2:5; Ps 45:16; 1 Pet 2:1; Acts 5:41; Luke 14:10; Matt 16:24-25; Phil 2:21; Ezra… Read More
IC.15-The Imitation of Christ, 15—Obedience / Earthly Affections
Written on January 15, 2019 at 12:01 am, by Douglas Jacoby
Scriptures: 1 John 5:2-3; Prov 12:15; Rom 14:17 Insights for Life: * “It is far safer to live under authority than to be in a place of authority.” * “It… Read More
New Book: When God Is Silent
Written on January 14, 2019 at 9:21 am, by Sandy Anjilivelil
The Problem of Human Suffering We inhabit the same world Jesus did—one of pain, joy, surprise, suffering, and wonder. At times life is good, joyous, and fair. At other times… Read More
IC.14-The Imitation of Christ, 14—Bearing Injuries / Christ’s Obedience
Written on January 14, 2019 at 12:01 am, by Douglas Jacoby
Scriptures: Rom 8:17-18; Heb 12:4; 2 Tim 2:5; Luke 18:27; John 15:9-10; Ps 18:42; Jas 2:20; 1 Sam 16:21; Ezek 20:17; Gen 2:7 Application questions: 1. Do I react differently… Read More
IC.13-The Imitation of Christ, 13—Loss of all comfort
Written on January 13, 2019 at 12:01 am, by Douglas Jacoby
Scripture: Phil 4:11-13; Ps 30:6-8,10-11; Job 7:18; Rev 2:7. Practical application: (1) Don’t allow ourselves to lose faith or perspective just because we are going through hard times. (2) Don’t… Read More
IC.12-The Imitation of Christ, 12—Human Misery / Weakness
Written on January 12, 2019 at 12:01 am, by Douglas Jacoby
Scriptures: Phil 3:7-9; Ps 73; Ps 25:17; 2 Cor 6:2; Heb 10:36; 2 Cor 5:4; 1 Thess 5:3; Prov 30:7-9; Col 3:1-4; Ps 32:5; 40:2; 69:14; 1 John 2:15: Job… Read More
IC.11-The Imitation of Christ, 11—Not Trusting Self / Trusting God
Written on January 11, 2019 at 12:01 am, by Douglas Jacoby
Scriptures: Matt 7:3; 16:26: Jer 34:24; Ps 119:137; 19:9; Rom 11:33; 1 Cor 14:33; Ps 21:3; Rom 8:29; Jn 15:16,19; Gal 1:15; Matt 18:10; Rev 4:10; Matt 18:1; 1 Jn… Read More
IC.10-The Imitation of Christ, 10—Knowledge / Wisdom / Not believing everyone
Written on January 10, 2019 at 12:01 am, by Douglas Jacoby
Scriptures: Rom 1:21; (Sir 19:14; 14:1; 34:9); (Tob 4:18); Ps 60:11; 37:39; (Wis 1:1); John 14:6; Rom 3:4; Matt 10:17,36; 24:23); James 3:1; Phil 3:4-8. Application: Types of information of… Read More
IC.09-The Imitation of Christ, 9—Hearing God’s Words
Written on January 9, 2019 at 12:01 am, by Douglas Jacoby
Scripture: John 16:13-14; Ps 94:19; John 12:48; Mic 6:8; Gen 17:1; (Wis 1:1); John 8:32; Ps 25:5; 1 John 3:22; (Tob 3:5); Ps 119:20; (2 Macc 7:38); (Sir 11:4); Isa… Read More
IC.08-The Imitation of Christ, 8—Selfish Love
Written on January 8, 2019 at 12:01 am, by Douglas Jacoby
Scripture: Ecc 2:11; 1 John 2:17; Ps 51:12; Eph 3:16; Eph 4:14. (Also Wis 9:4) Key phrases: * “In captivity”: True freedom is found in Christ, not the world. *… Read More
IC.07-The Imitation of Christ, 7—Futile Hope
Written on January 7, 2019 at 12:01 am, by Douglas Jacoby
Scriptures: * 2 Cor 4:18 * Romans 12:3,16 * James 4:6 * John 15:4 * 1 Cor 4:7 * Matt 11:7 * Isa 40:6. Practicals: Be willing to take on… Read More
IC.06-The Imitation of Christ, 6—Intimate Love of Jesus
Written on January 6, 2019 at 12:01 am, by Douglas Jacoby
How close do I feel to God? We are called to love him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. This is the first and greatest commandment. The church… Read More
New Book: Origins — a book on the issues behind Genesis 1-11
Written on January 5, 2019 at 4:12 pm, by Sandy Anjilivelil
Origins turns much of what Christians learned in Sunday School on its head in a revealing comparison of the Genesis narrative to the competing pagan narrative of the day. Relatively few… Read More
IC.05-The Imitation of Christ, 5—Power of Divine Love
Written on January 5, 2019 at 12:01 am, by Douglas Jacoby
To have a sensitive heart receptive to divine love, we must keep our consciences clear as we live for God (1 Tim 1:5,19). Scripture: Eph 3:17-18; 2 Cor 1:3; Ps… Read More
Ibram Kendi – Are You An Intellectual?
Written on January 4, 2019 at 8:32 am, by Sandy Anjilivelil
Ibram Kendi breaks down what it really means to be the smartest person in the room. For more information: Antiracist Research and Policy Center at American University. Watch this podcast… Read More
IC.04-The Imitation of Christ, 4—The Royal Way
Written on January 4, 2019 at 12:01 am, by Douglas Jacoby
“The simplicity of the book’s language and the direct appeal to the religious sensitivity of the individual in an uncomplicated way are perhaps the primary reasons why this little book… Read More
Q&A 1544 – Camels in the Bible anachronistic? (a contradiction?)
Written on January 4, 2019 at 12:00 am, by Douglas Jacoby
My professors in seminary told me that the Bible’s claims that there were camels in Israel is false. They say it’s anachronistic. What do you say? Is the Bible wrong?… Read More
IC.03-The Imitation of Christ, 3—Taking Up Jesus’ Cross
Written on January 3, 2019 at 12:01 am, by Douglas Jacoby
The world of the 1420s is radically different from our modern world! Europe is still recovering from the Black Death (1347-1349), which took the lives of easily a third of… Read More
IC.02-The Imitation of Christ, 2—Offering Ourselves
Written on January 2, 2019 at 12:01 am, by Douglas Jacoby
The structure of James Watkins’ arrangement (encompassing 90 of the 114 chapters in The Imitation of Christ) is: I. Imitating Christ (Introduction) — 5 chapters II. Imitating Christ’s Character –… Read More
Free Download: Christianity Today’s 2019 Christian College Guide
Written on January 1, 2019 at 12:44 pm, by Sandy Anjilivelil
Check out the 2019 Christian College Guide from Christianity Today. Inside, you’ll hear what other students wish they knew before attending college, learn more about featured schools with stand-out programs and resources, and… Read More
IC.01-The Imitation of Christ, 1—Imitating Christ, Despising Vanity
Written on January 1, 2019 at 12:01 am, by Douglas Jacoby
Book I, Chapter I Imitating Christ and Despising All Vanities on Earth . 1. HE WHO follows Me, walks not in darkness,” says the Lord (John 8:12). By these words… Read More
CLEAN – podcast 7 (= OT character podcast 56, Naaman)
Written on January 1, 2019 at 12:00 am, by Douglas Jacoby
To listen to lesson 7 in the CLEAN series, The Leprosy of Naaman (14 minutes), click on the play arrow. Or you can download the podcast by right clicking here and choosing ‘save target… Read More
