Articles

Terminology Reinforces Theology

Posted: July 31, 2013

While the Bible warns us not to quibble about words (2 Timothy 2:14), this does not mean that words, phrases, and terms are not important. For example, anyone who insisted… Read More

Prayers for Sierra Leone

Posted: July 31, 2013

HOPEww Afghanistan

Posted: July 31, 2013

The Secret: critiques in Scientific American & Christianity Today

Posted: July 31, 2013

Michael Shermer shares his views on Rhonda Byrne’s The Secret. Click here to read his article in Scientific American.Interestingly, the latest issue of Christianity Today also features an article on this popular book/DVD…. Read More

DNA study challenges basic ideas in genetics

Posted: July 31, 2013

DNA study challenges basic ideas in genetics — Genome ‘junk’ appears essential”The instruction manual for life is written in a language we are only just beginning to understand,” Francis Collins, director… Read More

THEME for International Teachers’ Seminar, Patmos & Ephesus

Posted: July 31, 2013

THEME FOR 13th ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL TEACHERS’ SEMINAR PATMOS & EPHESUS, 8-9 NOVEMBER 2007 Having solicited ideas from many teachers worldwide, it seems the best theme for our 2007 rendezvous will… Read More

Shermer-Jacoby Debate

Posted: July 31, 2013

THANKSI very much appreciate the prayers thousands of you have been sending up for tonight’s debate with Michael Shermer (the skeptic).

Cosmos and Creator, by William Lane Craig

Posted: July 31, 2013

 http://www.arn.org/docs/odesign/od172/cosmos172.htm#31

The Jesus Seminar and Higher Criticism, by Glenn Giles

Posted: July 31, 2013

Click here to download the document.

I was a fanatic…I know their thinking, says former radical Islamist

Posted: July 31, 2013

Click here for article.

Tablet linked to obscure O.T. figure found

Posted: July 31, 2013

Original article can be found here, http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?Id=26084.

Book recommendation: Is There a God?

Posted: July 31, 2013

Is There a God? Questions about Science and the Bible, by John Oakes, Ph.D. Pub: IPI (http://www.ipibooks.com.)

Is Homosexuality genetic?

Posted: July 31, 2013

In popular thinking, homosexuality is increasingly viewed as a justifiable, even somehow unavoidable, lifestyle, for those biologically predestined for it. One often hears in the media that one’s sexual orientation is due to a… Read More

Sermon Stealing

Posted: July 31, 2013

FROM THE PULPIT: Pastor inspiration: Divine or online?

Taliban Tells Pakistani Christians: Convert or Die!

Posted: July 31, 2013

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan 

Elders, Evangelists, Deacons & Teachers

Posted: July 31, 2013

The following paper has been included in the collection as matter of historical interest. To see how my views have continued to develop, see the 2002 paper on Church Polity, and… Read More

Christians in Science

Posted: July 31, 2013

Interesting link: http://www.cis.org.uk.

Collins: Why This Scientist Believes in God (CNN)

Posted: July 31, 2013

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/04/03/collins.commentary/index.html  

The Danger of Inferences, by Glenn Giles

Posted: July 31, 2013

  

Prosperity Preaching: Deceitful and Deadly

Posted: July 31, 2013

http://www.crosswalk.com/pastors/11531324/

Interview with Muslim Terrorist Recruiter

Posted: July 31, 2013

60 Minutes interview with a former terrorist recruiter who has given it up. Here is what he said (a 10-minute excerpt from the show): Bob Simon: “The position of moderate… Read More

The Secret (continued), by Chad Garber

Posted: July 31, 2013

Douglas Jacoby has shared his critique of the idea promoted in the popular book The Secret. This is my response, based on an interview with Bob Proctor (one of the main… Read More

Jesus, a Killer?, by John Stewart

Posted: July 31, 2013

Although the following piece is very strong and will probably offend some of my readers, it raises some crucial questions. Our brother in South Dakota (the author) is on to… Read More

House churches vs. Conventional Churches

Posted: July 31, 2013

House Churches Are More Satisfying to Attenders Than Are Conventional Churches January 8, 2007 (Ventura, CA) – With the growth of house churches across the country, a new study by… Read More

Adoption & Homosexuality

Posted: July 31, 2013

ADOPTION AND HOMOSEXUALITYUsed by permission from John Clayton, Does God Exist? November/December 2006. In the July 2006 issue of Michiana Christian News is an article by Ed Vitagliano about gay… Read More

Looking for Answers

Posted: July 31, 2013

Looking for Answers

2006 International Teachers’ Seminar feedback

Posted: July 31, 2013

Responses to the 12th Annual International Teachers’ Conference (November 2006, Washington DC) “The conference was a very encouraging and fulfilling time! In the spirit of Psalm 18:25, I was very… Read More

Biblical Study Tour in Ephesus

Posted: July 31, 2013

Website: Bethinking.org

Posted: July 31, 2013

http://www.bethinking.org/

Report from Israel

Posted: July 31, 2013

Dear Brothers and Sisters, We’ve had an exciting few months in the Holy Land Churches of Christ, and wanted to share some of our good news with you. The last… Read More

Obituary: Common Sense

Posted: July 31, 2013

 

Mapping NT Social Networks

Posted: July 31, 2013

Take a look at this fascinating ESV study on social networks in the NT:http://www.esv.org/blog/2007/01/mapping.nt.social.networks.

The Biblical Basis for the Gifts

Posted: July 31, 2013

.pdf File (23.9 KB)

The Sinews of Peace, by Malcolm Cox

Posted: July 31, 2013

Unity is valuable. Indeed, it is essential. Hard to forge – easy to lose. Are you are attempting to build unity and promote peace between congregations, or within a congregation?… Read More

Slander, Gossip, and Malice, by Mohan Nanjundan

Posted: July 31, 2013

June 2003 The other day a dear friend forwarded an e-mail to me with a negative article about the kingdom attached and someone’s comments on the article. I quickly responded… Read More

The Workman Approved

Posted: July 31, 2013

PREACHING AND PREACHERS (EXPANDED) DR. DOUGLAS JACOBY JUNE 2004 I. INTRODUCTION Like many of us in the conservative wing of the Restoration Movement” “[1] I was exposed to biblical preaching… Read More

The Evolving Tithe, by Mark Shaw

Posted: July 31, 2013

Click here to download the .pdf file.

The Lord’s Supper

Posted: July 31, 2013

Putting “Supper” Back in the Lord’s Supper This essay aims to address one of the basics of the faith: our communion. People have often asked such questions as why we… Read More

Christian Chronicle Special Report

Posted: July 31, 2013

First installment of our “Are we growing?” series analyzes membership numbers and trends in the U.S. and state-by-state; also related stories, feedback opportunity, new poll and more. By Tamie Ross,… Read More

Listen to DJ on the Debbie Chavez show (recorded 28 May 2013). Topic: Heaven & Hell.

Posted: May 28, 2013

Listen to DJ on the Debbie Chavez show (recorded 28 May 2013). Topic: Heaven & Hell.

No Exit: chapter featured at Rethinking Hell

Posted: April 16, 2013

The website Rethinking Hell has just featured a chapter from my new book on the topic. (They interviewed me in January 2013, and requested that I contribute an article in… Read More

Staying Single

Posted: April 5, 2013

To listen to Staying Single (21 minutes), click on the play button: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and… Read More

Using cell phones in church?

Posted: February 14, 2013

Using cell phones in church? This Youtube video (90 seconds) speaks to our modern techno-generation.

Latin American Teaching Ministry Report

Posted: February 11, 2013

The video (just a few minutes long) is an inspiring update on the teaching ministry in Latin America. My colleague in Mexico is Arturo Elizarraras. We have been connected since… Read More

Empty Nesters In Nicaragua

Posted: February 5, 2013

Empty Nesters In Nicaragua  We are early-50s empty-nesters who for some time had wanted to find ways to serve the poor in a more consistent and hands-on manner.  We sought… Read More

6 reasons preachers avoid speaking on hell

Posted: December 21, 2012

Click here for this fascinating article: http://www.rethinkinghell.com/

Modesty

Posted: December 5, 2012

To listen to Modesty (36 minutes), click on the play button: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and you… Read More

Interview: DJ on Islam

Posted: November 23, 2012

Here you will find an interview about my book, Jesus & Islam. Cristian Paduraru, a brother who lives in Romania, is the interviewer. Please click here to visit the official… Read More

Sermon notes for THE PURSUIT OF HOLINESS

Posted: November 11, 2012

Click here for the pdf.

Southern Baptists Debate Sinner’s Prayer

Posted: June 22, 2012

Read about the recent controversy. CLICK for article.

Creative Quiet Times Part 1 (Joey Harris)

Posted: June 16, 2012

To listen to Creative Quiet Times, Part 1, by Joey Harris (29 minutes)), click on the play button: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link… Read More

Creative Quiet Times Part 2 (Joey Harris)

Posted: June 16, 2012

To listen to Creative Quiet Times, Part 2, by Joey Harris (17 minutes), click on the play button: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link… Read More

Creative Quiet Times Part 3 (Joey Harris)

Posted: June 16, 2012

To listen to Creative Quiet Times, Part 3, by Joey Harris 18 minutes), click on the play button: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link… Read More

Under Fire: Lessons of Suffering from Mexico

Posted: June 14, 2012

To listen to Under Fire: Lessons of Suffering from Mexico, by Arturo Elizarrarás (28 minutes) click on the link: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save… Read More

Summer Apologetics Course

Posted: June 8, 2012

APOLOGETICS COURSE In a non-Christian world, where faith is challenged and disinformation is rampant, apologetics is essential. If we are to reach the majority of the world’s population, who do… Read More

Why Doubt is Good (!)

Posted: June 4, 2012

For the podcast on Why Doubt is Good (!) (16 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as”… Read More

Edward Fudge on Hell

Posted: May 30, 2012

CLICK for a recent lecture by the world’s leading scholar on hell and the conditional view of immortality. Fascinating. This is the view I have been teaching for over 20… Read More

Interesting facts (The Foster Report )

Posted: April 25, 2012

The following has been adapted from For the Record: The Foster Report, by Gary D. Foster. It appeared in the most recent bulletin (Vol 18, No 2) of the American… Read More

The Mission

Posted: March 29, 2012

To hear The Mission (14 minutes), click on the play button: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and you… Read More

Prayer & Fasting

Posted: February 22, 2012

To hear Prayer & Fasting (40 minutes), click on the play button: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and… Read More

Five Laws of the Kingdom (David Bercot)

Posted: November 4, 2011

To hear The Five Laws of the Kingdom, by David Bercot (21 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save… Read More

Evangelism in the Early Church (II)

Posted: September 22, 2011

To hear Evangelism in the Early Church II (30 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or… Read More

Evangelism in the Early Church (I)

Posted: September 22, 2011

To hear Evangelism in the Early Church I (29 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or… Read More

Questions on Genesis (Creation, Big Bang, Evolution, Flood…)

Posted: August 22, 2011

Here is a podcast on Questions on Genesis (33 minutes). The questions have been selected from Your Bible Questions Answered, chapter 4 (Genesis). To readchapter 1 (General Questions About the… Read More

Armageddon

Posted: July 30, 2011

Listen to Armageddon (22 minutes). To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and you can download the podcast and listen… Read More

Stem Cell Research

Posted: July 2, 2011

Here are a podcast and notes on Stem Cell Research (15 minutes). To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and… Read More

Big Bang – Sten Johannesson

Posted: July 1, 2011

God and Science – Friends or Foes? Watch this 15 minute presentation on YouTube by going to the following link: To see more presentations on Christian Evidences by Sten Johannesson,… Read More

Matthew and True Righteousness, by Ron Clark

Posted: May 10, 2011

Here you will find a podcast by Ron Clark, “Matthew and True Righteousness.” To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as”… Read More

Jeremiah 16, The God of Second Chances, by Ron Clark

Posted: May 10, 2011

Here you will find a podcast plus notes by Ron Clark titled, “Jeremiah 16: The God of Second Chances.” To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link… Read More

The Antichrist

Posted: May 10, 2011

Listen to The Antichrist (14 minutes). To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and you can download the podcast and listen… Read More

Decision-making & the Will of God

Posted: January 9, 2011

To hear Decision-making & The Will of God (48 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or… Read More

The Lord’s Prayer (Tom Jones)

Posted: November 3, 2010

To hear Thoughts on the Lord’s Prayer (27 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save… Read More

Q&A 1061 – Spanking is abuse?

Posted: October 30, 2010

I have been in discussion with a brother about spanking children. The viewpoint I have taken is that Jesus would not have spanked children because he did not endorse violence…. Read More

Holiness

Posted: October 23, 2010

To hear Holiness (42 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and you… Read More

Reincarnation

Posted: October 20, 2010

Listen to Reincarnation I  (12 minutes). To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and you can download the podcast and listen… Read More

Judging, Tolerance, Exclusivism

Posted: September 28, 2010

To hear Judging, Tolerance, & Exclusivism (21 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target… Read More

Reading Biblical Books, by Joey Harris

Posted: April 5, 2010

Following is a podcast by Joey Harris on the topic Reading Biblical Books. This will help you to be a better student of scripture. Length: 24 minutes. To listen, click on the… Read More

Those Who Have Never Heard the Word

Posted: January 11, 2010

To hear Those Who Have Never Heard (27 minutes), click on the play button below. To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save… Read More

The General Resurrection

Posted: January 11, 2010

The General Resurrection (23 minutes), click on the play button below. To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and you… Read More

Purgatory

Posted: November 17, 2009

For Purgatory (12 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and you can… Read More

Thoughts on Heaven & Hell

Posted: November 17, 2009

To hear Thoughts on Heaven & Hell (28 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save… Read More

What Happens After We Die?

Posted: November 17, 2009

2010 Podcast 03, What Happens After We Die? (17 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or… Read More

The Rapture & the Tribulation

Posted: November 17, 2009

The Rapture & the Tribulation (19 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as”… Read More

2012 & the End of the World

Posted: November 17, 2009

2012 & the End of the World (30 minutes), click on the play button below. The final few minutes of this recording are an explanation of the Current Events &… Read More

THE “HOLIDAY PARADOX”

Posted: December 18, 2008

Please read Luke 2:42-52. Jesus had the holiday spirit. This was a busy time. Yet his family literally forgot the Lord —  they were not on the same spiritual wavelength…. Read More

XMAS

Posted: December 17, 2008

If you have followed all the studies this year, you have completed an intensive study of the entire New Testament. Well done! For the next few days seasonal information and… Read More

Q&A 0716 – Cohabitation (live-in lovers)

Posted: December 9, 2008

Is it wrong if I move in with my boyfriend? If we love each other, isn’t that what counts? Is the Bible against this? Living (and, presumably, sleeping) with your… Read More

Implications of the Human Genome Project, by John Lang

Posted: May 30, 2007

Download .pdf

Journeys of Paul

Posted: January 26, 2007

The Journeys of Paul is a website designed to take you through Paul’s three missionary journeys.

Clergy forbidden to marry!

Posted: January 13, 2007

Whereas in 692 AD the Council of Trullo forbade bishops to marry, it was not until the First Lateran Council, 1123 AD, that Rome forbade all clergy from marrying.

Build your vocabulary!

Posted: January 9, 2007

Following are five of the 52 “words of the week” from calendar 2006. Learn and use them well! Acidulous (Pron.: a-SID-you-luss)Acidulous means “having a sour, harsh, or caustic disposition or… Read More

Communion: Medieval superstitions

Posted: January 6, 2007

In the late Middle Ages (1300s-early 1500s), the communion (Eucharist) was understood superstitiously, to put it mildly! In addition to the doctrine of transubstantiation — that under the blessing of… Read More

The Truth About Santa Claus: The Engineer’s Perspective

Posted: December 7, 2006

There are approximately two billion children (persons under 18) in the world. However, since Santa does not visit children of Muslim, Hindu, Jewish or Buddhist (except maybe in Japan) religions,… Read More

News from the French Africa Mission Society

Posted: November 26, 2006

The FAMS (French Africa Mission Society) is committed to taking the good news of Jesus to the countries of West and Central Africa. The majority of these are former French… Read More

Da Vinci Code Powerpoint (Agerbak)

Posted: November 20, 2006

Here is a recent powerpoint presentation on the Da Vinci Code by Andrew Agerbak (London). You may download it: Da Vinci ppt (.ppt – 396k).

Christian Standard Web Site

Posted: November 15, 2006

http://www.ChristianStandard.com

Richard Dawkins vs. Francis Collins: Evolution Debate

Posted: November 10, 2006

The current issue of Time magazine (11/13/06) contains an article with excerpts from a debate between Richard Dawkins and Francis Collins, the best known representatives of atheistic and theistic perspectives… Read More

A response to LaGard Smith’s Who Is My Brother?, by John Lang

Posted: October 17, 2006

A response to LaGard Smith’s Who Is My Brother?, by John Lang Read the article by downloading the pdf below. Available Downloads: Article (.pdf – 503k)

Discipleship, by Seth Asman

Posted: October 16, 2006

Seth Asman wrote this helpful article on discipleship. Available Downloads: Article (.doc – 42k)

Male Circumcision May Cut HIV Risk

Posted: August 28, 2006

ORIGINAL LINK: http://www.webmd.com/content/Article/126/116380.htm Age-Old Procedure Could Avert Millions of New Infections Worldwide By Charlene Laino WebMD Medical News Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD Aug. 17, 2006 (Toronto) — A practice… Read More

Powerpoint backgrounds and templates

Posted: August 20, 2006

For free power point backgrounds and templates, click on http://www.ebibleteacher.com.

Worldview Bibliography

Posted: August 18, 2006

Attached is an annotated bibliography on 80 books surveyed by Glenn Giles.  Each relates to different worldviews.  Download the word document below. Available Downloads: Files (.doc – 103k)

Free downloads of religious books and texts

Posted: August 17, 2006

Please check out http://manybooks.net for free downloads of books, including a number of religious books and texts.

Survey of 1982 Unification Church Marriages

Posted: August 14, 2006

You may be interested in the attached recent survey results regarding Unification Church marriages. The report is from Dan Fefferman, whom I met in Washington DC several years ago. The… Read More

Becoming familiar with New Testament Greek

Posted: August 9, 2006

http://www.biblegreekvpod.com Become familiar with the Greek of the New Testament. Download the file into your ipod!

Perspectives on Mideast Violence, by Aziz Sarah

Posted: August 7, 2006

New Conflict — Same Price Today we have war and more war, as though the world were lacking bloodshed, as though the number of victims were not enough. It is… Read More

The Renewal of the Practice of Adult Baptism

Posted: July 28, 2006

The Renewal of the Practice of Adult Baptism by Immersion During the Reformation Era, 1525-1700, by Wes Harrison Link to Restoration Quarterly Article: http://www.acu.edu/sponsored/restoration_quarterly/archives/2000s/vol_43_no_2_contents/harrison.html

Archaeology and Christian Baptism, by Bill Grasham

Posted: July 28, 2006

(Restoration Quarterly) Link

Overcoming Jet Lag

Posted: July 28, 2006

Jet lag happens when you are in the time zone of destination but your body is still living in your time zone of origin. For most people, jet lag is… Read More

The Language of God, by Francis Collins

Posted: July 24, 2006

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0743286391/sr=8-1/qid=1153704507/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-7832208-6381734?redirect=true&ie=UTF8. Excellent evidences book… I highly recommend it.  (For those of you who do not know, Collins presided over the completion of the Human Genome Project at the National Institutes… Read More

Book Names of the Bible

Posted: July 16, 2006

In weekly LINGUISTICS spot during 2003, we explored the etymologies of names of the books of the Bible. Download the file below to see all 66. Available Downloads: Download File… Read More

2006 Biblical Manuscripts Weekend – July 14-15

Posted: July 13, 2006

How much do you know about how the Bible came together, or how it was copied? Are you confident that you can refute the arguments of skeptics who treat the… Read More

When Love is Loyal, by Glenn Giles

Posted: July 13, 2006

Download the audiovisual powerpoint presentation below.Audiovisual presentation

Linguistic Insight: Homologeo

Posted: July 9, 2006

This short linguistic study focuses on the New Testament teaching about confession, and is in the Q&A format. (This has been excerpted from actual correspondence, with permission.)I have searched quite… Read More

Linguistic Insight: Xmas

Posted: July 9, 2006

Many Bible believers erroneously claim that the word Xmas is an attempt by unbelievers "to remove Christ from Christmas." This is simply not a legitimate claim! In the Greek language,… Read More

Linguistic Insight: Maranatha

Posted: July 9, 2006

Let’s consider the sole Bible verse containing Maranatha, in three versions: * NIV 1 Corinthians 16:22 – If anyone does not love the Lord — a curse be on him. Come,… Read More

Linguistic Insight: amen

Posted: July 9, 2006

What does the word “amen” really mean? If you were like me, you learned to say it after “grace,” thanking God for the food before you ate a meal. Can… Read More

Linguistic Insight: Hallelujah

Posted: July 9, 2006

What does the common biblical term Hallelujah

Linguistic Insight: Slippery nomenclature

Posted: July 9, 2006

Slippery Nomenclature, by Craig Springer. Outdoor Life, August 2003. A fish by any other name smells just as — well, never mind. The point is that one man’s largemouth is… Read More

Linguistic Insight: Acts 2:38-41—repentance

Posted: July 9, 2006

At this website we have examined various words related to water and baptism. Today we take a look at Acts 2:38-41, which will set our study of New Testament baptism… Read More

Linguistic Insight: Christos

Posted: July 9, 2006

Christos is the Greek word for "Anointed," which we will recognize from the familiar word "Christ." This perfect passive participle comes from the infinitive chriein, which means "to anoint." In… Read More

Linguistic Insight: palingenesia (rebirth)

Posted: July 9, 2006

This is the word appearing in Titus 3:5, where we read, “He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His… Read More

Linguistic Insight: agonidzomai

Posted: July 9, 2006

The word for the week is agonidzomai, the N.T. Greek verb meaning struggle, fight, do one’s best, or compete (in an athletic contest). An “agon” is a contest, struggle, fight,… Read More

Linguistic Insight: physioo

Posted: July 9, 2006

Physioo (or phusioo), accent on the third syllable (of four), means to cause conceit or arrogance. In the passive voice, it means to be conceited or arrogant. This word appears in… Read More

Linguistic Insight: eis and baptism

Posted: July 9, 2006

In this article I am replying to a memo emailed to me… I recently read an article on baptism and its purpose. I fully believe baptism is necessary, but some… Read More

Linguistic Insight: selah

Posted: July 9, 2006

I was reading Psalm 3 and the word selah came up a few times. In the footnote it said, "A word of uncertain meaning, occurring frequently in the Psalms; possibly… Read More

Linguistic Insight: Malakoi and arsenokoites

Posted: July 9, 2006

The following linguistic insight pertains to homosexuality. We will consider two terms, malakos and arsenokoites (plural malakoi and arsenokoitai). Malakos (the singular of malakoi) means “soft, fancy, luxurious,” when speaking… Read More

Linguistic Insight: First day of the week

Posted: July 9, 2006

Let us consider a question emailed to me, the answer to which is illuminated through careful study of the original language. Acts 20:7 in the NIV states that Paul and… Read More

Linguistic Insight: Galatians 5:19-23

Posted: July 6, 2006

19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions; 21and envy, drunkenness,… Read More

Linguistic Insight: Up-close and personal with the biblical manuscripts

Posted: July 6, 2006

Personal interestI’ve had the privilege of examining a number of ancient biblical manuscripts (MSS) in the past twenty years or so. Some were written in (the original) Hebrew or Greek,… Read More

Linguistic Insight: pistos / pistis

Posted: July 6, 2006

Today we examine two related words, both of which appear extremely often in the New Testament (about twice in every chapter, on average). They are pistis (PIS-tis) and pistos (pis-TOS)…. Read More

Linguistic Insight: haima (blood)

Posted: July 6, 2006

The Greek word haima (HI-mah) appears in various forms some 99 times in the Greek New Testament. Many English derivatives will be familiar: hematology (the study of blood), hemorrhage (a… Read More

Linguistic Insight: soteria

Posted: July 6, 2006

Soteria (so-tay-REE-ah) is the Greek word for "salvation, deliverance, preservation, release." Obviously our salvation is not only an event that took place in the waters of baptism, or "on a… Read More

Linguistic Insight: Basileus

Posted: July 6, 2006

Basileus (pronounced bah-si-LAY-yus) is the New Testament Greek word for king. (Often Latin and Greek words are similar, but not in this case. The Latin is rex, similar to the… Read More

Linguistic Insight: paroxusmos

Posted: July 6, 2006

Let us condier the Greek word paroxusmos (or paroxysmos), which suggests irritation or provocation. In Hebrews 10, this is not a bad thing. The English derivative is paroxysm, which as a… Read More

Linguistic Insight: wuh / vav (and)

Posted: July 6, 2006

The short Hebrew wuh (we), which must be prefixed to the word to which it applies, means “and.” But that is not all it means. It can mean many things:… Read More

Linguistic Insight: mathetria

Posted: July 6, 2006

Mathetria (pron. Mah-THEY-tree-ah) appears only one time in the N.T. This rare word is known as hapax — the Greek word for "once." (The word hapax itself appears 14 times… Read More

Linguistic Insight: hypernikomen

Posted: July 6, 2006

This unusual Greek word appears in Romans 8:37. The infinitive form, hypernikan (or hupernikan), could be rendered “to completely conquer, to be more than conquerors.”Many words in Koine Greek (the… Read More

Linguistic Insight: katakurieuo

Posted: July 6, 2006

Let’s take a look at the Greek verb meaning “to have power over; to overpower.” The pronunciation: kah-tah-kyoo-ree-EUW-oh. It is especially significant in the context of Christian leadership. The word first appears… Read More

Linguistic Insight: Bara’

Posted: July 6, 2006

Bara’ is the usual Hebrew word for create. It is found in the very first verse of the Bible. Some Bible believers insist on a complete instantaneous creation. But must… Read More

Linguistic Insight: Apolutrosis

Posted: July 6, 2006

Apolutrosis (setting free, release, deliverance) appears 10 times in the N.T. (Luke 21:28; Romans 3:24, 8:23; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Ephesians 1:7, 1:14, 4:30; Colossians 1:14; Hebrews 9:15, 11:35). It is… Read More

Linguistic Insight: terms for the Lord’s Supper

Posted: July 6, 2006

The following has been excerpted from my 1992 paper on the Lord’s Supper. There are five Greek terms employed in describing this sacred meal. As my paper argues, the early… Read More

Linguistic Insight: nomos

Posted: July 6, 2006

Nomos (NO-mos) is the New Testament Greek word for law, though it occasionally means principle or reason. Nomos occurs nearly 200 times in the New Testament, and 400 times in… Read More

Linguistic Insight: rabbi

Posted: July 6, 2006

Rabbi is found in Matthew 23:7, 8, 25; 26:25, 49; Mark 9:5, 10:51, 11:21. 14:45; John 1:38, 49; 3:2, 26; 4:31, 6:25, 9:2, 11:8, 20:16. This honorific term of address… Read More

Linguistic Insight: logos

Posted: July 6, 2006

This common Greek word appears some 250 times in the New Testament. Logos can mean “word, saying, message, talk, teaching, conversation; account, reason’ matter, thing.” Rema, a similar word, means… Read More

Linguistic Insight: Abbott and Costello learn Hebrew

Posted: July 6, 2006

Today we will have a little fun — and for most of us, learn a few words of Hebrew as well. Before the famous “Who’s on first” dialogue will make… Read More

Linguistic Insight: teleios

Posted: July 6, 2006

Let us consider the Greek word teleios (TEL-lay-oss). The word means "complete, perfect, whole; full-grown, mature (when used of persons). Among the places it appears in the New Testament are… Read More

Linguistic Insight: Asteres planetai

Posted: July 6, 2006

In his tirade against the false teachers, Jude employs the phrase asteres planetai (pronounced as-TER-es pla-NAY-tie), or "wandering stars" (NIV). This is interesting because the planets ("wanderers") of our solar… Read More

Linguistic Insight: Epoptai

Posted: July 6, 2006

Epoptai is the Greek word for eyewitnesses, from epoptes (singular). It is a hapax. Hapax is the Greek word for “once.” That is, epoptai appears only once in the New… Read More

Linguistic Insight: the Choices God Gives Us – by Dan Demshar

Posted: July 5, 2006

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his… Read More

Linguistic Insight: peace, by Dan Demshar

Posted: July 5, 2006

"Grace and PEACE to you…" (Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 1:2). Ephesians 2:8 reveals an astounding truth that Christians have salvation by grace and therefore peace with God. There… Read More

Linguistic Insight: Fight the Good Fight of the Faith

Posted: July 5, 2006

What does it really mean "to fight the good fight?" To understand this idea (1 Timothy 1:18, 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:7), we first need to identify the "fight" to which… Read More

Linguistic Insight: Deliver

Posted: July 5, 2006

There are a number of verses that contain the words "deliver" or "rescue," such as: * "Lead us not into temptation but DELIVER us from the evil one." (Matthew 6:13)*… Read More

Linguistic Insight: Faith is Being Sure of What We Hope For

Posted: July 5, 2006

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for'(Hebrews 11:1-2). Faith is one… Read More

Linguistic Insight: Teach Them to Obey Everything, by Dan Demshar

Posted: July 5, 2006

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey… Read More

Apologetics: Chimps, Males, and Women

Posted: June 28, 2006

(Used by permission. Does God Exist?  March/April 2006, 30) We have all heard that human and chimpanzee DNA matches are 98%-99%. If you compared a male human and a female… Read More

Greek exam

Posted: June 24, 2006

Do you consider yourself proficient in New Testament Greek? If so, why not take an exam? This short diagnostic will reveal easily whether you are as good as you think…. Read More

Survey on Hell

Posted: June 24, 2006

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/193/story_19359_1.html

Apologetics: Stem Cell Fraud

Posted: June 21, 2006

(Adapted and used by permission. Does God Exist? March/April 2006, 29) There is a huge cloud forming over the whole cloning and stem cell research area of concern. Dr Hwang… Read More

Gay Marriage is Eclipse of God – Vatican

Posted: June 7, 2006

http://en.ce.cn/World/Europe/200606/07/t20060607_7252031.shtml

Apologetics: Abortion and Pain

Posted: June 7, 2006

(Used by permission. Does God Exist? March/April 2006, 28) The latest issue in the abortion debate has been on whether babies feel pain when they are aborted. In the August… Read More

Intelligent Design, by John Lang

Posted: May 9, 2006

I have had an interest in the topic of “Intelligent Design” (ID) for many years. In the last year, there has been a lot of attention given to the topic… Read More

Coming Back to the Heart of Worship, by Jack Reese

Posted: May 5, 2006

Jack Reese of Abilene Christian University wrote the following excellent article. I found it in the Christian Standard, which is the leading publication of the Christian Church. Link

Gender Ideology Harms Children

Posted: April 19, 2006

From the American College of Pediatricians. Read the article by clicking here. For a dissenting view (the other side of the issue) the next link is from Huffington Post’s “Queer… Read More

War and the Christian, by Glenn Giles

Posted: March 29, 2006

War and the Christian Glenn Giles, March 23, 2006 To read the article (a word document), downloaded by clicking here: article (.doc – 36k).

Apologetics: Hurricane Questions

Posted: March 29, 2006

(By John Clayton, Does God Exist? January/February 2006. Used by permission.) Hurricane QuestionsThe tragedies associated with the hurricanes of 2005 are fresh on Americans’ minds, and we want to express… Read More

Apologetics: Stem Cell Breakthroughs Clarify Issue

Posted: March 22, 2006

(By John Clayton, Does God Exist? January/February 2006. Used by permission.) We have reported consistently in this journal Does God Exist? that the use of embryonic stem cells in stem… Read More

Operation World

Posted: March 20, 2006

Excellent resource for international prayer needs:http://www.gmi.org/ow/

Measuring What Matters

Posted: March 8, 2006

Read the article from Christianity Today. It is an interesting discussion between the growing gap of what Christians believe and what they practice. Attached is a pdf.

Building a Basic Bible Study Library, by Joey Harris

Posted: February 28, 2006

Building A Basic Bible Study Library Joey Harris Augusta, Georgia June 22, 2005 The best way to get to understand the Bible is simply to read it and to read… Read More

ACU Leadership resource

Posted: February 28, 2006

Click for Abilene Christian University’s ELDERLINK.

Family Circle: Website – Dobson

Posted: February 26, 2006

While you and I may not agree with everything James Dobson teaches, I believe most of my readers will agree with most of it! His website, the official site of… Read More

Family Circle: Male-Female Communication

Posted: February 26, 2006

CONTRARY to what many women believe, it’s fairly easy to develop a long-term, stable, intimate, and mutually fulfilling relationship with a guy. Of course this guy has to be a… Read More

Family Circle: Teaching Families to Fight Childhood Obesity

Posted: February 26, 2006

Credit: Healthy Weigh, March 2004, reproduced with permission. According to the American Diabetic Association, childhood obesity is on the rise. Twice as many children are obese today as compared to… Read More

Family Circle: Kids’ Ideas About Science

Posted: February 26, 2006

Kids’ Ideas About Science From the Boston Globe:The beguiling ideas about science quoted here were gleaned from essays, exams, and class room discussions. Most were from 5th and 6th graders…. Read More

Family Circle: Allowances

Posted: February 26, 2006

Is there any biblical basis for giving a child an "allowance" — a fixed amount of money, typically every week or month? Indeed there is. "Whoever is faithful in a… Read More

Family Circle: Humor

Posted: February 26, 2006

CAN YOU HEAR ME? An elderly couple were having problems communicating. The husband thought to himself that his wife might be losing her hearing, so while she was knitting in… Read More

Family Circle: Sitting, Listening, Asking

Posted: February 26, 2006

Today’s family lesson is from Luke 2, and was inspired by a sermon I heard this morning. The text of Luke 2:41-52 (NRS) reads: Now every year his parents went… Read More

Family Circle: Working Mothers

Posted: February 26, 2006

“Working mothers.” This common phrase says a lot about our society’s concept of motherhood, doesn’t it? But since when did any mother not work? Motherhood is an enormously difficult –… Read More

Family Circle: Website – Parent / Youth Understanding

Posted: February 26, 2006

The Center for Parent / Youth Understanding, http://www.cpyu.org.

Family devotional idea: “Who Am I?”

Posted: February 26, 2006

One of the favorite activities the Jacobys have enjoyed in family devotional time is a guessing game. Although we have several variations on the game, I would like to describe… Read More

Family Circle: Book Recommendation – Adolescents

Posted: February 26, 2006

Kevin Huggins, Parenting Adolescents (Colorado Springs: NavPress, 1989). Link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0891096973/thefireescapb-20/103-4257296-3363061. One of the best parenting books out there! The thesis is simple: to "change" your teen, change yourself!

The Family Car: Safe Driving Discounts

Posted: February 26, 2006

If you live in a country where you or your teenage children are driving, did you know you can save a bundle off your car insurance? A defensive driving course… Read More

Family Circle: Book Recommendation

Posted: February 26, 2006

Highly recommended: What About the Children?, by Lee Boger (Bookshelf, 2005). Lee is a Christian in Kokomo, Indiana. This article is copyrighted and is for private use and study only.

Family Circle: New book by the Jacobys

Posted: February 26, 2006

During the month of April [2005] Vicki and I are writing a book on parenting. This new work will cover principles, not just practicals, and Bible stories, not just personal… Read More

Family Circle: Parental Modeling

Posted: February 26, 2006

The following is an excerpted chapter from our book on raising children, Principle-Centered Parenting: Christian Parenting in a Non-Christian World. The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses seat; therefore do… Read More

Family Circle: Teenage parenting advice

Posted: February 26, 2006

Q&A 1050 – Teenage parenting adviceI’m a single mother of three teenagers, and have been a faithful and dedicated disciple for 10 years. (My children’s father is not at all involved… Read More

Family Circle: A Back-to-School Devotional (idea age range: 8-18 years)

Posted: February 26, 2006

In our part of the United States, school resumed on August 8th. In other parts of the country, children will not return until early September. This is a "back-to-school devotional,"… Read More

Family Circle: Listening

Posted: February 26, 2006

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. — James 1:19 We want to teach our children… Read More

Family Circle: Website recommendation – Family Fun

Posted: February 26, 2006

This is a good site for families with younger kids. A recent issue discussed crafts, kids’ bedrooms, vacations, and games. Check out the link, www.familyfun.com. This article is copyrighted and… Read More

Family Circle: Love Your Neighbor

Posted: February 26, 2006

Jesus replied: "’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the… Read More

Family Circle: Quality Family Time

Posted: February 26, 2006

I would like to refer you to the Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet (Family and Consumer Sciences) on Quality Family Time, HYG-5285-95, by Treva Williams. The link is http://www.a-better-child.org/page/875110 This article… Read More

Straight Talk about Kids – Sam Laing

Posted: February 26, 2006

IntroductionSomeone else can take our place in the ministry. No one else can fulfill our responsibilities as a husband, wife or parent.Scriptures like 1 Timothy 3: 4-5 and Titus 1:… Read More

Family Circle: Quality Time Idea

Posted: February 26, 2006

This summer, why not improve family time by getting rid of one of its biggest disrupters and destroyers — television? Far from missing the TV, the Jacobys appreciate the extra… Read More

Family Circle: Freeing Our Families

Posted: February 26, 2006

For I told him that I would judge his family forever because of the sin he knew about; his sons made themselves contemptible, and he failed to restrain them. — 1 Samuel… Read More

Train Up a Child: Producing Love in Your Children

Posted: February 26, 2006

‘Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.’ (Proverbs 22:6) LOVE We must teach our children love for… Read More

Family Circle: Book Review – Sex and the Supremacy of Christ

Posted: February 26, 2006

Sexuality is an issue at the heart of the Christian family and God’s plan for a romantic love-relationship between man and woman. In connection with this, John Piper’s book, Sex… Read More

Family Circle: Children Learn What They Live

Posted: February 26, 2006

If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemnIf a child lives with hostility, he learns to fightIf a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shyIf a… Read More

Family Circle: Website – Family Health

Posted: February 26, 2006

For health information for the whole family, from the American Academy of Family Physicians, click on http://familydoctor.org/.

Family Circle: Recommended reading – Devotionals

Posted: February 26, 2006

Regular family devotionals can make an enormous difference in your family’s spirituality, joy, and relationships. The Bible comes to life, its content becomes fun, practical, and memorable, when parents create… Read More