Brother murdered in Guatemala – prayers requested
Posted: July 31, 2013
In February I visited Guatemala with one of my daughters. The spirit of the church there was amazing. But the family has just suffered a shocking blow, as one of… Read More
A New Temple? (Jerusalem Post)
Posted: July 31, 2013
Traditionally the Temple Mount Faithful attempt to set up a foundation stone for the Third Temple on Tisha Be’av, and the police routinely prevent them from doing so. The occasion… Read More
Lutherans to allow pastors in gay relationships
Posted: July 31, 2013
Lutherans to allow pastors in gay relationshipsSat Aug 11, 2:00 PM ET CHICAGO (Reuters) – Homosexual Lutheran clergy who are in sexual relationships will be able to serve as pastors,… Read More
Covenant Eyes – Software for Purity
Posted: July 31, 2013
Covenant Eyes — this is a website to “Develop, Demonstrate, and Defend your integrity.” The name tells it all. Check it out.
Intelligent Design: Are We Fighting Against God?, by John Oates
Posted: July 31, 2013
Download the .pdf file
New Perspective on Paul (Christianity Today)
Posted: July 31, 2013
What Did Paul Really Mean? “New perspective” scholars argue that we need, well, a new perspective on justification by faith. Simon Gathercole | posted 8/10/2007 08:48AM Pick up any recent… Read More
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
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
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
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
Collins: Why This Scientist Believes in God (CNN)
Posted: July 31, 2013
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/04/03/collins.commentary/index.html
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
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
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
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
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 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 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
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
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).
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: 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
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
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
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: 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
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 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
