Divorce & Remarriage IV, the Teaching of Jesus, Pt. 2
Posted: October 7, 2020
Introduction As we have learned, in Matt 19 / Mark 10 Jesus is weighing in on the Shammai-Hillel debate. He rejects the any-cause divorce of Hillel. Familiarity with this debate… Read More
Excellent Biblical Studies Page, from Arturo Elizararrás (Spanish)
Posted: September 30, 2020
Enjoy the great resources found in this link, including a sampling of the articles below: https://www.fpesdras.org/acerca-de-fpe/pagina-de-arturo-elizarraras/
Further Race Matters / BLM resources
Posted: September 30, 2020
My initial post (my George Floyd page) includes a list of helpful resources. (Not all persons agree with each other, or necessarily even with me—the various books, articles, videos, podcasts,… Read More
NT Character Podcast 48—Silas
Posted: September 30, 2020
Introduction Silas is mainly referred to in Acts 15-18. “Silas” first appears in Acts 15:22. He is referred to by his full name, Silvanus, in 2 Cor 1:19; 1 Thess 1:1; 2… Read More
Divorce & Remarriage III: The Teaching of Jesus, Part 1
Posted: September 30, 2020
Mark 10:2-3, 10-12 Jesus is quizzed. Where does he stand on the divorce issue? Mark indicates absolutely no exceptions! Don’t read through filter of other passages (like 1 Cor or… Read More
NT Character Podcast 47—Titus
Posted: September 23, 2020
Introduction Titus was a major figure in Paul’s life, although not mentioned in Acts (which is selective). We come across him 13x in NT, 8 times in 2 Cor—also Gal,… Read More
Divorce & Remarriage II: The Old Testament
Posted: September 23, 2020
Podcast notes: Exod 21:10-11: If a married man takes a second (slave) wife, then the food, clothing, and sexual love—material support plus emotional support—received by the first wife must not… Read More
100 Daily Devotionals on Psalms – Rolan Monje
Posted: September 16, 2020
Play. Pause. Pray. Rolan invites us to play, pause, and pray for 100 days (September 16-December 24), as we look into our deepest feelings throughout this COVID-19 pandemic. Play a… Read More
Sermon: Living & Dying Like Stephen
Posted: September 16, 2020
For the sermon (and missions sharing) from last week’s Zoom session with Toledo, Ohio, please click on arrow below.
Divorce & Remarriage I: The Permanence of Marriage
Posted: September 16, 2020
Background information Harsh treatment of women, children, and the vulnerable in OT times: infanticide, abortion, disrespect of women. Divorce was easy and favored the man. Worse, abandoned women could be… Read More
NT Character Podcast 46—Timothy
Posted: September 16, 2020
Introduction Most biblical figures give us few insights into the heart or the personality. Timothy is one of the persons about whom we know much more, mentioned some 30x in the… Read More
Messianic Judaism 1—Why Focus on this movement?
Posted: September 14, 2020
Talks in this series. Each talk comes with brief notes and key scriptures. 1 — Why focus on this movement? (Please listen to this if you’re unfamiliar with Messianic Judaism.)… Read More
NEW Videos for Marrieds & Parents Plus Our Latest PODCAST Episodes
Posted: September 4, 2020
A Strength in Weakness Member’s BI-Weekly Update New Perspectives From Strength in Weakness Ministries Volume 19 | September 4, 2020 A SIW Member’s Bi-Weekly Update Real Life Up Close Let’s… Read More
Topics You’ve NEVER Heard on a Podcast Before!
Posted: September 4, 2020
Treating Every Person with Dignity, Kindness and Respect, While Standing for Biblical Truth Discussing Issues You’ve NEVER Heard on a Podcast Before! Oh Yeah, We’re Going There! Click on a TOPIC to… Read More
Peace Behind the Wire
Posted: September 3, 2020
Nonviolent resolution Share my experience in bringing rival gangs to the table and practicing nonviolence together in some of the toughest prisons in the country. Buy the book
Don’t throw them away
Posted: September 3, 2020
Don’t Throw Them Away Imagine a world where nonviolent offenses result in counseling and education rather than incarceration. Instead of learning how to be better criminals, young offenders learn… Read More
Street Tactics – Part 4
Posted: September 2, 2020
AUTHOR Greg Koukl PUBLISHED ON 09/01/2020 TACTICS AND TOOLS Street Tactics are specific conversation maneuvers you can use to navigate graciously, safely, and effectively in what otherwise would be difficult… Read More
Measuring Life With Coffee Spoons – The Gospel Coalition
Posted: September 1, 2020
Measuring Life With Coffee Spoons BY R.V.G. TASKER The poverty of evangelicalism is the poverty of ambition. If T.S. Eliot captured the mediocrity of modern life in the striking line… Read More
OT65—OT Characters at Cross Purposes
Posted: September 1, 2020
Pharaoh’s daughter / Pharaoh (daughter / father, and princess / king) 14th BC Exodus 1:15-17, 22; 2:1-10 The hero is a pagan, a worshipper of the Egyptian gods—the daughter of… Read More
Patrons, Prophets, and Preachers, by Rob Kranz
Posted: August 31, 2020
Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Stepping into the Jordan Patrons, Prophets, and Preachers by Rob Kranz One of the advantages of teaching is that I always… Read More
NT Character Podcast 45—Phoebe
Posted: August 26, 2020
Major text: Rom 16:1-2 Supporting texts: Acts 15:22-23; 30-32; Rom 12:3-8; 1 Tim 3:4; 1 Thess 5:12 Rom 16:1 Now I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a… Read More
NT Character Podcast 44—Anna
Posted: August 19, 2020
Scripture: Luke 2:36-38 . Bio: Hannah (Hebrew) = Anna (Greek & Latin). In some ways she reminds us of her OT namesake (faith, presence at the house of God, deep… Read More
The God of the Old Testament: Loving Deity or Cosmic Bully?
Posted: August 13, 2020
The presentations directly address one of the most common objections against the Bible. Taught online to Dallas / Fort Worth area campus ministries in April 2020. Part One (begins about 11… Read More
Messianic Judaism 12—Shadow vs. Substance, Resources, Challenge
Posted: July 22, 2020
Review: Galatians: Deals with a set of teachings remarkably similar to modern Messianic Judaism. As in Romans, the phrase “the Law” refers to Torah, not works-righteousness…. Read More
Messianic Judaism 11—Galatians, Romans, the Jew-Gentile Controversy, & the Israel of God
Posted: July 19, 2020
Main ideas The Jew-Gentile Controversy Just how “Jewish” do Christians need to be? The answer: Not at all, although it is okay for actual Jews to… Read More
It’s Here! Your Guide to a More Peaceful World
Posted: July 18, 2020
It’s Not Where you Travel, But How Just Published, Now Available! Crossing Boundaries: A Traveler’s Guide to World Peace Buy Now! Join me in forming a community of travelers that… Read More
Messianic Judaism 10—Third Temple? Circumcision? Keeping Kosher?
Posted: July 17, 2020
We have already discussed several major features of Judaism that do not carry over directly into Christianity. For example, consider: Animal sacrifices (Heb 9:22; 10:1-4; 10:18)… Read More
Messianic Judaism 9—What about the Sabbath?
Posted: July 14, 2020
Main ideas: Sabbatarians are right about the day: Sabbath is the 7th day, sundown Friday-sundown Saturday. The 4th-C church created a “Sunday Sabbath”. (Although Christians had long been… Read More
Messianic Judaism 8—End-time conversion of Israel?
Posted: July 14, 2020
Main ideas: In Rom 11:25, plērōma means fullness, not “full number.” (The identical term appears in 13:10 and 15:29. Also John 1:16; 1 Cor 10:26; Gal 4:4;… Read More
SIW: NEW PODCAST / New Video for Parents
Posted: July 10, 2020
New Perspectives Listen to Our New SIW Q&A Podcast “Home from Home with Topher & Thomas” Join us, Topher and Thomas, two twenty-somethings who like guys but really love God. We’ll dive head-first… Read More
Messianic Judaism 7—The view of the early church on Israel
Posted: July 10, 2020
Main ideas: Jesus and the apostles clearly taught that Israel had lost its covenant and nationhood in the sight of God (Matt 22:2-9; 23:31-39; John 8:22-24,… Read More
Messianic Judaism 6—Israel: Still God’s People?
Posted: July 10, 2020
Main ideas: The new covenant is for all believers, not just the Jews. In fact, the Jews have no special status before the Lord, and more… Read More
War Language as Hyperbole: “Total-kill,” by Scot McKnight
Posted: July 8, 2020
The Bible’s war language is often hyperbolic SCOT MCKNIGHT There is a trope among basketball players that, when they make a very quick move that fakes out their opponent, “they… Read More
Messianic Judaism 5—Is the Old Covenant still valid?
Posted: July 8, 2020
Main ideas: Law and covenant are integrally connected. Nearly the entire book of Deuteronomy is cast in the form of a covenant, the conditions of which… Read More
Messianic Judaism 4—Jesus Fulfilled the Law
Posted: July 8, 2020
Main ideas: The Law and Prophets are the foundation on which Jesus begins his transformative ministry. Analogy: algebra builds on arithmetic—not invalidating it, but fulfilling it…. Read More
Q&A 1573— What about global warming? (Creation Care IV, with John Clayton)
Posted: July 3, 2020
Used with the permission of John Clayton, of Does God Exist?, who wrote this article Because we live in a time when virtually all of our information comes from news sources… Read More
The 4th of July
Posted: July 2, 2020
Here you will find a podcast plus notes on The 4th of July (11 minutes). To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target… Read More
Messianic Judaism 3—Is Torah for today?
Posted: July 1, 2020
Main ideas: Matthew 5:17-20 is an important passage for Messianics. Yet the commands Jesus refers to are not the typically “Jewish” mitzvoth, but dealing with anger… Read More
Messianic Judaism 2—Roots and Terms
Posted: July 1, 2020
Main ideas: 1st century: apostles agree Gentiles are not obligated to follow Torah (Acts 15:1-35; Titus 1:10-11). 19th century: rooted in evangelism of Jews in Israel during the Ottoman… Read More
Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park, by Jean Henderson
Posted: June 27, 2020
Many of the 19th century novels are great character studies. In her talk on Mansfield Park, Jean Henderson focuses on the meek character of Fanny. If you want more Jane… Read More
Why We’re Not Under the Mosaic Law – str.org
Posted: June 26, 2020
By Amy Krall, for Stands to Reason In a post where I touched on the change from Saturday to Sunday as the day of worship, I was challenged in the comments to… Read More
A Brief Video Message to Dads
Posted: June 20, 2020
A Message to Dads 3 mins Join Us for Our Next Family Support Group Sunday, June 28 |7 PM EST Click Here to Join Sunday, June 28 | 7 PM… Read More
A Life of Alexander Campbell – Douglas A. Foster
Posted: June 15, 2020
Recently, my wife and I took the “Emotionally Healthy Relationships” course developed by Peter and Geri Scazzero. During one session we did a genogram. A genogram maps out a… Read More
Three Transformational Conversations About Race, Christian Ray Flores
Posted: June 5, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic is far from over and we have been thrust into a new storm. The wave of voices calling for change after the senseless killing of George… Read More
Is there a message in the (tragic) mayhem?, by Malcolm Cox
Posted: June 5, 2020
Is there a message in the – tragic – mayhem? Access the podcast version of the newsletter by clicking here I have two things in my mind this week…. Read More
Racism: A Lament and Call to Repent – Renew.org
Posted: June 3, 2020
Shawn Patterson | Bio Friday, May 8, would have been Ahmaud Arbery’s 26th birthday. On Sunday, February 23, Ahmaud, a 25-year-old African American male, was jogging through Satilla Shores, Georgia. After seeing… Read More
‘We are not screaming when God is screaming’ – Christian Chronicle
Posted: June 2, 2020
Four lessons for members of Churches of Christ — black and white — outraged by George Floyd’s death. Cheryl Mann Bacon Columnist ‘We lose connection with the heart of God,… Read More
Race and Police Violence in America – Is the Beloved Community Actually Achievable?
Posted: June 2, 2020
It’s fair to say our country finds itself in the heat of a reopened wound stemming from police violence and racial tensions. As we see our cities in turmoil, we… Read More
Sermon on the Book of Jude
Posted: May 30, 2020
Sermon for the Milwaukee Church of Christ via Zoom in May, 2020 from the book of Jude. Click here for a link in Dropbox. (This one filmed in a studio… Read More
No Barriers to the Spirit, by Malcolm Cox
Posted: May 23, 2020
No barriers to the Spirit “…but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.” 1 Cor 2:3–5… Read More
Common Grounds Unity
Posted: May 23, 2020
A website that may be of interest to you: Unity Draws People to Jesus Our mission is to promote and pray for unity within the Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement through the… Read More
Focus on the Person Rather Than the Argument
Posted: May 23, 2020
May 2020 Focus on the Person Rather Than the Argument Alan Shlemon of Stand to Reason shares how best to use your time if you only have one hour… Read More
Where is God in a Pandemic? A Conversation between Tim Keller and Francis Collins
Posted: May 20, 2020
Leading evangelical thinker Tim Keller joins Francis Collins, who heads our country’s biomedical research, in a conversation that includes updates on the latest COVID-19 research, a discussion on the value… Read More
“Origins” highlighted in Publisher’s Weekly
Posted: May 19, 2020
One of my latest books was included in a Publisher’s Weekly ad. Publisher’s Weekly is the most prestigious name in the industry. “Origins” is 2nd from right, 3rd row. MJ… Read More
Freedom in Christ: Uprooted, Blown Along, and Wandering
Posted: May 18, 2020
Message delivered to the Milwaukee Church of Christ on Sunday, May 17, 2020. This is a link to the service. Doug’s message begins at the 23:00 mark. https://youtu.be/tMWp1gZdQXQ
Creation Care IV, Global Warming, with John Clayton
Posted: May 13, 2020
Used with the permission of John Clayton, of Does God Exist?, who wrote this article Because we live in a time when virtually all of our information comes from news sources… Read More
The Twisted Scriptures?
Posted: May 11, 2020
The Twisted Scriptures? Sometimes my intent is well-meaning, and yet, my conclusions, actions, and/or attitudes are misguided. Someone said, “any logical deduction taken to its extreme becomes absurd.” For years,… Read More
A Letter from Catherine Keller – The Pandemic: What is God Doing?
Posted: May 9, 2020
Drew Theological School Apr 2 · 9 min read Dear Ones, Particularly, in this letter, ones who claim some seriously biblical, or explicitly theological, orientation. Amidst this pandemic, ones who may be wondering……. Read More
Helping a Friend with Anxiety or Depression Part 2
Posted: May 5, 2020
Helping a Friend with… Anxiety or Depression Part 2 Last week I shared three ways to help your friend (or yourself) when you struggle with anxiety or depression. They were:… Read More
Acts 2.38 and Greek Grammatical Structures
Posted: May 4, 2020
Acts 2.38 and Understanding Purpose examines whether complete cognizance is necessary for a valid baptism by identifying analogous grammatical structures in the Greek N.T.
Restoration or Reformation?, John Teal
Posted: May 2, 2020
Yesterday, I received an email from a friend who shared a copy of “The Stone-Campbell Reformation: Its Roots and Ideals” from July 1994 with an article by Leroy Garrett…. Read More
Why Do Pastors Keep Getting Rehired After Abuse?
Posted: May 1, 2020
NEWS Why Do Pastors Keep Getting Rehired After Abuse? Victims’ advocates caution institutions against plans to “restore” fallen leaders. Kate Shellnutt Another case of a leader with an abusive… Read More
SIW: Don’t Miss What’s Coming Up, Video Series & Support Groups!
Posted: May 1, 2020
A Strength in Weakness Member’s Weekly Update New Perspectives From Strength in Weakness Ministries Volume 7; April 30, 2020 A SIW Member’s Weekly Update Coming Up: How to Break… Read More
CLEAN – podcast 21, Wealthy Shunammites’ Child (= OT character podcast 64)
Posted: May 1, 2020
To listen to CLEAN podcast 21, The Wealthy Shunammites’ Child (16 minutes), click on arrow. To download and listen later, right click here and choose ‘save target as’ or ‘save link as’. Introduction CLEAN 21,… Read More
For Lessons on Closed Houses of Worship, Look at the 1918 Flu Pandemic
Posted: April 29, 2020
But not until the COVID-19 crisis hit did I learn about the global influenza pandemic of 1918 — known colloquially as the Spanish flu — and my family’s connection to… Read More
The Promises of God
Posted: April 23, 2020
Watch the lesson Douglas gave the Space Coast Church (Melbourne, Florida) on April 19, 2020. This link is for the whole service; Douglas comes on at about 15:30. Click here… Read More
Quarantine Church Con 2020 Video
Posted: April 22, 2020
Thank you for attending QCC2020! Quarantine Church Con 2020 Summary What an incredible time we had together last week! God brought together over 1,000 of his people to be equipped… Read More
How to Access the Abundance
Posted: April 17, 2020
How to access the abundance Access the podcast version of the newsletter by clicking here Abundance or scarcity? What is your outlook right now? I’ve been reading Dallas Willard’s book,… Read More
Voices only: Virtual choirs are a hit | The Christian Chronicle
Posted: April 14, 2020
Voices only: Virtual choirs are a hit
Trust, Die, Rise—by Malcolm Cox
Posted: April 10, 2020
“if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.” (Romans 6:5 NIV11) Trust, Die,… Read More
LISTEN: Francis Collins on the pandemic through the lens of his faith 📡
Posted: April 9, 2020
Notes: If you’ve been a regular listener to the Language of God podcast you’ve probably noticed our recent episodes have been a little different in attempt to respond to these times we’re… Read More
How Not to ‘Sink’, by Malcolm Cox
Posted: April 4, 2020
How not to ‘sink’ Access the podcast version of the newsletter by clicking here Thank you so much to everyone who gave me feedback on the topic of loneliness, especially… Read More
DISCIPLESHIP Bloom Where You’re Quarantined
Posted: April 3, 2020
DISCIPLESHIP Some of us were lonely well before the pandemic. How do we find God’s comfort now? Clarissa Moll This past Sunday, I took my children for a walk in… Read More
Playing God: Pandemic Brings Moral Dilemmas to US Hospitals
Posted: April 3, 2020
Two Christian bioethicists on life or death issues that American doctors may soon face. INTERVIEW BY KARA BETTIS March 31, 2020 Medical professionals across the US are preparing COVID-19 units… Read More
Compassion or Judgment?
Posted: April 1, 2020
Compassion or Judgment? Choose Today! You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. – John 8:15 Compassion or Judgment? Facing loss is never easy and suicide in particular, is… Read More
End-of-Life Care, by Dr. Penny Cox
Posted: March 29, 2020
Listen to Dr. Penny Cox, a follower of Christ and a general practitioner in Britain, as she speaks sensitively and compassionately about end-of-life issues.
“Washing with the Word,” with Malcolm Cox
Posted: March 23, 2020
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you….Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV11) Mar 23, 10:21 AM Access the… Read More
How Churches of Christ responded when the 1918 ‘Spanish flu’ killed millions
Posted: March 22, 2020
Many congregations canceled services, and some Christians focused on feeding and nursing the poor. By John Mark Hicks NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Nashville saw its first case of the “Spanish flu” in… Read More
BBC News: Coronavirus: Creativity, kindness and canals offer hope amid outbreak
Posted: March 21, 2020
I saw this on the BBC News App and thought you should see it: From environmental improvements to acts of kindness, there are glimmers of light amid the crisis. Continue… Read More
“New Podcast Series for the Duration of Covid 19,” by Malcolm Cox
Posted: March 19, 2020
New Podcast Series Something to get you through the Covid 19 crisis with your spirit intact. Introducing the new daily podcast based on the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134) The… Read More
Viral Christianity, by Rob Krantz
Posted: March 16, 2020
Viral Christianity by Rob Kranz The beauty of a blog is that you are in full control of what you write about. Most of the time, I write about things I… Read More
Coronavirus (Covid-19): A Christian Response
Posted: March 13, 2020
LESSONS FOR YOU AND ME: Don’t over-react Trust the Lord Beware the real virus: sin Be excellent stewards of the time Don’t overanalyze Care deeply about others, not just ourselves… Read More
Can Your Church Thrive in Exile?
Posted: March 9, 2020
Can Your Church Thrive in Exile? A Conversation with Randy Gariss Randy Gariss was minister of Joplin’s College Heights Christian Church when a mile-wide F5 tornado mowed into Joplin. Randy… Read More
The Movie FINDING GUY Free on You Tube
Posted: March 5, 2020
Five Years in the Making & Nominated for Best Documentary & Best Director at the 2018 International Christian Film Festival in Miami Learn More
“The Importance of Joy”
Posted: March 3, 2020
I find it very significant that on the last night of His life Jesus talked a lot about joy. Not exactly the topic you would expect from somebody about to… Read More
Are You Creating Disciples or Consumers? Interview with Kelvin Teamer
Posted: March 2, 2020
What does revival look like in the 21st century? Are You Creating Disciples or Consumers? An Interview with Kelvin Teamer Church leaders often want to preach what feels good, and church people… Read More
CLEAN- podcast 20, Widow of Zarephath & Son (= OT character podcast 63)
Posted: March 1, 2020
We now begin CLEAN sub-series Reanimation. To listen to CLEAN podcast 20, The Widow of Zarephath & Son (17 minutes), click on the arrow. To download and listen later, right click here and choose ‘save target… Read More
The tragedy of the even dumber church
Posted: February 29, 2020
Christian theologian Dr. William Lane Craig during debate at Purdue University, Feb. 1, 2013. | (Photo: Nicole Byrd) It’s true – time really does fly. Eight years ago, I wrote an article… Read More
The Golden Rule & the Silver Rule
Posted: February 29, 2020
Examples of the Silver & Golden Rules in the world’s philosophies and religions: Jainism: “A man should wander about treating all creatures as he himself would be treated.” — Sutrakritanga, 1.11.33… Read More
Mental Health in the Church Setting 2020
Posted: February 26, 2020
Mental Health in the Church Setting Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. – 2 Thessalonians 1:4 I’ve… Read More
Polyamory: Pastors’ Next Sexual Frontier
Posted: February 22, 2020
CT PASTORS Polyamory: Pastors’ Next Sexual Frontier These once-taboo relationships are showing up in churches across the US. Preston Sprinkle and Branson Parler A pastor recently told me (Preston)… Read More
Why a Contradiction Seems Convincing
Posted: February 21, 2020
Why a Contradiction Seems Convincing Click Here to Listen It’s easy to believe a lie when you haven’t heard the whole story. But have you ever wondered how people can… Read More
Father’s Day – Douglas Jacoby
Posted: February 20, 2020
Watch Doug’s sermon on Exodus 20 – “Honor Your Father”
“A Movement Divided,” by Samuel Escobar
Posted: February 19, 2020
Three approaches to world evangelization stand in tension with one another. Samuel Escobar (Peru) is President of the Latin American Theological Fraternity and Professor at Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Philadelphia,… Read More
“Can a Christian be an environmentalist?”
Posted: February 15, 2020
“Caring for Creation” Click here for the newsletter podcast version – with extra ‘bits’ We have seen what I would call “proper weather” this last week. Flights cancelled, trees felled,… Read More
Which Battery Does Your Marriage Run On?
Posted: February 14, 2020
Which Battery Does Your Marriage Run On? Click Here to Listen Items which run on batteries are irritations waiting to happen. Something stops working. You’ve got to find a… Read More
SOM 40—Wow!
Posted: February 9, 2020
And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes (Matthew 7:28-29)…. Read More
SOM 39—Sand
Posted: February 8, 2020
24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came,… Read More
SOM 38—Lord, Lord
Posted: February 7, 2020
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22… Read More
SOM 37—Prophets?
Posted: February 6, 2020
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from… Read More
SOM 36—Narrow
Posted: February 5, 2020
“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate… Read More
SOM 35—Gold
Posted: February 4, 2020
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12). Comment This sentence sums up much of… Read More
SOM 34—Ask
Posted: February 3, 2020
7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the… Read More
SOM 33—Swine
Posted: February 2, 2020
“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you” (Matthew 7:6). This text connects with… Read More
SOM 32—Judge
Posted: February 1, 2020
1 “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to… Read More
Bad Plot Summaries
Posted: January 31, 2020
Click Here to Listen Have you read any of the “bad plot summaries” that are going around the internet? For example, here’s a bad plot summary of the Lord of… Read More
SOM 31—Kingdom
Posted: January 31, 2020
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will… Read More
SOM 30—Anxious
Posted: January 30, 2020
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on…. Read More
SOM 29—Mammon
Posted: January 29, 2020
“No man can serve two masters. For either he will hate the one and love the other. Or else he will hold fast to the one and despise the other…. Read More
SOM 28—Darkness
Posted: January 28, 2020
The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is single, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is evil, your whole body… Read More
SOM 27—Treasure
Posted: January 27, 2020
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where… Read More
SOM 26—Fast
Posted: January 26, 2020
Moreover, when you fast, do not put on a sad face like the hypocrites. For they disfigure their faces so that they may appear to men to fast. Truly I… Read More
SOM 25—Forgive
Posted: January 25, 2020
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew… Read More
SOM 24—THE Prayer
Posted: January 24, 2020
“Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is… Read More
SOM 23—Prayer
Posted: January 23, 2020
5 “And when you pray, do not be as the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, so they may… Read More
SOM 22—Alms
Posted: January 22, 2020
“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly,… Read More
SOM 21—Show-off!
Posted: January 21, 2020
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew… Read More
SOM 20–Perfection
Posted: January 20, 2020
“You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). On the previous topic, “Enemies:” Jesus, Paul, and the early church spoke clearly and definitively about the… Read More
SOM 19—Enemies
Posted: January 19, 2020
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may… Read More
SOM 18—Retaliation
Posted: January 18, 2020
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps… Read More
SOM 17—Oaths
Posted: January 17, 2020
33 “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’ 34 But I say to you, Do not take… Read More
SOM 16—Divorce
Posted: January 16, 2020
“It was said, ‘Whoever sends his wife away, let him give her a certificate of divorce’; but I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except for the… Read More
SOM 15—Lust
Posted: January 15, 2020
27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in… Read More
SOM 14—Anger
Posted: January 14, 2020
You have heard that it was said by those of old, you will not kill; and whoever kills will be in danger of the judgment. But I say to you… Read More
125 Countries and 1 Core Mission – Interview with Douglas Jacoby
Posted: January 13, 2020
Renew.org If you had the opportunity to sit down and talk with a world traveling disciple maker, what questions would you ask? As for me, I was curious about what… Read More
SOM 13—Pharisees
Posted: January 13, 2020
“For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20). Jesus’ words would probably have… Read More
List of Audio Lessons
Posted: January 12, 2020
Non-members can listen to several of the audio lessons (the Jesus N.T. Character Podcast, A Christian Response to Global Financial Crisis; Serving the Poor: Second Thoughts; Avatar; The Hunger Games, etc.), but… Read More
SOM 12—Fulfillment
Posted: January 12, 2020
17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly, I say to… Read More
SOM 11—Light
Posted: January 11, 2020
You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do men light a lamp and put it under a basket, but… Read More
Everyday Disciple Maker: Debbra Stephens
Posted: January 10, 2020
Everyday Disciple Maker: Debbra Stephens CLICK HERE TO LISTEN Whether you work in sales or in a school, whether a preacher or a plumber, there is one… Read More
SOM 10—Salt
Posted: January 10, 2020
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt becomes foolish, how will it be salted? It is thereafter good for nothing but to be thrown out and… Read More
SOM 09—Persecuted
Posted: January 9, 2020
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men speak abusively of you,… Read More
SOM 08—Peacemaking
Posted: January 8, 2020
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9). “If most of us are honest with ourselves, we know that there are many… Read More
SOM 07—Pure
Posted: January 7, 2020
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). (1) PURITY: A constant theme in Jesus’ teaching is that God looks not only at… Read More
Racism: Twisted reasoning
Posted: January 7, 2020
Douglas Jacoby, Washington DC (1993) (recommended by Russ Ewell, San Francisco) Prejudice is ugly and widespread, knowing no borders. Yet even more detestable is the use of biblical authority to justify… Read More
SOM 06—Merciful
Posted: January 6, 2020
The 5th beatitude: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7). My friend David Berçot, who has examined all the ancient Christian writings, helps… Read More
SOM 05—Hungry
Posted: January 5, 2020
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness / justice, for they will be satisfied.” What does this mean? Consider such passages as: “Man does not… Read More
SOM 04—Meek
Posted: January 4, 2020
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5) “Meek” is a word we seldom use. It does not mean “weak.” It derives from the Old Norse mjúkr,… Read More
Something You Can Never Be
Posted: January 3, 2020
Something You Can Never Be CLICK HERE TO LISTEN Have you ever been told an expression by somebody older than you which makes absolutely no sense to your generation?… Read More
SOM 03—Mourning
Posted: January 3, 2020
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4). In the background there are well over 100 scriptural passages on mourning, like this one, where Jesus identifies himself… Read More
SOM 02—Poor
Posted: January 2, 2020
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). There are at least 20 beatitudes uttered by Jesus in the N.T. (8 in Matthew,… Read More
SOM 01—The Mountain
Posted: January 1, 2020
Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. (Matt 5:1-2 ESV) Mountains in the Bible are associated with Moses (Exod 19-20),… Read More
OT62-The Prophetess Huldah
Posted: January 1, 2020
Hebrew & Greek words: chuldah = mole. See the Huldah Gates (entrance into Temple precinct). nevi’ah = prophetess (Greek prophêtis) navi’ = prophet (Greek prophétēs) Prophetesses of the Bible: Old Testament… Read More
SOM 00—Introduction—It Still Haunts Us
Posted: December 27, 2019
The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is the section of the New Testament widely agreed to contain the very heart of Jesus’ kingdom message. The teachings were and still are… Read More
“Are You Possessed?”
Posted: November 25, 2019
Sermon given by Doug on 11-24-19 at the North River Church of Christ in Atlanta, GA. https://vimeo.com/375303498
6 Things to Avoid in Dating – Third Drive Faith
Posted: November 14, 2019
Do you have a friend who needs good dating advice? Send this to him or her! Click here for more.
OT61—Michal, Abigail, Bathsheba
Posted: November 1, 2019
Hebrew words: Mikhál = brook ‘Avigail = my father is joy Bath-sheva’ = daughter of the oath David’s wives: Ahinoam, Maachah, Haggith, Abital, Eglah Michal, Abigail, Bathsheba—and possibly more Note: this does not… Read More
Church and Culture, with Christian Ray Flores
Posted: October 23, 2019
Recently I caught up with one of the workshop presenters at our November 6th Gathering, Christian Ray Flores. Christian is a Renew.org co-founder and has an interesting perspective on culture and… Read More
The Top 100 Verses on Money and Wealth
Posted: October 16, 2019
Bookmark the list for Bible study, reference, and sharing with others. Top 100 Bible Verses on Money and Wealth Also see the Topical Index of Money and Wealth Scriptures The latest… Read More
SBC President: We Failed to Heed Victims’ Voices
Posted: October 15, 2019
SBC President J. D. Greear speaks at the ERLC’s Caring Well Conference on October 3.Southern Baptist Convention President J. D. Greear acknowledged that while sexual abuse survivors have pleaded with… Read More
Jesus and His Enemies
Posted: September 22, 2019
My sermon at the North River Church of Christ on Sunday 22 September 2019 (9 am service). Principal texts: Luke 23:34 and Matt 5:38-48. https://vimeo.com/361631498
Shared Church
Posted: September 19, 2019
“. . . members together of one body and sharers together . . .” (Eph. 3:6) Shared Church aims to encourage Christians and churches to practice participatory body life—the one-anothering… Read More
Is Your Church Missing the Communication Train? — by Christian Ray
Posted: September 18, 2019
Ask the tech-savvy youth in your church: How relevant and compelling is our communication? Are we truly engaging the information revolution to communicate the gospel to as many people as… Read More
How a Gay Man and a Christian Minister Became Great Friends
Posted: September 18, 2019
Kidogo – Christian Practicals 2.67K subscribers Guy Hammond used to live a gay life before he became a Christian. Now, as Christian minister, he runs an international ministry dedicated to… Read More
Facts Concerning Social Media Use in 2019
Posted: September 16, 2019
Social Media – A powerful tool https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6k_G_h41ZaQ
Chik-fil-A – “Anti-equality giving”
Posted: September 7, 2019
CHICK-FIL-A GIVING. San Antonio, Texas, and Buffalo, New York, have kicked Chick-fil-A out of their airports for “aiding and abetting Christian organizations.” What is especially ironic is that it is the charity work of… Read More
Understanding Myths That May Hold Us Back
Posted: September 5, 2019
Don’t Be Fooled Into Believing These Final Two GRIEF MYTHS You have taken from me my closest friends and have made me repulsive to them. I am confined and cannot… Read More
OT Character Podcast 60, Mephibosheth
Posted: September 1, 2019
Introduction Our O.T. character today is a minor character. And yet doesn’t mean he isn’t important. The relationship between David and Jonathan (Saul’s son, next in line for the throne)… Read More
Islam & Christianity (lesson from Azerbaijan)
Posted: August 6, 2019
The podcast Islam & Christianity (26 minutes) is intended to help the new student of world religions to develop a feel for how the two faiths connect. This is material I… Read More
“Scripture-Soaked” – message at North River Church
Posted: July 29, 2019
Watch the message given in Atlanta (North River Church) on July 28, 2019. https://vimeo.com/350604112?fbclid=IwAR3vKZU4TYY-ZDZZ61QD6V7gqz5I3cXSCnjFF8f7dKqH4s44SW9HffM-FSs
“A Life Well-Lived: Let’s Be Honest” – from Proverbs
Posted: July 29, 2019
Sermon I did in the Midpoint Ministry (Chicago) on July 21, 2019. (The sermon begins at about 0:38, and ends at 1:12.) https://www.facebook.com/MidpointMinistryCenter/videos/492425961508466/
Más Allá de la Vida 1 & 2, por Arturo Elizarrarás
Posted: July 17, 2019
Podcast 1 Podcast 2 Más Allá de la Vida – Slides
Ebola survivor Dr. Kent Brantly returning to Africa as medical missionary
Posted: July 16, 2019
FORT WORTH, Texas — Dr. Kent Brantly sat on his counselor’s couch and wept. The tears came last summer as the Christian physician visited with Dottie Schulz, a missionary care volunteer… Read More
What is the Bible (Rob Bell), by Jon Sherwood
Posted: July 9, 2019
“Just let the Bible be whatever it is.”…But just what is the Bible? What is the Bible? This is a vitally important question. Rob Bell is a famous American author,… Read More
Control, part 3
Posted: July 3, 2019
TRUST Rom 15:14—confident in church to handle issues of church. I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent… Read More
Control, part 2
Posted: July 3, 2019
4) Abuse of authority Leaders have authority, but not to create their own rules, or in the language of Jeremiah, “to rule by their own authority” (Jer 5:30-31). “Giving up… Read More
Control, part 1
Posted: July 3, 2019
Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so… Read More
When the terrorists came for us | The Christian Chronicle
Posted: July 2, 2019
After his wife became Muslim to appease militant Islamists, he fled with their children — and found Christ. Erik Tryggestad President and CEO DONO-MANGA, Chad — In this rural African village,… Read More
What Does the Bible Say About Being Transgender?
Posted: July 1, 2019
Two New AMAZING Videos From SIW! P.S. Put your seat belt on! #1. What Does the Bible Say bout Being Transgender? By Brandon Redler 3.3 min #2. Why I Left My Transgender Life Behind … Read More
CLEAN – podcast 10, the Four Lepers (= OT Character podcast 59)
Posted: July 1, 2019
To listen to lesson 10 in the CLEAN series, The Four Samaritan Lepers (10 minutes), click on the play arrow. Or you can download the podcast by right clicking here and choosing ‘save… Read More
Who Are We? (What we Christ-followers prefer to be called)
Posted: June 26, 2019
WHO ARE WE? SELF-TEST: Rank the following terms in order of usage–what you usually call yourself. Christian Disciple Brother Saint Many of us answered 1-2-3-4, right? But in the New… Read More
“We Are Church,” by Francis Chan
Posted: June 23, 2019
History — We Are Church A Brief History of We Are Church. Excerpt from Letters to the Church, by Francis Chan. Why I Left My Megachurch In 1994, when I… Read More
“Think about it…”
Posted: June 21, 2019
Two twin boys were raised by an alcoholic father. One grew up to be an alcoholic and when asked what happened he said “I watched my father”. The other grew… Read More
Opinion | The Day Christian Fundamentalism Was Born – The New York Times
Posted: June 18, 2019
How a meeting in Philadelphia changed American religion forever. By Matthew Avery Sutton Mr. Sutton, a professor of history at Washington State University, is the author of the forthcoming “Double… Read More
Church Intensive
Posted: June 18, 2019
LEARN CHURCH PLANTING FROM OUR PASTORS a note from francis Haven’t you always been a bit confused about Church? You read about the unstoppable power, miraculous love, and outrageous sacrifice… Read More
The 5 points that led me to leave Calvinism, by Dr. Leighton Flowers
Posted: June 17, 2019
Many have asked what specific points led me away from Calvinism. Being a Professor of Theology that once affirmed TULIP gives me a unique perspective on this subject. However, I… Read More
TheHistoricFaith.com by Sattler College and Scroll Publishing
Posted: June 17, 2019
We are excited to introduce you to TheHistoricFaith.com . The Historic Faith is the result of a partnership between Sattler College and Scroll Publishing. This project seeks to promote the precepts… Read More
Our Manhood Crisis – An Interview with Robert Lewis
Posted: June 17, 2019
Something ominous is happening to young men today; it’s a crisis…and strangely, we are not talking about it. A recent USA Today article captured the essence of the crisis with the article “Boy Crisis Threatens America’s… Read More
Who Was? Series
Posted: June 16, 2019
With over 150 titles, Penguin’s Who Was? series tells the incredible stories of trailblazers, legends, innovators, and creators. Play the Who Was Adventure game! Download the Who Was series app… Read More
Trent Butler on Judges
Posted: June 15, 2019
Excerpt from Trent Butler, The Word Biblical Commentary 8, Judges (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2009), lxxx. ……”Three tribes… receive the brunt of the author’s judgment in Judges. Benjamin could not take… Read More
Two New iFaith Videos from Hebrews
Posted: June 14, 2019
Two video sermons taken from the book of Hebrews: iFaith 19 (Heb A), “Christ is Supreme,” and iFaith 20 (Heb B), “The Truth about Falling Away”. Listen to either or… Read More
The Lost Interview with Cathy Hammond
Posted: June 14, 2019
My wife Cathy passed away on August 13, 2018. We were married for 28 incredible years. Through our Strength in Weakness ministry, we traveled the world telling our story and… Read More
Why Facts Don’t Change Our Minds | The New Yorker
Posted: June 12, 2019
New discoveries about the human mind show the limitations of reason. The vaunted human capacity for reason may have more to do with winning arguments than with thinking straight. Illustration… Read More
The preachers getting rich from poor Americans – BBC News
Posted: June 12, 2019
Televangelist Todd Coontz has a well-worn routine: he dresses in a suit, pulls out a Bible and urges viewers to pledge a very specific amount of money. “Don’t delay, don’t… Read More