A Tour Through John, Lesson 9
Posted: January 9, 2018
The story of the Samaritan woman is well known. She is a stranger to Jesus, as he is to her. But his interaction speaks volumes about what it means to… Read More
Is Religious Belief Just a Brain Function?
Posted: January 8, 2018
Religion, we are told, has a scientific explanation; so we have no need of the God hypothesis. But is that so? This article reviews the alleged evidence and then responds… Read More
A Tour Through John, Lesson 8
Posted: January 8, 2018
Click on the arrow to play the podcast (18 minutes), or right click here to save and listen later. 16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son,… Read More
A Tour Through John, Lesson 7
Posted: January 7, 2018
We come to the ever-popular John 3! While most who profess Christ know only verse 16, the entire chapter is chock-full of incredible passages. For example, verse 16 requires faith… Read More
Atheism & the Burden of Proof, by Paul Copan
Posted: January 6, 2018
Atheism and the Burden of Proof In conversations with atheists, they may challenge us: “You’re claiming that God exists. Therefore, the burden of proof rests on you, not me. So… Read More
A Tour through John, Lesson 6
Posted: January 6, 2018
Click on the arrow to play the podcast (20 minutes), or right click here to save and listen later. Recap of lesson 5 (Water to Wine) Time out for a wedding:… Read More
A Tour Through John, Lesson 5
Posted: January 5, 2018
Click on the arrow to play the podcast (24 minutes), or right click here to listen later. Introduction Jesus’ core group of disciples, his apostles, has grown. In chapter 2 he… Read More
A Tour through John, lesson 4
Posted: January 4, 2018
Click on the arrow to play the podcast (20 minutes), or right click here to listen later. Last time we looked at the first two days; today we will read about… Read More
Watch These 10 Disciple Making Trends in 2018
Posted: January 3, 2018
A national disciple making movement in North America is starting to take off. Groups and networks are forming everywhere. Over 1400 pastors and leaders from around the country joined 17… Read More
Commencement Address to John Robert’s son’s ninth grade class
Posted: January 3, 2018
‘I wish you bad luck,” said the chief justice of the United States. He meant for those words, delivered last spring, to express encouragement and optimism. The year now ending… Read More
A Tour Through John, Lesson 3
Posted: January 3, 2018
Having set the stage with his prologue (vv.1-18), John the evangelist now begins the story proper. In this lesson (22 minutes), we cover John 1:19-34, which details the first two… Read More
A Tour Through John, Lesson 2
Posted: January 2, 2018
In this lesson (20 minutes), we will finish our study of the prologue (1:1-18), which sets the stage for the entire gospel. Click on the arrow to play the podcast,… Read More
New Year’s Resolutions for Disciple Makers
Posted: January 1, 2018
Like most people, I make New Year’s resolutions, but I have a unique focus with some of my goals. I want to want what God wants, and God wants more… Read More
A Tour through John, Lesson 1
Posted: January 1, 2018
In this opening lesson (15 minutes), we will consider the nature of John’s gospel, and then probe the important prologue (1:1-18), which sets the stage for the entire gospel. Click… Read More
OT50-Hosea.mp3
Posted: January 1, 2018
For O.T. Lesson 50, Hosea (26 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… Read More
A Closer Look at Christmas – Glenn Sunshine
Posted: December 25, 2017
The Story behind the Manger, Shepherds, and Swaddling Clothes At this time of year, every year, we hear the Christmas story again. The familiar elements—the full inn, the stable, the… Read More
The Bible Project: An Interview with Jim Mackie
Posted: December 21, 2017
In this interview with Tim Mackie, co-founder of The Bible Project, we discuss the origins of The Bible Project and how two friends threw some videos up on Youtube that have now become a… Read More
“The Master Plan” – Robert Coleman
Posted: December 21, 2017
Robert Coleman wrote The Master Plan of Evangelism decades ago, and it has sold millions of copies. Now, you can experience his core teaching through never-before-seen video teaching sessions of Robert Coleman…. Read More
Learn How (Not) to Doubt – The Gospel Coalition (TGC)
Posted: December 21, 2017
When we experience doubts, we’re in holy company. A lot of people today—including Christians—don’t know how to doubt properly. Continue reading here.
Story of the (New) Tyndale House Greek NT
Posted: December 19, 2017
Hear the story of the Tyndale House Greek New Testament from the academics who produced it.
Sinless Mary: Dialogue w Old Testament Professor
Posted: December 15, 2017
Jonathan Huddleston (see Facebook / resume) is an ordained Church of Christ minister, and has been assistant professor of Old Testament at Abilene Christian University. He obtained his doctorate in Hebrew Bible / Old… Read More
We Can’t Be Like Jesus If We’re Not Making Disciples
Posted: December 15, 2017
I’m writing to share a recent blog post—an excerpt fromBecoming a Disciple Maker, a free eBook Greg Wiens and I wrote. The article’s called “We Can’t Be Like Jesus If… Read More
Historic Core of Christmas Lore: A sermon on Nicholas (“St. Nick”), by Douglas Jacoby
Posted: December 14, 2017
Sermon given to the Northview Church of Christ on Sunday, December 10, 2017. To listen now, click on arrow to play. To download and listen later, right click Nicolas and then click… Read More
“Thanksgiving Meditation”
Posted: December 14, 2017
11-26-2017 – Douglas Jacoby “Thanksgiving Meditation” from North River Church of Christ on Vimeo.
Finley on Richard Rohr’s Emerging Church, A New Reformation
Posted: December 13, 2017
Monday, November 27, 2017 I believe that what some refer to as the “emerging church” is a movement of the Holy Spirit. Movements are the energy-building stages of things, before… Read More
Summary of article by Claudia Wallis, “Marijuana and the Teen Brain: How much should we worry?”
Posted: December 10, 2017
Summary of the article by Claudia Wallis, “Marijuana and the Teen Brain: How much should we worry?” (Scientific American, Nov 2017, in The Science of Health). Adults have been warning their… Read More
A Guide for 33 Different Bible Versions
Posted: December 8, 2017
December 8, 2017 The Holy Bible: A Buyer’s Guide This free eBook guides you through 33 different Bible versions Walk through the religion section of any major bookstore, and you’ll… Read More
Work Hard, Pray Hard
Posted: November 30, 2017
Students should take Bible study as seriously as school and sports practice. Article from Christianity Today: Work Hard Pray Hard
Triple Evolution
Posted: November 26, 2017
To play the podcast Triple Evolution (21 minutes), click on the play arrow. To download and listen later, right click here and then on ‘save target as’ or ‘save link as’. What… Read More
Museum of the Bible – now open in Washington, DC
Posted: November 24, 2017
Museum of the Bible | MOTB Museum of the Bible is an innovative, global, educational institution whose purpose is to invite all people to engage with the history, narrative and… Read More
Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage, by Jerry Jones (review by Bob Young)
Posted: November 24, 2017
Jones discusses divorce and remarriage with objectivity By Bob Young In Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage: Seen Through the Character of God and the Mind of Jesus, Jerry Jones — a longtime… Read More
Crossing the Line (the ministry of Michael Burns)
Posted: November 21, 2017
Crossing the Line Workshop Overview: Crossing the Line workshops seek to begin or continue the conversation at the local level, on the topics of race, ethnicity, and culture within the body… Read More
My 5 Personal Reflections on the Forum (Bobby Harrington)
Posted: November 17, 2017
Here are my top five personal reflections from the Forum. 1. Pastors and Leaders are Hungry to Learn about Making Disciples Last year we were told that if we had… Read More
Four Kinds of Leaders Who Will Not Successfully Lead a Church Revitalization – Revitalize and Replant #013
Posted: November 17, 2017
www.thomrainer.com Leadership is critical to successful revitalization. Today we discuss what kind of leaders often fail in the task. To listen to, or to download the audio lesson, click here…. Read More
Why Have Americans Stopped Reading the Bible?
Posted: November 12, 2017
No verse is in a vacuum, and it is important to always read a passage as part of the larger story. Why Have Americans Stopped Reading the Bible? By KATHLEEN COOKE | October… Read More
Fishers of men, farmers of nuts
Posted: November 11, 2017
At 50, African Christian College strives for self-sustainability — in its students and its campus. Continue reading here. Note: Douglas has taught at the African Christian College (first-, second-, and… Read More
Paul and the Gift: Six Perfections of Grace
Posted: November 10, 2017
Grace is both an incredibly important and an incredibly difficult concept, explains John Barclay in Paul and the Gift. When boiled down to its purest form, or “perfected,” as Kenneth Burke… Read More
Great discipleship resources (Bobby Harrington)
Posted: November 8, 2017
If you’re like me, you’re always looking for great discipleship resources. That’s why I wanted to share with you the website URLs for seventeen of the top disciple making organizations… Read More
Children of Priests
Posted: November 4, 2017
The Boston Globe Spotlight team did a series on it that is getting a lot of attention. Seems it may be a scandal even bigger that the clergy abuse issue…. Read More
TEAMwork, by Steve Kinnard
Posted: November 2, 2017
OCTOBER 30, 2017 / STEVEKINNARD TEAMwork A Bible Talk for Athletes (and everyone else) Opening question: Name someone who has been a great teammate to you. Explain why. I think of a… Read More
Towers in the Bible
Posted: November 1, 2017
If you’re like me, you are intrigued by tall towers and buildings. Whenever I visit a new city, I want to ascend to the highest point and look out. My… Read More
OT49-Daniel.mp3
Posted: November 1, 2017
For O.T. Lesson 49, Daniel (31 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… Read More
Nepal Criminalizes Christian Conversion and Evangelism
Posted: October 27, 2017
Last week, Nepal enacted a law to curb evangelism by criminalizing religious conversion, joining neighboring countries like India and Pakistan, where the region’s small-but-growing Christian minority faces government threats to… Read More
Science or Faith: A False Choice
Posted: October 25, 2017
In your school days, maybe you loved science class, or perhaps you dreaded it (I hope not). I’ve been a science lover since childhood — these were the early years… Read More
The Impact of Idolatry
Posted: October 24, 2017
Class taught by Douglas during the continuing midweek series called ‘Sharpening the Sword’ at the North River Church of Christ on Wednesday, October 18, 2017. Watch the video here.
Some Early Christian Symbols (from Orthodox website)
Posted: October 24, 2017
In the ancient world, written symbols were viewed with a sense of mystical fascination. Pagans and Christians alike had a coded language of symbolism to express the mystical and mysterious… Read More
Right or Righteous?, by Fred Faller
Posted: October 13, 2017
What do you think of when you hear the word “righteousness”? About a year ago I was challenged about my understanding of the nature of righteousness in the Bible and… Read More
The Tower of Babel
Posted: October 11, 2017
The following material appeared in the weekly newsletter from 27 September to 11 October 2017. This series was adapted from The God Who Dared (1997), the next version of which was titled Genesis,… Read More
Q&A 1508 – Noah’s Flood Global?
Posted: October 7, 2017
Was Noah’s Flood really global? Is there evidence for this? Please help me think this through. I am happy to help. Let me say, first off, that whatever one’s conclusion… Read More
Soul to Soul: Forging & Maintaining Godly Relationships, Part 3
Posted: October 5, 2017
Sermon by Douglas Jacoby on 10.1.17 at the North River Church of Christ, Marietta, GA
Excellent Science & Religion course, by Denis Lamoureux
Posted: October 4, 2017
This course examines the nature of both science and religion and attempts to explore the possible relationships between them. The primary purpose is to dispel the popular myth that science… Read More
Prosperity Preaching – unhealthy and unbiblical (Costi Hinn)
Posted: October 2, 2017
Read the powerful testimony of Costi Hinn, nephew of multi-millionaire health & wealth preacher Benny Hinn. From the Christianity Today website. Click here.
Q&A 1507 (0177, español) – Halloween
Posted: September 28, 2017
No celebramos Halloween. Solía tener la idea de que los satanistas ven a Halloween como un día especial. Sin embargo, he intentado investigar en libros, publicaciones periódicas, e internet sobre… Read More
Daylight from a Deerstand, by Jerry Jones
Posted: September 27, 2017
I thought you’d find this interesting. Jerry is someone who has thought — and studied — long and hard about many things. He’s a terrific Bible student — always learning,… Read More
An online trove of Biblical manuscripts
Posted: September 26, 2017
An extraordinary collection of 68 New Testament and other Biblical manuscripts dating from the fourth to the twentieth centuries has been digitized and made available for study online. Continue reading… Read More
“Holiness” – Douglas Jacoby
Posted: September 25, 2017
This is Douglas’ second message from the series ‘Sharpening the Sword’ at the midweek service of the North River Church of Christ on 9/20/17. (Note from the AV team: the… Read More
Do We Actually Know What The Gospel Is? (Altar & Throne)
Posted: September 23, 2017
If you asked 20 separate Christians “What is the gospel,” you’d likely get 25 different answers. If you asked the same question in a group of 20 Christians, they might… Read More
Understanding Love, Sex, and Marriage, by Dave Lomas
Posted: September 23, 2017
Dave Lomas speaks on the sexual brokenness found in the Old Testament, which points to our own desperate need for God’s renewing grace in Genesis 38. Watch the video here.
Q&A 1506 – Is the earth young, only 1000s of years old?
Posted: September 19, 2017
Scientists say the world is really old, but my Bible teacher says it only appears old — but it actually young, only 1000s of years old. What is the truth?… Read More
Beyond Accountability, by Nate Larkin
Posted: September 18, 2017
I’m pleased to announce the release of a new FREE eBook from the Discipleship.org eBook series:Beyond Accountability by Nate Larkin. DOWNLOAD FREE NOW Beyond Accountability tells an important story about pornography and… Read More
The Gospel – Douglas Jacoby
Posted: September 15, 2017
Lesson given on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at the North River Church of Christ, to bring Christians to maturity through examining the nature and implications of the gospel. Video is… Read More
No One Follows Their Heart, by Jon Bloom
Posted: September 13, 2017
Jon Bloom, in this fascinating article (posted at Desiring God), gives reasons that we don’t “follow” our hearts — which is backwards. We are supposed to lead our hearts. Intrigued? Click here for the article.
Q&A 1505 – What was the Inquisition? (Torture, witches, Galileo… and lessons for today)
Posted: September 10, 2017
What exactly was the Inquisition? (If you prefer to listen to my reply, click on the arrow for the podcast, The Inquisition (20 min). If you want to save and… Read More
Postmodernism, by Jordan Peterson (3 links)
Posted: September 6, 2017
Jordan Peterson is a historical philosopher who speaks broadly on, among other things, postmodernism. He outlines how this philosophy has affected political policy and thinking in the Western world. Here are 3… Read More
Q&A 1504 – Women prophesying (1 Cor 11)
Posted: September 1, 2017
What do you think is the most accurate translation of “propheteousa” in 1 Corinthians 11:5? A conservative translation would be merely “speak,” but I don’t think that translation accurately captures… Read More
OT48-Ezekiel.mp3
Posted: September 1, 2017
For O.T. Lesson 48, Ezekiel (20 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… Read More
A Psychiatrist Who Defied the Transgender Movement, by Chuck Colson
Posted: August 28, 2017
Chuck Colson on Dr. Paul McHugh Back in June I [Colson] told you about renowned psychiatrist Paul McHugh. He’s won numerous international awards for his work, but he’s recently been… Read More
Gibbon on Rome
Posted: August 27, 2017
According to Edward Gibbon (1737-1794), author of The Fall and Decline of the Roman Empire, five signs characterized Rome as she was deteriorating from within: Mounting love of show and… Read More
“Where Are You?” by Douglas Jacoby
Posted: August 23, 2017
Sermon, based on Genesis 3 & 4, given on August 20, 2017 at the North River Church of Christ. Watch video here.
Embracing Change (Craig Groeschel)
Posted: August 16, 2017
The talk (about 20 minutes) contains some clear-minded input for church leaders. Watch the podcast by clicking here.
Men vs Women: Google Guy Right about Sex Differences
Posted: August 13, 2017
The Science Says The Google Guy Was Right About Sex Differences A myriad of distinguished professors and social scientists have already confirmed what James Damore wrote in his Google memo:… Read More
Terminal Punishment – Portuguese Translation
Posted: August 11, 2017
Here is an article in two formats (Word of pdf) on terminal punishment, translated into Portuguese. Tradução Jacoby Terminal Punishment Portuguese
The Rest of Genesis: [Supplement to Paul Copan & Douglas Jacoby’s Origins]
Posted: July 28, 2017
Departing the Primeval Period The stage has been set. We have explored the Primeval Period, and it’s time to transition into the next epoch. All the major themes of the… Read More
Sister of the Earliest Compete Old Testament Found
Posted: July 6, 2017
Press Release: SISTER OF THE EARLIEST COMPLETE OLD TESTAMENT FOUND Tyndale House, Cambridge, announces a new discovery made by young researcher Dr. Kim Phillips published in its latest Tyndale Bulletin… Read More
OT47-Jeremiah.mp3
Posted: July 1, 2017
For O.T. Lesson 47, Jeremiah (25 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… Read More
Q&A 1497 – What were the Crusades, and why does it matter?
Posted: June 30, 2017
Our church is initiating a “Crusade” to take our city for Christ. This makes we wonder, what about the Crusades in the Middle Ages. What were they? As a Christian… Read More
“Forged: Writing in the Name of God” – Book Review
Posted: June 27, 2017
Bart D. Ehrman, Forged: Writing in the Name of God—Why The Bible’s Authors Are Not Who We Think They Are (San Francisco: HarperOne, 2011), 307 pages. . The review is… Read More
Gender & Sexuality – 3 Articles
Posted: June 24, 2017
Children being Experimented on and Scientist speak out against this … http://www.christianpost.com/news/gender-confused-kids-are-being-experimented-on-with-hormone-therapy-experts-188757/?utm_source=newsletter Johns Hopkins Researcher finds no conclusive evidence people are born gay or transgender … http://www.christianpost.com/news/no-scientific-evidence-that-people-are-born-gay-or-transgender-johns-hopkins-researchers-say-168263/page1.html Here’s the full… Read More
Why I Am Not an Evangelical (or am I?), by Douglas Jacoby
Posted: June 21, 2017
To listen to the third podcast in the series on Christian identity, Why I Am Not an Evangelical—or Am I? (32 min), click on the arrow. To download and listen… Read More
Q&A 1496 – Miraculous knowledge in the numbers of the Qur’an?
Posted: June 21, 2017
Is there miraculous knowledge in the numbers of the Qur’an? I have heard it said, for example, that the word “day” turns up exactly 365 times in the Qur’an –… Read More
Why I Am Not a Fundamentalist, by Douglas Jacoby
Posted: June 14, 2017
To hear the podcast (44 mins), Why I Am Not a Fundamentalist, click on the play arrow. To download and listen to it later, right click here and then on ‘save link as’… Read More
Q&A 1495 – Islam means peace?
Posted: June 12, 2017
Is “Islam” really the Arabic word for peace? For some time now, and especially since the attacks of 9/11, many Muslims have made the claim: Islam means peace. (Not that it’s… Read More
Why I Am Not a Protestant, by Douglas Jacoby
Posted: June 7, 2017
To hear the podcast (54 mins) titled Why I Am Not a Protestant, click on the arrow. To download and listen to it later, right click here and then on ‘save… Read More
Why It’s So Hard for Scientists to Believe in God – Video
Posted: June 5, 2017
By Francis Collins, Medical Researcher, on bigthink.com. Some scientists see religion as a threat to the scientific method that should be resisted. But faith “is really asking a different set… Read More
Arguing about Politics (sermon), by Timothy Keller
Posted: May 9, 2017
“What are Jesus’ politics?” That’s what the opposing parties of His day wanted to know. To listen to this sermon, click here.
The Evidence – Reasons for Faith, Parts 1 and 3
Posted: May 9, 2017
Watch the first and third classes Douglas offered at the North River Church of Christ in his new series The Evidence on March 2 and May 4. (Sorry, the second… Read More
Q&A 1491 – The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse indicated by Islamic flags?
Posted: May 7, 2017
I found a website proving that radical Islam is prophesized in the book of Revelations 6:1-8. Surely it cannot be a coincidence that the colors of the four horsemen of the apocalypse –… Read More
Crossing Denominational Lines, by Guy Hammond
Posted: May 4, 2017
In April, at the Unboxed Conference in Orlando, Florida, Guy Hammond, Executive Director of Strength in Weakness (SIW), spoke on the topic of “Crossing Denominational Lines” and our SIW volunteer,… Read More
OT46-Isaiah.mp3
Posted: May 1, 2017
For O.T. Lesson 46, Isaiah (25 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… Read More
The UNBOXED 2017 videos are available!
Posted: April 28, 2017
You don’t want to be the LAST person to watch the 2017 Videos… Grab a cup of coffee, sit down, buckle up and enjoy! Click here for this year’s presentations.
Q&A 1490 – The race to Mars: a waste of money?
Posted: April 28, 2017
What is your viewpoint on scientists’ attempt to land on Mars in order to search for signs of life? Is the exploration of Mars a progressive endeavour, or is it a waste of… Read More
Verge Network
Posted: April 25, 2017
An advocate and champion for movements of gospel-centered Missional Communities, Verge Network exists for church leaders, students, entrepreneurs, artists, urban innovators, business leaders, community development specialists, non-profit leaders, church planters… Read More
All is Dust and DNA by Jim Stump
Posted: April 14, 2017
Note: This article was originally published on February 18, 2015, at OnFaith. It is reprinted with permission. I grew up in what is sometimes called a “low church” tradition that didn’t… Read More
7 LAST SAYINGS OF JESUS ON THE CROSS
Posted: April 9, 2017
Sermon given on April 9, 2017 at the North River Church of Christ by Douglas. Click HERE for the notes accompanying the sermon.
What If My Husband Looks at Porn? by Kara Garis
Posted: April 8, 2017
It was such a kick to the stomach. A nauseating, heart-pounding kick. I remember staring, confused, at the computer screen. What exactly was he looking at, anyway? Is that what… Read More
NEVER Work like Elon Musk – Michael Hyatt
Posted: April 5, 2017
Elon Musk is widely regarded as one of the most influential entrepreneurs working today. He’s one of the founders of PayPal and the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX. He wants… Read More
“What am I supposed to do?”, by Geoff Surratt
Posted: March 14, 2017
I recently had a fascinating conversation with a sharp young leader, who had just returned from an amazing vacation in the Caribbean. The food, the scenery, the weather, the company;… Read More
Another Old Torah Found
Posted: March 8, 2017
Used by permission of John Clayton, Q1, 2017 Does God Exist In 1970 an ancient copy of the Torah was found in the Jewish village known as En-Gedi. It has recently… Read More
How the Entitlement Mentality Crept into our Churches, Thom Rainer
Posted: March 6, 2017
In 1974 Burger King made a bold move to take market share from McDonald’s. At the time, McDonald’s made burgers en masse. If you wanted a special order, you had… Read More
“Misquoting” Jesus? Answering Bart Ehrman – CBN.com
Posted: March 6, 2017
In Misquoting Jesus, the New York Times bestseller subtitled The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why, author Bart Ehrman fires a shot meant to sink the ship of… Read More
Our Mother Who Art In Heaven?
Posted: March 4, 2017
With the recent launch of The Shack movie, we are reminded of a whole mix of theological questions raised by the novel, and the problems of projecting the divine onto… Read More
Book Launch: When God Says “Wait” (Elizabeth Thompson)
Posted: March 2, 2017
My friend Elizabeth Laing Thompson has just released a new book, When God Says “Wait”: Navigating Life’s Detours and Delays Without Losing Your Faith, Your Friends, or Your Mind. We… Read More
Aliens & Strangers, by Brett Kreider
Posted: March 1, 2017
Part of my ministry as a teacher is to put excellent biblical material into the hands of Bible students — including those who teach. So I’m proud to recommend by friend… Read More
OT45-Proverbs 31 Woman & Man.mp3
Posted: March 1, 2017
For O.T. Lesson 45,The Proverbs 31 Woman — and Man (15 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click here and select “save link as” or… Read More
12 Reasons Millennials Are Over Church, by Sam Eaton
Posted: February 21, 2017
59 Percent of Millennials Raised in a Church Have Dropped Out—And They’re Trying to Tell Us Why Only 4 percent of the Millennial Generation are Bible-Based Believers. This means that… Read More
A 12th “Dead Sea scrolls cave” found. Or was it?
Posted: February 13, 2017
On Feb 8, 2017, Israeli and U.S. archaeologists announced they’d found compelling evidence for a 12th Dead Sea Scroll cave. This is the first such discovery in 60 years. Click here to… Read More
“Trump, Christianity, and Social Media” by Daniel Berk
Posted: February 3, 2017
This week, last week, and nearly every day since midway through 2015, I’ve observed a progressive and polarizing social media war between Christians, non-Christians, liberals, conservatives, men, women, black people,… Read More
CLEAN – podcast 31 (The Eternal Vision of Purity)
Posted: January 31, 2017
To listen to CLEAN podcast 31, Concluding Challenges (17 minutes), click on arrow. To download and listen later, right click here and choose ‘save target as’ or ‘save link as’. Introduction Last time we… Read More
JESUS: Legend, Liar, Lunatic, or Lord
Posted: January 30, 2017
Attached is a pdf of an abbreviated version of the PowerPoint. Jesus-LLLL For the text, please refer to the corresponding chapter in Compelling Evidence.
CLEAN – podcast 30 (Purity & Transformation in Christian Theology)
Posted: January 30, 2017
To listen to CLEAN podcast 30, Purity & Transformation in Christian Theology (12 minutes), click on arrow. To download and listen later, right click here and choose ‘save target as’ or ‘save link as’…. Read More
CLEAN – podcast 29 (Jesus’ Resurrection)
Posted: January 29, 2017
To listen to CLEAN podcast 29, Jesus’ Resurrection (7 minutes), click on arrow. To download and listen later, right click here and choose ‘save target as’ or ‘save link as’. Scriptural study: Luke 24:1-6; 1… Read More
CLEAN – podcast 23 (OT Saints of Matthew 27)
Posted: January 23, 2017
To listen to CLEAN podcast 23, The OT Saints of Matthew 27 (9 minutes), click on arrow. To download and listen later, right click here and choose ‘save target as’ or ‘save link as’. Introduction… Read More
CLEAN – podcast 22 (Reanimated by Elisha’s Bones)
Posted: January 22, 2017
To listen to CLEAN podcast 22, The Man Reanimated by Elisha’s Bones (6 minutes), click on arrow. To download and listen later, right click here and choose ‘save target as’ or ‘save link as’. Introduction The… Read More
CLEAN – podcast 19 (The House Swept Clean)
Posted: January 19, 2017
To listen to CLEAN podcast 19, The House Swept Clean (7 minutes), click on arrow. To download and listen later, right click here and choose ‘save target as’ or ‘save link as’. Context (A) Luke… Read More
CLEAN – podcast 12b (32), The Leper (Kevin Agot)
Posted: January 12, 2017
Here’s a guest podcast, The Leper, by Kevin Agot, who lives in the Washington DC area. I hope you enjoy it! To start the podcast (6 minutes), click on the… Read More
CLEAN – podcast 12a (the Leper of Mark 1)
Posted: January 12, 2017
To listen to CLEAN podcast 12a, The Leper of Mark 1 (11 minutes), click on arrow. To download and listen later, right click here and choose ‘save target as’ or ‘save link as’…. Read More
CLEAN – podcast 11 (the 10 lepers of Luke 17)
Posted: January 11, 2017
To hear podcast 11, The 10 Lepers (10 minutes), click on the play arrow. Or, to download, right click here, and choose ‘save target as’ or ‘save link as’. Introduction… Read More
Q&A 1478 – Is Survivalism Christian?
Posted: January 10, 2017
What about survivalism? Are these people on the right track biblically? Can Christians be “survivalists”? Survivalism as a popular movement is well worth understanding, especially as some Christians are attracted to… Read More
CLEAN – podcast 5 (Walking in the Light)
Posted: January 5, 2017
For CLEAN podcast 5, on Walking in the Light, click the play arrow. The podcast (14 minutes) can also be downloaded. To listen later, download by right clicking here, and ‘save target… Read More
CLEAN – podcast 4 (Purity in James-Peter-John)
Posted: January 4, 2017
For CLEAN podcast 4, on Purity in James, Peter, & John, click on the play arrow. The podcast (14 minutes) can also be downloaded. To download, right click here and… Read More
CLEAN – podcast 3 (Purity in Paul)
Posted: January 3, 2017
For CLEAN podcast 3, on Purity in Paul, click on the play arrow. The podcast (12 minutes) can also be downloaded. To download and listen later, right click here and choose… Read More
CLEAN – podcast 2 (Purity in Proverbs)
Posted: January 2, 2017
This is the second of 31 podcasts in the CLEAN series, Purity in Proverbs. To listen now, click on the arrow (8 minutes). To download and listen later, right click here and… Read More
CLEAN – podcast 1 (Cleansing & Purity in Psalms)
Posted: January 1, 2017
The first of 31 podcasts, Purity in Psalms, launches the CLEAN series. The first section of our series (5 podcasts) focuses on Purity & Cleansing (in both testaments). To listen… Read More
OT44-Job.mp3
Posted: January 1, 2017
For O.T. Lesson 44, Job (33 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… Read More
CLEAN – PODCAST 0 – Listen to this podcast first
Posted: December 31, 2016
This podcast (7 minutes) explains the purpose of the CLEAN series. To listen now, click on arrow. To download and listen later, right click here and ‘save target as’ or… Read More
The Bible vs. other Religious books—SLC*—28/11/2017
Posted: November 28, 2016
OPENING OBSERVATIONS The similarities (ultimate truth, longing for the holy) are greatly outweighed by the differences (God, goal, salvation…) General Revelation & Special Revelation Special Scripture (Bible) The person of… Read More
Nietzsche: God is Dead, and other views
Posted: November 16, 2016
Listen to a podcast on The Life and Thought of Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche (32 mins). Click on the play arrow. To listen later, right click here and click on ‘save link… Read More
A Transgender Person: Coming to YOUR Church Soon! by Guy Hammond
Posted: November 6, 2016
The phone rings, and I pick up. “Hello.” A panicked voice blurts out “Is Guy Hammond there?” “This is Guy, who’s this?” “My name is Henry James (not his real… Read More
Bercot lessons at YouTube
Posted: November 3, 2016
Listen to David Bercot’s lessons (Scroll Publishing) through its YouTube channel. Here’s the link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL6qGDn7Nnd84-UgURpw8Dw Description Welcome to the Scroll Publishing YouTube channel. We are a small publisher of Christian books… Read More
Walls of “Jesus’ Tomb” Exposed for the First Time in Centuries
Posted: November 2, 2016
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/walls-jesus-tomb-exposed-first-time-centuries-180960953/?utm_source=smithsoniandaily&no-ist
OT43-Esther & Mordecai.mp3
Posted: November 1, 2016
For O.T. Lesson 43, Esther & Mordecai (22 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
Kidneys in the Bible
Posted: October 12, 2016
The following appears in the abstract of Garabed Eknoyan, The Kidneys in the Bible: What Happened? The abstract is available at http://jasn.asnjournals.org/content/16/12/3464.full. “The kidneys are mentioned… sometimes in direct connection… Read More
Creation / Evolution reading
Posted: October 12, 2016
Although a non-scientist, since the 1970s I have read over 50 books on biological origins, as well as scores of scientific articles. Here are (in my opinion) some of the… Read More
Animated Audiovisual Bible
Posted: October 4, 2016
https://jointhebibleproject.com/about/ This is an animated audiovisual Bible. One episode typically summarizes a book of the Bible—in part or in whole—in 6-8 minutes. It’s very well done.
“The Day of the Lord” – sermon, Sunday, August 28, 2016
Posted: September 8, 2016
Given at the North River Church of Christ, Marietta, GA, USA. Based on Amos 5.
OT42-Ezra & Nehemiah.mp3
Posted: September 1, 2016
For O.T. Lesson 42, Ezra & Nehemiah (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
Supreme Court Wrestles with Lesbian Adoptions (by John Clayton)
Posted: August 23, 2016
Used with permission by John Clayton, of Does God Exist? On March 7, 2016, the Supreme Court reversed Alabama’s refusal to recognize same-sex adoption, saying that same-sex couples cannot be… Read More
Q&A 1461 – Should I work for a company producing weapons?
Posted: August 10, 2016
I am considering a job offer from a company whose parent company is involved in the weapons industry. This obviously raised some questions for me as a Christian. On the one… Read More
Q&A 1460 – Muhammad prophesied in the Bible?
Posted: August 1, 2016
I happened to watch a video by a Muslim apologist. He claims that the Comforter mentioned in the Bible [in John 14] is Muhammad, and that he is also mentioned in… Read More
A great new thing: COME & STAY
Posted: July 27, 2016
If you are traveling (anywhere in the world) and would like to stay with devoted disciples of Christ, consider supporting the creation a brand new platform: Come & Stay. Hundreds… Read More
Response to terror attack in France (Bastille Day 2016)
Posted: July 16, 2016
I asked a French brother how he felt about the terror attack on Nice, 14 July 2016 (Bastille Day). His response: While I’m truly grateful that no one I know… Read More
Don’t Listen to Guy!!
Posted: July 6, 2016
Guy Hammond’s ‘Strength in Weakness’ ministry is not without opposition. Click here to see some of the backlash.
OT41-Josiah.mp3
Posted: July 1, 2016
For O.T. Lesson 41, Josiah (25 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… Read More
La Bible, Mythe ou Réalité par Douglas Jacoby/The Bible, Myth or Reality?
Posted: June 21, 2016
Message done in Brussels, Belgium on June 19, 2016 Question & Answer session that followed
The “M” Word
Posted: June 16, 2016
Issue 69 • June 2016 Are There Health Benefits to Masturbation? [Video] Matt Fradd • Since the days of psychologists like Sigmund Freud and Alfred Kinsey, people picture the sexual impulse as… Read More
What Can We Learn From the Deadliest Shooting in U.S. History?
Posted: June 13, 2016
What Can We Learn From Deadliest Mass Shooting in U.S. History? June 12, 2016, by Jon Sherwood In what has become a far too common occurrence in recent American history,… Read More
Are Christian converts seeking asylum getting a raw deal?
Posted: June 6, 2016
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-36430880
OT40-Manasseh.mp3
Posted: May 1, 2016
For O.T. Lesson 40, Manasseh (24 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download podcast” and select “save link as” or “save target as”… Read More
The Structure of the Old Testament
Posted: April 18, 2016
Here are a lesson and notes on The Structure of the Old Testament (46 minutes). Download it from here. To download the podcast, right click on the download link, and choose “save target… Read More
Miracles of the Messiah
Posted: April 16, 2016
Sunday Message at North River Church of Christ – April 10, 2016 http://bit.ly/1Sho5NH
Christians, Politics and Social Media – Part 1
Posted: March 29, 2016
Article by Daniel C. Berk. Click here to read.
Q&A 1446 – Jesus and protesting
Posted: March 28, 2016
A disciple recently posted this article. https://sojo.net/articles/jesus-was-protester. I’m not sure why, but it bothered me. What do you think about it? Interesting… Yesterday I passed a group of protesters — in front of… Read More
What God Has Joined Together
Posted: March 17, 2016
For an excellent article by David Instone-Brewer on the topic of Divorce & Remarriage, click here.
Divorce and Remarriage: A scholar’s take on the ancient issues
Posted: March 17, 2016
To read this article, please click here.
Things You Don’t Talk About in Church – J. Robbins
Posted: March 9, 2016
Greetings, The Jacksonville Church recently wrapped up a sermon series called Taboo Topics; Things You Don’t Talk About in Church. The series tackled some very sensitive issues and was meant to… Read More
OT39-Uzziah.mp3
Posted: March 1, 2016
For O.T. Lesson 39, Uzziah (16 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… Read More
Christian Education
Posted: February 25, 2016
Here are two links containing schools, colleges and universities affiliated with Churches of Christ and the Christian Churches: http://kingstonchurchofchrist.com/christian-education/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_universities_and_colleges_affiliated_with_the_Christian_churches_and_churches_of_Christ
Nehemiah 8 – “How’s Your Biblical Stamina?” – Douglas Jacoby
Posted: February 17, 2016
Sermon done on Nehemiah 8, at North River Church of Christ, on February 14, 2016.
The Twain Shall Meet – Science & Religion
Posted: February 9, 2016
New York Times article on science and religion http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/14/books/review/the-twain-shall-meet.html?_r=0
9 Sins the Church is Okay With
Posted: February 4, 2016
Are we changing the Bible to fit our culture or are we changing our culture to fit the Bible? http://www.faithit.com/9-sins-the-church-is-okay-with/
A Disciplined Life – Proverbs 31
Posted: January 31, 2016
You made it! You have reached the finish line. You persevered, demonstrating the stick-to-itiveness so often commended in Proverbs. Here’s the final podcast in A Disciplined Life (16 minutes). Click the play button… Read More
A Disciplined Life – Proverbs 30
Posted: January 30, 2016
Listen to lesson 30 in A Disciplined Life (17 minutes) by clicking on the play arrow. You can also download it by right-clicking here and listen later on. Salient points: Vs.3-4 –… Read More
A Disciplined Life – Proverbs 29
Posted: January 29, 2016
Learn more about A Disciplined Life as you listen to lesson 29 (19 minutes) in the series. Click on the arrow to play now or download by right-clicking here to listen later…. Read More
A Disciplined Life – Proverbs 28
Posted: January 28, 2016
Lesson 28 from A Disciplined Life (13 minutes) is now ready. Click the play arrow, or to listen later, download it by right-clicking here and saving it. Salient points: Here is the… Read More
A Disciplined Life – Proverbs 27
Posted: January 27, 2016
The twenty-seventh lesson in our series (17 minutes) can be downloaded by right-clicking here or listened to immediately by clicking on the play arrow. Salient points: Don’t boast about tomorrow (v.1). See… Read More
Thriving Beyond the Margins — A Resource That Every Christian NEEDS
Posted: January 26, 2016
Help for Christians who are helping their gay friends. A resource that every Christian needs in their library! Are you studying the Bible with someone who is gay? Where should… Read More
A Disciplined Life – Proverbs 26
Posted: January 26, 2016
This is our 26th lesson from Proverbs on A Disciplined Life (16 minutes). Listen now by clicking on arrow or download and save by right-clicking here. Salient points: The first section of this… Read More
A Disciplined Life – Proverbs 25
Posted: January 25, 2016
Listen to A Disciplined Life lesson 25 (16 minutes) by clicking on the play arrow. Or download it and save by right-clicking here. Salient points: Note on v.1: the compilation of… Read More
A Disciplined Life – Proverbs 24
Posted: January 24, 2016
To hear today’s podcast (17 minutes), click on the arrow. If you want to listen to it later, download it by right-clicking here and save it. Salient points: When others are… Read More
A Disciplined Life – Proverbs 23
Posted: January 23, 2016
Click on the play arrow to hear lesson 23 in the series (15 minutes). Alternatively, you can download it by right-clicking here. Salient points: There’s a connection between insatiable appetite for… Read More
A Disciplined Life – Proverbs 22
Posted: January 22, 2016
Lesson 22 in the series A Disciplined Life (13 minutes) is available for download by right-clicking here, or for immediate listening by clicking on the play arrow. Salient points: Reputation is… Read More
A Disciplined Life – Proverbs 21
Posted: January 21, 2016
Listen to A Disciplined Life 21 (length 17 minutes) by clicking on the play arrow below. If you prefer to download it, right-click here and save it. Salient points: V.1 alludes… Read More
A Disciplined Life – Proverbs 20
Posted: January 20, 2016
Click on the arrow to listen to the podcast (21 minutes), or download it by right-clicking here. Salient points: Beware alcoholism (v.1). Indiscipline (v.4) cannot wait, or pace itself…. Read More
A Disciplined Life – Proverbs 19
Posted: January 19, 2016
Click the arrow for the podcast (16 minutes), or download it by right-clicking here. Reading advice: Keep noticing how sayings are related, if only loosely. Notice how themes introduced in previous… Read More
A Disciplined Life – Proverbs 18
Posted: January 18, 2016
Listen to podcast 18 in our series (14 minutes) by clicking on the arrow below. You can also download it by right-clicking here. Salient points: Fools enjoy conversation but do not… Read More
A Disciplined Life – Proverbs 17
Posted: January 17, 2016
Listen to the next lesson (15 minutes) by clicking the arrow, or download A Disciplined Life 17 for later listening by right-clicking here. Salient points: It can be painful when the… Read More
A Disciplined Life – Proverbs 16
Posted: January 16, 2016
Listen to the middle lesson of our 31-part series on A Disciplined Life: A Study of Proverbs (16 minutes). Or download it by right-clicking here and listen later. Salient points: Judging… Read More
A Disciplined Life – Proverbs 15
Posted: January 15, 2016
Today’s podcast (13 minutes) comes from Proverbs 15. Download it by right-clicking here or listen to it immediately by clicking on the arrow. Salient points: When someone becomes angry with me,… Read More
A Disciplined Life – Proverbs 14
Posted: January 14, 2016
Listen to the podcast (17 minutes) by clicking on the arrow, or else download & listen later by right-clicking it here, and saving it. Salient points: Productive and counterproductive — the… Read More
A Disciplined Life – Proverbs 13
Posted: January 13, 2016
Listen to another lesson on the Disciplined Life (or download it by right-clicking it here). The podcast is 15 minutes long. Salient points: Undisciplined people are usually not good with… Read More
A Disciplined Life – Proverbs 12
Posted: January 12, 2016
This podcast is the twelfth in our series on disciplined living. Its duration is 14 minutes. Click the arrow to hear it now, or else download it by right-clicking here to… Read More
A Disciplined Life – Proverbs 11
Posted: January 11, 2016
For the 11th lesson in our series on discipline (16 minutes), click on the play arrow. If you want to save and listen later, right-click here. Salient points: The Lord detests… Read More
What to Do When your Boss Asks You to Break the Rules
Posted: January 10, 2016
See the helpful article at the Harvard Business Review, 7 January 2016, by Peter T. Coleman and Robert Ferguson. CLICK HERE.
A Disciplined Life – Proverbs 10
Posted: January 10, 2016
Lesson 10 in our Proverbs series (19 minutes) can be downloaded by right-clicking here, or listened to immediately by clicking on the play arrow: Scholarly background: This is the first chapter… Read More
Proverbs on Politics, Power & Governance
Posted: January 9, 2016
Politics in Proverbs (selected) In 2015, while studying the Proverbs on a visit to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, I was struck with just how many of them are political in… Read More
A Disciplined Life – Proverbs 9
Posted: January 9, 2016
Click the play arrow to hear the lesson (8 minutes), or download it and listen later by right-clicking here. Salient points: Multiple voices vie for our attention. Wisdom calls us to… Read More
A Disciplined Life – Proverbs 8
Posted: January 8, 2016
Listen to lesson 8 in our series (17 minutes) by clicking the play arrow below. If you prefer, you can download it and listen later by right-clicking here. Salient points: Wisdom… Read More
A Disciplined Life – Proverbs 7
Posted: January 7, 2016
Click on the arrow to play the seventh lesson in the series on Disciplined Life (13 minutes). Or you can download the lesson by right-clicking here, and play it later…. Read More
A Disciplined Life – Proverbs 6
Posted: January 5, 2016
Hear below the lesson from Proverbs 6 on living the disciplined life (17 minutes). Click on arrow to play now, or download it and listen later by right-clicking here. Salient points:… Read More
CLEAN – podcast 5
Posted: January 5, 2016
For CLEAN podcast 5, on Purity \, click on the play arrow. The podcast (12 minutes) can also be downloaded. Download here. for Challenge Thought q [Tomorrow: Purity in the… Read More
A Disciplined Life – Proverbs 5
Posted: January 4, 2016
To hear the lesson from Proverbs 5 on disciplined living (16 minutes), click on the arrow. Or download and listen to it later by right-clicking here. Salient points: The wayward woman… Read More
A Disciplined Life – Proverbs 4
Posted: January 4, 2016
To hear the lesson from Proverbs 4 (14 minutes), click on the arrow below. Or you can download it and listen later by right-clicking here. Salient points: Training instills obedience. Jesus… Read More
A Disciplined Life – Proverbs 3
Posted: January 3, 2016
To hear the lesson from Proverbs 3 (20 minutes) click on the arrow. Or you can download it and listen later by right-clicking here. Salient points: Keeping the commands in our… Read More
A Disciplined Life – Proverbs 2
Posted: January 2, 2016
To listen to the lesson from Proverbs 2 (13 minutes), click on arrow below. Or download it and listen later by right-clicking here. Some salient points: Wisdom is a true treasure…. Read More
OT38-Hezekiah.mp3
Posted: January 1, 2016
For O.T. Lesson 38, Hezekiah (30 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… Read More
A Disciplined Life – Proverbs 1
Posted: December 31, 2015
Proverbs 1 (15 minutes) – please listen below by clicking on arrow or download it to listen later by right-clicking here. Some salient points: Purpose of Proverbs: to help us to… Read More
A Disciplined Life—Intro & Responses
Posted: December 30, 2015
This podcast (8 minutes) will introduce you to the Proverbs Podcast series. This podcast covers the preface to Proverbs (1:1-7), and explains how the thought behind the Disciplined Life series…. Read More
Responses to the Paradigm Shift series
Posted: December 6, 2015
Here is an assortment of comments on the Paradigm Series, sent in from all over the world (Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Australia). We have edited some of them… Read More