Latest Posts

Q&A 0091 – In grave three days?

Posted: July 4, 2005

According to Matthew 12:40, "the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth" (NIV). Now if Jesus was crucified on Friday (the… Read More

Q&A 0090 – Mark 9:38-41 and Luke 11:23

Posted: July 2, 2005

A question that I’ve asked a few people, but have never truly understood is this: In Mark 9:38-41, there is a situation where the disciples tell a man who is… Read More

Q&A 0089 – Jesus and the eastern peoples

Posted: June 30, 2005

Let me start by thanking God for a brother like you, educated in world religions. I came to the US in 1979 from Pakistan. My family are all Muslim. I… Read More

Q&A 0088 – First humans?

Posted: June 28, 2005

Can you please shed some light onto the biblical account of the first people to inhabit the earth? Who were the people Cain was so worried about (Genesis 4:14)? Where… Read More

Q&A 0087 – People of whom Cain was fearful?

Posted: June 26, 2005

Who are the people feared by Cain in Genesis 4:14 and acknowledged by God in Genesis 4:15? At the time, were Adam, Eve and Cain the only people on earth?… Read More

The Anatomy of a Hybrid

Posted: June 25, 2005

An extremely thought provoking book, one that students of church history will be sure to want to read, is Leonard Verduin’s THE ANATOMY OF A HYBRID: A STUDY IN CHURCH-STATE… Read More

Q&A 0086 – Kingdom

Posted: June 24, 2005

How does one tell when the Kingdom actually comes? Jesus speaks of it in present tense in scriptures like Luke 11:20, and in Acts, no one ever says anything to… Read More

Q&A 0085 – Led into temptation?

Posted: June 22, 2005

In Matthew 6:13, Jesus prays that God "lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." Why would he pray this, if God cannot tempt us? –… Read More

Q&A 0084 – Incarnation

Posted: June 20, 2005

Which passages would you use to show Jesus is God (in the flesh) and what would you say in support of those passages. — Steve Granger (London) One of the… Read More

Q&A 0083 – Reaching Jews

Posted: June 18, 2005

What is the most effective way to share the gospel with/study the Bible with someone who is Jewish — grew up going to synagogue etc. in the United States? Would… Read More

Ministry Staff and a Baseball Analogy, by Gordon Ferguson [2005]

Posted: June 17, 2005

Our Current Movement Dilemma In the past two years [2003-2005], the changes in our movement have been monumental. Many of these changes have occurred in organizational areas, at the level… Read More

Q&A 0082 – After death

Posted: June 16, 2005

If our final destination is determined upon reaching Hades, why would salvation judgement not occur immediately following physical death? Why should it take place when Christ returns? When does the… Read More

Sermon on the Mount, by Glenn Giles

Posted: June 15, 2005

Download the PDF by clicking here.

Q&A 0081 – Eldership

Posted: June 14, 2005

I read in Titus 1:6 that a man has to have children who believe in order to be considered for eldership. I take this to mean that his children have… Read More

Q&A 0080 – Elders and marriage

Posted: June 12, 2005

In a recent bible study on elders and deacons, I got hung up on a scripture about how an elder “…must be the husband of but one wife…” I wondered… Read More

NET Bible now available for e-sword software

Posted: June 12, 2005

You can now get the NET Bible for the free software from www.e-sword.net. See the link below. http://www.bible.org/default.asp?scid=3

Q&A 0079 – Polygamy?

Posted: June 10, 2005

Are there disciples in Africa who are married to more than one person, and if so, how is that biblical? Yes, I once shared a taxi ride with a member… Read More

Leadership meetings: Of what did they consist? – by Glenn Giles

Posted: June 9, 2005

Download the .pdf (97.3 KB)

Q&A 0078 – John’s baptism?

Posted: June 8, 2005

What purpose did the baptism by John and the other disciples serve before Jesus’ death and resurrection? — Jamie Janus In John 3:22 and John 4:2, the Bible says that… Read More

2005 ITS and BST : Athens, Greece

Posted: June 7, 2005

ATHENS 2005 — ITS & BST PROGRAMS If you’re contemplating coming to Athens for the 11th annual International Teachers’ Seminar (2-4 November) and/or the Athens & Corinth Biblical Study Tour… Read More

Q&A 0077 – Baptism

Posted: June 6, 2005

John 4:1-2 mentions that Jesus disciples were baptizing, but Jesus had not yet died and been resurrected. So were they applying a form of the baptism of John? Did those… Read More

Rogue Valley Church of Christ Begins (Southern Oregon)

Posted: June 4, 2005

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin.” ‘ Zechariah 4:10 The Rogue Valley Church of Christ took off on May 1st for… Read More

Q&A 0076 – Baptism and the “name”

Posted: June 4, 2005

In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commanded his disciples to baptise the new disciples in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, but in Acts… Read More

Q&A 0075 – Why did speaking in tongues disappear?

Posted: June 2, 2005

I’ve been studying out different religious doctrines for a while. One that I am looking for a stronger answer to is the practice of speaking in tongues. It’s evident that… Read More

Q&A 0074 – Tongues today?

Posted: May 31, 2005

Could I hear your take (biblically) on speaking in tongues and why this is not practiced in the churches where I worship today? My other question is on the offices… Read More

Dallas report, 15 May 2005

Posted: May 29, 2005

Submitted by DFW Church of Christ On a recent visit May 14-15, 2005, Douglas Jacoby inspired the Dallas disciples to cast off old ways of thinking and challenged them to… Read More

Q&A 0073 – Counterfeit miracles

Posted: May 29, 2005

There’s a fellow on my ship who is a charismatic. He has real life experiences with miracles, including one instance with his wife. She had developed these bumps of some… Read More

Q&A 0072 – Holy Spirit – Acts 10

Posted: May 27, 2005

I have a question about baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. There are certainly numerous accounts in the Bible indicating that baptism is an integral part of… Read More

Q&A 0071 – 1 Corinthians 7:14

Posted: May 25, 2005

In 1 Corinthians 7:14, what does the word "sanctified" mean? Does it mean "saved"? Can an unbelieving spouse be saved through the believing spouse? –Jeanette (Phoenix) I believe Paul is simply urging… Read More

Q&A 0070—Unschooled and ordinary men?

Posted: May 23, 2005

Concerning your observation that “a number of paid ministers consider continuing education to be optional,” I believe it is important to remember that Jesus was never “educated” (John 7:15), and… Read More

Q&A 0069 – Pauline authorship

Posted: May 21, 2005

I wanted to know what you thought about the authorship of some of the NT books traditionally accepted as written by Paul. For instance, some scholars state that the books… Read More

Acts 2:38 and Understanding Purpose

Posted: May 20, 2005

Click to read this article by Douglas. Acts 238 and Understanding Purpose

Q&A 0068 – Jericho

Posted: May 19, 2005

I’ve been taught that at the time the Israelites would have come upon Jericho, it was little more than an unfortified, and very sparsely populated town, whereas the biblical account… Read More

Q&A 0067 – Did God create evil?

Posted: May 17, 2005

Since God created everything, did He create evil? I refuse to believe that, but I am left with no other thoughts; I am not a struggling disciple, and no matter… Read More

Israeli-Palestinian Speaking Tour, by Aziz Sarah

Posted: May 17, 2005

US Tour by Aziz Abu Sarah It’s been two weeks since I have got back from the USA trip. I traveled around the East Coast. I was invited by different… Read More

Q&A 0066 – Theodicy

Posted: May 15, 2005

The following question comes from a relative who I would like to help more: "Why would a God who is omnipresent omnipotent and all-loving create people when He knows such… Read More

Q&A 0065 – Deaconesses?

Posted: May 13, 2005

In 1 Timothy 3 the scripture talks about the standard of appointing a man as deacon. Appointing women as deaconesses was not mentioned in the scripture. Why? Is it a matter of… Read More

Q&A 0064 – The abomination that causes desolation

Posted: May 11, 2005

What exactly is the abomination that causes desolation? — Kathy Ofallon (Boston) I believe you are referring to Jesus’ prophecy in Matthew 24:15 (Mark 13:14), which is a reference back… Read More

Q&A 0063 – Iron and clay in Daniel 2:43

Posted: May 9, 2005

In Daniel 2:43, Daniel explains that the toes of the statue King Nebuchadnezzar dreamed of were partly iron and partly clay, meaning that the people of that kingdom would be… Read More

Q&A 0062 – E-mail from a dead Mormon!

Posted: May 7, 2005

I had an online Mormon friend, a woman supposedly dying of cancer. I tried sharing the gospel with her, yet it went nowhere. She kept trying to get me to… Read More

Q&A 0061 – JWs and quarreling

Posted: May 5, 2005

I have been advised that it is pretty useless studying with Jehovah’s Witnesses because they are stubborn and nothing will eventuate. Surely there has to be an effective way to… Read More

Douglas Jacoby’s Teaching Weekend in Jamaica, by Camille Taylor

Posted: May 4, 2005

by Camille Taylor, member of the Kingston Church of Christ The members of the Kingston Church of Christ were treated to faith-building lessons and presentations conducted by Douglas Jacoby during… Read More

Churches Under Fire

Posted: May 3, 2005

From Christianity Today, May 2005, p. 21 “For the third year in a row, NORTH KOREA has been named the worst persecutor of Christians, according to OPEN DOORS INTERNATIONAL’s ‘World… Read More

Q&A 0060 – JWs and the Kingdom

Posted: May 3, 2005

Jehovah’s Witnesses claim that the Kingdom of God (invisible, apparently) is already here and it is not the church. Are there different definitions of "the Kingdom," and if so which… Read More

Q&A 0059 – Jehovah’s Witnesses and blood transfusions

Posted: May 1, 2005

The Jehovah’s Witnesses forbid blood transfusion and quoted a scripture in Acts 15 to support their stance. I read that verse and it just mentioned “blood.” Taking into context the… Read More

Q&A 0058 – Hebrews 8: Bible teaching unnecessary?

Posted: April 29, 2005

Does Hebrews 8:10-11 mean that we will no longer have to teach people the Bible because they’ll already know the Lord? — Joanne Gross (Cincinnati) Not at all! Hebrews 8… Read More

Proverbs 22:6 Reconsidered

Posted: April 28, 2005

ABTrain up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it…. Read More

Q&A 0057 – An evil spirit from God?

Posted: April 27, 2005

In 1 Samuel 19:9 and 16:14 it states that an evil spirit from the Lord came upon Saul, and in James 1:13 it states God does not tempt anyone. How… Read More

A HELPFUL CONCEPT: COOPERATION WITH GOD, by Gordon Ferguson

Posted: April 26, 2005

A concept is a general idea that encompasses a set of specifics. Another way of describing it is to say it involves getting the big picture of a topic by… Read More

Self-Starters and the rest of Mankind, by Gordon Ferguson

Posted: April 26, 2005

I recently had an experience and an insight from it that may be very significant to the way we are leading the church. The recent experience was going through the… Read More

Q&A 0056 – Enemies

Posted: April 25, 2005

I’m curious about how to reconcile Jesus’ attitude towards enemies with the Old Testament’s. Further, I’m curious how a Christian is to view the maintenance of a standing army to protect… Read More

Q&A 0055 – Baptizing disciples

Posted: April 23, 2005

Lots of people talk about "baptizing disciples." And yet aren’t disciples already Christians? How can this be? This is a very common question. Let me share some relevant thoughts. Baptizing disciples? As you are aware,… Read More

Q&A 0054 – Predestination

Posted: April 21, 2005

From the Bible, I know that Jacob and Esau were sons of Isaac, but God chose Jacob to be one of the ancestors of Jesus’ ‘line’. After Jacob, I know… Read More

The Sins of a Failed Leadership, by Glenn Giles

Posted: April 20, 2005

The Gospel of Matthew seems to be structured around five major discourses of Jesus. As such, Matthew 23 would come at the end of the last (fifth) narrative and immediately… Read More

Q&A 0053 – Faithless prayers and changes of heart

Posted: April 19, 2005

Can a person’s lack of faith prevent someone else from becoming a Christian? And will God – prompted by faithful prayers – change the heart of a person that is… Read More

The Da Vinci Code

Posted: April 18, 2005

So far, Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code is one of the most popular, and controversial, books of the new century. It is gripping, fast moving, and (to me) well… Read More

Q&A 0052 – Papacy

Posted: April 17, 2005

A friend of mine justified the office of the papacy by referring to the office of the "keybearer "in Isaiah 22:22ff.  The keybearer was a successive office which had authority… Read More

Q&A 0051 – Levels of reward

Posted: April 15, 2005

You mentioned that there are varying degrees of punishment regarding non-disciples, which I think is true (Luke 12:47-48), but you then used Matthew 6:20 and Philippians 4:17 to argue in… Read More

Q&A 0050 – Unwholesome Talk

Posted: April 13, 2005

Ephesians 4:29 says “Don’t let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth…” Is the usage of slang words like “gosh” and “gee” unwholesome, or is it profanity (Exodus 20:7)?… Read More

Q&A 0049 – Sins leading to death

Posted: April 11, 2005

In 1 John 5:16-17, the author writes that there are some sins that lead to death and others that do not. I have always believed that all sin – any… Read More

Q&A 0048 – Miscellaneous questions from Genesis 1-11

Posted: April 9, 2005

Were Adam and Eve the only humans God (personally directly) created? Cain went out a got a wife later he built a city etc. Where did these people come from?… Read More

Q&A 0047 – Who were the Nephilim?

Posted: April 7, 2005

Who were the Nephilim? The term literally means "the fallen ones." Some say they were a race of giants, the offspring of angels and women, to which Goliath and Lahmi… Read More

Q&A 0046 – Commentaries

Posted: April 5, 2005

It would be great if Dr. Jacoby could recommend a book or commentary or two on each book in the Bible, plus some general dictionaries, etc. There are so many… Read More

Frequently Used Hebrew Words, by Glenn Giles

Posted: April 4, 2005

The attached paper is devoted to a study of the most frequently used Hebrew words in the OT. A final chapter will be devoted to a critical appraisal of the… Read More

Q&A 0045 – Are children who die automatically saved?

Posted: April 3, 2005

We know from 1 Peter 2 that all Christians have come into the light from the darkness. At what point does a child enter into darkness? If it is at… Read More

Q&A 0044 – Canonization

Posted: April 1, 2005

Can you recommend a book of the history of the Bible? I mean how it was decided which books and letters were the Bible? How do I know which scriptures (like… Read More

Report on Jacoby visit to East London church, by Ugo Ahunanya

Posted: April 1, 2005

18-20th March 2005 The content of the recent teaching weekend was excellent. The congregation needed doctrinal clarity on the Holy Spirit, and how to apply and live out Spirit-filled lives… Read More

Toward a Biblical Theology of Salvation, by Glenn Giles

Posted: March 31, 2005

Available Download: Article (.pdf – 492k)

Q&A 0043 – Negative claims about the truth of the Bible

Posted: March 30, 2005

One time I stopped and was talking to a girl taking some philosophy and religion courses at the University of Calgary. She’s studying the first century church and doubts the… Read More

1st Century Messianic Movements, by Glenn Giles

Posted: March 29, 2005

The purpose of this paper is to determine bona fide messianic movements of the first century. Many have written articles using the term “messianic” or “messianic movement,” but few seem… Read More

Q&A 0042 – The Apocrypha

Posted: March 28, 2005

What are the specific reasons (e.g. scriptural contradictions) that we can cite from Scripture or other sources, that show that the Apocrypha is not inspired by the Holy Spirit? Again,… Read More

The Resurrection

Posted: March 27, 2005

EASTER LESSON 2005: Easter commemorates the resurrection of Christ. It also tells us about our own resurrection. WHAT RESURRECTION ISN’T:(1) The afterlife. Many believe in an afterlife who deny the… Read More

Q&A 0041 – Salvation under the Old Covenant

Posted: March 26, 2005

What has always puzzled me is the salvation of the righteous under the old covenant. How were Moses Abraham David et al. forgiven? If through faith in Christ looking forward… Read More

AN EXEGETICAL EXPOSITION OF DEUTERONOMY 6:4-9

Posted: March 25, 2005

THE SHEMA’: THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD AS THE GROUND FOR THE FAITHFULNESS OF MAN: AN EXEGETICAL EXPOSITION OF DEUTERONOMY 6:4-9 BY GLENN W. GILES March 3, 2005 To read the… Read More

Q&A 0040 – General and Special Revelation

Posted: March 24, 2005

How can I help my Hindu friend see the way Christianity builds on top of the foundational truths that most religions share? [Condensation of longer question] — Dave McKay (Bloomington,… Read More

Q&A 0039 – Archaeology

Posted: March 22, 2005

Associate Professor Zeev Herzog (Tel-Aviv University, Department of Archaeology & Near Eastern Studies) wrote an article in the renowned Ha’aretz magazine on Oct 29, 1999. I would like to know… Read More

Q&A 0038 – Extrabiblical history

Posted: March 20, 2005

Can you suggest some good study material for events that happened in the first century that are not recorded in the Bible. i.e. Destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem, Paul’s… Read More

Q&A 0037 – Sabbath

Posted: March 18, 2005

What is the truth behind the 4th Commandment on the Sabbath? If Saturday is the 7th day, and the Sabbath, why do we not worship on Saturday? If we observe… Read More

Q&A 0036 – Who’s reporting?

Posted: March 16, 2005

When the New Testament talks about what happens and explains people’s heart and motives is it because that a disciple was there with them or what? For example take Matthew… Read More

Q&A 0035 – Gifts of the Spirit

Posted: March 14, 2005

I have always been troubled by Acts 8:14-19. One explanation I have been told is that the Holy Spirit discussed here means only the miraculous gifts of the Spirit, and… Read More

Q&A 0034 – Purified by Faith?

Posted: March 12, 2005

In Acts 15:9, in referring to Cornelius, Peter said that God "purified their hearts by faith." No one has ever used that scripture with me to justify forgiveness of sins… Read More

Book recommendations on healing and spiritual formation

Posted: March 10, 2005

This books list is related to past challenges, healing, and spiritual formation. Baile, Gil, Violence Unveiled, New York: Crossroad Publishing, 1992. This landmark work on how conflict emerges in communities… Read More

Q&A 0033 – Paul filled with the Spirit?

Posted: March 10, 2005

You said on page 212 of The Spirit that Ananias laid his hands on Paul so that he would receive his sight, but Acts 9:17 also says "and be filled… Read More

Golden Rule “Followership,” by Gordon Ferguson

Posted: March 8, 2005

Co-authoring a book like Golden Rule Leadership has been a daunting task. Which of us thinks we have perfected Jesus’ style of leading? Certainly not Wyndham or I. Our primary… Read More

Q&A 0032 – Was Paul’s apostleship a special version? How did he get it?

Posted: March 8, 2005

Was Paul’s apostleship a special version? How did he get it? Paul was not one of the original 12 disciples of Christ, a fact his critics made much of. Yes,… Read More

Q&A 0031 – What about the prophecy of Joel 2:28-32?

Posted: March 6, 2005

Does the prophecy Joel spoke of indicate preaching, or an infallible doctrinal gift? The nature of the prophecy Joel spoke of (Joel 2:28-32) is neither. Certainly it seems to have… Read More

Q&A 0030 – Who are “they” in Acts 2:1?

Posted: March 4, 2005

Is "they" in Acts 2:1 referring to the twelve apostles, or the hundred and twenty? I believe the group are the apostles — all are Galileans, after all, according to… Read More

Q&A 0029 – Metaphysics

Posted: March 2, 2005

Hi Doug, could you tell me, What is your understanding of metaphysics, and how would you study the Bible with someone who believes in it? — Vicente Lopez(Washington DC) Metaphysics,… Read More

Q&A 0028 – Baptism for the dead

Posted: February 28, 2005

What was Paul referring to about the baptism for the dead? What are your thoughts and what do you know about it?–Thomas, as well as Ben (Hilo, Hawaii), and John… Read More

Q&A 0027 — El significado de los

Posted: February 26, 2005

He oído que predicó acerca del fruto de Juan 15 que se refiere a la Gran y de los frutos del espíritu, el fruto de Juan 15 se refiere al… Read More

Q&A 0026 – Angel Wings

Posted: February 24, 2005

On page 122 of [James, Peter, John, Jude], you said that angels are “never described as having wings,” and yet Isaiah 6:2 describes the seraphs as having six wings. Were… Read More

Book recommendations: The Guilty Soul’s Guide to Grace & A Scandalous Freedom

Posted: February 24, 2005

Sam Laing, The Guilty Soul’s Guide to Grace (Billerica, Mass.: DPI, 2005). Following is the review I recently wrote for DPI: Effective and masterful command of the English language make… Read More

Q&A 0025 – Judas’ suicide

Posted: February 22, 2005

What is the explanation for Judas hanging himself (Matthew 27:5) to falling headfirst and his intestines falling out (Acts 1:18)? I suppose it might be decomposition for the guts part,… Read More

Q&A 0024 – Calling of the disciples

Posted: February 20, 2005

Matthew and Mark describe the calling of the first disciples in similar accounts. Would Luke be considered a more descriptive version of those accounts? Would John’s account be considered to… Read More

Q&A 0023 – David’s census

Posted: February 18, 2005

Who incited David to take the census? 2 Samuel says God incited David, and 1 Chronicles says Satan incited David. This question is related to 0022, as I read the… Read More

Q&A 0022 – God hardens hearts?

Posted: February 16, 2005

How are we to understand God’s hardening Pharaoh’s heart? I believe when you go back to Exodus you will see that in some passages it says God hardened his heart,… Read More

Report: Minneapolis/St Paul, by David Barnes

Posted: February 14, 2005

The Minneapolis/St.Paul Church of Christ enjoyed a weekend filled with inspirational teaching from Dr. Douglas Jacoby. The weekend saw extra encouragement as the brothers and sisters from Madison, WI joined… Read More

Q&A 0021 — Lo que sucede cuando morimos.

Posted: February 14, 2005

Deseo oír tu visión con respecto a lo que sucede cuando morimos. He estudiado algunos temas por mi propia cuenta y he concluido que entramos a un estado de sueño o… Read More

Q&A 0021 – Fundamentalism

Posted: February 12, 2005

Who are the fundamentalists? What do they stand for? As far as I can judge, fundamentalists are Bible believers who: * Hold a high view of Christ and scripture, *… Read More

Q&A 0020 – The Spirits in Prison

Posted: February 10, 2005

I would like to find out the explanation to the scripture in Peter where it mentions Jesus, after he was crucified, “preaching to the spirits in prison.” We understand that… Read More

Q&A 0019 – Psalm 137 too harsh?

Posted: February 8, 2005

Isn’t Psalm 137:9 a little harsh? This is the only verse in the bible that in my view, does not seem to describe God’s heart as I have known it…. Read More

Q&A 0018 – Nathanael and the tree

Posted: February 6, 2005

How do you interpret John 1:48? My wife and I got a chance to see a fig tree in the Atlanta Botanical Gardens once. It is an interesting tree in… Read More

Q&A 0017 – Taxpaying

Posted: February 4, 2005

In Matthew 17:27, Jesus gives instructions to Peter to go fish for the temple tax, and give it so as “not to offend” the Pharisees. But Jesus was not one… Read More

Q&A 0016 – Melchizedek

Posted: February 2, 2005

Many theologians, from what I have heard, have gone as far to say that Melchizedek may have actually been Jesus. Can you shed any light on this subject for me?… Read More

Report: Manila, Philippines, by Rolan Monje

Posted: February 1, 2005

January 2005 Douglas Jacoby’s visit to Manila was a breath of fresh air, a great start for the New Year. After his teaching time in Hong Kong, Doug flew a… Read More

Report: Accra, Ghana, by Ope Babalola

Posted: January 31, 2005

Dr. Douglas Jacoby was in Accra, Ghana, from January 5th – January 10th [2004] to conduct a teaching workshop. This was his first trip to West Africa. The sessions were… Read More

Q&A 0015 – Least in the Kingdom

Posted: January 31, 2005

Would you please explain what Jesus meant in Luke 7:28? Jesus says, “I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John, yet the one… Read More

Q&A 0014 – John the Baptist

Posted: January 29, 2005

In Matthew 17:10-12 Jesus alludes to the fact that John the Baptist was the Elijah to come, yet in John 1:21 John the Baptist denies it. Is this because in… Read More

Q&A 0013 – Women Preaching

Posted: January 27, 2005

Have you always been supportive of Christian women preaching? If you’re interested, here’s a paper I wrote in 1990. Yes, my views have shifted since that time. Today I see no problem with… Read More

A Balance of Power, or a Team?, by Gordon Ferguson (2004)

Posted: January 27, 2005

The past two years [2003-2005] has ushered in a time of unsettledness, upheaval, re-examination and uncertainty within most churches of the ICOC movement. Some things connected with this time have… Read More

Q&A 0012 – James the Brother of Jesus

Posted: January 25, 2005

How can we as Bible students tell the difference between characters in the Bible with the same first name? For example, James the brother of Jesus and James the brother… Read More

Motivation Revisited: Correction or Inspiration? – Gordon Ferguson

Posted: January 25, 2005

Several months ago, I wrote an article entitled, “Motivation: Guilt or Grace” In that article, I made the case that our primary spiritual motivation as disciples should be grounded in… Read More

Q&A 0011 – Leviathan

Posted: January 23, 2005

What was the Leviathan, and is it significant? (Some say crocodile, I’m not so sure.)—Ric (Boston) Right, Ric, croc it is! Or, better said, the crocodile is a sort of… Read More

Q&A 0010 – Finding Answers…

Posted: January 21, 2005

May I offer all readers some general advice on finding answers to your Bible questions: * Try to figure out the difficulty or question yourself using whatever Bible tools you… Read More

Q&A 0009 – Daniel 12 and the daily sacrifice?

Posted: January 19, 2005

In Daniel 12:11-12, it says: “From the time that the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination that causes desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. Blessed is… Read More

Q&A 0008 – Three Days (Hosea)

Posted: January 17, 2005

In Luke 24:46, Jesus tells the disciples that it is written that ‘The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day.’ The only OT scripture I… Read More

Q&A 0007 – The Trinity

Posted: January 15, 2005

Can you recommend reading material about ‘Trinity’ theology? — Joel Hughes, Triangle, North Carolina Many works – thousands of pages! – have been written about the Trinity. Because this is… Read More

Q&A 0006 – Islam and recommended reading

Posted: January 13, 2005

What evidence proves the falseness of the Muslim faith? — Mitchell, Boston, Massachusetts Rather than aim to demonstrate the error of other religions, denominations, or sects, Christians are called to… Read More

Q&A 0005 – Communion

Posted: January 11, 2005

I have always had some questions about Acts 2:42. The question I have is whether “devoting themselves to the breaking of the bread” is referring to eating meals with each… Read More

Q&A 0004 – Saved or Not?

Posted: January 9, 2005

On the one hand, the Bible urges Christians to be fully confident that we are saved, and on the other, to work out our salvation with “fear and trembling.” Yet… Read More

Q&A 0003 – Hate your Family?

Posted: January 7, 2005

I was taught that in Luke 14:26 the Greek word for hate means “love less,” and that is what I have taught others. To my surprise, when I looked it… Read More

Q&A 0002 – Veiling (1 Corinthians 11:6)?

Posted: January 5, 2005

I am concerned with the question of veiling. Why are Christian sisters today not veiled per 1 Corinthians 11:6? — Troy Hannon (Philadelphia) and Stephanie Collins (Cincinnati) Most Christians interpret… Read More

Q&A 0001 – LXX (Septuaginta) – esp*

Posted: January 3, 2005

Unos años atras, usted escribió en su serie del antiguo testamento en el nuevo testamento (“la Biblia bajo prueba”, en www.acesonline.org (un sitio antiguo) ” … recuerdo que a menudo… Read More

Q&A 0001 – LXX (Septuagint)

Posted: January 1, 2005

A few years ago, you wrote in your online series about the use of the OT in the NT (“The Bible on Trial,” at www.Acesonline.org [old website]) “… remember that… Read More

The Heresy of Solitary Faith by Glenn Giles

Posted: December 28, 2004

December 9, 2004 In the last article entitled “One of the Unique Elements of True Christianity”, I outlined the Biblical concept of relational/experiential knowing (yada’) as a foundation for one’s… Read More

Our Uniqueness, by Glenn Giles

Posted: December 27, 2004

2004For many years I have been contemplating the special-ness of our movement in the area of the heart. When I came to our movement I found very special relational aspect… Read More

2005 Biblical Study Tour: Athens

Posted: December 23, 2004

Through the years, the BIBLICAL STUDY TOUR has focused on a number of remarkable cities: London, Jerusalem, Paris, Berlin, Athens, Chicago, Rome. In 2004 over 150 persons converged on Rome–the… Read More

ACTS 1

Posted: December 18, 2004

In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions… Read More

ACTS 2 – A

Posted: December 18, 2004

1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled… Read More

ACTS 2 – B

Posted: December 18, 2004

37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Repent and… Read More

ACTS 3

Posted: December 18, 2004

1 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer — at three in the afternoon. 2 Now a man crippled from birth… Read More

ACTS 4

Posted: December 18, 2004

1 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly… Read More

ACTS 5

Posted: December 18, 2004

1 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2 With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money… Read More

ACTS 6

Posted: December 18, 2004

1 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily… Read More

ACTS 7

Posted: December 18, 2004

1 Then the high priest asked him, “Are these charges true?” 2 To this he replied: “Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father… Read More

ACTS 8

Posted: December 18, 2004

1 And Saul was there, giving approval to his death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered… Read More

ACTS 9

Posted: December 18, 2004

1 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus,… Read More

ACTS 10 – A

Posted: December 18, 2004

1 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. 2 He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he… Read More

ACTS 10 – B

Posted: December 18, 2004

34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realise how true it is that God does not show favouritism 35 but accepts men from every nation who fear him and… Read More

ACTS 11

Posted: December 18, 2004

1 The apostles and the brothers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. 2 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers… Read More

ACTS 12

Posted: December 18, 2004

1 It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. 2 He had James, the brother of John, put to… Read More

ACTS 13 – A

Posted: December 18, 2004

1 In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul…. Read More

ACTS 13 – B

Posted: December 18, 2004

13 From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem. 14 From Perga they went on to Pisidian Antioch. On… Read More

ACTS 14

Posted: December 18, 2004

1 At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed. 2 But the… Read More

ACTS 15

Posted: December 18, 2004

1 Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2… Read More

ACTS 16

Posted: December 18, 2004

1 He came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was a Jewess and a believer, but whose father was a Greek. 2… Read More

ACTS 17

Posted: December 18, 2004

1 When they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2 As his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue, and… Read More

ACTS 18

Posted: December 18, 2004

1 After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his… Read More

ACTS 19

Posted: December 18, 2004

1 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, “Did you receive the… Read More

ACTS 20

Posted: December 18, 2004

1 When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples and, after encouraging them, said good-bye and set out for Macedonia. 2 He travelled through that area, speaking many… Read More

ACTS 21

Posted: December 18, 2004

1 After we had torn ourselves away from them, we put out to sea and sailed straight to Cos. The next day we went to Rhodes and from there to… Read More

ACTS 22

Posted: December 18, 2004

1 “Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defence.” 2 When they heard him speak to them in Aramaic, they became very quiet. Then Paul said: 3 “I am a… Read More

ACTS 23

Posted: December 18, 2004

1 Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.” 2 At this the high… Read More

ACTS 24

Posted: December 18, 2004

1 Five days later the high priest Ananias went down to Caesarea with some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they brought their charges against Paul before… Read More

ACTS 25

Posted: December 18, 2004

1 Three days after arriving in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem, 2 where the chief priests and Jewish leaders appeared before him and presented the charges… Read More

ACTS 26

Posted: December 18, 2004

1 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” So Paul motioned with his hand and began his defence: It 2 “King Agrippa, I consider myself… Read More

ACTS 27

Posted: December 18, 2004

1 When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment…. Read More

ACTS 28

Posted: December 18, 2004

1 Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. 2 The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because… Read More

Human Nature, by Michael Cameron

Posted: November 29, 2004

October, 2004 These days there is a lot of talk about good and evil, and a great tendency to label and categorise people who act in particularly antisocial ways as… Read More

Some Thoughts on Preaching, by Mick Porter

Posted: November 28, 2004

Mick Porter, Brisbane AustraliaNovember 8, 2004Email: mickporter@hotmail.com "And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our fathers that I am on trial today. This is… Read More

The Last Discourse-John 13:31-17:26

Posted: November 25, 2004

The Last Discourse is written by James Greig of Oxford, England. It is a thorough analysis of John 13:31-17:26. Attached is the Word document. Available Downloads: Article (.doc – 230k)

Rome 2004 report

Posted: November 15, 2004

10th Annual International Teacher’s Seminar & Inaugural Biblical Study Tour ROME, ITALY – Report by Steve Staten November 2004 Rome is called both the eternal city and the city of… Read More

Honest to God, by Henry Kriete (“The letter”)

Posted: October 23, 2004

Honest to God—Revolution through repentance and freedom in Christ February 2, 2003 How the Lord has covered the Daughter of Zion with the cloud of his anger! He has hurled… Read More

Meeting Needs within the Church, by Andrew Kitchen

Posted: October 21, 2004

1Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being… Read More

Chicago International Leadership Conference Report (revised for accuracy)

Posted: October 1, 2004

2004 INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE Douglas Jacoby (Athens, Georgia) I’ve just returned from the 2004 International Leadership Conference in Chicago. Since the decentralization of the International Churches of Christ in 2002,… Read More

My Vision for the Church, by Glenn Giles

Posted: September 22, 2004

My Vision for the Church – Glenn Giles by GLENN GILES, September, 9, 2004 Available Downloads: Church (.doc – 50k)

Biblical eldership: Qualities or Qualifications, by John Oakes & Keith Wright

Posted: August 24, 2004

Download: article (.doc – 97k)

To Forgive or Not to Forgive, by Aziz Sarah

Posted: August 8, 2004

To Forgive or Not to Forgive: The Heart Choiceby Aziz SarahSpring 1990 at 5 am: Israeli soldiers break into my home and invade the room I share with four brothers…. Read More

2004 South East Family Bible Conference

Posted: July 22, 2004

Like so many recent conferences taking place around the world, the Orlando get-together was superb for several reasons. First, those who attended truly wanted to be there. I was present… Read More

Motivation, by Gordon Ferguson

Posted: June 2, 2004

Introduction In Christianity, motivation is everything! If this statement is an example of hyperbole (an overstatement to make a point), it is only slightly so. God is not nearly as… Read More

Strong in the Grace

Posted: June 1, 2004

Tom Jones, elder in the Boston Church of Christ, has published a new book, Strong in the Grace. I have read it and highly recommend it. Go to www.dpibooks.org to… Read More

Eldership requirements, by Ronald Sawhill

Posted: May 7, 2004

Many people are asking this question, and have been doing so throughout all of 2004. The following paper, written by Ron Sawhill, covers the issues of Eldership requirements very well…. Read More

Do You Want to Get Well? by Gordon Ferguson (2004)

Posted: May 3, 2004

Introduction This article is a written form of a spoken message delivered on March 28, 2004 to the Phoenix Valley Church of Christ. As with the previous sermon, “What Do… Read More

What Do We Now Believe? by Gordon Ferguson

Posted: April 15, 2004

This article, by Gordon Ferguson, is based on a message delivered at church in Phoenix, Arizona in February 2004. He calls ICOC members (former/present) to understand how some things in… Read More

Discerning the Scriptures, by Jeff Chacon

Posted: April 8, 2004

“An Aid to Discerning the Scriptures” was written by Douglas Jacoby. Jeff Chacon refined Douglas’ article and used it in his congregation. This illustrates how a group of disciples who… Read More

The Religion of Power

Posted: March 19, 2004

THE RELIGION OF POWER, by Cheryl Forbes (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1983) will make you think. I bought it in connection with my purchse of Francine Rivers’ AND THE SHOFAR BLEW…. Read More

THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST

Posted: March 15, 2004

Recently I have had the opportunity to view Mel Gibson’s blockbuster THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST. As many have asked me what I thought of the film, I would like… Read More

Francine Rivers’ AND THE SHOFAR BLEW

Posted: March 10, 2004

Many of my readers will be as enthralled in this 2003 release as I was. Rivers’ latest book is a study in character and leadership, and how spiritual power can… Read More

Abilene Christian Lectureship Report

Posted: March 2, 2004

A Conversation Between the Churches of Christ and the International Churches of Christ Note: Although I was not present at the Abilene lectureship, I believe a good few of my… Read More

Baltic Conference Report

Posted: March 1, 2004

February 13th-16th I was in Stockholm, the snowy city where our family lived 1989-1992. As always, the return visit was a joyous reunion, and it was heartening to see so… Read More

Middle East Conference Report

Posted: March 1, 2004

On Wednesday 18th February 2004, I met Middle East leaders from a dozen nations in a conference headed up by Andy Fleming. Though Arabic was language of choice, I spoke… Read More

Tokyo Teaching Weekend, 2004

Posted: January 16, 2004

Douglas Jacoby just returned from a teaching tour in Tokyo, Japan. Here are some responses from Christians there who attended: * “Thank you for your great lessons and insights. I… Read More

Bible Reading Plan

Posted: January 12, 2004

For those who would like some guidance to be able to read through the Bible in a year’s pdf of a Bible reading plan is attached. It was crafted by… Read More

Through The Bible in a Year

Posted: January 12, 2004

http://douglasjacoby.com/wp-content/uploads/ThroughtheBible.pdf This is a plan I have recommended ever since 1995.  Many have followed it and accomplished the victory of reading through the entire Bible in a year. If this… Read More

Perspectives on Dating

Posted: January 11, 2004

PERSPECTIVES ON DATING AND MARRIAGE TOKYO CHURCH OF CHRIST SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 11 JANUARY 2004 Perspectives on dating 1. The Bible does not talk about dating; nevertheless, there are many… Read More

Unburdened, by Andrew Kitchen

Posted: December 29, 2003

Perhaps the key differentiator Christianity has in the field of world religions is the concept of grace. In a world driven by competitiveness, performance measurement and the relentless march for… Read More

Lunch with Herm and Eutychus: Money to Burn – Fred Faller

Posted: December 19, 2003

This article is from Fred Faller. It appears in a series that can be found at www.immerland.com. “Money to Burn” Herm Foley drummed the fingers of his left hand on the table top. Before him on the Formica surface lay a single… Read More

Obedience to the Unenforceable, by Kelly Petre

Posted: December 18, 2003

Where do we go from here, now that all of the children have grown up? — Alan Parsons Project But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have… Read More

Destruction of Jerusalem

Posted: December 17, 2003

Download the .pdf file.

Believing Children, by Kelly Petre

Posted: December 2, 2003

Introduction: A. God has provided the church with “everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (2… Read More

Sons of God, by Bryan T. Huie

Posted: November 21, 2003

There has been much speculation about who these “sons of God” mentioned in the sixth chapter of Genesis were. Three basic interpretations of this passage have been advanced. The first,… Read More

I.T.S. 2003 REPORT

Posted: November 17, 2003

REPORT: Discerning the Times International Teachers’ Seminar Chicago, 7-11 November 2003 The International Teachers’ Seminar, since 1995, has been a fellowship/teaching time for persons around the world who are involved… Read More

CROSSROADS REUNION!

Posted: November 6, 2003

REPORT FROM AN OUTSIDER Last weekend, 31 October-2 November, hundreds of Christians converged on Gainesville, Florida, for a very large family reunion. This was the 30th anniversary of the founding… Read More

Joseph and Esau: From a Bitter to a Better Way (by James Greig)

Posted: November 4, 2003

A biblical study for those who feel they have been treated unfairly and want to keep a pure heart in God’s sight. In five parts. See the attached pdf file:… Read More

The Spirit and the Disciple

Posted: October 16, 2003

This 3 tape series is now available. Go to the product page and learn in detail about this audio series from Douglas Jacoby.

Heaven & Hell: Terminal Punishment

Posted: October 16, 2003

Summer 1991 by Douglas Jacoby Introduction In my view hell doesn’t last infinitely, but instead destroys the individual after an appropriate length of time. Hell is eternal in its consequences,… Read More

2003 Euro Trip Update 1: London, Geneva, Zurich, Lyon

Posted: October 3, 2003

In September [2003] I was honored to make a tour of 4 European cities, initially at the invitation of the Geneva church. One reason I was eager to return to… Read More

THE 5 SHORT BOOKS OF THE BIBLE: 3 JOHN

Posted: September 29, 2003

I. Introduction to 3 John Written (apparently) by the same "’elder" as the one who wrote 2 John. A personal letter written from one friend (the elder) another (Gaius). A… Read More

THE 5 SHORT BOOKS OF THE BIBLE: JUDE

Posted: September 29, 2003

COMMENTS General: The short epistle was written by Jude (Judas), one of the four brothers of Jesus Christ (Matthew 13:55-56), and warns against the godlessness of false teachers espousing libertinism…. Read More

What Does the Bible Really Say About Women?

Posted: September 26, 2003

This article discusses indepth what the Bible says about women. It was written by Douglas Jacoby (with Patricia Gempel) in 1990. To read it, click on the pdf attachment below. Available… Read More