Latest Posts

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

Download the .pdf file.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Instrumental Music: A Live Issue’ was written by Douglas Jacoby in 1993. It discusses what the Bible says about the use of instrumental music — an issue for the Restoration… Read More

  Introduction John, author of 5 books Gospel of John 1-3 John Revelation of John (the Apocalypse) 2 John was written in later part of 1st century AD Gnosticism (central… Read More

THE 5 SHORT BOOKS OF THE BIBLE: LESSON II I. Introduction to Obadiah Many Obadiahs in the Bible. Obadiah = ‘servant of God’ = Abdullah in Arabic Written shortly after… Read More

Introduction to the series * 2 Tim 3:16-17 — we all need training and teaching. This passage says all scripture is inspired and useful. Includes every book of the Bible,… Read More

THE GENEALOGIES IN MATTHEW AND LUKE (Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23b-38) From THE NIV HARMONY OF THE GOSPELS By Robert L. Thomas and Stanley N. Gundry Download the attached pdf for… Read More

I studied out Lamentations recently, prompted first by Henry Kriete’s book Worship the King, in which he wrote about the ‘Rivers of Fire’ and the searing wrath of God. It… Read More

The purpose of this paper is to urge caution and care in moving forward in the present climate of change. It challenges everyone to think biblically. It recognises that not… Read More

The Bible Unearthed: An Introduction to Biblical Archaeology for the Disciple in the United Kingdom. It is written by Jon Yorke. Click here to open the pdf file.

Here is a paper on the life and ministry of Martin Luther. It is written by James Greig: pdf file.

Download .pdf file

Attached below is an overview of Revelation (Seven lessons) by James Greig. Revelations-Overview

Attached is a file which examines the significance of Armageddon in the book of Revelation. Written by James Greig. Revelation-Armageddon

Attached below is an exposition of Revelation chapter 10. Revelations-Little-Scroll

Attached below is an introduction and background to the book of Revelation. It is written by James Greig. Revelation-Introduction

Below is a series of lessons on Eternity by Andrew Kitchen. View The Full Series on Eternity Listed below is the Contents. Lesson 1: From Here to Eternity Setting the… Read More

Attached below is an article by Tom Jones, teacher in the Nashville Church of Christ. He examines what the scriptures teach about hell. PDF File (296 KB)

Attached is a paper by James Greig on the background and theme of the book of Joshua: Joshua.pdf.

Moses was raised in the learning and wisdom of the Egyptians (Acts 7:22). Traditionally the Pentateuch (the first five books, or rolls, of the Bible) are attributed to him. Whether… Read More

Muslims commonly claim that the Bible has been "changed," and that there are over 100,000 "errors" which occurred through the transmission process. What can the disciple of Jesus Christ respond… Read More

Introduction Probably all religious people have questions about what happens when we die. Many of them believe that we cease to exist at death until the resurrection at the end… Read More

Having seen that biblical prophecy (type a) can be prophetic without necessarily being predictive, we are now ready to examine type (b), or predictive, prophecy. Biblical predictive prophecy was not… Read More

Our Teaching About John 15 For many years in our movement we have heard that the fruit Jesus describes in John 15 is the making of other disciples. Often we… Read More

Click here to download this document.

In the Old Testament capital punishment was mandated for many offenses: 1. Adultery (Leviticus 20:11) 2. Attacking parents (Exodus 21:15) 3. Bestiality (Exodus 22:19, Leviticus 20:15) 4. Blasphemy (Leviticus 24:16)… Read More

Biblical prophecy falls into two categories:* Speaking for another, as in someone’s speaking the truth of God to his fellows* Foretelling what will take place in future. In English the… Read More

The following are excerpts from Foxe’s Book of Martyrs (published Ambassador, complete), first published Basle 1559. John Foxe studied at Oxford and was ordained by Nicholas Ridley in 1550. He… Read More

BOOKS FOR PARENTS OF YOUNGER CHILDREN The Five Love Languages of Children, by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell. Very well written, easy to read. Makes you think about each individual… Read More

This is a list (possibly incomplete) of sources cited in the O.T. books. The list omits references to actual O.T. books. These works are “extrabiblical” — outside (extra, Latin) the… Read More

(c) 2003, Douglas Jacoby Scriptural Study: BIASTAI (“forceful men”) For years we have heard of the need for “forceful men” and women in positions of spiritual leadership. Certainly now more… Read More

This is a list (possibly incomplete) of pagan sources cited or alluded to in the N.T. books. The list omits references to other New Testament books. These works are “extrabiblical”… Read More

Like Bethlehem, Bethsaida was a town with a long history before the light of Jesus shone in its streets. Unlike Bethlehem, it is an uninhabited ruin today. In fact, it… Read More

Don’t be LAZY! You need to read the bible deeply to build your faith. Basic1. Don’t dig at random; have a plan.2. Assemble lists of verses on common themes.3. Finish… Read More

This article first appeared in A Light to London, the bulletin of the London Church of Christ, May-June 1987. Christians must observe the Sabbath! Such at any rate is the… Read More

Prejudice against the Word Very soon we will enter into a new millennium. This should be a time of hope, progress, greater openness to truth and to change. And yet… Read More

Campbell Study MILLENNIAL HARBINGER, NEW SERIES. VOLUME III.—–NUMBER I. ================================================================= B E T H A N Y, VA. JANUARY, 1839. ================================================================= BIBLE READING NOTHING is more talked about amongst professors, and nothing… Read More

Religion and Faith Theology is only thought applied to religion.—“The Groups of the City,” The New Jerusalem Atheism is indeed the most daring of all dogmas . . . for… Read More

One of the most dreaded diseases on earth is Hansen’s Disease, or leprosy. Ever since my first visit to India, some 30 years ago, I have been familiar at first hand… Read More

A SERIES OF FOUR LESSONS GENERAL STUDY HABITS by Doug Jacoby, 1997 Lesson A We all want to be effective as students. At the same time, nearly every student is… Read More

The Recordp52 is by no means the only ancient manuscript of the New Testament which has survived. There are literally thousands of Greek manuscripts, as well as tens of thousands… Read More

While the Bible is certainly not a science book, occasionally it does touch on matters scientific. While I am not a trained scientist, I have always loved science, and make… Read More

In our study of biblical prophecy, we have seen that Jesus Christ richly fulfilled the words of the Prophets, and in fact the words of the Law and the Writings… Read More

The following are very helpful manuals for ministers of the gospel, authored by Perry H. Biddle, Jr. A must for your ministerial library! * A Funeral Manual. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1976,… Read More

Introduction In 1976 after I my “conversion experience “1 I began attending charismatic prayer meetings. I continued to go because there were lots of food, nice girls and a high… Read More

The most significant biblical find of the century is undoubtedly the Dead Sea Scrolls (DSS), discovered in the 1940s by the Dead Sea, not far from Jerusalem. The scrolls contain… Read More

Silver BibleThe Bible was translated into many languages other than the original Hebrew and Greek. Latin was the major secondary translation language as the official language of the Roman Empire…. Read More

1. How many DSS are there? 870 manuscripts, from 15,000 scraps. 2. When were they discovered? Initial discovery of seven scrolls in 1947. Last one (cave 11) in 1956. 3…. Read More

Jesus Papyrus Review Emily and I moved to Oxford to start the new millennium, and one thing I was eager to see was the controversial “Jesus Papyrus” a.k.a. P64, a… Read More

I. Canonical Old Testament (all dates approximate) 1000-400 B.C. II. Catholic Apocrypha (non-Catholic apocrypha in italics) A. Pre-165 1. Tobit (400-200) 2. Sirach (190) B. Hasmonean (165-63) 1. Greek additions… Read More

The word “gnosticism” comes from gnosis, Greek for “knowledge.” Esoteric or secret knowledge is meant. The Gnostics believed that only an elite few enjoyed special enlightenment. The Gnostic view of… Read More

Introduction In the twelve years I have been a Christian I have had the privilege of studying the Bible with five men who were active Freemasons. I know that throughout… Read More

(1) “In essentials, unity, in non-essentials, liberty, in all things, charity.” (Rupertus Meldenius) (2) “It would be strange indeed the Church should require more than Christ himself did, or make… Read More

Adapted from the May/June 1998 issue of Biblical Archaeological Review. An Egyptian Record of the Plagues? The Admonitions of an Egyptian Sage, commonly known as the Papyrus Ipuwer, set forth… Read More

Dr. Douglas Jacoby (1997, Revised 2001) If you have an appetite for something “meaty,”1 I believe you will enjoy the following study, which investigates the Red Heifer sacrifice – a… Read More

Accuracy in a prophecy is closely related to the specificity of the prophecy (the subject we covered in the last unit). Details of purported prophecies often claim to be accurate… Read More

One bulwark against disease was circumcision, or the removal of the foreskin from the male sexual organ. The command to practice circumcision (Genesis 17) was far from a barbaric practice… Read More

Greek, anyone?What were your favorite subjects in school? I have always loved languages, both "living" and "dead." The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew (with a few chapters in… Read More

Selected and adapted from a compilation by Lady Kofo Ademola appearing in a Bookcraft Ltd. publication (Ibadan, Nigeria). Here arranged by country of origin. Ghana * An empty sack will… Read More

D. Jacoby, Jan. 2002 Polity 1538. [–L. politia – Gr. politeia ] 1. Civil order. b. Administration of a state; civil government 1715. 2.a A particular form of political organization… Read More

Note: The following paper was a group effort. It does not claim to speak for a single church or even an association of congregations, but represents the opinion of a… Read More

1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy… Read More

1 Therefore you have no excuse, whoever you are, when you judge others; for in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, are doing the very… Read More

1 What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision? 2 Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God. 3 For… Read More

1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about;… Read More

1 Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ 2 through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which… Read More

1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace might increase? 2 May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live… Read More

1 Or do you not know, brethren (for I am speaking to those who know the law), that the law has jurisdiction over a person as long as he lives?… Read More

1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free… Read More

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the… Read More

1 I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit,  2 that I have great sorrow and continual grief… Read More

1 Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God on their behalf is for salvation. 2 I testify with regard to them that they have zeal for God, but it… Read More

1 I ask, then, has God rejected his people? Of course not! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God has… Read More

1 Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual [reasonable] worship…. Read More

1 Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2 Therefore he… Read More

1 Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. 2 One man’s faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats… Read More

1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please his neighbor for his good,… Read More

1 I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, 2 that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy… Read More

SAME-SEX ATTRACTION: CRUCIAL COUNSEL FOR CHRISTIAN LEADERS   If you’re a leader or public speaker, take pains to speak respectfully and caringly about those who are caught up in the gay… Read More

Strategies for connecting with same-sex attracted persons Don’t avoid the person. Certainly sin erodes virtue and twists personality, yet no sin makes us subhuman. Yet like the priest and the… Read More

Some of the classes I attended in the three conferences (17-25 Nov 2015): The impact of the Christian Faith, Is Jesus the Only Way?, Marriage & Divorce, Homosexuality, Contraception, Family… Read More

Douglas examines the use of statistics as a measure of church growth. He discusses positive aspects as well as the pitfalls inherent in their use. When he first presented his… Read More

For my thoughts on the 2024 summit, click on the .pdf link:  BB1234

1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, 2 To the church of God that is in Corinth, to… Read More

18 For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it… Read More

1 When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom. 2 For I decided to… Read More

1 And so, brothers and sisters, I could not speak to you as spiritual people, but rather as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. 2 I fed you… Read More

1 Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. 2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. 3 But… Read More

1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not found even among pagans; for a man is living with his… Read More

1 When any of you has a grievance against another, do you dare to take it to court before the unrighteous, instead of taking it before the saints? 2 Do… Read More

1 Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: “It is well for a man not to touch a woman.” 2 But because of cases of sexual immorality, each man… Read More

17 However that may be, let each of you lead the life that the Lord has assigned, to which God called you. This is my rule in all the churches…. Read More

1 Now concerning food sacrificed to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. 2 Anyone who claims to know something does… Read More

1 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? 2 If I am not… Read More

19 For though I am free with respect to all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I might win more of them. 20 To the Jews… Read More

1 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2 and all were… Read More

14 Therefore, my dear friends, flee from the worship of idols. 15 I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. 16 The cup of blessing that… Read More

1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. 2 I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions just as I handed them on… Read More

17 Now in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. 18 For, to begin… Read More

1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans, you were enticed and led astray… Read More

1 If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I… Read More

1 Pursue love and strive for the spiritual gifts, and especially that you may prophesy. 2 For those who speak in a tongue do not speak to other people but… Read More

1 Now I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, 2 through… Read More

20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died. 21 For since death came through a human being, the resurrection… Read More

1 Now concerning the collection for the saints: you should follow the directions I gave to the churches of Galatia. 2 On the first day of every week, each of… Read More

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God that is in Corinth, including all the saints throughout… Read More

1 For I made up my mind not to make you another painful visit. 2 For if I cause you pain, who is there to make me glad but the… Read More

1 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you, or from you? 2 You yourselves are our letter of… Read More

1 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. 2 We have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways; we refuse to practice cunning or to tamper… Read More

1 Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands…. Read More

1 As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. 2 For he says, “At an acceptable time I have… Read More

1 Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and of spirit, making holiness perfect in the fear of God. 2 Make room… Read More

1 We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that has been granted to the churches of Macedonia; 2 for during a severe ordeal of… Read More

1 Now it is not necessary for me to write you about the ministry to the saints, 2 for I know your eagerness, which is the subject of my boasting… Read More

1 I myself, Paul, appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ — I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when… Read More

1 I wish you would bear with me in a little foolishness. Do bear with me! 2 I feel a divine jealousy for you, for I promised you in marriage… Read More

1 It is necessary to boast; nothing is to be gained by it, but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a person… Read More

1 This is the third time I am coming to you. “Any charge must be sustained by the evidence of two or three witnesses.” 2 I warned those who sinned… Read More

The following is an adaptation of a paper written for a Politics class in the course of D.Min. studies at Drew University. It has been shortened and simplified. A revolution… Read More

1 Paul an apostle– sent neither by human commission nor from human authorities, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead—2 and all the… Read More

1 Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. 2 I went up in response to a revelation. Then I laid… Read More

1 You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly exhibited as crucified! 2 The only thing I want to learn from… Read More

1 My point is this: heirs, as long as they are minors, are no better than slaves, though they are the owners of all the property; 2 but they remain… Read More

1 For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. 2 Listen! I, Paul, am telling you that if… Read More

1 Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s… Read More

ETHNOGRAPHY OF CHRISTIAN MEDICAL PERSONNEL WASHINGTON DC CHURCH OF CHRIST The following study is an ethnography of some of the most energetic and committed members of my congregation; as Christians… Read More

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the holy ones who are (in Ephesus) faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 grace to you and peace… Read More

1 You were dead in your transgressions and sins 2 in which you once lived following the age of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air,… Read More

1 Because of this, I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ (Jesus) for you Gentiles — 2 if, as I suppose, you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that… Read More

1 I, then, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience,… Read More

1 So be imitators of God, as beloved children, 2 and live in love, as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us as a sacrificial offering to God… Read More

1 Children, obey your parents (in the Lord), for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise, 3 “that it may… Read More

1 Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus, to all the holy ones in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the overseers and ministers: 2 grace to you and… Read More

1 If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy,  2 complete my joy by being of the same… Read More

1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. Writing the same things to you is no burden for me but is a safeguard for you. 2 Beware of the dogs!… Read More

1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, beloved. 2 I urge Euodia and I urge… Read More

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 to the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae: Grace… Read More

18 He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the first-born from the dead; so that He Himself might come to have first place… Read More

1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf, and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not… Read More

1 If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on… Read More

1 Masters, grant to your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven. 2 Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude… Read More

© DOUGLAS JACOBY, 1994. What does the Bible really say about church discipline? It may be time to reconsider the traditional view, which may be summarized as “Three strikes and… Read More

PREVIEWHere are the main passages, and you’re familiar with all of them:* Leviticus 27 * Malachi 3* Matthew 23Secondary passages, also addressing the tithe but not used so often for… Read More

1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. 2 We always give thanks… Read More

1 You yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our coming to you was not in vain, 2 but though we had already suffered and been shamefully mistreated at Philippi, as… Read More

1 Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we decided to be left alone in Athens; 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and co-worker for God in proclaiming… Read More

1 Finally, brothers and sisters, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus that, as you learned from us how you ought to live and to please God (as,… Read More

1 Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. 2 For you yourselves know very well that the… Read More

I. Recommitment: The Old Testament Principle The Old Testament may surprisingly have something to say about “pruning,” or calling people to recommit themselves to their baptismal confession. There are a… Read More

Note: In December 1990 the first edition of this paper was written and sent to a group of 50 brothers and sisters around the world for their consideration. This group… Read More

1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father… Read More

1 As to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we beg you, brothers and sisters, 2 not to be quickly shaken in… Read More

1 Finally, brothers and sisters, pray for us, so that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified everywhere, just as it is among you, 2 and… Read More

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, 2 to Timothy, my loyal child in the faith: Grace,… Read More

12 I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because he judged me faithful and appointed me to his service, 13 even though I was formerly… Read More

1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we… Read More

1 The saying is sure: whoever aspires to the office of overseer desires a noble task. 2 Now an overseer must be above reproach, a one-woman man, temperate, sensible, respectable,… Read More

1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will renounce the faith by paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the hypocrisy of… Read More

1 Do not speak harshly to an older man, but speak to him as to a father, to younger men as brothers, 2 to older women as mothers, to younger… Read More

17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching; 18 for the scripture says, “You shall not muzzle… Read More

1 Let all who are under the yoke of slavery regard their masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be… Read More

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life which is in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, my beloved child:… Read More

1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 and what you have heard from me before many witnesses entrust to faithful men… Read More

1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of stress. 2 For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient… Read More

1 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly… Read More

Douglas Jacoby, Stockholm 1990 The following study is useful for anyone who has heard that we should never “judge.” Certainly, a judgmental spirit is wrong and unbecoming of a believer,… Read More

1 From Paul, servant of God, an apostle of Jesus Christ to bring those whom God has chosen to faith and to the knowledge of the truth that leads to… Read More

1 It is for you, then, to preach the behaviour which goes with healthy doctrine. 2 Older men should be reserved, dignified, moderate, sound in faith and love and perseverance…. Read More

1 Remind them to be obedient to the officials in authority; to be ready to do good at every opportunity; 2 not to go slandering other people but to be… Read More

1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our beloved brother and fellow worker, 2 and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow… Read More

1 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by… Read More

1 Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. 2 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and… Read More

1 Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the apostle and high priest of our confession, Christ Jesus, 2 who was faithful to him who appointed him, as… Read More

1 Therefore, since a promise remains of entering his rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. 2 For indeed the gospel was… Read More

1 For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He… Read More

1 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith… Read More

1 For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 to whom also… Read More

1 Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a high priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of… Read More

1 Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary. 2 For a tabernacle was prepared: the first part, in which was the lampstand,… Read More

1 For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer… Read More

1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. 3 By faith we… Read More