Book I, Chapter I Imitating Christ and Despising All Vanities on Earth . 1. HE WHO follows Me, walks not in darkness,” says the Lord (John 8:12). By these words… Read More
CLEAN – talk 7 (= OT character podcast 56, Naaman)
Posted: January 1, 2019
To listen to lesson 7 in the CLEAN series, The Leprosy of Naaman (14 minutes), click on the play arrow. Or you can download the podcast by right clicking here and choosing ‘save target… Read More
No Shame These Holidays
Posted: December 31, 2018
Why Medicating Shame’s Pain with Porn Never Works Dan Wobschall • Pornography is a pain medication for the shame many men and women experience. For the sex or porn addict, acting… Read More
The Luther Legend, by Marilynne Robinson
Posted: December 29, 2018
Martin Luther shattered Christendom and transformed the West, making the modern world possible and inevitable. This is the consensus among historians, whether they see this sixteenth-century monk as an epochal… Read More
Human Embryo Gene Editing: Deep Concerns from Francis Collins
Posted: December 28, 2018
Human Embryo Gene Editing: We Need To Think This Through Carefully (An Interview with Francis Collins) In a recent podcast segment with Francis Collins, we asked about human embryo gene editing…. Read More
Q&A 1543 – The meaning of “everlasting”
Posted: December 21, 2018
I was reading your article on Heaven and Hell. What is your explanation of the words “everlasting destruction” in 2 Thess 1:9? — B.W. You were reading the article on… Read More
Free new eBook on marijuana – What does the Bible teach?
Posted: December 17, 2018
With 10 U.S. states allowing recreational use and 33 legalizing the medical use of cannabis, it is important for Christians to know how Jesus’ teachings apply to the use of… Read More
The Outdoors and Your Faith, by Jennifer Francis
Posted: December 14, 2018
Nature has long been the reserve of great spirituality. The opportunity to be among the rest of God’s creations is an exciting one, and there are few better places to experience that… Read More
Training to be a better disciple maker
Posted: December 10, 2018
Do you know a church or ministry leader who would benefit from personalized disciple making training? At Renew, we want to raise up an army of disciple makers. We are… Read More
Two Common Mistakes Preachers Make (by John Piper)
Posted: December 10, 2018
Two Common Mistakes Preachers Make: Searching for Reality in Sermons John Piper takes one simple verse in Romans and shows two major and prevalent mistakes preachers make today. www.desiringgod.org
Q&A 1542 – John boiled in oil?
Posted: December 7, 2018
At my church this morning it was preached that the apostle John survived being boiled in oil before he was exiled on Patmos. Is this true? It is certainly true… Read More
Stepping into the Jordan
Posted: December 6, 2018
The Ministry of Rob Kranz All incoming students at JUC are required to take “Physical Settings of the Bible.” This is classified as a geography course, yet the content is… Read More
Merry Christmas in 100 Different Languages
Posted: December 4, 2018
Click HERE to learn how to say Merry Christmas in 100 languages! Infographic via DayTranslations.com
Download Bercot classes (1 Dec 2018)
Posted: December 1, 2018
EARLY CHURCH HISTORY WITH DAVID BERCOT Saturday, December 1, 2018 Download the PowerPoint from https://www.athensinstitute.org This will be available to all paying students until midnight 2 Dec ET only.
Faith & Parenting Styles, by Jennifer Francis
Posted: November 23, 2018
How can Faith Enhance Your Parenting Style? Your choice of parenting style can ‘make or break’ your child, according to recent scientific studies. In one study published in the journal Frontiers,… Read More
Q&A 1541 – God tempts the false prophets to lie?
Posted: November 23, 2018
In 1 Kings 22:19-22 it appears God is sending a spirit to tempt false prophets to lie. This would be contrary to James 1:13-14. I see this as similar to… Read More
Did David Exist?
Posted: November 16, 2018
Is king David a real person, or a mythological figure created after the fact to support the notion of a divine origin for the nation of Israel? Continue reading: Does David… Read More
Can We Trust the Gospels? by Peter Williams (book review)
Posted: November 15, 2018
Peter Williams is one impressive person. He isn’t just Principal of Tyndale House, Cambridge and Editor of theTyndale Bulletin. He is also Chair of the International Greek New Testament Project and… Read More
Q&A 1540 – The eternal destiny of those who die violently?
Posted: November 9, 2018
How do we come to grips with the eternal destiny of the multitudes that die because of weather catastrophes like tsunamis, or atrocities like the Holocaust? First of all, we… Read More
Tyndale House — A little Greek goes a long way
Posted: November 7, 2018
Getting familiar with Bible languages can have huge benefits — and it may be easier than you think. . Keep reading here.
Beyond Conflict: Science, Faith, and the Big Questions
Posted: November 2, 2018
Registration is now open for the 2019 BioLogos Conference! March 27-29, 2019, Baltimore, MD Explore the tough questions with top scholars and communicators. As we explore the harmony between science and faith, we’re… Read More
CLEAN – talk 6 (= OT character podcast 55, Miriam pt. II)
Posted: November 1, 2018
To listen to lesson 6 in the CLEAN series, The Leprosy of Miriam (17 minutes), click on the play arrow. Or you can download the podcast by right clicking here and… Read More
How do you respond to arguments against the Bible?
Posted: October 31, 2018
“The Victory of Joshua over the Amalekites” by Nicholas Poussin, via Wikimedia Commons. October 01, 2018 | By Tremper Longman (guest author) BioLogos.org The Bible holds an essential place in Christian faith. The… Read More
On the Mount of Olives: David & the Son of David
Posted: October 31, 2018
Christians are familiar with the story of Jesus’ last night on earth: the Last Supper, Gethsemane prayer, betrayal, arrest, trial, and crucifixion the following morning. But Jesus isn’t the only… Read More
Three Great Opportunities for Members of SIW
Posted: October 30, 2018
#1: SIW Support Groups One of the biggest challenges that same-gender attracted Christians face is that they often feel alone, as if they are the only one going through these… Read More
Q&A 1539 – The deaths of innocent children (school shootings)
Posted: October 26, 2018
Why does God allow the death of innocent children, like in school shootings?** Because we have free will. Killing is something that we do to each other, and we can… Read More
My Favorite Mistranslation (Proverbs 22:6) – Douglas Stuart
Posted: October 25, 2018
To listen to this podcast, click here.
New Link to Debate: Is Jesus Prophet or Son of God?
Posted: October 22, 2018
Here is an edited version (with Q&A included) to the debate in Atlanta, GA between Dr. Douglas Jacoby and Sheikh Shabir Ally. 10-13-2018 – Debate – Is Jesus Prophet or… Read More
What Was the Sin of Sodom and Gomorrah?
Posted: October 18, 2018
It’s become popular to claim that the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah was something other than homosexuality. What does the Bible say? Read an extended explanation of this topic here.
A Bible for every tribe, every tongue
Posted: October 18, 2018
In the jungles of Papua New Guinea, a Christian university student experiences the ministry of Pioneer Bible Translators. Continue reading here. Website: pioneerbible.org
It’s Getting Harder to Talk About God
Posted: October 16, 2018
Here’s an interesting piece from The New York Times. The decline in our spiritual vocabulary has many real-world consequences. More than 70 percent of Americans identify as Christian, but you… Read More
Israel tour biblical notes (by Michelle Wright)
Posted: October 15, 2018
Study Suggestions (by Michelle Wright, 2018) This is in no way an exhaustive guide, but just some thoughts and passages to reflect on while we are in Israel. I hope… Read More
Don’t Be Fooled Into Believing These Final Two GRIEF MYTHS
Posted: October 13, 2018
You have taken from me my closest friends and have made me repulsive to them. I am confined and cannot escape; my eyes are dim with grief. —Psalm 88:8-9 Last… Read More
Q&A 1538—Proverbs 22:6 guarantees godly children?
Posted: October 12, 2018
I have frequently heard Proverbs 22:6 referenced as a promise that godly parenting always leads to godly children. One of my children has rejected God. Is this my fault? Certainly… Read More
Outreach Tools for a Mobile Generation
Posted: October 11, 2018
Wycliffe translators utilize cartoon animation to produce films in remote parts of the world—to communicate the gospel. http://www.indigitube.tv/
Renew.org – Video 3 (check it out)
Posted: October 11, 2018
Watch this Renew.org video by clicking here.
Untangling Addiction – a free download
Posted: October 10, 2018
Dr. De Carvalho is passionate about helping people regain their lives and become “unstuck” from the addictions and mental illnesses that have kept them in the darkness. In his new… Read More
Renew.org – video 2 (check this out)
Posted: October 9, 2018
Watch this Renew.org video by clicking here.
Are Rich People More Immoral?
Posted: October 8, 2018
Money is the Root of all Evil. Aphorisms have rarely been factual. The oldest ones, at least, are based on opinions, and opinions change. Not more than 500 years… Read More
Most people don’t know this about addiction…
Posted: October 8, 2018
Dear Renew Subscriber, We would like to ask you to make time for a special webinar. It will focus on two of the seven key elements of renewal – Surrendering… Read More
Renew.org – video 1 (check this out)
Posted: October 6, 2018
Watch by clicking on this link: Renew video 1
How Can You Invest in a Few to Build a Disciple Making Culture in Your Church?
Posted: October 5, 2018
To the Discipleship-First Community, There is a good deal of literature today on the subject of corporate culture. Culture shapes behavior Culture defines priorities Culture determines outcomes Every organization has… Read More
Be Flexible – Sermon by Douglas Jacoby
Posted: October 3, 2018
Sermon given at the North River church on Sunday, September 30, 2018
Q&A 1537 – Birth Defects from Satan?
Posted: September 28, 2018
Are birth defects a work of Satan? Birth defects happen because of genetic accidents. Both biology and physics reveal a certain degree of randomness in our world. This is not… Read More
When Christians Forget They’re Christians on FB
Posted: September 25, 2018
By Guy Hammond Executive Director; Strength in Weakness Ministries Often when I speak publicly on the issues of homosexuality and the church, Christian family values and Biblical sexual ethics, I… Read More
How should you respond to men and women who are transgender?
Posted: September 24, 2018
Dear Renew Network Subscriber, We are sending out the Renew Newsletter earlier this week so that you can make time for a special webinar. It will focus on two of… Read More
PRIESTHOOD OF THE BELIEVER, by Bob Koivisto
Posted: September 24, 2018
Jesus spoke out often about the very things which lead to a misguided understanding of God’s revealed truth in the Scriptures. Those influences are ignorance, apathy, religion, tradition and open… Read More
The Cassandra Curse | Hidden Brain : NPR
Posted: September 23, 2018
After a disaster happens, we want to know, could something have been done to avoid it? Did anyone see this coming? Many times, the answer is yes. There was a… Read More
AIM Class, Sept. 22, North River
Posted: September 21, 2018
We have a great opportunity this Saturday (Sept 22) to attend three classes on Counseling & Psychology. These sessions will equip us to minister to those around us – or maybe… Read More
Origins (Genesis 1-11) — O.T. Scholars Weigh In
Posted: September 19, 2018
Philosopher and Christian apologist Paul Copan and I have written a book on early Genesis. See what Old Testament scholars are saying about Origins. . “Genesis 1–11 is the foundation… Read More
The Statement on Social Justice and the Gospel – response by Michael Burns
Posted: September 18, 2018
Note: the smaller navy blue text is Michael Burns’s response. Recently a group of American evangelical leaders signed and released a statement on social justice to voice concerns that they have over… Read More
What is Progressive Christianity and Why is it Dangerous?
Posted: September 18, 2018
Dear Renew Network Subscribers, Would you be interested in some really great Biblical teaching this week? We have two opportunities for you and one other upcoming event that is sure… Read More
An Easy Principle to Test Your Take on Scripture
Posted: September 17, 2018
by Greg Koukl | info@str.org As an ambassador for Christ, how can you be clear-thinking and confident if you’re not sure whether or not you’re misinterpreting a Bible passage? I want… Read More
The Life of Jesus (Pt. I and Pt. II)
Posted: September 14, 2018
Cape Town, South Africa, 9 Sept 2018 In this session (consisting of two parts) Douglas Jacoby paints an outstanding picture as to the life and context of Jesus as a… Read More
Q&A 1536 – Painkillers – Opioids
Posted: September 14, 2018
A lot of people I know are on painkillers. Given the role that suffering plays in developing character and a cruciform life, should we avoid taking pills? There are always… Read More
Thoughts on Holiness, by Alberto Schirmer
Posted: September 13, 2018
Hagiasmos [Greek}: Separated unto God. Hagios [Greek}: Separated from sin, and therefore consecrated to God. Qôdesh [Hebrew]: A sacred, consecrated, dedicated, hallowed thing or place. Qȃdȃsh [Hebrew]: To appoint, bid,… Read More
9 facts on the End-times
Posted: September 12, 2018
1 Thess 5:1—Don’t get caught up in predictions. These are futile. William Miller Adventists Jehovah’s Witnesses 88 Reasons the Rapture Will Happen in 1988 Eschatology = the study of the… Read More
Why America’s ‘nones’ don’t identify with a religion
Posted: September 11, 2018
By Becka A. Alper, www.pewresearch.org A growing share of Americans are religiously unaffiliated. We recently asked a representative sample of more than 1,300 of these “nones” why they choose not to identify with a religion. Out… Read More
How Do You Resist Culture?
Posted: September 5, 2018
Dear Renew Network Subscriber, We are all being discipled. We are all being influenced by the many voices of culture around us every day. It is hard to resist. But… Read More
How to Ruin Your Life in Your Twenties
Posted: September 5, 2018
The choices we make in our twenties set a trajectory for our entire lives. Here are seven tested ways young adults often ruin their lives. Read article here. www.desiringgod.org
Global Persecution
Posted: September 5, 2018
From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. On arriving there, they gathered the… Read More
Does Your Pastor Love God or Money?, by David Mathis
Posted: September 3, 2018
Article on desiringGod.org How Christians handle money speaks volumes about our Christ. It’s one of our greatest opportunities today to show ourselves distinct from the world, or just like it…. Read More
OT54 – The Ethiopian Eunuchs (= NT character podcast 56)
Posted: September 1, 2018
To hear the talk on The Ethiopian Eunuchs (25 minutes), click the play arrow. You can download it from here. This podcast is O.T. character podcast 54 and N.T. character… Read More
Israel Winter Tour, February 2019
Posted: August 31, 2018
PAGE 1 of 2 2019 ISRAEL WINTER TOUR (4-11 February) Spaces: 40. Registered to date: 33. THE GROUP, 8 Feb 2019: Benefits of joining the tour: Your faith will… Read More
Q&A 1535 – The marriage bed (Heb 13:4)
Posted: August 31, 2018
Hebrew 13:4 says, “Marriage must be respected by all, and the marriage bed kept undefiled, because God will judge immoral people and adulterers.” I recently read a book that claimed, “It… Read More
Preferring Infertility, by Abigail Dodds
Posted: August 29, 2018
How We Worship the Queen of Heaven What must God think of a society that has made child sacrifice normal for the sake of elective infertility? Read here.
Storyline: Strength in Weakness
Posted: August 29, 2018
Christian Ray Flores tells the story of Max Agapitov – weightlifting world champion. Watch video here.
Recording of the Webinar on Marijuana and other Updates …
Posted: August 29, 2018
Good morning Renew Network subscribers, Would you join us as we seek to renew the teachings of King Jesus in our day? It is a bold aspiration. It will require… Read More
Ministry
Posted: August 29, 2018
I. Who is in the ministry”?” II. What is “the ministry”? III. Does it matter what we call it? Listen to the podcast to find out the answers to these… Read More
2018 Biblical Study Tour, 22-29 Oct (or 1 Nov, incl. Post-tour)
Posted: August 27, 2018
2018 TOUR WALK WHERE JESUS WALKED There’s a lot of talk about doing what Jesus would do (WWJD?), but how about walking where Jesus walked? We would like to invite… Read More
BST 2019 Info
Posted: August 27, 2018
Page 2 of 2 How to Register All communication is through email. If you’d like to join the tour, please email me. I’ll add you to the interest list, and then contact… Read More
Wanna see Robby Gallaty’s disciple making blueprint?
Posted: August 26, 2018
The #1 question I’ve gotten since launching Discipleship.Org is this: You’re telling me that there’s a REAL way you can make disciples that make disciples— how is that even possible?… Read More
2018 Biblical Study Tour
Posted: August 25, 2018
The 2018 group, in the Garden of Gethsemane (Photo Mark Mancini) WALK WHERE JESUS WALKED There’s a lot of talk about doing what Jesus would do (WWJD?), but how about… Read More
How Does a Network Differ from a Denomination? (Pt 2 of 2)
Posted: August 25, 2018
By Bobby Harrington and Jason Henderson, Renew Network (renew.org) When we say network, we do not mean a television network, but a network or web of people who are connected… Read More
How Do I Develop a Passion for the Bible?, by Greg Koukl
Posted: August 24, 2018
Greg shares how to make Bible reading more than a chore. Click on this link to see podcast & notes.
Teen Evidences Curriculum: From Facts to Faith
Posted: August 22, 2018
The attached teen evidences curriculum was produced by Douglas Jacoby and Page Pennell. It is simple, written at a basic level, and intended to be presented in class series format…. Read More
Q&A 1534 – Zeitgeist
Posted: August 17, 2018
How should we respond to the claims of the Zeitgeist internet movie? Although I have addressed this elsewhere, let me direct you to a useful refutation of the numerous bogus… Read More
African teaching ministry, by Gilbert Kimeng
Posted: August 13, 2018
Gilbert Kimeng 9 August 2018 Kinshasa, D.R.C. The past 10 days spent in the company of Dr. Douglas Jacoby has been transformational. He arrived Lagos on Monday July 30th, and… Read More
John Oakes’ journal: Russia, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, and Mongolia
Posted: August 10, 2018
Dr. John Oakes Journal for East and Central Asia teaching trip: Vladivostok, Osaka, Tokyo, Ulan Bataar and Bishkek July, 2018 John Oakes is a recently retired university professor and PhD… Read More
Genesis & the Beginnings of Humanity, by Bill Golightly
Posted: August 9, 2018
Dr. Golightly shares his view on the implications of modern science for the narratives of the first chapters of Genesis. He strives, as a scientist and a Christian, to maintain… Read More
Pray for the Peace of Chicago, by Steve Kinnard
Posted: August 9, 2018
Pray for the Peace of Chicago by stevekinnard War on the Sidewalks of Chicago. This morning I opened my paper edition of The New York Times for Tuesday, August 7, 2018 and saw a… Read More
Join This Free Webinar w/ Mandisa: American Idol to Disciple Maker
Posted: August 9, 2018
As the reader of the weekly Discipleship.org newsletter, you are the hero. Most of you are already committed to making disciples. But you face challenges—and we exist to help you with those… Read More
iFaith video sermon list
Posted: August 7, 2018
MASTER DOCUMENT: iFaith Bible Project 0622 In this series we will proceed more or less chronologically through the New Testament and the Old Testament. There are 119 video messages, being recorded… Read More
Unashamed of the Bible, by John Piper
Posted: August 4, 2018
No matter which way my mind turns these days, I cannot escape the absolutely unique and essential role that the Bible plays in God’s purpose for the universe, and for… Read More
Evangelical Black Exodus, by Danny Anderson
Posted: August 4, 2018
Listen to this podcast by clicking on link, and choosing Review 81. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sectarian-review/id1031613670?mt=2
Q&A 1533 – Location of the true Holy Sepulchre?
Posted: August 3, 2018
I visited the National Geographic Museum in DC today and went through the “Tomb of Jesus” exhibit, where they have done a good job of showing what the Church of… Read More
Are We at War with Muslims?, by Alan Schlemon
Posted: July 31, 2018
When the topic of violent jihad comes up, the first thing I hear most Muslims say is that they don’t practice violence, nor do most Muslims they know. Islam is… Read More
40 Years of Broken Chains
Posted: July 31, 2018
By Jim McCartney – Boston, MA, USA / 16 Jul, 2018 40 years ago today, I made a decision that dramatically changed the trajectory of my life. An only child of… Read More
Live Webinar with Bill Hull: The Disciple Making Pastor
Posted: July 31, 2018
Bill Hull’s book, The Disciple Making Pastor, has sold over 150,000 copies. That is a really big seller in the Christian leadership space…I think I know why. The disciple-making pastor cuts through… Read More
How to Sabotage a Bible Study, by Greg Morse
Posted: July 30, 2018
The tragic irony in many group Bible studies is that God’s word sits open on our laps while we discuss our own thoughts and… Continue reading this article here.
Accountability in the Pulpit
Posted: July 27, 2018
The following is a free adaptation of Eric Scalise’s excellent article, “Accountability in the Pulpit: Where are the Truth-Tellers?”, in Christian Counseling Connection, vol 19, issue 4, p.14. (This is… Read More
How Does a Network Differ from a Denomination? (Pt 1 of 2)
Posted: July 25, 2018
Hello Renew Newsletter Subscribers, We hope and pray that Renew.org will become the hub for a network of millions of disciples of Jesus. When we say network, we do not mean a… Read More
Grief Myths – Part Two
Posted: July 24, 2018
Don’t Be Fooled Into Believing These Three GRIEF MYTHS – Part Two Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. – Job 42:3… Read More
Live Webinar with Ken Adams: “The Making of a Disciple Making Church”
Posted: July 24, 2018
In 1989 Ken Adams was the first pastor of Crossroads Church in Newnan, Georgia, which has the purpose to “Be and Build Disciples of Jesus Christ.” With spiritual growth as… Read More
Summer Newsletter, Tyndale House
Posted: July 21, 2018
Dear Friend, Summer is one of the most exciting times of the year for us at Tyndale House. This year’s busy season began in May with the arrival of scientists… Read More
Want to Share the Gospel Effectively? Always Ask About the Tattoo, by John Teter
Posted: July 20, 2018
The simplest questions can open the door to amazing conversations. I asked Mike about his tattoo partly out of curiosity but primarily from an instinct of self-preservation. He was helping his… Read More
Q&A 1532 – David’s (amazing) respect for Saul
Posted: July 20, 2018
Do you think it is plausible that David is basing his conviction in 1 Samuel 24:6, not to kill Saul, on Psalm 105:15? — Reto Zingg (For those who have… Read More
The New Testament – Historically Speaking, by Brian Felushko
Posted: July 17, 2018
Understanding the New Testament Historically Do you ever struggle with any of the content in the New Testament (NT) books? Do you ever wonder how their messages, now 2000 years… Read More
Busting Grief Myths, by Dr. Timothy Sumerlin
Posted: July 16, 2018
Don’t Be Fooled Into Believing These Four GRIEF MYTHS Then Job replied: “How long will you torment me and crush me with words?—Job 19:1-2 Say nothing. Our friends may feel like… Read More
Learn More at this Year’s Pre-Forum Gatherings, Bobby Harrington
Posted: July 16, 2018
We are a little over three months out from the National Disciple Making Forum on October 25-26th and last week many of you purchased tickets. Last year we had over… Read More
Top 10 Free Disciple Making Resources in 2018
Posted: July 15, 2018
Dear Renew Leaders, I want to give you a sneak peak at a resource that will soon come out by Discipleship.org. Because I have the privilege of leading both organizations,… Read More
Recommended: Preaching Sticky Sermons
Posted: July 13, 2018
Preaching Sticky Sermons, by Brandon Kelley and Joe Hoagland (Rainer Publishing, 2016), is an excellent book. The authors are graduates of Cincinnati Christian University (an institution affiliated with the Christian… Read More
Mary Magdalene (the movie)
Posted: July 13, 2018
A Review (anonymous) of Mary Magdalene (2018) How Mary is portrayed Mary is shown as a fisherman—she is not portrayed as a prostitute (in the end of the movie they explain… Read More
Cool quotes from Socrates, Plato, & Aristotle
Posted: July 10, 2018
The beginning of wisdom is a definition of terms. I cannot teach anybody anything. I can only make him think. I am not an Athenian, nor a Greek, but a… Read More
“Filling & Following,” sermon by Douglas Jacoby
Posted: July 9, 2018
7-8-2018 Douglas Jacoby “Filling and Following” at the North River Church of Christ, Marietta, Georgia, USA
New Research: Churchgoers Stick Around for Theology, Not Music or Preachers
Posted: July 8, 2018
Don’t mess with a church’s beliefs or there may be an exodus, according to a new study from Nashville-based LifeWay Research. Continue reading here.
Q&A 1531 – Must Christians fast thrice weekly? And give 100%?
Posted: July 6, 2018
I strongly believe that we Christians should fast thrice a week, not for to be righteous, since (as you point out) this can’t be quantified, but to subordinate flesh to… Read More
Should Patriotism Have a Place in Church?, by John Piper
Posted: July 4, 2018
[Today] we celebrate July 4th, Independence Day as it’s known for us in the States. And the day itself raises questions about national loyalty for those of us who are… Read More
Park Farthest Away: 5 Simple Pastoral Habits To Defy Our “Me First” Culture
Posted: July 1, 2018
Leadership is an opportunity to serve. Anyone who doesn’t see it that way is not a leader, just a boss. Karl Vaters Read more
Eugene Cho: Why I Am Stepping Down as Pastor of Quest Church
Posted: July 1, 2018
“I don’t feel burned out, but I am realizing my limitations.” Interview by Kyle Rohane In 2001 Eugene Cho and his wife, Minhee, founded Quest Church, an urban, multicultural, and multigenerational… Read More
OT53-Rahab (CJ Jones)
Posted: July 1, 2018
For the O.T. Character Study, Rahab (27 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
Review of Paul: Apostle of Christ
Posted: June 27, 2018
A friend recently suggested I watch the film Paul: Apostle of Christ. I am glad I did. Here is my take, for what it’s worth. General Acting: superb. Not sappy, as with some… Read More
A 3,000-year-old glass head deepens one of the Bible’s oldest mysteries
Posted: June 26, 2018
By Avi Selk June 9, 2018 Buried under a pair of hills at Israel’s northern border, at the nexus of three ancient kingdoms, is one of the last large biblical sites yet… Read More
How to Move from Informational to Relational Discipleship
Posted: June 26, 2018
Maybe you are like most church leaders in North America – you are confused about what is meant by the expression “discipleship”. Is it a class? Is it Bible… Read More
Free eBook: Evangelism or Discipleship: Can They Effectively Work Together?
Posted: June 25, 2018
Which is more important, people often ask, evangelism or discipleship? It is often stated as though discipleship is just about growth after conversion. Sometimes people describe it as an apparent… Read More
Francis Collins Speaks on Genetic Engineering and Christian Faith
Posted: June 22, 2018
On June 18, 2018, leading geneticist and BioLogos founder Francis Collins gave a landmark lecture at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. The event was hosted by The Trinity Forum,… Read More
Q&A 1530 – Wrong to watch the news / propaganda?
Posted: June 22, 2018
I was a little surprised when you mentioned you have apps for BBC and CNN, and although I understand we need to get our news from somewhere, these news agencies… Read More
2018 Israel tour itinerary (provisional)
Posted: June 21, 2018
Oct 22 Mon: Arrive Tel Aviv 1900 Welcome dinner at hotel (Metropolitan) Oct 23 Tue: Caesarea Maritima – Mt. Carmel – Magdala – Sea of Galilee 0630 Wakeup call 0700 … Read More
Transgender suicide
Posted: June 15, 2018
A friend of mine who is a medical doctor passed along an article on Transgender Suicide Rate. The article is interesting. Equally interesting was his analysis of the article. “Research on… Read More
Black Panther
Posted: June 13, 2018
In April [2018] someone asked me if I’d seen Black Panther. I had heard of it, but admitted I wasn’t particularly interested in yet another superhero movie. “I’ll probably watch… Read More
Diplomado en Bienestar Psicológico 2018, ¡Inscripciones Abiertas!
Posted: June 12, 2018
Ya está lista nuestra nueva edición 2018 del Diplomado en Bienestar Psicológico que ha ayudado a decenas de personas en todo el continente americano y en Europa. Da click para… Read More
A Tool to Help Your Church Build a Disciple-Making Culture
Posted: June 12, 2018
We champion leaders, networks, and organizations that help disciples of Jesus make more disciples. Two of the most important aspects of effective disciple making are an intentional strategy and an… Read More
Scientists and God: Frank Tipler
Posted: June 12, 2018
Used with permission from John Clayton of Does God Exist? (Vol. 45, no. 1, 2018) Editor’s Note: Atheists attempt to suggest that scientists are intelligent people who have rejected faith… Read More
France Erases Christianity from Public View
Posted: June 12, 2018
Used with permission from John Clayton and Does God Exist? (Vol. 45, no. 1, 2018) FRANCE ERASES CHRISTIANITY FROM PUBLIC VIEW If you remember studying the history of France, you… Read More
The Wit and Wisdom of Ancient Jewish Graffiti – Atlas Obscura
Posted: June 10, 2018
Researchers in the field have uncovered related messages ranging from “Lasius is a pervert” to “Good luck in your resurrection.” Read more here.
Q&A 1529 – Wealthy families who donate little?
Posted: June 8, 2018
In your podcast, you mentioned fairly wealthy families you know who give very little. How do you deal with this? I think about Ephesians 5, where Paul says no immoral,… Read More
Disciple Maker’s Forum – Introducing: The Main Session Speakers
Posted: May 29, 2018
From Bobby Harrington, Executive Director, Discipleship.org: I am excited about the Main Sessions we have planned for our upcoming National Disciple Making Forum. We have confirmed six of our main sessions… Read More
An Inspirational Video Series for Supporters of SIW
Posted: May 26, 2018
Every Saturday for 6 weeks Strength in Weakness Ministries is releasing a new brief episode. We pray these are a blessing and encouragement. Insights from the Valley Click here for… Read More
Q&A 1528 – Santa Claus and the Faith of Small Children
Posted: May 25, 2018
I often wonder about how it will affect my daughter when she finds out that Santa is not real. She associates Christmas with Santa and with Jesus. When she finds… Read More
Where Does God Want Me to Work?, by David Mathis
Posted: May 23, 2018
David Mathis leads us in finding God’s will through three major factors. Read here.
“I am a Christian … even to death.”
Posted: May 23, 2018
Boko Haram terrorists ordered Habila and his family out of their home in northern Nigeria at gunpoint. Then they told Habila to recite the Islamic creed, leave Christianity behind and… Read More
Refresh: Ready for College (from RZIM)
Posted: May 21, 2018
Are you a high school upperclassman or a college freshman? Then don’t miss out on ReFresh. As students, you know what it’s like to be surrounded by questions. It can be… Read More
World Premiere of Seals of Isaiah and Hezekiah
Posted: May 16, 2018
Sponsored content brought to you by Armstrong International Cultural Foundation May 16, 2018
A Biblical Primer on Dating
Posted: May 15, 2018
This is from a Singles Devotional done in the Greater Houston Church on May 12, 2018 by Toney Mulhollan. “Here is my two page outline. The second page was a… Read More
“Mother’s Day Reflection,” by Douglas Jacoby
Posted: May 14, 2018
Message given at the North River Church of Christ on Sunday, May 13, 2018 at the 9 & 11am services.
BBC News: ‘One family’ behind Indonesia blasts
Posted: May 13, 2018
Members of one family were behind a wave of blasts targeting three churches in Indonesia’s second city of Surabaya, police say. At least 11 people were killed and dozens of… Read More
Q&A 1527 – Theudas: Did Luke Make a Mistake?
Posted: May 11, 2018
Doesn’t Luke get it wrong when he has Gamaliel say, “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. For some time ago Theudas rose… Read More
Diplomado “CONOCE” 2018 – ¡Inscripciones Abiertas!
Posted: May 8, 2018
Click here for all the details.
Is It OK for Christians to Have Doubt? by Tim Barnett
Posted: May 8, 2018
Every Christian has had doubts at some point in their Christian life. We’re all finite creatures. We don’t know everything. Sometimes we get things wrong. And this possibility can cause… Read More
New eBook “Fill Your Seats” by Regi Campbell
Posted: May 8, 2018
What would you say about a man who has Andy Stanley in his discipleship group? Well, that is precisely what is happening in Regi Campbell’s Radical Mentoring Group this year…. Read More
OT52-Jonah.mp3
Posted: May 1, 2018
For O.T. Lesson 52, Jonah (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
Sheep Not Goats Newsletter for April 2018
Posted: April 30, 2018
Attached is the latest newsletter about what’s happening in Nicaragua, including all the Sheep Dreamzzz blankets being made and the breakfasts for the elderly that are held in Malpaisillo every Thursday morning…. Read More
Does God Guide Evolution?
Posted: April 30, 2018
We’ve been asked by many people over the last few months for a response to the book Theistic Evolution, published late last year by Crossway. President Haarsma offered one in her post;… Read More
Q&A 1526 – Can a Christian Go to a Gay Pride Parade? (by Guy Hammond)
Posted: April 27, 2018
It’s Gay Pride Week in Toronto right now, with the festivities ending with the largest Gay Pride Parade in North America tomorrow afternoon. Over the years I have had several… Read More
Brother Lawrence
Posted: April 25, 2018
Introduction We may be tempted to conceive of Christian history as a vast wasteland stretching from the post-apostolic period till fairly modern times; yet this is not quite accurate. Even… Read More
Special, New-Release Interview w/Robert Coleman
Posted: April 24, 2018
A Note on Robert “Robert Coleman is the spiritual father of the modern disciple-making movement, and we have some special resources for you to get an up-close and personal view… Read More
North Carolina Israel Tour (2-9 November 2019)
Posted: April 24, 2018
Registered to date: 79. Below: Spring 2019 tour WALKING WHERE JESUS WALKED We hear a good deal of talk about doing what Jesus would do… Read More
North Carolina Leaders Israel Tour (Nov 2019)
Posted: April 24, 2018
(2-9 November) WALKING WHERE JESUS WALKED We hear a good deal of talk about doing what Jesus would do (WWJD?), but how about walking where Jesus walked? Benefits of… Read More
Ezekiel comment, by Peter Craigie
Posted: April 19, 2018
“The concluding verses of the book indicate the wholeness and completeness of the prophet’s vision and ministry as a whole. From one perspective, it is a sad book; it begins… Read More
A Brief Review of STEP: Scripture Tools for Every Person, by Joey Harris
Posted: April 18, 2018
The STEP Bible (STEP stands for “Scripture Tools for Every Person”) is a free digital Bible software project run by the Bible and religious book publisher, Tyndale House. The underlying software powering… Read More
No Sign Will Be Given! Jesus: Playing Down the Miraculous
Posted: April 18, 2018
(Adapted from chapter 21 of The Spirit.) Jesus deliberately played down the miraculous. Then why did he do so many miracles — if they weren’t really necessary? Now, we never… Read More
Marshall Keeble fought racism by melting hearts
Posted: April 17, 2018
By Hamil R. Harris, Christian Chronicle ‘He had intellect, insight and a humble spirit that he used to stand at the front door of the angry lion of racism.’ While Marshall… Read More
I Could Be Wrong… (Greg Koukl)
Posted: April 16, 2018
Is it a good idea for Christians to use the phrase “I could be wrong…” when discussing their convictions? Click here to watch & find out. The speaker is Greg… Read More
Prosperity Gospel, by Patrick Blair
Posted: April 16, 2018
A Section from Chapter 8 – Riches and Righteousness IS THE GOSPEL ALSO A GOSPEL OF PROSPERITY? The prosperity gospel (a.k.a. the health and wealth gospel) “is a religious belief… Read More
Holiness: “Even the tassels are holy,” by Graydon Stephenson
Posted: April 16, 2018
What is ‘holiness’? ‘Holiness’ is the state of being ‘holy’. The noun ‘holiness’ appears infrequently in the scriptures, but the adjective ‘holy’ appears often. Certain concepts are paired with ‘holiness’. A… Read More
The Gospel of Prosperity, by Patrick Blair
Posted: April 16, 2018
The file is a chapter from an upcoming book by Patrick Blair. Prosperity-Gospel-Blair
Q&A 1525 – Refusing medical treatment (fatalism)?
Posted: April 13, 2018
A friend has been diagnosed with cancer. She is refusing treatment, despite her cancer growing from stage 1 to stage 2. Her reasoning: she believes her days are already numbered… Read More
Millennials & the Degradation of Truth (Unboxed 2018)
Posted: April 6, 2018
This is my PowerPoint from the 2018 Unboxed Conference in Long Beach, California, 5-7 April 2018. Unboxed-Truth-1-2-1
A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the 50th Anniversary of his Death
Posted: April 4, 2018
A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the 50th Anniversary of his Death By Dr. G. Steve Kinnard Let Justice Roll, A Social Justice Blog. Volume Three. “But let justice roll down… Read More
“The Kingdom Unleashed” eBook on Prayer and Disciple-Making Movement
Posted: April 4, 2018
There are no true disciple-making movements in North America right now. That statement may come as a surprise, but it is the conclusion of most (if not all) missions experts…. Read More
Two legacies, 50 years later
Posted: April 3, 2018
Marshall Keeble and Martin Luther King Jr. fought for ‘different things in different ages.’ By Hamil R. Harris and Bobby Ross Jr. Marshall Keeble was calling sinners home at a… Read More
Thrive – Jacoby lesson for NECC
Posted: April 1, 2018
NECC Thrive The file is the .pdf (3 pages) accompanying the class recorded for the 2018 NECC (Northeast Christian Conference, Providence RI, July 2018). Here is the audio file (58… Read More
Q&A 1524 – Were the Jews authorized to execute?
Posted: March 30, 2018
In your podcast on John 18 you note that the Jews were prevented by Roman law from inflicting capital punishment during Jesus’ time. But if the Jews were unable to… Read More
The Staurogram
Posted: March 27, 2018
The earliest images of Jesus on the cross How and when did Christians start to depict images of Jesus on the cross? Some believe the early church avoided images of… Read More
Jesus and the Cross
Posted: March 27, 2018
How the cross became Christianity’s most popular symbol Throughout the world, images of the cross adorn the walls and steeples of churches. For some Christians, the cross is part of their daily… Read More
Did Seinfeld and Letterman ruin us?
Posted: March 24, 2018
Article by Tony Reinke, Senior writer, desiringGod.org My generation was raised on The Simpsons. The popular cartoon is postmodern TV at its finest: liberated from prolonged storylines, a series of jests… Read More
What’s your favorite discipleship material?
Posted: March 23, 2018
At Discipleship.org, we aggregate top discipleship material, resources, and channels to help you as a disciple maker. In order to do that, we’re asking for your input! Answer our brief… Read More
Are Suffering and God’s Love Compatible?
Posted: March 21, 2018
Greg Koukl highlights important connections between God’s love and human suffering. Watch video here.
The Productivity Paradox: A Better Way to Boost Focus & Efficiency
Posted: March 21, 2018
Productivity’s Paradox by Michael Hyatt What if trying to get more done was actually making us less productive? Workplace culture preaches longer days and buckled-down efforts to do more, faster… yet our success falters…. Read More
The Passover 1: Hurry!
Posted: March 19, 2018
Sermon given by Douglas Jacoby at the North River Church of Christ on March 18, 2018, based on Exodus 12.
King Hezekiah in the Bible: Royal Seal of Hezekiah Comes to Light
Posted: March 16, 2018
Hezekiah in the Bible and on the ground For the first time, the royal seal of King Hezekiah in the Bible was found in an archaeological excavation. The stamped clay seal,… Read More
Q&A 1523 – Mystical interpretations of Hebrew letters?
Posted: March 16, 2018
I need a little insight from those familiar with the Hebrew language. I ran into someone who claimed that not only does the Hebrew alphabet convey the letters by which… Read More
A Quiet Exodus: Why Black Worshipers Are Leaving White Evangelical Churches
Posted: March 10, 2018
By Campbell Robertson March 9, 2018 FORT WORTH — Charmaine Pruitt wrote the names of 12 churches on a sheet of paper, tore the paper into 12 strips, and dropped them… Read More
“I Am an Arab and I Am a Christian: An Autobiography”
Posted: March 6, 2018
Former Muslim shows Islam from the inside. by David Duncan Many well-written books on Islam have appeared in the years since 9/11. So have many not-so-great books, written from a… Read More
The Ten Commandments of Teaching, by Brian Fontaine
Posted: March 3, 2018
The 10 Commandments of Effective Teaching 1st Commandment: Know thy content, backward and forward, for your students’ respect and attention begins here. 2nd Commandment: Proper Planning and Preparation Prevent Poor… Read More
Q&A 1522 – Spontaneous Quantum Creation?
Posted: March 2, 2018
I’ve been reading an article by Stephen Hawking on his theory of the “Spontaneous Quantum Creation of the Universe,” as promoted in this article. I would love to hear your… Read More
Strength in Weakness is going Español!
Posted: March 1, 2018
Strength in Weakness Ministries is going Español! Lo que Todos los Cristianos Necesitan Saber Acerca de la Homosexualidad La Homosexualidad: ¿hay un tema más controvertido en nuestro mundo de hoy? ¿Alguna vez te… Read More
Mennonite woman jailed for refusing to testify in death-penalty case
Posted: March 1, 2018
“I feel like I’m having to choose between you and God.” Read this article in the Washington Post here.
OT51-Amos.mp3
Posted: March 1, 2018
For O.T. Lesson 51, Amos (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
“Why Are There Verses Missing from my Bible?”, by Nick Zola
Posted: February 26, 2018
Ever wonder, “Why Are There Verses Missing from my Bible?” Nick Zola, of Baylor University, tackles the subject in a compact and interesting presentation. Click here to watch video on… Read More
Series on John (daily study)
Posted: February 23, 2018
The 2018 series is A Tour Through John. Length: 50 days. Units average about 20 minutes, just right if you have to go to work early, or want to listen as you… Read More
An Update on Cathy Hammond’s health
Posted: February 21, 2018
Dear friend of the Hammonds and the Strength in Weakness ministry, Many have asked about my wife’s health, thank you. Cathy remains seriously ill. In spite of the… Read More
A Tour Through John, Lesson 50
Posted: February 19, 2018
If you prefer not to listen to the audio, but prefer only to read the questions below, that is fine — but the answers are in the podcast file. Click on… Read More
A Tour Through John, Lesson 49
Posted: February 18, 2018
Lesson 49 is the third podcast in a series of 3 introducing the Revelation of John. Click on the arrow to play the podcast (9 minutes), or right click here, save and… Read More
A Tour Through John, Lesson 48
Posted: February 17, 2018
Rev B is the middle podcast in a series of 3 introducing the Revelation of John. Click on the arrow to play the podcast (17 minutes), or right click here,… Read More
A Tour Through John, Lesson 47
Posted: February 16, 2018
Click on the arrow to play the podcast (13 minutes), or right click here, save and listen later. (1) General 1 Paul 87 chapters ~ 1/4 of NT 2 Luke 52… Read More
Q&A 1521 – Is Jeremiah really the longest book in the Bible?
Posted: February 16, 2018
“Most of us assume Psalms is the longest book in the Bible, since it has 150 chapters. In your recent Bible quiz, however, you listed Jeremiah as the longest book…. Read More
A Tour Through John, Lesson 46 (verses)
Posted: February 15, 2018
Click on the arrow to play the podcast (8 minutes), or right click here, save and listen later. Scripture for memory 1 John 1:7 — But if we walk in the… Read More
A Tour Through John, Lesson 45
Posted: February 14, 2018
Click on the arrow to play the podcast (23 minutes), or right click here, in order to download, save, and listen later. 1 The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I… Read More
Why God? – Part 1
Posted: February 13, 2018
Writer: Greg Koukl, of Stands to Reason Read this article here.
The Future Computed
Posted: February 13, 2018
Artificial Intelligence and its role in society, by Brad Smith and Harry Shum. Read the article here.
A Tour Through John, Lesson 44
Posted: February 13, 2018
Click on the arrow to play the podcast (15 minutes), or right click here, in order to download, save, and listen later. 2 John has been called “1 John in miniature.” As… Read More
A Tour Through John, Lesson 43
Posted: February 12, 2018
Two of the most encouraging verses in the Bible are found in 1 John 5. Verse 3 says God’s commands aren’t burdensome. Walking in the light—and basking in it—isn’t only… Read More
A Tour Through John, Lesson 42
Posted: February 11, 2018
Click on the arrow to play the podcast (20 minutes), or right click here, in order to download, save, and listen later. 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test… Read More
A Spiritual Look at Student Debt & Giving
Posted: February 10, 2018
“Let me start off by saying that I’ve gotten incredibly lucky and have no student debt at all.” -Said No One Ever Just kidding. Many have been blessed tremendously to have… Read More