Latest Posts

A Tour Through John, Lesson 41

Posted: February 10, 2018

From the mention of rebirth (“born of him” in 2:29), John moves into praise for God and his love for us as his children. He reminds us that the reason… Read More

“It’s All Relative” and Other Such Absolute Statements: Assessing Relativism, by Paul Copan

Posted: February 9, 2018

You have probably heard all kinds of relativistic statements: “That’s just true for you but not for me,” or “That’s just your reality,” or “Who are you to say that… Read More

Made to look beautiful. Sent out to die.

Posted: February 9, 2018

Falmata was just 13 when she was snatched from the side of the road. Months later, she was sent on a mission. Her captors told her that if she killed… Read More

A Tour Through John, Lesson 40

Posted: February 9, 2018

In the first part of chapter two John warns his readers to follow Jesus, not the world. He is responding to a serious problem. Christians are defecting, leaving the faith. In the second… Read More

A Tour Through John, Lesson 39

Posted: February 8, 2018

Click on the arrow to play the podcast (18 minutes), or right click here, in order to download, save, and listen later. 2:1 My little children, I am writing these… Read More

“No Silver Bullets: Five Small Shifts that will Transform Your Ministry.”

Posted: February 7, 2018

Free Webinar Event – Feb 8, 2018 I wanted to make sure you knew about a free webinar we’re hosting tomorrow called “No Silver Bullets: Five Small Shifts that will… Read More

A Tour Through John, Lesson 38

Posted: February 7, 2018

Click on the arrow to play the podcast (15 minutes), or right click here, in order to download, save, and listen later. 1 We declare to you what was from the… Read More

How I pray…even when it’s hard

Posted: February 6, 2018

Author: Greg Koukl (Stands to Reason) Prayer is hard. For me, consistent prayer has always been a battle, a fight. One of the most difficult things for fallen people to do… Read More

After two years in captivity, minister released – The Christian Chronicle

Posted: February 6, 2018

Igor Kozlovsky endured 700 days of anguish, torture, sickness and inhumane living conditions at the hands of his captors, the pro-Russian separatists who seized control of his homeland in eastern… Read More

A Tour Through John, Lesson 37

Posted: February 6, 2018

In the late first century, there were false concepts of Jesus circulating in the Christian world. Just as today there are numerous false Jesuses (perhaps best known is the one… Read More

A Tour Through John, Lesson 36 (scriptures)

Posted: February 5, 2018

Click on the arrow to play the podcast (11 minutes), or right click here, save and listen later. 12:24 — Jesus to Andrew, Philip, and the Greeks: “Very truly, I tell… Read More

A Tour Through John, Lesson 35

Posted: February 4, 2018

Click on the arrow to play the podcast (20 minutes), or right click here, to save and listen later. After breakfast, it’s time to talk (v.15ff).  Notice the setting: the charcoal fire…. Read More

What is Success? by John Porter

Posted: February 3, 2018

The crowd cheered as water gushed from the rock Moses had just struck.  Up until this moment, they had been complaining and were even regretting their decision to leave Egypt.  From… Read More

How long are the days of Genesis 1

Posted: February 3, 2018

By BioLogos Did the author of Genesis 1 intend to communicate that God created everything in six 24-hour days, or are the days meant to be understood in some other… Read More

A Tour Through John, Lesson 34

Posted: February 3, 2018

As noted in the last message, it is possible that the Gospel of John concluded with chapter 20, and that chapter 21 is an addition, either by the original author or by someone… Read More

A Tour Through John, Lesson 33

Posted: February 2, 2018

John 19 concludes with the burial of Jesus. Now, in John 20, it is Sunday morning, the third day since the crucifixion—and the tomb is empty! Click on the arrow… Read More

Q&A 1520 – How best to learn NT Greek?

Posted: February 2, 2018

“I just finished a textbook on New Testament Greek and am honing my linguistic skills. I’d appreciate any advice you may have to offer.” — R. Jones My advice is… Read More

Supplementary test for A Tour Through John

Posted: February 1, 2018

For those who found the 25-question quiz in A Tour Through John, Lesson 50, to be too easy, here’s a tougher one: Who was described by the elder as philoprōteuōn?… Read More

A Tour Through John, Lesson 32

Posted: February 1, 2018

We continue our study of the crucifixion, from the middle of John 19. Click on the arrow to play the podcast (24 minutes), or right click here, to save and listen… Read More

You Can’t Stand Pat, by Dave Travis

Posted: January 31, 2018

Well you can, but the results are less than best. A few years ago I was talking to one of our pastors who had been engaged with us for a… Read More

Who Watches Porn? 3 Key Predictors of Porn Use

Posted: January 31, 2018

Thursday, January 25, 2018 | Written by Jay Stringer What if I told you that your use of pornography could reveal your way to healing? As a licensed mental health counselor and… Read More

Nothing Derails A Small Group Discussion Quicker Than This..

Posted: January 31, 2018

Have you ever had that moment in a small group? You know, the moment where you can tell breakthrough is coming soon, everyone is focused and engaged and……..READ MORE

Hard Teachings and Disciple Making

Posted: January 31, 2018

We live in a time of great change in some core moral beliefs in North America. For example, Barna research has documented that over 40 percent of self-described practicing Christians… Read More

A Tour Through John, Lesson 31

Posted: January 31, 2018

Click on the arrow to play the podcast (21 minutes), or right click here, save and listen later. 19:1 Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. 2 And the soldiers wove a… Read More

A Tour Through John, Lesson 30

Posted: January 30, 2018

Click on the arrow to play the podcast (19 minutes), or right click here, save and listen later. 18:1 After Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples… Read More

Dangers of a Leader’s Echo Chamber, by Art Rainer

Posted: January 29, 2018

Echo chambers occur when a leader’s ideas are consistently applauded without question. Rarely are the leader’s ideas, decision-making, and actions challenged. And rarely are ideas brought to the table that… Read More

A Tour Through John, Lesson 29

Posted: January 29, 2018

The entire chapter is a prayer. This falls into three parts: Prayer for himself (vv.1-5). Prayer for his disciples (vv.6-19). Prayer for the world — future believers (vv.20-26). The order is crucial: Jesus’ training… Read More

A Tour Through John, Lesson 28

Posted: January 28, 2018

Jesus has been preparing his apostles for the persecution to come (15:18 into chapter 16). Persecuting Christians will come to be seen as service to God (v.2). John’s gospel was… Read More

4 Major Reasons Churches Fail to Reach People

Posted: January 27, 2018

It’s no secret that I’m passionate about churches reaching their communities. After all, evangelism and outreach is at the heart of the gospel. So when I hear from pastors who… Read More

A Tour Through John, Lesson 27

Posted: January 27, 2018

Click on the arrow to play the podcast (18 minutes), or right click here, save and listen later. Chapter 15 tells us about our relationship to Jesus (vv.1-17), using three different… Read More

A Tour Through John, Lesson 26

Posted: January 26, 2018

Having heard Jesus’ prediction of his betrayal, and death, the apostles are understandably anxious. That is why in 14:1 Jesus tries to calm them. We too may have our own reasons for… Read More

Now Available: The Master Plan Online Course with Robert Coleman

Posted: January 25, 2018

Robert Coleman’s book, The Master Plan of Evangelism, is the gold standard work on Jesus’ disciple making method. You can jump into the video recordings of this material through our online… Read More

Bolivia Makes Evangelism a Crime – Christianity Today

Posted: January 25, 2018

Evangelicals ‘deeply worried’ about socialist government’s changes to penal code. Read article here.

A Tour Through John, Lesson 25

Posted: January 25, 2018

Jesus speaks to the apostles in chapters 13-16, on the eve of his death. For an excellent study on John 13:31-17:26, read The Last Discourse, by James Greig. Even though he knows… Read More

Ten Bible Verses Prosperity Gospel Preachers Need to Stop Misusing

Posted: January 24, 2018

Can you believe your way to health and wealth? Prosperity teachers say yes — and they misuse these Bible verses to convince millions of people that they’re right. Read article… Read More

A Tour Through John, Lesson 24

Posted: January 24, 2018

Click on the arrow to play the podcast (19 minutes), or right click here, save and listen later. 27 Now is my soul troubled, and what shall I say? Father, deliver me… Read More

A Conversation with Lee & Leslie Strobel

Posted: January 23, 2018

The Case for Christ author Lee Strobel and wife Leslie share how investigative reporting led to faith — and an intense desire to share it. Read the Christian Chronicle piece… Read More

A Tour Through John, Lesson 23

Posted: January 23, 2018

After the podcast on scripture memory, we now return to the gospel of John, chapter 12. Click on the arrow to play the podcast (12 minutes), or right click here… Read More

Is the end nigh for Palestinian Christians?

Posted: January 22, 2018

Bethlehem (CNN) A church service begins in Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity. Worshipers descend the stone stairs, worn smooth by millions of pilgrims over the centuries, down into the Grotto –… Read More

Mysterious Dead Sea Scroll deciphered in Israel

Posted: January 22, 2018

One of the last remaining obscure parts of the Dead Sea Scrolls has been deciphered by researchers in Israel. Read all about it here.

A Tour Through John, Lesson 22 (scriptures)

Posted: January 22, 2018

Click on the arrow to play the podcast (11 minutes), or right click here, save and listen later. Scripture for memory (Prov 22:17-18 — see also 3:3; 7:3, on internalizing God’s word)… Read More

A Tour Through John, Lesson 21

Posted: January 21, 2018

Today we come to the final chapter in John’s “Book of Signs.” And in chapter 10 we saw the 3rd and 4th of seven “I am” sayings (gate and Shepherd)…. Read More

A Tour Through John, Lesson 20

Posted: January 20, 2018

In the previous chapter Jesus proved that he was truly the light of the world. Here we find the third and fourth I am statements: “I am the door” (vv.7,9)… Read More

A Tour Through John, Lesson 19

Posted: January 19, 2018

This entire chapter illustrates how Jesus is the light of the world (8:12; 9:5). Without him all are blind. Click on the arrow to play the podcast (21 minutes), or right… Read More

Q&A 1519 – Actual forgiveness in OT times?

Posted: January 19, 2018

“On page 75 of your Exodus book you state, ‘Nowhere either does the Bible associate obedience and works with the old covenant, or faith and grace exclusively with the new… Read More

A Tour Through John, Lesson 18

Posted: January 18, 2018

Last time (lesson 17) we stopped at John 8:11. The rest of chapter 8 reveals an escalation in tensions between Jesus and the Jewish leadership. The acrimony culminates in an… Read More

Become a Level 5 Disciple Maker

Posted: January 17, 2018

Discipleship.org and Exponential pulled together top national disciple making leaders to map out five levels of disciple making.Our model shows people moving from conversion where a person starts as a… Read More

A Tour Through John, Lesson 17

Posted: January 17, 2018

The beginning section of today’s podcast (on John 7:53-8:11) some may find a bit academic, or even unsettling. Please bear with me; certain explanations need to be made. Soon we… Read More

A Tour Through John, Lesson 16

Posted: January 16, 2018

Click on the arrow to play the podcast (19 minutes), or right click here to download and listen later. 32 The Pharisees heard the crowd muttering such things about him, and the… Read More

A Tour Through John, Lesson 15

Posted: January 15, 2018

Following Christ requires focus, commitment, discipline. And there are so many distractions. We need to put considerable effort into arranging our lives so that we can live as his disciples. After… Read More

A Tour Through John, Lesson 14

Posted: January 14, 2018

Click on the arrow to play the podcast (20 minutes), or right click here to download and listen later. 6:37 Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and… Read More

The Top Book Recommendations of 12 Disciple Making Leaders

Posted: January 13, 2018

Discipleship.org asked the leaders of 12 Disciple Making ministries that partner with us to share their top 2 book recommendations. We told everyone to assume the recommendations of two classics: The… Read More

A Tour Through John, Lesson 13

Posted: January 13, 2018

Click on the arrow to play the podcast (22 minutes), or right click here to download and listen later. 6:1 After this Jesus went to the other side of the… Read More

A Tour Through John, Lesson 12

Posted: January 12, 2018

Today we finish our study of John 5. Click on the arrow to play the podcast (20 minutes), or right click here to download and listen later. 19 Jesus said to them, “Very… Read More

Was Jesus Just a Great Teacher?

Posted: January 11, 2018

Greg Koukl unpacks why Jesus was more than just a morally good teacher. Watch the video (less than 4 minutes) here.

A Tour Through John, Lesson 11

Posted: January 11, 2018

Today we finish John 4 and begin John 5. Click on the arrow to play the podcast (25 minutes), or right click here to download and listen later. 43 When the two… Read More

A Tour Through John, Lesson 10

Posted: January 10, 2018

We continue to read the story of Jesus and the Samaritan Woman — a story that could easily be titled “The Stranger.” Click on the arrow to play the podcast… Read More

A Tour Through John, Lesson 9

Posted: January 9, 2018

The story of the Samaritan woman is well known. She is a stranger to Jesus, as he is to her. But his interaction speaks volumes about what it means to… Read More

Is Religious Belief Just a Brain Function?

Posted: January 8, 2018

Religion, we are told, has a scientific explanation; so we have no need of the God hypothesis. But is that so? This article reviews the alleged evidence and then responds… Read More

A Tour Through John, Lesson 8

Posted: January 8, 2018

Click on the arrow to play the podcast (18 minutes), or right click here to save and listen later. 16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son,… Read More

A Tour Through John, Lesson 7

Posted: January 7, 2018

We come to the ever-popular John 3!  While most who profess Christ know only verse 16, the entire chapter is chock-full of incredible passages. For example, verse 16 requires faith… Read More

Atheism & the Burden of Proof, by Paul Copan

Posted: January 6, 2018

Atheism and the Burden of Proof In conversations with atheists, they may challenge us: “You’re claiming that God exists. Therefore, the burden of proof rests on you, not me. So… Read More

A Tour through John, Lesson 6

Posted: January 6, 2018

Click on the arrow to play the podcast (20 minutes), or right click here to save and listen later. Recap of lesson 5 (Water to Wine) Time out for a wedding:… Read More

A Tour Through John, Lesson 5

Posted: January 5, 2018

Click on the arrow to play the podcast (24 minutes), or right click here to listen later. Introduction Jesus’ core group of disciples, his apostles, has grown. In chapter 2 he… Read More

Q&A 1518 – Did Pharaoh’s Firstborn Son Die in the 10th Plague?

Posted: January 5, 2018

Exodus 12:29-30 says. “At midnight the Lord struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the… Read More

A Tour through John, lesson 4

Posted: January 4, 2018

Click on the arrow to play the podcast (20 minutes), or right click here to listen later. Last time we looked at the first two days; today we will read about… Read More

Watch These 10 Disciple Making Trends in 2018

Posted: January 3, 2018

A national disciple making movement in North America is starting to take off. Groups and networks are forming everywhere. Over 1400 pastors and leaders from around the country joined 17… Read More

Commencement Address to John Robert’s son’s ninth grade class

Posted: January 3, 2018

‘I wish you bad luck,” said the chief justice of the United States. He meant for those words, delivered last spring, to express encouragement and optimism. The year now ending… Read More

A Tour Through John, Lesson 3

Posted: January 3, 2018

Having set the stage with his prologue (vv.1-18), John the evangelist now begins the story proper. In this lesson (22 minutes), we cover John 1:19-34, which details the first two… Read More

A Tour Through John, Lesson 2

Posted: January 2, 2018

In this lesson (20 minutes), we will finish our study of the prologue (1:1-18), which sets the stage for the entire gospel. Click on the arrow to play the podcast,… Read More

New Year’s Resolutions for Disciple Makers

Posted: January 1, 2018

Like most people, I make New Year’s resolutions, but I have a unique focus with some of my goals. I want to want what God wants, and God wants more… Read More

A Tour through John, Lesson 1

Posted: January 1, 2018

In this opening lesson (15 minutes), we will consider the nature of John’s gospel, and then probe the important prologue (1:1-18), which sets the stage for the entire gospel. Click… Read More

OT50-Hosea.mp3

Posted: January 1, 2018

For O.T. Lesson 50, Hosea (26 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and… Read More

Q&A 1517 – Dark skin a divine curse?

Posted: December 27, 2017

How can some people say that dark skin is a curse from God? They point to the curse of Ham in Genesis 9. The target of Noah’s curse wasn’t so… Read More

A Closer Look at Christmas – Glenn Sunshine

Posted: December 25, 2017

The Story behind the Manger, Shepherds, and Swaddling Clothes At this time of year, every year, we hear the Christmas story again. The familiar elements—the full inn, the stable, the… Read More

International Bible Teaching Ministry (2017 summary)

Posted: December 21, 2017

Cities of ministry Accra (Ghana) Atlanta, Georgia Boston, Massachusetts Calgary (Canada) Denver, Colorado Durban (South Africa) Fayetteville, North Carolina Jacksonville, Florida Jerusalem etc. (Israel) Johannesburg (South Africa) Kumasi (Ghana) Lusaka… Read More

The Bible Project: An Interview with Jim Mackie

Posted: December 21, 2017

In this interview with Tim Mackie, co-founder of The Bible Project, we discuss the origins of The Bible Project and how two friends threw some videos up on Youtube that have now become a… Read More

“The Master Plan” – Robert Coleman

Posted: December 21, 2017

Robert Coleman wrote The Master Plan of Evangelism decades ago, and it has sold millions of copies. Now, you can experience his core teaching through never-before-seen video teaching sessions of Robert Coleman…. Read More

Learn How (Not) to Doubt – The Gospel Coalition (TGC)

Posted: December 21, 2017

When we experience doubts, we’re in holy company. A lot of people today—including Christians—don’t know how to doubt properly. Continue reading here.

Story of the (New) Tyndale House Greek NT

Posted: December 19, 2017

Hear the story of the Tyndale House Greek New Testament from the academics who produced it.

Digital Access to National Disciple Making Forum: Now Available

Posted: December 18, 2017

Now available: Digital access to the main sessions from this year’s National Disciple Making Forum The digital access pass is called, “Becoming a Disciple Maker,”and it’s available for only $9.99. Access these… Read More

Q&A 1516 – What was myrrh used for?

Posted: December 18, 2017

Myrrh is a strange word. But it’s in the Bible many times. What is this substance? You’re right. It’s in the Bible a lot (Gen 37:27; 43:11; Exod 30:23; Esth… Read More

Sinless Mary: Dialogue with Old Testament Professor

Posted: December 15, 2017

Jonathan Huddleston (see Facebook / resume) is an ordained Church of Christ minister, and has been assistant professor of Old Testament at Abilene Christian University. He obtained his doctorate in Hebrew Bible / Old… Read More

We Can’t Be Like Jesus If We’re Not Making Disciples

Posted: December 15, 2017

I’m writing to share a recent blog post—an excerpt fromBecoming a Disciple Maker, a free eBook Greg Wiens and I wrote. The article’s called “We Can’t Be Like Jesus If… Read More

Historic Core of Christmas Lore: A sermon on Nicholas (“St. Nick”), by Douglas Jacoby

Posted: December 14, 2017

Sermon given to the Northview Church of Christ on Sunday, December 10, 2017. To listen now, click on arrow to play. To download and listen later, right click Nicolas and then click… Read More

“Thanksgiving Meditation”

Posted: December 14, 2017

11-26-2017 – Douglas Jacoby “Thanksgiving Meditation” from North River Church of Christ on Vimeo.

Finley on Richard Rohr’s Emerging Church, A New Reformation

Posted: December 13, 2017

Monday, November 27, 2017 I believe that what some refer to as the “emerging church” is a movement of the Holy Spirit. Movements are the energy-building stages of things, before… Read More

Why It is Unreasonable to Claim that the Resurrection of Jesus is Based on Pagan Myths

Posted: December 12, 2017

In this 5-part series, New Testament scholar and apologist Michael Licona provide reasons why modern scholars are virtually unanimous in their rejection of the view that the early Christians borrowed… Read More

Developing An Effective Leadership Culture That Your People Will Aspire To

Posted: December 11, 2017

Most people who study the church in America believe that the church has a crisis in leadership. It appears that many of today’s churches are looking for leaders, but few are being… Read More

Summary of article by Claudia Wallis, “Marijuana and the Teen Brain: How much should we worry?”

Posted: December 10, 2017

Summary of the article by Claudia Wallis, “Marijuana and the Teen Brain: How much should we worry?” (Scientific American, Nov 2017, in The Science of Health). Adults have been warning their… Read More

Paul Copan on winning hearts, not arguments

Posted: December 10, 2017

A Christian philosophy professor talks about the real purpose of apologetics. Read article here.

Q&A 1515 – Angels before Humans?

Posted: December 9, 2017

If angels were made to serve humans (Heb 1:14), then were angels created before there were humans, or after? Guest response by Joe Sciortino I’m not sure, but if God’s… Read More

A Guide for 33 Different Bible Versions

Posted: December 8, 2017

 December 8, 2017 The Holy Bible: A Buyer’s Guide This free eBook guides you through 33 different Bible versions Walk through the religion section of any major bookstore, and you’ll… Read More

Work Hard, Pray Hard

Posted: November 30, 2017

Students should take Bible study as seriously as school and sports practice. Article from Christianity Today: Work Hard Pray Hard

Q&A 1514 – Could We Be Living in a Computer Simulation?

Posted: November 30, 2017

Are we living in a (computer) simulation? Elon Musk thinks so. Is there Biblical support for the idea that we are living in a “(computer) simulation”? I would love to hear… Read More

Tomb of Christ

Posted: November 29, 2017

The archaeological exhibit on the tomb of Christ is on display at the National Geographic Museum through August, 2018. Click here. Articles: click here.

Triple Evolution

Posted: November 26, 2017

To play the podcast Triple Evolution (21 minutes), click on the play arrow. To download and listen later, right click here and then on ‘save target as’ or ‘save link as’. What… Read More

Museum of the Bible – now open in Washington, DC

Posted: November 24, 2017

Museum of the Bible | MOTB Museum of the Bible is an innovative, global, educational institution whose purpose is to invite all people to engage with the history, narrative and… Read More

Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage, by Jerry Jones (review by Bob Young)

Posted: November 24, 2017

Jones discusses divorce and remarriage with objectivity By Bob Young In Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage: Seen Through the Character of God and the Mind of Jesus, Jerry Jones — a longtime… Read More

White Privilege: The Ability To Walk Away, by Jon Sherwood

Posted: November 23, 2017

November 22, 2017 In Daniel Hill’s new book released this year, White Awake: An honest look at what it means to be white , he explores and shares about his own “awakening” and… Read More

Black Friday & Giving Thanks

Posted: November 21, 2017

by Jon Sherwood During the greatest shopping weekend in the U.S. (and a vital part of the national economy – as 30-40% of retail shopping happens between black Friday and Christmas)… Read More

Crossing the Line (the ministry of Michael Burns)

Posted: November 21, 2017

Crossing the Line Workshop Overview: Crossing the Line workshops seek to begin or continue the conversation at the local level, on the topics of race, ethnicity, and culture within the body… Read More

Useful Apologetics Website (freethinkingministries.com)

Posted: November 21, 2017

Check out Tim Stratton’s website, Free Thinking Ministries. Lots of great stuff there!

Q&A 1513 – (Complete) gladness instead of mourning?

Posted: November 21, 2017

Isaiah 61 is an amazing chapter. It is very meaningful to me, my wife, and many others who have gone through loss. However, I struggle with the words “instead of,”… Read More

My 5 Personal Reflections on the Forum (Bobby Harrington)

Posted: November 17, 2017

Here are my top five personal reflections from the Forum. 1. Pastors and Leaders are Hungry to Learn about Making Disciples Last year we were told that if we had… Read More

Four Kinds of Leaders Who Will Not Successfully Lead a Church Revitalization – Revitalize and Replant #013

Posted: November 17, 2017

www.thomrainer.com Leadership is critical to successful revitalization. Today we discuss what kind of leaders often fail in the task. To listen to, or to download the audio lesson, click here…. Read More

Why Have Americans Stopped Reading the Bible?

Posted: November 12, 2017

No verse is in a vacuum, and it is important to always read a passage as part of the larger story. Why Have Americans Stopped Reading the Bible? By KATHLEEN COOKE | October… Read More

Q&A 1512 – Assyria, or Babylon (Ezra 5-6)?

Posted: November 12, 2017

It’s interesting that in Ezra 5-6 the Persian kings are once referred to as Babylonian and once even as Assyrian. Any thoughts on this?  However, in the first year of Cyrus king… Read More

Fishers of men, farmers of nuts

Posted: November 11, 2017

At 50, African Christian College strives for self-sustainability — in its students and its campus. Continue reading here. Note: Douglas has taught at the African Christian College (first-, second-, and… Read More

Paul and the Gift: Six Perfections of Grace

Posted: November 10, 2017

Grace is both an incredibly important and an incredibly difficult concept, explains John Barclay in Paul and the Gift. When boiled down to its purest form, or “perfected,” as Kenneth Burke… Read More

Great discipleship resources (Bobby Harrington)

Posted: November 8, 2017

If you’re like me, you’re always looking for great discipleship resources. That’s why I wanted to share with you the website URLs for seventeen of the top disciple making organizations… Read More

Children of Priests

Posted: November 4, 2017

The Boston Globe Spotlight team did a series on it that is getting a lot of attention.  Seems it may be a scandal even bigger that the clergy abuse issue…. Read More

Review of Terry Whalin’s Billy Graham: A Biography of America’s Greatest Evangelist

Posted: November 4, 2017

When I was a teenager, I remember how my heart was moved by Billy Graham’s Peace with God. The simple way in which Graham is able to express profound truths has enabled him to connect with… Read More

Q&A 1511 – All Commands Equally Important?

Posted: November 3, 2017

Is all sin equal in the eyes of God? “When Pilate heard what they said, he was more afraid than ever, and he went back into the governor’s residence and… Read More

TEAMwork, by Steve Kinnard

Posted: November 2, 2017

OCTOBER 30, 2017 / STEVEKINNARD TEAMwork A Bible Talk for Athletes (and everyone else) Opening question: Name someone who has been a great teammate to you. Explain why. I think of a… Read More

Towers in the Bible

Posted: November 1, 2017

If you’re like me, you are intrigued by tall towers and buildings. Whenever I visit a new city, I want to ascend to the highest point and look out. My… Read More

OT49-Daniel.mp3

Posted: November 1, 2017

For O.T. Lesson 49, Daniel (31 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and… Read More

Accelerate, by John Kotter

Posted: October 30, 2017

8-STEP PROCESS Over four decades, Dr. Kotter observed countless leaders and organizations as they were trying to transform or execute their strategies. He identified and extracted the success factors and… Read More

Tomography opens old biblical documents

Posted: October 28, 2017

Tomography is a way of imaging something in sections or “slices” without actually cutting it. It is often used in hospitals today in computed tomography (CT), also called “CAT scans.”… Read More

Nepal Criminalizes Christian Conversion and Evangelism

Posted: October 27, 2017

Last week, Nepal enacted a law to curb evangelism by criminalizing religious conversion, joining neighboring countries like India and Pakistan, where the region’s small-but-growing Christian minority faces government threats to… Read More

Science or Faith: A False Choice

Posted: October 25, 2017

In your school days, maybe you loved science class, or perhaps you dreaded it (I hope not). I’ve been a science lover since childhood — these were the early years… Read More

Q&A 1510 – Malakoi, arsenokoitai, and homosexuality

Posted: October 25, 2017

Could you please give me a clear definition of the Greek words malakoi and arsenokoites? I have been unable to find a definition that is not either religious or gay… Read More

The Impact of Idolatry

Posted: October 24, 2017

Class taught by Douglas during the continuing midweek series called ‘Sharpening the Sword’ at the North River Church of Christ on Wednesday, October 18, 2017. Watch the video here.

Some Early Christian Symbols (from Orthodox website)

Posted: October 24, 2017

In the ancient world, written symbols were viewed with a sense of mystical fascination. Pagans and Christians alike had a coded language of symbolism to express the mystical and mysterious… Read More

A Warning About Professional Sports (David Cloud, relayed by Mark Cahill)

Posted: October 19, 2017

Read an intriguing and challenging piece on the spiritual (or not-so-spiritual) side of professional sports. As with all guest articles, they are posted to make us think (not because all content… Read More

Q&A 1509 – When was Jesus’ sacrifice accepted?

Posted: October 16, 2017

From your knowledge of Scripture and logic, is it biblically “comparable (not comparing apples to oranges) to ask: When was Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins acceptable to God?  (A) When… Read More

Right or Righteous?, by Fred Faller

Posted: October 13, 2017

What do you think of when you hear the word “righteousness”? About a year ago I was challenged about my understanding of the nature of righteousness in the Bible and… Read More

The Tower of Babel

Posted: October 11, 2017

The following material appeared in the weekly newsletter from 27 September to 11 October 2017. This series was adapted from The God Who Dared (1997), the next version of which was titled Genesis,… Read More

Q&A 1508 – Noah’s Flood Global?

Posted: October 7, 2017

Was Noah’s Flood really global? Is there evidence for this? Please help me think this through. I am happy to help. Let me say, first off, that whatever one’s conclusion… Read More

The Discipleship Gospel, by Bill Hull and Ben Sobels (free book)

Posted: October 5, 2017

I’m pleased to announce the release of a new FREE eBook from the Discipleship.org eBook series: The Discipleship Gospel by Bill Hull and Ben Sobels. DOWNLOAD FREE NOW The Discipleship… Read More

Soul to Soul: Forging & Maintaining Godly Relationships, Part 3

Posted: October 5, 2017

Sermon by Douglas Jacoby on 10.1.17 at the North River Church of Christ, Marietta, GA

Excellent Science & Religion course, by Denis Lamoureux

Posted: October 4, 2017

This course examines the nature of both science and religion and attempts to explore the possible relationships between them. The primary purpose is to dispel the popular myth that science… Read More

Prosperity Preaching – unhealthy and unbiblical (Costi Hinn)

Posted: October 2, 2017

Read the powerful testimony of Costi Hinn, nephew of multi-millionaire health & wealth preacher Benny Hinn. From the Christianity Today website. Click here.  

Q&A 1507 (0177, español) – Halloween

Posted: September 28, 2017

No celebramos Halloween. Solía tener la idea de que los satanistas ven a Halloween como un día especial. Sin embargo, he intentado investigar en libros, publicaciones periódicas, e internet sobre… Read More

Daylight from a Deerstand, by Jerry Jones

Posted: September 27, 2017

I thought you’d find this interesting. Jerry is someone who has thought — and studied — long and hard about many things. He’s a terrific Bible student — always learning,… Read More

An online trove of Biblical manuscripts

Posted: September 26, 2017

An extraordinary collection of 68 New Testament and other Biblical manuscripts dating from the fourth to the twentieth centuries has been digitized and made available for study online. Continue reading… Read More

“Holiness” – Douglas Jacoby

Posted: September 25, 2017

This is Douglas’ second message from the series ‘Sharpening the Sword’ at the midweek service of the North River Church of Christ on 9/20/17. (Note from the AV team: the… Read More

Do We Actually Know What The Gospel Is? (Altar & Throne)

Posted: September 23, 2017

If you asked 20 separate Christians “What is the gospel,” you’d likely get 25 different answers. If you asked the same question in a group of 20 Christians, they might… Read More

Understanding Love, Sex, and Marriage, by Dave Lomas

Posted: September 23, 2017

Dave Lomas speaks on the sexual brokenness found in the Old Testament, which points to our own desperate need for God’s renewing grace in Genesis 38. Watch the video here.

Q&A 1506 – Is the earth young, only 1000s of years old?

Posted: September 19, 2017

Scientists say the world is really old, but my Bible teacher says it only appears old — but it actually young, only 1000s of years old. What is the truth?… Read More

Beyond Accountability, by Nate Larkin

Posted: September 18, 2017

I’m pleased to announce the release of a new FREE eBook from the Discipleship.org eBook series:Beyond Accountability by Nate Larkin. DOWNLOAD FREE NOW Beyond Accountability tells an important story about pornography and… Read More

The Gospel – Douglas Jacoby

Posted: September 15, 2017

Lesson given on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at the North River Church of Christ, to bring Christians to maturity through examining the nature and implications of the gospel. Video is… Read More

No One Follows Their Heart, by Jon Bloom

Posted: September 13, 2017

Jon Bloom, in this fascinating article (posted at Desiring God), gives reasons that we don’t “follow” our hearts — which is backwards. We are supposed to lead our hearts. Intrigued? Click here for the article.

Forgiving the Wounds of a Friend, by Kristie Anyabwile

Posted: September 11, 2017

Forgiving the Wounds of a Friend I thought we were friends. The pain behind those words can overshadow years of life, love, and memories. All the good times fade to black when… Read More

Q&A 1505 – What was the Inquisition? (Torture, witches, Galileo… and lessons for today)

Posted: September 10, 2017

What exactly was the Inquisition? (If you prefer to listen to my reply, click on the arrow for the podcast, The Inquisition (20 min). If you want to save and… Read More

Postmodernism, by Jordan Peterson (3 links)

Posted: September 6, 2017

Jordan Peterson is a historical philosopher who speaks broadly on, among other things, postmodernism. He outlines how this philosophy has affected political policy and thinking in the Western world. Here are 3… Read More

Francis Chan’s letter to a would-be adulterer

Posted: September 2, 2017

I Would Rather Die Letter to a Would-be Adulterer Fear, discipline, and mission are all good motivations in pursuit of holiness and purity, but I have discovered a deeper reason… Read More

OT48-Ezekiel.mp3

Posted: September 1, 2017

For O.T. Lesson 48, Ezekiel (20 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and… Read More

Q&A 1504 – Women prophesying (1 Cor 11)

Posted: September 1, 2017

What do you think is the most accurate translation of “propheteousa” in 1 Corinthians 11:5? A conservative translation would be merely “speak,” but I don’t think that translation accurately captures… Read More

Feb 2019 Israel Tour Info Page

Posted: August 31, 2017

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

A Psychiatrist Who Defied the Transgender Movement, by Chuck Colson

Posted: August 28, 2017

Chuck Colson on Dr. Paul McHugh Back in June I [Colson] told you about renowned psychiatrist Paul McHugh. He’s won numerous international awards for his work, but he’s recently been… Read More

Gibbon on Rome

Posted: August 27, 2017

According to Edward Gibbon (1737-1794), author of The Fall and Decline of the Roman Empire, five signs characterized Rome as she was deteriorating from within: Mounting love of show and… Read More

How to Read the Bible (Charles Spurgeon)

Posted: August 25, 2017

Matthew 12:3 He answered, “Haven’t you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry?” Listen to Spurgeon’s sermon here.

“Where Are You?” by Douglas Jacoby

Posted: August 23, 2017

Sermon, based on Genesis 3 & 4, given on August 20, 2017 at the North River Church of Christ. Watch video here.

Q&A 1503 – God sets leaders in place?

Posted: August 23, 2017

I’m having a little difficulty with a teaching in my church. There is a belief that everyone in a leadership position has been placed there by God. This doesn’t seem… Read More

Great New Book on Women & Church Leadership, by Ron Highfield

Posted: August 22, 2017

1 July 2017 | Los Angeles Highfield Takes a Unique Perspective on Women in Leadership for Conservative Churches Ron Highfield. Four Views on Women and Church Leadership: Should Bible-Believing (Evangelical) Churches… Read More

“Is the Church an Institution?” by Brian Felushko

Posted: August 22, 2017

Anyone who has been a Christian for very long should know what the church is – we know that it is people. The Greek word that is translated as “church”… Read More

On the Literal Meaning of Genesis (Augustine)

Posted: August 21, 2017

Augustine (354-430 AD), writing some 1600 years ago, cautions Christians not to make proclamations about science and faith unless we are truly educated in science. His admonition is as true… Read More

Embracing Change (Craig Groeschel)

Posted: August 16, 2017

The talk (about 20 minutes) contains some clear-minded input for church leaders. Watch the podcast by clicking here.

Q&A 1502 – How long are the “days” of Genesis 1?

Posted: August 14, 2017

How long are the days in Genesis 1? Some of my friends insist they can only be regular 24-hour days. Others think they may be long periods of time. I’m… Read More

Men vs Women: Google Guy Right about Sex Differences

Posted: August 13, 2017

The Science Says The Google Guy Was Right About Sex Differences A myriad of distinguished professors and social scientists have already confirmed what James Damore wrote in his Google memo:… Read More

Terminal Punishment – Portuguese Translation

Posted: August 11, 2017

Here is an article in two formats (Word of pdf) on terminal punishment, translated into Portuguese. Tradução Jacoby Terminal Punishment Portuguese

We need your prayers – Guy Hammond

Posted: August 8, 2017

Loved ones and friends, Thank you for the overwhelming response shown in the good wishes and prayers you offered us over the last week. Let me give you a straightforward… Read More

Early Mormonism

Posted: August 6, 2017

Laying the Foundation Mormonism stands or falls on the word of just one man—its prophet— Joseph Smith Jr. If Joseph Smith lied, if there was no “revelation”, if he is proven… Read More

When exorcists need help, they call him

Posted: August 6, 2017

He is an Ivy League-educated “man of science.” He’s also the man exorcists call for help. Here’s how one psychiatrist became a believer in demonic possession. www.cnn.com

Augustine on Genesis

Posted: August 6, 2017

The churchman and theologian Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD) wrote, in his work The Literal Meaning of Genesis: Usually, even a non-Christian knows something about the earth, the heavens, and the… Read More

Q&A 1501 – Did Moses write the Torah (Genesis – Deuteronomy)?

Posted: August 5, 2017

Did Moses really write Genesis? Is he the author of the “Books of Moses,” the Old Testament Law? Jewish tradition holds that Moses either wrote or was responsible for the… Read More

The Gospel of Luke

Posted: August 1, 2017

A new translation of the gospel of Luke is recently published at Scripture online.

The Rest of Genesis: [Supplement to Paul Copan & Douglas Jacoby’s Origins]

Posted: July 28, 2017

Departing the Primeval Period The stage has been set. We have explored the Primeval Period, and it’s time to transition into the next epoch. All the major themes of the… Read More

Francis Chan – Why I Left My Megachurch

Posted: July 27, 2017

Bestselling author Francis Chan recently exposed his heart to Facebook employees, detailing why he left the helm of his thriving megachurch in California seven years ago. Continue reading.

Q&A 1500 – Are eclipses signs from God that we should pay attention to?

Posted: July 27, 2017

[On the total solar eclipse of 21 Aug 2017.] I remember well my tremendous enthusiasm for the last total solar eclipse in the U.S. (1970). It’s been a long wait…. Read More

Q&A 1499 – Israel, or Palestine?

Posted: July 18, 2017

What’s the correct name for the Holy Land, Israel or Palestine? And what’s the difference between the two? Are Israelis different than Palestinians? Israelis and Palestinians are not the same people. The… Read More

“Brides flee caliphate as noose tightens on ISIS”

Posted: July 17, 2017

Fighting in all female dorms, sex obsessed ISIS fighters, women divorced and remarried as many as six times — this is the world of ISIS. ISIS wife: It was like… Read More

Q&A 1498 – Above the angels

Posted: July 9, 2017

I was reading your reply to Q 1361, ‘Lower than the angels?’. Your answer directly supports and describes the temporary and voluntary surrender of Christ’s higher authority while he was… Read More

Sister of the Earliest Compete Old Testament Found

Posted: July 6, 2017

Press Release: SISTER OF THE EARLIEST COMPLETE OLD TESTAMENT FOUND Tyndale House, Cambridge, announces a new discovery made by young researcher Dr. Kim Phillips published in its latest Tyndale Bulletin… Read More

BST 2018 Info

Posted: July 5, 2017

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 you personally. Once you’re in… Read More

OT47-Jeremiah.mp3

Posted: July 1, 2017

For O.T. Lesson 47, Jeremiah (25 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and… Read More

Q&A 1497 – What were the Crusades, and why does it matter?

Posted: June 30, 2017

Our church is initiating a “Crusade” to take our city for Christ. This makes we wonder, what about the Crusades in the Middle Ages. What were they? As a Christian… Read More

“Forged: Writing in the Name of God” – Book Review

Posted: June 27, 2017

Bart D. Ehrman, Forged: Writing in the Name of God—Why The Bible’s Authors Are Not Who We Think They Are (San Francisco: HarperOne, 2011), 307 pages. . The review is… Read More

Gender & Sexuality – 3 Articles

Posted: June 24, 2017

Children being Experimented on and Scientist speak out against this … http://www.christianpost.com/news/gender-confused-kids-are-being-experimented-on-with-hormone-therapy-experts-188757/?utm_source=newsletter Johns Hopkins Researcher finds no conclusive evidence people are born gay or transgender … http://www.christianpost.com/news/no-scientific-evidence-that-people-are-born-gay-or-transgender-johns-hopkins-researchers-say-168263/page1.html Here’s the full… Read More

2017 Global Report on Where Christians Are Persecuted Today

Posted: June 21, 2017

VOM’s 2017 Global Report on the persecution of Christians worldwide has been created to help guide your prayers for our persecuted brothers and sisters in some of the world’s most… Read More

Why I Am Not an Evangelical (or am I?), by Douglas Jacoby

Posted: June 21, 2017

To listen to the third podcast in the series on Christian identity, Why I Am Not an Evangelical—or Am I? (32 min), click on the arrow. To download and listen… Read More

Q&A 1496 – Miraculous knowledge in the numbers of the Qur’an?

Posted: June 21, 2017

Is there miraculous knowledge in the numbers of the Qur’an? I have heard it said, for example, that the word “day” turns up exactly 365 times in the Qur’an –… Read More

What Do You Pray for ISIS?

Posted: June 17, 2017

If you love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, the world will not be able to explain you. Continue reading here.

Why I Am Not a Fundamentalist, by Douglas Jacoby

Posted: June 14, 2017

To hear the podcast (44 mins), Why I Am Not a Fundamentalist, click on the play arrow. To download and listen to it later, right click here and then on ‘save link as’… Read More

Q&A 1495 – Islam means peace?

Posted: June 12, 2017

Is “Islam” really the Arabic word for peace? For some time now, and especially since the attacks of 9/11, many Muslims have made the claim: Islam means peace. (Not that it’s… Read More

Why I Am Not a Protestant, by Douglas Jacoby

Posted: June 7, 2017

To hear the podcast (54 mins) titled Why I Am Not a Protestant, click on the arrow. To download and listen to it later, right click here and then on ‘save… Read More

Gospel of Mark: A Translation

Posted: June 6, 2017

A translation of the gospel of Mark has been recently published at Scripture online.

Why It’s So Hard for Scientists to Believe in God – Video

Posted: June 5, 2017

By Francis Collins, Medical Researcher, on bigthink.com. Some scientists see religion as a threat to the scientific method that should be resisted. But faith “is really asking a different set… Read More

Q&A 1494 – Appointing deacons

Posted: June 3, 2017

In the controversy of Acts 6, is the apostolic requirement that these leaders (the Seven) be full of the spirit, respected, and faithful still the rule for us today? And is this… Read More

Are Introverts Better Evangelists?, by Mike Shumann

Posted: May 28, 2017

“We introverts are prone to feel like evangelism is really just for extroverts. When Jesus commissions us to preach his good news, who’s naturally more excited to do it: those… Read More

The Real Root of Sexual Sin, by Jon Bloom

Posted: May 26, 2017

Our most powerful weapon in the fight against sexual temptation is not better accountability, but profound humility. To continue reading, click here.

Q&A 1493 – Is marijuana completely wrong?

Posted: May 25, 2017

Before I became a Christian, I smoked marijuana regularly for over 10 years. It helped me with anxiety and depression, and I wasn’t “high” when I smoked it. I took it in… Read More

Q&A 1492 – Which “law” is in view in 1 John 3:4?

Posted: May 16, 2017

In 1 John 3:4, sin is defined as transgression of the law of God. Can you please tell me which law is being referenced? Thanks. — Cyndi H. In 1 John… Read More

The Horror of Human Embryo Jewelry, by Abigail Dodds

Posted: May 15, 2017

A company in Australia is turning frozen embryo children into jewelry for their parents to wear. Click here for full article.

The Making of a Christian Leader: Michael Green in conversation²

Posted: May 11, 2017

Arguing about Politics (sermon), by Timothy Keller

Posted: May 9, 2017

“What are Jesus’ politics?” That’s what the opposing parties of His day wanted to know. To listen to this sermon, click here.

The Evidence – Reasons for Faith, Parts 1 and 3

Posted: May 9, 2017

Watch the first and third classes Douglas offered at the North River Church of Christ in his new series The Evidence on March 2 and May 4. (Sorry, the second… Read More

Q&A 1491 – The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse indicated by Islamic flags?

Posted: May 7, 2017

I found a website proving that radical Islam is prophesized in the book of Revelations 6:1-8. Surely it cannot be a coincidence that the colors of the four horsemen of the apocalypse –… Read More

Crossing Denominational Lines, by Guy Hammond

Posted: May 4, 2017

In April, at the Unboxed Conference in Orlando, Florida, Guy Hammond, Executive Director of Strength in Weakness (SIW), spoke on the topic of “Crossing Denominational Lines” and our SIW volunteer,… Read More