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.
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