THE NEWSLETTER OF IBTM
with Douglas Jacoby
.
14 August 2026
Good evening from Atlanta! (Often called “Hotlanta” for its culture—though the same would certainly apply to our summer temperatures!)
Photo: Atlanta—Metro area: 6.5 million—and our airport hub 2003-2020, 2026-2046
You’ll find my personal comments at the end of this issue. For now, let’s jump straight in:
* Two talks in our “Against the Flow” series.
* Twelve powerful statements of Jesus
* A thoughtful reflection by my dear friend Andrew Boakye
* A short personal reflection
* Current financial needs
Against the Flow
Want to jump-start your Bible study? Looking for ideas for your small group, or even a Sunday sermon? Not sure how to get started? These iFaith resources are intended to help individuals, families, and ministry leaders focus on God’s Word and spark the love of Scripture in others. Two new iFaith talks are featured today.
The first, from 1 Samuel, warns us to avoid quick and easy (and often incorrect) interpretations of the will of God. I made the video in the office of an Atlanta Braves executive, after leading the morning Bible study at Truist Park (just visible through the window). CLICK HERE
The second, from 2 Samuel, challenges us to swim against the current of youth and sports culture. Not that there’s anything inherently wrong with sports, or being young. But there is when that becomes overly important! Because then we can easily slip into disrespect for the disabled—or simply ignoring those who lack the vitality and mobility we worship. Interestingly, this was filmed on the pickleball court across the street from our home—a highly popular spot in our neighborhood (lots of older folks)! CLICK HERE
(Related to this second talk, see the Crossway article on anti-aging.)
Please invest a little time to watch these messages (15 mins and 11 mins, respectively). And if you are new to the series, the first talk is available here.
122 + 12
In the last bulletin I shared 122 passages—all words from Jesus in the gospels—which have struck me in the last few weeks. I also provided a few words with each explaining what I realized from the passage.
However, Jesus’ words in the New Testament aren’t limited to the gospels. Some also appear in Acts, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, and Revelation. With this in mind, I have added twelve passages to the previous list. The link is the same; scroll down. If this would be meaningful to you, please click HERE.
Caveat: some believe that the so-called “red-letter verses” are more important, or inspired, than other passages in the Bible. This is simply not true! For more, see Q&A 1285.
Pernicious Pulpits (Andrew Boakye)
Careless words—we all utter them from time to time. (As a public speaker, I am often aware of this truth. When I slip, this can be deeply humbling!) Jesus reminds us that our words have consequences (Matt 12:36).
With this in mind, my dear friend Andrew Boakye has recently penned an article many of us will appreciate:
“This [post] arises because of a recent incident within the family of churches I have been most involved with for the last 33 years. A well-established teacher and preacher made some derogatory and patronising comments about members of other faith traditions in what were his, I assume, well-meaning attempts to suggest that Jesus is the only pathway to salvation…” KEEP READING
“My, how you’ve aged, Douglas,” you may be thinking. Exactly! I asked ChatGPT to tweak a recent photo. My specific request: “Make me 90!” The updated photo (R) seems plausible enough.
Of course we don’t know how long we’ll live. In the time of Moses, many lived to 70, or even 80 (Psalm 90:10). I’ve made it to 67 (just yesterday). In celebration we took in a Gipsy Kings concert (a gift from our son and his wife—photo L).
One day, Lord willing, perhaps I will reach the 90s. (Though I’m not counting on it.)
After all, there are no guarantees. And besides, it’s not length of years that make for a good life. Human thriving is much more about quality of life: depth of faith, close relationships, purpose and meaning.
And these are found in Christ (John 10:10; 17:3).
Thank you for your support!
Finally, your prayers and financial support for this ministry are always appreciated—and in fact essential for the operation of the global teaching ministry. Some of our current needs are listed below.
To donate, please click HERE. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your sacrifice and trust.—Douglas
Teaching materials
* $750—Ghana—$366 received, $384 to go
* $2665—Indonesia—$695 received so far, $1885 to go
* $3975—Philippines—$1389 received, $2586 to go
Monthly donors
If you would like to become a monthly donor, click HERE.
Non-US residents
If you live outside the United States, we need your help, too. Please email me directly at dj@douglasjacoby.com.
For all bulletins 2004-2026 (100s of pages of biblical material), click here. Access the website here. New material every week—typically, every day! Become a website member ($1/week, paid annually) here. Your membership is a tremendous boost to this ministry. To donate, click here.
