THE BULLETIN OF IBTM
with Douglas Jacoby
20 July 2026
Greetings from Jamaica!
I’m in the Caribbean for a teachers event in Antigua, a special stopover in Dominica, and a teaching weekend here in Kingston, where we know so many brothers and sisters, some going back to our London days in the 1980s. This really is a beautiful part of God’s world! To add color to the bulletin, I’m sharing a batch of my photos.
Below are two new iFaith talks. These are intended to be viewed and discussed—ideal for a small group. They’re also a good way to write the Word on our hearts, since we are exploring themes in all 66 books of Scripture. So if you’re looking for Bible study ideas—or inspiration—do click and view. The talks are 10-15 minutes in length.
But there’s more. I have revised Steve Staten’s excellent 1997 paper on the Sinner’s Prayer (with Steve’s permission). Did you know that the novel doctrine of “receiving Christ” is less than 200 years old?
Next, you’ll find an interesting piece from my friend James Greig (Oxford) on Josephine Butler: Patron Saint of Prostitutes; a challenging new volume by Jon Sherwood on following the Prince of Peace in a world of violence; “Recent Reads,” where I spotlight two further reading suggestions; and autumn offerings from Mountain Theological Seminary, for those who want to pursue a master’s degree—or simply desire to go deeper.
Hopefully you will derive some benefit from this, the first of two July bulletins! And thanks for your support.
God bless.
Douglas
Approaching Antigua & Barbuda / With Tyrone Marcus (Trinidad) / Exotic flowers / Bullfinch / Mongoose / Flag of Antigua / Dominica & flag / With Vicki / Lovette & Courtney Bailey (Jamaica) / Flag of Jamaica / Tyrone with Joey Harris (Augusta) / Naughty Grackle / Dominican Ground Lizard
Against the Flow of Superstition
The 5th iFaith talk, recorded in Syrian Antioch, is from Deuteronomy, and calls us to resist the currents of ingratitude and superstition.
CLICK HERE
Against the Flow of Impatient Listening
Our 6th iFaith talk, recorded in Seleucia, comes from Joshua, urging us not to jump to conclusions without first patiently listening.
CLICK HERE
The Sinner’s Prayer
Today, hundreds of millions hold to a belief system / salvation practice that doesn't show up on the Christian scene until relatively recently. “Just accept Christ into your heart through prayer, and he’ll receive you. It doesn't matter what church you belong to. You'll be born again at the moment you receive him. He's standing at the door knocking… Anyone out there can be saved if they accept Christ, now! Let’s pray for Christ to now come into your heart.”
Sound familiar? This prayer has had far-reaching effects worldwide, as many have claimed this as the basis for their salvation. Yet what is the historical significance of this conversion? How did the process of rebirth, which Jesus spoke of in John 3, evolve into praying him into one's heart? KEEP READING
Josephine Butler: Patron Saint of Prostitutes (James Greig) and The Unarmed Truth (Jon Sherwood)
In light of the Epstein files and the scourge of modern smuggling and sex trafficking, it is time to rediscover the legacy of the extraordinary Josephine Butler. CLICK HERE for the article. Or take in what is sure to be a fascinating presentation (March 2027), which will unearth Butler’s dramatic story, highlighting a life-long campaign against sex trafficking and the appalling gender discrimination laws of Victorian England.
Jon Sherwood is an unlikely pacifist. Born into a military family and raised in the American Bible Belt, he was shaped by a violent past of drugs and crime. Though exposed to evangelical Christianity, he did not encounter Jesus as the Prince of Peace until he began examining Jesus' words for himself. What he discovered changed not only his life, but the life of his church. Readers will encounter how Jesus confronted violence—not by wielding coercive power, but by laying down his life. PREORDER HERE
Fall Classes / Registration is open / Classes begin Aug 30
Biblical Studies
GB501* Introduction to the Bible — Cochell
OT600* Introduction to the Old Testament — Cochell
NT635 Exegesis of Pauline Letters: Pastoral Epistles — Bailey
OT610* Biblical Hebrew Basics — Monje and Cochell
Ministry and Spiritual Formation
CM601 Biblical Homiletics — Kinnard
CM610* The Biblical Theology and Practice of Christian Family Ministry — Konzen
SF602 Theology of Christian Spirituality — Kinnard
SF685/CM685 Mentoring, Coaching, and Spiritual Direction: Maturing One Another in Christ — Carrillo, Konzen, and Giles
Counseling and Apologetics
PC645 Christian Sexuality Counseling — Konzen
AP600* Christian Apologetics — Jacoby
AP600.1* Christian Apologetics (Español) — Jacoby and Elizarrarás
Español / Spanish Courses
OT600.1 Introducción al Antiguo Testamento — Elizarrarás, Santos, and Carrillo
US500.1 Introducción a los Estudios de Posgrado — Elizarrarás
Introduction to Graduate Studies
US500 Introduction to Graduate Studies — Giles
* Indicates course is transferable for credit to Ozark Christian College
Three ways to study with MTS this Fall
1. Pursue a Graduate Degree
Apply to one of our master’s programs and receive biblical, theological, and practical ministry training.
2. Audit a Course
For personal growth and ministry development without pursuing a degree. Apply as an audit student.
3. Enroll in Professional Development or Non-Degree Graduate Credit
Fully participate in a course and receive graduate credit or professional development enrichment.
Q3 ENGAGEMENTS
Jul: Atlanta Braves Front Office Bible Study (Salvation II, III)
Jul: Antigua & Barbuda: Caribbean Teachers Fellowship
Jul: Philippines (online): Messianic Judaism
Aug: Atlanta Braves Front Office Bible Study (Salvation IV)
Aug: Florida fellowship visit
Aug: Sermon at Space Coast Church
Sep: Atlanta Braves Front Office Bible Study (Salvation V)
Sep: San Francisco, CA: Teaching weekend
Sep: Cary, NC: North American Teachers Conference
Sep: Interview with Jon Sherwood on The Unarmed Truth: Following the Prince of Peace in a World of Violence
RECENT READS
Finally, permit me to share two of my recent reads, including my personal Bible study. The first is a compelling and fascinating work by my friend Aziz Abu Sarah and his friend Maoz Inon. Their heartfelt and informative work lets us see the Israel / Palestine controversy through different eyes.
The second is by Rabbi David Fohrman. Although I have taught extensively on Exodus, I’ve never plumbed the depths of the texts about Moses, Pharaoh, the 10 plagues, and the Exodus as Fohrman has. A truly interesting read.
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Two lifelong peace activists and guides to Israel/Palestine, both of whom have lost family in the conflict, take readers on a revealing life-changing journey across this holy, bloodstained land and discover the mythic, political, and personal history that divides but also binds them and their peoples. “We do not see ourselves as Palestinians and Israelis, or as Jews and Arabs, but as human beings who believe in fostering a culture of dialogue, a culture of forgiveness, and a culture of peace…”
ORDER HERE
Is there an Exodus story that we almost passed over? The Israelites’ exodus from Egypt seems like something we already know. But do we? Questions haunt the careful reader: Doesn’t the name “Passover” seem a bit strange? Did the Exodus have to be so complicated? Couldn’t an all-powerful deity have teleported the Israelites out of Egypt and spared everyone the arduous process of the Ten Plagues? And why, exactly, did God have to harden Pharaoh’s heart? Was that really fair? ORDER HERE
Coming 31 July...
In our next issue: 122 gospel passages and why they have meant so much to me of late. Also upcoming: two more iFaith talks (from Judges and Ruth). This material can not only call us higher; these video sermons can also benefit your church or small group.
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.
