Revelation 21:1 says, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.”… Read More
REVELATION 2 – A
1 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus, write this: ‘The one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks in the midst of the seven… Read More
Q&A 0689 – The date of Revelation
Do you believe that Revelation was written by John around 64-65 A.D, or do you hold to the more traditional date of 95 A.D? I know that the 95 A.D…. Read More
Q&A 0276 – Coming soon in Revelation
At least four times in Revelation, Jesus says "I am coming soon." In the Bible, "soon" usually doesn’t mean two thousand plus years later. Is there a scripture in the… Read More
Armageddon
Listen to Armageddon (22 minutes). To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and you can download the podcast and listen… Read More
Q&A 0903 – Satan bound for a thousand years (millennium)
My question comes from Revelation 20, where we read that Satan will be bound for 1000 years while the people who have not worshiped the beast will be with God…. Read More
Q&A 0394 – End times
Where are we as Christians today in the time line of the Book of Revelation? I do not believe that the book of Revelation was written as a "time line."… Read More
Christ Through the Ages, 23: Revelation–King of Kings
Lesson 23, Revelation: King of Kings and Lord of Lords, is the final podcast in this section of our series (10 minutes), before we turn to examine Christ through the… Read More
Q&A 0824 – When was Revelation written?
I have heard numerous thoughts about when the book of Revelation was written. It seems the opinions range from 70-95/6 AD. What would be your take on this? — Bob… Read More
Q&A 0525 – The book of Revelation
I have been doing some study on the book of Revelation and recently learned that all my views were wrong! My premillennial view was incorrect. But I have one lingering… Read More
Q&A 1163 — Randy Alcorn’s Heaven
What do you think about Randy Alcorn’s book Heaven? Is he right that heaven will be down here on earth? When I read Alcorn’s 2004 bestseller Heaven, I expected to… Read More
Q&A 0232 – What is the battle of Armageddon?
What exactly is the battle of Armageddon? Is there going to be a literal battle, as Revelation 16 seems to indicate? And how can we prepare for this awful battle… Read More
REVELATION 4
1 After this I looked, and there in heaven a door stood open! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up… Read More
REVELATION 6
1 Now I watched when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice like thunder, “Come!” 2… Read More
REVELATION 8
1 When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 2 Then I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and… Read More
REVELATION 11
1 Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told, “Come and measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there,… Read More
REVELATION 20 – A
1 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. 2 He seized the dragon, that… Read More
REVELATION 22
1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle… Read More
Q&A 1169 – Obama the Antichrist in Revelation?
There’s a lot of speculation and rumors flying around about Obama being the Antichrist spoken of in Revelation. Just curious what your thoughts are on the subject. — Christina Mayes Yes, every… Read More
Q&A 0040 – General and Special Revelation
How can I help my Hindu friend see the way Christianity builds on top of the foundational truths that most religions share? [Condensation of longer question] — Dave McKay (Bloomington,… Read More
A Tour Through John, Lesson 49
Lesson 49 is the third podcast in a series of 3 introducing the Revelation of John. Click on the arrow to play the podcast (9 minutes), or right click here, save and… Read More
Through the N.T. in a Year
To read through the N.T. in a year, what is helpful is to maintain variety. While you could read the first three gospels straight through, for example, they are so… Read More
Q&A 0776 – Lost people in heaven?
Why in Revelation 22:15, after the passage about the New Jerusalem, do we read "Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters,… Read More
Q&A 0288 – Only 144,000 in heaven?
Is it true that the Bible says only 144,000 people will be allowed into heaven? Are my Jehovah’s Witnesses friends right? The misunderstanding is based on an over-literal reading. If… Read More
REVELATION 1
1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to him, to show his servants what must happen soon. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant… Read More
REVELATION 12 – A
1 A great portent appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. 2 She… Read More
REVELATION 13
1 And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads; and on its horns were ten diadems, and on its heads were blasphemous… Read More
REVELATION 17
1 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great whore who is… Read More
REVELATION 20 – B
7 When the thousand years are ended, Satan will be released from his prison 8 and will come out to deceive the nations at the four corners of the earth,… Read More
REVELATION 21 – B
9 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the bride,… Read More
A Tour Through John, Lesson 47
Click on the arrow to play the podcast (13 minutes), or right click here, save and listen later. (1) General 1 Paul 87 chapters ~ 1/4 of NT 2 Luke 52… Read More
Q&A 1270 – Violent Jesus?
Thank you for your websites. I am a premium member, which is good, as my sons are reaching the age of many difficult questions… I have a question of my… Read More
Q&A 1107 – Dispensational Millennialism
I’m inquiring as to whether you make any distinction between historical and dispensational millennialism, or if you think they’re both false. I accede to your statements about dispensationalism. However, in my… Read More
Q&A 0536 – Millennialism (s)
Would you explain the difference between the amillennial, pre-millennial and post-millennial interpretations of the book of Revelation? — Charles Cardo (Tampa) Those who endeavor to take Revelation literally insist on… Read More
Revelation: Armageddon Notes, by James Greig
Attached is a file which examines the significance of Armageddon in the book of Revelation. Written by James Greig. Revelation-Armageddon
Revelation: Introduction
Attached below is an introduction and background to the book of Revelation. It is written by James Greig. Revelation-Introduction
REVELATION 2 – C
![](https://www.douglasjacoby.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/ImageBerlin_-_Pergamonmuseum_-_Altar_01.jpg)
12 “To the angel of the church in Pergamum, write this: “‘The one with the sharp two-edged sword says this: 13 “I know that you live where Satan’s throne is,… Read More
REVELATION 2 – D
18 “To the angel of the church in Thyatira, write this: “‘The Son of God, whose eyes are like a fiery flame and whose feet are like polished brass, says… Read More
REVELATION 3 – A
1 “To the angel of the church in Sardis, write this: “‘The one who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars says this: “I know your works,… Read More
REVELATION 3 – B
7 “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia, write this: “‘The holy one, the true, who holds the key of David, who opens and no one shall close, who… Read More
REVELATION 9
![](https://www.douglasjacoby.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/parthian_army.jpg)
1 And the fifth angel blew his trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen from heaven to earth, and he was given the key to the shaft of… Read More
REVELATION 16
1 Then I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.” 2… Read More
Revelation 17 (the 7 “kings”)
Click below for chapter notes on Revelation, chapter 17 Revelation-Explained-Lesson-17
Q&A 0618 – The angels of Revelation 2-3
My question is from Revelation. I notice that the letters to the churches are addressed to the angels over those churches. My question is, Are the angels responsible for taking… Read More
The Church of Loveless Orthodoxy
A truly excellent new release—and one I’ve greatly enjoyed reading—was authored by my Canadian friend, biblical scholar Jeff Weima. Dr. Weima is Professor of New Testament at Calvin Theological Seminary. Diligent… Read More
Q&A 1609—Vaccination and the mark of the Beast
I’ve had reservations regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, and believe Satan has been attacking me with doubt, through the scripture about “the mark of the beast.” I keep thinking about how… Read More
A Tour Through John, Lesson 48
Rev B is the middle podcast in a series of 3 introducing the Revelation of John. Click on the arrow to play the podcast (17 minutes), or right click here,… Read More
Appendixes to A Quick Overview of the Bible
Note: These appendices supplement the first edition of the Quick Overview. They are included in the second (expanded) edition of 2019. Appendix A You Can Read the Bible in a… Read More
Q&A 0993 – The 12 Tribes and Heaven?
In Joshua, the land is apportioned to the tribes. Each tribe as follows: Reuben, Simeon, Levi (no land, because they were priests), Judah, Zebulun, Issachar, Dan, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Ephraim… Read More
The Rapture & the Tribulation
The Rapture & the Tribulation (19 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as”… Read More
Q&A 0587 – Romans 9:10-24—Predestination, Calvinism
I’ve been reading Romans and am finding it very difficult to understand some of the concepts I find there. For example, does God create people to be destroyed in order… Read More
Q&A 0582 – What will they rule?
I recently read the book of Revelation, as far as I could. In the end it’s written that saved souls are going to rule. But what are they going to… Read More
Q&A 0170 – Egypt and Rome
I just completed reading the book of Revelation and I have a question. I read that as the seven plagues were being unleashed on the earth, the inhabitants, although in… Read More
1 THESSALONIANS 4
1 Finally, brothers and sisters, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus that, as you learned from us how you ought to live and to please God (as,… Read More
Revelation: Little Scroll
Attached below is an exposition of Revelation chapter 10. Revelations-Little-Scroll
Revelation: An Overview
Attached below is an overview of Revelation (Seven lessons) by James Greig. Revelations-Overview
REVELATION 5
1 Then I saw in the right hand of the one seated on the throne a scroll written on the inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals; 2… Read More
REVELATION 7
1 After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, that no wind might blow on earth… Read More
REVELATION 10
1 And I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, wrapped in a cloud, with a rainbow over his head; his face was like the sun, and his legs… Read More
REVELATION 14
1 Then I looked, and there was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion! And with him were one hundred forty-four thousand who had his name and his Father’s name written… Read More
REVELATION 15
101 Then I saw another portent in heaven, great and amazing: seven angels with seven plagues, which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is ended. 2… Read More
Q&A 1470 – Imagination, meditation, and revelation
{1} Please give me your thoughts on contemplative prayer. My church is diving in head first into this “new way” of communicating with God (contemplative prayer), and I am nervous… Read More
Jim McGuiggan’s summary of Revelation
Adapted from Jim McGuiggan’s excellent Revelation. You can get the book from www.StarBible.com. … What have we seen in this book? The central thrust is comfort and assurance of ultimate… Read More
Understanding the Apocalypse – Class 2: The Shortfall of Earthly Worship, the Bliss of Heavenly Worship
The second of 7 classes on the Book of Revelation, taught live at the North River Church of Christ at 9 am on the dates below. Click arrow to play,… Read More
Understanding the Apocalypse – Class 3: Portents of Doom, Promise of Salvation
This is the 3rd class in a series on Revelation, done live at the North River Church of Christ in 2015. The classes and dates are below. The teacher, John… Read More
Understanding the Apocalypse – Class 1: “Rome, Apocalypse, & The Temple of God”
The first of 7 classes on the Book of Revelation, taught live at the North River Church of Christ at 9 am on the dates below. To listen now, click… Read More
Isaiah: Judgment & Justice—Reflection 25
Christ, New Jerusalem, Fresh Start We now come to the 4th Servant Song. But who exactly is the servant this time? It can’t be Israel. He appears to be a… Read More
2021 Biblical Study Tour: Turkey, 18-25 October
Registered: 37. Pre-tour: 21. I. Background II. Tour Itinerary (10 cities / ancient sites) III. Pre-tour itinerary (5 cities) IV. Payment & other logistics I. Background The goal of the… Read More
Q&A 1566—What color is Jesus?
Please, you claim to be the only Christians that are right, so tell me have you ever seen Jesus in the flesh, and if so what colour is he? —R.B…. Read More
Holiness: “Even the tassels are holy,” by Graydon Stephenson
What is ‘holiness’? ‘Holiness’ is the state of being ‘holy’. The noun ‘holiness’ appears infrequently in the scriptures, but the adjective ‘holy’ appears often. Certain concepts are paired with ‘holiness’. A… Read More
A Tour Through John, Lesson 50
If you prefer not to listen to the audio, but prefer only to read the questions below, that is fine — but the answers are in the podcast file. Click on… Read More
The Bible vs. other Religious books—SLC*—28/11/2017
OPENING OBSERVATIONS The similarities (ultimate truth, longing for the holy) are greatly outweighed by the differences (God, goal, salvation…) General Revelation & Special Revelation Special Scripture (Bible) The person of… Read More
Q&A 1390 — Evidence for Domitian’s persecution?
I am thoroughly enjoying your audio recording of Revelation & the End of the World. I am almost finished with my research but have reached a point of uncertainty concerning Domitian… Read More
Q&A 1383 – 2nd Beast = American presidential stonemason Illuminati?
I listened to your podcast series on Revelation. I thought you did an excellent job of exegesis on Revelation 13; the first beast being the political/military branch of Rome (or… Read More
Christ Through the Ages, 27: 500 Years of Alternative Christs (Reformation onward)
To download, right click on the link and click “Save Link As” or “Save target As” – Download Podcast In this final lesson in the sub-series on Christ as understood… Read More
Christ Through the Ages, 1: Fixing Our Eyes on Him
To download, right click on the link and click “Save Link As” or “Save target As” – Download Podcast This is the introduction to and first lesson in the series… Read More
OT18-Phinehas.mp3
For O.T. Lesson 18, Phinehas (23 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 1242 – Why don’t you take the Bible literally?
You wrote to me, "Christians would say that some OT laws were concessions. Progressive revelation came as the people were ready to accept it." But I think that’s a little… Read More
Q&A 0878 – Time, times, and half a time
Would you please tell me your understanding of "time, times, and half a time," as in Daniel 7, Daniel 12, and Revelation 12? — Noel Honey (Johannesburg) You are referring… Read More
Q&A 0799 – Ephraim
In reading Hosea, I found that in several places Ephraim is singled out. I understand that Hosea was prophesying to Israel in general, but what is the reason for the… Read More
Q&A 0681—The end of the world and Jim McGuiggan
I noticed in your book Genesis, Science & History [now Origins] that you teach Revelation 21-22 is about the church triumphant. My viewpoint on this is evolving, but I have a… Read More
Q&A 0159 – Matthew 11:13
What do you think Matthew 11:13 means? If all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, why is the revelation in the Bible? — Belov (Moscow) I was reading… Read More
Accuracy in Prophecy
Accuracy in a prophecy is closely related to the specificity of the prophecy (the subject we covered in the last unit). Details of purported prophecies often claim to be accurate… Read More
1 CORINTHIANS 14
1 Pursue love and strive for the spiritual gifts, and especially that you may prophesy. 2 For those who speak in a tongue do not speak to other people but… Read More
EPHESIANS 1
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the holy ones who are (in Ephesus) faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 grace to you and peace… Read More
JAMES 2 – B
14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you? 15 If a brother or sister… Read More
REVELATION 2 – B
8 “To the angel of the church in Smyrna, write this: “‘The first and the last, who once died but came to life, says this: 9 “I know your tribulation and… Read More
REVELATION 3 – C
14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea, write this: “‘The Amen, the faithful and true witness, the source of God’s creation, says this: 15 “I know your works;… Read More
REVELATION 12 – B
7 And war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and his angels fought back, 8 but they were defeated, and there was… Read More
REVELATION 18
1 After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority; and the earth was made bright with his splendor. 2 He called out with a mighty… Read More
REVELATION 19
1 After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power to our God, 2 for… Read More
REVELATION 21 – A
1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And… Read More
Q&A 1491 – The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse indicated by Islamic flags?
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
Jesus and the Land (Gary Burge)
Like most of us, in October 2023 I was shocked by both the Palestinian assault on Israel and the violent Israeli response. The issues are tangled and complex. But what… Read More
Prism 12: Servant, Satan, Sign, Solomon, etc (Matt 12:15-13:51)
. Jesus’ ministry (Matt 12:15-21) Jesus did not want too much publicity: too much notoriety, too soon, and his arrest and execution would have come before he had completed other… Read More
How to conduct a spiritual review and preview-Malcolm Cox
Review and Prepare: Revelation 2:18-29 Here are some notes you might like to use for a spiritual review of 2022 and to help prepare spiritually for 2023. The videos I… Read More
How Apologetics Serves Evangelism
How Apologetics Serves Evangelism By Douglas Groothuis and Andrew I. Shepardson Dec 16 We believe that as we share the good news with others, we are being faithful to the… Read More
What Plato Got Right and Wrong
What Plato Got Right and Wrong By Louis Markos May 25, 2022 From the point of view of orthodox Christianity, the essential flaw in the Platonic system is its incessant… Read More
The Question I’m Asked Most, Part 1
The Worldview Bulletin Newsletter The Question I’m Asked Most, Part 1 By Paul Copan and Melissa Cain Travis | Bulletin Roundtable 18 hr ago 3 For this month’s Roundtable discussion,… Read More
The Sinner’s Prayer (with updated reflections), by Stephen Staten
Introduction C.S. Lewis used the term ‘a great cataract of nonsense’ to describe how people use a modern idea to construe Bible theology. One such example, perhaps the best example,… Read More
Isaiah: Judgment & Justice—Reflection 28
Zion’s Day Dawns* In the previous reflection we saw that caring for the poor isn’t just an add-on to our Christian discipleship. (“… If you pour yourself out for the hungry… Read More
Racism: Twisted reasoning
Douglas Jacoby, Washington DC (1993) (recommended by Russ Ewell, San Francisco) Prejudice is ugly and widespread, knowing no borders. Yet even more detestable is the use of biblical authority to justify… Read More
Are the Crusades the Ultimate Black Mark Against Christianity? by Rob Kranz
Are the Crusades the Ultimate Black Mark Against Christianity? by Rob Kranz “How could anyone defend a religion that would sanction the Crusades?” Having spent a year living in Jerusalem in the… Read More
One Way or Any Way? Part 2
by Greg Koukl, March 1, 2019 I do not consider myself a particularly brave person, and I think it especially foolish, on the main, to make a frontal assault on… Read More
A Tour Through John, Lesson 13
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
Q&A 1479 – Two covenants today? (Repentance & baptism for 1st C. Jews only?)
I’ve been hearing a lot lately the idea that there was a gospel of the kingdom for the Jews only, and another message, a gospel of grace, for the Gentiles…. Read More
Slavery and the Bible
Here are a podcast and notes on Slavery and the Bible (43 minutes). To download the talk, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as”… Read More
Q&A 1357 – Same-sex Unions: A Response
What is your take on the recent Supreme Court decision to legalize gay marriages? And advice? Following the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court decision to legalize “gay marriages,” here are a… Read More
Jacoby PUBLICATIONS
BOOKS & AUDIO Books Advanced Christian Training (1986) Till the Nets are Full (formerly Shining Like Stars). Also available in Vietnamese. The Powerful Delusion (1987) I Was Hungry! The Christian… Read More
Thoughts on Inerrancy, by Lang & Lamoureux
1. General Revelation & The Doctrine of Scripture, by John Lang 2. Lessons from the Heavens, by Denis O. Lamoureux
Christ in the Psalms B
Here are a podcast and notes for Psalms 23, 49, 55: Christ in the Psalms (18 minutes). To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or… Read More
Out-of-Body Experiences & NDEs
If you’re interested in my thoughts on Out-of-Body Experiences & Near Death Experiences (28 minutes), listen to the podcast. To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save… Read More
Q&A 1300 – Satan
I’d like to ask for some advice. Right now I’m struggling with my faith. I’ve always asked questions and really had a desire to seek the truth. In doing so… Read More
The Structure of the New Testament
Here is a lesson and notes on The Structure of the New Testament (51 minutes). 1. Process The NT is a library more than it is a single book. The library… Read More
Simon the Sorcerer
For N.T. Character Study 22, Simon the Sorcerer (28 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or… Read More
The Antichrist
Listen to The Antichrist (14 minutes). To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and you can download the podcast and listen… Read More
Q&A 1119 — Angel of the Lord (Exodus 3)
In Exodus 3:2 it says the angel of the Lord appeared to Moses. Then later it refers to the Lord speaking. It is confusing. Are the angel of the Lord and The… Read More
Amos G
Here are a podcast and notes on Amos, lesson G (16 minutes). To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and you can… Read More
Q&A 1048 – Blind man’s two-part healing?
In Mark 8:22-24, the blind man says, "I see people; they look like trees walking around." Why is this different from all the other healings of the blind? Why did it… Read More
Q&A 0982 – The church the wife of Christ?
The church is often said to be "the wife of Christ." We even sing this in our songs. But it seems to me that the New Jerusalem (after Judgment Day)… Read More
The General Resurrection
The General Resurrection (23 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 you… Read More
Q&A 0914 – The meaning of “lukewarm”
I am starting to do a study on this subject of “lukewarmness,” a term bandied about often these days. The word lukewarm (chliaros) only occurs once in the NT, in… Read More
2012 & the End of the World
2012 & the End of the World (30 minutes), click on the play button below. The final few minutes of this recording are an explanation of the Current Events &… Read More
Q&A 0862 – When there is no vision
I’ve heard Proverbs 29:18 used to teach that we must have vision for our lives. I agree with the point, but not with the passage pressed to support the idea…. Read More
Q&A 0853 – Lukewarmness
We recently heard a speaker who preached that to be “lukewarm” is to be a Christian who is neither hot nor cold spiritually. He proceeded to give his definition of… Read More
Q&A 0774 – John exiled to Patmos
I just finished reading and studying Revelation, and here is my question: If Herod Agrippa I sent John to the Island of Patmos, when did he do it? My Bible… Read More
MATTHEW 25
1 “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Now five of them were wise,… Read More
MARK 13 – B
21 At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. 22 For false Christs and false prophets… Read More
Q&A 0320 – Armageddon?
With all this talk about the end times and the Left Behind series, what does the Bible actually say about Armageddon? I wrote the following two-part article series in 1986.ARMAGEDDON!I am convinced… Read More
JOHN 6 – B
22 The next day the crowd that had stayed on the opposite shore of the lake realized that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not entered… Read More
JOHN 12 – B
27 “I am troubled now. Yet what should I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But it was for this purpose that I came to this hour. 28 Father,… Read More
JOHN 14 – B
15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, 17… Read More
Q&A 0153 – Rapture
What is the "rapture," and what scriptural references do proponents of this idea use as supporting evidence? I fail to get a clear understanding from the often quoted 1 Thessalonians… Read More
Q&A 0110 – Apocrypha: Second Thoughts
Do you still hold to your position that the Apocrypha does not belong in the Bible? The Apocrypha: Second Thoughts (2000) Perhaps you have heard of Tobit, Judith, or Ecclesiasticus…. Read More
ACTS 20
1 When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples and, after encouraging them, said good-bye and set out for Macedonia. 2 He travelled through that area, speaking many… Read More
The Sabbath
This article first appeared in A Light to London, the bulletin of the London Church of Christ, May-June 1987. Christians must observe the Sabbath! Such at any rate is the… Read More
The Dead Sea Scrolls — 30 questions and answers
1. How many DSS are there? 870 manuscripts, from 15,000 scraps. 2. When were they discovered? Initial discovery of seven scrolls in 1947. Last one (cave 11) in 1956. 3…. Read More
HEBREWS 1
1 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by… Read More
Armageddon!
The following article originally appeared in A Light to London, January & February 1986. I am convinced that we are living in the most exciting period of human history the… Read More
1 PETER 1
1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the chosen sojourners of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 in the foreknowledge of God the Father, through… Read More
Douglas Jacoby Resume
Born: 13 August 1959, Jacksonville, Florida, USA. Marriage: 17 August 1985 to Victoria Gibbs; three adult children Residence: Lancashire, England and Atlanta, Georgia EDUCATION 1971-77: The Ranney School, Tinton Falls, New Jersey: Valedictorian…. Read More
Confessions From a Type A Leader
Click below to share on social media or to forward this email to a friend “The reason I share my junk with you is… Read More
Are you running on bad fuel?
Are you running on bad fuel? CHRISTIAN RAY FLORES MAR 10 READ IN APP This one will be short. How was your week? Really? Mine was going great until I… Read More
Q&A 1648—What is Commonwealth Theology?
Q: What is “Commonwealth Theology”? Is it true that we who are non-Jews have Jewish blood in our veins, and are the “House of Ephraim”? .PDF version TEXT VERSION (following]… Read More
Why So Many Unreached People? / Egalitarian? / Harry Potter a Christian Story?
11 October 2023 The IBTM Newsletter Good afternoon from London! I’m down here on a fellowship visit, seeing old friends from our ministry in the ‘80s and early ‘90s. (They… Read More
Why Are There Still So Many Unreached People?
By G. W. Steel | BIO Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven over 2,000 years ago. Before he left, he empowered his disciples and asked them to take the… Read More
Silly Putty Bible Study
AUTHOR Greg Koukl Published on 09/01/2023 To celebrate Stand to Reason’s 30th anniversary, we’ll be republishing classic issues of Solid Ground that represent some of the foundational ideas characterizing our… Read More
The Lord’s Supper Foreshadowed
Through the whole of salvation history, God has prepared his people for the gift of the Holy Eucharist. Throughout the Old Testament, the Eucharist was prefigured, and in the New… Read More
Ruth Reconsidered / Just Forgive? (Pts. 2-3) / When Men Argued for Greatness
IBTM Newsletter 5 July 2023 Edinburgh, Scotland As mentioned last week, I am deeply struck by the message of Ruth. Not the message of how we should emulate her fine… Read More
Richard Dawkins’ Right-Hand Man, Formerly an Atheist, Comes to Christ – Daily Citizen
Posted by Zachary Mettler | Jun 14, 2023 | Culture Richard Dawkins’ former “right hand man” Josh Timonen has come to believe in Jesus Christ. Dawkins, one of the modern “New Atheists,” is a household name, and… Read More
Conversations: Matthew 18 / Türkiye 2024? / The Jewish Lens?
The Newsletter of IBTM Izmir, 7 June 2023 Hello from Izmir (biblical Smyrna) and the Global Smyrna Meeting. The first 7 days here are a much-valued part of my own… Read More
An Honest Look at the Church (the past 20 Years) / Eugenics: making a comeback?
The newsletter of IBTM Edinburgh, 31 May 2023 Good morning from very sunny Edinburgh! We’re back from a terrific week in Spain. Our messages from Luke and Acts were well… Read More
“You Just Need to Forgive” (?) / Turkey / Prophets False & True
IBTM Newsletter for 12 April 2023 Good afternoon from Scotland—we’re back home from Cornwall. Just around the corner from the house we rented there is an old Wesleyan Chapel (R)…. Read More
Prism 16: Ransom (Matt 20:25-21:1)
. We have reached the midpoint of the Prism series (15 units behind us, 15 units in front of us, after this reflection. Ransom (Matt 20:25-28) Ransom is one of… Read More
Divine Hiddenness: A Sender or Receiver Problem?
Divine Hiddenness: A Sender or Receiver Problem? By Kenneth Samples Dec 30 SAVE ▷ LISTEN If the biblical God wants everyone to believe in him and potentially come into a saving… Read More
Not All Christmas Songs Are Created Equal
Reclaiming Christmas Carols for Our Worship December 07, 2022 by: Bob Kauflin Celebrating Christ through Song As my wife, Julie, and I were raising our six kids, we were a hard… Read More
How to Crush Your Pastor | Crossway Articles
November 26, 2022 by: Peter Orr How Our Behavior Can Negatively Affect Our Pastors I want to lay out the steps you should take if you want to crush your pastor… Read More
Gordon Fee Obituary—Christianity Today
Gordon Fee once told his students on the first day of a New Testament class at Wheaton College that they would—someday—come across a headline saying “Gordon Fee Is Dead.” “Do… Read More
Truth Changes Everything, by Jeff Myers, Ph.D.
Truth Changes Everything How People of Faith Can Transform the World In Times of Crisis By Jeff Myers, Ph.D., President of Summit Ministries As a university student, I was taught… Read More
The Unifying Hope of the Nativity – B. Bradley and S. Tesar
The Unifying Hope of the Nativity – B. Bradley and S. Tesar Before the Thanksgiving meal is cleared from the table, Christmas decorations are hauled out from attics and basements everywhere,… Read More
The Battle Over Human Nature | Does God Have a Wonderful Plan for My Life?
May Issue of The Worldview Bulletin- Pt. 1 The Battle Over Human Nature | Does God Have a Wonderful Plan for My Life? Jun 5 Welcome to the May issue… Read More
Review of Origins in Science & Christian Belief
A Review of Paul Copan & Douglas Jacoby, Origins (Morgan James, 2019) has been published in Science & Christian Belief (the journal of Christians in Science, the UK sibling of the… Read More
44 Activities for Kids That Don’t Involve Screens | Crossway Articles
May 07, 2022 by: Betsy Childs Howard Alternatives to Screen Time Most Christian parents would like their children to spend less time in front of a screen. But wanting something is… Read More
Is the Conclusion of the Cosmological Argument the God of the Bible?
Is the Conclusion of the Cosmological Argument the God of the Bible? By W. David Beck Apr 29 This is an examination of Thomas Aquinas’s use of the Cosmological Argument… Read More
Panentheism (or Process Theology), by Paul Copan
March Issue of The Worldview Bulletin-Pt. 1 Panentheism | C. S. Lewis’s Christian Platonism Apr 3 Panentheism (or Process Theology) By Paul Copan In this next installment of our brief… Read More
14—Forty Days with James: The Epistle of Straw
To listen to today’s talk (12 mins), Faith without Deeds (3): “The Epistle of Straw” . Luther’s translation of the N.T. (1522) Separated 4 books from the other books of… Read More
13—Forty Days with James: The Magic Wand & the Touch
To hear Faith Without Deeds (part 2), “The Magic Wand & the Touch” (14 mins), simply click on the play arrow below. . Further comments on Jas 2:14-26: Re: deeds… Read More
Liberal Mormons?
The Rise of the Liberal Latter-day Saints And the battle for the future of Mormonism (Pete Ryan for The Washington Post) By Emily Kaplan Photos by Katherine Frey Tom Jones:… Read More
Exploring Difficult Topics While Keeping Your Head
(It seems fair to say we Christians don’t do very well when it comes to hashing out difficult topics—at least without descending into quarreling or acrimony. This is largely (I… Read More
WATCH: The Bible was written for us, not to us 📖
BioLogos Insights on Faith & Science The Bible is the foundation of our Christian faith and knowing what it means can sometimes be a challenge. It was written for us, to speak to… Read More
Gray deserves Presidential Medal of Freedom
It’s time to bestow America’s highest civilian honor on the renowned civil rights attorney and preacher. Trindi G. Mitchell Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks and John Lewis are three… Read More
Isaiah: Judgment & Justice—Reflection 24
Awake and Depart! We now enter a new section of Isaiah (chapters 49-55), where there is no Babylon or even mention of Cyrus. The servant figure becomes more prominent – three… Read More
Isaiah: Judgment & Justice—Reflection 18
The Noble One Makes Noble Plans In Isaiah 30:11 we heard the words of God’s wayward people: “Give us no more visions of what is right! Tell us pleasant things,… Read More
Isaiah: Judgment & Justice—Reflection 15
Tyre & the Cosmos In the last reflection we saw Isaiah in anguish—over Babylon and over Judah. He reminds us of the apostle Paul, and especially of Jesus—men who truly cared… Read More
Isaiah: Judgment & Justice—Reflection 11
Babylon & Judgment Day In our reflection “Rod, Axe, Fire, Shoot, Signal, Sing,” we saw that Assyria was to be judged. “Punishment for the Punisher” is a good title for… Read More
Isaiah: Judgment & Justice—Reflection 2
Two Cities, Unquenchable Fire, Glorious Future Review (from reflection 1): Sin is serious. In particular, idolatry and social injustice two sides of a coin. God punishes his OT people through foreign invaders. But there… Read More
NT Character Podcast 49—Lydia
Background Lydia is from Asia (Thyatira), but resident in Europe (Philippi). She is the first convert from Europe in the book of Acts. Philippi is a Roman colony—there’s no synagogue…. Read More
Reflections on Race
Included in this post: My own reflections on race, as a white American (first appearing in the newsletter, 10 June 2020). Sources for reflection—if you’d like to invest in relevant… Read More
NT Character Podcast 47—Titus
Introduction Titus was a major figure in Paul’s life, although not mentioned in Acts (which is selective). We come across him 13x in NT, 8 times in 2 Cor—also Gal,… Read More
200+ articles (multiple topics—apologetics, Dead Sea Scrolls, prophets, doctrine …)
The following two hundred plus articles are searchable nowhere else at this website, as they are found only in newsletter pdf files. USE SEARCH OR SCROLL DOWN TO THE ITEM… Read More
Messianic Judaism 9—What about the Sabbath?
Main ideas: Sabbatarians are right about the day: Sabbath is the 7th day, sundown Friday-sundown Saturday. The 4th-C church created a “Sunday Sabbath”. (Although Christians had long been… Read More
Q&A 1573— What about global warming? (Creation Care IV, with John Clayton)
Used with the permission of John Clayton, of Does God Exist?, who wrote this article Because we live in a time when virtually all of our information comes from news sources… Read More
Creation Care IV, Global Warming, with John Clayton
Used with the permission of John Clayton, of Does God Exist?, who wrote this article Because we live in a time when virtually all of our information comes from news sources… Read More
The Twisted Scriptures?
The Twisted Scriptures? Sometimes my intent is well-meaning, and yet, my conclusions, actions, and/or attitudes are misguided. Someone said, “any logical deduction taken to its extreme becomes absurd.” For years,… Read More
A Letter from Catherine Keller – The Pandemic: What is God Doing?
Drew Theological School Apr 2 · 9 min read Dear Ones, Particularly, in this letter, ones who claim some seriously biblical, or explicitly theological, orientation. Amidst this pandemic, ones who may be wondering……. Read More
SOM 40—Wow!
And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes (Matthew 7:28-29)…. Read More
Almost Half of Practicing Christian Millennials Say Evangelism Is Wrong – Barna Group
Sharing one’s faith—evangelizing—is a core practice among many religions. For Christians, it’s viewed as a mandate from Jesus himself before he departed earth: commanding his disciples to “spread the good… Read More
List of Audio Lessons
Non-members can listen to several of the audio lessons (the Jesus N.T. Character Podcast, A Christian Response to Global Financial Crisis; Serving the Poor: Second Thoughts; Avatar; The Hunger Games, etc.), but… Read More
Does Science Disprove Faith?
By John Ortberg on January 1, 2020 This piece has been adapted from the transcript of a sermon delivered by John Ortberg at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church on January 5, 2014, and has… Read More
SOM 02—Poor
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). There are at least 20 beatitudes uttered by Jesus in the N.T. (8 in Matthew,… Read More
The Samaritan Passover
Growing up in suburban Cincinnati, sacrifices were not part of everyday life. I know, some of you are probably shocked by that revelation. Sacrifices were something I read about in the Bible… Read More
Responses to Ezekiel series
The following are responses to the Ezekiel series (10 installments), which appears in the newsletters of 20 & 27 Feb; 6, 13, 20, and 27 Mar; and 3, 10, 17,… Read More
No Cheeks Left to Turn: The Double Persecution of Africa’s Largest Church
Weary of attacks by Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen, Christians in Nigeria ask how long they’re supposed to “count it all joy.” JEREMY WEBER IN JOS| OCTOBER 19, 2018 Image:… Read More
Are Signs and Wonders for Today?, by John Piper
“And now, Lord, look upon their threats, and grant to thy servants to speak thy word with all boldness, while thou stretchest out thy hand to heal, and signs and… Read More
Q&A 1542 – John boiled in oil?
At my church this morning it was preached that the apostle John survived being boiled in oil before he was exiled on Patmos. Is this true? It is certainly true… Read More
How do you respond to arguments against the Bible?
“The Victory of Joshua over the Amalekites” by Nicholas Poussin, via Wikimedia Commons. October 01, 2018 | By Tremper Longman (guest author) BioLogos.org The Bible holds an essential place in Christian faith. The… Read More
Israel tour biblical notes (by Michelle Wright)
Study Suggestions (by Michelle Wright, 2018) This is in no way an exhaustive guide, but just some thoughts and passages to reflect on while we are in Israel. I hope… Read More
The Statement on Social Justice and the Gospel – response by Michael Burns
Note: the smaller navy blue text is Michael Burns’s response. Recently a group of American evangelical leaders signed and released a statement on social justice to voice concerns that they have over… Read More
iFaith video sermon list
MASTER DOCUMENT: iFaith Bible Project 0622 In this series we will proceed more or less chronologically through the New Testament and the Old Testament. There are 119 video messages, being recorded… Read More
A Tour Through John, Lesson 34
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