The Story: A majority of pastors believe it’s important to incorporate patriotic elements in worship services during July Fourth weekend. Yet a majority also believe their congregation sometimes seems to… Read More
Worship (A): Seven Sanctuaries
Introduction to the series: important questions Worshippers enjoy healthier, more dynamic lives than non-worshippers. Why is that? What (if anything) does the Old Testament have to offer Christians? What disqualifies… Read More
A Tour Through John, Lesson 9
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
JOHN 4 – A
1 When Jesus knew that the Pharisees heard He was making and baptizing more disciples than John 2 (though Jesus Himself was not baptizing, but His disciples were), 3 He… Read More
Reflections on Sabbath service
by Daniel Berk, Madrid Shabbat Shalom For the first time in my life, I attended a Jewish Friday Sabbath Service with the Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim Congregation. Their synagogue in… Read More
Kitchen on Worship / The Enneagram? / Cold Contact?
IBTM Newsletter 19 July 2026 Hello from Lindisfarne, also known as Holy Island, a significant center of early English Christianity. It was initially settled by Irish monks in AD 635,… Read More
Q&A 0912 – False humility, self-imposed worship
I am having some trouble understanding the meaning of "false humility" in Colossians. Also I am trying to understand the concept of self-imposed worship, and just what exactly was going… 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
Bethlehem’s Supernatural Star | Crossway Articles
December 06, 2021 by: John Piper A Mysterious Star Over and over, the Bible baffles our curiosity about just how certain things happened. How did this “star” get the magi from… Read More
Q&A 1330 – Censorship of Christian Songs
Censorship of Christian Songs — replies: Ferguson, Jacoby, and Oakes It seems that many modern evangelical songs stress blessings and grace, with little emphasis on discipleship or repentance. Some song… 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
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
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
Worship (B): Seven Grand Passages on Worship
Summary Genesis 28:10-17 – Jacob’s vision of the stairway to heaven (see John 1:51). 1 Chron 16:29-30 – Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering… Read More
Q&A 0783 – Worship services question
I noticed that in 1 Corinthians 14 they had several "prophets" speaking during a worship service, whereas today we usually have only one speaker. Back then it seems to have… 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
More Than Leaves: “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance”
More Than Leaves: “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance” Written by Dr. Tim Willis, January 9, 2021 Isaiah 5 opens with a song that captures the Lord’s disappointment with Israel…. Read More
Worship (D): Position, Disposition & Seven Occasions of Worship
Position and Disposition Kneeling Sitting Lying Standing Raising hands (Christian art) Heart Expressiveness – 2 Sam 6; Luke 7, 17; feeling: two extremes Humility – 1 Kings 8; Psalm… Read More
Q&A 1069 – Worship focus: Sermon or Communion?
I have noticed that many congregational worship services are built to climax at the evangelist’s sermon. If our focus is to be on Christ and him crucified, shouldn’t the focus… Read More
Worship (J): From Middles Ages to Modern Times
3rd century – church buildings (converted houses) 4th century Influx of O.T. culture (priesthood, church/state, and more) Influx of paganism (holidays, images…) Basilicas Role of Imperial support 5th century Relics Cult… Read More
After the pandemic, will people return to church?
After the pandemic, will people return to church? Some ministers fear the attendance decline will outlive the COVID-19 outbreak. Bobby Ross Jr. Editor-in-Chief Anote on the Facebook page of… Read More
COLOSSIANS 2
1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf, and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not… Read More
The church for the life of the world
“Church as usual” is no longer an option By Chris R. Armstrong This article is based on an address delivered on June 6, 2019, to the Kern Family Foundation’s Future Pastors… Read More
Liftin’ Holy Hands, Shoutin’ and Dancin’ – Anon.
The following is an exploratory study emphasizing select worship practices common in Bible times, yet uncommon in our fellowship. We hope that by expanding our awareness of the heart worship… Read More
Rogue Valley Church of Christ Begins (Southern Oregon)
“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin.” ‘ Zechariah 4:10 The Rogue Valley Church of Christ took off on May 1st for… Read More
Worship (C): Seven Aspects of O.C. Worship & Seven False Gods
7 Aspects of worship under the Old Covenant Pilgrimage: 3 annual visits (males) Animal sacrifices Singing, choirs, instruments Reading of scripture Priesthood Ritual, ornamentation, liturgy Limited access to YHWH 7… Read More
Worship (F): Critical Principles & Seven Confessions
Seven confessions (John’s Gospel) 1:34 John the Baptist 1:49 Nathanael 4:42 Samaritans (4:29) 6:69 Peter 9:38 blind man 11:27 Martha [19:19 Pilate] ~ 11:50… Read More
Worship (G): Seven Key N.T. Passages
Acts 13:2 – worshipping and fasting / insight, plans Acts 24:11 – Paul says he went up to worship (Jerusalem) see 26:7, Acts 27:23. 1 Cor 11 – Somberness? What’s… Read More
Worship (E): Seven Places the Heart Goes Wrong
1 Sam 15:25 — the appearance of worship (Saul) 2 Kings 10:19 — pretending to worship Ba’al (John 19:3) Isaiah 29:13 — hearts far from God Isaiah 44:15— the… Read More
Women’s Service in the Church: The Biblical Basis – N. T. Wright
A conference paper for the Symposium, ‘Men, Women and the Church’ St John’s College, Durham, September 4, 2004 by the Bishop of Durham, Dr N. T. Wright I am very… Read More
An Easy Principle to Test Your Take on Scripture
by Greg Koukl | info@str.org As an ambassador for Christ, how can you be clear-thinking and confident if you’re not sure whether or not you’re misinterpreting a Bible passage? I want… Read More
Psalms 19 and 119
Here are a podcast and notes for Psalms 19 and 119: The Word of God (25 minutes). To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as”… Read More
Decalogue B: The 2nd Commandment
Here are a podcast and notes on Decalogue B: The 2nd Commandment (18 minutes). To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target… Read More
Confucianism & Taoism
Here are a podcast and notes on Confucianism & Taoism (14 minutes). To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and… Read More
Q&A 1240 – When did the Shekinah leave the Temple?
I recently read an article which said, "The Jewish Temple was the center of religious Jewish worship. It housed the Holy of Holies, which contained the Ark of the Covenant… Read More
Q&A 0773 – Non-Christian choir members
Thank you so much for your website! I have been skimming through the hundreds of questions as to not repeat mine. I did not find my question; however this doesn’t… Read More
Q&A 0659 – Church service order
I just want to know about the biblical explanation of the Sunday church service. I am referring to such features as the welcome, opening prayer, communion, benevolence collection, message, response,… Read More
LUKE 4 – A
1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the… Read More
The Red Heifer Sacrifice and the Crucifixion
Dr. Douglas Jacoby (1997, Revised 2001) If you have an appetite for something “meaty,”1 I believe you will enjoy the following study, which investigates the Red Heifer sacrifice – a… 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 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
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
Sunday worship in Jesus’ hometown
‘Can anything good’ come out of Nazareth? Chronicle editor answers that question with a resounding ‘yes.’ https://christianchronicle.org/sunday-worship-in-jesus-hometown/
Christ Through the Ages: Worship series (10 podcasts)
As a complement to the 30 podcasts in the series CHRIST THROUGH THE AGES, please click here for the 10 lessons in the WORSHIP series.
Q&A 0125 – Musical instruments in worship
Is there anything in the New Testament that shows that we should not use musical instruments in our church worship services? — Marsha Williams No, nothing at all. The New… Read More
Natural Law: An Introduction, Part 2
Natural Law: An Introduction, Part 2 By Nicholas K. Meriwether JAN 30 SAVE ▷ LISTEN Universal law is the law of Nature. For there really is, as everyone to some extent… Read More
Prism 24: Crucifixion (Matt 27:15-44)
. Before Pilate (Matt 27:15-19) Release: Barabbas, or Jesus? In a way, Jesus substitutes for Barabbas—for you and me! Dream—reminds us of the disturbed sleep of Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, Darius, or… Read More
The problem of fandom in churches
The problem of fandom in churches ANALYSIS by RODNEY KENNEDY | AUGUST 31, 2022 Photo by Edward Cisneros on Unsplash In a media-saturated world filled with choices, some people have turned… Read More
Two Things to Know for Back-to-School Time
First – Learn from Disciple Making Leader: Small Circle Steve McCoy is the leader of Small Circle, one of our trusted disciple-making partners. Here’s what he told us about his ministry… Read More
Did the Samaritans Get a Bum Rap?
If you read the Bible—especially the New Testament—it’s pretty easy to come away with a bad impression of Samaritans. In fact, most of us would probably rank the Samaritans just… 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 22 (scriptures)
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
The atheist’s complaint: one Christian responds
A Christian brother asked me how I would respond to an atheist who is incensed at how theists caricature him and his friends. Here’s the atheist’s complaint. My response (in… Read More
Christ Through the Ages, 30: What the Atheists are Missing & Conclusion
This is the 30th and final podcast in the series (15 minutes). Having seen how polytheists and monotheists view Christ, we will take a look at one more group: the… Read More
Christ Through the Ages, 28: Christ Refracted in the World: The Polytheists
The final three podcasts in Christ Through the Ages explore how Christ has been refracted through human thinking. We begin with the polytheists (think Hindu); next time we will discuss monotheists (think… Read More
JERUSALEM: More Bible proof: Temple relics unearthed
Archaeologists discover official seals from Kingdom of JudahFROM WND’S JERUSALEM BUREAUWorldNetDailyFebruary 23, 2009 Click HERE for the article (text below). Israeli archaeologists yesterday announced the discovery of a large building dating… Read More
Christians Don’t Go to Heaven! — N.T. Wright
TESTING THE FAITHBishop: Christians don’t go to heavenAnglican challenges widespread belief, says believers asleep until God returns Posted: February 10, 20082:49 pm Eastern © 2008 WorldNetDaily A bishop described as "one… Read More
VISIT ISRAEL, EGYPT, JORDAN
CHANCE OF A LIFETIME! 2008 BIBLICAL STUDY TOUR Every year the Biblical Study Tour brings us to another exciting location. (For example, last year we visited Pergamum, Ephesus, Laodicea, and Patmos.)… Read More
Linguistic Insight: First day of the week
Let us consider a question emailed to me, the answer to which is illuminated through careful study of the original language. Acts 20:7 in the NIV states that Paul and… Read More
Apologetics: The Real Jesus of History, by Joel Stephen Williams
Material found and used with permission from www.DoesGodExist.org. The Real Jesus of History by Joel Stephen Williams Since many have undertaken to set down an orderly account of the events… Read More
ACTS 7
1 Then the high priest asked him, “Are these charges true?” 2 To this he replied: “Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father… 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
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
WORSHIP
Worship (A): Seven Sanctuaries Worship (B): Seven Grand Passages on Worship Worship (C): Seven Aspects of O.C. Worship & Seven False Gods Worship (D): Position, Disposition & Seven Occasions of… Read More
For Lessons On Closed Houses Of Worship, Look At 1918 Flu Pandemic
But not until the COVID-19 crisis hit did I learn about the global influenza pandemic of 1918 — known colloquially as the Spanish flu — and my family’s connection to… Read More
New Worship – by Dr. Peter Masters
Click here for an interesting article by Dr. Peter Masters.
Coming Back to the Heart of Worship, by Jack Reese
Jack Reese of Abilene Christian University wrote the following excellent article. I found it in the Christian Standard, which is the leading publication of the Christian Church. Link
How to Deal with Worship interruptions
Wow! I think every evangelist and church leader would benefit from reading this article (from Christianity Today). It’s extremely informative and helpful. http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/2005/004/14.89.html
Worship (I): The 2nd C: A View from the Inside
Justin Martyr, First Apology 65-67 But we, after we have thus washed him who has been convinced and has assented to our teaching, bring him to the place where those… Read More
Progressive Christianity
Progressive Christianity By Jason Jimenez FEB 16 READ IN APP By the 1990s, many modernists, moderates, and liberal Christians with postmodern leanings began to coalesce. The group… Read More
Deconstruction and the Road Back Home
Deconstruction and the Road Back Home By Christopher Reese JAN 29 READ IN APP Large numbers of Americans today are departing from the church and sometimes the Christian faith. About… Read More
Devil’s Decalogue / Help! I Don’t Feel Like Evangelizing / Post-Christmas World /AIM Family Life with Guy Hammond
The Newsletter of IBTM with Douglas Jacoby Good morning from rainy Bare, England—and Happy New Year! First off, thanks for your end-of-year donations. These ensure IBTM is well positioned to… Read More
Christmas Origins: “The Man Who Came in from the Cold”
I wrote the following piece in the mid-1980s. The audio talk (14 mins) is based on the original paper. The Man Who Came in from the Cold I remember the… Read More
Fair Havens: A Ministry of Hope
In your own life, have the seas been rough? Have you been battered by storms, or blown off course? If so, join us. Fair Havens is a ministry to restore… Read More
8 Principles To Consider Before Leaving A Church You (Used To) Love | Pivot | A Blog by Karl Vaters
Leaving a church is hard. Don’t make it harder by doing it badly. Karl Vaters Image: Mantas Hesthaven | Unsplash It’s hard to leave a church you used to love –… 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
5 Lies Our Culture Is Telling Us
September 11, 2023 by: Rosaria Butterfield Lie #1: Homosexuality is normal. Included in this lie is the belief that homosexual orientation is true and immutable—fixed and never-changing. Homosexual orientation, a nineteenth-century… Read More
Why Don’t Churches READ the Bible?
The newsletter of IBTM 22 February 2023 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching (1 Timothy 4:13). Reading this passage, I… Read More
Prism 27: Terrified Men, Courageous Women (Matt 28:1-20)
. Resurrection (Matt 28:1-10) Terrified men & courageous women First witnesses of resurrection are women. Worship (v.9) Commission (Matt 28:11-20) Mountain—connection with Matt 5 and 17, and with Moses Worship—and Jesus… 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
Where Are the Children? – Dr. Shannon Rains
Where Are The Children? November 2022 “Where are the children?” I ask my college students this question often as we read Scripture. I invite the students to use their imaginations…. Read More
Ten Practices That Will Lead To Greater Unity, by Rubel Shelly
Written by Rubel ShellySeptember 2022 Edition The following article is reproduced by permission of its author, Rubel Shelly. This list of ten practices was handed out at Harbor: The Pepperdine Bible… Read More
Stop the Spread of Infectious Anger | Crossway Articles
The Corporate Dimension of Anger Anger is infectious. It is not a purely individual phenomenon; there is a corporate dimension. Make no friendship with a man given to anger,… Read More
Glory and Cross – At the Blue Hole, by Jack Reese
Glory and Cross – At the Blue Hole by Jack Reese Written by Jack Reese – Excerpt from “At the Blue Hole,” Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids, 2021…. Read More
Gay & Christian? Interview
Strength in Weakness: An Interview with Dr. Douglas Jacoby on “Gay and Christian?” The following interview appears in Guy Hammond’s new book, Gay and Christian? How Pro-Gay Theology is Crashing… Read More
Is Humility Just for the Minority?
Written by Clint Mosley, February 27, 2021 As we close out Black History month, I will call our attention to a pair of individuals who embodied an exemplary posture of… 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
Further Race Matters / BLM resources
My initial post (my George Floyd page) includes a list of helpful resources. (Not all persons agree with each other, or necessarily even with me—the various books, articles, videos, podcasts,… Read More
How Not to ‘Sink’, by Malcolm Cox
How not to ‘sink’ Access the podcast version of the newsletter by clicking here Thank you so much to everyone who gave me feedback on the topic of loneliness, especially… Read More
“Washing with the Word,” with Malcolm Cox
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you….Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV11) Mar 23, 10:21 AM Access the… Read More
Control, part 1
Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so… 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 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
A Tour Through John, Lesson 33
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
A Tour Through John, Lesson 28
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
A Transgender Person: Coming to YOUR Church Soon! by Guy Hammond
The phone rings, and I pick up. “Hello.” A panicked voice blurts out “Is Guy Hammond there?” “This is Guy, who’s this?” “My name is Henry James (not his real… Read More
Understanding the Apocalypse 7: A Tale of Two Cities
To listen now, click on arrow. To download and listen later, right click on “Download Podcast” and ‘save target as’ or ‘save link as’. Download Podcast Schedule of Classes 8… Read More
Understanding The Apocalypse – Class 6: The Deceit of Politics & Wealth vs The Power of Heaven
To listen now, click on arrow. To save and listen later, right click on ‘Download Podcast’ and ‘save target as’ or ‘save link as’. Audio Player Download Podcast One podcast… Read More
Understanding The Apocalypse – Class 5: Armageddon: The Vengeance of the Lord
To listen now, click on arrow. To save and listen later, right click on ‘Download Podcast’ and ‘save target as’ or ‘save link as’. Download Podcast One podcast will be… Read More
Understanding the Apocalypse – Class 4: The Dragon and the Beast
The fourth 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
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
Bible & Culture, part 2
In the previous lesson we explored accommodation and discernment. Some aspects of the ambient culture are fine for believers to follow, while others are not. Yet an even greater sensitivity to… Read More
Christ Through the Ages, 15: Philippians–To Live is Christ
To download the podcast, right click on the download link and choose “Save Link As” or “Save Target As” and it will download the podcast. Download Podcast Introduction Philippians is… Read More
Inspiring journal update (J.R., China)
Note: Names altered for purposes of security Dear all, I wanted to share a very special weekend T. and I had last weekend. Our dear brother and sister, R. &… Read More
Ron Moseley’s Yeshua: A Guide to the Real Jesus and the Original Church
Ron Moseley’s book, Yeshua: A Guide to the Real Jesus and the Original Church (Clarksville, Maryland: Messianic Jewish Publishers, 1996) is an interesting read. I have met representatives of this… Read More
Voice of the Martyrs
From The Voice of the Martyrs Weekly News on Persecution IssuesFrom Around the World. Click Here to Subscribe to Our Weekly Email Alerts. … Read More
Psalm 51
Here are a podcast and notes for Psalms 51: Create in Me a Pure Heart (34 minutes). To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as”… Read More
OT22-Gideon.mp3
For O.T. Lesson 22, Gideon (22 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
Yeshua: Critique of Ron Moseley’s book & position
This lesson is a critique of Ron Moseley’s Yeshua: A Guide to the Real Jesus and the Original Church (40 minutes). Introduction To download the podcast, right click on “download”… 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 1085 – Yeast bad?
Could you explain why yeast was not to be used is some sacrifices, while being used in others? I am aware of the symbolism in the New Testament, but am… Read More
The Sabbath
To hear The Sabbath (40 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 0900 – Sisters “leading” brothers in church
In my local church, a couple of times a sister has led church songs, or led the benevolence offering (prayed and read scripture). My understanding was that leading songs would… Read More
Q&A 0826 – The Rock
What are your thoughts on the interpretation of Matthew 16:13-20, which suggests that the "rock" Jesus was referring to when Peter confessed that Jesus as Christ was a mountain where… Read More
Q&A 0801 – Interpretation and the silences of the Bible
On the subject of deaconesses you wrote: “The office of deaconess had not developed until the 3rd century. What does the Bible teach? What was the practice of the first… Read More
MATTHEW 4
1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward he… Read More
MATTHEW 12 – A
1 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. And his disciples were hungry, and began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. 2 And when… Read More
MARK 7
1 The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus and 2 saw some of his disciples eating food with hands… Read More
Q&A 0692 – Surrender
Could you please explain the concept of surrender as it applies to "letting go and letting God"? I hear this over and over, but I’m not sure that I know… Read More
Q&A 0400 – Bindi dots
I remember reading a long time ago that the practice of "bindi" (dying the skin with henna paste) is a form of worship to a Hindu god. I’m trying to… Read More
Q&A 0323 – Missing church
As a disciple, I have often wondered that is it okay for a disciple to miss church for reasons other than attending funerals or visiting the sick. Is it acceptable… Read More
Q&A 0273 – Mount Gerizim
In John 4:20, what is this place of worship on Gerizim? The Samaritans built their own temple as a rival worship center to the Lord’s temple in Jerusalem. This was… Read More
Linguistic Insight: Galatians 5:19-23
19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions; 21and envy, drunkenness,… Read More
JOHN 16
1 “I have said these things to you to keep you from stumbling. 2 They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, an hour is coming when those who… Read More
JOHN 20 – B
19 So when it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews,… 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 17
1 When they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2 As his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue, and… Read More
ACTS 24
1 Five days later the high priest Ananias went down to Caesarea with some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they brought their charges against Paul before… Read More
Apologetics: Rome 2004: A faith-building opportunity
The challenge of evangelism is to make the faith real to those who are just coming to faith. We all know that spiritual things become real as one reads the… Read More
CROSSROADS REUNION!
REPORT FROM AN OUTSIDER Last weekend, 31 October-2 November, hundreds of Christians converged on Gainesville, Florida, for a very large family reunion. This was the 30th anniversary of the founding… 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
1 TIMOTHY 2
1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we… 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 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
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 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
Newsletters
2024 Newsletters Mar 13 – Speaking with Mormons and JWs / Naomi & Orpah / Hebrew Acrostic Poems Mar 6 – International Women’s Day / Gender Transitioning / Excellent LGBTQ+… Read More
Worship (H): The 2nd century: A View from the Outside
Pliny, Letter to Trajan, 10.96-97, c.110 AD It is my practice, my lord, to refer to you all matters concerning which I am in doubt. For who can better give… Read More
Atheism and Utopia
Utopia follows secularization as a shadow follows a body[1] There is a trait noticeable about many atheists, besides the obvious one that they don’t believe in God. This is that… Read More
Free Book / The Code of Hammurabi
The Newsletter of IBTM with Douglas Jacoby Good evening—and Howdy! I’m back from the Lone Star State. It was a great trip—the meetings, fellowship, and the Teleios Conference on Spirituality… Read More
“Stamp Thine Image”: Incarnation and Deification
… Read More
5 Ways the Digital Age Is Transforming the Way You Think | Crossway Articles
September 06, 2023 by: Samuel D. James Our Digital Lives More than a billion people worldwide own an iPhone. Nearly five billion people use social media. The average person spends two… Read More
5 Myths about Quiet Time
August 28, 2023 by: Kristen Wetherell This article is part of the 5 Myths series Myth #1: God commands us to have quiet time. This might sound surprising (even scandalous!),… Read More
From Challenges to Opportunities: God Transcends Cultural and Religious Boundaries (Jorge Diaz)
During the second half of 2022, for professional reasons, I was deployed on a field mission in Sudan (Africa) for three months. (North) Sudan is an Islamic country, where most… Read More
You just need to forgive, right?
SPIRITUAL RENOVATION Fresh thoughts about following Jesus March 27, 2023 Andrew Kitchen You need to forgive and move on. Right? Or maybe it’s actually very wrong. Someone has said terrible… Read More
When Were Christians First Regarded as Intolerant “Haters”? – Canon Fodder
January 17, 2023 In the midst of the high octane culture wars of the last ten years, Christians have been labelled all sorts of things: intolerant, bigoted, arrogant, narrow, dogmatic,… Read More
Q&A 1628—Mean-spirited?
I’m reading Ezra and am wondering if you have any insight for me. Ezra 4:1 states that “the enemies of the Jews” wanted to join in the work of building… Read More
What’s Love Got To Do With It?
Stepping into the Jordan What’s Love Got To Do With It? Rob Kranz Jan 14 For me, one of the bright spots of the COVID lockdown was Disney’s release of Hamilton. I… 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
Prism 13: Bread & Fish (Matt 14:20-16:4)
. Jesus feeds 5000 (Matt 14:20-21) Elisha fed 100 (2 Kings 4:42-44) 20:100 ÷ 5:5000 (1:5 vs. 1:1000) ~ 0.2%! Jesus is a prophet, but much greater than a prophet… Read More
Prism 04: Israel, or Christ? Herod, or Jesus? (Matt 2:13-23)
Hosea 11:1—When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. 2 The more they were called, the more they went away; they kept sacrificing to the Baals and burning offerings to… Read More
Dirty God?
Written by Dr. Drew BakerDecember, 2022 There are almost as many depictions of Christmas as there are definitions of love. From pop songs to greeting cards to sentimental movies, Christmas… Read More
Q&A 1624—Is God Opposed to Instrumental Music in Church?
My church teaches that it is wrong and unbiblical to use musical instruments in the assembly. I know there are instances of instrumental music in the Old Testament, but those… Read More
Happy the Elephant Is Denied Personhood – Does God Exist? Today
JUNE 20, 2022 BY DGE? A zoo elephant and human children. There is a difference! Atheists claim that humans are just animals, so animals should have the same rights as humans. On June… Read More
Is Objective Morality a Brute Fact?
Is Objective Morality a Brute Fact? By Paul M. Gould NOV 18 SAVE ▷ LISTEN If there is a moral landscape, and if at least some objective values and obligations hold… 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
The Reliability of the Gospels
The Reliability of the Gospels: FAQs By Craig Blomberg Sep 12 Years ago, a well-known company that helped individuals compute and file their taxes ran a series of television ads… Read More
August Issue of The Worldview Bulletin-Pt. 1
August Issue of The Worldview Bulletin-Pt. 1 Gnosticism | Spiritual Transformation of the Body Sep 3 Greetings from The Worldview Bulletin team! In this August issue, Paul Copan explains and critiques… Read More
Meekness & Majesty—hymn by Graham Kendrick
Tune (piano only) Tune (vocal) Meekness and majesty, Manhood and Deity, In perfect harmony, The Man who is God. Lord of eternity Dwells in humanity, Kneels in humility And… Read More
Do we know Jesus intellectually, or experientially?
By Malcolm Cox On the day of writing it’s our 37th wedding anniversary. If there’s one thing I know, it’s that my wife is the best thing that’s ever happened… Read More
Engaging Other Religions
Engaging Other Religions By Paul M. Gould | Bulletin Roundtable Aug 8 In this month’s Roundtable discussion, the team is tackling topics related to other religions (see Part 1 by Paul Copan… Read More
Imagination as an Anchor of Faith: Samuel Taylor Coleridge and C. S. Lewis
Imagination as an Anchor of Faith: Samuel Taylor Coleridge and C. S. Lewis By Joshua M. McNall Jul 15 Editor’s note: For context, “Science Mike” in the following excerpt refers… 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
Sabbath: my Further Thoughts + Excerpts from Dan Allender’s Sabbath
There are several reasons the Jewish Sabbath is no longer a requirement for God’s covenant people. (For more, see this article.) I take up the theme again to share some… Read More
From Five Fingers to Five Steps – Jack R. Reese
From Five Fingers to Five Steps Written by Jack Reese – Excerpt from “At the Blue Hole,” Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids, 2021. Reprinted with permission. Scott (Walter… Read More
The Douglas Jacoby Podcast
Podcasts are added every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. You can check them out anywhere you normally listen to podcasts (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcast & Radio Addict (at Google Play Store),… Read More
19—Forty Days with James: Cursing & Praise
Reflection 19, on James 3:9-12, is titled “Cursing & Praise” (14 mins). . James 3:9-12 So many images in this chapter: (tongue), bit, rudder, spark, taming (animals), poison, spring, fig… Read More
Not A Fully Invested Disciple? The Sunk Cost Fallacy
Dear Discipleship-first friends,A logical fallacy is when you make an argument based on reasoning that’s just plain wrong. In a previous article, I argued Jesus taught that logical fallacies are… Read More
The Examen, Christmas Carols & Refreshment
January Refreshment is Coming…. I know it’s only the start of December, but it’s never too early to start thinking about what’s coming round the corner. The seasonal rush… Read More
The Nature of Christian Unity: Historical Understandings of Churches of Christ
The Nature of Christian Unity: Historical Understandings of Churches of Christ Written by Douglas A. Foster, The below are excerpts from a paper presented at the Stone-Campbell Dialogue in June… Read More
United but with Disagreements – Alan Rouse
United but with Disagreements Written by Alan Rouse – repost from christianunityblog.net / Editors note: While Alan addresses a current point of disagreement, this essay provides biblical guidelines for any disagreement. Thank… 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
Easter
Here you will find a talk plus notes on Easter (7 minutes). To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and you… Read More
Who are the Jehovah’s Witnesses?
I. FOUNDING In the wake of the Second Great Awakening, many sects emerged in 19th century America. A combination of religious liberty and a strong spirit of individualism fostered numerous… Read More
Q&A 1595—Does the True Bible Have Only 11 Books?
I recently came across something claiming to be “The Very First Bible.” It claims to be an authentic translation. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this—whether we need to know… Read More
Isaiah: Judgment & Justice—Reflection 30
No Eye Has Seen, No Ear Has Heard… The people’s prayer, which began in chapter 63, continues… 64:7—The Jews request Yahweh to come in judgment / vindication. Touching the mountaintops alludes… Read More
Isaiah: Judgment & Justice—Reflection 27
True Fasting, Wickedness, Justice & Judgment In Isaiah 56-57, there is a strong contrast between the unity of the Lord’s people (56:1-8) and division in the present community (56:9-57:21). Similarly,… 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
Isaiah: Judgment & Justice—Reflection 23
Potter, Predator, Peace Context: Cyrus has claimed to be divinely appointed by Yahweh to free the Jewish exiles, resettle Judah, rebuild the Jerusalem temple, and reign over his people. 45:9—The… Read More
Q&A 1593—Put a knife to your throat (gluttony)?
Gluttony is a real struggle for me sometimes. Proverbs 23:2 says to put a knife to your throat if you’re given to gluttony. What is meant by “put a knife… Read More
Who Will Have Your Attention? Clinging to Christ in the Digital Age | Desiring God
Who Will Have Your Attention? Clinging to Christ in the Digital Age Scripture: Proverbs 27:20, Mark 9:7, Colossians 3:1–3, and Hebrews 2:1 As you know, our world offers us a feast of new multimedia… Read More
Standing at the Crossroads
Standing at the Crossroads One Sunday in the 1980s, serving as a campus minister, I found myself standing at the crossroads in front of our church building. I was debating… 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 44—Anna
Scripture: Luke 2:36-38 . Bio: Hannah (Hebrew) = Anna (Greek & Latin). In some ways she reminds us of her OT namesake (faith, presence at the house of God, deep… 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
Why We’re Not Under the Mosaic Law – str.org
By Amy Krall, for Stands to Reason In a post where I touched on the change from Saturday to Sunday as the day of worship, I was challenged in the comments to… Read More
Restoration or Reformation?, John Teal
Yesterday, I received an email from a friend who shared a copy of “The Stone-Campbell Reformation: Its Roots and Ideals” from July 1994 with an article by Leroy Garrett…. 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
SOM 30—Anxious
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on…. 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
OT61—Michal, Abigail, Bathsheba
Hebrew words: Mikhál = brook ‘Avigail = my father is joy Bath-sheva’ = daughter of the oath David’s wives: Ahinoam, Maachah, Haggith, Abital, Eglah Michal, Abigail, Bathsheba—and possibly more Note: this does not… Read More
Q&A 1560—Did Joshua violate the Sabbath?
In Joshua 6, God commanded the Israelites to circle the city 7 days in a row. Therefore, one of those days had to be a Sabbath. Would walking around the… Read More
Trent Butler on Judges
Excerpt from Trent Butler, The Word Biblical Commentary 8, Judges (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2009), lxxx. ……”Three tribes… receive the brunt of the author’s judgment in Judges. Benjamin could not take… Read More
How Apologetics Can Address the Six Reasons Why Young People Leave the Church
From Stand to Reason (www.str.org) After a five-year study, Barna Research president David Kinnaman found that 6 in 10 young people leave the church either permanently or for an extended… 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
A Jew, an Early Christian, and a Roman Meet in Archaeological Park
A Jew, an Early Christian and a Roman Meet in Archaeological Park to Be Built on Evacuated Prison ‘God Jesus Christ’ mosaic, ancient Jewish-Samaritan village of Othnay and Roman command… Read More
My experience of the Winter 2019 Israel Tour, by Paul Smith
The Bible Study Tour to Israel in February was truly an inspiring mountaintop experience for me. It is difficult to sum up the amazing sights we saw and experienced, but… Read More
A Prayer Space, by Jennifer Francis
Make Your Prayer Space Ready For God Jesus notoriously went off into the garden of Gethsemane to pray before he was betrayed and eventually hung on the cross. What most… Read More