For I told him that I would judge his family forever because of the sin he knew about; his sons made themselves contemptible, and he failed to restrain them. — 1 Samuel… Read More
Son of Hamas Leader Converts to Christianity!
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,402483,00.html JONATHAN HUNT: Why, after 25 years, did you change? MOSAB HASSAN YOUSEF: I believe that all those walls that Islam built for the last 1,400 years are not existing… Read More
Family Circle: Quality Family Time
I would like to refer you to the Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet (Family and Consumer Sciences) on Quality Family Time, HYG-5285-95, by Treva Williams. The link is http://www.a-better-child.org/page/875110 This article… Read More
Family Circle: Website – Family Health
For health information for the whole family, from the American Academy of Family Physicians, click on http://familydoctor.org/.
Family Circle: Recommended reading for marriage and parenting
Today we would like to share with you the "required reading" for the marriage & family element of the Athens Institute of Ministry. Marriage & Parenting: The Minister’s Family Life1…. Read More
Family Circle: Website – Family Life
This month I am referring readers to helpful family centered websites. The website for this week is http://www.familylife.com/. This article is copyrighted and is for private use and study only.
Family Circle: Recommended reading – Devotionals
Regular family devotionals can make an enormous difference in your family’s spirituality, joy, and relationships. The Bible comes to life, its content becomes fun, practical, and memorable, when parents create… Read More
Family Circle: Teaching Families to Fight Childhood Obesity
Credit: Healthy Weigh, March 2004, reproduced with permission. According to the American Diabetic Association, childhood obesity is on the rise. Twice as many children are obese today as compared to… Read More
Family Circle: New book by the Jacobys
During the month of April [2005] Vicki and I are writing a book on parenting. This new work will cover principles, not just practicals, and Bible stories, not just personal… Read More
Family Circle: Website recommendation – Family Fun
This is a good site for families with younger kids. A recent issue discussed crafts, kids’ bedrooms, vacations, and games. Check out the link, www.familyfun.com. This article is copyrighted and… 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
Has the Cross Lost its Shame? by Rob Kranz
Has the Cross Lost its Shame? by Rob Kranz Two weeks ago, I received my MA in Old Testament from Abilene Christian University, which is another step towards my goal. My path,… Read More
Family Circle: Website – Dobson
While you and I may not agree with everything James Dobson teaches, I believe most of my readers will agree with most of it! His website, the official site of… Read More
Family Circle: Parental Modeling
The following is an excerpted chapter from our book on raising children, Principle-Centered Parenting: Christian Parenting in a Non-Christian World. The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses seat; therefore do… Read More
Covenant Eyes – New blog posts and video content
Check out our latest blog posts! 5 Big Questions About Christians and Porn Lisa Eldred • Christians and porn have an odd relationship. Most Christians, if asked, would say… Read More
Family Circle: Sitting, Listening, Asking
Today’s family lesson is from Luke 2, and was inspired by a sermon I heard this morning. The text of Luke 2:41-52 (NRS) reads: Now every year his parents went… Read More
Family Circle: Quality Time Idea
This summer, why not improve family time by getting rid of one of its biggest disrupters and destroyers — television? Far from missing the TV, the Jacobys appreciate the extra… Read More
Family Circle: Book Review – Sex and the Supremacy of Christ
Sexuality is an issue at the heart of the Christian family and God’s plan for a romantic love-relationship between man and woman. In connection with this, John Piper’s book, Sex… Read More
Family Circle: Children and Conversion
The following is an excerpt taken from chapter 13 of The Quiver: Christian Parenting in a Non-Christian World. CONVERSIONJesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not… Read More
Family Circle: A Back-to-School Devotional (idea age range: 8-18 years)
In our part of the United States, school resumed on August 8th. In other parts of the country, children will not return until early September. This is a "back-to-school devotional,"… Read More
The Scariest Day of My Life, by Guy Hammond
I would have rather doused myself in honey and sacrificed myself to a bear than talk about it… Hardly anyone knew. I was way too embarrassed and ashamed to talk about… Read More
MARK 3
1 Another time he went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. 2 Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so… Read More
Family Circle: Teenage parenting advice
Q&A 1050 – Teenage parenting adviceI’m a single mother of three teenagers, and have been a faithful and dedicated disciple for 10 years. (My children’s father is not at all involved… Read More
Family Circle: Book Recommendation – Adolescents
Kevin Huggins, Parenting Adolescents (Colorado Springs: NavPress, 1989). Link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0891096973/thefireescapb-20/103-4257296-3363061. One of the best parenting books out there! The thesis is simple: to "change" your teen, change yourself!
Family Circle: Kids’ Ideas About Science
Kids’ Ideas About Science From the Boston Globe:The beguiling ideas about science quoted here were gleaned from essays, exams, and class room discussions. Most were from 5th and 6th graders…. Read More
Family Circle: Listening
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. — James 1:19 We want to teach our children… Read More
Family Circle: Book Recommendation
Highly recommended: What About the Children?, by Lee Boger (Bookshelf, 2005). Lee is a Christian in Kokomo, Indiana. This article is copyrighted and is for private use and study only.
Family Circle: Children Learn What They Live
If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemnIf a child lives with hostility, he learns to fightIf a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shyIf a… Read More
Family Circle: Humor
CAN YOU HEAR ME? An elderly couple were having problems communicating. The husband thought to himself that his wife might be losing her hearing, so while she was knitting in… Read More
Family Circle: Website – Parent / Youth Understanding
The Center for Parent / Youth Understanding, http://www.cpyu.org.
Family Circle: Working Mothers
“Working mothers.” This common phrase says a lot about our society’s concept of motherhood, doesn’t it? But since when did any mother not work? Motherhood is an enormously difficult –… Read More
Family Circle: Love Your Neighbor
Jesus replied: "’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the… Read More
Family Circle: Male-Female Communication
CONTRARY to what many women believe, it’s fairly easy to develop a long-term, stable, intimate, and mutually fulfilling relationship with a guy. Of course this guy has to be a… Read More
Family Circle: Allowances
Is there any biblical basis for giving a child an "allowance" — a fixed amount of money, typically every week or month? Indeed there is. "Whoever is faithful in a… Read More
Family Circle: 100 Best Books for Children
Here is a list of one hundred books selected by the National Education Association as great reading for children and young people. To help make these books more useful, we… Read More
Family Circle: Websites for families with autistic children
Ever since our nephew was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, my wife and I have taken a special interest in special needs children. So many families are affected by having special… Read More
Family Circle: Children’s Bibles
Children do not read at the same level as adults, and naturally their needs vis-à-vis Bibles are different to ours. Check out the following weblink. http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/cms_sp?sp=58297&p=1008728 This article is copyrighted… Read More
“Our Family Spent Too Much Money Last Year” by Patrick Blair
Late last year, I noticed our family checkbook was getting very light. Dread filled my mind as I realized that we would need to borrow money to pay our bills… Read More
The Difficult Child – Kent Brand
One of the most challenging family matters is the difficult child. Parents spend sleepless night worrying about the child who is difficult and often find no answers in spite of… 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
James
For N.T. Character Study 10, James (12 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target… Read More
Family devotional idea: “Who Am I?”
One of the favorite activities the Jacobys have enjoyed in family devotional time is a guessing game. Although we have several variations on the game, I would like to describe… 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
Pray for the Peace of Chicago, by Steve Kinnard
Pray for the Peace of Chicago by stevekinnard War on the Sidewalks of Chicago. This morning I opened my paper edition of The New York Times for Tuesday, August 7, 2018 and saw a… Read More
LUKE 22 – A
1 Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, 2 and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get… Read More
3 JOHN
1 The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. 2 Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as… Read More
Did Seinfeld and Letterman ruin us?
Article by Tony Reinke, Senior writer, desiringGod.org My generation was raised on The Simpsons. The popular cartoon is postmodern TV at its finest: liberated from prolonged storylines, a series of jests… Read More
Leadership / What is “Personal Fruit”? / Counting the Cost?
26 July 2023 IBTM Newsletter Good afternoon from Edinburgh. It’s been quite a week—working on the next UK visa (to be able to remain in Britain), selling the house, looking… Read More
Field of Dreams – CSU Monthly, July 2022
Field of Dreams Written by John TealJuly, 2022 The beloved 1989 movie Field of Dreams begins with Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner) alone in a cornfield. Ray hears a voice saying,… Read More
Q&A 1604—How could Sarah, age 65, be “beautiful”?
Following is a question I’ve come across only twice in my life, but it’s a good one, emerging from a Western cultural perspective, and deserves a response. It has to… 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
Annas & Caiaphas
For N.T. Character Study 42 Annas and Caiaphas, click the play arrow. To download the podcast, right click on the download link, and choose “save target as” or “save link as”… Read More
Q&A 0645 – Marrying outside Israel
From Deuteronomy 21:10-14, it would appear that God allows his people to marry outside of Israel. Was this a special case? What seems odd to me is that the husband… Read More
GALATIANS 3
1 You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly exhibited as crucified! 2 The only thing I want to learn from… Read More
HEBREWS 2
1 Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. 2 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and… Read More
Faith & Parenting Styles, by Jennifer Francis
How can Faith Enhance Your Parenting Style? Your choice of parenting style can ‘make or break’ your child, according to recent scientific studies. In one study published in the journal Frontiers,… Read More
Busting Grief Myths, by Dr. Timothy Sumerlin
Don’t Be Fooled Into Believing These Four GRIEF MYTHS Then Job replied: “How long will you torment me and crush me with words?—Job 19:1-2 Say nothing. Our friends may feel like… Read More
I Choose Us
Help for building stronger, healthier marriages, consider this great ministry: About I Choose Us Past & Future Facilitators’ Workshops About Us Testimonies Worldwide Channel News Asia – Interview Movie Copyright… 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
The Need for Unity
The Need for Unity by Jerry Harris Unity is central to the biblical message. Something special rises up when people from different circles get to know each other by learning,… Read More
10 Things You Should Know about Islam | Crossway Articles
This article is part of the 10 Things You Should Know series. Thinking Critically about Islam November 15, 2022by: A. S. Ibrahim I always teach my students to distinguish between Islam and Muslims…. Read More
The Rest of Genesis: [Supplement to Paul Copan & Douglas Jacoby’s Origins]
Departing the Primeval Period The stage has been set. We have explored the Primeval Period, and it’s time to transition into the next epoch. All the major themes of the… Read More
Q&A 1475 – Incubus & succubus: demon possession or something else?
I met a young lady who was desperate. She says she is under the control of a demon who makes love to her in her dream (incubus and succubus). This teaching… Read More
A Review of Reza Aslan’s ZEALOT
To hear my review of Reza Aslan’s Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth (2013), click on the arrow. The review is 58 minutes in length. Listen, or just read… Read More
The Lord’s Supper
Putting “Supper” Back in the Lord’s Supper This essay aims to address one of the basics of the faith: our communion. People have often asked such questions as why we… Read More
Q&A 1049 – Communion (Lord’s Supper)
THE LORD’S SUPPER Putting "Supper" Back in the Lord’s SupperThis essay aims to address one of the basics of the faith: our communion. People have often asked such questions as… Read More
ACTS 28
1 Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. 2 The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because… Read More
Baptism with the Holy Spirit
Introduction In 1976 after I my “conversion experience “1 I began attending charismatic prayer meetings. I continued to go because there were lots of food nice girls and a high… Read More
JAMES 5 – B
13 Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. 14 Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders… Read More
New Beginnings Are Possible
By Dan Armstrong • In the summer of 2019, two-time NBA champion, Olympic medalist, and reality TV star Lamar Odom announced he was giving up porn. But, he didn’t have a… Read More
Spiritual Abuse in Marriage
This is part 1 of a 2 part series. Written by: Darby Strickland, Counselor Read part 1 here.
Shared Church
“. . . members together of one body and sharers together . . .” (Eph. 3:6) Shared Church aims to encourage Christians and churches to practice participatory body life—the one-anothering… Read More
Facts Concerning Social Media Use in 2019
Social Media – A powerful tool https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6k_G_h41ZaQ
Our Manhood Crisis – An Interview with Robert Lewis
Something ominous is happening to young men today; it’s a crisis…and strangely, we are not talking about it. A recent USA Today article captured the essence of the crisis with the article “Boy Crisis Threatens America’s… Read More
Who Was? Series
With over 150 titles, Penguin’s Who Was? series tells the incredible stories of trailblazers, legends, innovators, and creators. Play the Who Was Adventure game! Download the Who Was series app… Read More
The Lost Interview with Cathy Hammond
My wife Cathy passed away on August 13, 2018. We were married for 28 incredible years. Through our Strength in Weakness ministry, we traveled the world telling our story and… Read More
Sexual Ethics, Homosexuality and Thoughts on the Passing of my Wife (by Guy Hammond)
Today I get to sit down with the founder of Strength in Weakness Ministries, Guy Hammond, to discuss how to live a life of holiness when you’re same-sex attracted. -… Read More
Video 3: When Your Kids Tell You They Are Gay
#3. “When Your Kids Tell You They Are Gay” Steve Bowen 4 min #1. “Is It a Sin If You Feel Gay?” Guy Hammond 3.5 min #2. “Can You Be… Read More
Non-profit, ‘Sheep Not Goats’ Highlighted on News
Local couple help empower women in Nicaragua, one knitted blanket at a time By: Lorena Inclan Jacksonville, FL March 1, 2019 For Steve and Sandy Jacoby a trip to Nicaragua… Read More
4 Things I’d Say To My 30 Year Old Self
by Steve Staten | Jan 23, 2019 At age thirty I had been in technology for nine years and fulltime ministry for just over a year. My wife and I had three little… Read More
Ministry in the #MeToo Moment
As abuse awareness grows, pastors are searching for ways to protect the vulnerable and care for survivors. MORGAN LEE @Mepaynl Image: Davide Bonazzi / Salzmanart Last summer Stephanie Lobdell, co-lead pastor… Read More
No Sign Language in the World Has Its Own Bible Translation
Deaf communities around the world are still waiting to experience God’s Word in their first language. How much longer will it be? Donations from the 40,000 attendees at this year’s… Read More
Large Numbers of Young Adults Dropping Out of Church
Young adults are dropping out of church in large numbers, survey finds. This is why. www.usatoday.com 3 mins read ASHVILLE, Tenn. —Large numbers of young adults who frequently attended Protestant worship services in… Read More
The Outdoors and Your Faith, by Jennifer Francis
Nature has long been the reserve of great spirituality. The opportunity to be among the rest of God’s creations is an exciting one, and there are few better places to experience that… Read More
Don’t Be Fooled Into Believing These Final Two GRIEF MYTHS
You have taken from me my closest friends and have made me repulsive to them. I am confined and cannot escape; my eyes are dim with grief. —Psalm 88:8-9 Last… Read More
Grief Myths – Part Two
Don’t Be Fooled Into Believing These Three GRIEF MYTHS – Part Two Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. – Job 42:3… Read More
Commencement Address to John Robert’s son’s ninth grade class
‘I wish you bad luck,” said the chief justice of the United States. He meant for those words, delivered last spring, to express encouragement and optimism. The year now ending… Read More
A Closer Look at Christmas – Glenn Sunshine
The Story behind the Manger, Shepherds, and Swaddling Clothes At this time of year, every year, we hear the Christmas story again. The familiar elements—the full inn, the stable, the… Read More
Work Hard, Pray Hard
Students should take Bible study as seriously as school and sports practice. Article from Christianity Today: Work Hard Pray Hard
Museum of the Bible – now open in Washington, DC
Museum of the Bible | MOTB Museum of the Bible is an innovative, global, educational institution whose purpose is to invite all people to engage with the history, narrative and… Read More
Children of Priests
The Boston Globe Spotlight team did a series on it that is getting a lot of attention. Seems it may be a scandal even bigger that the clergy abuse issue…. Read More
Men vs Women: Google Guy Right about Sex Differences
The Science Says The Google Guy Was Right About Sex Differences A myriad of distinguished professors and social scientists have already confirmed what James Damore wrote in his Google memo:… Read More
Gender & Sexuality – 3 Articles
Children being Experimented on and Scientist speak out against this … http://www.christianpost.com/news/gender-confused-kids-are-being-experimented-on-with-hormone-therapy-experts-188757/?utm_source=newsletter Johns Hopkins Researcher finds no conclusive evidence people are born gay or transgender … http://www.christianpost.com/news/no-scientific-evidence-that-people-are-born-gay-or-transgender-johns-hopkins-researchers-say-168263/page1.html Here’s the full… Read More
Are Introverts Better Evangelists?, by Mike Shumann
“We introverts are prone to feel like evangelism is really just for extroverts. When Jesus commissions us to preach his good news, who’s naturally more excited to do it: those… Read More
The Real Root of Sexual Sin, by Jon Bloom
Our most powerful weapon in the fight against sexual temptation is not better accountability, but profound humility. To continue reading, click here.
The Horror of Human Embryo Jewelry, by Abigail Dodds
A company in Australia is turning frozen embryo children into jewelry for their parents to wear. Click here for full article.
What If My Husband Looks at Porn? by Kara Garis
It was such a kick to the stomach. A nauseating, heart-pounding kick. I remember staring, confused, at the computer screen. What exactly was he looking at, anyway? Is that what… Read More
Disney shows gay kiss in a children’s cartoon for first time
March 2, 2017 (LifeSiteNews) – The Walt Disney Company pushed the LGBT envelope a little further this week by airing its first on-screen gay kiss on an animated children’s program…. Read More
How Do You Super Bowl?
Ideas for Navigating Controversial Ads http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/how-do-you-super-bowl?
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
New Parenting Resource
We have a new parenting resource for you to share! That’s right! We have an exciting new tool to help parents in the fight against Internet pornography. We have said… Read More
What God Has Joined Together
For an excellent article by David Instone-Brewer on the topic of Divorce & Remarriage, click here.
Divorce and Remarriage: A scholar’s take on the ancient issues
To read this article, please click here.
Do Christian Parents Flirt with the Idol of Safety?
Most families—rich, poor, or middle class—have an image, maybe even a dream, of what their child’s life will look like once they reach adulthood. If pressed to describe it, the image might… Read More
Does Raising Self-Esteem Turn Children into Narcissists?
Article of interest http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/does-raising-self-esteem-turn-children-into-narcissists/
Why Teens Leave the Church
The one reason why college students leave the church could surprise you. http://www.collegeandseminary.com/college-life/the-1-reason-why-college-students-leave-the-church-could-surprise-you/#
13 Scriptures to Help Siblings Get Along
http://lizzylife.com/2015/10/27/13-scriptures-to-help-siblings-get-along/ – Elizabeth Thompson
13 Confidence-Building Scriptures for Kids and Teens
by Elizabeth Thompson http://lizzylife.com/2015/09/16/13-confidence-building-scriptures-for-kids-and-teens/
When Kids Know God Better Than We Do
by Elizabeth Thompson http://lizzylife.com/2015/08/03/when-kids-know-god-better-than-we-do/
Divorce rates, inside the church and outside
It is common to hear depressing statistics about divorce rates. The myth of the 50% divorce rate has been debunked for many years. But what about divorce rates within the… Read More
Gender Ideology Harms Children
From the American College of Pediatricians. Read the article by clicking here. For a dissenting view (the other side of the issue) the next link is from Huffington Post’s “Queer… Read More