Login

General Study

Why Do We Feel Lonely at Church?

Posted: November 29, 2023

30% OFF + FREE EBOOK Why Do We Feel Lonely at Church? Why Do We Feel Lonely at Church? addresses the loneliness epidemic facing the church, encourages readers to pursue a… Read More

Most adult US Christians don’t believe Holy Spirit is real: study

Posted: September 10, 2021

Most adult US Christians don’t believe Holy Spirit is real: study By Leonardo Blair, Christian Post Reporter Parishioners of Lakewood Church led by Pastor Joel Osteen pray together during a service… Read More

United but with Disagreements – Alan Rouse

Posted: September 5, 2021

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

BE STILL MY SOUL: A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO A DEEPER RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

Posted: August 26, 2021

by Sam Laing, June 12, 2021 In this article, I am excited to introduce a new series based on my book Be Still My Soul: A Practical Guide to a Deeper Relationship… Read More

Editorial: Same-sex marriage and gender questions

Posted: August 3, 2021

  EDITORIAL   Editorial: Same-sex marriage and gender questions ‘As the culture around us shifts, we remain committed to the spiritual design of marriage.’ Continue reading here.

‘As is typical of sex abuse victims, I thought what happened was my fault’ | The Christian Chronicle

Posted: July 28, 2021

OPINION Image via Pixabay.com Writer recounts the night church stopped being her safe place. Deana Nall Correspondent I was only 13. I was in eighth grade at a Christian school… Read More

The Day of Small Things, by Malcolm Cox

Posted: July 27, 2021

The day of small things “Who dares despise the day of small things…..?” (Zechariah 4:10) The story of Christianity is the story of the underdog. It is the story of… Read More

America’s evangelical church is being torn apart by culture wars

Posted: July 6, 2021

Barry Hankins | The Guardian Rightwing Southern Baptists believe they must ‘save’ white Christian America by embracing Trumpism. A more moderate faction just won control – by the tightest of… Read More

The Root Bound Church

Posted: July 4, 2021

Written by Derrick Jones, July 3, 2021 On the surface, the above title might sound like a good thing, but in my view, it is not. Let me elaborate on… Read More

And Your Little Dog Too!

Posted: June 15, 2021

Stepping into the Jordan And Your Little Dog Too! by Rob Kranz Tone of voice can make all the difference. Is a statement meant to be serious? Humorous? Sarcastic? Without other… Read More

Church may ditch ‘husband’ and ‘wife’ – Opinion, The Christian Post

Posted: May 22, 2021

Wallace Henley, former Senior Associate Pastor of 2nd Baptist Church in Houston, Texas.  | Photo by Scott Belin The Church of Scotland’s General Assembly will soon consider a proposal to erase… Read More

How to Read a Progressive like the Bible

Posted: May 17, 2021

Daniel McCoy | Bio *Editor’s Note: For Part 1 (“How to Read the Bible like a Progressive”), click here. In 2014, the late Rachel Held Evans wrote an autobiographical account called Faith Unraveled. It… Read More

Economy of Grace: An Early Christian Take on Vulnerable Mission – P. Kent Smith

Posted: May 16, 2021

Economy of Grace: An Early Christian Take on Vulnerable Mission, by P. Kent Smith Contextualizing principles like those identified by Vulnerable Mission may be used to avoid creating unhealthy dependency…. Read More

Ecosystems of Grace: An Old Vision for the New Church

Posted: May 13, 2021

By P. Kent Smith What will it take for Americans to come to know God for who God really is? In the face of the epidemic distractions presented by American… Read More

“Even the Darkness,” by Malcolm Cox

Posted: May 4, 2021

  “the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.” (Psalm 139,12) Darkness can be terrifying. It contains the potential for great danger. A female friend… Read More

Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak, and Slow to Become Angry!

Posted: April 24, 2021

Written by John Teal, April 24, 2021 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…. Read More

Gay and Christian? by Guy Hammond

Posted: March 23, 2021

Treating Every Person with Dignity, Kindness and Respect, While Standing for Biblical Truth Can a Person be Gay and a Christian at the Same Time? One of the greatest problems facing… Read More

Gray deserves Presidential Medal of Freedom

Posted: March 16, 2021

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

BibleBrew with Daniel Berk

Posted: March 8, 2021

BibleBrew https://www.biblebrewpodcast.com/ Available on Spotify (Coming soon to Apple Podcast as well….) Instagram: @biblebrew BibleBrew is a space for respectful dialogue as we journey through 21st century popular topics such… Read More

Truth or Power? by Greg Koukl

Posted: March 1, 2021

Hugh Hewitt begins In, But Not Of—his wonderful handbook for cultivating one’s professional life as a force for Christ—with these words: The effective and mass communication of the gospel depends upon… Read More

Is Humility Just for the Minority?

Posted: March 1, 2021

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

5 reasons Christians should get the COVID-19 vaccine

Posted: February 19, 2021

Dr. Francis Collins, NIH Director and founder of BioLogos, receives the Moderna COVID-19 vaccinee. Should you get the COVID vaccine? Many Christians are saying “no” or “not yet.” Here are… Read More

Before You Tweet Criticism: Six Considerations | Desiring God

Posted: January 30, 2021

Social media has become an inferno of insults and anger. And sometimes even professing Christians add to the rage without thinking about the foolishness of spewing verbal abuses. We need… Read More

What the Bible Says About QAnon – Christianity Today

Posted: January 29, 2021

Plandemic? QAnon? Bill Gates creating COVID-19? As the novel coronavirus has traveled around the world, so too have conspiracy theories about the origins of the disease and the winners and… Read More

More Than Leaves: “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance”

Posted: January 11, 2021

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

How Churches of Christ responded when the 1918 ‘Spanish flu’ killed millions

Posted: January 6, 2021

Many congregations canceled services, and some Christians focused on feeding and nursing the poor. John Mark Hicks  NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Nashville saw its first case of the “Spanish flu” in late… Read More

Faith and COVID-19: The Christian Chronicle

Posted: January 6, 2021

The Christian Chronicle’s top stories on the coronavirus pandemic. Bobby Ross Jr. Editor-in-Chief Look to The Christian Chronicle for in-depth coverage of the coronavirus pandemic. From Christians battling the virus to churches… Read More

Resources to help you plan the year God is giving you

Posted: January 6, 2021

Click here for the podcast version “Happy New Year!” I hope you had a cracking Christmas, but also a wonderful New Year. It’s two days into 2021, the sun is… Read More

Let There be Peace on Earth!, by John Teal

Posted: December 19, 2020

Let There be Peace on Earth! And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven,… Read More

A Narrow Escape, by Malcolm Cox

Posted: December 18, 2020

  “A narrow escape” It was Wednesday morning. I was part-way through my prayer walk in the woods. I heard a noise above me in the canopy. A small branch fell… Read More

Now Offering: AIM Europe

Posted: December 18, 2020

Discover all the courses being offered on the new AIM Europe page: https://aimeurope.athensinstitute.org

A (more accurate) Medical Account of the Crucifixion

Posted: December 9, 2020

A Medical Account of the Crucifixion Simplified & Amended [1] Hanging, electrocution, knee-capping, gas chamber: these punishments are feared. They all happen today, and we shudder as we think of… Read More

Solitude Shapes Community and Mission, Brandon Bradley

Posted: November 11, 2020

Can We Begin With Solitude? I am honored that John Teal, one of my former students at CCCB, asked me to contribute to the Common Grounds discussion. He asked me… Read More

The Unity of the Spirit and “Lines of Fellowship”

Posted: October 26, 2020

  Unity of the Spirit and “Lines of Fellowship” – Matt Dabbs Paul was much more ecumenical than I was growing up. The more I read Paul the more divisive… Read More

Ditch the Shame: You Aren’t Alone!

Posted: September 24, 2020

It’s easy to feel alone in your struggles with porn. We’re here to tell you that you aren’t the only one.  Issue 123 • September 2020 Redeeming the Pain: Marnie’s… Read More

The Scourge of Suicide, Part 1, by Tim Sumerlin

Posted: September 23, 2020

Dr. Timothy Sumerlin – Denver, CO, USA • Sep 23, 2020 Suicides have nearly doubled in the United States among young people in recent years. Other age groups are not immune to… Read More

The Biggest “But,” by Rob Kranz

Posted: September 6, 2020

The Biggest “But” by Rob Kranz In my last post, we looked at one of the two big “Buts” in the New Testament regarding women’s roles. 1 Corinthians 14 can seem problematic… Read More

After the pandemic, will people return to church?

Posted: August 18, 2020

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

It’s Here! Your Guide to a More Peaceful World

Posted: July 18, 2020

It’s Not Where you Travel, But How Just Published, Now Available! Crossing Boundaries: A Traveler’s Guide to World Peace Buy Now! Join me in forming a community of travelers that… Read More

Extremely Low Percentage of Americans Hold Biblical Worldview: An Interview with George Barna

Posted: July 15, 2020

The first national survey of the worldview of Americans conducted by the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University (@crcacu) shows that although seven out of ten consider themselves to be Christian,… Read More

“Letter from a Birmingham Jail [King, Jr.]”

Posted: June 17, 2020

16 April 1963 My Dear Fellow Clergymen: While confined here in the Birmingham city jail, I came across your recent statement calling my present activities “unwise and untimely.” Seldom do… Read More

Is there a message in the (tragic) mayhem?, by Malcolm Cox

Posted: June 5, 2020

  Is there a message in the – tragic – mayhem? Access the podcast version of the newsletter by clicking here I have two things in my mind this week…. Read More

Racism: A Lament and Call to Repent – Renew.org

Posted: June 3, 2020

Shawn Patterson | Bio Friday, May 8, would have been Ahmaud Arbery’s 26th birthday. On Sunday, February 23, Ahmaud, a 25-year-old African American male, was jogging through Satilla Shores, Georgia. After seeing… Read More

‘We are not screaming when God is screaming’ – Christian Chronicle

Posted: June 2, 2020

Four lessons for members of Churches of Christ — black and white — outraged by George Floyd’s death. Cheryl Mann Bacon Columnist ‘We lose connection with the heart of God,… Read More

Race and Police Violence in America – Is the Beloved Community Actually Achievable?

Posted: June 2, 2020

It’s fair to say our country finds itself in the heat of a reopened wound stemming from police violence and racial tensions. As we see our cities in turmoil, we… Read More

Teaching Our Children About Sexual Ethics

Posted: June 1, 2020

Teaching Our Children about Sexual Ethics and the Bible: A Live Interview With Steve & Deb Bowen for Parents and Grandparents Steve and Deb Bowen oversee the Family Ministry for… Read More

Common Grounds Unity

Posted: May 23, 2020

A website that may be of interest to you: Unity Draws People to Jesus Our mission is to promote and pray for unity within the Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement through the… Read More

Focus on the Person Rather Than the Argument

Posted: May 23, 2020

May 2020   Focus on the Person Rather Than the Argument Alan Shlemon of Stand to Reason shares how best to use your time if you only have one hour… Read More

Where is God in a Pandemic? A Conversation between Tim Keller and Francis Collins

Posted: May 20, 2020

Leading evangelical thinker Tim Keller joins Francis Collins, who heads our country’s biomedical research, in a conversation that includes updates on the latest COVID-19 research, a discussion on the value… Read More

Africa’s other plague | The Christian Chronicle

Posted: May 13, 2020

Africa’s other plague An army of locusts has invaded in the midst of COVID-19. Churches of Christ and relief ministries prepare for the region’s next pandemic — hunger. ‘They cover… Read More

The Twisted Scriptures?

Posted: May 11, 2020

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?

Posted: May 9, 2020

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

Helping a Friend with Anxiety or Depression Part 2

Posted: May 5, 2020

Helping a Friend with… Anxiety or Depression Part 2 Last week I shared three ways to help your friend (or yourself) when you struggle with anxiety or depression. They were:… Read More

Why Do Pastors Keep Getting Rehired After Abuse?

Posted: May 1, 2020

NEWS Why Do Pastors Keep Getting Rehired After Abuse? Victims’ advocates caution institutions against plans to “restore” fallen leaders. Kate Shellnutt   Another case of a leader with an abusive… Read More

SIW: Don’t Miss What’s Coming Up, Video Series & Support Groups!

Posted: May 1, 2020

A Strength in Weakness Member’s Weekly Update New Perspectives From Strength in Weakness Ministries Volume 7; April 30, 2020 A SIW Member’s Weekly Update   Coming Up: How to Break… Read More

For Lessons On Closed Houses Of Worship, Look At 1918 Flu Pandemic

Posted: April 29, 2020

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

Helping a Friend with Anxiety or Depression

Posted: April 28, 2020

Helping a Friend with… Anxiety or Depression During this difficult time, we all know someone (or we struggle with ourselves) with anxiety or depression (or both). Eighty percent of all… Read More

Quarantine Church Con 2020 Video

Posted: April 22, 2020

Thank you for attending QCC2020! Quarantine Church Con 2020 Summary What an incredible time we had together last week! God brought together over 1,000 of his people to be equipped… Read More

How to Access the Abundance

Posted: April 17, 2020

How to access the abundance Access the podcast version of the newsletter by clicking here Abundance or scarcity? What is your outlook right now? I’ve been reading Dallas Willard’s book,… Read More

Are We Making Disciples or Church Members? A FREE Resource

Posted: April 14, 2020

Dear Discipleship-first Friends, I hope the subject line got your attention because it is a vitally important question for the North American Church. Most of us have been trained to… Read More

Trust, Die, Rise—by Malcolm Cox

Posted: April 10, 2020

 “if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.” (Romans 6:5 NIV11) Trust, Die,… Read More

LISTEN: Francis Collins on the pandemic through the lens of his faith 📡

Posted: April 9, 2020

  Notes: If you’ve been a regular listener to the Language of God podcast you’ve probably noticed our recent episodes have been a little different in attempt to respond to these times we’re… Read More

How Not to ‘Sink’, by Malcolm Cox

Posted: April 4, 2020

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

DISCIPLESHIP Bloom Where You’re Quarantined

Posted: April 3, 2020

DISCIPLESHIP Some of us were lonely well before the pandemic. How do we find God’s comfort now? Clarissa Moll This past Sunday, I took my children for a walk in… Read More

Playing God: Pandemic Brings Moral Dilemmas to US Hospitals

Posted: April 3, 2020

Two Christian bioethicists on life or death issues that American doctors may soon face. INTERVIEW BY KARA BETTIS March 31, 2020 Medical professionals across the US are preparing COVID-19 units… Read More

Live Stream: Science and Faith in Pandemic Times

Posted: April 1, 2020

  Dear Douglas, I am delighted to invite you to a special live stream with Francis Collins on Monday, April 6 at 8 p.m. EST! Francis Collins is the founder of BioLogos… Read More

Compassion or Judgment?

Posted: April 1, 2020

Compassion or Judgment? Choose Today! You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. – John 8:15 ​ Compassion or Judgment? Facing loss is never easy and suicide in particular, is… Read More

“Washing with the Word,” with Malcolm Cox

Posted: March 23, 2020

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

How Churches of Christ responded when the 1918 ‘Spanish flu’ killed millions

Posted: March 22, 2020

Many congregations canceled services, and some Christians focused on feeding and nursing the poor. By John Mark Hicks NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Nashville saw its first case of the “Spanish flu” in… Read More

BBC News: Coronavirus: Creativity, kindness and canals offer hope amid outbreak

Posted: March 21, 2020

I saw this on the BBC News App and thought you should see it: From environmental improvements to acts of kindness, there are glimmers of light amid the crisis. Continue… Read More

Viral Christianity, by Rob Krantz

Posted: March 16, 2020

Viral Christianity by Rob Kranz The beauty of a blog is that you are in full control of what you write about. Most of the time, I write about things I… Read More

Down Syndrome and the Image of God

Posted: March 9, 2020

By Samuel L. Caraballo A biology teacher sees things with a new perspective when his own child is born with trisomy 21, and reflects on her life and what it… Read More

Can Your Church Thrive in Exile?

Posted: March 9, 2020

Can Your Church Thrive in Exile? A Conversation with Randy Gariss Randy Gariss was minister of Joplin’s College Heights Christian Church when a mile-wide F5 tornado mowed into Joplin. Randy… Read More

The Movie FINDING GUY Free on You Tube

Posted: March 5, 2020

Five Years in the Making & Nominated for Best Documentary & Best Director at the 2018 International Christian Film Festival in Miami Learn More

Are You Creating Disciples or Consumers? Interview with Kelvin Teamer

Posted: March 2, 2020

What does revival look like in the 21st century?  Are You Creating Disciples or Consumers? An Interview with Kelvin Teamer Church leaders often want to preach what feels good, and church people… Read More

The tragedy of the even dumber church

Posted: February 29, 2020

Christian theologian Dr. William Lane Craig during debate at Purdue University, Feb. 1, 2013. | (Photo: Nicole Byrd) It’s true – time really does fly. Eight years ago, I wrote an article… Read More

Mental Health in the Church Setting 2020

Posted: February 26, 2020

Mental Health in the Church Setting Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. – 2 Thessalonians 1:4 I’ve… Read More

Why a Contradiction Seems Convincing

Posted: February 21, 2020

Why a Contradiction Seems Convincing Click Here to Listen It’s easy to believe a lie when you haven’t heard the whole story. But have you ever wondered how people can… Read More

Interview with Fred Gray

Posted: February 20, 2020

“A Movement Divided” by Samuel Escobar

Posted: February 19, 2020

Three approaches to world evangelization stand in tension with one another. Samuel Escobar (Peru) is President of the Latin American Theological Fraternity and Professor at Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Philadelphia,… Read More

Delving into the history of black churches

Posted: February 18, 2020

Delving into the history of black churches | The Christian Chronicle Edward J. Robinson’s newest book, “Hard-Fighting Soldiers: A History of African American Churches of Christ,” takes its title from… Read More

“Can a Christian be an environmentalist?”

Posted: February 15, 2020

“Caring for Creation” Click here for the newsletter podcast version – with extra ‘bits’ We have seen what I would call “proper weather” this last week. Flights cancelled, trees felled,… Read More

What is safety?

Posted: February 10, 2020

“How to be safe” Click here for the newsletter podcast version – with extra ‘bits’ It’s easy to become obsessed with safety. And with good reason. The coronavirus seems to… Read More

Discipling Busy People Online (and More)

Posted: February 5, 2020

Discipleship-First Friends, I am just completing an experiment in disciple making with some current and future leaders in the staff at our church that I wanted to share with you…. Read More

Almost Half of Practicing Christian Millennials Say Evangelism Is Wrong – Barna Group

Posted: January 17, 2020

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

Netflix’s ‘Messiah’ Says the World Needs a Savior | Christianity Today

Posted: January 3, 2020

On January 1, Netflix released its latest über-bingeable series, Messiah, telling an all-too-believable story about the rise of a contemporary messianic figure known as Al-Masih (played by Mehdi Dehbi). Appearing out… Read More

11 Nigerian Christians Executed in ISIS Christmas Video | News & Reporting | Christianity Today

Posted: January 3, 2020

11 Nigerian Christians Executed in ISIS Christmas Video…… | News & Reporting | Christianity Today In another filmed massacre, 11 Nigerian Christians were executed by the Islamic State West African… Read More

The Most Important Habit for 2020

Posted: December 31, 2019

I like New Year’s resolutions. About 60% of Americans will join with me and make them over the next few days as we head into 2020. Here is the most… Read More

The Overlooked Nativity Character

Posted: December 25, 2019

The Overlooked Nativity Character by Rob Kranz An old girlfriend once told me that the groom was just “a prop” at the wedding. The focus of the entire ceremony is supposed to… Read More

Share with Us: Your Top Disciple Making Apps or Mobile Sites

Posted: December 11, 2019

​ Dear Discipleship-First Tribe, One of the major developments coming for disciple makers moving into 2020 is the proliferation of digital apps and mobile sites (that function like apps) to… Read More

Are the Crusades the Ultimate Black Mark Against Christianity? by Rob Kranz

Posted: December 4, 2019

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

Thanksgiving, Disciple Making, and the Deuteronomy 8 Principle – Discipleship.org

Posted: November 27, 2019

Discipleship-First Friends, Thanksgiving is an important day on many levels. We are committed to helping you be a disciple who makes disciples, so we know it’s important to “give thanks in… Read More

Should You be a Pastor or a Professor? Thinking Through the Options – Canon Fodder

Posted: November 22, 2019

Since I am a professor at a seminary, it is not unusual (indeed, it is very common) for students to come to me for advice about whether they should enter… Read More

Worst practices for dismissing a minister | The Christian Chronicle

Posted: November 21, 2019

Church experts and those who have been there discuss what not to do when firing a minister. Talking with ministers who have lost their jobs can feel repetitive.  And depressing…. Read More

Why should Christians care for creation?

Posted: October 31, 2019

  New Common Question: Why should Christians care for creation? As bearers of God’s image, all people have the responsibility and privilege of caring for God’s creation. How can we… Read More

The Top 100 Verses on Money and Wealth

Posted: October 16, 2019

Bookmark the list for Bible study, reference, and sharing with others. Top 100 Bible Verses on Money and Wealth Also see the Topical Index of Money and Wealth Scriptures The latest… Read More

Gauging The Health of Your Church Members

Posted: September 12, 2019

By CSN on Sep 05, 2019 01:00 pm There are many ways you can assess the spiritual health of your church members. Faith, regular church attendance, and engagement in community… Read More

Understanding Myths That May Hold Us Back

Posted: September 5, 2019

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… Read More

“We Are Church,” by Francis Chan

Posted: June 23, 2019

History — We Are Church A Brief History of We Are Church. Excerpt from Letters to the Church, by Francis Chan. Why I Left My Megachurch In 1994, when I… Read More

Opinion | The Day Christian Fundamentalism Was Born – The New York Times

Posted: June 18, 2019

How a meeting in Philadelphia changed American religion forever. By Matthew Avery Sutton   Mr. Sutton, a professor of history at Washington State University, is the author of the forthcoming “Double… Read More

TheHistoricFaith.com by Sattler College and Scroll Publishing

Posted: June 17, 2019

  We are excited to introduce you to  TheHistoricFaith.com . The Historic Faith is the result of a partnership between Sattler College and Scroll Publishing. This project seeks to promote the precepts… Read More

Who Was? Series

Posted: June 16, 2019

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 preachers getting rich from poor Americans – BBC News

Posted: June 12, 2019

Televangelist Todd Coontz has a well-worn routine: he dresses in a suit, pulls out a Bible and urges viewers to pledge a very specific amount of money. “Don’t delay, don’t… Read More

Did the Samaritans Get a Bum Rap?

Posted: May 20, 2019

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

Is the Holy Land the Promised Land? | The Christian Chronicle

Posted: May 9, 2019

Is the Holy Land the Promised Land? Leading evangelical supporters of President Trump tout the modern state of Israel as a fulfillment of biblical prophecy. Scholars in Churches of Christ… Read More

Where Do Moral Laws Come From? | Stand to Reason

Posted: May 3, 2019

Where Do Moral Laws Come From? We can be good without God, but would goodness even exist without God? Greg Koukl explains the argument for God from morality. https://www.str.org/video/where-do-moral-laws-come

Video 3: When Your Kids Tell You They Are Gay

Posted: May 1, 2019

#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

The Samaritan Passover

Posted: April 23, 2019

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

State of the Bible 2019: Trends in Engagement

Posted: April 19, 2019

Each year, Barna examines behaviors and beliefs related to the Bible among American adults, a study conducted in partnership with American Bible Society. In the 2019 “State of the Bible” report,… Read More

How the Poor Became Blessed, by Pieter van der Horst

Posted: March 14, 2019

Greco-Roman gods had no interest in the poor nor was organised charity a religious duty. How was Christianity different? Photo by DeAgostini/Getty In Greco-Roman culture, the well-to-do weren’t expected to… Read More

The Benefits of a Stiff Neck?, by Rob Kranz

Posted: March 11, 2019

The Benefits of a Stiff Neck? by Rob Kranz This is my first post since arriving back in Jerusalem. The time is flying by at blazing fast speed. As I write this,… Read More

An Easy Principle to Test Your Take on Scripture

Posted: September 17, 2018

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

How Does a Network Differ from a Denomination? (Pt 2 of 2)

Posted: August 25, 2018

By Bobby Harrington and Jason Henderson, Renew Network (renew.org) When we say network, we do not mean a television network, but a network or web of people who are connected… Read More

How Do I Develop a Passion for the Bible?, by Greg Koukl

Posted: August 24, 2018

Greg shares how to make Bible reading more than a chore. Click on this link to see podcast & notes.

iFaith video sermon list

Posted: August 7, 2018

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

Free eBook: Evangelism or Discipleship: Can They Effectively Work Together?

Posted: June 25, 2018

Which is more important, people often ask, evangelism or discipleship? It is often stated as though discipleship is just about growth after conversion. Sometimes people describe it as an apparent… Read More

The Ten Commandments of Teaching, by Brian Fontaine

Posted: March 3, 2018

The 10 Commandments of Effective Teaching 1st Commandment: Know thy content, backward and forward, for your students’ respect and attention begins here. 2nd Commandment: Proper Planning and Preparation Prevent Poor… Read More

Strength in Weakness is going Español!

Posted: March 1, 2018

Strength in Weakness Ministries is going Español! Lo que Todos los Cristianos Necesitan Saber Acerca de la Homosexualidad La Homosexualidad: ¿hay un tema más controvertido en nuestro mundo de hoy? ¿Alguna vez te… Read More

“Why Are There Verses Missing from my Bible?”, by Nick Zola

Posted: February 26, 2018

Ever wonder, “Why Are There Verses Missing from my Bible?” Nick Zola, of Baylor University, tackles the subject in a compact and interesting presentation. Click here to watch video on… Read More

4 Major Reasons Churches Fail to Reach People

Posted: January 27, 2018

It’s no secret that I’m passionate about churches reaching their communities. After all, evangelism and outreach is at the heart of the gospel. So when I hear from pastors who… Read More

Ten Bible Verses Prosperity Gospel Preachers Need to Stop Misusing

Posted: January 24, 2018

Can you believe your way to health and wealth? Prosperity teachers say yes — and they misuse these Bible verses to convince millions of people that they’re right. Read article… Read More

Is the end nigh for Palestinian Christians?

Posted: January 22, 2018

Bethlehem (CNN) A church service begins in Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity. Worshipers descend the stone stairs, worn smooth by millions of pilgrims over the centuries, down into the Grotto –… Read More

Mysterious Dead Sea Scroll deciphered in Israel

Posted: January 22, 2018

One of the last remaining obscure parts of the Dead Sea Scrolls has been deciphered by researchers in Israel. Read all about it here.

Become a Level 5 Disciple Maker

Posted: January 17, 2018

Discipleship.org and Exponential pulled together top national disciple making leaders to map out five levels of disciple making.Our model shows people moving from conversion where a person starts as a… Read More

Is Religious Belief Just a Brain Function?

Posted: January 8, 2018

Religion, we are told, has a scientific explanation; so we have no need of the God hypothesis. But is that so? This article reviews the alleged evidence and then responds… Read More

Watch These 10 Disciple Making Trends in 2018

Posted: January 3, 2018

A national disciple making movement in North America is starting to take off. Groups and networks are forming everywhere. Over 1400 pastors and leaders from around the country joined 17… Read More

A Closer Look at Christmas – Glenn Sunshine

Posted: December 25, 2017

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

The Bible Project: An Interview with Jim Mackie

Posted: December 21, 2017

In this interview with Tim Mackie, co-founder of The Bible Project, we discuss the origins of The Bible Project and how two friends threw some videos up on Youtube that have now become a… Read More

Learn How (Not) to Doubt – The Gospel Coalition (TGC)

Posted: December 21, 2017

When we experience doubts, we’re in holy company. A lot of people today—including Christians—don’t know how to doubt properly. Continue reading here.

Why Have Americans Stopped Reading the Bible?

Posted: November 12, 2017

No verse is in a vacuum, and it is important to always read a passage as part of the larger story. Why Have Americans Stopped Reading the Bible? By KATHLEEN COOKE | October… Read More

Paul and the Gift: Six Perfections of Grace

Posted: November 10, 2017

Grace is both an incredibly important and an incredibly difficult concept, explains John Barclay in Paul and the Gift. When boiled down to its purest form, or “perfected,” as Kenneth Burke… Read More

Some Early Christian Symbols (from Orthodox website)

Posted: October 24, 2017

In the ancient world, written symbols were viewed with a sense of mystical fascination. Pagans and Christians alike had a coded language of symbolism to express the mystical and mysterious… Read More

Right or Righteous?, by Fred Faller

Posted: October 13, 2017

What do you think of when you hear the word “righteousness”? About a year ago I was challenged about my understanding of the nature of righteousness in the Bible and… Read More

Daylight from a Deerstand, by Jerry Jones

Posted: September 27, 2017

I thought you’d find this interesting. Jerry is someone who has thought — and studied — long and hard about many things. He’s a terrific Bible student — always learning,… Read More

Do We Actually Know What The Gospel Is? (Altar & Throne)

Posted: September 23, 2017

If you asked 20 separate Christians “What is the gospel,” you’d likely get 25 different answers. If you asked the same question in a group of 20 Christians, they might… Read More

Beyond Accountability, by Nate Larkin

Posted: September 18, 2017

I’m pleased to announce the release of a new FREE eBook from the Discipleship.org eBook series:Beyond Accountability by Nate Larkin. DOWNLOAD FREE NOW Beyond Accountability tells an important story about pornography and… Read More

No One Follows Their Heart, by Jon Bloom

Posted: September 13, 2017

Jon Bloom, in this fascinating article (posted at Desiring God), gives reasons that we don’t “follow” our hearts — which is backwards. We are supposed to lead our hearts. Intrigued? Click here for the article.

Men vs Women: Google Guy Right about Sex Differences

Posted: August 13, 2017

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

Early Mormonism

Posted: August 6, 2017

Laying the Foundation Mormonism stands or falls on the word of just one man—its prophet— Joseph Smith Jr. If Joseph Smith lied, if there was no “revelation”, if he is proven… Read More

Are Introverts Better Evangelists?, by Mike Shumann

Posted: May 28, 2017

“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

Posted: May 26, 2017

Our most powerful weapon in the fight against sexual temptation is not better accountability, but profound humility. To continue reading, click here.

Crossing Denominational Lines, by Guy Hammond

Posted: May 4, 2017

In April, at the Unboxed Conference in Orlando, Florida, Guy Hammond, Executive Director of Strength in Weakness (SIW), spoke on the topic of “Crossing Denominational Lines” and our SIW volunteer,… Read More

All is Dust and DNA by Jim Stump

Posted: April 14, 2017

  Note: This article was originally published on February 18, 2015, at OnFaith. It is reprinted with permission. I grew up in what is sometimes called a “low church” tradition that didn’t… Read More

“What am I supposed to do?”, by Geoff Surratt

Posted: March 14, 2017

I recently had a fascinating conversation with a sharp young leader, who had just returned from an amazing vacation in the Caribbean. The food, the scenery, the weather, the company;… Read More

Another Old Torah Found

Posted: March 8, 2017

Used by permission of John Clayton, Q1, 2017 Does God Exist In 1970 an ancient copy of the Torah was found in the Jewish village known as En-Gedi. It has recently… Read More

“Misquoting” Jesus? Answering Bart Ehrman – CBN.com

Posted: March 6, 2017

In Misquoting Jesus, the New York Times bestseller subtitled The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why, author Bart Ehrman fires a shot meant to sink the ship of… Read More

12 Reasons Millennials Are Over Church, by Sam Eaton

Posted: February 21, 2017

59 Percent of Millennials Raised in a Church Have Dropped Out—And They’re Trying to Tell Us Why Only 4 percent of the Millennial Generation are Bible-Based Believers. This means that… Read More

The Scariest Day of My Life, by Guy Hammond

Posted: January 19, 2017

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

Prosperity Prayer at the Inauguration: Evangelicalism vs a False Gospel, by John Stonestreet, 17 Jan 2017

Posted: January 17, 2017

As you may have heard, several prominent religious leaders have been chosen to lead prayers at the upcoming presidential inauguration. Among them: Franklin Graham, and the Archbishop of New York,… Read More

Background to the Sinner’s Prayer, by David Platt

Posted: July 2, 2016

Click here to read this article. See also Steve Staten’s article on the Sinner’s Prayer here.

Would the world be more peaceful without religion?

Posted: June 29, 2016

Article of interest: http://www.bbc.co.uk/guides/zcnm82p

What Can We Learn From the Deadliest Shooting in U.S. History?

Posted: June 13, 2016

What Can We Learn From Deadliest Mass Shooting in U.S. History? June 12, 2016, by Jon Sherwood In what has become a far too common occurrence in recent American history,… Read More

Job: The Problem of Suffering

Posted: February 23, 2016

Through The Bible In 30 Days: Day 13 by Daniel Berk http://www.danielcberk.com/#!Through-The-Bible-In-30-Days-Day-13/n96v6/56acd5ee0cf205a1e8578110

Catholic Church repudiates limbo

Posted: August 30, 2013

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070420/ts_nm/pope_limbo_dc

The Gospels Gain Respect

Posted: July 31, 2013

The Gospels Gain Respect (Edward Fudge, used with permission) For the past century, much of scholarly opinion has held that the Gospels as we have them were not written by… Read More

Monday Dinner

Posted: July 31, 2013

Mon 12 Mar 2012, Norcross, GA — in case you want to meet Michael Licona and Josh McDowell this Monday night, at dinner. (I’ll be there.) Update: 65 persons were… Read More

Bart Ehrman’s Forged – review by Michael Licona

Posted: July 31, 2013

Bart Ehrman penned Forged to argue that most of the NT is deceitfully attributed to men who never wrote these documents. The book was published in 2011. Michael Licona offers… Read More

Biblical literacy (the Pew Forum)

Posted: July 31, 2013

On Pew Forum’s 2010 U.S. Religious Knowledge Survey, which asked 32 questions on the Bible, major religious figures and core beliefs and practices, the average score was 16 correct. Who scored… Read More

Can you write a review?

Posted: July 31, 2013

Would anyone like to write a brief review of one of my books at CBD? Compelling Evidence The Ultimate Bible Quiz Book Your Bible Questions Answered OR A Quick Overview… Read More

Inspiring journal update (J.R., China)

Posted: July 31, 2013

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

Ghosts / Violent World / Abuse of Women in China

Posted: July 31, 2013

All the following are used by permission of John Clayton (www.doesgodexist.org). These excerpts are from the Jan/Feb 2012 issue. BELIEVING IN GHOSTS. One of the areas we have gotten involved… Read More

Listen to Debate 7 — Richard Carrier v. Douglas Jacoby

Posted: July 31, 2013

Title: Jesus Christ — Son of God or Apocalyptic Prophet? And this is Richard Carrier’s own announcement of the event. Hopefully lots of atheists and lots of believers will support… Read More

Useful facts (The Foster Report [AACC], 2011)

Posted: July 31, 2013

The following facts have been culled from the bulletin of the American Association of Christian Counselors, "For the Record: The Foster Report," by Gary D. Foster. Gay – The average… Read More

Testing the Strong Ones (by Rocky Braat)

Posted: July 31, 2013

Rocky Braat is a friend of mine who loves the poor and the hurting and the needy. He has also fallen in love with India. Here is his latest report…. Read More

Participatory church (Michael Konomos), 2010

Posted: July 31, 2013

I am taking a closer look at the case for participatory church meetings outside 1 Corinthians 14. I will concede that 1 Corinthians 14 is the closest that we have… Read More

9/11 — One Year Later

Posted: July 31, 2013

Used with permission from Edward Fudge. Ten years ago today, on September 11, 2001, a cohort of militant Muslim terrorists hijacked four commercial airliners over U.S. airspace. Then, with specific… Read More

Ron Moseley’s Yeshua: A Guide to the Real Jesus and the Original Church

Posted: July 31, 2013

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

Google digitises Dead Sea Scrolls

Posted: July 31, 2013

Check out the article!

Appendixes to A Quick Overview of the Bible

Posted: July 31, 2013

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

Watson Baltic trip report

Posted: July 31, 2013

Ken & Kat’s Big Jacoby AdventureSeptember 2011By Ken Watson My wife and I would like to do something different for our vacation this year.  Maybe something that would help others and… Read More

Evangelistic Bible Study Series

Posted: July 31, 2013

Download the "Evangelistic Bible Study Series" (.pdf format)

CHURCH WITHOUT JESUS, by Edward Fudge

Posted: July 31, 2013

(used with permission) There is a church in my town which features inspirational speakers, although they never mention sin or salvation through Jesus Christ. Sometimes they seem to say that… Read More

Giberson claims creationists are driving young people out of the church

Posted: July 31, 2013

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/karl-giberson-phd/creationists-and-young-christians_b_1096839.html?ref=tw

Debate 6 (Helsinki)

Posted: July 31, 2013

Listen to Debate 6: Is Christianity Rational? Debate with atheist Robert Brotherus took place 10 September 2011 (Helsinki). Please listen to it and tell your friends — believing and nonbelieving=

AVOIDING ‘R’-RATED SPEECH

Posted: July 31, 2013

Used with the permission of Edward Fudge, of gracEmail. A gracEmail subscriber writes: “My 12-year-old child asked me the other day why she is permitted to say some words but… Read More

America’s New God, by Michael Youssef

Posted: July 31, 2013

http://townhall.com/columnists/michaelyoussef/2011/08/14/americas_new_god

Losing our Identity (by Edward Fudge)

Posted: July 31, 2013

Used with permission.   A critic of this ministry says that we in the Churches of Christ have restored the New Testament church. Our mission now, he says, is to… Read More

Stone-Campbell Timeline

Posted: July 31, 2013

Church History: Restoration Movement This presentation introduces you to the major figures in the Restoration Movement, also known as the Stone-Campbell movement. Short pieces of text along with pictures illustrate… Read More

Stairway to Heaven, by Mike Leno

Posted: July 31, 2013

In the aftermath of the Protestant Reformation, the Church of Rome decided to call a general church council to address a number of issues. Besides being the first council of… Read More

5 Church “Rejection” Traps Leaders Should Avoid, by David Fitch

Posted: July 31, 2013

Click here to download this interesting article in .pdf format.

Christian Scholars’ Conference 2011

Posted: July 31, 2013

CSC AT PEPPERDINE — Nearly 500 scholars representing approximately 100 universities, seminaries and other institutions are gathering next week for the Christian Scholars Conference at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California,… Read More

Aziz Sarah is Named National Geographic’s 2011 Emerging Explorer

Posted: July 31, 2013

http://news.gmu.edu/articles/6918

Prison ministry – inspiration from Kit Cummings

Posted: July 31, 2013

Check out Power of Peace Project, an inspiring ministry led by Kit Cummings. Kit has been involved in prison ministry for many years and is a true pioneer in this… Read More

Rabbinic traditions

Posted: July 31, 2013

This is a valuable resource for learning what the ancient rabbis taught: http://www.tyndalearchive.com/TRENT/Vol1/

Greg Koukl: Questioning Authority

Posted: July 31, 2013

Click on the link for a helpful article for students whose faith is being challenged by their teachers/professors. This comes from Stand to Reason, the ministry of Greg Koukl: Questioning… Read More

Pseudepigraphal Works

Posted: July 31, 2013

Works of the Pseudepigrapha include the Apocalypse of Abraham the Apocalypse of Adam the Testament of Adam the Life of Adam and Eve Ahiqar the Letter of Aristeas Aristeas the… Read More

Euthanasia

Posted: July 31, 2013

The following article is from the Jan/Feb 2010 issue of Does God Exist? Used by permission. EUTHANASIA GOES BIG TIME Sir Edward Downs was known by many people as the former… Read More

The spectrum of Judaism in the 1st century AD

Posted: July 31, 2013

Most of the sects of first century Judaism have their roots in the intertestamental period. Every one casts light on the New Testament. In this article we will explore seven… Read More

Strength in Weakness First Ever “Live Webinar” Only 1 Week Away!

Posted: July 31, 2013

Strength in Weakness First Ever "Live Webinar" Only 1 Week Away!   Press Release For Immediate Release Strength in Weakness Partners with the Canadian School of Missions to Bring You… Read More

Unmasking Muhammad

Posted: July 31, 2013

Despite its vitriol and writing errors, this free book, in pdf form, sheds tremendous light on the character of Muhammad and the religion he launched in the 7th century. Click… Read More

Christianity Today Article – The Problem with Pizzazz

Posted: July 31, 2013

Click here for an interesting article from Christianity Today.  (Music, worship, hype…)

New Worship – by Dr. Peter Masters

Posted: July 31, 2013

Click here for an interesting article by Dr. Peter Masters.

Easter evidence (from Tyndale House)

Posted: July 31, 2013

As the Easter season is upon us, want to learn more about some of the evidence for Jesus’ crucifixion? The 2nd-4th videos on this page are very interesting, and have… Read More

Francis Chan on baptism (21 Feb 2011)

Posted: July 31, 2013

Click here to watch a 5-minute video on baptism.  Chan’s view sees baptism as salvific, in the sense of a pledge and an appeal (combining the best of both translation alternatives,… Read More

Bible Survey results (May 2011)

Posted: July 31, 2013

Typical age of person taking survey:   15 years in Christ(48% indicated 10-20 years as Bible readers, and 100% were in the 1-40 years age group) Number of times completely read… Read More

EGYPT

Posted: July 31, 2013

I will share about my recent trip to Egypt and other Middle Eastern countries in Newsletter 2 (February 2011).  Very encouraging trip!  Thanks for all your prayers.  Please consider having… Read More

Jacoby PUBLICATIONS

Posted: July 31, 2013

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

For the Record: The Foster Report

Posted: July 31, 2013

Excerpted from Christian Counseling Connection, a publication of the American Association of Christian Counselors (www.aacc.net), Vol 17, Issue 3, p.15. I came across these interesting facts in the most recent… Read More

Prayers needed for Mexico (danger)!

Posted: July 31, 2013

Greetings from Mexico. We really need your prayers for the safety of the innocent people and the church. We need to add those 8 killed today [13 Feb 2011] in the… Read More

The New Testament comes to remote peoples (Papua New Guinea)

Posted: July 31, 2013

Check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9dpmp_-TY0 Posted 20 February 2011