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
“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
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
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
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
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=
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.
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
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.
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
Human testing, End-times Earthquakes, Muslim College, Civil partnership
Posted: July 31, 2013
All the following, adapted from the Jan/Feb 2001 issue of John Clayton’s Does God Exist, are used with permission. HUMAN TESTING IN THE PASTEinstein said it best: “Religion without science… Read More
We cannot walk the path alone
Posted: July 31, 2013
Here are some cool quotes that pepper the history of the church. Each shows and awareness that one-another relationships, and in fact mentoring, play a useful role in spiritual maturity…. Read More
The Fruit of Religious Faith (2011)
Posted: July 31, 2013
http://blog.heritage.org/2011/03/14/familyfacts-org-the-fruit-of-religious-faith-in-america/
Intriguing archaeological discovery
Posted: July 31, 2013
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1372741/Hidden-cave-First-portrait-Jesus-1-70-ancient-books.html