Christians react to minister’s claim of ‘crocodile tears and phony outrage’ over George Floyd’s death
Posted: June 30, 2020
A sermon on abortion and race, preached at a Church of Christ in Oklahoma, sparks outrage. Bobby Ross Jr. Editor-in-Chief OKLAHOMA CITY — When I first heard about the sermon preached… Read More
Why We’re Not Under the Mosaic Law – str.org
Posted: June 26, 2020
By Amy Krall, for Stands to Reason In a post where I touched on the change from Saturday to Sunday as the day of worship, I was challenged in the comments to… Read More
Protests and prayers, The Christian Chronicle
Posted: June 24, 2020
NATIONAL Protests and prayers Christians respond to George Floyd’s death with outrage, rallies and calls for justice. Find more coverage and interviews related to the death of George… Read More
The Fundamental Foundation of Good Fatherhood, by Sam Laing
Posted: June 20, 2020
During the month of June, in connection to Father’s Day, I am thankful and eager to be able to share with you the things that God, by his love, grace… Read More
A Brief Video Message to Dads
Posted: June 20, 2020
A Message to Dads 3 mins Join Us for Our Next Family Support Group Sunday, June 28 |7 PM EST Click Here to Join Sunday, June 28 | 7 PM… Read More
Twelve Resources for this Cultural Moment
Posted: June 19, 2020
Dear Discipleship-first Friends, The United States is in the midst of big change. First, it was COVID-19 and all the changes around which everyone had to adopt. Then, it was… Read More
5 Ways Christians are Getting Swept into a Secular Worldview in This Cultural Moment
Posted: June 19, 2020
So much has been said and is being said about the tragic death of George Floyd that it almost feels excessive to add to the conversation. But to continue on… 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
“Snide and Prejudice”, The Economist
Posted: June 16, 2020
“Snide and Prejudice”: Language is a telling clue to unacknowledged racial attitudes Source: The Economist, 13 June 2020, p.68
Dead Sea Scrolls Genetically Fingerprinted
Posted: June 16, 2020
June 15, 2020 Dead Sea Scrolls Genetically Fingerprinted Animal skin DNA reveals some scrolls came from beyond the Qumran caves A highly technical study released on June 11, 2020 in… Read More
Jesus’ Words for the Grieving
Posted: June 12, 2020
Jesus’ Words for the Grieving As a society we are contending with not only a pandemic and record job losses, but also with the racist violence that has plagued our… Read More
Beware the trap of binary thinking, by Jeff Chacon
Posted: June 12, 2020
There’s a long overdue nationwide awakening to social injustices for a large segment of our country and it affects many of our dear brothers and sisters in Christ. God’s Word… Read More
Three Transformational Conversations About Race, Christian Ray Flores
Posted: June 5, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic is far from over and we have been thrust into a new storm. The wave of voices calling for change after the senseless killing of George… 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
There Is No Truth
Posted: June 1, 2020
Some say there is no truth, but at least fifteen things have to be true before this statement can even be uttered in English. What are they? Continue here.
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
“Origins” highlighted in Publisher’s Weekly
Posted: May 19, 2020
One of my latest books was included in a Publisher’s Weekly ad. Publisher’s Weekly is the most prestigious name in the industry. “Origins” is 2nd from right, 3rd row. MJ… Read More
What does it mean to “follow” Jesus?
Posted: May 19, 2020
What does it mean to “follow” Jesus? We hear the language “follower of Jesus” all the time, but what does it mean to be a disciple, or apprentice, of the… Read More
Home Alone: Surviving the Pandemic for Married Couples – Renew
Posted: May 15, 2020
Home Alone: Surviving the Pandemic for Married Couples
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
In the Footsteps of Paul during Covid-19, by Dr. Mark Wilson
Posted: May 13, 2020
In the Footsteps of Paul during COVID-19 by Dr. Mark Wilson (markwilson@sevenchurches.org) (Mark is helping me lead the Biblical Study Tour to Turkey 5 months from now.) Each spring I… Read More
Helping a Friend with Anxiety or Depression, Part 3
Posted: May 12, 2020
Helping a Friend with… Anxiety or Depression Part 3 This is the final blog on listening. We’ve covered ways to help your friend (or yourself) when you struggle with anxiety… 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
Restoration or Reformation?, John Teal
Posted: May 2, 2020
Yesterday, I received an email from a friend who shared a copy of “The Stone-Campbell Reformation: Its Roots and Ideals” from July 1994 with an article by Leroy Garrett…. Read More
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
Voices only: Virtual choirs are a hit | The Christian Chronicle
Posted: April 14, 2020
Voices only: Virtual choirs are a hit
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
Believing in the Resurrection of Jesus, by Sam Laing
Posted: April 9, 2020
Believing in the Resurrection of Jesus How can we be believers in Jesus if we were not there and did not see him after he was raised from the dead?… 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
Faith and Finances Ministry
Posted: March 16, 2020
BOOK RELEASED FAITH AND FINANCES: A 21ST CENTURY BIBLICAL GUIDE FOR GROWING, PROTECTING, AND USING YOUR MONEY CLICK HERE TO ORDER NOW! “Faith and Finances is a timely and much-needed… 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
Approaching Adam: Talking with Kids about Human Origins and the Bible
Posted: March 9, 2020
“Hey, Mom and Dad, where do humans come from?” Christy gives some helpful dos and don’ts to help parents lead theological and scientific conversations with their children. Read More >… Read More
“Crucial Conversations in Texas” – Malcolm Cox
Posted: March 9, 2020
Click here for the newsletter podcast version – with extra ‘bits’ The value of conversation As you may know I’ve been in Texas for a few days at the… 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
“The Importance of Joy”
Posted: March 3, 2020
I find it very significant that on the last night of His life Jesus talked a lot about joy. Not exactly the topic you would expect from somebody about to… Read 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
The Emotionally Healthy Leader, by John Teal
Posted: February 22, 2020
The Emotionally Healthy Leader Last fall, I reluctantly agreed to take a class called Emotionally Healthy Spirituality. It was being offered by a couple in our congregation. As I read… Read More
THE UNSURPRISING PUSH FOR POLYGAMY
Posted: February 22, 2020
Dear marriage supporter, If two men can marry one another, why not three? Or why not two men and a woman? What’s so special about the number two once it’s… Read More
Polyamory: Pastors’ Next Sexual Frontier
Posted: February 22, 2020
CT PASTORS Polyamory: Pastors’ Next Sexual Frontier These once-taboo relationships are showing up in churches across the US. Preston Sprinkle and Branson Parler A pastor recently told me (Preston)… 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
Which Battery Does Your Marriage Run On?
Posted: February 14, 2020
Which Battery Does Your Marriage Run On? Click Here to Listen Items which run on batteries are irritations waiting to happen. Something stops working. You’ve got to find a… 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
Bad Plot Summaries
Posted: January 31, 2020
Click Here to Listen Have you read any of the “bad plot summaries” that are going around the internet? For example, here’s a bad plot summary of the Lord of… 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
Losing our Religion: Conservative churches grapple with gender issues in time of growth
Posted: January 15, 2020
www.washingtontimes.com 5 mins read Religious conservative leaders at the national level see the fight over gender issues as make-or-break. (Associated Press/File) U.S. church attendance is dropping, but Hope Church in Memphis, Tennessee, is… Read More
Racism: Twisted reasoning
Posted: January 7, 2020
Douglas Jacoby, Washington DC (1993) (recommended by Russ Ewell, San Francisco) Prejudice is ugly and widespread, knowing no borders. Yet even more detestable is the use of biblical authority to justify… Read More
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
Something You Can Never Be
Posted: January 3, 2020
Something You Can Never Be CLICK HERE TO LISTEN Have you ever been told an expression by somebody older than you which makes absolutely no sense to your generation?… Read More
Does Science Disprove Faith?
Posted: January 2, 2020
By John Ortberg on January 1, 2020 This piece has been adapted from the transcript of a sermon delivered by John Ortberg at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church on January 5, 2014, and has… Read More
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
New Beginnings Are Possible
Posted: November 29, 2019
By Dan Armstrong • In the summer of 2019, two-time NBA champion, Olympic medalist, and reality TV star Lamar Odom announced he was giving up porn. But, he didn’t have a… Read More
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
2 Ways to Fuel Disciple Making
Posted: November 14, 2019
We believe discipleship is the core mission of the church. That is why fueling discipleship is our mission. We can only do this with your prayers and support. Would you prayerfully consider joining… Read More
“I Was a Misunderstood Muslim: Common Misconceptions About Islam”
Posted: November 10, 2019
News about terrorist attacks may teach us about some Muslims, but not about most Muslims — and probably not about the Muslims down the street. Continue reading here. www.desiringgod.org
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 Cautionary Tale of Jerry Falwell Jr. | Christianity Today
Posted: October 25, 2019
Something doesn’t smell right in Lynchburg, Virginia, home of Liberty University and its controversial president, Jerry Falwell Jr. According to a September report in Politico: “Everybody is scared for their… Read More
Church and Culture, with Christian Ray Flores
Posted: October 23, 2019
Recently I caught up with one of the workshop presenters at our November 6th Gathering, Christian Ray Flores. Christian is a Renew.org co-founder and has an interesting perspective on culture and… 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
Best practices for dismissing a minister – Christian Chronicle
Posted: October 16, 2019
Church experts and those who have been there offer five key recommendations for leaders. Cheryl Mann Bacon Columnist Somewhere in the unwritten but badly needed handbook for elders are three… Read More
SBC President: We Failed to Heed Victims’ Voices
Posted: October 15, 2019
SBC President J. D. Greear speaks at the ERLC’s Caring Well Conference on October 3.Southern Baptist Convention President J. D. Greear acknowledged that while sexual abuse survivors have pleaded with… Read More
Spiritual Abuse in Marriage
Posted: September 20, 2019
This is part 1 of a 2 part series. Written by: Darby Strickland, Counselor Read part 1 here.
Shared Church
Posted: September 19, 2019
“. . . members together of one body and sharers together . . .” (Eph. 3:6) Shared Church aims to encourage Christians and churches to practice participatory body life—the one-anothering… Read More
Facts Concerning Social Media Use in 2019
Posted: September 16, 2019
Social Media – A powerful tool https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6k_G_h41ZaQ
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
What is the Bible? (Rob Bell), by Jon Sherwood
Posted: September 7, 2019
“Just let the Bible be whatever it is.” … But just what is the Bible? What is the Bible? This is a vitally important question. Rob Bell is a famous… 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
Faithfulness Is Not Theologically Complicated (Greg Koukl)
Posted: September 2, 2019
Greg Koukl continues to turn out thought-provoking articles, accessible and interesting. (Personally, I thought his section on salvation was over-simplified, but every other section was excellent. – DJ) Faithfulness Is… Read More
The Evolution of a Homeschooling Mom
Posted: August 29, 2019
By Kendra Terpstra on August 16, 2019 Whenever people ask me how I found out about BioLogos, I usually give them a quick elevator speech that begins with when I first read… Read More
The Developer’s Dark Side, by Craig Groeschel
Posted: August 26, 2019
This thought-provoking podcast explores four critical weaknesses in leadership: controlling, criticizing, avoiding, and rescuing. Craig Groeschel is connected with Life Church, and puts out a monthly podcast. Listen here.
Season 2 of Language of God
Posted: August 26, 2019
“One thing I see at the orthodox cores of our traditions is that at one and the same time we are to hold faithfully to truth as we know it… Read More
The Billy Graham Rule Goes to Court | News & Reporting | Christianity Today
Posted: August 23, 2019
A North Carolina sheriff’s deputy sues his former employer for religious discrimination after it wouldn’t accommodate his request to not train a female officer one-on-one. David Roach August 20, 2019… Read More
Searching for Disciple Making Churches and Movements in North America?
Posted: August 21, 2019
Dear Discipleship-First Tribe, We want you to become the disciple maker God intends you to be. For those of you who are church leaders, we also want you to develop… Read More
“Our Family Spent Too Much Money Last Year” by Patrick Blair
Posted: August 21, 2019
Late last year, I noticed our family checkbook was getting very light. Dread filled my mind as I realized that we would need to borrow money to pay our bills… Read More
Video on Relativism
Posted: August 16, 2019
Today, PraegerU released Paul Copan’s five-minute video on relativism—“True for You, But Not for Me.” This is a great platform for intelligent public discourse on this topic and its pernicious… Read More
Christian Cyborgs?!? A Serious Conversation About Science and Humanity
Posted: August 2, 2019
Man melding with machine. Anti-aging technology. Brain-computer interface. Gene-edited “designer” babies. Some scientific advances go beyond helping humanity overcome obstacles. They actually begin to help humanity overcome, well . …. Read More
Two Things to Know for Back-to-School Time
Posted: July 31, 2019
First – Learn from Disciple Making Leader: Small Circle Steve McCoy is the leader of Small Circle, one of our trusted disciple-making partners. Here’s what he told us about his ministry… Read More
Ebola survivor Dr. Kent Brantly returning to Africa as medical missionary
Posted: July 16, 2019
FORT WORTH, Texas — Dr. Kent Brantly sat on his counselor’s couch and wept. The tears came last summer as the Christian physician visited with Dottie Schulz, a missionary care volunteer… Read More
How to Avoid the Professor’s Ploy, by Greg Koukl
Posted: July 10, 2019
Part 7: Greg addresses a situation where you may be tempted to take on the burden of proof in conversation about Christianity. Watch video here.
What is the Bible (Rob Bell), by Jon Sherwood
Posted: July 9, 2019
“Just let the Bible be whatever it is.”…But just what is the Bible? What is the Bible? This is a vitally important question. Rob Bell is a famous American author,… Read More
Tired of Living as Predictably as a Facebook Advertisement? – Renew.org
Posted: July 6, 2019
Headlines were buzzing with the announcement. Facebook had introduced a new metric that would significantly revamp their algorithms. Continue here.
These Guys Don’t Panic at Tough Questions
Posted: July 2, 2019
In his own words, comedian Ricky Gervais went “from Jesus-loving Christian to fun-loving infidel in one afternoon.” Ricky Gervais was 8 years old. He was drawing the Crucifixion as part… Read More
When the terrorists came for us | The Christian Chronicle
Posted: July 2, 2019
After his wife became Muslim to appease militant Islamists, he fled with their children — and found Christ. Erik Tryggestad President and CEO DONO-MANGA, Chad — In this rural African village,… Read More
Is animal suffering part of God’s good creation? – Common-questions – BioLogos
Posted: June 28, 2019
If God is good, and loving, and powerful, how can we account for the enormous amount of animal (and human) suffering caused by predation, disease, and natural disasters? Traditionally, Christians… Read More
Subject: 4 Things I Would Like to Say to Taylor Swift as a Pastor
Posted: June 25, 2019
Renew.org 4 Things I Would Like to Say to Taylor Swift as a Pastor June was a big month for Taylor Swift as she embraced LGBTQ month,… 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
“Think about it…”
Posted: June 21, 2019
Two twin boys were raised by an alcoholic father. One grew up to be an alcoholic and when asked what happened he said “I watched my father”. The other grew… 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
Church Intensive
Posted: June 18, 2019
LEARN CHURCH PLANTING FROM OUR PASTORS a note from francis Haven’t you always been a bit confused about Church? You read about the unstoppable power, miraculous love, and outrageous sacrifice… Read More
The 5 points that led me to leave Calvinism, by Dr. Leighton Flowers
Posted: June 17, 2019
Many have asked what specific points led me away from Calvinism. Being a Professor of Theology that once affirmed TULIP gives me a unique perspective on this subject. However, I… 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
Our Manhood Crisis – An Interview with Robert Lewis
Posted: June 17, 2019
Something ominous is happening to young men today; it’s a crisis…and strangely, we are not talking about it. A recent USA Today article captured the essence of the crisis with the article “Boy Crisis Threatens America’s… Read More
Who Was? Series
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 Lost Interview with Cathy Hammond
Posted: June 14, 2019
My wife Cathy passed away on August 13, 2018. We were married for 28 incredible years. Through our Strength in Weakness ministry, we traveled the world telling our story and… Read More
Why Facts Don’t Change Our Minds | The New Yorker
Posted: June 12, 2019
New discoveries about the human mind show the limitations of reason. The vaunted human capacity for reason may have more to do with winning arguments than with thinking straight. Illustration… 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
Einstein and God
Posted: June 11, 2019
“The more I study science, the more I believe in God.” “I want to know how God created this world. I am not interested in this or… Read More
A Discipleship Group You Can Start Tomorrow
Posted: June 10, 2019
Friends, As a Renew subscriber you likely aspire to be a disciple who makes disciples. We want to help make that as easy as possible for you. This is… Read More
Sexual Ethics, Homosexuality and Thoughts on the Passing of my Wife (by Guy Hammond)
Posted: June 7, 2019
Today I get to sit down with the founder of Strength in Weakness Ministries, Guy Hammond, to discuss how to live a life of holiness when you’re same-sex attracted. -… Read More
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
Centering Christ in the Modern Wedding, by Jennifer Francis
Posted: May 15, 2019
Centering Christ in a Modern Wedding Traditional white weddings with vows exchanged at the altar and church bells signaling holy matrimony seem few and far between these days. Indeed, church… 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
Video 2: Can You Be Gay and a Christian?
Posted: May 6, 2019
Can You Be Gay and a Christian? See why over 100,000 people have attended a Strength in Weakness workshop! SIW HITS THE ROAD Madrid, Spain Guy Hammond May… Read More
How a U.S. Church Baptized 3,729 People in One Year
Posted: May 4, 2019
Friends, Many Renew leaders have success stories to share. We want God to get the credit in these stories. We also want to learn from these stories how… 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
Terrorists in Burkina Faso Execute Six at Pentecostal Church
Posted: May 3, 2019
(UPDATED) Assemblies of God pastor preferred to “die for his faith rather than leave the village” he served for decades. Kate Shellnutt [Updated May 3 with further remarks from Assemblies… Read More
May News from Tyndale House
Posted: May 3, 2019
May News from Tyndale House Dear friends, At Tyndale House we are passionate about supporting evangelical biblical scholars, and ensuring that Christians across the world benefit from their work. In… Read More
Introducing … Language of God
Posted: May 2, 2019
A BioLogos podcast on science and faith The new BioLogos podcast is live! We’re very excited about this latest way to extend the BioLogos mission. Long-form audio broadcasts have become… Read More
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
Tolerant, Non-judgmental, and Loving: What Do These Have to Do With Discipling Relationships?
Posted: April 24, 2019
Dear Discipleship-first Tribe, Disciples of Jesus are facing a subtle but pervasive challenge in North America right now. Left unchecked, this challenge erodes the convictions of everyday disciples, leaders, and… 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
2019 BioLogos Conference: Videos
Posted: April 19, 2019
Browse the presentations from the 2019 BioLogos Conference!
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
Is It a Sin if You Are Homosexually Attracted?
Posted: April 18, 2019
See why over 100,000 people have attended a Strength in Weakness workshop! SIW HITS THE ROAD Madrid, Spain Guy Hammond May 5, 2019 La Iglesia de los Disćipulos… Read More
5 Ways to Disciple People in Light of Easter Weekend
Posted: April 17, 2019
I am a senior pastor; I have been one for more than 30 years. So, I know the subtle pressure that can sneak in: to produce, provide and program for… Read More
Stress Mess: 3 In 5 Millennials Say Life More Stressful Now Than Ever Before
Posted: April 9, 2019
From slow WiFi to broken phone screens to zero “likes” on social media, everyday stressors are causing young adults to have struggles falling asleep 138 nights each year, researchers say…. Read More
How Apologetics Can Address the Six Reasons Why Young People Leave the Church
Posted: April 4, 2019
From Stand to Reason (www.str.org) After a five-year study, Barna Research president David Kinnaman found that 6 in 10 young people leave the church either permanently or for an extended… Read More
Conversion is not your mission, pope tells Catholics in Morocco
Posted: April 1, 2019
From Reuters News: Conversion is not your mission, pope tells Catholics in Morocco http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-pope-morocco/conversion-is-not-your-mission-pope-tells-catholics-in-morocco-idUKKCN1RC0FJ Pope Francis told the tiny Catholic community in predominantly Muslim Morocco on Sunday that their mission… Read More
Why I am NOT a Gay Christian, by Guy Hammond
Posted: March 29, 2019
Why I am NOT a Gay Christian By Guy Hammond Executive Director, Strength in Weakness Ministries “You are not being your authentic self, you’re a liar and a fraud.” “You… Read More
Scriptures that Prove God Condones Homosexuality, by Guy Hammond
Posted: March 22, 2019
A List of All Scriptures that Proves God Condones Homosexuality By Guy Hammond Executive Director; Strength in Weakness Ministries Does God love homosexuals? Of course, God loves everyone! But where… Read More
The Burden-Free Step in Discussing Christian Beliefs, by Greg Koukl
Posted: March 21, 2019
Greg explains the importance of listening and encourages Christians to remember that the one who makes the claim bears the burden. Play the 3-minute video by clicking here, and/or read… Read More
How Universalism, ‘the Opiate of the Theologians,’ Went Mainstream
Posted: March 20, 2019
Image: Illustration by Rick Szuecs / Source image: Courtesy of Baker Publishing Group Michael McClymond decries the rising popularity of an idea Christians have rejected for most of church history…. Read More
Modern-day ‘sticks and stones’ | The Christian Chronicle
Posted: March 20, 2019
Photo from Pixabay.com Feb. 28, 2019 Modern-day ‘sticks and stones’ Before you type, maybe you should ask, ‘What would Jesus tweet?’ By Chellie Ison ‘Sticks and stones may break my bones,… Read More
An integrated media evangelism solution for churches
Posted: March 18, 2019
“… so that by all possible means I might save some.” 1 Cor 9:22 Does your church have an integrated and compelling online presence to impact your community? Your church leader needs to focus… Read More
What Does the Bible Teach About Baptism?
Posted: March 18, 2019
Dear Renew Friends, This month we are emphasizing what the Bible teaches about baptism – and a key resource on baptism. Let me explain why this may be important to you… 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
Why Is the Culture of a Disciple Making Church So Important?, by Bobby Harrington
Posted: March 13, 2019
“Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” That statement, attributed to the most influential management guru of our time, Peter Drucker, describes a reality church leaders must face in the pursuit of… 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
No Cheeks Left to Turn: The Double Persecution of Africa’s Largest Church
Posted: March 10, 2019
Weary of attacks by Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen, Christians in Nigeria ask how long they’re supposed to “count it all joy.” JEREMY WEBER IN JOS| OCTOBER 19, 2018 Image:… Read More
Non-profit, ‘Sheep Not Goats’ Highlighted on News
Posted: March 8, 2019
Local couple help empower women in Nicaragua, one knitted blanket at a time By: Lorena Inclan Jacksonville, FL March 1, 2019 For Steve and Sandy Jacoby a trip to Nicaragua… Read More
Abandoning Outcomes, by Bill Gaultiere
Posted: March 8, 2019
How do you react when things go wrong? Your e-mail or Twitter gets hacked and people send you unkind messages… You’re stuck in traffic and late for an important meeting…… Read More
A Jew, an Early Christian, and a Roman Meet in Archaeological Park
Posted: March 4, 2019
A Jew, an Early Christian and a Roman Meet in Archaeological Park to Be Built on Evacuated Prison ‘God Jesus Christ’ mosaic, ancient Jewish-Samaritan village of Othnay and Roman command… Read More
One Way or Any Way? Part 2
Posted: March 1, 2019
by Greg Koukl, March 1, 2019 I do not consider myself a particularly brave person, and I think it especially foolish, on the main, to make a frontal assault on… Read More
Genome Editing and the Christian
Posted: February 28, 2019
By Jeff Hardin on February 13, 2019 This article is adapted from a portion of the 2018 V. Elving Anderson Lecture in Science and Religion by Jeff Hardin, given at the University of Minnesota, April 5,… Read More
Are You Ready to Respond to Pro-Abortion Arguments?
Posted: February 26, 2019
Are You Ready to Respond to Pro-Abortion Arguments? The message being given to us by our culture has moved from the regretful necessity of abortion to the goodness of abortion…. Read More
Disciple Making Movements – a History and a Definition
Posted: February 8, 2019
Discipleship-First Tribe, Discipleship·org asked Roy Moran to write a two-part blog on Disciple Making Movements. We asked Roy to do this because he’s an expert on Disciple Making Movements and… Read More
Richard Rohr Meditation: An Alternative Story
Posted: February 5, 2019
Richard Rohr’s Daily Meditation From the Center for Action and Contemplation Week Six Jesus and the Cross An Alternative Story Monday, February 4, 2019 The theory of substitutionary atonement has… Read More
A Prayer Space, by Jennifer Francis
Posted: January 28, 2019
Make Your Prayer Space Ready For God Jesus notoriously went off into the garden of Gethsemane to pray before he was betrayed and eventually hung on the cross. What most… Read More
Are Signs and Wonders for Today?, by John Piper
Posted: January 25, 2019
“And now, Lord, look upon their threats, and grant to thy servants to speak thy word with all boldness, while thou stretchest out thy hand to heal, and signs and… Read More
4 Things I’d Say To My 30 Year Old Self
Posted: January 24, 2019
by Steve Staten | Jan 23, 2019 At age thirty I had been in technology for nine years and fulltime ministry for just over a year. My wife and I had three little… Read More
Time to Break the Silence on Palestine
Posted: January 24, 2019
Martin Luther King Jr. courageously spoke out about the Vietnam War. We must do the same when it comes to this grave injustice of our time. By Michelle Alexander, Opinion Columnist, Jan. 19,… Read More
Jesus spent most of the time doing this…
Posted: January 22, 2019
Dear Renew Subscribers, I was recently in a theology class where the teacher made this point: anyone wanting to be like Jesus should try doing what he did. What did… Read More
Ministry in the #MeToo Moment
Posted: January 19, 2019
As abuse awareness grows, pastors are searching for ways to protect the vulnerable and care for survivors. MORGAN LEE @Mepaynl Image: Davide Bonazzi / Salzmanart Last summer Stephanie Lobdell, co-lead pastor… Read More
No Sign Language in the World Has Its Own Bible Translation
Posted: January 19, 2019
Deaf communities around the world are still waiting to experience God’s Word in their first language. How much longer will it be? Donations from the 40,000 attendees at this year’s… Read More
Large Numbers of Young Adults Dropping Out of Church
Posted: January 17, 2019
Young adults are dropping out of church in large numbers, survey finds. This is why. www.usatoday.com 3 mins read ASHVILLE, Tenn. —Large numbers of young adults who frequently attended Protestant worship services in… Read More
Churches & Race
Posted: January 17, 2019
Christian churches still struggle with race, how to discuss it, what to do www.usatoday.com 10 mins read CINCINNATI — On a Wednesday night at Crossroads Church in the Cincinnati neighborhood Corryville,… Read More
Focus on Gardening, by Greg Koukl
Posted: January 16, 2019
Greg encourages Christians for whom evangelism seems overwhelming to focus on small opportunities of influence rather than “sealing the deal.” Look forward to more Mentoring Moments from Greg in the… Read More
New Book: When God Is Silent
Posted: January 14, 2019
The Problem of Human Suffering We inhabit the same world Jesus did—one of pain, joy, surprise, suffering, and wonder. At times life is good, joyous, and fair. At other times… Read More
New Book: Origins — a book on the issues behind Genesis 1-11
Posted: January 5, 2019
Origins turns much of what Christians learned in Sunday School on its head in a revealing comparison of the Genesis narrative to the competing pagan narrative of the day. Relatively few… Read More
Free Download: Christianity Today’s 2019 Christian College Guide
Posted: January 1, 2019
Check out the 2019 Christian College Guide from Christianity Today. Inside, you’ll hear what other students wish they knew before attending college, learn more about featured schools with stand-out programs and resources, and… Read More
No Shame These Holidays
Posted: December 31, 2018
Why Medicating Shame’s Pain with Porn Never Works Dan Wobschall • Pornography is a pain medication for the shame many men and women experience. For the sex or porn addict, acting… Read More
The Luther Legend, by Marilynne Robinson
Posted: December 29, 2018
Martin Luther shattered Christendom and transformed the West, making the modern world possible and inevitable. This is the consensus among historians, whether they see this sixteenth-century monk as an epochal… Read More
Human Embryo Gene Editing: Deep Concerns from Francis Collins
Posted: December 28, 2018
Human Embryo Gene Editing: We Need To Think This Through Carefully (An Interview with Francis Collins) In a recent podcast segment with Francis Collins, we asked about human embryo gene editing…. Read More
Free new eBook on marijuana – What does the Bible teach?
Posted: December 17, 2018
With 10 U.S. states allowing recreational use and 33 legalizing the medical use of cannabis, it is important for Christians to know how Jesus’ teachings apply to the use of… Read More