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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

CLEAN – podcast 17, The Crazy Man in the Synagogue (= NT character podcast 61)

Posted: January 5, 2021

To listen to CLEAN podcast 17, The Synagogue Demoniac (11 minutes), click on arrow. To download and listen later, right click here and choose ‘save target as’ or ‘save link as’. Scriptural study: Mark 1:21-28 Jesus… Read More

CLEAN – podcast 16, Father & Son (= NT character podcast 60)

Posted: December 29, 2020

To listen to CLEAN podcast 16, Father & Son (14 minutes), click on arrow. To download and listen later, right click here and choose ‘save target as’ or ‘save link as’. Introduction Yesterday: mother/daughter;… Read More

CLEAN – podcast 15, Mother & Daughter (= NT character podcast 59)

Posted: December 22, 2020

To listen to CLEAN podcast 15, Mother & Daughter (14 minutes), click on arrow. To download and listen later, right click here and choose ‘save target as’ or ‘save link as’. Introduction Some of those… 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

CLEAN – podcast 14, the Gerasene Demoniac (= NT character podcast 58)

Posted: December 15, 2020

To listen to CLEAN podcast 14, The Gerasene Demoniac (14 minutes), click on arrow. To download and listen later, right click here and choose ‘save target as’ or ‘save link as’. Scriptural study: Mark 5:1-18… Read More

How to turn a blue Christmas red!

Posted: December 9, 2020

A you celebrating a Blue Christmas? Are you celebrating a Blue Christmas? Childhood memories linger from years past: eager anticipation, a shiny new red bicycle, new clothes, or that unexpected… Read More

Living Between the Two Advents

Posted: December 9, 2020

Advent is a season in the traditional Christian calendar gradually developing in the centuries after the time of Christ’s apostles. If your background is in Catholicism, Orthodoxy, Anglicanism, etc. you… Read More

Glory Divine and Glory Departed

Posted: December 9, 2020

Glory Divine and Glory Departed What motivates me as a Christian? Am I seeking the glory of God, or personal honor? But before we can answer that question, a clarification is in… Read More

CLEAN – podcast 13, Mary Magdalene (= NT character study 57)

Posted: December 8, 2020

To listen to CLEAN podcast 13, Mary Magdalene (13 minutes), click on arrow. To download and listen later, right click here and choose ‘save target as’ or ‘save link as’. Introduction Demons are never explicitly… Read More

Critical Race Theory, by John Piper

Posted: November 28, 2020

Interview with John Piper, Founder & Teacher, desiringGod.org Critical race theory is a divisive topic among many Christians today. In a special episode, Pastor John explains why we should be… Read More

NT Character Podcast 55—Joseph (husband of Mary)

Posted: November 25, 2020

Introduction There are 13 Josephs in the Bible. This Joseph is mentioned 13x in the NT: Matt 1:16, 18-19, 24; 2:13, 19; Luke 1:27; 2:4, 16; 3:23; 4:22; John 1:45;… Read More

The Joy of Giving: Roadblocks

Posted: November 23, 2020

Sermon given by Douglas Jacoby on November 18, 2020 in the North River church, Atlanta, in their ‘Joy of Giving’ series. His message is on ‘Roadblocks’. Click here to watch.

My Child Just Came Out, What Do I Do?

Posted: November 21, 2020

New Perspectives From Strength in Weakness Ministries Volume 24 | November 13, 2020 A SIW Member’s Bi-Weekly Update Video Series for Parents Watch Part 4 of this AMAZING  Video Series… Read More

Who Will Have Your Attention? Clinging to Christ in the Digital Age | Desiring God

Posted: November 21, 2020

Who Will Have Your Attention? Clinging to Christ in the Digital Age Scripture: Proverbs 27:20, Mark 9:7, Colossians 3:1–3, and Hebrews 2:1 As you know, our world offers us a feast of new multimedia… Read More

“From Me to We” – Nadine Templer

Posted: November 21, 2020

“From Me to We” – Nadine Templer A couple of months ago our family moved from the suburbs of Washington DC to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal – places with… Read More

Here’s why believers NEED false teaching

Posted: November 18, 2020

Christians have been caught off guard. The current revolution sweeping society today was largely unexpected by most believers. That’s understandable in one sense. Who knows what new philosophy will capture… Read More

NT Character Podcast 54—Salome

Posted: November 18, 2020

The name Salome There are two Salomes in the NT— no surprise, given the popularity of the name in the 1st C. Salome comes from shalôm, peace. Top 10 first century… Read More

One Way to Tell the New Testament Is True

Posted: November 13, 2020

Tim Barnett shows how some details in the Gospel of Luke—that we may be inclined to skip over—actually help point to the truthfulness of the New Testament.

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

NT Character Podcast 53—The Four Evangelists (gospel writers)

Posted: November 11, 2020

John Mark Identity Mark may not be John Mark. John was a common name in the Jewish world, and Mark a common name in the Roman world. And having a… Read More

Age of Opportunity Series – Moral Boundaries – Dr. Douglas Jacoby

Posted: November 10, 2020

This double presentation was given to the Winnipeg Church of Christ Campus & Teens on November 7, 2020. Moral Boundaries Presentation: Click HERE OT Class Presentation: Click HERE

Unity & Relationships in the Church

Posted: November 9, 2020

Watch this workshop, “Unity & Relationships in the Church” sponsored by Women of Worth in Bangalore, India. The file begins with an interview, the lesson following at about 11 minutes… Read More

Alister McGrath | Doorway to Wonder

Posted: November 5, 2020

BioLogos Alister McGrath | Doorway to Wonder Alister McGrath joins Jim Stump to talk about his book Born to Wonder. 10/29/20 Read More >

Tips for Living a Life of Daily Peace, by Guy Hammond

Posted: November 5, 2020

Treating Every Person with Dignity, Kindness and Respect, While Standing for Biblical Truth Live a Life  of Daily PEACE John 14:27  

Standing at the Crossroads

Posted: October 31, 2020

Standing at the Crossroads One Sunday in the 1980s, serving as a campus minister, I found myself standing at the crossroads in front of our church building. I was debating… Read More

Teleios: A Journal of Holistic Christian Spirituality

Posted: October 29, 2020

Teleios is the journal of the Teleios Society. The Teleios Society exists to promote holistic Christian spirituality in the lives of disciples of Jesus. The editors believe the Christian community… Read More

Explore biology from a Christian worldview

Posted: October 29, 2020

BioLogos After years of listening, dreaming, planning, creating, and refining, we are thrilled to announce the launch of a new science/faith curriculum from BioLogos! INTEGRATE is a flexible teacher’s resource for… Read More

NT Character Podcast 52—Priscilla & Aquila

Posted: October 28, 2020

Introductions Aquila Aquila means “eagle.” There are 7 well-known Aquilas in ancient times, including our Aquila. He is always mentioned with his wife. Priscilla Her name means “venerable.” There are 2… 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

NT Character Podcast 51—Philemon & Onesimus

Posted: October 21, 2020

Background This study is not primarily about Paul. (For that, please watch the iFaith video sermon on Philemon, or listen to the Philemon unit in The Prison Epistles, or read… Read More

Divorce & Remarriage series (5 lessons)

Posted: October 15, 2020

What does the Bible say about divorce and remarriage? All together, the 5 talks total a little less than 2 hours. Intro / Permanence of Marriage Old Testament on Divorce Jesus… Read More

Divorce & Remarriage V—Paul, Church Fathers, Conclusion

Posted: October 14, 2020

The apostle Paul 1 Cor 7:10-12, 15 “Not I, but the Lord” and “I, not the Lord.” Paul reveals the Lord’s will on an issue common in the Greco-Roman world:… Read More

NT Character Podcast 50—Agabus & Rhoda

Posted: October 14, 2020

Agabus (Acts 11:27-29) A Jerusalem prophet, like Judas and Silas (Acts 15) Hagabos means “locust”—which is interesting, given the connection of locusts with famines. The famine prediction was made 43/44… Read More

Resources to handle isolation – with faith, Malcolm Cox

Posted: October 12, 2020

  Click here for the podcast version Inspiration in isolation I have been thinking a lot this week about the difference our faith can make to a sense of isolation… Read More

The Scourge of Suicide – Part 3, by Tim Sumerlin

Posted: October 8, 2020

The Scourge of Suicide – Part Three Resources His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by… Read More

Q&A 1590—Smoking mushrooms, the spiritual world, and marijuana

Posted: October 8, 2020

Douglas and John, would you please address the issue of Christians smoking mushrooms, especially for healing, from an eastern medical perspective? What about the spirit world? I know some believers who… Read More

NT Character Podcast 49—Lydia

Posted: October 7, 2020

Background Lydia is from Asia (Thyatira), but resident in Europe (Philippi). She is the first convert from Europe in the book of Acts. Philippi is a Roman colony—there’s no synagogue…. Read More

Divorce & Remarriage IV, the Teaching of Jesus, Pt. 2

Posted: October 7, 2020

Introduction As we have learned, in Matt 19 / Mark 10 Jesus is weighing in on the Shammai-Hillel debate. He rejects the any-cause divorce of Hillel. Familiarity with this debate… Read More

Inter-Generational Unity – Nadine Templer

Posted: October 3, 2020

   Inter-Generational Unity – Nadine Templer As we strive for unity, one aspect that is often overlooked is the unity between generations, between young and “older” folks, the old guard… Read More

Following Christ in a Pandemic: A Conversation Led by Philip Yancey

Posted: October 2, 2020

  In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, “science” has become a battleground. There’s an increase in polarization and misinformation around COVID-19, even in Christian circles, and it is costing… Read More

Excellent Biblical Studies Page, from Arturo Elizararrás (Spanish)

Posted: September 30, 2020

Enjoy the great resources found in this link, including a sampling of the articles below: https://www.fpesdras.org/acerca-de-fpe/pagina-de-arturo-elizarraras/

Further Race Matters / BLM resources

Posted: September 30, 2020

My initial post (my George Floyd page) includes a list of helpful resources. (Not all persons agree with each other, or necessarily even with me—the various books, articles, videos, podcasts,… Read More

NT Character Podcast 48—Silas

Posted: September 30, 2020

Introduction Silas is mainly referred to in Acts 15-18. “Silas” first appears in Acts 15:22. He is referred to by his full name, Silvanus, in 2 Cor 1:19; 1 Thess 1:1; 2… Read More

Divorce & Remarriage III: The Teaching of Jesus, Part 1

Posted: September 30, 2020

Mark 10:2-3, 10-12 Jesus is quizzed. Where does he stand on the divorce issue? Mark indicates absolutely no exceptions! Don’t read through filter of other passages (like 1 Cor or… 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

NT Character Podcast 47—Titus

Posted: September 23, 2020

Introduction Titus was a major figure in Paul’s life, although not mentioned in Acts (which is selective). We come across him 13x in NT, 8 times in 2 Cor—also Gal,… Read More

Divorce & Remarriage II: The Old Testament

Posted: September 23, 2020

Podcast notes: Exod 21:10-11: If a married man takes a second (slave) wife, then the food, clothing, and sexual love—material support plus emotional support—received by the first wife must not… Read More

RMSMT Faculty

Posted: September 17, 2020

Rocky Mountain School of Theology and Ministry off to a great start this autumn, and our staff are looking forward to even greater things next semester. First off, in early… Read More

Is It Wrong to Think You’re Right?

Posted: September 16, 2020

September 2020 Greg Koukl of Stand to Reason responds to a common challenge from relativists that Christians face when trying to share their views. For more information, visit str.org.

100 Daily Devotionals on Psalms – Rolan Monje

Posted: September 16, 2020

Play. Pause. Pray. Rolan invites us to play, pause, and pray for 100 days (September 16-December 24), as we look into our deepest feelings throughout this COVID-19 pandemic. Play a… Read More

Sermon: Living & Dying Like Stephen

Posted: September 16, 2020

For the sermon (and missions sharing) from last week’s Zoom session with Toledo, Ohio, please click on arrow below.

Divorce & Remarriage I: The Permanence of Marriage

Posted: September 16, 2020

Background information Harsh treatment of women, children, and the vulnerable in OT times: infanticide, abortion, disrespect of women. Divorce was easy and favored the man. Worse, abandoned women could be… Read More

NT Character Podcast 46—Timothy

Posted: September 16, 2020

Introduction Most biblical figures give us few insights into the heart or the personality. Timothy is one of the persons about whom we know much more, mentioned some 30x in the… Read More

Messianic Judaism 1—Why Focus on this movement?

Posted: September 14, 2020

Talks in this series. Each talk comes with brief notes and key scriptures. 1 — Why focus on this movement? (Please listen to this if you’re unfamiliar with Messianic Judaism.)… Read More

Sharing Solitude in Community – Brandon Bradley

Posted: September 12, 2020

Sharing Solitude in Community – Brandon Bradley In my last article, we explored Henri Nouwen’s idea of a wagon wheel as a simple model of the balance of solitude and… Read More

The Future of Christian Spirituality: In Our Lives, In Our Churches, and In the Academy

Posted: September 11, 2020

Rolheiser Virtual Conference Flyer – The Future of Christian Spirituality: In Our Lives, In Our Churches, and In the Academy – Nov 12-14, 2020 See this flyer for all the… 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

NEW Videos for Marrieds & Parents Plus Our Latest PODCAST Episodes

Posted: September 4, 2020

A Strength in Weakness Member’s BI-Weekly Update New Perspectives From Strength in Weakness Ministries Volume 19 | September 4, 2020 A SIW Member’s Bi-Weekly Update Real Life Up Close Let’s… Read More

Topics You’ve NEVER Heard on a Podcast Before!

Posted: September 4, 2020

Treating Every Person with Dignity, Kindness and Respect, While Standing for Biblical Truth Discussing Issues You’ve NEVER Heard on a Podcast Before! Oh Yeah, We’re Going There! Click on a TOPIC to… Read More

Peace Behind the Wire

Posted: September 3, 2020

  Nonviolent resolution Share my experience in bringing rival gangs to the table and practicing nonviolence together in some of the toughest prisons in the country. Buy the book  

Don’t throw them away

Posted: September 3, 2020

  Don’t Throw Them Away Imagine a world where nonviolent offenses result in counseling and education rather than incarceration. Instead of learning how to be better criminals, young offenders learn… Read More

Street Tactics – Part 4

Posted: September 2, 2020

AUTHOR Greg Koukl PUBLISHED ON 09/01/2020 TACTICS AND TOOLS Street Tactics are specific conversation maneuvers you can use to navigate graciously, safely, and effectively in what otherwise would be difficult… Read More

Measuring Life With Coffee Spoons – The Gospel Coalition

Posted: September 1, 2020

Measuring Life With Coffee Spoons BY R.V.G. TASKER The poverty of evangelicalism is the poverty of ambition. If T.S. Eliot captured the mediocrity of modern life in the striking line… Read More

OT65—OT Characters at Cross Purposes

Posted: September 1, 2020

Pharaoh’s daughter / Pharaoh (daughter / father, and princess / king) 14th BC Exodus 1:15-17, 22; 2:1-10 The hero is a pagan, a worshipper of the Egyptian gods—the daughter of… Read More

Patrons, Prophets, and Preachers, by Rob Kranz

Posted: August 31, 2020

Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Stepping into the Jordan Patrons, Prophets, and Preachers by Rob Kranz One of the advantages of teaching is that I always… Read More

A Christian Statement on Science for Pandemic Times

Posted: August 28, 2020

– THE STATEMENT – A Christian Statement on Science for Pandemic Times SPANISH TRANSLATION | FRENCH TRANSLATION   We, the undersigned, join together as Christians who uphold the authority of God’s Word… Read More

NT Character Podcast 45—Phoebe

Posted: August 26, 2020

Major text: Rom 16:1-2 Supporting texts: Acts 15:22-23; 30-32; Rom 12:3-8; 1 Tim 3:4; 1 Thess 5:12 Rom 16:1 Now I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a… Read More

We Mourn the Passing of Tom Olbricht

Posted: August 21, 2020

We Mourn the Passing of Tom Olbricht Tom Olbricht, the extraordinarily gifted founder of the Christian Scholars’ Conference, who shaped generations of scholars, ministers and church leaders for more than… Read More

NT Character Podcast 44—Anna

Posted: August 19, 2020

Scripture: Luke 2:36-38 . Bio: Hannah (Hebrew) = Anna (Greek & Latin). In some ways she reminds us of her OT namesake (faith, presence at the house of God, deep… Read More

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

Patriarchy: God’s Plan?

Posted: August 18, 2020

Patriarchy: God’s Plan? by Rob Kranz In a recent post, I explored the events of Genesis 2 and 3. As I explained in that post, a careful examination of the text’s language… Read More

The God of the Old Testament: Loving Deity or Cosmic Bully?

Posted: August 13, 2020

The presentations directly address one of the most common objections against the Bible. Taught online to Dallas / Fort Worth area campus ministries in April 2020. Part One (begins about 11… Read More

Free Webinar for Parents from Covenant Eyes

Posted: August 7, 2020

Statistics show us that kids are being exposed to pornography early, and this is having detrimental effects. This webinar will feature experts from Covenant Eyes who will share valuable statistics, research, and… Read More

Street Tactics – Part 3 – str.org

Posted: July 23, 2020

On September 11, 2001—a day Time magazine called the bloodiest day on American soil since the Civil War—two jumbo jets slammed into the World Trade Center towers in New York City,… Read More

Messianic Judaism 12—Shadow vs. Substance, Resources, Challenge

Posted: July 22, 2020

        Review: Galatians: Deals with a set of teachings remarkably similar to modern Messianic Judaism. As in Romans, the phrase “the Law” refers to Torah, not works-righteousness…. Read More

How I Disciple People into a Worldview on Race—by Ben Barnett

Posted: July 21, 2020

Dear Discipleship-first Friends, We are asking a few disciple making leaders to describe how they disciple people on race. Ben Barnett is a lead pastor of Bridge Pointe Church in… Read More

Messianic Judaism 11—Galatians, Romans, the Jew-Gentile Controversy, & the Israel of God

Posted: July 19, 2020

        Main ideas The Jew-Gentile Controversy Just how “Jewish” do Christians need to be? The answer: Not at all, although it is okay for actual Jews to… 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

Messianic Judaism 10—Third Temple? Circumcision? Keeping Kosher?

Posted: July 17, 2020

        We have already discussed several major features of Judaism that do not carry over directly into Christianity. For example, consider: Animal sacrifices (Heb 9:22; 10:1-4; 10:18)… 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

Messianic Judaism 9—What about the Sabbath?

Posted: July 14, 2020

        Main ideas: Sabbatarians are right about the day: Sabbath is the 7th day, sundown Friday-sundown Saturday. The 4th-C church created a “Sunday Sabbath”. (Although Christians had long been… Read More

Messianic Judaism 8—End-time conversion of Israel?

Posted: July 14, 2020

        Main ideas: In Rom 11:25, plērōma means fullness, not “full number.” (The identical term appears in 13:10 and 15:29. Also John 1:16; 1 Cor 10:26; Gal 4:4;… Read More

A Long Review of Yancey’s Beyond Racial Gridlock – Part 1

Posted: July 13, 2020

Part 1 – Synopsis Part 2 – Pros Part 3 – Defining and Repurposing Terms Part 4 – Conclusion Dr. George Yancey’s “Beyond Racial Gridlock” is one of the best,… Read More

SIW: NEW PODCAST / New Video for Parents

Posted: July 10, 2020

New Perspectives Listen to Our New SIW Q&A Podcast “Home from Home with Topher & Thomas” Join us, Topher and Thomas, two twenty-somethings who like guys but really love God. We’ll dive head-first… Read More

Messianic Judaism 7—The view of the early church on Israel

Posted: July 10, 2020

        Main ideas: Jesus and the apostles clearly taught that Israel had lost its covenant and nationhood in the sight of God (Matt 22:2-9; 23:31-39; John 8:22-24,… Read More

Messianic Judaism 6—Israel: Still God’s People?

Posted: July 10, 2020

        Main ideas: The new covenant is for all believers, not just the Jews. In fact, the Jews have no special status before the Lord, and more… Read More

War Language as Hyperbole: “Total-kill,” by Scot McKnight

Posted: July 8, 2020

The Bible’s war language is often hyperbolic SCOT MCKNIGHT There is a trope among basketball players that, when they make a very quick move that fakes out their opponent, “they… Read More

Messianic Judaism 5—Is the Old Covenant still valid?

Posted: July 8, 2020

        Main ideas: Law and covenant are integrally connected. Nearly the entire book of Deuteronomy is cast in the form of a covenant, the conditions of which… Read More

Messianic Judaism 4—Jesus Fulfilled the Law

Posted: July 8, 2020

        Main ideas: The Law and Prophets are the foundation on which Jesus begins his transformative ministry. Analogy: algebra builds on arithmetic—not invalidating it, but fulfilling it…. Read More

Interview with Nick Peters of Deeper Water Apologetics

Posted: July 7, 2020

Q&A 1573— What about global warming? (Creation Care IV, with John Clayton)

Posted: July 3, 2020

Used with the permission of John Clayton, of Does God Exist?, who wrote this article Because we live in a time when virtually all of our information comes from news sources… Read More

LIVE STREAM: N.T. Wright and Francis Collins—A Christian Response to Coronavirus

Posted: July 2, 2020

Amid a surge in COVID-19 cases across the country, what should be the Christian response? Bible scholar N.T. Wright and BioLogos founder Francis Collins, two influential Christian figures and long-time… Read More

The 4th of July

Posted: July 2, 2020

Here you will find a podcast plus notes on The 4th of July (11 minutes). To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target… Read More

Messianic Judaism 3—Is Torah for today?

Posted: July 1, 2020

        Main ideas: Matthew 5:17-20 is an important passage for Messianics. Yet the commands Jesus refers to are not the typically “Jewish” mitzvoth, but dealing with anger… Read More

Messianic Judaism 2—Roots and Terms

Posted: July 1, 2020

        Main ideas: 1st century: apostles agree Gentiles are not obligated to follow Torah (Acts 15:1-35; Titus 1:10-11). 19th century: rooted in evangelism of Jews in Israel during the Ottoman… Read More

Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park, by Jean Henderson

Posted: June 27, 2020

Many of the 19th century novels are great character studies. In her talk on Mansfield Park, Jean Henderson focuses on the meek character of Fanny. If you want more Jane… 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

King Jesus and the Beauty of Obedience-Based Discipleship

Posted: June 24, 2020

Dear Discipleship-first Friends, This is your invitation to join David Young, myself, Bill Hull, Renee Sproles, and Ben Barnett for a half-day seminar July 1st on an important topic: King Jesus and… 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

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

A Life of Alexander Campbell – Douglas A. Foster

Posted: June 15, 2020

  Recently, my wife and I took the “Emotionally Healthy Relationships” course developed by Peter and Geri Scazzero. During one session we did a genogram. A genogram maps out a… 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

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

Sermon on the Book of Jude

Posted: May 30, 2020

Sermon for the Milwaukee Church of Christ via Zoom in May, 2020 from the book of Jude. Click here for a link in Dropbox. (This one filmed in a studio… Read More

No Barriers to the Spirit, by Malcolm Cox

Posted: May 23, 2020

No barriers to the Spirit “…but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.” 1 Cor 2:3–5… 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

The Theology of Ecology, by Malcolm Cox

Posted: May 20, 2020

“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

Freedom in Christ: Uprooted, Blown Along, and Wandering

Posted: May 18, 2020

Message delivered to the Milwaukee Church of Christ on Sunday, May 17, 2020. This is a link to the service. Doug’s message begins at the 23:00 mark.

Home Alone: Surviving the Pandemic for Married Couples – Renew

Posted: May 15, 2020

Home Alone: Surviving the Pandemic for Married Couples

Creation Care IV, Global Warming, with John Clayton

Posted: May 13, 2020

Used with the permission of John Clayton, of Does God Exist?, who wrote this article Because we live in a time when virtually all of our information comes from news sources… Read More

Creation Care III, with Malcolm Cox

Posted: May 13, 2020

Creation Care II, Environmental Stewardship, with Dr. Penny Cox

Posted: May 13, 2020

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

Creation Care I, with Dr. Penny Cox

Posted: May 13, 2020

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

Posted: May 12, 2020

      We’re thrilled to announce our next live stream event, featuring leading evangelical thinker Tim Keller and BioLogos founder Francis Collins, who heads our country’s biomedical research! On… 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

La Reina Isabel II me inspiró, fortaleciendo liderazgo.

Posted: May 4, 2020

Webinar para fortalecer liderazgo. Iniciamos el 6 de Mayo 2020 En los momentos de crisis, es muy importante fortalecernos y crecer en nuestro liderazgo.  ¿Cómo vas a verte este tiempo… Read More

Acts 2.38 and Greek Grammatical Structures

Posted: May 4, 2020

Acts 2.38 and Understanding Purpose examines whether complete cognizance is necessary for a valid baptism by identifying analogous grammatical structures in the Greek N.T.

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

CLEAN – podcast 21, Wealthy Shunammites’ Child (= OT character podcast 64)

Posted: May 1, 2020

To listen to CLEAN podcast 21, The Wealthy Shunammites’ Child (16 minutes), click on arrow. To download and listen later, right click here and choose ‘save target as’ or ‘save link as’. Introduction CLEAN 21,… 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

The Promises of God

Posted: April 23, 2020

Watch the lesson Douglas gave the Space Coast Church (Melbourne, Florida) on April 19, 2020. This link is for the whole service; Douglas comes on at about 15:30. Click here… 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

End-of-Life Care, by Dr. Penny Cox

Posted: March 29, 2020

Listen to Dr. Penny Cox, a follower of Christ and a general practitioner in Britain, as she speaks sensitively and compassionately about end-of-life issues.

“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

“New Podcast Series for the Duration of Covid 19,” by Malcolm Cox

Posted: March 19, 2020

New Podcast Series Something to get you through the Covid 19 crisis with your spirit intact. Introducing the new daily podcast based on the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134) The… 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

Coronavirus (Covid-19): A Christian Response

Posted: March 13, 2020

LESSONS FOR YOU AND ME: Don’t over-react Trust the Lord Beware the real virus: sin Be excellent stewards of the time Don’t overanalyze Care deeply about others, not just ourselves… Read More

“Untangling Addiction,” by Marcus De Carvalho

Posted: March 12, 2020

Dr. Marcus De Carvalho is a world renown specialist in addictions and a great friend to SIW. In this e-book he introduces hope and the ability to overcome the “hijacking”… 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

“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

CLEAN- podcast 20, Widow of Zarephath & Son (= OT character podcast 63)

Posted: March 1, 2020

We now begin CLEAN sub-series Reanimation. To listen to CLEAN podcast 20, The Widow of Zarephath & Son (17 minutes), click on the arrow. To download and listen later, right click here and choose ‘save target… 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

The Golden Rule & the Silver Rule

Posted: February 29, 2020

Examples of the Silver & Golden Rules in the world’s philosophies and religions: Jainism: “A man should wander about treating all creatures as he himself would be treated.” — Sutrakritanga, 1.11.33… 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 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

“Is There a God?” Debate: Jacoby vs. Shermer

Posted: February 20, 2020

“What is the True Legacy of Abraham?” – Debate

Posted: February 20, 2020

Interview with Fred Gray

Posted: February 20, 2020

Science, Man and God: (Part 3) Michael Shermer vs. Douglas Jacoby

Posted: February 20, 2020

Science, Man and God: (Part 2) Michael Shermer vs. Douglas Jacoby

Posted: February 20, 2020

Science, Man and God: (Part 1) Michael Shermer vs. Douglas Jacoby

Posted: February 20, 2020



Jesus: Man, Myth or Messiah? – Intro to Debate

Posted: February 20, 2020

Why Believe in the God of the Bible?

Posted: February 20, 2020

Father’s Day – Douglas Jacoby

Posted: February 20, 2020

Watch Doug’s sermon on Exodus 20 – “Honor Your Father”

The Problem of Human Suffering-Session 4

Posted: February 19, 2020

The Problem of Human Suffering-Session 3

Posted: February 19, 2020

The Problem of Human Suffering-Session 2

Posted: February 19, 2020

The Problem of Human Suffering-Session 1

Posted: February 19, 2020

“A Movement Divided” by Samuel Escobar

Posted: February 19, 2020

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

Delving into the history of black churches

Posted: February 18, 2020

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

“Jesus & Melchizedek”

Posted: February 17, 2020

“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

SOM 40—Wow!

Posted: February 9, 2020

And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes (Matthew 7:28-29)…. Read More

SOM 39—Sand

Posted: February 8, 2020

24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came,… Read More

SOM 38—Lord, Lord

Posted: February 7, 2020

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22… Read More

SOM 37—Prophets?

Posted: February 6, 2020

15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from… 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

SOM 36—Narrow

Posted: February 5, 2020

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate… Read More

SOM 35—Gold

Posted: February 4, 2020

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12).   Comment This sentence sums up much of… Read More