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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

“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

Discipling Busy People Online (and More)

Posted: February 5, 2020

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

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

Posted: January 17, 2020

Sharing one’s faith—evangelizing—is a core practice among many religions. For Christians, it’s viewed as a mandate from Jesus himself before he departed earth: commanding his disciples to “spread the good… Read More

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

125 Countries and 1 Core Mission – Interview with Douglas Jacoby

Posted: January 13, 2020

Renew.org If you had the opportunity to sit down and talk with a world traveling disciple maker, what questions would you ask? As for me, I was curious about what… Read More

Everyday Disciple Maker: Debbra Stephens

Posted: January 10, 2020

      Everyday Disciple Maker: Debbra Stephens CLICK HERE TO LISTEN Whether you work in sales or in a school, whether a preacher or a plumber, there is one… 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

6 Things to Avoid in Dating – Third Drive Faith

Posted: November 14, 2019

Do you have a friend who needs good dating advice? Send this to him or her! Click here for more.

Muscle and a Shovel | The Christian Chronicle

Posted: November 6, 2019

Muscle and a Shovel | The Christian Chronicle Muscle and a Shovel is a raw and gritty true story about a pair of young newly-weds who move to the city… Read More

David Young and Eric Metaxas? Say no more!

Posted: October 25, 2019

Our very own cofounder, David Young, was recently on The Eric Metaxas Show! Leaders are talking about A Grand Illusion, you can join the conversation. Friends, In case you don’t know, Eric Metaxas… Read More

Q&A 1565—Have any ideas for a personal spiritual retreat?

Posted: October 25, 2019

Q: Thanks for sharing about your personal spiritual retreat in Canada [October 2019]. This is making me curious (and I suspect that others might be wondering also) about what is… 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

Outgrowing Facts – Tyndale House

Posted: October 16, 2019

Assyriologist George Heath-Whyte explains the errors in Richard Dawkins’ new book Richard Dawkins was asked by journalist Krishnan Guru-Murthy in an interview recently, “If you could change the world, how would you change… 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

CRISPR babies?

Posted: October 2, 2019

What should we think of DNA experiments and developments? Jim Stump ponders the most recent developments in the realm of gene editing, including CRISPR babies, the problem of chimeras, and more,… Read More

Online Bible Test—Am I a Student of the Word?

Posted: September 20, 2019

How well do we know God’s Word? Here’s a tool to evaluate our level of Bible knowledge. The diagnostic test at 3 levels has been constructed with the help of many around… Read More

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

How a Gay Man and a Christian Minister Became Great Friends

Posted: September 18, 2019

Kidogo – Christian Practicals 2.67K subscribers Guy Hammond used to live a gay life before he became a Christian. Now, as Christian minister, he runs an international ministry dedicated to… 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

Are Most Scientists Atheists?

Posted: September 7, 2019

ARE MOST SCIENTISTS ATHEISTS? Baruch Aba Shalev wrote a book titled 100 Years of Nobel Prizes. That book contains a report on Nobel prizes awarded between 1901 and 2000. During that period, when 423… Read More

Chik-fil-A – “Anti-equality giving”

Posted: September 7, 2019

CHICK-FIL-A GIVING. San Antonio, Texas, and Buffalo, New York, have kicked Chick-fil-A out of their airports for “aiding and abetting Christian organizations.” What is especially ironic is that it is the charity work of… 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

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

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

Islam & Christianity (lesson from Azerbaijan)

Posted: August 6, 2019

The podcast Islam & Christianity (26 minutes) is intended to help the new student of world religions to develop a feel for how the two faiths connect. This is material I… Read More

How to Invite a Transgender Person to Church, by Brandon Redler

Posted: August 2, 2019

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

Biblical Town of Ziklag May Have Been Discovered

Posted: July 24, 2019

Located between Kiryat Gat and Lachish in southern Israel, Khirbet a-Ra‘i has been the site of excavations since 2015. The researchers recently announced their belief that they have uncovered the… Read More

Más Allá de la Vida 1 & 2, por Arturo Elizarrarás

Posted: July 17, 2019

Podcast 1 Podcast 2   Más Allá de la Vida – Slides  

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

Mark Moore on Life, Legacy and Core 52

Posted: July 15, 2019

I was recently able to catch up with Renew Gathering speaker Mark Moore. We talked about life transitions, creating a legacy, personal discipline, and a new book he has written… Read More

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.

Ancient DNA reveals the origins of the Philistines

Posted: July 5, 2019

FROM THE SEA  DNA obtained from remains of people who inhabited an ancient city on Israel’s coast, including this child, indicate that the Philistines mentioned in the Hebrew Bible descended… Read More

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

What Does the Bible Say About Being Transgender?

Posted: July 1, 2019

Two New AMAZING Videos From SIW! P.S. Put your seat belt on! #1. What Does the Bible Say bout Being Transgender? By Brandon Redler 3.3 min #2. Why I Left My Transgender Life Behind … Read More

CLEAN – podcast 10, the Four Lepers (= OT Character podcast 59)

Posted: July 1, 2019

To listen to lesson 10 in the CLEAN series, The Four Samaritan Lepers (10 minutes), click on the play arrow. Or you can download the podcast by right clicking here and choosing ‘save… 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

Who Are We? (What we Christ-followers prefer to be called)

Posted: June 26, 2019

WHO ARE WE? SELF-TEST: Rank the following terms in order of usage–what you usually call yourself. Christian Disciple Brother Saint Many of us answered 1-2-3-4, right? But in the New… 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

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

Trent Butler on Judges

Posted: June 15, 2019

Excerpt from Trent Butler, The Word Biblical Commentary 8, Judges (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2009), lxxx. ……”Three tribes… receive the brunt of the author’s judgment in Judges. Benjamin could not take… Read More

Father’s Day Challenge

Posted: June 14, 2019

Father’s Day is just around the corner. Covenant Eyes would love to see all the dads out there take the Dad Challenge. What better time to start this challenge but… Read More

Two New iFaith Videos from Hebrews

Posted: June 14, 2019

Two video sermons taken from the book of Hebrews: iFaith 19 (Heb A), “Christ is Supreme,” and iFaith 20 (Heb B), “The Truth about Falling Away”. Listen to either or… 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

Miracle Soul (John Clayton)

Posted: June 11, 2019

For over 200 years people have used soil from the churchyard of Sacred Heart Church in the Boho Highlands of rural Northern Ireland as a remedy for a variety of… 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

White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism

Posted: May 29, 2019

Like many of you, I enjoy a good book. Apart from occasional espionage novels, nearly all of my reading is Christian literature, theology, history, and science. Yet now and again,… 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

David & Bathsheba, by Sara Barton

Posted: May 13, 2019

Amazing keynote message given at the Harbor Pepperdine Bible Lectures on Thursday, May 2, 2019 in Malibu, CA. Click here to watch.

Gospel Alliance (book recommendation)

Posted: May 11, 2019

From the book: “I want to show that the gospel and our faith response must not be reduced to the cross, or even to the cross and resurrection. The gospel… Read More

Q&A 1553—Should scientists study prayer?

Posted: May 10, 2019

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Four in five Americans believe in the healing power of prayer, according to surveys, and even a majority of medical doctors say that miraculous healing sometimes occurs…. Read More

COC & ICOC: The Rift & The Repair-Audio & Notes

Posted: May 9, 2019

Two classes given by Douglas Jacoby & Nick Zola at “The Harbor” Pepperdine Bible Lectures, on May 3, 2019. The two audio lessons are followed by the Powerpoint presentation with… Read More