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
Is the Holy Land the Promised Land? | The Christian Chronicle
Posted: May 9, 2019
Is the Holy Land the Promised Land? Leading evangelical supporters of President Trump tout the modern state of Israel as a fulfillment of biblical prophecy. Scholars in Churches of Christ… Read More
Video 2: Can You Be Gay and a Christian?
Posted: May 6, 2019
Can You Be Gay and a Christian? See why over 100,000 people have attended a Strength in Weakness workshop! SIW HITS THE ROAD Madrid, Spain Guy Hammond May… Read More
How a U.S. Church Baptized 3729 People in One Year
Posted: May 4, 2019
Friends, Many Renew leaders have success stories to share. We want God to get the credit in these stories. We also want to learn from these stories how… Read More
Terrorists in Burkina Faso Execute Six at Pentecostal Church
Posted: May 3, 2019
(UPDATED) Assemblies of God pastor preferred to “die for his faith rather than leave the village” he served for decades. Kate Shellnutt [Updated May 3 with further remarks from Assemblies… Read More
May News from Tyndale House
Posted: May 3, 2019
May News from Tyndale House Dear friends, At Tyndale House we are passionate about supporting evangelical biblical scholars, and ensuring that Christians across the world benefit from their work. In… Read More
Introducing … Language of God
Posted: May 2, 2019
A BioLogos podcast on science and faith The new BioLogos podcast is live! We’re very excited about this latest way to extend the BioLogos mission. Long-form audio broadcasts have become… Read More
Video 3: When Your Kids Tell You They Are Gay
Posted: May 1, 2019
#3. “When Your Kids Tell You They Are Gay” Steve Bowen 4 min #1. “Is It a Sin If You Feel Gay?” Guy Hammond 3.5 min #2. “Can You Be… Read More
CLEAN – podcast 9 (= OT Character Podcast 58, Uzziah pt. II)
Posted: May 1, 2019
To listen to lesson 9 in the CLEAN series, The Leprosy of Uzziah (9 minutes), click on the play arrow. Or you can download the podcast by right clicking here and choosing… Read More
Tolerant, Non-judgmental, and Loving: What Do These Have to Do With Discipling Relationships?
Posted: April 24, 2019
Dear Discipleship-first Tribe, Disciples of Jesus are facing a subtle but pervasive challenge in North America right now. Left unchecked, this challenge erodes the convictions of everyday disciples, leaders, and… Read More
The Samaritan Passover
Posted: April 23, 2019
Growing up in suburban Cincinnati, sacrifices were not part of everyday life. I know, some of you are probably shocked by that revelation. Sacrifices were something I read about in the Bible… Read More
2019 BioLogos Conference: Videos
Posted: April 19, 2019
Browse the presentations from the 2019 BioLogos Conference!
State of the Bible 2019: Trends in Engagement
Posted: April 19, 2019
Each year, Barna examines behaviors and beliefs related to the Bible among American adults, a study conducted in partnership with American Bible Society. In the 2019 “State of the Bible” report,… Read More
Is It a Sin if You Are Homosexually Attracted?
Posted: April 18, 2019
See why over 100,000 people have attended a Strength in Weakness workshop! SIW HITS THE ROAD Madrid, Spain Guy Hammond May 5, 2019 La Iglesia de los Disćipulos… Read More
5 Ways to Disciple People in Light of Easter Weekend
Posted: April 17, 2019
I am a senior pastor; I have been one for more than 30 years. So, I know the subtle pressure that can sneak in: to produce, provide and program for… Read More
Stress Mess: 3 In 5 Millennials Say Life More Stressful Now Than Ever Before
Posted: April 9, 2019
From slow WiFi to broken phone screens to zero “likes” on social media, everyday stressors are causing young adults to have struggles falling asleep 138 nights each year, researchers say…. Read More
Conversion is not your mission, pope tells Catholics in Morocco
Posted: April 1, 2019
From Reuters News: Conversion is not your mission, pope tells Catholics in Morocco http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-pope-morocco/conversion-is-not-your-mission-pope-tells-catholics-in-morocco-idUKKCN1RC0FJ Pope Francis told the tiny Catholic community in predominantly Muslim Morocco on Sunday that their mission… Read More
Cannabis use linked with psychosis (Lancet)
Posted: March 31, 2019
Various factors feed into psychosis, like stress and personal genetic makeup. Yet there is strong evidence that use of cannabis is leading to significant mental health problems in Europe—the higher… Read More
Why I am NOT a Gay Christian, by Guy Hammond
Posted: March 29, 2019
Why I am NOT a Gay Christian By Guy Hammond Executive Director, Strength in Weakness Ministries “You are not being your authentic self, you’re a liar and a fraud.” “You… Read More
Responses to Ezekiel series
Posted: March 29, 2019
The following are responses to the Ezekiel series (10 installments), which appears in the newsletters of 20 & 27 Feb; 6, 13, 20, and 27 Mar; and 3, 10, 17,… Read More
Scriptures that Prove God Condones Homosexuality, by Guy Hammond
Posted: March 22, 2019
A List of All Scriptures that Proves God Condones Homosexuality By Guy Hammond Executive Director; Strength in Weakness Ministries Does God love homosexuals? Of course, God loves everyone! But where… Read More
The Burden-Free Step in Discussing Christian Beliefs, by Greg Koukl
Posted: March 21, 2019
Greg explains the importance of listening and encourages Christians to remember that the one who makes the claim bears the burden. Play the 3-minute video by clicking here, and/or read… Read More
How Universalism, ‘the Opiate of the Theologians,’ Went Mainstream
Posted: March 20, 2019
Image: Illustration by Rick Szuecs / Source image: Courtesy of Baker Publishing Group Michael McClymond decries the rising popularity of an idea Christians have rejected for most of church history…. Read More
Modern-day ‘sticks and stones’ | The Christian Chronicle
Posted: March 20, 2019
Photo from Pixabay.com Feb. 28, 2019 Modern-day ‘sticks and stones’ Before you type, maybe you should ask, ‘What would Jesus tweet?’ By Chellie Ison ‘Sticks and stones may break my bones,… Read More
An integrated media evangelism solution for churches
Posted: March 18, 2019
“… so that by all possible means I might save some.” 1 Cor 9:22 Does your church have an integrated and compelling online presence to impact your community? Your church leader needs to focus… Read More
What Does the Bible Teach About Baptism?
Posted: March 18, 2019
Dear Renew Friends, This month we are emphasizing what the Bible teaches about baptism – and a key resource on baptism. Let me explain why this may be important to you… Read More
How the Poor Became Blessed, by Pieter van der Horst
Posted: March 14, 2019
Greco-Roman gods had no interest in the poor nor was organised charity a religious duty. How was Christianity different? Photo by DeAgostini/Getty In Greco-Roman culture, the well-to-do weren’t expected to… Read More
Why Is the Culture of a Disciple Making Church So Important?, by Bobby Harrington
Posted: March 13, 2019
“Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” That statement, attributed to the most influential management guru of our time, Peter Drucker, describes a reality church leaders must face in the pursuit of… Read More
The Benefits of a Stiff Neck?, by Rob Kranz
Posted: March 11, 2019
The Benefits of a Stiff Neck? by Rob Kranz This is my first post since arriving back in Jerusalem. The time is flying by at blazing fast speed. As I write this,… Read More
No Cheeks Left to Turn: The Double Persecution of Africa’s Largest Church
Posted: March 10, 2019
Weary of attacks by Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen, Christians in Nigeria ask how long they’re supposed to “count it all joy.” JEREMY WEBER IN JOS| OCTOBER 19, 2018 Image:… Read More
Non-profit, ‘Sheep Not Goats’ Highlighted on News
Posted: March 8, 2019
Local couple help empower women in Nicaragua, one knitted blanket at a time By: Lorena Inclan Jacksonville, FL March 1, 2019 For Steve and Sandy Jacoby a trip to Nicaragua… Read More
Abandoning Outcomes, by Bill Gaultiere
Posted: March 8, 2019
How do you react when things go wrong? Your e-mail or Twitter gets hacked and people send you unkind messages… You’re stuck in traffic and late for an important meeting…… Read More
A Jew, an Early Christian, and a Roman Meet in Archaeological Park
Posted: March 4, 2019
A Jew, an Early Christian and a Roman Meet in Archaeological Park to Be Built on Evacuated Prison ‘God Jesus Christ’ mosaic, ancient Jewish-Samaritan village of Othnay and Roman command… Read More
One Way or Any Way? Part 2
Posted: March 1, 2019
by Greg Koukl, March 1, 2019 I do not consider myself a particularly brave person, and I think it especially foolish, on the main, to make a frontal assault on… Read More
CLEAN – podcast 8 (= OT Character Podcast 57, Gehazi pt. II)
Posted: March 1, 2019
To listen to lesson 8 in the CLEAN series, The Leprosy of Gehazi (13 minutes), click on the play arrow. Or you can download the podcast by right clicking here and choosing… Read More
Genome Editing and the Christian
Posted: February 28, 2019
By Jeff Hardin on February 13, 2019 This article is adapted from a portion of the 2018 V. Elving Anderson Lecture in Science and Religion by Jeff Hardin, given at the University of Minnesota, April 5,… Read More
Art for the Glory of God, by Jennifer Francis
Posted: February 27, 2019
Art For The Glory Of God “A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.” This was the counsel of King Solomon, as chronicled in Proverbs 18:16…. Read More
Are You Ready to Respond to Pro-Abortion Arguments?
Posted: February 26, 2019
Are You Ready to Respond to Pro-Abortion Arguments? The message being given to us by our culture has moved from the regretful necessity of abortion to the goodness of abortion…. Read More
Disciple Making Movements – a History and a Definition
Posted: February 8, 2019
Discipleship-First Tribe, Discipleship·org asked Roy Moran to write a two-part blog on Disciple Making Movements. We asked Roy to do this because he’s an expert on Disciple Making Movements and… Read More
Richard Rohr Meditation: An Alternative Story
Posted: February 5, 2019
Richard Rohr’s Daily Meditation From the Center for Action and Contemplation Week Six Jesus and the Cross An Alternative Story Monday, February 4, 2019 The theory of substitutionary atonement has… Read More
A Prayer Space, by Jennifer Francis
Posted: January 28, 2019
Make Your Prayer Space Ready For God Jesus notoriously went off into the garden of Gethsemane to pray before he was betrayed and eventually hung on the cross. What most… Read More
Are Signs and Wonders for Today?, by John Piper
Posted: January 25, 2019
“And now, Lord, look upon their threats, and grant to thy servants to speak thy word with all boldness, while thou stretchest out thy hand to heal, and signs and… Read More
4 Things I’d Say To My 30 Year Old Self
Posted: January 24, 2019
by Steve Staten | Jan 23, 2019 At age thirty I had been in technology for nine years and fulltime ministry for just over a year. My wife and I had three little… Read More
Time to Break the Silence on Palestine
Posted: January 24, 2019
Martin Luther King Jr. courageously spoke out about the Vietnam War. We must do the same when it comes to this grave injustice of our time. By Michelle Alexander, Opinion Columnist, Jan. 19,… Read More
Jesus spent most of the time doing this…
Posted: January 22, 2019
Dear Renew Subscribers, I was recently in a theology class where the teacher made this point: anyone wanting to be like Jesus should try doing what he did. What did… Read More
Ministry in the #MeToo Moment
Posted: January 19, 2019
As abuse awareness grows, pastors are searching for ways to protect the vulnerable and care for survivors. MORGAN LEE @Mepaynl Image: Davide Bonazzi / Salzmanart Last summer Stephanie Lobdell, co-lead pastor… Read More
No Sign Language in the World Has Its Own Bible Translation
Posted: January 19, 2019
Deaf communities around the world are still waiting to experience God’s Word in their first language. How much longer will it be? Donations from the 40,000 attendees at this year’s… Read More
Large Numbers of Young Adults Dropping Out of Church
Posted: January 17, 2019
Young adults are dropping out of church in large numbers, survey finds. This is why. www.usatoday.com 3 mins read ASHVILLE, Tenn. —Large numbers of young adults who frequently attended Protestant worship services in… Read More
Churches & Race
Posted: January 17, 2019
Christian churches still struggle with race, how to discuss it, what to do www.usatoday.com 10 mins read CINCINNATI — On a Wednesday night at Crossroads Church in the Cincinnati neighborhood Corryville,… Read More
Focus on Gardening, by Greg Koukl
Posted: January 16, 2019
Greg encourages Christians for whom evangelism seems overwhelming to focus on small opportunities of influence rather than “sealing the deal.” Look forward to more Mentoring Moments from Greg in the… Read More
New Book: When God Is Silent
Posted: January 14, 2019
The Problem of Human Suffering We inhabit the same world Jesus did—one of pain, joy, surprise, suffering, and wonder. At times life is good, joyous, and fair. At other times… Read More
New Book: Origins — a book on the issues behind Genesis 1-11
Posted: January 5, 2019
Origins turns much of what Christians learned in Sunday School on its head in a revealing comparison of the Genesis narrative to the competing pagan narrative of the day. Relatively few… Read More
Ibram Kendi – Are You An Intellectual?
Posted: January 4, 2019
Ibram Kendi breaks down what it really means to be the smartest person in the room. For more information: Antiracist Research and Policy Center at American University. Watch this podcast… Read More
Free Download: Christianity Today’s 2019 Christian College Guide
Posted: January 1, 2019
Check out the 2019 Christian College Guide from Christianity Today. Inside, you’ll hear what other students wish they knew before attending college, learn more about featured schools with stand-out programs and resources, and… Read More
CLEAN – podcast 7 (= OT character podcast 56, Naaman)
Posted: January 1, 2019
To listen to lesson 7 in the CLEAN series, The Leprosy of Naaman (14 minutes), click on the play arrow. Or you can download the podcast by right clicking here and choosing ‘save target… Read More
No Shame These Holidays
Posted: December 31, 2018
Why Medicating Shame’s Pain with Porn Never Works Dan Wobschall • Pornography is a pain medication for the shame many men and women experience. For the sex or porn addict, acting… Read More
Human Embryo Gene Editing: Deep Concerns from Francis Collins
Posted: December 28, 2018
Human Embryo Gene Editing: We Need To Think This Through Carefully (An Interview with Francis Collins) In a recent podcast segment with Francis Collins, we asked about human embryo gene editing…. Read More
Free new eBook on marijuana – What does the Bible teach?
Posted: December 17, 2018
With 10 U.S. states allowing recreational use and 33 legalizing the medical use of cannabis, it is important for Christians to know how Jesus’ teachings apply to the use of… Read More
Training to be a better disciple maker
Posted: December 10, 2018
Do you know a church or ministry leader who would benefit from personalized disciple making training? At Renew, we want to raise up an army of disciple makers. We are… Read More
Two Common Mistakes Preachers Make (by John Piper)
Posted: December 10, 2018
Two Common Mistakes Preachers Make: Searching for Reality in Sermons John Piper takes one simple verse in Romans and shows two major and prevalent mistakes preachers make today. www.desiringgod.org
Stepping into the Jordan
Posted: December 6, 2018
The Ministry of Rob Kranz All incoming students at JUC are required to take “Physical Settings of the Bible.” This is classified as a geography course, yet the content is… Read More
Merry Christmas in 100 Different Languages
Posted: December 4, 2018
Click HERE to learn how to say Merry Christmas in 100 languages! Infographic via DayTranslations.com
Beyond Conflict: Science, Faith, and the Big Questions
Posted: November 2, 2018
Registration is now open for the 2019 BioLogos Conference! March 27-29, 2019, Baltimore, MD Explore the tough questions with top scholars and communicators. As we explore the harmony between science and faith, we’re… Read More
CLEAN – podcast 6 (= OT character podcast 55, Miriam pt. II)
Posted: November 1, 2018
To listen to lesson 6 in the CLEAN series, The Leprosy of Miriam (17 minutes), click on the play arrow. Or you can download the podcast by right clicking here and… Read More
On the Mount of Olives: David & the Son of David
Posted: October 31, 2018
Christians are familiar with the story of Jesus’ last night on earth: the Last Supper, Gethsemane prayer, betrayal, arrest, trial, and crucifixion the following morning. But Jesus isn’t the only… Read More
Three Great Opportunities for Members of SIW
Posted: October 30, 2018
#1: SIW Support Groups One of the biggest challenges that same-gender attracted Christians face is that they often feel alone, as if they are the only one going through these… Read More
A Bible for every tribe, every tongue
Posted: October 18, 2018
In the jungles of Papua New Guinea, a Christian university student experiences the ministry of Pioneer Bible Translators. Continue reading here. Website: pioneerbible.org
It’s Getting Harder to Talk About God
Posted: October 16, 2018
Here’s an interesting piece from The New York Times. The decline in our spiritual vocabulary has many real-world consequences. More than 70 percent of Americans identify as Christian, but you… Read More
Outreach Tools for a Mobile Generation
Posted: October 11, 2018
Wycliffe translators utilize cartoon animation to produce films in remote parts of the world—to communicate the gospel. http://www.indigitube.tv/
Untangling Addiction – a free download
Posted: October 10, 2018
Dr. De Carvalho is passionate about helping people regain their lives and become “unstuck” from the addictions and mental illnesses that have kept them in the darkness. In his new… Read More
Renew.org – video 2 (check this out)
Posted: October 9, 2018
Watch this Renew.org video by clicking here.
Are Rich People More Immoral?
Posted: October 8, 2018
Money is the Root of all Evil. Aphorisms have rarely been factual. The oldest ones, at least, are based on opinions, and opinions change. Not more than 500 years… Read More
Most people don’t know this about addiction…
Posted: October 8, 2018
Dear Renew Subscriber, We would like to ask you to make time for a special webinar. It will focus on two of the seven key elements of renewal – Surrendering… Read More
Renew.org – video 1 (check this out)
Posted: October 6, 2018
Watch by clicking on this link: Renew video 1
How Can You Invest in a Few to Build a Disciple Making Culture in Your Church?
Posted: October 5, 2018
To the Discipleship-First Community, There is a good deal of literature today on the subject of corporate culture. Culture shapes behavior Culture defines priorities Culture determines outcomes Every organization has… Read More
When Christians Forget They’re Christians on FB
Posted: September 25, 2018
By Guy Hammond Executive Director; Strength in Weakness Ministries Often when I speak publicly on the issues of homosexuality and the church, Christian family values and Biblical sexual ethics, I… Read More
How should you respond to men and women who are transgender?
Posted: September 24, 2018
Dear Renew Network Subscriber, We are sending out the Renew Newsletter earlier this week so that you can make time for a special webinar. It will focus on two of… Read More
PRIESTHOOD OF THE BELIEVER, by Bob Koivisto
Posted: September 24, 2018
Jesus spoke out often about the very things which lead to a misguided understanding of God’s revealed truth in the Scriptures. Those influences are ignorance, apathy, religion, tradition and open… Read More
The Statement on Social Justice and the Gospel – response by Michael Burns
Posted: September 18, 2018
Note: the smaller navy blue text is Michael Burns’s response. Recently a group of American evangelical leaders signed and released a statement on social justice to voice concerns that they have over… Read More
What is Progressive Christianity and Why is it Dangerous?
Posted: September 18, 2018
Dear Renew Network Subscribers, Would you be interested in some really great Biblical teaching this week? We have two opportunities for you and one other upcoming event that is sure… Read More
An Easy Principle to Test Your Take on Scripture
Posted: September 17, 2018
by Greg Koukl | info@str.org As an ambassador for Christ, how can you be clear-thinking and confident if you’re not sure whether or not you’re misinterpreting a Bible passage? I want… Read More
Thoughts on Holiness, by Alberto Schirmer
Posted: September 13, 2018
Hagiasmos [Greek}: Separated unto God. Hagios [Greek}: Separated from sin, and therefore consecrated to God. Qôdesh [Hebrew]: A sacred, consecrated, dedicated, hallowed thing or place. Qȃdȃsh [Hebrew]: To appoint, bid,… Read More
9 facts on the End-times
Posted: September 12, 2018
1 Thess 5:1—Don’t get caught up in predictions. These are futile. William Miller Adventists Jehovah’s Witnesses 88 Reasons the Rapture Will Happen in 1988 Eschatology = the study of the… Read More
Why America’s ‘nones’ don’t identify with a religion
Posted: September 11, 2018
By Becka A. Alper, www.pewresearch.org A growing share of Americans are religiously unaffiliated. We recently asked a representative sample of more than 1,300 of these “nones” why they choose not to identify with a religion. Out… Read More
How Do You Resist Culture?
Posted: September 5, 2018
Dear Renew Network Subscriber, We are all being discipled. We are all being influenced by the many voices of culture around us every day. It is hard to resist. But… Read More
How to Ruin Your Life in Your Twenties
Posted: September 5, 2018
The choices we make in our twenties set a trajectory for our entire lives. Here are seven tested ways young adults often ruin their lives. Read article here. www.desiringgod.org
Preferring Infertility, by Abigail Dodds
Posted: August 29, 2018
How We Worship the Queen of Heaven What must God think of a society that has made child sacrifice normal for the sake of elective infertility? Read here.
Storyline: Strength in Weakness
Posted: August 29, 2018
Christian Ray Flores tells the story of Max Agapitov – weightlifting world champion. Watch video here.
Recording of the Webinar on Marijuana and other Updates …
Posted: August 29, 2018
Good morning Renew Network subscribers, Would you join us as we seek to renew the teachings of King Jesus in our day? It is a bold aspiration. It will require… Read More
Wanna see Robby Gallaty’s disciple making blueprint?
Posted: August 26, 2018
The #1 question I’ve gotten since launching Discipleship.Org is this: You’re telling me that there’s a REAL way you can make disciples that make disciples— how is that even possible?… Read More
How Do I Develop a Passion for the Bible?, by Greg Koukl
Posted: August 24, 2018
Greg shares how to make Bible reading more than a chore. Click on this link to see podcast & notes.
African teaching ministry, by Gilbert Kimeng
Posted: August 13, 2018
Gilbert Kimeng 9 August 2018 Kinshasa, D.R.C. The past 10 days spent in the company of Dr. Douglas Jacoby has been transformational. He arrived Lagos on Monday July 30th, and… Read More
Genesis & the Beginnings of Humanity, by Bill Golightly
Posted: August 9, 2018
Dr. Golightly shares his view on the implications of modern science for the narratives of the first chapters of Genesis. He strives, as a scientist and a Christian, to maintain… Read More
Pray for the Peace of Chicago, by Steve Kinnard
Posted: August 9, 2018
Pray for the Peace of Chicago by stevekinnard War on the Sidewalks of Chicago. This morning I opened my paper edition of The New York Times for Tuesday, August 7, 2018 and saw a… Read More
iFaith video sermon list
Posted: August 7, 2018
MASTER DOCUMENT: iFaith Bible Project 0622 In this series we will proceed more or less chronologically through the New Testament and the Old Testament. There are 119 video messages, being recorded… Read More
Unashamed of the Bible, by John Piper
Posted: August 4, 2018
No matter which way my mind turns these days, I cannot escape the absolutely unique and essential role that the Bible plays in God’s purpose for the universe, and for… Read More
Evangelical Black Exodus, by Danny Anderson
Posted: August 4, 2018
Listen to this podcast by clicking on link, and choosing Review 81. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sectarian-review/id1031613670?mt=2
Are We at War with Muslims?, by Alan Schlemon
Posted: July 31, 2018
When the topic of violent jihad comes up, the first thing I hear most Muslims say is that they don’t practice violence, nor do most Muslims they know. Islam is… Read More
40 Years of Broken Chains
Posted: July 31, 2018
By Jim McCartney – Boston, MA, USA / 16 Jul, 2018 40 years ago today, I made a decision that dramatically changed the trajectory of my life. An only child of… Read More
Live Webinar with Bill Hull: The Disciple Making Pastor
Posted: July 31, 2018
Bill Hull’s book, The Disciple Making Pastor, has sold over 150,000 copies. That is a really big seller in the Christian leadership space…I think I know why. The disciple-making pastor cuts through… Read More
How to Sabotage a Bible Study, by Greg Morse
Posted: July 30, 2018
The tragic irony in many group Bible studies is that God’s word sits open on our laps while we discuss our own thoughts and… Continue reading this article here.
Accountability in the Pulpit
Posted: July 27, 2018
The following is a free adaptation of Eric Scalise’s excellent article, “Accountability in the Pulpit: Where are the Truth-Tellers?”, in Christian Counseling Connection, vol 19, issue 4, p.14. (This is… Read More
How Does a Network Differ from a Denomination? (Pt 1 of 2)
Posted: July 25, 2018
Hello Renew Newsletter Subscribers, We hope and pray that Renew.org will become the hub for a network of millions of disciples of Jesus. When we say network, we do not mean a… Read More
Grief Myths – Part Two
Posted: July 24, 2018
Don’t Be Fooled Into Believing These Three GRIEF MYTHS – Part Two Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. – Job 42:3… Read More
Want to Share the Gospel Effectively? Always Ask About the Tattoo, by John Teter
Posted: July 20, 2018
The simplest questions can open the door to amazing conversations. I asked Mike about his tattoo partly out of curiosity but primarily from an instinct of self-preservation. He was helping his… Read More
The New Testament – Historically Speaking, by Brian Felushko
Posted: July 17, 2018
Understanding the New Testament Historically Do you ever struggle with any of the content in the New Testament (NT) books? Do you ever wonder how their messages, now 2000 years… Read More
Busting Grief Myths, by Dr. Timothy Sumerlin
Posted: July 16, 2018
Don’t Be Fooled Into Believing These Four GRIEF MYTHS Then Job replied: “How long will you torment me and crush me with words?—Job 19:1-2 Say nothing. Our friends may feel like… Read More
Top 10 Free Disciple Making Resources in 2018
Posted: July 15, 2018
Dear Renew Leaders, I want to give you a sneak peak at a resource that will soon come out by Discipleship.org. Because I have the privilege of leading both organizations,… Read More
Cool quotes from Socrates, Plato, & Aristotle
Posted: July 10, 2018
The beginning of wisdom is a definition of terms. I cannot teach anybody anything. I can only make him think. I am not an Athenian, nor a Greek, but a… Read More
New Research: Churchgoers Stick Around for Theology, Not Music or Preachers
Posted: July 8, 2018
Don’t mess with a church’s beliefs or there may be an exodus, according to a new study from Nashville-based LifeWay Research. Continue reading here.
Q&A 1531 – Must Christians fast thrice weekly? And give 100%?
Posted: July 6, 2018
I strongly believe that we Christians should fast thrice a week, not for to be righteous, since (as you point out) this can’t be quantified, but to subordinate flesh to… Read More
Should Patriotism Have a Place in Church?, by John Piper
Posted: July 4, 2018
[Today] we celebrate July 4th, Independence Day as it’s known for us in the States. And the day itself raises questions about national loyalty for those of us who are… Read More
Eugene Cho: Why I Am Stepping Down as Pastor of Quest Church
Posted: July 1, 2018
“I don’t feel burned out, but I am realizing my limitations.” Interview by Kyle Rohane In 2001 Eugene Cho and his wife, Minhee, founded Quest Church, an urban, multicultural, and multigenerational… Read More
A 3,000-year-old glass head deepens one of the Bible’s oldest mysteries
Posted: June 26, 2018
By Avi Selk June 9, 2018 Buried under a pair of hills at Israel’s northern border, at the nexus of three ancient kingdoms, is one of the last large biblical sites yet… Read More
How to Move from Informational to Relational Discipleship
Posted: June 26, 2018
Maybe you are like most church leaders in North America – you are confused about what is meant by the expression “discipleship”. Is it a class? Is it Bible… Read More
Free eBook: Evangelism or Discipleship: Can They Effectively Work Together?
Posted: June 25, 2018
Which is more important, people often ask, evangelism or discipleship? It is often stated as though discipleship is just about growth after conversion. Sometimes people describe it as an apparent… Read More
Transgender suicide
Posted: June 15, 2018
A friend of mine who is a medical doctor passed along an article on Transgender Suicide Rate. The article is interesting. Equally interesting was his analysis of the article. “Research on… Read More
A Tool to Help Your Church Build a Disciple-Making Culture
Posted: June 12, 2018
We champion leaders, networks, and organizations that help disciples of Jesus make more disciples. Two of the most important aspects of effective disciple making are an intentional strategy and an… Read More
France Erases Christianity from Public View
Posted: June 12, 2018
Used with permission from John Clayton and Does God Exist? (Vol. 45, no. 1, 2018) FRANCE ERASES CHRISTIANITY FROM PUBLIC VIEW If you remember studying the history of France, you… Read More
The Wit and Wisdom of Ancient Jewish Graffiti – Atlas Obscura
Posted: June 10, 2018
Researchers in the field have uncovered related messages ranging from “Lasius is a pervert” to “Good luck in your resurrection.” Read more here.
An Inspirational Video Series for Supporters of SIW
Posted: May 26, 2018
Every Saturday for 6 weeks Strength in Weakness Ministries is releasing a new brief episode. We pray these are a blessing and encouragement. Insights from the Valley Click here for… Read More
Q&A 1528 – Santa Claus and the Faith of Small Children
Posted: May 25, 2018
I often wonder about how it will affect my daughter when she finds out that Santa is not real. She associates Christmas with Santa and with Jesus. When she finds… Read More
Where Does God Want Me to Work?, by David Mathis
Posted: May 23, 2018
David Mathis leads us in finding God’s will through three major factors. Read here.
“I am a Christian … even to death.”
Posted: May 23, 2018
Boko Haram terrorists ordered Habila and his family out of their home in northern Nigeria at gunpoint. Then they told Habila to recite the Islamic creed, leave Christianity behind and… Read More
Refresh: Ready for College (from RZIM)
Posted: May 21, 2018
Are you a high school upperclassman or a college freshman? Then don’t miss out on ReFresh. As students, you know what it’s like to be surrounded by questions. It can be… Read More
A Biblical Primer on Dating
Posted: May 15, 2018
This is from a Singles Devotional done in the Greater Houston Church on May 12, 2018 by Toney Mulhollan. “Here is my two page outline. The second page was a… Read More
“Mother’s Day Reflection,” by Douglas Jacoby
Posted: May 14, 2018
Message given at the North River Church of Christ on Sunday, May 13, 2018 at the 9 & 11am services.
Is It OK for Christians to Have Doubt? by Tim Barnett
Posted: May 8, 2018
Every Christian has had doubts at some point in their Christian life. We’re all finite creatures. We don’t know everything. Sometimes we get things wrong. And this possibility can cause… Read More
New eBook “Fill Your Seats” by Regi Campbell
Posted: May 8, 2018
What would you say about a man who has Andy Stanley in his discipleship group? Well, that is precisely what is happening in Regi Campbell’s Radical Mentoring Group this year…. Read More
Sheep Not Goats Newsletter for April 2018
Posted: April 30, 2018
Attached is the latest newsletter about what’s happening in Nicaragua, including all the Sheep Dreamzzz blankets being made and the breakfasts for the elderly that are held in Malpaisillo every Thursday morning…. Read More
Brother Lawrence
Posted: April 25, 2018
Introduction We may be tempted to conceive of Christian history as a vast wasteland stretching from the post-apostolic period till fairly modern times; yet this is not quite accurate. Even… Read More
Special, New-Release Interview w/Robert Coleman
Posted: April 24, 2018
A Note on Robert “Robert Coleman is the spiritual father of the modern disciple-making movement, and we have some special resources for you to get an up-close and personal view… Read More
Ezekiel comment, by Peter Craigie
Posted: April 19, 2018
“The concluding verses of the book indicate the wholeness and completeness of the prophet’s vision and ministry as a whole. From one perspective, it is a sad book; it begins… Read More
No Sign Will Be Given! Jesus: Playing Down the Miraculous
Posted: April 18, 2018
(Adapted from chapter 21 of The Spirit.) Jesus deliberately played down the miraculous. Then why did he do so many miracles — if they weren’t really necessary? Now, we never… Read More
Marshall Keeble fought racism by melting hearts
Posted: April 17, 2018
By Hamil R. Harris, Christian Chronicle ‘He had intellect, insight and a humble spirit that he used to stand at the front door of the angry lion of racism.’ While Marshall… Read More
Prosperity Gospel, by Patrick Blair
Posted: April 16, 2018
A Section from Chapter 8 – Riches and Righteousness IS THE GOSPEL ALSO A GOSPEL OF PROSPERITY? The prosperity gospel (a.k.a. the health and wealth gospel) “is a religious belief… Read More
Holiness: “Even the tassels are holy,” by Graydon Stephenson
Posted: April 16, 2018
What is ‘holiness’? ‘Holiness’ is the state of being ‘holy’. The noun ‘holiness’ appears infrequently in the scriptures, but the adjective ‘holy’ appears often. Certain concepts are paired with ‘holiness’. A… Read More
The Gospel of Prosperity, by Patrick Blair
Posted: April 16, 2018
The file is a chapter from an upcoming book by Patrick Blair. Prosperity-Gospel-Blair
“The Kingdom Unleashed” eBook on Prayer and Disciple-Making Movement
Posted: April 4, 2018
There are no true disciple-making movements in North America right now. That statement may come as a surprise, but it is the conclusion of most (if not all) missions experts…. Read More
The Staurogram
Posted: March 27, 2018
The earliest images of Jesus on the cross How and when did Christians start to depict images of Jesus on the cross? Some believe the early church avoided images of… Read More
Jesus and the Cross
Posted: March 27, 2018
How the cross became Christianity’s most popular symbol Throughout the world, images of the cross adorn the walls and steeples of churches. For some Christians, the cross is part of their daily… Read More
Did Seinfeld and Letterman ruin us?
Posted: March 24, 2018
Article by Tony Reinke, Senior writer, desiringGod.org My generation was raised on The Simpsons. The popular cartoon is postmodern TV at its finest: liberated from prolonged storylines, a series of jests… Read More
A Quiet Exodus: Why Black Worshipers Are Leaving White Evangelical Churches
Posted: March 10, 2018
By Campbell Robertson March 9, 2018 FORT WORTH — Charmaine Pruitt wrote the names of 12 churches on a sheet of paper, tore the paper into 12 strips, and dropped them… Read More
“I Am an Arab and I Am a Christian: An Autobiography”
Posted: March 6, 2018
Former Muslim shows Islam from the inside. by David Duncan Many well-written books on Islam have appeared in the years since 9/11. So have many not-so-great books, written from a… Read More
Q&A 1522 – Spontaneous Quantum Creation?
Posted: March 2, 2018
I’ve been reading an article by Stephen Hawking on his theory of the “Spontaneous Quantum Creation of the Universe,” as promoted in this article. I would love to hear your… Read More
Strength in Weakness is going Español!
Posted: March 1, 2018
Strength in Weakness Ministries is going Español! Lo que Todos los Cristianos Necesitan Saber Acerca de la Homosexualidad La Homosexualidad: ¿hay un tema más controvertido en nuestro mundo de hoy? ¿Alguna vez te… Read More
Mennonite woman jailed for refusing to testify in death-penalty case
Posted: March 1, 2018
“I feel like I’m having to choose between you and God.” Read this article in the Washington Post here.
An Update on Cathy Hammond’s health
Posted: February 21, 2018
Dear friend of the Hammonds and the Strength in Weakness ministry, Many have asked about my wife’s health, thank you. Cathy remains seriously ill. In spite of the… Read More
The Future Computed
Posted: February 13, 2018
Artificial Intelligence and its role in society, by Brad Smith and Harry Shum. Read the article here.
A Spiritual Look at Student Debt & Giving
Posted: February 10, 2018
“Let me start off by saying that I’ve gotten incredibly lucky and have no student debt at all.” -Said No One Ever Just kidding. Many have been blessed tremendously to have… Read More
Made to look beautiful. Sent out to die.
Posted: February 9, 2018
Falmata was just 13 when she was snatched from the side of the road. Months later, she was sent on a mission. Her captors told her that if she killed… Read More
“No Silver Bullets: Five Small Shifts that will Transform Your Ministry.”
Posted: February 7, 2018
Free Webinar Event – Feb 8, 2018 I wanted to make sure you knew about a free webinar we’re hosting tomorrow called “No Silver Bullets: Five Small Shifts that will… Read More
How I pray…even when it’s hard
Posted: February 6, 2018
Author: Greg Koukl (Stands to Reason) Prayer is hard. For me, consistent prayer has always been a battle, a fight. One of the most difficult things for fallen people to do… Read More
After two years in captivity, minister released – The Christian Chronicle
Posted: February 6, 2018
Igor Kozlovsky endured 700 days of anguish, torture, sickness and inhumane living conditions at the hands of his captors, the pro-Russian separatists who seized control of his homeland in eastern… Read More
How long are the days of Genesis 1
Posted: February 3, 2018
By BioLogos Did the author of Genesis 1 intend to communicate that God created everything in six 24-hour days, or are the days meant to be understood in some other… Read More
Who Watches Porn? 3 Key Predictors of Porn Use
Posted: January 31, 2018
Thursday, January 25, 2018 | Written by Jay Stringer What if I told you that your use of pornography could reveal your way to healing? As a licensed mental health counselor and… Read More
Nothing Derails A Small Group Discussion Quicker Than This..
Posted: January 31, 2018
Have you ever had that moment in a small group? You know, the moment where you can tell breakthrough is coming soon, everyone is focused and engaged and……..READ MORE
Hard Teachings and Disciple Making
Posted: January 31, 2018
We live in a time of great change in some core moral beliefs in North America. For example, Barna research has documented that over 40 percent of self-described practicing Christians… Read More
4 Major Reasons Churches Fail to Reach People
Posted: January 27, 2018
It’s no secret that I’m passionate about churches reaching their communities. After all, evangelism and outreach is at the heart of the gospel. So when I hear from pastors who… Read More
Bolivia Makes Evangelism a Crime – Christianity Today
Posted: January 25, 2018
Evangelicals ‘deeply worried’ about socialist government’s changes to penal code. Read article here.
Ten Bible Verses Prosperity Gospel Preachers Need to Stop Misusing
Posted: January 24, 2018
Can you believe your way to health and wealth? Prosperity teachers say yes — and they misuse these Bible verses to convince millions of people that they’re right. Read article… Read More
Is the end nigh for Palestinian Christians?
Posted: January 22, 2018
Bethlehem (CNN) A church service begins in Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity. Worshipers descend the stone stairs, worn smooth by millions of pilgrims over the centuries, down into the Grotto –… Read More
Mysterious Dead Sea Scroll deciphered in Israel
Posted: January 22, 2018
One of the last remaining obscure parts of the Dead Sea Scrolls has been deciphered by researchers in Israel. Read all about it here.
Is Religious Belief Just a Brain Function?
Posted: January 8, 2018
Religion, we are told, has a scientific explanation; so we have no need of the God hypothesis. But is that so? This article reviews the alleged evidence and then responds… Read More
Atheism & the Burden of Proof, by Paul Copan
Posted: January 6, 2018
Atheism and the Burden of Proof In conversations with atheists, they may challenge us: “You’re claiming that God exists. Therefore, the burden of proof rests on you, not me. So… Read More
Watch These 10 Disciple Making Trends in 2018
Posted: January 3, 2018
A national disciple making movement in North America is starting to take off. Groups and networks are forming everywhere. Over 1400 pastors and leaders from around the country joined 17… Read More
Commencement Address to John Robert’s son’s ninth grade class
Posted: January 3, 2018
‘I wish you bad luck,” said the chief justice of the United States. He meant for those words, delivered last spring, to express encouragement and optimism. The year now ending… Read More
New Year’s Resolutions for Disciple Makers
Posted: January 1, 2018
Like most people, I make New Year’s resolutions, but I have a unique focus with some of my goals. I want to want what God wants, and God wants more… Read More
A Closer Look at Christmas – Glenn Sunshine
Posted: December 25, 2017
The Story behind the Manger, Shepherds, and Swaddling Clothes At this time of year, every year, we hear the Christmas story again. The familiar elements—the full inn, the stable, the… Read More
The Bible Project: An Interview with Jim Mackie
Posted: December 21, 2017
In this interview with Tim Mackie, co-founder of The Bible Project, we discuss the origins of The Bible Project and how two friends threw some videos up on Youtube that have now become a… Read More
“The Master Plan” – Robert Coleman
Posted: December 21, 2017
Robert Coleman wrote The Master Plan of Evangelism decades ago, and it has sold millions of copies. Now, you can experience his core teaching through never-before-seen video teaching sessions of Robert Coleman…. Read More
Learn How (Not) to Doubt – The Gospel Coalition (TGC)
Posted: December 21, 2017
When we experience doubts, we’re in holy company. A lot of people today—including Christians—don’t know how to doubt properly. Continue reading here.
Story of the (New) Tyndale House Greek NT
Posted: December 19, 2017
Hear the story of the Tyndale House Greek New Testament from the academics who produced it.
Sinless Mary: Dialogue w Old Testament Professor
Posted: December 15, 2017
Jonathan Huddleston (see Facebook / resume) is an ordained Church of Christ minister, and has been assistant professor of Old Testament at Abilene Christian University. He obtained his doctorate in Hebrew Bible / Old… Read More
We Can’t Be Like Jesus If We’re Not Making Disciples
Posted: December 15, 2017
I’m writing to share a recent blog post—an excerpt fromBecoming a Disciple Maker, a free eBook Greg Wiens and I wrote. The article’s called “We Can’t Be Like Jesus If… Read More
Historic Core of Christmas Lore: A sermon on Nicholas (“St. Nick”), by Douglas Jacoby
Posted: December 14, 2017
Sermon given to the Northview Church of Christ on Sunday, December 10, 2017. To listen now, click on arrow to play. To download and listen later, right click Nicolas and then click… Read More
Finley on Richard Rohr’s Emerging Church, A New Reformation
Posted: December 13, 2017
Monday, November 27, 2017 I believe that what some refer to as the “emerging church” is a movement of the Holy Spirit. Movements are the energy-building stages of things, before… Read More
Summary of article by Claudia Wallis, “Marijuana and the Teen Brain: How much should we worry?”
Posted: December 10, 2017
Summary of the article by Claudia Wallis, “Marijuana and the Teen Brain: How much should we worry?” (Scientific American, Nov 2017, in The Science of Health). Adults have been warning their… Read More
A Guide for 33 Different Bible Versions
Posted: December 8, 2017
December 8, 2017 The Holy Bible: A Buyer’s Guide This free eBook guides you through 33 different Bible versions Walk through the religion section of any major bookstore, and you’ll… Read More
Work Hard, Pray Hard
Posted: November 30, 2017
Students should take Bible study as seriously as school and sports practice. Article from Christianity Today: Work Hard Pray Hard
Triple Evolution
Posted: November 26, 2017
To play the podcast Triple Evolution (21 minutes), click on the play arrow. To download and listen later, right click here and then on ‘save target as’ or ‘save link as’. What… Read More
Museum of the Bible – now open in Washington, DC
Posted: November 24, 2017
Museum of the Bible | MOTB Museum of the Bible is an innovative, global, educational institution whose purpose is to invite all people to engage with the history, narrative and… Read More
Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage, by Jerry Jones (review by Bob Young)
Posted: November 24, 2017
Jones discusses divorce and remarriage with objectivity By Bob Young In Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage: Seen Through the Character of God and the Mind of Jesus, Jerry Jones — a longtime… Read More
Crossing the Line (the ministry of Michael Burns)
Posted: November 21, 2017
Crossing the Line Workshop Overview: Crossing the Line workshops seek to begin or continue the conversation at the local level, on the topics of race, ethnicity, and culture within the body… Read More
My 5 Personal Reflections on the Forum (Bobby Harrington)
Posted: November 17, 2017
Here are my top five personal reflections from the Forum. 1. Pastors and Leaders are Hungry to Learn about Making Disciples Last year we were told that if we had… Read More
Why Have Americans Stopped Reading the Bible?
Posted: November 12, 2017
No verse is in a vacuum, and it is important to always read a passage as part of the larger story. Why Have Americans Stopped Reading the Bible? By KATHLEEN COOKE | October… Read More
Fishers of men, farmers of nuts
Posted: November 11, 2017
At 50, African Christian College strives for self-sustainability — in its students and its campus. Continue reading here. Note: Douglas has taught at the African Christian College (first-, second-, and… Read More
Paul and the Gift: Six Perfections of Grace
Posted: November 10, 2017
Grace is both an incredibly important and an incredibly difficult concept, explains John Barclay in Paul and the Gift. When boiled down to its purest form, or “perfected,” as Kenneth Burke… Read More
Great discipleship resources (Bobby Harrington)
Posted: November 8, 2017
If you’re like me, you’re always looking for great discipleship resources. That’s why I wanted to share with you the website URLs for seventeen of the top disciple making organizations… Read More
Children of Priests
Posted: November 4, 2017
The Boston Globe Spotlight team did a series on it that is getting a lot of attention. Seems it may be a scandal even bigger that the clergy abuse issue…. Read More
TEAMwork, by Steve Kinnard
Posted: November 2, 2017
OCTOBER 30, 2017 / STEVEKINNARD TEAMwork A Bible Talk for Athletes (and everyone else) Opening question: Name someone who has been a great teammate to you. Explain why. I think of a… Read More
Towers in the Bible
Posted: November 1, 2017
If you’re like me, you are intrigued by tall towers and buildings. Whenever I visit a new city, I want to ascend to the highest point and look out. My… Read More
Nepal Criminalizes Christian Conversion and Evangelism
Posted: October 27, 2017
Last week, Nepal enacted a law to curb evangelism by criminalizing religious conversion, joining neighboring countries like India and Pakistan, where the region’s small-but-growing Christian minority faces government threats to… Read More
Science or Faith: A False Choice
Posted: October 25, 2017
In your school days, maybe you loved science class, or perhaps you dreaded it (I hope not). I’ve been a science lover since childhood — these were the early years… Read More
The Impact of Idolatry
Posted: October 24, 2017
Class taught by Douglas during the continuing midweek series called ‘Sharpening the Sword’ at the North River Church of Christ on Wednesday, October 18, 2017. Watch the video here.
Some Early Christian Symbols (from Orthodox website)
Posted: October 24, 2017
In the ancient world, written symbols were viewed with a sense of mystical fascination. Pagans and Christians alike had a coded language of symbolism to express the mystical and mysterious… Read More
Right or Righteous?, by Fred Faller
Posted: October 13, 2017
What do you think of when you hear the word “righteousness”? About a year ago I was challenged about my understanding of the nature of righteousness in the Bible and… Read More
The Tower of Babel
Posted: October 11, 2017
The following material appeared in the weekly newsletter from 27 September to 11 October 2017. This series was adapted from The God Who Dared (1997), the next version of which was titled Genesis,… Read More
Q&A 1508 – Noah’s Flood Global?
Posted: October 7, 2017
Was Noah’s Flood really global? Is there evidence for this? Please help me think this through. I am happy to help. Let me say, first off, that whatever one’s conclusion… Read More