Spiritual Life

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

Scripture: Ps 37:4 Matt 26:41 Heb 12:1; 6:12; 11:1-40 John 12:25 Application (10 areas): * Learn from those who have gone before us (in church history, the O.T., and even… Read More

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

Scripture: Jas 1:22-25; Ezek 20:19; Eph 5:17; Gren 32:10; 1 Cor 4:7; Rom 2:11; Jas 2:5; Ps 45:16; 1 Pet 2:1; Acts 5:41; Luke 14:10; Matt 16:24-25; Phil 2:21; Ezra… Read More

Scriptures: 1 John 5:2-3; Prov 12:15; Rom 14:17 Insights for Life: * “It is far safer to live under authority than to be in a place of authority.” * “It… Read More

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

Scriptures: Rom 8:17-18; Heb 12:4; 2 Tim 2:5; Luke 18:27; John 15:9-10; Ps 18:42; Jas 2:20; 1 Sam 16:21; Ezek 20:17; Gen 2:7   Application questions: 1. Do I react differently… Read More

Scripture: Phil 4:11-13; Ps 30:6-8,10-11; Job 7:18; Rev 2:7. Practical application: (1) Don’t allow ourselves to lose faith or perspective just because we are going through hard times. (2) Don’t… Read More

Scriptures: Phil 3:7-9; Ps 73; Ps 25:17; 2 Cor 6:2; Heb 10:36; 2 Cor 5:4; 1 Thess 5:3; Prov 30:7-9; Col 3:1-4; Ps 32:5; 40:2; 69:14; 1 John 2:15: Job… Read More

Scriptures: Matt 7:3; 16:26: Jer 34:24; Ps 119:137; 19:9; Rom 11:33; 1 Cor 14:33; Ps 21:3; Rom 8:29; Jn 15:16,19; Gal 1:15; Matt 18:10; Rev 4:10; Matt 18:1; 1 Jn… Read More

Scriptures: Rom 1:21; (Sir 19:14; 14:1; 34:9); (Tob 4:18); Ps 60:11; 37:39; (Wis 1:1); John 14:6; Rom 3:4; Matt 10:17,36; 24:23); James 3:1; Phil 3:4-8. Application: Types of information of… Read More

Scripture: John 16:13-14; Ps 94:19; John 12:48; Mic 6:8; Gen 17:1; (Wis 1:1); John 8:32; Ps 25:5; 1 John 3:22; (Tob 3:5); Ps 119:20; (2 Macc 7:38); (Sir 11:4); Isa… Read More

Scripture: Ecc 2:11; 1 John 2:17; Ps 51:12; Eph 3:16; Eph 4:14. (Also Wis 9:4) Key phrases: * “In captivity”: True freedom is found in Christ, not the world. *… Read More

Scriptures: * 2 Cor 4:18 * Romans 12:3,16 * James 4:6 * John 15:4 * 1 Cor 4:7 * Matt 11:7 * Isa 40:6. Practicals: Be willing to take on… Read More

How close do I feel to God? We are called to love him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. This is the first and greatest commandment. The church… Read More

To have a sensitive heart receptive to divine love, we must keep our consciences clear as we live for God (1 Tim 1:5,19). Scripture: Eph 3:17-18; 2 Cor 1:3; Ps… Read More

“The simplicity of the book’s language and the direct appeal to the religious sensitivity of the individual in an uncomplicated way are perhaps the primary reasons why this little book… Read More

The world of the 1420s is radically different from our modern world! Europe is still recovering from the Black Death (1347-1349), which took the lives of easily a third of… Read More

The structure of James Watkins’ arrangement (encompassing 90 of the 114 chapters in The Imitation of Christ) is: I. Imitating Christ (Introduction) — 5 chapters II. Imitating Christ’s Character –… Read More

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

Book I, Chapter I Imitating Christ and Despising All Vanities on Earth . 1. HE WHO follows Me, walks not in darkness,” says the Lord (John 8:12). By these words… Read More

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

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

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

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: 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

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

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

#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

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

Wycliffe translators utilize cartoon animation to produce films in remote parts of the world—to communicate the gospel. http://www.indigitube.tv/

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

Watch this Renew.org video by clicking here.

  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

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

Watch by clicking on this link: Renew video 1  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Christian Ray Flores tells the story of Max Agapitov – weightlifting world champion. Watch video here.

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

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

Greg shares how to make Bible reading more than a chore. Click on this link to see podcast & notes.

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

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

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

Listen to this podcast by clicking on link, and choosing Review 81. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sectarian-review/id1031613670?mt=2

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

“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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Many of us as Christians have heard of the concept, and even some of the benefits of memorizing Scripture, and yet very few of us actually do it.  Why is that?  Many… Read More

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

The file is a chapter from an upcoming book by Patrick Blair. Prosperity-Gospel-Blair

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

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

“I feel like I’m having to choose between you and God.” Read this article in the Washington Post here.

“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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

 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

Students should take Bible study as seriously as school and sports practice. Article from Christianity Today: Work Hard Pray Hard

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

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

This is a 5-hour workshop on Discipleship in the Ministry of Jesus. Although it was recorded in the 1980s, it is still good. Excellent, in fact. The link will take… Read More

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Sermon by Douglas Jacoby on 10.1.17 at the North River Church of Christ, Marietta, GA

I thought you’d find this interesting. Jerry is someone who has thought — and studied — long and hard about many things. He’s a terrific Bible student — always learning,… Read More

This is Douglas’ second message from the series ‘Sharpening the Sword’ at the midweek service of the North River Church of Christ on 9/20/17. (Note from the AV team: the… Read More

Dave Lomas speaks on the sexual brokenness found in the Old Testament, which points to our own desperate need for God’s renewing grace in Genesis 38. Watch the video here.

I’m pleased to announce the release of a new FREE eBook from the Discipleship.org eBook series:Beyond Accountability by Nate Larkin. DOWNLOAD FREE NOW Beyond Accountability tells an important story about pornography and… Read More

Lesson given on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at the North River Church of Christ, to bring Christians to maturity through examining the nature and implications of the gospel. Video is… Read More

Jon Bloom, in this fascinating article (posted at Desiring God), gives reasons that we don’t “follow” our hearts — which is backwards. We are supposed to lead our hearts. Intrigued? Click here for the article.

Jordan Peterson is a historical philosopher who speaks broadly on, among other things, postmodernism. He outlines how this philosophy has affected political policy and thinking in the Western world. Here are 3… Read More

By Francis Collins, Medical Researcher, on bigthink.com. Some scientists see religion as a threat to the scientific method that should be resisted. But faith “is really asking a different set… Read More

Watch the first and third classes Douglas offered at the North River Church of Christ in his new series The Evidence on March 2 and May 4. (Sorry, the second… Read More

In April, at the Unboxed Conference in Orlando, Florida, Guy Hammond, Executive Director of Strength in Weakness (SIW), spoke on the topic of “Crossing Denominational Lines” and our SIW volunteer,… Read More

You don’t want to be the LAST person to watch the 2017 Videos… Grab a cup of coffee, sit down, buckle up and enjoy! Click here for this year’s presentations.

An advocate and champion for movements of gospel-centered Missional Communities, Verge Network exists for church leaders, students, entrepreneurs, artists, urban innovators, business leaders, community development specialists, non-profit leaders, church planters… Read More

It was such a kick to the stomach. A nauseating, heart-pounding kick. I remember staring, confused, at the computer screen. What exactly was he looking at, anyway? Is that what… Read More

59 Percent of Millennials Raised in a Church Have Dropped Out—And They’re Trying to Tell Us Why Only 4 percent of the Millennial Generation are Bible-Based Believers. This means that… Read More

To listen to CLEAN podcast 31, Concluding Challenges (17 minutes), click on arrow. To download and listen later, right click here and choose ‘save target as’ or ‘save link as’. Introduction Last time we… Read More

To listen to CLEAN podcast 30, Purity & Transformation in Christian Theology (12 minutes), click on arrow. To download and listen later, right click here and choose ‘save target as’ or ‘save link as’…. Read More

To listen to CLEAN podcast 29, Jesus’ Resurrection (7 minutes), click on arrow. To download and listen later, right click here and choose ‘save target as’ or ‘save link as’. Scriptural study: Luke 24:1-6; 1… Read More

To listen to CLEAN podcast 23, The OT Saints of Matthew 27 (9 minutes), click on arrow. To download and listen later, right click here and choose ‘save target as’ or ‘save link as’. Introduction… Read More

To listen to CLEAN podcast 22, The Man Reanimated by Elisha’s Bones (6 minutes), click on arrow. To download and listen later, right click here and choose ‘save target as’ or ‘save link as’. Introduction The… Read More

To listen to CLEAN podcast 19, The House Swept Clean (7 minutes), click on arrow. To download and listen later, right click here and choose ‘save target as’ or ‘save link as’. Context (A) Luke… Read More

Here’s a guest podcast, The Leper, by Kevin Agot, who lives in the Washington DC area. I hope you enjoy it! To start the podcast (6 minutes), click on the… Read More

To listen to CLEAN podcast 12a, The Leper of Mark 1 (11 minutes), click on arrow. To download and listen later, right click here and choose ‘save target as’ or ‘save link as’…. Read More

To hear podcast 11, The 10 Lepers (10 minutes), click on the play arrow. Or, to download, right click here, and choose ‘save target as’ or ‘save link as’. Introduction… Read More

For CLEAN podcast 5, on Walking in the Light, click the play arrow. The podcast (14 minutes) can also be downloaded. To listen later, download by right clicking here, and ‘save target… Read More

For CLEAN podcast 4, on Purity in James, Peter, & John, click on the play arrow. The podcast (14 minutes) can also be downloaded. To download, right click here and… Read More

For CLEAN podcast 3, on Purity in Paul, click on the play arrow. The podcast (12 minutes) can also be downloaded. To download and listen later, right click here and choose… Read More

This is the second of 31 podcasts in the CLEAN series, Purity in Proverbs. To listen now, click on the arrow (8 minutes). To download and listen later, right click here and… Read More

The first of 31 podcasts, Purity in Psalms, launches the CLEAN series. The first section of our series (5 podcasts) focuses on Purity & Cleansing (in both testaments). To listen… Read More

This podcast (7 minutes) explains the purpose of the CLEAN series. To listen now, click on arrow. To download and listen later, right click here and ‘save target as’ or… Read More

https://jointhebibleproject.com/about/ This is an animated audiovisual Bible. One episode typically summarizes a book of the Bible—in part or in whole—in 6-8 minutes. It’s very well done.

 Issue 69 • June 2016 Are There Health Benefits to Masturbation? [Video] Matt Fradd • Since the days of psychologists like Sigmund Freud and Alfred Kinsey, people picture the sexual impulse as… Read More

Sermon done on Nehemiah 8, at North River Church of Christ, on February 14, 2016.

Are we changing the Bible to fit our culture or are we changing our culture to fit the Bible? http://www.faithit.com/9-sins-the-church-is-okay-with/

For CLEAN podcast 5, on Purity \, click on the play arrow. The podcast (12 minutes) can also be downloaded. Download here. for Challenge Thought q [Tomorrow: Purity in the… Read More

Here is an assortment of comments on the Paradigm Series, sent in from all over the world (Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Australia). We have edited some of them… Read More

“Revolution in World Missions: One Man’s Journey to Change a Generation” by K. P. Yohanan “Lord, I’ll give myself to speak for You.” Young Yohannan had no idea what those… Read More

To listen to the podcast, “Why Christian Leaders Need to be Exceptionally Good Bible Students” (30 minutes), click on the link below. Click here to download. Scriptures referred to: James… Read More

http://www.pewforum.org/2015/05/12/americas-changing-religious-landscape/

In this seventh and final podcast in the series on the Spirit, we consider further areas in which the Spirit works. In particular, we consider what it means to the… Read More

To hear the sixth podcast (11 minutes), click on the link below. Scriptures mentioned include John 14 (the go-to chapter on the indwelling); Acts 13:1-4; Romans 8:14, Galatians 5:18; Psalm… Read More

2 Timothy 1:7; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; Acts 10:24; and other passages were referred to in the fifth podcast. To hear this podcast (15 minutes), click below. Click here to download.

Click below to listen to Holy Spirit lesson 4 (11 minutes). Scriptures referred to in this podcast include 1 Corinthians 14:23; John 16:23; Luke 1:15, John 10:41; and 1 Corinthians… Read More

Our third podcast (17 minutes) covers a number of scriptures, like Acts 19 (Sons of Sceva), 2 Thessalonians 2:9ff (the powerful delusion), Matthew 6 (“many words,” a possible reference to… Read More

In lesson 2, we examine scriptures in Colossians 2, Deuteronomy 13, and 1 Samuel 19. 1 Kings 13 contains another superb illustration of the danger of elevating anything above the… Read More

Listen to the introductory podcast in a series on the Spirit (17 minutes), in which I begin to share about my experience in the Charismatic Movement, and broach the subject… Read More

“I wanted to ask your opinion about an article I wrote on the ‘age of accountability.’ At age 12, Jesus is referred to as a ‘boy/child,’ and the (little) girl… Read More

The purpose of this podcast is to foster a Christian leadership culture. This is an important study for anyone in leadership, or considering it. Please listen to this podcast (18… Read More

With the increase of iPhone holders, Facebook users, video-game players, Instagram posters, Snapchat senders, Spotify listeners, text-message writers, and hashtag creators, the word “friendship” has dwindled in the last 30… Read More

It Doesn’t Look Like Church to Me, Dr. Kent Smith Published on Oct 8, 2014 Dr. Kent Smith, Abilene Christian University’s Missionary Coordinator for North America, speaks at the 2014… Read More

Click for a most illuminating study.

Melanie Cicerchia came to faith in Christ through campus ministry at the University of Florida in 1973. She married Paul Martel, and together they served in the full-time church work… Read More

Sunday sermon done at the North River Church of Christ in Marietta, GA on Sunday, November 23, 2014. Click to watch: Holidays or Holy Days?

http://theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php/lessons-from-dunning-kruger/#more-7303 Not sure how I found this and I’m not really a reader of psychology blogs, but I found this to be very interesting.  I’m not sending to you because… Read More

The previous lesson in this series (all recorded at the 2013 Florida Discipleship Conference) is on Judgment & Grace, and comes from Lamentations. Click here for lesson 1. Douglas speaks… Read More

In the previous lesson we examined 10 examples of biblical practices that may have cultural aspects. In other words, before we analyze form and function, the extent to which we… Read More

In the previous lesson we explored accommodation and discernment. Some aspects of the ambient culture are fine for believers to follow, while others are not. Yet an even greater sensitivity to… Read More

To listen to the first lesson in the Bible & Culture series (16 minutes), click below. (Note: for a different lesson on the Bible (Old Testament) and culture, please click… Read More

Your Ex Still Wants You The following podcast, the title of which is inspired by Lipscomb scholar John Mark Hicks’ recent work, examines the evolution of the “supper” from actual… Read More

Israel was called to demonstrate the true God to the world (Exodus 19:4-6; Isaiah 49:6; Malachi 1:11,14; etc). Her religion was radically different to all other ancient religions (such as… Read More

ESCAPE:  Lesson 4 of 4. Douglas Jacoby and Steve Brand have joined forces to teach a series called ESCAPE. Steve Brand is a professional counselor and expert on addictive behaviors. Here’s the provisional plan: The psychology… Read More

ESCAPE:  Lesson 3 of 4. Douglas Jacoby and Steve Brand have joined forces to teach a series called ESCAPE. Steve Brand is a professional counselor and expert on addictive behaviors. Here’s the provisional plan: The psychology… Read More

ESCAPE:  Lesson 2 of 4. Douglas Jacoby and Steve Brand have joined forces to teach a series called ESCAPE. Steve Brand is a professional counselor and expert on addictive behaviors. Here’s the provisional plan: The psychology… Read More

ESCAPE, Lesson 1 of 4: Douglas Jacoby and Steve Brand have joined forces to teach a series called ESCAPE. Steve Brand is a professional counselor and expert on addictive behaviors. The series explores addictive substances and behaviors and… Read More

How should I respond when I am unjustly treated or wronged? When I know I am right or I see the situation as unfair, I plead my case for justice…. Read More

The Pursuit of Holiness by Douglas Jacoby from 11-11-2012 Click here to download. Click here for a pdf of the notes.

  Seven confessions (John’s Gospel) 1:34   John the Baptist 1:49   Nathanael 4:42   Samaritans (4:29) 6:69   Peter 9:38   blind man 11:27 Martha [19:19 Pilate] ~ 11:50… Read More

Acts 13:2 – worshipping and fasting / insight, plans Acts 24:11 – Paul says he went up to worship (Jerusalem) see 26:7, Acts 27:23. 1 Cor 11 – Somberness? What’s… Read More

This lesson was recorded at the 2013 Florida Discipleship Conference, and is based on the book of Lamentations. To get the most out of the Grace & Ungrace series, listen… Read More

3rd century – church buildings (converted houses) 4th century Influx of O.T. culture (priesthood, church/state, and more) Influx of paganism (holidays, images…) Basilicas Role of Imperial support 5th century Relics Cult… Read More

Justin Martyr, First Apology 65-67 But we, after we have thus washed him who has been convinced and has assented to our teaching, bring him to the place where those… Read More

Pliny, Letter to Trajan, 10.96-97, c.110 AD It is my practice, my lord, to refer to you all matters concerning which I am in doubt. For who can better give… Read More

  1 Sam 15:25 — the appearance of worship (Saul) 2 Kings 10:19 — pretending to worship Ba’al (John 19:3) Isaiah 29:13 — hearts far from God Isaiah 44:15— the… Read More

  Position and Disposition Kneeling Sitting Lying Standing Raising hands (Christian art) Heart Expressiveness – 2 Sam 6; Luke 7, 17; feeling: two extremes Humility – 1 Kings 8; Psalm… Read More

7 Aspects of worship under the Old Covenant Pilgrimage: 3 annual visits (males) Animal sacrifices Singing, choirs, instruments Reading of scripture Priesthood Ritual, ornamentation, liturgy Limited access to YHWH 7… Read More

Summary Genesis 28:10-17 – Jacob’s vision of the stairway to heaven (see John 1:51). 1 Chron 16:29-30 – Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering… Read More

Introduction to the series: important questions Worshippers enjoy healthier, more dynamic lives than non-worshippers. Why is that? What (if anything) does the Old Testament have to offer Christians? What disqualifies… Read More

I am reaching out to  a woman who has a gay brother. This man is in a committed relationship and is also a committed church member in a large denomination that… Read More

1. Joe Dallas, The Gay Gospel. Very easy to read. 2. Robert A. J. Gagnon, The Bible and Homosexual Practice. More in-depth. 3. Guy Hammond, Caring Beyond the Margins. Superb. For more:… Read More

Watch a lively debate between yours truly and Rabbi Shmuley. Click here to get your own copy of the DVD.

Christian Anti-intellectual and the Disciple’s Worldview, as understood by Jason Goble This is the third essay on the Disciple’s Worldview. Before your eyes glaze over at the title, ask yourself… Read More

June 2003 The other day a dear friend forwarded an e-mail to me with a negative article about the kingdom attached and someone’s comments on the article. I quickly responded… Read More