Login

Latest Posts

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

Becoming a Pastor Theologian (thought-provoking quotes)

Posted: February 19, 2020

Thought-provoking excerpts from Todd Wilson and Gerald Hiestand, eds. Becoming a Pastor Theologian: New Possibilities for Church Leadership (Downers Grove IL: InterVarsity Academic, 2016), pp. 2, 19, 41-42, 56, 90,… Read More

Delving into the history of black churches

Posted: February 18, 2020

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

“Jesus & Melchizedek”

Posted: February 17, 2020

“Can a Christian be an environmentalist?”

Posted: February 15, 2020

“Caring for Creation” Click here for the newsletter podcast version – with extra ‘bits’ We have seen what I would call “proper weather” this last week. Flights cancelled, trees felled,… Read More

Which Battery Does Your Marriage Run On?

Posted: February 14, 2020

   Which Battery Does Your Marriage Run On? Click Here to Listen Items which run on batteries are irritations waiting to happen. Something stops working. You’ve got to find a… Read More

Are You an American Church? (London, 1986)

Posted: February 10, 2020

The article I wrote back in 1986 about the origins of the Churches of Christ in the U.K. May be of some interest to some readers.  

What is safety?

Posted: February 10, 2020

“How to be safe” Click here for the newsletter podcast version – with extra ‘bits’ It’s easy to become obsessed with safety. And with good reason. The coronavirus seems to… Read More

Paul’s Prison Journey—Malta, Sicily, Italy (29 Oct-8 Nov 2022)

Posted: February 10, 2020

. Participants: 30 (from England, Scotland, Italy, Spain, Canada, and 9 US states) . The apostle Paul was no stranger to prison. As he famously declared, “The Holy Spirit testifies to… Read More

SOM 40—Wow!

Posted: February 9, 2020

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

The Best Non-Leadership Leadership Story

Posted: February 8, 2020

  The Best Non-Leadership Leadership Story Matthew Dicks is a teacher, author, and award-winning storyteller. In this wonderfully funny TEDx Talk, titled “Speak Less-Expect More,” Matthew shares incredible insights on… Read More

SOM 39—Sand

Posted: February 8, 2020

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

SOM 38—Lord, Lord

Posted: February 7, 2020

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

SOM 37—Prophets?

Posted: February 6, 2020

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

Discipling Busy People Online (and More)

Posted: February 5, 2020

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

SOM 36—Narrow

Posted: February 5, 2020

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

SOM 35—Gold

Posted: February 4, 2020

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

SOM 34—Ask

Posted: February 3, 2020

7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the… Read More

SOM 33—Swine

Posted: February 2, 2020

“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you” (Matthew 7:6).   This text connects with… Read More

SOM 32—Judge

Posted: February 1, 2020

1 “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to… Read More

Bad Plot Summaries

Posted: January 31, 2020

   Click Here to Listen Have you read any of the “bad plot summaries” that are going around the internet? For example, here’s a bad plot summary of the Lord of… Read More

SOM 31—Kingdom

Posted: January 31, 2020

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will… Read More

SOM 30—Anxious

Posted: January 30, 2020

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on…. Read More

SOM 29—Mammon

Posted: January 29, 2020

“No man can serve two masters. For either he will hate the one and love the other. Or else he will hold fast to the one and despise the other…. Read More

SOM 28—Darkness

Posted: January 28, 2020

The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is single, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is evil, your whole body… Read More

SOM 27—Treasure

Posted: January 27, 2020

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where… Read More

SOM 26—Fast

Posted: January 26, 2020

Moreover, when you fast, do not put on a sad face like the hypocrites. For they disfigure their faces so that they may appear to men to fast. Truly I… Read More

SOM 25—Forgive

Posted: January 25, 2020

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew… Read More

SOM 24—THE Prayer

Posted: January 24, 2020

  “Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven,    hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come,     your will be done,       on earth as it is… Read More

SOM 23—Prayer

Posted: January 23, 2020

5 “And when you pray, do not be as the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, so they may… Read More

SOM 22—Alms

Posted: January 22, 2020

“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly,… Read More

SOM 21—Show-off!

Posted: January 21, 2020

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew… Read More

SOM 20–Perfection

Posted: January 20, 2020

“You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48).     On the previous topic, “Enemies:” Jesus, Paul, and the early church spoke clearly and definitively about the… Read More

SOM 19—Enemies

Posted: January 19, 2020

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may… Read More

SOM 18—Retaliation

Posted: January 18, 2020

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps… 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

SOM 17—Oaths

Posted: January 17, 2020

33 “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’ 34 But I say to you, Do not take… Read More

SOM 16—Divorce

Posted: January 16, 2020

“It was said, ‘Whoever sends his wife away, let him give her a certificate of divorce’; but I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except for the… 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

SOM 15—Lust

Posted: January 15, 2020

27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in… Read More

SOM 14—Anger

Posted: January 14, 2020

You have heard that it was said by those of old, you will not kill; and whoever kills will be in danger of the judgment. But I say to you… 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

SOM 13—Pharisees

Posted: January 13, 2020

“For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20).   Jesus’ words would probably have… Read More

List of Audio Lessons

Posted: January 12, 2020

Non-members can listen to several of the audio lessons (the Jesus N.T. Character Podcast, A Christian Response to Global Financial Crisis; Serving the Poor: Second Thoughts; Avatar; The Hunger Games, etc.), but… Read More

SOM 12—Fulfillment

Posted: January 12, 2020

17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly, I say to… Read More

SOM 11—Light

Posted: January 11, 2020

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do men light a lamp and put it under a basket, but… 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

SOM 10—Salt

Posted: January 10, 2020

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt becomes foolish, how will it be salted? It is thereafter good for nothing but to be thrown out and… Read More

SOM 09—Persecuted

Posted: January 9, 2020

     “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.       Blessed are you when men speak abusively of you,… Read More

SOM 08—Peacemaking

Posted: January 8, 2020

“Blessed are the peacemakers,    for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9).  “If most of us are honest with ourselves, we know that there are many… Read More

Q&A 1568—Salt losing saltiness?

Posted: January 8, 2020

In Matthew 5:13 we read, “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for… Read More

SOM 07—Pure

Posted: January 7, 2020

“Blessed are the pure in heart,      for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8).   (1) PURITY: A constant theme in Jesus’ teaching is that God looks not only at… Read More

Racism: Twisted reasoning

Posted: January 7, 2020

Douglas Jacoby,  Washington DC (1993) (recommended by Russ Ewell, San Francisco) Prejudice is ugly and widespread, knowing no borders. Yet even more detestable is the use of biblical authority to justify… Read More

SOM 06—Merciful

Posted: January 6, 2020

      The 5th beatitude: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7). My friend David Berçot, who has examined all the ancient Christian writings, helps… Read More

SOM 05—Hungry

Posted: January 5, 2020

      “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness / justice, for they will be satisfied.” What does this mean? Consider such passages as: “Man does not… Read More

SOM 04—Meek

Posted: January 4, 2020

      “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5) “Meek” is a word we seldom use. It does not mean “weak.” It derives from the Old Norse mjúkr,… Read More

Netflix’s ‘Messiah’ Says the World Needs a Savior | Christianity Today

Posted: January 3, 2020

On January 1, Netflix released its latest über-bingeable series, Messiah, telling an all-too-believable story about the rise of a contemporary messianic figure known as Al-Masih (played by Mehdi Dehbi). Appearing out… Read More

11 Nigerian Christians Executed in ISIS Christmas Video | News & Reporting | Christianity Today

Posted: January 3, 2020

11 Nigerian Christians Executed in ISIS Christmas Video…… | News & Reporting | Christianity Today In another filmed massacre, 11 Nigerian Christians were executed by the Islamic State West African… Read More

Something You Can Never Be

Posted: January 3, 2020

Something You Can Never Be CLICK HERE TO LISTEN   Have you ever been told an expression by somebody older than you which makes absolutely no sense to your generation?… Read More

SOM 03—Mourning

Posted: January 3, 2020

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4). In the background there are well over 100 scriptural passages on mourning, like this one, where Jesus identifies himself… 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

SOM 02—Poor

Posted: January 2, 2020

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). There are at least 20 beatitudes uttered by Jesus in the N.T. (8 in Matthew,… Read More

Invitation for Newsletter Signup

Posted: January 1, 2020

SOM 01—The Mountain

Posted: January 1, 2020

Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. (Matt 5:1-2 ESV) Mountains in the Bible are associated with Moses (Exod 19-20),… Read More

OT62-The Prophetess Huldah

Posted: January 1, 2020

Hebrew & Greek words: chuldah = mole. See the Huldah Gates (entrance into Temple precinct). nevi’ah = prophetess (Greek prophêtis) navi’ = prophet (Greek prophétēs) Prophetesses of the Bible: Old Testament… Read More

The Most Important Habit for 2020

Posted: December 31, 2019

I like New Year’s resolutions. About 60% of Americans will join with me and make them over the next few days as we head into 2020. Here is the most… Read More

SOM 00—Introduction—It Still Haunts Us

Posted: December 27, 2019

The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is the section of the New Testament widely agreed to contain the very heart of Jesus’ kingdom message. The teachings were and still are… Read More

The Overlooked Nativity Character

Posted: December 25, 2019

The Overlooked Nativity Character by Rob Kranz An old girlfriend once told me that the groom was just “a prop” at the wedding. The focus of the entire ceremony is supposed to… Read More

Christmas Quiz

Posted: December 25, 2019

Take the test (without going online or looking up the answers).   Which was Jesus’s birthplace: Nazareth, Bethlehem, Egypt, or Capernaum? What is a manger: baby crib, food trough, soft container, or Christmas cradle?… Read More

Share with Us: Your Top Disciple Making Apps or Mobile Sites

Posted: December 11, 2019

​ Dear Discipleship-First Tribe, One of the major developments coming for disciple makers moving into 2020 is the proliferation of digital apps and mobile sites (that function like apps) to… Read More

Are the Crusades the Ultimate Black Mark Against Christianity? by Rob Kranz

Posted: December 4, 2019

Are the Crusades the Ultimate Black Mark Against Christianity? by Rob Kranz “How could anyone defend a religion that would sanction the Crusades?” Having spent a year living in Jerusalem in the… Read More

New Beginnings Are Possible

Posted: November 29, 2019

By Dan Armstrong • In the summer of 2019, two-time NBA champion, Olympic medalist, and reality TV star Lamar Odom announced he was giving up porn. But, he didn’t have a… Read More

Language of God Podcast: Adam & Eve

Posted: November 28, 2019

Thanksgiving, Disciple Making, and the Deuteronomy 8 Principle – Discipleship.org

Posted: November 27, 2019

Discipleship-First Friends, Thanksgiving is an important day on many levels. We are committed to helping you be a disciple who makes disciples, so we know it’s important to “give thanks in… Read More

“Are You Possessed?”

Posted: November 25, 2019

Sermon given by Doug on 11-24-19 at the North River Church of Christ in Atlanta, GA.

Should You be a Pastor or a Professor? Thinking Through the Options – Canon Fodder

Posted: November 22, 2019

Since I am a professor at a seminary, it is not unusual (indeed, it is very common) for students to come to me for advice about whether they should enter… Read More

Q&A 1567—Have you smoked marijuana?

Posted: November 22, 2019

What does the bibble [sic] say about marijuana? After all, it is just a plant. Have you smoked it? Have you read about the effects it has on you? This is… Read More

Worst practices for dismissing a minister | The Christian Chronicle

Posted: November 21, 2019

Church experts and those who have been there discuss what not to do when firing a minister. Talking with ministers who have lost their jobs can feel repetitive.  And depressing…. Read More

2 Ways to Fuel Disciple Making

Posted: November 14, 2019

We believe discipleship is the core mission of the church. That is why fueling discipleship is our mission. We can only do this with your prayers and support. Would you prayerfully consider joining… Read More

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.

“I Was a Misunderstood Muslim: Common Misconceptions About Islam”

Posted: November 10, 2019

News about terrorist attacks may teach us about some Muslims, but not about most Muslims — and probably not about the Muslims down the street. Continue reading here. www.desiringgod.org

Q&A 1566—What color is Jesus?

Posted: November 8, 2019

Please, you claim to be the only Christians that are right, so tell me have you ever seen Jesus in the flesh, and if so what colour is he? —R.B…. Read 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

OT61—Michal, Abigail, Bathsheba

Posted: November 1, 2019

Hebrew words: Mikhál = brook ‘Avigail = my father is joy Bath-sheva’ = daughter of the oath David’s wives: Ahinoam, Maachah, Haggith, Abital, Eglah Michal, Abigail, Bathsheba—and possibly more Note: this does not… Read More

Why should Christians care for creation?

Posted: October 31, 2019

  New Common Question: Why should Christians care for creation? As bearers of God’s image, all people have the responsibility and privilege of caring for God’s creation. How can we… Read More

The Cautionary Tale of Jerry Falwell Jr. | Christianity Today

Posted: October 25, 2019

Something doesn’t smell right in Lynchburg, Virginia, home of Liberty University and its controversial president, Jerry Falwell Jr. According to a September report in Politico: “Everybody is scared for their… Read More

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

What Should I Do To Become a Christian Teacher?, by John Oakes 

Posted: October 20, 2019

Adapted with permission from Evidenceforchristianity.org I [John Oakes] have been serving as a teacher in one way or another for more than thirty years.  It is my career, as a professor… Read More

Strength in Weakness Workshop – Duluth, GA

Posted: October 18, 2019

Guy Hammond’s Strength in Weakness ministry will be at the Cornerstone Church in Duluth, GA the weekend of Oct. 25-27, 2019. Here are links for more details: https://www.strengthinweakness.org/ 678.957.4715 info@cornerstoneduluth.org

Does God Promise to Heal Our Land? by Greg Koukl

Posted: October 17, 2019

Greg explains how 2 Chronicles 7:14 is used incorrectly by Christians thinking it’s speaking to them. Click here to play. Transcript: I want to speak for a moment about the danger of… 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

The Tyndale House Greek New Testament online 

Posted: October 16, 2019

We are delighted to announce, in partnership with Crossway publishers, that the Tyndale House Greek New Testament (THGNT), edited by Tyndale House Academic Vice Principal Dr Dirk Jongkind and Principal Dr Peter J Williams, is… Read More

Best practices for dismissing a minister – Christian Chronicle

Posted: October 16, 2019

Church experts and those who have been there offer five key recommendations for leaders. Cheryl Mann Bacon Columnist Somewhere in the unwritten but badly needed handbook for elders are three… Read More

SBC President: We Failed to Heed Victims’ Voices

Posted: October 15, 2019

SBC President J. D. Greear speaks at the ERLC’s Caring Well Conference on October 3.Southern Baptist Convention President J. D. Greear acknowledged that while sexual abuse survivors have pleaded with… Read More

Q&A 1564—Can we dispense with the Old Testament?

Posted: October 11, 2019

The Book of Hebrews says the Old Covenant is obsolete, so since I already believe in Christ, I don’t need to bother with the Old Testament.—E.E. As there is a… Read More

Trinity Debate: Dr. James White v Dr. Shabir Ally

Posted: October 7, 2019

Debate – Tawheed or Trinity: Is God One or Three Divine Persons? Event in Atlanta, GA by Why Should I Believe at Georgia Tech on Wednesday, November 13 2019 6:30-9pm… 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

Q&A 1563—Jesus is my husband?

Posted: September 27, 2019

My book club is reading Falling in Love With Jesus: Abandoning Yourself to the Greatest Romance of Your Life. The authors teach that Christian women, whether single or married, should refer to… Read More

Jesus and His Enemies

Posted: September 22, 2019

My sermon at the North River Church of Christ on Sunday 22 September 2019 (9 am service). Principal texts: Luke 23:34 and Matt 5:38-48.

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

Spiritual Abuse in Marriage

Posted: September 20, 2019

This is part 1 of a 2 part series. Written by:  Darby Strickland, Counselor Read part 1 here.

Shared Church

Posted: September 19, 2019

“. . . members together of one body and sharers together . . .”  (Eph. 3:6) Shared Church aims to encourage Christians and churches to practice participatory body life—the one-anothering… Read More

Is Your Church Missing the Communication Train? — by Christian Ray

Posted: September 18, 2019

Ask the tech-savvy youth in your church: How relevant and compelling is our communication? Are we truly engaging the information revolution to communicate the gospel to as many people as… 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  

Q&A 1562—Recently discovered letter from Egypt shows early Christians worldly?

Posted: September 13, 2019

What do you think about the recently discovered Christian letter? I learned about this through Fox News. The article is titled “1,700-year-old recently discovered Christian letter offers clues into how faithful… Read More

Gauging The Health of Your Church Members

Posted: September 12, 2019

By CSN on Sep 05, 2019 01:00 pm There are many ways you can assess the spiritual health of your church members. Faith, regular church attendance, and engagement in community… Read More

What is the Bible? (Rob Bell), by Jon Sherwood

Posted: September 7, 2019

“Just let the Bible be whatever it is.” … But just what is the Bible? What is the Bible? This is a vitally important question. Rob Bell is a famous… Read More

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

Faithfulness Is Not Theologically Complicated (Greg Koukl)

Posted: September 2, 2019

Greg Koukl continues to turn out thought-provoking articles, accessible and interesting. (Personally, I thought his section on salvation was over-simplified, but every other section was excellent. – DJ) Faithfulness Is… Read More

OT Character Podcast 60, Mephibosheth

Posted: September 1, 2019

Introduction Our O.T. character today is a minor character. And yet doesn’t mean he isn’t important. The relationship between David and Jonathan (Saul’s son, next in line for the throne)… Read More

Q&A 1561—Boring to be with God for all eternity?

Posted: August 30, 2019

We believe we Christians will spend eternity with God. No disrespect meant, but sooner or later, wouldn’t that grow old? Maybe the first few years or centuries would be great,… Read More

The Evolution of a Homeschooling Mom

Posted: August 29, 2019

By Kendra Terpstra on August 16, 2019 Whenever people ask me how I found out about BioLogos, I usually give them a quick elevator speech that begins with when I first read… Read More

The Developer’s Dark Side, by Craig Groeschel

Posted: August 26, 2019

This thought-provoking podcast explores four critical weaknesses in leadership: controlling, criticizing, avoiding, and rescuing. Craig Groeschel is connected with Life Church, and puts out a monthly podcast. Listen here.

Season 2 of Language of God

Posted: August 26, 2019

“One thing I see at the orthodox cores of our traditions is that at one and the same time we are to hold faithfully to truth as we know it… Read More

The Billy Graham Rule Goes to Court | News & Reporting | Christianity Today

Posted: August 23, 2019

A North Carolina sheriff’s deputy sues his former employer for religious discrimination after it wouldn’t accommodate his request to not train a female officer one-on-one. David Roach August 20, 2019… Read More

Searching for Disciple Making Churches and Movements in North America?

Posted: August 21, 2019

Dear Discipleship-First Tribe, We want you to become the disciple maker God intends you to be. For those of you who are church leaders, we also want you to develop… Read More

“Our Family Spent Too Much Money Last Year” by Patrick Blair

Posted: August 21, 2019

Late last year, I noticed our family checkbook was getting very light. Dread filled my mind as I realized that we would need to borrow money to pay our bills… Read More

Video on Relativism

Posted: August 16, 2019

Today, PraegerU released Paul Copan’s five-minute video on relativism—“True for You, But Not for Me.” This is a great platform for intelligent public discourse on this topic and its pernicious… Read More

Q&A 1560—Did Joshua violate the Sabbath?

Posted: August 16, 2019

In Joshua 6, God commanded the Israelites to circle the city 7 days in a row. Therefore, one of those days had to be a Sabbath. Would walking around the… Read More

Feedback on the Online Bible Test

Posted: August 11, 2019

Two persons (perhaps more) were not so fond of the Online Bible Test, commenting that it isn’t as important to know chapter and verse, or the arrangement of biblical books, as… 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

Q&A 1559—Why Did God Tell Abraham to Sacrifice Isaac?

Posted: August 2, 2019

Why did the Lord tell Abraham to sacrifice Isaac? This seems barbaric. Indeed, this is one of the more disturbing passages of the Old Testament. In the 22nd chapter of… 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

Common Grounds – 3rd Chapter in San Diego

Posted: July 30, 2019

Common Grounds (www.cgunity.com) – Third chapter starting in September (9/26, 11:30am-1:00pm) in San Diego. Robert Carrillo is speaking, see flyer with all info here.

“Scripture-Soaked” – message at North River Church

Posted: July 29, 2019

Watch the message given in Atlanta (North River Church) on July 28, 2019.

“A Life Well-Lived: Let’s Be Honest” – from Proverbs

Posted: July 29, 2019

Sermon I did in the Midpoint Ministry (Chicago) on July 21, 2019. (The sermon begins at about 0:38, and ends at 1:12.) Posted by Midpoint Ministry Center of the Chicago Church… 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

Q&A 1558—Open communion?

Posted: July 19, 2019

I agree with your take on communion as an actual meal. Concerning excluding unbelievers because they can’t “connect” with it, did the early church use this rationale for any means… 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

How to Avoid the Professor’s Ploy, by Greg Koukl

Posted: July 10, 2019

Part 7: Greg addresses a situation where you may be tempted to take on the burden of proof in conversation about Christianity. Watch video here.

What is the Bible (Rob Bell), by Jon Sherwood

Posted: July 9, 2019

“Just let the Bible be whatever it is.”…But just what is the Bible?  What is the Bible? This is a vitally important question. Rob Bell is a famous American author,… Read More

Tired of Living as Predictably as a Facebook Advertisement? – Renew.org

Posted: July 6, 2019

  Headlines were buzzing with the announcement. Facebook had introduced a new metric that would significantly revamp their algorithms. Continue here.

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

Q&A 1557—Why weren’t Ruth—and David—excluded from Israel?

Posted: July 5, 2019

In Deut 23:3 God gives the command that no descendants of the Moabites even to the tenth generation may enter the assembly of the Lord. I was wondering if Ruth… Read More

Diplomado en Consejería Bíblica 2019

Posted: July 4, 2019

Agosto-Octubre 2019   La Fundación Proyecto Esdras, A. C., en alianza con In-Motion Counseling, presentan este curso especial sobre Consejería Bíblica en sus dos modalidades: División Entrenamiento para Ministros: MTA-BL03 Principios… Read More

Control, part 3

Posted: July 3, 2019

TRUST Rom 15:14—confident in church to handle issues of church. I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent… Read More

Control, part 2

Posted: July 3, 2019

4) Abuse of authority Leaders have authority, but not to create their own rules, or in the language of Jeremiah, “to rule by their own authority” (Jer 5:30-31). “Giving up… Read More

Control, part 1

Posted: July 3, 2019

Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so… 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

Q&A 1556—Divorced couples and adultery

Posted: June 21, 2019

Is it a sin for a divorced couple to have sex even if there was no adultery? —S.K. Yes, since they are no longer married (by definition). Good question, though. Divorce… Read More

Opinion | The Day Christian Fundamentalism Was Born – The New York Times

Posted: June 18, 2019

How a meeting in Philadelphia changed American religion forever. By Matthew Avery Sutton   Mr. Sutton, a professor of history at Washington State University, is the author of the forthcoming “Double… Read More

Church Intensive

Posted: June 18, 2019

LEARN CHURCH PLANTING FROM OUR PASTORS a note from francis Haven’t you always been a bit confused about Church?  You read about the unstoppable power, miraculous love, and outrageous sacrifice… Read More

The 5 points that led me to leave Calvinism, by Dr. Leighton Flowers

Posted: June 17, 2019

Many have asked what specific points led me away from Calvinism. Being a Professor of Theology that once affirmed TULIP gives me a unique perspective on this subject. However, I… Read More

TheHistoricFaith.com by Sattler College and Scroll Publishing

Posted: June 17, 2019

  We are excited to introduce you to  TheHistoricFaith.com . The Historic Faith is the result of a partnership between Sattler College and Scroll Publishing. This project seeks to promote the precepts… Read More

Our Manhood Crisis – An Interview with Robert Lewis

Posted: June 17, 2019

Something ominous is happening to young men today; it’s a crisis…and strangely, we are not talking about it. A recent USA Today article captured the essence of the crisis with the article “Boy Crisis Threatens America’s… Read More

Who Was? Series

Posted: June 16, 2019

With over 150 titles, Penguin’s Who Was? series tells the incredible stories of trailblazers, legends, innovators, and creators. Play the Who Was Adventure game! Download the Who Was series app… Read More

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

Responses to Spring 2019 BST (Israel)

Posted: June 11, 2019

Participants on the May/June 2019 Israel tour came from Canada, the Bahamas, the U.K., U.S., Cambodia, Zambia, South Africa, Singapore, and Australia. Here are their responses:   “This tour brought… Read More

Einstein and God

Posted: June 11, 2019

      “The more I study science, the more I believe in God.” “I want to know how God created this world. I am not interested in this or… Read More

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

Sexual Ethics, Homosexuality and Thoughts on the Passing of my Wife (by Guy Hammond)

Posted: June 7, 2019

Today I get to sit down with the founder of Strength in Weakness Ministries, Guy Hammond, to discuss how to live a life of holiness when you’re same-sex attracted. -… Read More

Q&A 1555—Did Jesus have two sisters, or more?

Posted: June 7, 2019

You say the minimum number of Jesus’ siblings is seven. Matthew 13 says his brothers are James, Joseph, Simon, Judas, and also mentions “all of his sisters.” Four brothers are… 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

Q&A 1554— Does God have a soul? 

Posted: May 24, 2019

“Your New Moon festivals and your appointed feasts my soul hates. They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them” (Isa 1:14). I also find something… Read More

Did the Samaritans Get a Bum Rap?

Posted: May 20, 2019

If you read the Bible—especially the New Testament—it’s pretty easy to come away with a bad impression of Samaritans. In fact, most of us would probably rank the Samaritans just… Read More

Centering Christ in the Modern Wedding, by Jennifer Francis

Posted: May 15, 2019

Centering Christ in a Modern Wedding Traditional white weddings with vows exchanged at the altar and church bells signaling holy matrimony seem few and far between these days. Indeed, church… Read More

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

“Long Distance Faith,” by Douglas Jacoby

Posted: May 10, 2019

Sermon given at the North River Church in Atlanta on Sunday, May 12, 2019.

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

Where Do Moral Laws Come From? | Stand to Reason

Posted: May 3, 2019

Where Do Moral Laws Come From? We can be good without God, but would goodness even exist without God? Greg Koukl explains the argument for God from morality. https://www.str.org/video/where-do-moral-laws-come

Terrorists in Burkina Faso Execute Six at Pentecostal Church

Posted: May 3, 2019

(UPDATED) Assemblies of God pastor preferred to “die for his faith rather than leave the village” he served for decades.  Kate Shellnutt [Updated May 3 with further remarks from Assemblies… Read More

May News from Tyndale House

Posted: May 3, 2019

May News from Tyndale House Dear friends, At Tyndale House we are passionate about supporting evangelical biblical scholars, and ensuring that Christians across the world benefit from their work. In… Read More

“When God is Silent” interview with Dr. Douglas Jacoby, Parts 1&2

Posted: May 2, 2019

1st part of our interview with Dr. Douglas Jacoby It was very exciting to be able to have a conversation with Douglas on such a needed subject. We all go… 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