I’m facing a dilemma. It seems that the Bible says we cannot totally conquer sin and are destined to be sinners until we die (e.g. Romans 7:14-20). This seems problematic… Read More
Q&A 0908 – Knowing we’re saved, and developing consistency
How can one be sure he is saved? I mean there are baptism conversion, faith, and love for God. The latter seems to waver quite often in my life. God’s… Read More
Q&A 0882 – Cornelius and baptism
I was talking to an old pastor friend and he cited the example of Cornelius receiving salvation and the Holy Spirit before being baptized. He said this was proof that… Read More
Q&A 0868 – Homosexuality in the Bible
I see that you have addressed the topic of homosexuality and the Bible in your Q&A. But I wanted to draw your attention to a short study a man has… Read More
Q&A 0834 – Let us (Genesis 1:26)
Who is God talking to in Genesis 1:26 when he said, "Let us"? Who is the us? A good friend of mine is telling me that God is referring to… Read More
Q&A 0797—Philip and the Samaritans
I don’t understand why Philip couldn’t give the miraculous gifts to the Samaritans in Acts 8. Why didn’t he lay his hands on the newly baptized Samaritans so that the… Read More
Q&A 0789 – Advertising & Christian responsibility
I have recently read your paper “Television and the Media,” and I have also read the book Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger by Ronald Sider. It seems that… Read More
MATTHEW 1
Matt 1:1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham: 2 Abraham begot Isaac, Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot Judah and… Read More
Q&A 0625 – Recovering alcoholics
I heard a sister say, "Hi, I’m a recovering alcoholic." I understand that the point of this is to keep one humble by reminding oneself one is still an addict… Read More
Q&A 0623 – Acts 3:21 — The end of the world?
I get confused about when the Bible is talking about the end of the world or the end of Judaism. What is the "time of restoration" in Acts 3:21? If… Read More
Q&A 0569 – Born of water
I have always had a concern when connecting/projecting Jesus’ directing Nicodemus that he must be born of water and the Spirit to new covenant baptism, as in Acts 2:38. I… Read More
Q&A 0428 – Publicly denounce leaders…
It seems to me that you, Douglas, should mention by name church leaders who may have constructed a man-made system. Why don’t you say their names publicly? Are you afraid… Read More
Q&A 0392 – The gift of healing?
I was reading 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 ("to another faith by the same spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one spirit… to another miraculous powers"). Many groups (for example… Read More
Q&A 0386 – One true church?
Is there really only one true church? What does the Bible say? Ephesians 1:22-23 teaches that the church is the body of Christ. It is not an institution. No one… Read More
Q&A 0364 – Tongues
In Q&A 0074 about tongues you said: "In the New Testament tongues (languages) are actual human languages." But 1 Corinthians 14:2 says: For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not… Read More
LUKE 1 – C
26 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a… Read More
LUKE 1 – D
39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth… Read More
LUKE 1 – E
56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. 57 When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son…. Read More
LUKE 3 – B
21 When all the people were being baptised, Jesus was baptised too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily… Read More
LUKE 9 – B
28 About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. 29 As he was praying, the… Read More
LUKE 11 – A
1 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his… Read More
Report: 12th International Teachers’ Seminar, Washington DC
Responses to the 12th Annual International Teachers’ Conference (November 2006, Washington DC) have been very positive: “The conference was a very encouraging and fulfilling time! In the spirit of Psalm… Read More
Q&A 0221 – The Perfect in 1 Corinthians 13
Is “perfection” in 1 Corinthians 13 referring to the canonization of the New Testament? I have heard that “perfection” is neuter in the Greek, and so cannot refer to Jesus’… Read More
JOHN 13
1 Now before the Feast of the Passover, Jesus knowing that His hour had come that He would depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own… Read More
JOHN 14 – A
1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. 2 In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there… Read More
JOHN 20 – B
19 So when it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews,… Read More
Q&A 0074 – Tongues today?
Could I hear your take (biblically) on speaking in tongues and why this is not practiced in the churches where I worship today? My other question is on the offices… Read More
ACTS 7
1 Then the high priest asked him, “Are these charges true?” 2 To this he replied: “Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father… Read More
ACTS 21
1 After we had torn ourselves away from them, we put out to sea and sailed straight to Cos. The next day we went to Rhodes and from there to… Read More
Meeting Needs within the Church, by Andrew Kitchen
1Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being… Read More
Do You Want to Get Well? by Gordon Ferguson (2004)
Introduction This article is a written form of a spoken message delivered on March 28, 2004 to the Phoenix Valley Church of Christ. As with the previous sermon, “What Do… Read More
Abilene Christian Lectureship Report
A Conversation Between the Churches of Christ and the International Churches of Christ Note: Although I was not present at the Abilene lectureship, I believe a good few of my… Read More
Sons of God, by Bryan T. Huie
There has been much speculation about who these “sons of God” mentioned in the sixth chapter of Genesis were. Three basic interpretations of this passage have been advanced. The first,… Read More
John 15 and Biblical Fruit, by Tom Jones
Our Teaching About John 15 For many years in our movement we have heard that the fruit Jesus describes in John 15 is the making of other disciples. Often we… Read More
Specificity of Biblical Prophecy
Having seen that biblical prophecy (type a) can be prophetic without necessarily being predictive, we are now ready to examine type (b), or predictive, prophecy. Biblical predictive prophecy was not… Read More
ROMANS 5
1 Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ 2 through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which… Read More
Rethinking Television and the Media
The following is an adaptation of a paper written for a Politics class in the course of D.Min. studies at Drew University. It has been shortened and simplified. A revolution… Read More
GALATIANS 4
1 My point is this: heirs, as long as they are minors, are no better than slaves, though they are the owners of all the property; 2 but they remain… Read More
PHILIPPIANS 4
1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, beloved. 2 I urge Euodia and I urge… Read More
HEBREWS 6
1 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith… Read More
HEBREWS 9
1 Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary. 2 For a tabernacle was prepared: the first part, in which was the lampstand,… Read More
JAMES 4 – A
1 Those conflicts and disputes among you, where do they come from? Do they not come from your cravings that are at war within you? 2 You want something and… Read More
1 PETER 4
1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same attitude (for whoever suffers in the flesh has broken with sin), 2 so as not to… Read More
2 PETER 1
1 Symeon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have received a faith of equal value to ours through the righteousness of our God and savior… Read More
The Holy Spirit 4
Minor issues
Man Sues Church after being Slain in the Spirit
Click here to read about this unusual story from Kentucky.
The Spirit and the Disciple
This 3 tape series is now available. Go to the product page and learn in detail about this audio series from Douglas Jacoby.
Confessions From a Type A Leader
Click below to share on social media or to forward this email to a friend “The reason I share my junk with you is… Read More
Book Review–“Re-Examining Our Lenses
Re-Examining Our Lenses: The Relationship Between Restoration Movement Hermeneutics and Spiritual Formation by Jeanie Shaw (Review by Hashim Warren) In the new book, Re-Examining Our Lenses Jeanie Shaw writes about how the way… Read More
C. S. Lewis and the Uses of Apologetics
By Donald T. Williams APR 15 READ IN APP Why do we need apologetics? We live in a world filled with people who think like Trumpkin: “I have no use… Read More
Free Book / The Code of Hammurabi
The Newsletter of IBTM with Douglas Jacoby Good evening—and Howdy! I’m back from the Lone Star State. It was a great trip—the meetings, fellowship, and the Teleios Conference on Spirituality… Read More
“Stamp Thine Image”: Incarnation and Deification
… Read More
5 Myths about Quiet Time
August 28, 2023 by: Kristen Wetherell This article is part of the 5 Myths series Myth #1: God commands us to have quiet time. This might sound surprising (even scandalous!),… Read More
Q&A 1635—Is the washing of Titus 3:5 baptism?
Why can I be positive that apostle Paul, in Titus 3:5, is talking about baptism? He doesn’t use the word “baptism” here. Couldn’t someone argue that it’s just a metaphor… Read More
A Year in Review and a Welcome to 2023
A Year in Review and a Welcome to 2023Written by John TealJanuary, 2023 Growing up in Michigan, we had water everywhere! My county alone had about 450 lakes. When I… Read More
Thomas Jefferson on Jesus
Thomas Jefferson on Jesus By Colin Brown and Craig A. Evans Dec 10 Two works that specifically dealt with the historical Jesus were unpublished pieces compiled by Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826),… Read More
Apologetics and Church Abuse
By Andrew I. Shepardson NOV 25 SAVE ▷ LISTEN The emergence of the #ChurchToo conversations in 2018 and the release of The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill Podcast in 2021 have rightly… Read More
How to Lead Like Jesus, by Bill Gaultiere
We are each called to lead others to Jesus. In your leadership role as a pastor, elder, counselor, group leader, supervisor, or parent, are you leading in the way of… Read More
The Battle Over Human Nature | Does God Have a Wonderful Plan for My Life?
May Issue of The Worldview Bulletin- Pt. 1 The Battle Over Human Nature | Does God Have a Wonderful Plan for My Life? Jun 5 Welcome to the May issue… Read More
Panentheism (or Process Theology), by Paul Copan
March Issue of The Worldview Bulletin-Pt. 1 Panentheism | C. S. Lewis’s Christian Platonism Apr 3 Panentheism (or Process Theology) By Paul Copan In this next installment of our brief… Read More
21—Forty Days with James: Genuine Wisdom
Click to listen to today’s reflection (14 mins). It’s called “Genuine Wisdom.” . James 3:17-19 In 1st-century Palestine, James was a force for unity and peace. “James is burdened with… Read More
Draw Near to the Lord in Your Fight for Purity
Feast on God’s Word Jesus insists, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4, quoting Deut. 8:3). As bodies… Read More
I Have A Better Idea – Francis Chan
I Have A Better Idea – Francis Chan Written by Francis Chan, Until Unity, Page 67-68 (digital book – Scribd), 2021 Sometimes the dream of a united church feels… Read More
Q&A 1613—Inquiring of the dead
I’m inspired by the teachings of “Christian Spirituality,” found at https://www.glz.org/en/knowledge/introduction. Much is well explained in the many books that I am currently working through (transcriptions of medium transmissions in deep trance). In… Read More
The ancient Christian creed (4th century)
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only… Read More
What Can We Learn from the Jerusalem Council?
What Can We Learn from the Jerusalem Council? Reprinted from https://ca.thegospelcoalition.org/columns/ad-fontes/what-can-we-learn-from-the-jerusalem-council/ Paul Carter, July 27, 2020 The Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 provides a fascinating window into the way… Read More
Barking at the Thunder
Summer solstice, 2021 In our corner of the northern hemisphere, this week’s solstice has brought amazingly long days—with first light at 3:26 am and last light at 11:06 pm. Everyone’s… Read More
Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak, and Slow to Become Angry!
Written by John Teal, April 24, 2021 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…. Read More
Who are the Jehovah’s Witnesses?
I. FOUNDING In the wake of the Second Great Awakening, many sects emerged in 19th century America. A combination of religious liberty and a strong spirit of individualism fostered numerous… Read More
Do you have divine insight?
The following contribution is from J. Tyrone Marcus, author of Unbeatable! Seven Pillars of Personal Excellence and co-teacher in the Damian Jean-Baptiste Caribbean School of Ministry. You can follow his… Read More
Isaiah: Judgment & Justice—Reflection 28
Zion’s Day Dawns* In the previous reflection we saw that caring for the poor isn’t just an add-on to our Christian discipleship. (“… If you pour yourself out for the hungry… Read More
Isaiah: Judgment & Justice—Reflection 27
True Fasting, Wickedness, Justice & Judgment In Isaiah 56-57, there is a strong contrast between the unity of the Lord’s people (56:1-8) and division in the present community (56:9-57:21). Similarly,… Read More
Isaiah: Judgment & Justice—Reflection 10
Rod, Axe, Fire, Shoot, Signal, Sing Background: Doom for Judah & Jerusalem, then for Israel. (Why both kingdoms? Because Isaiah preached in the final years leading up to the destruction… Read More
Isaiah: Judgment & Justice—Reflection 7
“Here Am I, Send Me!” Chapters 1-5 = Introduction. The next section, 6-12, begins with the cleansing of a single sinner, and end with the song of a redeemed community. Isaiah… Read More
CLEAN – podcast 17, The Crazy Man in the Synagogue (= NT character podcast 61)
To listen to CLEAN podcast 17, The Synagogue Demoniac (11 minutes), click on arrow. To download and listen later, right click here and choose ‘save target as’ or ‘save link as’. Scriptural study: Mark 1:21-28 Jesus… Read More
NT Character Podcast 52—Priscilla & Aquila
Introductions Aquila Aquila means “eagle.” There are 7 well-known Aquilas in ancient times, including our Aquila. He is always mentioned with his wife. Priscilla Her name means “venerable.” There are 2… Read More
NT Character Podcast 47—Titus
Introduction Titus was a major figure in Paul’s life, although not mentioned in Acts (which is selective). We come across him 13x in NT, 8 times in 2 Cor—also Gal,… Read More
The Biggest “But,” by Rob Kranz
The Biggest “But” by Rob Kranz In my last post, we looked at one of the two big “Buts” in the New Testament regarding women’s roles. 1 Corinthians 14 can seem problematic… Read More
Messianic Judaism 9—What about the Sabbath?
Main ideas: Sabbatarians are right about the day: Sabbath is the 7th day, sundown Friday-sundown Saturday. The 4th-C church created a “Sunday Sabbath”. (Although Christians had long been… Read More
How Not to ‘Sink’, by Malcolm Cox
How not to ‘sink’ Access the podcast version of the newsletter by clicking here Thank you so much to everyone who gave me feedback on the topic of loneliness, especially… Read More
SOM 05—Hungry
“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 03—Mourning
“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
What Does the Bible Teach About Baptism?
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
CLEAN – podcast 8 (= OT Character Podcast 57, Gehazi pt. II)
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
IC.01-The Imitation of Christ, 1—Imitating Christ, Despising Vanity
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
A Tour Through John, Lesson 40
In the first part of chapter two John warns his readers to follow Jesus, not the world. He is responding to a serious problem. Christians are defecting, leaving the faith. In the second… Read More
A Tour Through John, Lesson 35
Click on the arrow to play the podcast (20 minutes), or right click here, to save and listen later. After breakfast, it’s time to talk (v.15ff). Notice the setting: the charcoal fire…. Read More
A Tour Through John, Lesson 22 (scriptures)
Click on the arrow to play the podcast (11 minutes), or right click here, save and listen later. Scripture for memory (Prov 22:17-18 — see also 3:3; 7:3, on internalizing God’s word)… Read More
A Tour Through John, Lesson 21
Today we come to the final chapter in John’s “Book of Signs.” And in chapter 10 we saw the 3rd and 4th of seven “I am” sayings (gate and Shepherd)…. Read More
A Tour Through John, Lesson 20
In the previous chapter Jesus proved that he was truly the light of the world. Here we find the third and fourth I am statements: “I am the door” (vv.7,9)… Read More
A Tour Through John, Lesson 2
In this lesson (20 minutes), we will finish our study of the prologue (1:1-18), which sets the stage for the entire gospel. Click on the arrow to play the podcast,… Read More
Finley on Richard Rohr’s Emerging Church, A New Reformation
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
Q&A 1513 – (Complete) gladness instead of mourning?
Isaiah 61 is an amazing chapter. It is very meaningful to me, my wife, and many others who have gone through loss. However, I struggle with the words “instead of,”… Read More
Q&A 1511 – All Commands Equally Important?
Is all sin equal in the eyes of God? “When Pilate heard what they said, he was more afraid than ever, and he went back into the governor’s residence and… Read More
Why I Am Not a Protestant, by Douglas Jacoby
To hear the podcast (54 mins) titled Why I Am Not a Protestant, click on the arrow. To download and listen to it later, right click here and then on ‘save… Read More
Q&A 1439 – Excommunication for smoking?
I was happy to see you and listen to your speech when you came to Russia. My question is about Mathew 18:17. What does it mean — to treat a sinner as… Read More
Rethinking Hell, part 3 (of 3)
To hear the final section of Doctrinal, Biblical, and Psychological Obstacles to Accepting Conditionalism: Successfully Rethinking Hell in a Small Christian Movement (26 minutes), click on the podcast icon below…. Read More
Q&A 1371 – Automatic healing?
I have a question about 1 Corinthians 12. A little over two years ago I fainted in my kitchen and woke up with a broken neck. I am now a… Read More
Participatory church (Michael Konomos), 2010
I am taking a closer look at the case for participatory church meetings outside 1 Corinthians 14. I will concede that 1 Corinthians 14 is the closest that we have… Read More
A Reaction to the Jacoby-Boteach Debate 11/15/08, by Phillip Lester
Note: Phillip Lester is a Jewish Christian residing in New Jersey. The debate took place at Safra Synagogue in Manhattan. “For the message of the Cross is foolishness to those who… Read More
CHURCH HISTORY WEEKEND READING
For all attending the Early Church History seminar with David Bercot, a little advance reading will help you to get the most out of the weekend. Most of us will have read… Read More
NIV errors
I am often asked about the merits of various Bible translations. Like many of my readers, I was brought up on the NIV. When I became a Christian (1977), the… Read More
Slander, Gossip, and Malice, by Mohan Nanjundan
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
The Lord’s Supper
Putting “Supper” Back in the Lord’s Supper This essay aims to address one of the basics of the faith: our communion. People have often asked such questions as why we… Read More
Christ in the Psalms B
Here are a podcast and notes for Psalms 23, 49, 55: Christ in the Psalms (18 minutes). To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or… Read More
John the Baptist
For N.T. Character Study 30, John the Baptist (30 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click here and select “save link as” or “save… Read More
OT22-Gideon.mp3
For O.T. Lesson 22, Gideon (22 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and… Read More
Q&A 1300 – Satan
I’d like to ask for some advice. Right now I’m struggling with my faith. I’ve always asked questions and really had a desire to seek the truth. In doing so… Read More
Communication in Relationships (Cristian Paduraru)
Here are a podcast plus notes on Communication in Relationships (18 minutes). The speaker is Cristian Paduraru, of Romania. To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link… Read More
Simon the Sorcerer
For N.T. Character Study 22, Simon the Sorcerer (28 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or… Read More
Q&A 1237 – Is God feminine?
A seminarian friend recently referred to God as “she.” I asked why. To paraphrase her answer, “In the original language of the scriptures Holy Spirit is always feminine, or the verb describing what… Read More
OT13-Joseph.mp3
For O.T. Lesson 13, Joseph (26 minutes), click on the play button: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and you… Read More
Q&A 1095 – Ezekiel 36 and free will
I have started hearing Calvinists use Ezekiel 36:27 now to defend their view because it says, "And I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in… Read More
Holiness
To hear Holiness (42 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and you… Read More
The Secret
If you’re interested in my thoughts on The Secret (11 minutes), listen to the podcast. To listen now, click on arrow above. To download the podcast, right click on “download”… Read More
Q&A 1049 – Communion (Lord’s Supper)
THE LORD’S SUPPER Putting "Supper" Back in the Lord’s SupperThis essay aims to address one of the basics of the faith: our communion. People have often asked such questions as… Read More
Q&A 1005 – The Filioque controversy
Where do you stand on the Filioque controversy? — Roger Hoelzel (Grand Rapids) [For those not familiar with the controversy, the Latin form of the Nicene Creed states that the… Read More
Ghosts
To listen to Ghosts (14 minutes and 17 seconds), click on the play button below. To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target… Read More
Werewolves
To hear Werewolves (10 minutes 43 seconds), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and… Read More
Q&A 0967 – The Apostles’ Creed
In my old church we used to recite the Nicene Creed, and sometimes the Apostles’ Creed. Does the Apostles’ Creed really go all the way back to the time of… Read More
Q&A 0943 – Sharon, Partition, and God’s Judgment
Pat Robertson recently claimed that the Lord struck Ariel Sharon because he had partitioned Israel, God’s holy land. Do you think he is right? Note: For details of Robertson’s statement,… Read More
Q&A 0926 – Ananias
In reference to the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit, I’ve always believed from the Scriptures that the only people who had these gifts were the apostles and whoever the… Read More
Serving the Poor
Serving the Poor: Second Thoughts (41 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as”… Read More
Q&A 0901 – Baptism and the Jews still under the old covenant
I’m teaching a three-part series on baptism and have a question. With John’s baptism and the disciples baptizing while Jesus was alive, how could these baptisms be for the forgiveness… Read More
Q&A 0899 – The house swept clean
In Luke 11:24-26, the spirit leaves and later returns, finding the house looking good. It would seem like that would communicate that the spirit is no longer welcome. Instead he… Read More
Q&A 0883 – Baptism metaphorical
A friend was telling me that Jesus in John 3, speaking of being born of water and the Spirit, was referring to the womb (amniotic fluid), representing natural birth, and… Read More
Q&A 0855 – A call to ministry?
I’m interested in starting a speaker team that would travel to speak at conferences and conduct workshops (national and international), publish books, tapes, etc. So far I have a ministry… Read More
Q&A 0808 – Paul too harsh?
In Galatians 5:12, Paul says. "As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!" I looked at the Greek word for emasculate and it… Read More
Q&A 0785 – Confession of every sin before baptism?
Do you have to confess every sin before God will accept you as a Christian? Although I would not try to talk a person out of doing so, we must… Read More
Q&A 0752 – Anointing for healing
[Question submitted to DJ and Gordon Ferguson] A couple of members of our church have a question regarding anointing a sister who has been ill for some time. What does… Read More
Q&A 0742 – A brother who “disagrees” — what’s the real issue?
I have a friend who has been a disciple for many years, and who has several Christian relatives as well. He has always considered himself to be on the philosophical… Read More
Q&A 0740 – Trinity and Jesus’ Divinity?
I have read your article on the Trinity, but still have a question. Nowhere in scripture does it say that Jesus is God. It only says he is the Son… Read More
MATTHEW 26 – B
31 Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, And the… Read More
MATTHEW 28
1 Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there… Read More
MARK 5
1 They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. 2 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an evil spirit came from the tombs… Read More
Q&A 0620 – Is the church really the answer?
I’ve been a disciple now for 12 years — and I think I have a pretty inquisitive spirit. I always question and analyze…..to some extent this is good, and to… Read More
Q&A 0590 – Witchcraft
Before becoming a disciple, I used to practice witchcraft. I could, and still can, meet people for the first time and pretty much know their life story. I use this… Read More
Q&A 0382 – Ananias and Sapphira saved?
I’ve read somewhere that Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5) did not lose their salvation but only lost the opportunity to be on earth and serve the Kingdom. Can you please… Read More
LUKE 4 – B
14 Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. 15 He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him…. Read More
LUKE 6 – A
1 One Sabbath Jesus was going through the cornfields, and his disciples began to pick some ears of corn, rub them in their hands and eat the grain. 2 Some… Read More
LUKE 8 – B
26 They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee. 27 When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the… Read More
LUKE 24 – B
36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw… Read More
Apologetics: Messianic Prophecy: Malachi 3-4
In the last three weeks, we have looked at a prophecy by Moses (1400s BC), another by David (900s BC), and a third by Ezekiel (500s BC). Today we move… Read More
Q&A 0312 – Baptism of Fire
Whenever I share my faith with a highly religious person, the question of fire baptism comes up. What did John mean when he said "I baptize you with water for… Read More
Q&A 0225 – Outsiders
In Luke 9, some of the apostles tell Jesus they tried to stop someone who was driving out demons in his name, yet Jesus told them not to stop them,… Read More
Q&A 0219 – Consumerism and materialism
I am doing a study on the effects of consumerism in our society. Do you have any reading ideas? Indeed I do! I would like to suggest four works in… Read More
Q&A 0210 – The Gospel of Thomas
I understand that Thomas went as far as India, but I am not so sure whether he is the one who wrote The Gospel of Thomas. Should this book be… Read More
Family Circle: Parental Modeling
The following is an excerpted chapter from our book on raising children, Principle-Centered Parenting: Christian Parenting in a Non-Christian World. The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses seat; therefore do… Read More
Q&A 0193 – Perfect, up-to-date repentance?
I have heard many people imply, “If Jesus were to come back today and you haven’t repented of this sin, we won’t go to heaven.” However, that’s not what I… Read More
Apologetics: Why I Left Atheism, by John Clayton
Of all the lessons that I present concerning the existence of God and of all the material that I try to make available to people to learn about God’s existence,… Read More
JOHN 1 – A
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came… Read More
JOHN 10 – B
22 At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon. 24 So… Read More
JOHN 11 – B
28 Having said this, she went back and called her sister Mary, saying in private, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” 29 As soon as she heard… Read More
Q&A 0139 – The two thieves and Gospel discrepancies
My question has to do with the two thieves crucified with Jesus. I grew up believing that one cursed Jesus and the other asked for forgiveness. In Matthew and Mark,… Read More
Q&A 0137 – Paul’s tone
In his letters, Paul had always been inspiring, warm, yet serious. In Romans 6:7-23, Paul was rather "different." What’s the significance of this passage? — Chris Punya I assume you’re… Read More
Q&A 0117 – John 20:22-23
John 20:22-23 reads (NLT): “Then he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you refuse to forgive… Read More
Q&A 0116 – 1 Samuel 28:3-17
Can the medium or spiritist bring back the spirit of the dead? Or is it that a demon was impersonating Samuel? — Peter Orire (Nigeria) In 1 Samuel 28, apparently… Read More
Driven Men
DRIVEN MEN © 2005, Douglas Jacoby In Gordon MacDonald”s excellent Ordering Your Private World (Nashville: Oliver Nelson, 1985), the author distinguishes between the driven person and the called person. The… Read More
Q&A 0104 – Clarification on harmony of the Gospels
I am concerned about an encouragement you gave in an e-mail: "I would encourage you not to use words of Jesus from one section of one gospel to illuminate the… Read More
Q&A 0092 – Eternal sin
In Mark 3:29 Jesus speaks about an eternal sin, for which no one will be forgiven. It states that whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will be condemned. Is the… Read More
Q&A 0077 – Baptism
John 4:1-2 mentions that Jesus disciples were baptizing, but Jesus had not yet died and been resurrected. So were they applying a form of the baptism of John? Did those… Read More
Q&A 0048 – Miscellaneous questions from Genesis 1-11
Were Adam and Eve the only humans God (personally directly) created? Cain went out a got a wife later he built a city etc. Where did these people come from?… Read More
Report on Jacoby visit to East London church, by Ugo Ahunanya
18-20th March 2005 The content of the recent teaching weekend was excellent. The congregation needed doctrinal clarity on the Holy Spirit, and how to apply and live out Spirit-filled lives… Read More
Report: Manila, Philippines, by Rolan Monje
January 2005 Douglas Jacoby’s visit to Manila was a breath of fresh air, a great start for the New Year. After his teaching time in Hong Kong, Doug flew a… Read More
Report: Accra, Ghana, by Ope Babalola
Dr. Douglas Jacoby was in Accra, Ghana, from January 5th – January 10th [2004] to conduct a teaching workshop. This was his first trip to West Africa. The sessions were… Read More
Q&A 0015 – Least in the Kingdom
Would you please explain what Jesus meant in Luke 7:28? Jesus says, “I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John, yet the one… Read More
Q&A 0014 – John the Baptist
In Matthew 17:10-12 Jesus alludes to the fact that John the Baptist was the Elijah to come, yet in John 1:21 John the Baptist denies it. Is this because in… Read More
ACTS 9
1 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus,… Read More
ACTS 15
1 Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2… Read More
ACTS 16
1 He came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was a Jewess and a believer, but whose father was a Greek. 2… Read More
Obedience to the Unenforceable, by Kelly Petre
Where do we go from here, now that all of the children have grown up? — Alan Parsons Project But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have… Read More
Believing Children, by Kelly Petre
Introduction: A. God has provided the church with “everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (2… Read More
THE 5 SHORT BOOKS OF THE BIBLE: 3 JOHN
I. Introduction to 3 John Written (apparently) by the same "’elder" as the one who wrote 2 John. A personal letter written from one friend (the elder) another (Gaius). A… Read More
Oxford and the English Martyrs, by James Greig
The following are excerpts from Foxe’s Book of Martyrs (published Ambassador, complete), first published Basle 1559. John Foxe studied at Oxford and was ordained by Nicholas Ridley in 1550. He… Read More
The Long-lost city of Bethsaida
Like Bethlehem, Bethsaida was a town with a long history before the light of Jesus shone in its streets. Unlike Bethlehem, it is an uninhabited ruin today. In fact, it… Read More
The Red Heifer Sacrifice and the Crucifixion
Dr. Douglas Jacoby (1997, Revised 2001) If you have an appetite for something “meaty,”1 I believe you will enjoy the following study, which investigates the Red Heifer sacrifice – a… Read More
ROMANS 1
1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy… Read More
ROMANS 6
1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace might increase? 2 May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live… Read More
1 CORINTHIANS 3
1 And so, brothers and sisters, I could not speak to you as spiritual people, but rather as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. 2 I fed you… Read More
1 CORINTHIANS 7 – B
17 However that may be, let each of you lead the life that the Lord has assigned, to which God called you. This is my rule in all the churches…. Read More
1 CORINTHIANS 15 – B
20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died. 21 For since death came through a human being, the resurrection… Read More
1 CORINTHIANS 16
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints: you should follow the directions I gave to the churches of Galatia. 2 On the first day of every week, each of… Read More
2 CORINTHIANS 1
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God that is in Corinth, including all the saints throughout… Read More
2 CORINTHIANS 5
1 Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands…. Read More
2 CORINTHIANS 6
1 As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. 2 For he says, “At an acceptable time I have… Read More
2 CORINTHIANS 12
1 It is necessary to boast; nothing is to be gained by it, but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a person… Read More
GALATIANS 2
1 Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. 2 I went up in response to a revelation. Then I laid… Read More
PHILIPPIANS 1
1 Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus, to all the holy ones in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the overseers and ministers: 2 grace to you and… Read More
PHILIPPIANS 3
1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. Writing the same things to you is no burden for me but is a safeguard for you. 2 Beware of the dogs!… Read More
1 THESSALONIANS 1
1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. 2 We always give thanks… Read More
1 TIMOTHY 3
1 The saying is sure: whoever aspires to the office of overseer desires a noble task. 2 Now an overseer must be above reproach, a one-woman man, temperate, sensible, respectable,… Read More
TITUS 3
1 Remind them to be obedient to the officials in authority; to be ready to do good at every opportunity; 2 not to go slandering other people but to be… Read More
HEBREWS 4
1 Therefore, since a promise remains of entering his rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. 2 For indeed the gospel was… Read More
HEBREWS 8
1 Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a high priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of… Read More
HEBREWS 10
1 For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer… Read More
JAMES 2 – B
14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you? 15 If a brother or sister… Read More
1 JOHN 2 – B
18 Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it… Read More
REVELATION 3 – C
14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea, write this: “‘The Amen, the faithful and true witness, the source of God’s creation, says this: 15 “I know your works;… Read More
REVELATION 4
1 After this I looked, and there in heaven a door stood open! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up… Read More
REVELATION 19
1 After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power to our God, 2 for… Read More