1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle… Read More
About
Douglas Jacoby Douglas Jacoby is an international Bible teacher who served as a minister on church staff for 20 years (London, Birmingham, Sydney, Stockholm, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, Washington DC). Since 2003… Read More
IC.30-The Imitation of Christ, 30—Coasting / Delight / Free spirit
Scripture: Psalm 43:3-4; 55:6; 34:8; 106:45; 40:5; 19:9; 1 John 2:15; Rom 8:6; Col 3:11; Rom 6:6; Gal 5:17; Psalm 89:9; 44:26; 68:30; (Sir 36:6); Isa 26:3; Matt 6:25-34 Application… Read More
The Holy Spirit / Der Heilige Geist, Part 1
First of 3 classes done in Berlin, Germany on 6 Oct. 2015. Click links below for both audio or video. Audio: https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B6SdDVVnGCKFdEFkS1E5eDJrdEE&usp=sharing Video:
Q&A 0641- Disciples before the 12?
I was reading through Luke, focusing on how Jesus started his ministry, and I started to wonder why Jesus wouldn’t call anyone to follow him before Simon and Andrew. Jesus had to have… Read More
Pickle Church, by Drew Baker
If your church feels like it’s nearing its expiration date, try pickling it. By that, of course, I mean, try pickleball. When I was in college, a few of my… Read More
Israel-Palestine: Holy Land? / Spiritual Trauma
The Newsletter of IBTM with Douglas Jacoby Good morning from chilly coastal NW England! As you can see, I’m climbing one of Britain’s many 8000m+ mountains. Photo (R): Douglas about… Read More
Jesus and the Land (Gary Burge)
Like most of us, in October 2023 I was shocked by both the Palestinian assault on Israel and the violent Israeli response. The issues are tangled and complex. But what… Read More
Deconstruction and the Road Back Home
Deconstruction and the Road Back Home By Christopher Reese JAN 29 READ IN APP Large numbers of Americans today are departing from the church and sometimes the Christian faith. About… Read More
Q&A 1652—Membership Covenants: Cure or Curse? (Cox)
What do you think of membership covenants for congregations? Are they helpful, or harmful? Guest reply by Malcolm Cox (Watford, UK) Lately, from a number of sources, I’ve been hearing… Read More
7 Christmas Misconceptions / Immanuel? / January QT Plan
The Newsletter of IBTM with Douglas Jacoby Good afternoon from rainy England! We trust you are well. Here in NW England we were able to spend time with 10 different… Read More
Q&A 1650—Forcing my prayer agenda onto others? (Malcolm Cox)
Is it acceptable to pray with an “agenda”? I ask this because of something I experienced not too long ago. I was part of a group prayer. The event had… Read More
Christmas Origins: “The Man Who Came in from the Cold”
I wrote the following piece in the mid-1980s. The audio talk (14 mins) is based on the original paper. The Man Who Came in from the Cold I remember the… Read More
Burnt at the Stake! / FAIR HAVENS launch
The IBTM Newsletter with Douglas & Vicki Jacoby 1 Nov 2023 Good morning from Northern England! In this week’s newsletter: A small (but important) piece of church history: a coin… Read More
8 Principles To Consider Before Leaving A Church You (Used To) Love | Pivot | A Blog by Karl Vaters
Leaving a church is hard. Don’t make it harder by doing it badly. Karl Vaters Image: Mantas Hesthaven | Unsplash It’s hard to leave a church you used to love –… Read More
A delicate matter / Two thirds familiar with Scripture? / 2025 Tour
IBTM Newsletter 4 October 2023 Good evening from sunny, windy Northern England! Yesterday I returned from a teaching weekend in Oslo—the 8th visit to Norway since we moved back to… Read More
Sexuality Q&A / Antioch 2024
IBTM Newsletter 20 September 2023 Good afternoon from Lancashire, England! We picked up the keys to the new apartment just minutes ago. It was almost exactly 3 years ago that… Read More
5 Ways the Digital Age Is Transforming the Way You Think | Crossway Articles
September 06, 2023 by: Samuel D. James Our Digital Lives More than a billion people worldwide own an iPhone. Nearly five billion people use social media. The average person spends two… Read More
Libros en Español—50% de Descuento
Libros en Español—50% de Descuento Si compra nuestros 3 libros en español obtendrá un 50% de descuento en el total de su compra. Los libros son Cuando Dios Calla, El Espíritu y Evidencia… Read More
Mothers: Alcohol During Pregnancy? / Origins of the Movement / Libros en español (50% de descuento)
IBTM NEWSLETTER 6 September 2023 Good evening from Carnforth, Lancashire, England The Jacobys have sold their house in Scotland (a few days ago) and will soon secure housing in England,… Read More
Hidden Origins of the Campbell Movement: Cooperating across denominational boundaries (James L. Gorman)
Article appearing in the newsletter of Common Grounds Unity, 19 Aug 2023, used by permission Origin stories deeply shape our identity, theology, and practice. The stories we tell ourselves about… Read More
A Short Guide to the Mind-Body Problem
By Alin Christoph Cucu AUG 28 READ IN APP [I]f it isn’t literally true that my wanting is causally responsible for my reaching, and my itching is causally responsible for… Read More
Did Jesus get bored? Embracing Creative Boredom
Did Jesus Get Bored? “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” (Luke 5:16 NIV11) Embracing Creative Boredom: Finding Spiritual Refreshment Have you ever wondered if Jesus experienced… Read More
Virgin Birth? / “Zoomunion” / Conv. 6: Pastors & Pastures
12 July 2023 The Newsletter of IBTM Good afternoon from sunny Edinburgh! What a lovely time of the year—leafy verdure and gorgeous flowers, temperatures in the 60s, low utility bills,… Read More
Q&A 1638—Virgin Birth?
As a Christian do I really have to accept that Jesus was born of a virgin? Couldn’t this just be an ancient way of highlighting his importance? A: That’s a… Read More
From Challenges to Opportunities: God Transcends Cultural and Religious Boundaries (Jorge Diaz)
During the second half of 2022, for professional reasons, I was deployed on a field mission in Sudan (Africa) for three months. (North) Sudan is an Islamic country, where most… Read More
What I Learned from 100 Atheists Who Converted to Christianity
Jana Harmon JUL 9, 2023 Over the past ten years, I’ve listened to and learned from over 100 stories of former skeptics as they described religious conversion from disbelief to… Read More
Sexual Standards of Scripture / Antioch & Cyprus 2024
The Newsletter of IBTM Edinburgh, 21 June 2023 Hello from sunny Scotland! It’s the first day of summer (if you’re in the northern hemisphere). For us, dawn began at 3:25… Read More
Conversation 4 / The winner is…. / Turkey / Wright on Women
The Newsletter of IBTM Edinburgh, 14 June 2023 Good evening! It’s nice to be back in very sunny Scotland (sunset today is after 10pm) and enjoying time with friends. Yesterday… Read More
Women’s Service in the Church: The Biblical Basis – N. T. Wright
A conference paper for the Symposium, ‘Men, Women and the Church’ St John’s College, Durham, September 4, 2004 by the Bishop of Durham, Dr N. T. Wright I am very… Read More
My Top Ten List on Framing Critique
No. 005 – 23 May 2023 Hello friend, We’re all as different as the day is long. Consequently, one person’s experience may be just that: one person’s experience, and not particularly helpful… Read More
Four Legendary Bridge Builders
Steve StatenMay, 2023 During the turbulent era of the 1880s through the 1940s when there were competing publications, mission societies, schools, and conventions, there were four courageous evangelists who strove… Read More
The Rise of Imaginative Apologetics
The Rise of Imaginative Apologetics By Christopher Reese MAY 8 SHARE In the past 10 years a new approach to apologetics has emerged that is variously called imaginative, cultural, or… Read More
Johann Sebastian Bach as Musician and Atonement Theologian
by Paul Copan APR 10 SAVE ▷ LISTEN The Brilliance of J. S. Bach My wife’s and my favorite composer is Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750). His music is brilliant, complex, and… Read More
You just need to forgive, right?
SPIRITUAL RENOVATION Fresh thoughts about following Jesus March 27, 2023 Andrew Kitchen You need to forgive and move on. Right? Or maybe it’s actually very wrong. Someone has said terrible… Read More
IBTM Newsletter, The Ides of March 2023
Good afternoon from Livingston, Scotland It’s the Ides of March (the 15th), the ominous day on which Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 BC. Not a good day for him,… Read More
N.T. Wright to Deliver the 2023 Malherbe Plenary Lecture
2023 Abraham J. Malherbe Plenary Speaker Over the course of several years N.T. Wright has been on the shortest of short lists to present a plenary lecture at the CSC…. Read More
Prism 27: Terrified Men, Courageous Women (Matt 28:1-20)
. Resurrection (Matt 28:1-10) Terrified men & courageous women First witnesses of resurrection are women. Worship (v.9) Commission (Matt 28:11-20) Mountain—connection with Matt 5 and 17, and with Moses Worship—and Jesus… Read More
Q&A 1630–Wedding clothes = baptism?
I have heard people connect Gal 3:26-27 and Matt 22:11-12. They reason that unless you agree with their interpretation on baptism, you’ll be kicked out of the kingdom. I’m not… Read More
Prism 12: Servant, Satan, Sign, Solomon, etc (Matt 12:15-13:51)
. Jesus’ ministry (Matt 12:15-21) Jesus did not want too much publicity: too much notoriety, too soon, and his arrest and execution would have come before he had completed other… Read More
Prism 11: Isaiah & the Dead Sea Scrolls (Matt 11:1-12:7)
. Jesus & John (Matt 11:1-6) Sensitivity to John “In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see. Once… Read More
What Our Pro-Life Predecessors Can Teach Us about Standing against Abortion
The Supply and Demand of Abortion January 03, 2023 by: Marvin Olasky Success on the abortion supply side—cutting down the number of abortion suppliers—is only part of the battle. Work on… Read More
Prism 06: Temptations Three (Matt 4:1-16)
The assault: Satan attacks by trying to get Jesus to doubt his identity as Son of God. Jesus’ three temptations correspond to three temptations to which Israel gave in: to… Read More
Prism 05: The Water & the Challenge (Matt 3:1-17)
Review—Some big ideas in Matthew 1-2: The man Jesus is the Christ, son of David and son of Abraham. Yet his lineage (as Matthew relates it) honors a number of… Read More
Joseph the Just
Stepping into the Jordan Joseph the Just Rob Kranz Dec 24 In keeping with the Christmas season, our church held a Christmas pageant put on by the kids. It was… Read More
“God’s Other Servant” (on warfare), by Andy Fleming
Read the pdf version here: God’s Other Servants (Andy Fleming), or read below. GOD’S OTHER SERVANTS God’s Servants for Justice and Punishment …………………………………. 2 Christian Service and the Governing Authorities… Read More
Abortion, Conception & the Beginning of Human Life
Here are a podcast and notes on Abortion, Conception & the Beginning of Human Life (42 minutes) Click here to download. ¶1 Introduction What does the Bible say on the… Read More
Alcohol Is a More Destructive Drug – Does God Exist? Today
The media and medical profession pay a great deal of attention to the damaging effects of methamphetamine, cocaine, and opioids, but alcohol is a more destructive drug. In 2019, alcohol… Read More
Where Are the Children? – Dr. Shannon Rains
Where Are The Children? November 2022 “Where are the children?” I ask my college students this question often as we read Scripture. I invite the students to use their imaginations…. Read More
The problem of fandom in churches
The problem of fandom in churches ANALYSIS by RODNEY KENNEDY | AUGUST 31, 2022 Photo by Edward Cisneros on Unsplash In a media-saturated world filled with choices, some people have turned… Read More
A Homecoming of the Heart
A Homecoming of the Heart Written by Drew Baker CGU Monthly Digital Newsletter August, 2022 Edition The unfortunate consensus in the US demands that our leaders come… Read More
The Unifying Hope of the Nativity – B. Bradley and S. Tesar
The Unifying Hope of the Nativity – B. Bradley and S. Tesar Before the Thanksgiving meal is cleared from the table, Christmas decorations are hauled out from attics and basements everywhere,… Read More
“Risen Jesus” monthly newsletter
This is the August edition of our monthly newsletter. View this email in your browser Gratitude Your prayers and financial support mean a lot to this ministry. Thanks so… Read More
11 Passages to Read When You Feel Lonely | Crossway Articles
This article is part of the Passages to Read series. 1. Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for… Read More
Letters of love and truth
Letters from God What do you think of when it comes to letters? A gas bill? A tax demand? A love letter? When was the last time you wrote one?… Read More
Mere Science
Mere Science By Rebekah Valerius Apr 22 In Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis sought to describe the beliefs that have been “common to nearly all Christians at all times.”[1] It could… Read More
Is Evangelicalism Today Truly Evangelical? | Crossway Articles
Evangelical Shortcomings One 2020 survey found that 30 percent of American “evangelicals” believe that Jesus is not God; 65 percent believe he is instead the first being created by God;… Read More
39—Forty Days with James: James the Martyr
To hear our penultimate reflection on the life and words of James (9 mins), “James the Martyr,” please click the play arrow. James was martyred in AD 62. Prophet, Peacemaker,… Read More
Glory and Cross – At the Blue Hole, by Jack Reese
Glory and Cross – At the Blue Hole by Jack Reese Written by Jack Reese – Excerpt from “At the Blue Hole,” Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids, 2021…. Read More
23—Forty Days with James: Waging War
To listen to “Waging War,” our 23rd reflection on James, click on the play arrow. The talk runs 12 mins. . James 4:1-3 Context: link with chapter 3 – peaceful… Read More
For anyone interested in AIM UK & Ireland
If you are interested in taking part in the biblical training program AIM UK & IRELAND, please click on this link. Principal teachers: Malcolm Cox, Andy Boakye, Douglas Jacoby (see… Read More
The Sinner’s Prayer (with updated reflections), by Stephen Staten
Introduction C.S. Lewis used the term ‘a great cataract of nonsense’ to describe how people use a modern idea to construe Bible theology. One such example, perhaps the best example,… Read More
Two Miracles
AUTHOR Greg Koukl Published on 5/1/2013 https://www.str.org/w/two-miracles A Christian’s theology is minimally defined by two miraculous events. The first miracle no one ever saw, because it The first miracle no… Read More
David Gushee on LGBTQ
A thoughtful American sister recently asked what I thought of evangelical scholar David P. Gushee’s Changing Our Mind: Definitive 3rd Edition of the Landmark Call for Inclusion of LGBT Christians with Response… Read More
Bethlehem’s Supernatural Star | Crossway Articles
December 06, 2021 by: John Piper A Mysterious Star Over and over, the Bible baffles our curiosity about just how certain things happened. How did this “star” get the magi from… Read More
Q&A 1612—Overinterpreting metanoia?
I was reading an article [by Richard Rohr, an American priest focusing on spirituality] and came across the following explanation of metanoia, and it surprised me. “Remember, presence does not happen in the… Read More
Intoxicated (by the world)
Britain’s first drunk driving arrest, according to History.com, took place in 1897, when a taxi driver slammed into a building at a speed of 25 mph. It’s obviously a good… Read More
Q&A 1610—Does God actually hate divorce?
Does God actually hate divorce, as we have often heard? The older rendering of Malachi 2:16, “I hate divorce,” is taken to imply that the Lord disapproves of all divorce… Read More
Gay & Christian? Interview
Strength in Weakness: An Interview with Dr. Douglas Jacoby on “Gay and Christian?” The following interview appears in Guy Hammond’s new book, Gay and Christian? How Pro-Gay Theology is Crashing… Read More
How to Read the Bible like a Progressive
How to read the Bible like a progressive—is that really a good idea? No, I’m not suggesting you try this. In fact, I’m going to suggest that you learn how… Read More
Q&A 1602—Living with intensity?
How can we know we’re in Jesus’ kingdom, and live in it with his intensity? In Colossians 1:13 the apostle Paul assures us that God has brought us into the kingdom of… Read More
Q&A 1595—Does the True Bible Have Only 11 Books?
I recently came across something claiming to be “The Very First Bible.” It claims to be an authentic translation. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this—whether we need to know… Read More
Isaiah: Judgment & Justice—Reflection 29
Trampling Out the Grapes of Wrath Chapters 62-66 pick up a number of themes from the first few chapters of Isaiah. Try to listen out for them—see how many you can… Read More
Isaiah: Judgment & Justice—Reflection 22
The Servant of the Lord & a Pagan Messiah 42:1-8—Behold (= lo, in Middle English)—Look at this! This behold is part of a much longer series, and contrasts with my… Read More
Isaiah: Judgment & Justice—Reflection 18
The Noble One Makes Noble Plans In Isaiah 30:11 we heard the words of God’s wayward people: “Give us no more visions of what is right! Tell us pleasant things,… Read More
Isaiah: Judgment & Justice—Reflection 15
Tyre & the Cosmos In the last reflection we saw Isaiah in anguish—over Babylon and over Judah. He reminds us of the apostle Paul, and especially of Jesus—men who truly cared… Read More
Q&A 1593—Put a knife to your throat (gluttony)?
Gluttony is a real struggle for me sometimes. Proverbs 23:2 says to put a knife to your throat if you’re given to gluttony. What is meant by “put a knife… Read More
CLEAN – podcast 15, Mother & Daughter (= NT character podcast 59)
To listen to CLEAN podcast 15, Mother & Daughter (14 minutes), click on arrow. To download and listen later, right click here and choose ‘save target as’ or ‘save link as’. Introduction Some of those… Read More
A Unity Essay by Douglas A. Foster
Point Park, part of the Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park, sits atop Lookout Mountain overlooking Chattanooga, TN. In the years after its 1895 dedication, numerous markers and monuments were erected to… Read More
Parents, we must not fail here. – Sam Laing
You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:32 One of the most vital things we can do for our children is to teach… Read More
NT Character Podcast 48—Silas
Introduction Silas is mainly referred to in Acts 15-18. “Silas” first appears in Acts 15:22. He is referred to by his full name, Silvanus, in 2 Cor 1:19; 1 Thess 1:1; 2… Read More
Divorce & Remarriage III: The Teaching of Jesus, Part 1
Mark 10:2-3, 10-12 Jesus is quizzed. Where does he stand on the divorce issue? Mark indicates absolutely no exceptions! Don’t read through filter of other passages (like 1 Cor or… Read More
Reflections on Race
Included in this post: My own reflections on race, as a white American (first appearing in the newsletter, 10 June 2020). Sources for reflection—if you’d like to invest in relevant… Read More
Divorce & Remarriage II: The Old Testament
Podcast notes: Exod 21:10-11: If a married man takes a second (slave) wife, then the food, clothing, and sexual love—material support plus emotional support—received by the first wife must not… Read More
NT Character Podcast 44—Anna
Scripture: Luke 2:36-38 . Bio: Hannah (Hebrew) = Anna (Greek & Latin). In some ways she reminds us of her OT namesake (faith, presence at the house of God, deep… Read More
Patriarchy: God’s Plan?
Patriarchy: God’s Plan? by Rob Kranz In a recent post, I explored the events of Genesis 2 and 3. As I explained in that post, a careful examination of the text’s language… Read More
Q&A 1573— What about global warming? (Creation Care IV, with John Clayton)
Used with the permission of John Clayton, of Does God Exist?, who wrote this article Because we live in a time when virtually all of our information comes from news sources… Read More
A Life of Alexander Campbell – Douglas A. Foster
Recently, my wife and I took the “Emotionally Healthy Relationships” course developed by Peter and Geri Scazzero. During one session we did a genogram. A genogram maps out a… Read More
Three Transformational Conversations About Race, Christian Ray Flores
The COVID-19 pandemic is far from over and we have been thrust into a new storm. The wave of voices calling for change after the senseless killing of George… Read More
Is there a message in the (tragic) mayhem?, by Malcolm Cox
Is there a message in the – tragic – mayhem? Access the podcast version of the newsletter by clicking here I have two things in my mind this week…. Read More
Common Grounds Unity
A website that may be of interest to you: Unity Draws People to Jesus Our mission is to promote and pray for unity within the Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement through the… Read More
What does it mean to “follow” Jesus?
What does it mean to “follow” Jesus? We hear the language “follower of Jesus” all the time, but what does it mean to be a disciple, or apprentice, of the… Read More
2021 Biblical Study Tour: Turkey, 18-25 October
Registered: 37. Pre-tour: 21. I. Background II. Tour Itinerary (10 cities / ancient sites) III. Pre-tour itinerary (5 cities) IV. Payment & other logistics I. Background The goal of the… Read More
Creation Care IV, Global Warming, with John Clayton
Used with the permission of John Clayton, of Does God Exist?, who wrote this article Because we live in a time when virtually all of our information comes from news sources… Read More
A Letter from Catherine Keller – The Pandemic: What is God Doing?
Drew Theological School Apr 2 · 9 min read Dear Ones, Particularly, in this letter, ones who claim some seriously biblical, or explicitly theological, orientation. Amidst this pandemic, ones who may be wondering……. Read More
Helping a Friend with Anxiety or Depression Part 2
Helping a Friend with… Anxiety or Depression Part 2 Last week I shared three ways to help your friend (or yourself) when you struggle with anxiety or depression. They were:… Read More
Restoration or Reformation?, John Teal
Yesterday, I received an email from a friend who shared a copy of “The Stone-Campbell Reformation: Its Roots and Ideals” from July 1994 with an article by Leroy Garrett…. Read More
Q&A 1570—”The Lord put it on my heart”?
I often hear people saying, “The Lord put this on my heart.” Then they talk about their plan, or what they’re asking me to do for them. I do believe… Read More
Trust, Die, Rise—by Malcolm Cox
“if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.” (Romans 6:5 NIV11) Trust, Die,… Read More
Q&A 1569—Does 1 Corinthians 11:3 mean women are forever subordinate to men?
Does 1 Corinthians 11:3 mean women are forever subordinate to men? Paul is considered to be a strong advocate for women, yet there is a passage or two in his… Read More
“New Podcast Series for the Duration of Covid 19,” by Malcolm Cox
New Podcast Series Something to get you through the Covid 19 crisis with your spirit intact. Introducing the new daily podcast based on the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134) The… Read More
Viral Christianity, by Rob Krantz
Viral Christianity by Rob Kranz The beauty of a blog is that you are in full control of what you write about. Most of the time, I write about things I… Read More
“Crucial Conversations in Texas” – Malcolm Cox
Click here for the newsletter podcast version – with extra ‘bits’ The value of conversation As you may know I’ve been in Texas for a few days at the… Read More
Paul’s Prison Journey—Malta, Sicily, Italy (29 Oct-8 Nov 2022)
. 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 37—Prophets?
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
SOM 36—Narrow
“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 34—Ask
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 24—THE Prayer
“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
List of Audio Lessons
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 09—Persecuted
“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
“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 1566—What color is Jesus?
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
Understanding Myths That May Hold Us Back
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
“We Are Church,” by Francis Chan
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
How a U.S. Church Baptized 3729 People in One Year
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
Responses to Ezekiel series
The following are responses to the Ezekiel series (10 installments), which appears in the newsletters of 20 & 27 Feb; 6, 13, 20, and 27 Mar; and 3, 10, 17,… Read More
Q&A 1550—Is God’s Forgiveness Really Unconditional?
I recently heard you state that God’s forgiveness is conditional—which made me feel uncomfortable. Is this a widespread idea? I don’t think I’ve ever heard that before. It would help… Read More
Modern-day ‘sticks and stones’ | The Christian Chronicle
Photo from Pixabay.com Feb. 28, 2019 Modern-day ‘sticks and stones’ Before you type, maybe you should ask, ‘What would Jesus tweet?’ By Chellie Ison ‘Sticks and stones may break my bones,… Read More
The Benefits of a Stiff Neck?, by Rob Kranz
The Benefits of a Stiff Neck? by Rob Kranz This is my first post since arriving back in Jerusalem. The time is flying by at blazing fast speed. As I write this,… Read More
Disciple Making Movements – a History and a Definition
Discipleship-First Tribe, Discipleship·org asked Roy Moran to write a two-part blog on Disciple Making Movements. We asked Roy to do this because he’s an expert on Disciple Making Movements and… Read More
IC.00-The Imitation of Christ—GATEWAY
ACCESS ALL IMITATION OF CHRIST PODCASTS HERE (scroll down) Since the early 1400s, The Imitation of Christ has been a Christian classic—for many centuries surpassed in printing and sales only by… Read More
IC.29-The Imitation of Christ, 29—Desiring Eternal Life
Scripture: Phil 1:23-24; Jas 1:17; Rom 8:21; Luke 22:18; Josh 1:6; Eph 4:24; Isa 61:3; Phil 1:20 . Powerful sentences: * “It’s not by your own meditating and striving that… Read More
IC.27-The Imitation of Christ, 27—Sensitive Heart
Scripture: Prov 4:23; 19:23; Jas 4:9; Eph 4:29; Col 2:20-23; Psalm 80:5; 75:5. Spiritual focus: * Holy reverence * Discipline * Avoiding senseless humor (flippancy) * Cultivating spiritual sensitivity. * Clear… Read More
Are Signs and Wonders for Today?, by John Piper
“And now, Lord, look upon their threats, and grant to thy servants to speak thy word with all boldness, while thou stretchest out thy hand to heal, and signs and… Read More
Q&A 1545 – What is meant by “godhead”?
What is meant by the word “godhead”? While many use “godhead” to stand for the trinity, the word actually means (only) divinity. In older English, god-head = god-hood. All three… Read More
IC.03-The Imitation of Christ, 3—Taking Up Jesus’ Cross
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
Q&A 1541 – God tempts the false prophets to lie?
In 1 Kings 22:19-22 it appears God is sending a spirit to tempt false prophets to lie. This would be contrary to James 1:13-14. I see this as similar to… Read More
How do you respond to arguments against the Bible?
“The Victory of Joshua over the Amalekites” by Nicholas Poussin, via Wikimedia Commons. October 01, 2018 | By Tremper Longman (guest author) BioLogos.org The Bible holds an essential place in Christian faith. The… Read More
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 escape; my eyes are dim with grief. —Psalm 88:8-9 Last… Read More
Thoughts on Holiness, by Alberto Schirmer
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
Learn More at this Year’s Pre-Forum Gatherings, Bobby Harrington
We are a little over three months out from the National Disciple Making Forum on October 25-26th and last week many of you purchased tickets. Last year we had over… Read More
Q&A 1531 – Must Christians fast thrice weekly? And give 100%?
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
Free eBook: Evangelism or Discipleship: Can They Effectively Work Together?
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
No Sign Will Be Given! Jesus: Playing Down the Miraculous
(Adapted from chapter 21 of The Spirit.) Jesus deliberately played down the miraculous. Then why did he do so many miracles — if they weren’t really necessary? Now, we never… Read More
Marshall Keeble fought racism by melting hearts
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
Holiness: “Even the tassels are holy,” by Graydon Stephenson
What is ‘holiness’? ‘Holiness’ is the state of being ‘holy’. The noun ‘holiness’ appears infrequently in the scriptures, but the adjective ‘holy’ appears often. Certain concepts are paired with ‘holiness’. A… Read More
“The Kingdom Unleashed” eBook on Prayer and Disciple-Making Movement
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
Did Seinfeld and Letterman ruin us?
Article by Tony Reinke, Senior writer, desiringGod.org My generation was raised on The Simpsons. The popular cartoon is postmodern TV at its finest: liberated from prolonged storylines, a series of jests… Read More
A Tour Through John, Lesson 49
Lesson 49 is the third podcast in a series of 3 introducing the Revelation of John. Click on the arrow to play the podcast (9 minutes), or right click here, save and… Read More
A Tour Through John, Lesson 47
Click on the arrow to play the podcast (13 minutes), or right click here, save and listen later. (1) General 1 Paul 87 chapters ~ 1/4 of NT 2 Luke 52… Read More
A Tour Through John, Lesson 45
Click on the arrow to play the podcast (23 minutes), or right click here, in order to download, save, and listen later. 1 The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I… Read More
A Tour Through John, Lesson 44
Click on the arrow to play the podcast (15 minutes), or right click here, in order to download, save, and listen later. 2 John has been called “1 John in miniature.” As… Read More
A Tour Through John, Lesson 37
In the late first century, there were false concepts of Jesus circulating in the Christian world. Just as today there are numerous false Jesuses (perhaps best known is the one… Read More
A Tour Through John, Lesson 34
As noted in the last message, it is possible that the Gospel of John concluded with chapter 20, and that chapter 21 is an addition, either by the original author or by someone… Read More
Supplementary test for A Tour Through John
For those who found the 25-question quiz in A Tour Through John, Lesson 50, to be too easy, here’s a tougher one: Who was described by the elder as philoprōteuōn?… Read More
Who Watches Porn? 3 Key Predictors of Porn Use
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
A Tour Through John, Lesson 29
The entire chapter is a prayer. This falls into three parts: Prayer for himself (vv.1-5). Prayer for his disciples (vv.6-19). Prayer for the world — future believers (vv.20-26). The order is crucial: Jesus’ training… Read More
A Tour Through John, Lesson 23
After the podcast on scripture memory, we now return to the gospel of John, chapter 12. Click on the arrow to play the podcast (12 minutes), or right click here… Read More
A Tour Through John, Lesson 13
Click on the arrow to play the podcast (22 minutes), or right click here to download and listen later. 6:1 After this Jesus went to the other side of the… Read More
A Tour through John, Lesson 6
Click on the arrow to play the podcast (20 minutes), or right click here to save and listen later. Recap of lesson 5 (Water to Wine) Time out for a wedding:… Read More
A Tour through John, lesson 4
Click on the arrow to play the podcast (20 minutes), or right click here to listen later. Last time we looked at the first two days; today we will read about… Read More
Commencement Address to John Robert’s son’s ninth grade class
‘I wish you bad luck,” said the chief justice of the United States. He meant for those words, delivered last spring, to express encouragement and optimism. The year now ending… Read More
International Bible Teaching Ministry (2017 summary)
Cities of ministry Accra (Ghana) Atlanta, Georgia Boston, Massachusetts Calgary (Canada) Denver, Colorado Durban (South Africa) Fayetteville, North Carolina Jacksonville, Florida Jerusalem etc. (Israel) Johannesburg (South Africa) Kumasi (Ghana) Lusaka… Read More
The Tower of Babel
The following material appeared in the weekly newsletter from 27 September to 11 October 2017. This series was adapted from The God Who Dared (1997), the next version of which was titled Genesis,… Read More
Q&A 1505 – What was the Inquisition? (Torture, witches, Galileo… and lessons for today)
What exactly was the Inquisition? (If you prefer to listen to my reply, click on the arrow for the podcast, The Inquisition (20 min). If you want to save and… Read More
Why I Am Not an Evangelical (or am I?), by Douglas Jacoby
To listen to the third podcast in the series on Christian identity, Why I Am Not an Evangelical—or Am I? (32 min), click on the arrow. To download and listen… Read More
Q&A 1494 – Appointing deacons
In the controversy of Acts 6, is the apostolic requirement that these leaders (the Seven) be full of the spirit, respected, and faithful still the rule for us today? And is this… Read More
OT46-Isaiah.mp3
For O.T. Lesson 46, Isaiah (25 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 1487 – Flat Earth?
Hi Douglas, not sure how much time you’ve spent digging into this, but are you familiar with the case for a flat earth? A dear friend of mine has been studying it… Read More
“Trump, Christianity, and Social Media” by Daniel Berk
This week, last week, and nearly every day since midway through 2015, I’ve observed a progressive and polarizing social media war between Christians, non-Christians, liberals, conservatives, men, women, black people,… Read More
CLEAN – podcast 23 (OT Saints of Matthew 27)
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
CLEAN – podcast 19 (The House Swept Clean)
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
Q&A 1479 – Two covenants today? (Repentance & baptism for 1st C. Jews only?)
I’ve been hearing a lot lately the idea that there was a gospel of the kingdom for the Jews only, and another message, a gospel of grace, for the Gentiles…. Read More
CLEAN – podcast 11 (the 10 lepers of Luke 17)
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
Q&A 1478 – Is Survivalism Christian?
What about survivalism? Are these people on the right track biblically? Can Christians be “survivalists”? Survivalism as a popular movement is well worth understanding, especially as some Christians are attracted to… Read More
CLEAN – podcast 4 (Purity in James-Peter-John)
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
Q&A 1475 – Incubus & succubus: demon possession or something else?
I met a young lady who was desperate. She says she is under the control of a demon who makes love to her in her dream (incubus and succubus). This teaching… Read More
Q&A 1472 – Why did Jesus tell Mary not to touch him?
When Jesus met Mary Magdalene after his resurrection, we read “Jesus replied, “Do not touch me, for I have not yet ascended to my Father. Go to my brothers and… Read More
Q&A 1471 – Why would we die if we saw the face of God?
Why does someone have to die if he sees the face of God? A few years ago I would think that our sinful physical body could not bear the presence… Read More
A Transgender Person: Coming to YOUR Church Soon! by Guy Hammond
The phone rings, and I pick up. “Hello.” A panicked voice blurts out “Is Guy Hammond there?” “This is Guy, who’s this?” “My name is Henry James (not his real… Read More
A Review of Reza Aslan’s ZEALOT
To hear my review of Reza Aslan’s Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth (2013), click on the arrow. The review is 58 minutes in length. Listen, or just read… Read More
Q&A 1462—Is Numbers 24:17 really a Messianic Prophecy?
How is Numbers 24:17 a Messianic prophecy? I’m not convinced. After all, these are the words of Balaam, who led the Israelites into sin. Help me out. To begin with,… Read More
OT41-Josiah.mp3
For O.T. Lesson 41, Josiah (25 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
What a Homosexually Attracted, Canadian Christian Says About Orlando
Shooting in Orlando – What A Same Sex Attracted Christian Has to Say By Guy Hammond The world has gone mad. When police stormed the Pulse Nightclub in the early… Read More
Q&A 1454 – 500 believers, or 120?
I’d be interested in your response to a question. In 1 Cor 15, Paul mentions that Jesus appeared to more than 500 of the brothers, yet in Acts 1:15, the… Read More
Honey, I Shrunk the Church?
Honey, I Shrunk the Church? May 5, 2016 John Porter In my relatively short time practicing house church, I have learned that there are many different ideas about what house… Read More
A Disciplined Life – Proverbs 30
Listen to lesson 30 in A Disciplined Life (17 minutes) by clicking on the play arrow. You can also download it by right-clicking here and listen later on. Salient points: Vs.3-4 –… Read More
10 Common Misconceptions about Religion
This is the full article connected with the 10 Nov 2015 newsletter, Answering Skeptics AB Our modern world, especially in the industrialized regions, seems to have a love/hate relationship with… Read More
Transgender in the Church – Brandon Redler
Showing Christ’s Love to Transgender People My name is Brandon Redler and it is an honor for me to be used by God in my role as a member of… Read More
The atheist’s complaint: one Christian responds
A Christian brother asked me how I would respond to an atheist who is incensed at how theists caricature him and his friends. Here’s the atheist’s complaint. My response (in… Read More
Evolution: What About Genesis?
Evolution & Genesis (for newsletter 2 Sept 2015 in Answering Skeptics, R) Nature and Scripture, as we have seen, are complementary. This means that science and theology should be complementary,… Read More
Q&A 1421 – Is contraception biblically permissible?
What does the Bible say about contraception? I belong to a church that forbids it. Can you please help me figure this out? I would like to invite you to… Read More
Universities & their mottos
Universities & their Mottos is a podcast (25 minutes) examining how university education has changed in the last 1000 years, from training for Christian ministry to secular study, from broad… Read More
Thyatira: The Pressure to “Tolerate”
Click in the arrow to listen to the message (21 minutes). All the notes are below. Click here to download. Thyatira: Introduction 4th and middle letter to the 7 churches in… Read More
A note about the kingdom
Since the King is the Prince of Peace (Isa 9:6), the kingdom is not about power or coercion, but about love and service. Christians are forbidden to lord it over… Read More
What is the Real “Age of the Earth” Issue, by John Clayton
Adapted, with permission, from Does God Exist? January/February 2015, pp.3-9. Several years ago a spruce tree was discovered in Sweden that was determined by carbon dating to be 9,550 years… Read More
Romans O (8:12-17)
The 15th lesson in our series (16 minutes) is Romans O, covering the middle section of chapter 8. Verses referred to include Galatians 5:18; Psalms 40:8; 2 Thessalonians 1:8; Acts… Read More
Romans L (6:8-23)
The 12th podcast in Romans A-Z covers the remainder of chapter 6. I hope the talk (19 minutes) helps you think about God, and draw closer to him, all day…. Read More
Q&A 1387 – Generational curses?
I would like to find out about generational curses, which seem so common here in Africa. Are they real? What should a Christian’s response be? What are practical, biblical ways… Read More
Bible & Culture, part 3
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
Rethinking Hell, part 2 (of 3)
To hear part 2 of Doctrinal, Biblical, and Psychological Obstacles to Accepting Conditionalism: Successfully Rethinking Hell in a Small Christian Movement (31 minutes), click on the podcast icon below. Click… Read More
Rethinking Hell, part 1 (of 3)
Following the inaugural Rethinking Hell Conference (Houston, 11-12 July 2014), a Festschrift is being published for Edward Fudge on the occasion of his 70th birthday. My class at the conference… Read More
Slavery and the Bible
Here are a podcast and notes on Slavery and the Bible (43 minutes). To download the talk, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as”… Read More
Q&A 1382 – Baha’í and Christian at the same time?
Dear Dr. J, I just found, and listened to your podcast. I enjoyed listening to it. Thank you! Here is a challenging question for you: Can you be both a… Read More
Sound Doctrine
This lesson was original taught in Mexico City (“Manteniendo la Sana Doctrina,” 9 August 2014). Listen to the English podcast (52 minutes). Click here to download. Life and teaching Every… Read More
Q&A 1379 — How should we read the Great Commission (Matt 28)?
After his death and resurrection, Jesus gave the charge, the “Great Commission,” to the eleven faithful apostles. Let’s take a look at this passage and see what conclusions we can… Read More
Q&A 1376 – Did God Kill Uzzah?
Author: John Clayton of Does God Exist? Used with permission. When Richard Dawkins released his now famous atheist rant against God, he opened the door for many arm-chair atheists on… Read More
Q&A 1370 – Shouldn’t we observe the regulations for the Year of Jubilee?
Is there any country that celebrates or follows the rules for the Year of Jubilee? And when I say follow, I mean they follow what it says in Leviticus 25:8-55:… Read More
Worship (F): Critical Principles & Seven Confessions
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
Worship (I): The 2nd C: A View from the Inside
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