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I am going to have a difficult conversation with a visitor in our church who has been a “friend of the family” for years. She is convinced that the call… Read More

The Scourge of Suicide – Part Three Resources His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by… Read More

Douglas and John, would you please address the issue of Christians smoking mushrooms, especially for healing, from an eastern medical perspective? What about the spirit world? I know some believers who… Read More

Background Lydia is from Asia (Thyatira), but resident in Europe (Philippi). She is the first convert from Europe in the book of Acts. Philippi is a Roman colony—there’s no synagogue…. Read More

Introduction As we have learned, in Matt 19 / Mark 10 Jesus is weighing in on the Shammai-Hillel debate. He rejects the any-cause divorce of Hillel. Familiarity with this debate… Read More

   Inter-Generational Unity – Nadine Templer As we strive for unity, one aspect that is often overlooked is the unity between generations, between young and “older” folks, the old guard… Read More

The Scourge of Suicide – Part Two ACT! The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. ~ Galatians 5:6 Suicides have nearly doubled in the United States… Read More

Enjoy the great resources found in this link, including a sampling of the articles below: https://www.fpesdras.org/acerca-de-fpe/pagina-de-arturo-elizarraras/

My initial post (my George Floyd page) includes a list of helpful resources. (Not all persons agree with each other, or necessarily even with me—the various books, articles, videos, podcasts,… Read More

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

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

It’s easy to feel alone in your struggles with porn. We’re here to tell you that you aren’t the only one.  Issue 123 • September 2020 Redeeming the Pain: Marnie’s… Read More

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

Dr. Timothy Sumerlin – Denver, CO, USA • Sep 23, 2020 Suicides have nearly doubled in the United States among young people in recent years. Other age groups are not immune to… Read More

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

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

The following two hundred plus articles are searchable nowhere else at this website, as they are found only in newsletter pdf files. USE SEARCH OR SCROLL DOWN TO THE ITEM… Read More

Disciples Today • Sep 21, 2020 It is not new. People who share many spiritual convictions can come to such verbal blows and attitudes over politics that they divide relationships…. Read More

September 2020 Greg Koukl of Stand to Reason responds to a common challenge from relativists that Christians face when trying to share their views. For more information, visit str.org.

Play. Pause. Pray. Rolan invites us to play, pause, and pray for 100 days (September 16-December 24), as we look into our deepest feelings throughout this COVID-19 pandemic. Play a… Read More

For the sermon (and missions sharing) from last week’s Zoom session with Toledo, Ohio, please click on arrow below.

Background information Harsh treatment of women, children, and the vulnerable in OT times: infanticide, abortion, disrespect of women. Divorce was easy and favored the man. Worse, abandoned women could be… Read More

Introduction Most biblical figures give us few insights into the heart or the personality. Timothy is one of the persons about whom we know much more, mentioned some 30x in the… Read More

Talks in this series. Each talk comes with brief notes and key scriptures. 1 — Why focus on this movement? (Please listen to this if you’re unfamiliar with Messianic Judaism.)… Read More

Sharing Solitude in Community – Brandon Bradley In my last article, we explored Henri Nouwen’s idea of a wagon wheel as a simple model of the balance of solitude and… Read More

Rolheiser Virtual Conference Flyer – The Future of Christian Spirituality: In Our Lives, In Our Churches, and In the Academy – Nov 12-14, 2020 See this flyer for all the… Read More

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

A Strength in Weakness Member’s BI-Weekly Update New Perspectives From Strength in Weakness Ministries Volume 19 | September 4, 2020 A SIW Member’s Bi-Weekly Update Real Life Up Close Let’s… Read More

Treating Every Person with Dignity, Kindness and Respect, While Standing for Biblical Truth Discussing Issues You’ve NEVER Heard on a Podcast Before! Oh Yeah, We’re Going There! Click on a TOPIC to… Read More

  Nonviolent resolution Share my experience in bringing rival gangs to the table and practicing nonviolence together in some of the toughest prisons in the country. Buy the book  

  Don’t Throw Them Away Imagine a world where nonviolent offenses result in counseling and education rather than incarceration. Instead of learning how to be better criminals, young offenders learn… Read More

AUTHOR Greg Koukl PUBLISHED ON 09/01/2020 TACTICS AND TOOLS Street Tactics are specific conversation maneuvers you can use to navigate graciously, safely, and effectively in what otherwise would be difficult… Read More

Measuring Life With Coffee Spoons BY R.V.G. TASKER The poverty of evangelicalism is the poverty of ambition. If T.S. Eliot captured the mediocrity of modern life in the striking line… Read More

Pharaoh’s daughter / Pharaoh (daughter / father, and princess / king) 14th BC Exodus 1:15-17, 22; 2:1-10 The hero is a pagan, a worshipper of the Egyptian gods—the daughter of… Read More

Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Stepping into the Jordan Patrons, Prophets, and Preachers by Rob Kranz One of the advantages of teaching is that I always… Read More

– THE STATEMENT – A Christian Statement on Science for Pandemic Times SPANISH TRANSLATION | FRENCH TRANSLATION   We, the undersigned, join together as Christians who uphold the authority of God’s Word… Read More

This teen evidences curriculum was produced by Douglas Jacoby and Page Pennell. Click here for both Spanish & English versions in PDF, as well as an English version in Word.

Major text: Rom 16:1-2 Supporting texts: Acts 15:22-23; 30-32; Rom 12:3-8; 1 Tim 3:4; 1 Thess 5:12 Rom 16:1 Now I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a… Read More

We Mourn the Passing of Tom Olbricht Tom Olbricht, the extraordinarily gifted founder of the Christian Scholars’ Conference, who shaped generations of scholars, ministers and church leaders for more than… Read More

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

After the pandemic, will people return to church?   Some ministers fear the attendance decline will outlive the COVID-19 outbreak. Bobby Ross Jr. Editor-in-Chief Anote on the Facebook page of… Read More

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

Our DNA: An Interview With Douglas A. Foster I grew in Michigan, in a county with roughly 500 lakes. I spent a good portion of my childhood, barefoot with friends,… Read More

The presentations directly address one of the most common objections against the Bible. Taught online to Dallas / Fort Worth area campus ministries in April 2020. Part One (begins about 11… Read More

Statistics show us that kids are being exposed to pornography early, and this is having detrimental effects. This webinar will feature experts from Covenant Eyes who will share valuable statistics, research, and… Read More

Many biblical scholars have noted that Jesus’ teaching radically challenged Jewish marriage and divorce customs. This article details several ways in which the status quo is overturned. For reference, here… Read More

Watch this important message by Jeff Chacon. He raises a red flag to warn against the subtle influence of an increasingly popular worldview that is hindering interracial relationships in the church… Read More

Daryl Reed is the Lead Minister of DC Regional Christian Church in the Washington DC area. We had an enlightening conversation about Church History and Race. Daryl is a third… Read More

 Enjoy this great interview. “Using Technology to Fight Human Trafficking” Rochelle Keyhan is the Chief Executive Officer of Collective Liberty and the 2018 Thomson Reuters Foundation Stop Slavery Hero. You will enjoy… Read More

Q&A 1574-1580 . Q&A 1581-1589 .. …. Part 1 of Baptism Debate (Dr. Thomas Ross and Dr. Douglas Jacoby) . Part 2 of Baptism Debate (Dr. Thomas Ross and Dr…. Read More

On September 11, 2001—a day Time magazine called the bloodiest day on American soil since the Civil War—two jumbo jets slammed into the World Trade Center towers in New York City,… Read More

 Attorney Fred Gray Remembers Congressman John Lewis Like many others, I’ve been deeply moved by the passing of Congressman John Lewis. Moved, but at a loss for words. I’ve… Read More

Dear Discipleship-first Friends, We are publishing a series in which disciple makers offer reflections on how to disciple people on racial issues. Last week it was Ben Barnett and this… Read More

        Review: Galatians: Deals with a set of teachings remarkably similar to modern Messianic Judaism. As in Romans, the phrase “the Law” refers to Torah, not works-righteousness…. Read More

Dear Discipleship-first Friends, We are asking a few disciple making leaders to describe how they disciple people on race. Ben Barnett is a lead pastor of Bridge Pointe Church in… Read More

        Main ideas The Jew-Gentile Controversy Just how “Jewish” do Christians need to be? The answer: Not at all, although it is okay for actual Jews to… Read More

It’s Not Where you Travel, But How Just Published, Now Available! Crossing Boundaries: A Traveler’s Guide to World Peace Buy Now! Join me in forming a community of travelers that… Read More

        We have already discussed several major features of Judaism that do not carry over directly into Christianity. For example, consider: Animal sacrifices (Heb 9:22; 10:1-4; 10:18)… Read More

The first national survey of the worldview of Americans conducted by the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University (@crcacu) shows that although seven out of ten consider themselves to be Christian,… Read More

        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

        Main ideas: In Rom 11:25, plērōma means fullness, not “full number.” (The identical term appears in 13:10 and 15:29. Also John 1:16; 1 Cor 10:26; Gal 4:4;… Read More

Part 1 – Synopsis Part 2 – Pros Part 3 – Defining and Repurposing Terms Part 4 – Conclusion Dr. George Yancey’s “Beyond Racial Gridlock” is one of the best,… Read More

New Perspectives Listen to Our New SIW Q&A Podcast “Home from Home with Topher & Thomas” Join us, Topher and Thomas, two twenty-somethings who like guys but really love God. We’ll dive head-first… Read More

        Main ideas: Jesus and the apostles clearly taught that Israel had lost its covenant and nationhood in the sight of God (Matt 22:2-9; 23:31-39; John 8:22-24,… Read More

        Main ideas: The new covenant is for all believers, not just the Jews. In fact, the Jews have no special status before the Lord, and more… Read More

The Bible’s war language is often hyperbolic SCOT MCKNIGHT There is a trope among basketball players that, when they make a very quick move that fakes out their opponent, “they… Read More

David Instone-Brewer, a British scholar who specializes in Rabbinic Judaism, writes the most biblically on-track books on the subject of marriage-divorce-remarriage. For the précis, CLICK  HERE. Note: you can also… Read More

Critical biography examines the ‘gifted but flawed’ leader of the American Restoration Movement. By John Mark Hicks When Alexander Campbell died in 1866, he left his legacy in a divided… Read More

        Main ideas: Law and covenant are integrally connected. Nearly the entire book of Deuteronomy is cast in the form of a covenant, the conditions of which… Read More

        Main ideas: The Law and Prophets are the foundation on which Jesus begins his transformative ministry. Analogy: algebra builds on arithmetic—not invalidating it, but fulfilling it…. Read More

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

Amid a surge in COVID-19 cases across the country, what should be the Christian response? Bible scholar N.T. Wright and BioLogos founder Francis Collins, two influential Christian figures and long-time… Read More

Here you will find a podcast plus notes on The 4th of July (11 minutes). To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target… Read More

        Main ideas: Matthew 5:17-20 is an important passage for Messianics. Yet the commands Jesus refers to are not the typically “Jewish” mitzvoth, but dealing with anger… Read More

        Main ideas: 1st century: apostles agree Gentiles are not obligated to follow Torah (Acts 15:1-35; Titus 1:10-11). 19th century: rooted in evangelism of Jews in Israel during the Ottoman… Read More

A sermon on abortion and race, preached at a Church of Christ in Oklahoma, sparks outrage. Bobby Ross Jr. Editor-in-Chief OKLAHOMA CITY — When I first heard about the sermon preached… Read More

Many of the 19th century novels are great character studies. In her talk on Mansfield Park, Jean Henderson focuses on the meek character of Fanny. If you want more Jane… Read More

By Amy Krall, for Stands to Reason In a post where I touched on the change from Saturday to Sunday as the day of worship, I was challenged in the comments to… Read More

MICHAEL BURNS – CULTURAL HUMILITY

  NATIONAL   Protests and prayers Christians respond to George Floyd’s death with outrage, rallies and calls for justice. Find more coverage and interviews related to the death of George… Read More

Dear Discipleship-first Friends, This is your invitation to join David Young, myself, Bill Hull, Renee Sproles, and Ben Barnett for a half-day seminar July 1st on an important topic: King Jesus and… Read More

During the month of June, in connection to Father’s Day, I am thankful and eager to be able to share with you the things that God, by his love, grace… Read More

A Message to Dads 3 mins Join Us for Our Next Family Support Group Sunday, June 28 |7 PM EST Click Here to Join  Sunday, June 28 | 7 PM… Read More

Dear Discipleship-first Friends, The United States is in the midst of big change. First, it was COVID-19 and all the changes around which everyone had to adopt. Then, it was… Read More

So much has been said and is being said about the tragic death of George Floyd that it almost feels excessive to add to the conversation. But to continue on… Read More

This video is a recording from the event below. Click here to view.

16 April 1963 My Dear Fellow Clergymen: While confined here in the Birmingham city jail, I came across your recent statement calling my present activities “unwise and untimely.” Seldom do… Read More

“Snide and Prejudice”: Language is a telling clue to unacknowledged racial attitudes Source:  The Economist, 13 June 2020, p.68  

June 15, 2020 Dead Sea Scrolls Genetically Fingerprinted Animal skin DNA reveals some scrolls came from beyond the Qumran caves A highly technical study released on June 11, 2020 in… Read More

  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

Jesus’ Words for the Grieving As a society we are contending with not only a pandemic and record job losses, but also with the racist violence that has plagued our… Read More

There’s a long overdue nationwide awakening to social injustices for a large segment of our country and it affects many of our dear brothers and sisters in Christ. God’s Word… Read More

  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? Access the podcast version of the newsletter by clicking here I have two things in my mind this week…. Read More

Signed up: 38. Post-tour: 25 .. WALKING WHERE JESUS WALKED We hear a good deal of talk about doing what Jesus would do (WWJD?), but how about walking where Jesus… Read More

Shawn Patterson | Bio Friday, May 8, would have been Ahmaud Arbery’s 26th birthday. On Sunday, February 23, Ahmaud, a 25-year-old African American male, was jogging through Satilla Shores, Georgia. After seeing… Read More

Four lessons for members of Churches of Christ — black and white — outraged by George Floyd’s death. Cheryl Mann Bacon Columnist ‘We lose connection with the heart of God,… Read More

It’s fair to say our country finds itself in the heat of a reopened wound stemming from police violence and racial tensions. As we see our cities in turmoil, we… Read More

Teaching Our Children about Sexual Ethics and the Bible: A Live Interview With Steve & Deb Bowen for Parents and Grandparents Steve and Deb Bowen oversee the Family Ministry for… Read More

Some say there is no truth, but at least fifteen things have to be true before this statement can even be uttered in English. What are they? Continue here.

Sermon for the Milwaukee Church of Christ via Zoom in May, 2020 from the book of Jude. Click here for a link in Dropbox. (This one filmed in a studio… Read More

  A Dream Worth Resurrecting: by Ben Brewster Ben Brewster wrote the below for Common Grounds in 2018. His book “Torn Asunder” is a must-read! The below is a re-post…. Read More

Jesus didn’t start his public ministry until he turned 30. Do you think this had anything to do with Numbers 4, where we read that a Levite needs to be… Read More

No barriers to the Spirit “…but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.” 1 Cor 2:3–5… Read More

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

May 2020   Focus on the Person Rather Than the Argument Alan Shlemon of Stand to Reason shares how best to use your time if you only have one hour… Read More

Leading evangelical thinker Tim Keller joins Francis Collins, who heads our country’s biomedical research, in a conversation that includes updates on the latest COVID-19 research, a discussion on the value… Read More

One of my latest books was included in a Publisher’s Weekly ad. Publisher’s Weekly is the most prestigious name in the industry. “Origins” is 2nd from right, 3rd row. MJ… Read More

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

Message delivered to the Milwaukee Church of Christ on Sunday, May 17, 2020. This is a link to the service. Doug’s message begins at the 23:00 mark. https://youtu.be/tMWp1gZdQXQ

Home Alone: Surviving the Pandemic for Married Couples

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

Africa’s other plague An army of locusts has invaded in the midst of COVID-19. Churches of Christ and relief ministries prepare for the region’s next pandemic — hunger. ‘They cover… Read More

Helping a Friend with… Anxiety or Depression Part 3 This is the final blog on listening. We’ve covered ways to help your friend (or yourself) when you struggle with anxiety… Read More

The Twisted Scriptures? Sometimes my intent is well-meaning, and yet, my conclusions, actions, and/or attitudes are misguided. Someone said, “any logical deduction taken to its extreme becomes absurd.” For years,… Read More

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

How do you answer the objection that belief in baptism being necessary for salvation is false because it adds to the already finished work of the cross? For example, one person… states:… Read More

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

Webinar para fortalecer liderazgo. Iniciamos el 6 de Mayo 2020 En los momentos de crisis, es muy importante fortalecernos y crecer en nuestro liderazgo.  ¿Cómo vas a verte este tiempo… Read More

Acts 2.38 and Understanding Purpose examines whether complete cognizance is necessary for a valid baptism by identifying analogous grammatical structures in the Greek N.T.

  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

NEWS Why Do Pastors Keep Getting Rehired After Abuse? Victims’ advocates caution institutions against plans to “restore” fallen leaders. Kate Shellnutt   Another case of a leader with an abusive… Read More

A Strength in Weakness Member’s Weekly Update New Perspectives From Strength in Weakness Ministries Volume 7; April 30, 2020 A SIW Member’s Weekly Update   Coming Up: How to Break… Read More

To listen to CLEAN podcast 21, The Wealthy Shunammites’ Child (16 minutes), click on arrow. To download and listen later, right click here and choose ‘save target as’ or ‘save link as’. Introduction CLEAN 21,… Read More

But not until the COVID-19 crisis hit did I learn about the global influenza pandemic of 1918 — known colloquially as the Spanish flu — and my family’s connection to… Read More

Helping a Friend with… Anxiety or Depression During this difficult time, we all know someone (or we struggle with ourselves) with anxiety or depression (or both). Eighty percent of all… Read More

Watch the lesson Douglas gave the Space Coast Church (Melbourne, Florida) on April 19, 2020. This link is for the whole service; Douglas comes on at about 15:30. Click here… Read More

Thank you for attending QCC2020! Quarantine Church Con 2020 Summary What an incredible time we had together last week! God brought together over 1,000 of his people to be equipped… Read More

How to access the abundance Access the podcast version of the newsletter by clicking here Abundance or scarcity? What is your outlook right now? I’ve been reading Dallas Willard’s book,… Read More

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

Voices only: Virtual choirs are a hit

Dear Discipleship-first Friends, I hope the subject line got your attention because it is a vitally important question for the North American Church. Most of us have been trained to… Read More

 “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

Believing in the Resurrection of Jesus How can we be believers in Jesus if we were not there and did not see him after he was raised from the dead?… Read More

  Notes: If you’ve been a regular listener to the Language of God podcast you’ve probably noticed our recent episodes have been a little different in attempt to respond to these times we’re… Read More

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

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

DISCIPLESHIP Some of us were lonely well before the pandemic. How do we find God’s comfort now? Clarissa Moll This past Sunday, I took my children for a walk in… Read More

Two Christian bioethicists on life or death issues that American doctors may soon face. INTERVIEW BY KARA BETTIS March 31, 2020 Medical professionals across the US are preparing COVID-19 units… Read More

Compassion or Judgment? Choose Today! You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. – John 8:15 ​ Compassion or Judgment? Facing loss is never easy and suicide in particular, is… Read More

Listen to Dr. Penny Cox, a follower of Christ and a general practitioner in Britain, as she speaks sensitively and compassionately about end-of-life issues.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you….Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV11) Mar 23, 10:21 AM Access the… Read More

Many congregations canceled services, and some Christians focused on feeding and nursing the poor. By John Mark Hicks NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Nashville saw its first case of the “Spanish flu” in… Read More

I saw this on the BBC News App and thought you should see it: From environmental improvements to acts of kindness, there are glimmers of light amid the crisis. Continue… Read More

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 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

FAITH AND FINANCES: A 21ST CENTURY BIBLICAL GUIDE FOR GROWING, PROTECTING, AND USING YOUR MONEY CLICK HERE TO ORDER NOW! “Faith and Finances is a timely and much-needed exposition on… Read More

LESSONS FOR YOU AND ME: Don’t over-react Trust the Lord Beware the real virus: sin Be excellent stewards of the time Don’t overanalyze Care deeply about others, not just ourselves… Read More

Dr. Marcus De Carvalho is a world renown specialist in addictions and a great friend to SIW. In this e-book he introduces hope and the ability to overcome the “hijacking”… Read More

By Samuel L. Caraballo A biology teacher sees things with a new perspective when his own child is born with trisomy 21, and reflects on her life and what it… Read More

  “Hey, Mom and Dad, where do humans come from?” Christy gives some helpful dos and don’ts to help parents lead theological and scientific conversations with their children. Read More >… Read More

  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

Can Your Church Thrive in Exile? A Conversation with Randy Gariss Randy Gariss was minister of Joplin’s College Heights Christian Church when a mile-wide F5 tornado mowed into Joplin. Randy… Read More

Five Years in the Making & Nominated for Best Documentary & Best Director at the 2018 International Christian Film Festival in Miami Learn More

I find it very significant that on the last night of His life Jesus talked a lot about joy. Not exactly the topic you would expect from somebody about to… Read More

What does revival look like in the 21st century?  Are You Creating Disciples or Consumers? An Interview with Kelvin Teamer Church leaders often want to preach what feels good, and church people… Read More

We now begin CLEAN sub-series Reanimation. To listen to CLEAN podcast 20, The Widow of Zarephath & Son (17 minutes), click on the arrow. To download and listen later, right click here and choose ‘save target… Read More

Christian theologian Dr. William Lane Craig during debate at Purdue University, Feb. 1, 2013. | (Photo: Nicole Byrd) It’s true – time really does fly. Eight years ago, I wrote an article… Read More

Examples of the Silver & Golden Rules in the world’s philosophies and religions: Jainism: “A man should wander about treating all creatures as he himself would be treated.” — Sutrakritanga, 1.11.33… Read More

Mental Health in the Church Setting Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. – 2 Thessalonians 1:4 I’ve… Read More

The Emotionally Healthy Leader Last fall, I reluctantly agreed to take a class called Emotionally Healthy Spirituality. It was being offered by a couple in our congregation. As I read… Read More

Dear marriage supporter, If two men can marry one another, why not three? Or why not two men and a woman? What’s so special about the number two once it’s… Read More

CT PASTORS Polyamory: Pastors’ Next Sexual Frontier These once-taboo relationships are showing up in churches across the US. Preston Sprinkle and Branson Parler   A pastor recently told me (Preston)… Read More

Why a Contradiction Seems Convincing Click Here to Listen It’s easy to believe a lie when you haven’t heard the whole story. But have you ever wondered how people can… Read More



Watch Doug’s sermon on Exodus 20 – “Honor Your Father”

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

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 | 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

https://vimeo.com/390319144

“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? 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

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.  

“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

. 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

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 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

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

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

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

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

“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

“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