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Father’s Day – Douglas Jacoby

Posted: February 20, 2020

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

“Jesus & Melchizedek”

Posted: February 17, 2020

https://vimeo.com/390319144

“Can a Christian be an environmentalist?”

Posted: February 15, 2020

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

Which Battery Does Your Marriage Run On?

Posted: February 14, 2020

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

SOM 40—Wow!

Posted: February 9, 2020

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

SOM 39—Sand

Posted: February 8, 2020

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

SOM 38—Lord, Lord

Posted: February 7, 2020

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

SOM 37—Prophets?

Posted: February 6, 2020

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

SOM 36—Narrow

Posted: February 5, 2020

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

SOM 35—Gold

Posted: February 4, 2020

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

SOM 34—Ask

Posted: February 3, 2020

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

SOM 33—Swine

Posted: February 2, 2020

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

SOM 32—Judge

Posted: February 1, 2020

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

Bad Plot Summaries

Posted: January 31, 2020

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

SOM 31—Kingdom

Posted: January 31, 2020

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

SOM 30—Anxious

Posted: January 30, 2020

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

SOM 29—Mammon

Posted: January 29, 2020

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

SOM 28—Darkness

Posted: January 28, 2020

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

SOM 27—Treasure

Posted: January 27, 2020

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

SOM 26—Fast

Posted: January 26, 2020

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

SOM 25—Forgive

Posted: January 25, 2020

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

SOM 24—THE Prayer

Posted: January 24, 2020

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

SOM 23—Prayer

Posted: January 23, 2020

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

SOM 22—Alms

Posted: January 22, 2020

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

SOM 21—Show-off!

Posted: January 21, 2020

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

SOM 20–Perfection

Posted: January 20, 2020

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

SOM 19—Enemies

Posted: January 19, 2020

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

SOM 18—Retaliation

Posted: January 18, 2020

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

SOM 17—Oaths

Posted: January 17, 2020

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

SOM 16—Divorce

Posted: January 16, 2020

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

SOM 15—Lust

Posted: January 15, 2020

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

SOM 14—Anger

Posted: January 14, 2020

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

125 Countries and 1 Core Mission – Interview with Douglas Jacoby

Posted: January 13, 2020

Renew.org If you had the opportunity to sit down and talk with a world traveling disciple maker, what questions would you ask? As for me, I was curious about what… Read More

SOM 13—Pharisees

Posted: January 13, 2020

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

List of Audio Lessons

Posted: January 12, 2020

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

SOM 12—Fulfillment

Posted: January 12, 2020

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

SOM 11—Light

Posted: January 11, 2020

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

Everyday Disciple Maker: Debbra Stephens

Posted: January 10, 2020

      Everyday Disciple Maker: Debbra Stephens CLICK HERE TO LISTEN Whether you work in sales or in a school, whether a preacher or a plumber, there is one… Read More

SOM 10—Salt

Posted: January 10, 2020

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

SOM 09—Persecuted

Posted: January 9, 2020

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

SOM 08—Peacemaking

Posted: January 8, 2020

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

SOM 07—Pure

Posted: January 7, 2020

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

SOM 06—Merciful

Posted: January 6, 2020

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

SOM 05—Hungry

Posted: January 5, 2020

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

SOM 04—Meek

Posted: January 4, 2020

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

Something You Can Never Be

Posted: January 3, 2020

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

SOM 03—Mourning

Posted: January 3, 2020

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

SOM 02—Poor

Posted: January 2, 2020

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

SOM 01—The Mountain

Posted: January 1, 2020

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

OT62-The Prophetess Huldah

Posted: January 1, 2020

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

SOM 00—Introduction—It Still Haunts Us

Posted: December 27, 2019

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

Language of God Podcast: Adam & Eve

Posted: November 28, 2019

“Are You Possessed?”

Posted: November 25, 2019

Sermon given by Doug on 11-24-19 at the North River Church of Christ in Atlanta, GA. https://vimeo.com/375303498

6 Things to Avoid in Dating – Third Drive Faith

Posted: November 14, 2019

Do you have a friend who needs good dating advice? Send this to him or her! Click here for more.

OT61—Michal, Abigail, Bathsheba

Posted: November 1, 2019

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

Church and Culture, with Christian Ray Flores

Posted: October 23, 2019

Recently I caught up with one of the workshop presenters at our November 6th Gathering, Christian Ray Flores. Christian is a Renew.org co-founder and has an interesting perspective on culture and… Read More

The Top 100 Verses on Money and Wealth

Posted: October 16, 2019

Bookmark the list for Bible study, reference, and sharing with others. Top 100 Bible Verses on Money and Wealth Also see the Topical Index of Money and Wealth Scriptures The latest… Read More

SBC President: We Failed to Heed Victims’ Voices

Posted: October 15, 2019

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

Jesus and His Enemies

Posted: September 22, 2019

My sermon at the North River Church of Christ on Sunday 22 September 2019 (9 am service). Principal texts: Luke 23:34 and Matt 5:38-48. https://vimeo.com/361631498

Shared Church

Posted: September 19, 2019

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

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

Posted: September 18, 2019

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

How a Gay Man and a Christian Minister Became Great Friends

Posted: September 18, 2019

Kidogo – Christian Practicals 2.67K subscribers Guy Hammond used to live a gay life before he became a Christian. Now, as Christian minister, he runs an international ministry dedicated to… Read More

Facts Concerning Social Media Use in 2019

Posted: September 16, 2019

Social Media – A powerful tool https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6k_G_h41ZaQ  

Chik-fil-A – “Anti-equality giving”

Posted: September 7, 2019

CHICK-FIL-A GIVING. San Antonio, Texas, and Buffalo, New York, have kicked Chick-fil-A out of their airports for “aiding and abetting Christian organizations.” What is especially ironic is that it is the charity work of… Read More

Understanding Myths That May Hold Us Back

Posted: September 5, 2019

Don’t Be Fooled Into Believing These Final Two GRIEF MYTHS You have taken from me my closest friends and have made me repulsive to them. I am confined and cannot… Read More

OT Character Podcast 60, Mephibosheth

Posted: September 1, 2019

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

Islam & Christianity (lesson from Azerbaijan)

Posted: August 6, 2019

The podcast Islam & Christianity (26 minutes) is intended to help the new student of world religions to develop a feel for how the two faiths connect. This is material I… Read More

“Scripture-Soaked” – message at North River Church

Posted: July 29, 2019

Watch the message given in Atlanta (North River Church) on July 28, 2019. https://vimeo.com/350604112?fbclid=IwAR3vKZU4TYY-ZDZZ61QD6V7gqz5I3cXSCnjFF8f7dKqH4s44SW9HffM-FSs

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

Posted: July 29, 2019

Sermon I did in the Midpoint Ministry (Chicago) on July 21, 2019. (The sermon begins at about 0:38, and ends at 1:12.) https://www.facebook.com/MidpointMinistryCenter/videos/492425961508466/

Más Allá de la Vida 1 & 2, por Arturo Elizarrarás

Posted: July 17, 2019

Podcast 1 Podcast 2   Más Allá de la Vida – Slides  

Ebola survivor Dr. Kent Brantly returning to Africa as medical missionary

Posted: July 16, 2019

FORT WORTH, Texas — Dr. Kent Brantly sat on his counselor’s couch and wept. The tears came last summer as the Christian physician visited with Dottie Schulz, a missionary care volunteer… Read More

Control, part 3

Posted: July 3, 2019

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

Control, part 2

Posted: July 3, 2019

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

Control, part 1

Posted: July 3, 2019

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

When the terrorists came for us | The Christian Chronicle

Posted: July 2, 2019

After his wife became Muslim to appease militant Islamists, he fled with their children — and found Christ. Erik Tryggestad President and CEO DONO-MANGA, Chad — In this rural African village,… Read More

What Does the Bible Say About Being Transgender?

Posted: July 1, 2019

Two New AMAZING Videos From SIW! P.S. Put your seat belt on! #1. What Does the Bible Say bout Being Transgender? By Brandon Redler 3.3 min #2. Why I Left My Transgender Life Behind … Read More

CLEAN – talk 10, the Four Lepers (= OT Character podcast 59)

Posted: July 1, 2019

To listen to lesson 10 in the CLEAN series, The Four Samaritan Lepers (10 minutes), click on the play arrow. Or you can download the podcast by right clicking here and choosing ‘save… Read More

Who Are We? (What we Christ-followers prefer to be called)

Posted: June 26, 2019

WHO ARE WE? SELF-TEST: Rank the following terms in order of usage–what you usually call yourself. Christian Disciple Brother Saint Many of us answered 1-2-3-4, right? But in the New… Read More

“We Are Church,” by Francis Chan

Posted: June 23, 2019

History — We Are Church A Brief History of We Are Church. Excerpt from Letters to the Church, by Francis Chan. Why I Left My Megachurch In 1994, when I… Read More

“Think about it…”

Posted: June 21, 2019

Two twin boys were raised by an alcoholic father. One grew up to be an alcoholic and when asked what happened he said “I watched my father”. The other grew… Read More

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

Posted: June 18, 2019

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

Church Intensive

Posted: June 18, 2019

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

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

Posted: June 17, 2019

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

TheHistoricFaith.com by Sattler College and Scroll Publishing

Posted: June 17, 2019

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

Our Manhood Crisis – An Interview with Robert Lewis

Posted: June 17, 2019

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

Who Was? Series

Posted: June 16, 2019

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

Two New iFaith Videos from Hebrews

Posted: June 14, 2019

Two video sermons taken from the book of Hebrews: iFaith 19 (Heb A), “Christ is Supreme,” and iFaith 20 (Heb B), “The Truth about Falling Away”. Listen to either or… Read More

Why Facts Don’t Change Our Minds | The New Yorker

Posted: June 12, 2019

New discoveries about the human mind show the limitations of reason. The vaunted human capacity for reason may have more to do with winning arguments than with thinking straight. Illustration… Read More

The preachers getting rich from poor Americans – BBC News

Posted: June 12, 2019

Televangelist Todd Coontz has a well-worn routine: he dresses in a suit, pulls out a Bible and urges viewers to pledge a very specific amount of money. “Don’t delay, don’t… Read More

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

Posted: June 7, 2019

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

“Long Distance Faith,” by Douglas Jacoby

Posted: May 10, 2019

Sermon given at the North River Church in Atlanta on Sunday, May 12, 2019. https://vimeo.com/335747367

Is the Holy Land the Promised Land? | The Christian Chronicle

Posted: May 9, 2019

Is the Holy Land the Promised Land? Leading evangelical supporters of President Trump tout the modern state of Israel as a fulfillment of biblical prophecy. Scholars in Churches of Christ… Read More

Terrorists in Burkina Faso Execute Six at Pentecostal Church

Posted: May 3, 2019

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

May News from Tyndale House

Posted: May 3, 2019

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

CLEAN – talk 9 (= OT Character Podcast 58, Uzziah pt. II)

Posted: May 1, 2019

To listen to lesson 9 in the CLEAN series, The Leprosy of Uzziah (9 minutes), click on the play arrow. Or you can download the podcast by right clicking here and choosing… Read More

The Samaritan Passover

Posted: April 23, 2019

Growing up in suburban Cincinnati, sacrifices were not part of everyday life. I know, some of you are probably shocked by that revelation. Sacrifices were something I read about in the Bible… Read More

1 Tim 3:16, 2 Tim 2:11-13

Posted: April 12, 2019

Scriptures that Prove God Condones Homosexuality, by Guy Hammond

Posted: March 22, 2019

A List of All Scriptures that Proves God Condones Homosexuality By Guy Hammond Executive Director; Strength in Weakness Ministries Does God love homosexuals? Of course, God loves everyone! But where… Read More

The Burden-Free Step in Discussing Christian Beliefs, by Greg Koukl

Posted: March 21, 2019

Greg explains the importance of listening and encourages Christians to remember that the one who makes the claim bears the burden. Play the 3-minute video by clicking here, and/or read… Read More

An integrated media evangelism solution for churches

Posted: March 18, 2019

“… so that by all possible means I might save some.” 1 Cor 9:22  Does your church have an integrated and compelling online presence to impact your community? Your church leader needs to focus… Read More

Why Is the Culture of a Disciple Making Church So Important?, by Bobby Harrington

Posted: March 13, 2019

“Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” That statement, attributed to the most influential management guru of our time, Peter Drucker, describes a reality church leaders must face in the pursuit of… Read More

No Cheeks Left to Turn: The Double Persecution of Africa’s Largest Church

Posted: March 10, 2019

Weary of attacks by Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen, Christians in Nigeria ask how long they’re supposed to “count it all joy.” JEREMY WEBER IN JOS| OCTOBER 19, 2018 Image:… Read More

Non-profit, ‘Sheep Not Goats’ Highlighted on News

Posted: March 8, 2019

Local couple help empower women in Nicaragua, one knitted blanket at a time By: Lorena Inclan Jacksonville, FL March 1, 2019 For Steve and Sandy Jacoby a trip to Nicaragua… Read More

The Book of Ruth

Posted: March 1, 2019

RUTH LESSON NR-MS Taught 20 March 2019 in Marietta, GA (North River Church, Marietta Square Group)

One Way or Any Way? Part 2

Posted: March 1, 2019

by Greg Koukl, March 1, 2019 I do not consider myself a particularly brave person, and I think it especially foolish, on the main, to make a frontal assault on… Read More

CLEAN – talk 8 (= OT Character Podcast 57, Gehazi pt. II)

Posted: March 1, 2019

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

Are You Ready to Respond to Pro-Abortion Arguments?

Posted: February 26, 2019

Are You Ready to Respond to Pro-Abortion Arguments? The message being given to us by our culture has moved from the regretful necessity of abortion to the goodness of abortion…. Read More

“Jesus in Gethsemane: The Power of a Prayer of Submission”

Posted: February 25, 2019

Sermon by Douglas Jacoby on Feb. 24, 2019 at the North River Church of Christ. https://vimeo.com/319341234

IC.00-The Imitation of Christ—GATEWAY

Posted: February 2, 2019

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.31-The Imitation of Christ, 31—Meditating on Death / Final Desire / Eternity

Posted: January 31, 2019

Scripture: Phil 3:14; (1 Macc 2:63); (Sir 7:6); (Sir 38:22); Luke 21:36; Matt 24:44; 2 Cor 6:2; Rom 6:8; Ecc 7:2; Psalm 144:4; Luke 12:33; 16:9; 1 Pet 2:11; Heb… Read More

IC.30-The Imitation of Christ, 30—Coasting / Delight / Free spirit

Posted: January 30, 2019

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

IC.29-The Imitation of Christ, 29—Desiring Eternal Life

Posted: January 29, 2019

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.28-The Imitation of Christ, 28—Rash Judgment & Words

Posted: January 28, 2019

Scripture: Matt 7:1-2; Jas 3:7-9; Matt 26:41; Eph 4:29; John 21:22; Rom 14:12; Ecc 1:14; John 2:25; Rev 3:20; 1 Pet 4:7 . Thought questions: * Am I aware of… Read More

IC.27-The Imitation of Christ, 27—Sensitive Heart

Posted: January 27, 2019

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

IC.26-The Imitation of Christ, 26—Security / Temptation

Posted: January 26, 2019

Scripture: 2 Cor 6:7; Psalm 91:14; Rev 2:17; Rom 8:18; Psalm 27:14; Psalm 91:15; Job 7:1; 1 Pet 5:8; Jas 1:14; Col 1:11; (Sir 31:26); 1 Cor 10:13; (Jud 8:17); Luke… Read More

IC.25-The Imitation of Christ, 25—Reading the Holy Scriptures

Posted: January 25, 2019

Scriptures: 2 Tim 3:16; Heb 13:9; Psalm 117:2; Heb 1:1; Rom 2:11 Ten thoughts: * We shouldn’t seek novelty for novelty’s sake. The gospel is seldom advanced through curious, shocking,… Read More

IC.24-The Imitation of Christ, 24—Exercises of a Righteous Person

Posted: January 24, 2019

Scripture: 2 Pet 1:5-8; Prov 16:9; Jer 10:23; Heb 12:1; Eph 6:11; Rom 8:18; Luke 12:37,42 Application: * Daily renewal: Begin the day the right way!  * Stay busy. Redeem… Read More

IC.23-The Imitation of Christ, 23—Peaceableness / Purity / Conscience

Posted: January 23, 2019

Scripture: Gal 5:22-23; Eph 4:2; Gal 6:2; Rom 12:18; Phil 4:8; Rom 2:9; 1 Pet 3:16; Isa 57:20-21; 2 Cor 1:12; 7:4; 1 John 3:21; Isa 48:22; Mic 3:11; Psalm… Read More

IC.22-The Imitation of Christ, 22—Peace of Mind / Solitude & Silence

Posted: January 22, 2019

Scripture: John 14:27; Matt 3:10; Gal 2:20; 5:24; 6:14; 2 Tim 2:4; Rev 2:4; Psalm 37:7; Mark 6:31; Luke 5:16; 2 Cor 1:12; Psalm 4:4; 1 John 2:17; Prov 23:32;… Read More

IC.21-The Imitation of Christ, 21—Bearing with Others

Posted: January 21, 2019

Scriptures: Luke 11:4; Gen 50:20; Titus 3:10; Gal 6:2,5; 2 Cor 3:5; Prov 3:7; Col 3:13; 1 Thess 5:11 . Application: * We often operate under a double standard, wanting others… Read More

IC.20-The Imitation of Christ, 20—Confidence of Grace

Posted: January 20, 2019

Scripture: Jas 1:17; Nah 1:7; Matt 11:28; Jer 32:27; 1 Pet 5:10; Num 23:19; Ps 40:1; Matt 8:7; 6:34; John 14:27; 14:1; Ps 44:21; John 15:9; Luke 8:15; 2 Cor… Read More

Ministry in the #MeToo Moment

Posted: January 19, 2019

As abuse awareness grows, pastors are searching for ways to protect the vulnerable and care for survivors. MORGAN LEE @Mepaynl Image: Davide Bonazzi / Salzmanart Last summer Stephanie Lobdell, co-lead pastor… Read More

No Sign Language in the World Has Its Own Bible Translation

Posted: January 19, 2019

Deaf communities around the world are still waiting to experience God’s Word in their first language. How much longer will it be? Donations from the 40,000 attendees at this year’s… Read More

IC.19-The Imitation of Christ, 19—Contempt of Worldly Knowledge

Posted: January 19, 2019

Scripture: 1 Cor 1:26-27; 2 Tim 4:3; Num 16; Ps 94:10; 119:100,130; Col 3:4; Zeph 1:12; 1 Cor 4:5,20; 12:11. . Application: * “Sweet-sounding compliments”: beware flattery, and people lowering… Read More

IC.18-The Imitation of Christ, 18—Guard of Humility / Thinking Humbly

Posted: January 18, 2019

Scripture: 1 Pet 5:5-6; Matt 6; Jer 10:23; Ps 91:4; Rom 11:25; 12:3; 1 Cor 13:1-3; Rom 11:20; 12:3; Jas 3:1 Practical application:  * We should be modest about our… Read More

Large Numbers of Young Adults Dropping Out of Church

Posted: January 17, 2019

Young adults are dropping out of church in large numbers, survey finds. This is why. www.usatoday.com 3 mins read ASHVILLE, Tenn. —Large numbers of young adults who frequently attended Protestant worship services in… Read More

Churches & Race

Posted: January 17, 2019

Christian churches still struggle with race, how to discuss it, what to do www.usatoday.com 10 mins read CINCINNATI — On a Wednesday night at Crossroads Church in the Cincinnati neighborhood Corryville,… Read More

IC.17-The Imitation of Christ, 17—Over-anxiety / Holy examples

Posted: January 17, 2019

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

Focus on Gardening, by Greg Koukl

Posted: January 16, 2019

Greg encourages Christians for whom evangelism seems overwhelming to focus on small opportunities of influence rather than “sealing the deal.” Look forward to more Mentoring Moments from Greg in the… Read More

IC.16-The Imitation of Christ, 16—Benefits of Obedience / Self-denial / Surrender

Posted: January 16, 2019

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

IC.15-The Imitation of Christ, 15—Obedience / Earthly Affections

Posted: January 15, 2019

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

IC.14-The Imitation of Christ, 14—Bearing Injuries / Christ’s Obedience

Posted: January 14, 2019

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

IC.13-The Imitation of Christ, 13—Loss of all comfort

Posted: January 13, 2019

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

IC.12-The Imitation of Christ, 12—Human Misery / Weakness

Posted: January 12, 2019

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

IC.11-The Imitation of Christ, 11—Not Trusting Self / Trusting God

Posted: January 11, 2019

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

IC.10-The Imitation of Christ, 10—Knowledge / Wisdom / Not believing everyone

Posted: January 10, 2019

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

IC.09-The Imitation of Christ, 9—Hearing God’s Words

Posted: January 9, 2019

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

IC.08-The Imitation of Christ, 8—Selfish Love

Posted: January 8, 2019

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

IC.07-The Imitation of Christ, 7—Futile Hope

Posted: January 7, 2019

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

IC.06-The Imitation of Christ, 6—Intimate Love of Jesus

Posted: January 6, 2019

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

Origins — a book on the issues behind Genesis 1-11

Posted: January 5, 2019

Origins turns much of what Christians learned in Sunday School on its head in a revealing comparison of the Genesis narrative to the competing pagan narrative of the day. Relatively few… Read More

IC.05-The Imitation of Christ, 5—Power of Divine Love

Posted: January 5, 2019

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

Ibram Kendi – Are You An Intellectual?

Posted: January 4, 2019

Ibram Kendi breaks down what it really means to be the smartest person in the room. For more information: Antiracist Research and Policy Center at American University. Watch this podcast… Read More

IC.04-The Imitation of Christ, 4—The Royal Way

Posted: January 4, 2019

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

IC.03-The Imitation of Christ, 3—Taking Up Jesus’ Cross

Posted: January 3, 2019

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

IC.02-The Imitation of Christ, 2—Offering Ourselves

Posted: January 2, 2019

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

IC.01-The Imitation of Christ, 1—Imitating Christ, Despising Vanity

Posted: January 1, 2019

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

CLEAN – talk 7 (= OT character podcast 56, Naaman)

Posted: January 1, 2019

To listen to lesson 7 in the CLEAN series, The Leprosy of Naaman (14 minutes), click on the play arrow. Or you can download the podcast by right clicking here and choosing ‘save target… Read More

Human Embryo Gene Editing: Deep Concerns from Francis Collins

Posted: December 28, 2018

Human Embryo Gene Editing: We Need To Think This Through Carefully (An Interview with Francis Collins) In a recent podcast segment with Francis Collins, we asked about human embryo gene editing…. Read More

Two Common Mistakes Preachers Make (by John Piper)

Posted: December 10, 2018

Two Common Mistakes Preachers Make: Searching for Reality in Sermons John Piper takes one simple verse in Romans and shows two major and prevalent mistakes preachers make today. www.desiringgod.org

Stepping into the Jordan

Posted: December 6, 2018

The Ministry of Rob Kranz All incoming students at JUC are required to take “Physical Settings of the Bible.” This is classified as a geography course, yet the content is… Read More

Merry Christmas in 100 Different Languages

Posted: December 4, 2018

Click HERE to learn how to say Merry Christmas in 100 languages!   Infographic via DayTranslations.com

CLEAN – talk 6 (= OT character podcast 55, Miriam pt. II)

Posted: November 1, 2018

To listen to lesson 6 in the CLEAN series, The Leprosy of Miriam (17 minutes), click on the play arrow. Or you can download the podcast by right clicking here and… Read More

My Favorite Mistranslation (Proverbs 22:6) – Douglas Stuart

Posted: October 25, 2018

To listen to this podcast, click here.

What Was the Sin of Sodom and Gomorrah?

Posted: October 18, 2018

It’s become popular to claim that the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah was something other than homosexuality. What does the Bible say? Read an extended explanation of this topic here.

Untangling Addiction – a free download

Posted: October 10, 2018

Dr. De Carvalho is passionate about helping people regain their lives and become “unstuck” from the addictions and mental illnesses that have kept them in the darkness. In his new… Read More

Be Flexible – Sermon by Douglas Jacoby

Posted: October 3, 2018

Sermon given at the North River church on Sunday, September 30, 2018

The Cassandra Curse | Hidden Brain : NPR

Posted: September 23, 2018

After a disaster happens, we want to know, could something have been done to avoid it? Did anyone see this coming? Many times, the answer is yes. There was a… Read More

Origins (Genesis 1-11) — O.T. Scholars Weigh In

Posted: September 19, 2018

Philosopher and Christian apologist Paul Copan and I have written a book on early Genesis. See what Old Testament scholars are saying about Origins. . “Genesis 1–11 is the foundation… Read More

The Statement on Social Justice and the Gospel – response by Michael Burns

Posted: September 18, 2018

Note: the smaller navy blue text is Michael Burns’s response. Recently a group of American evangelical leaders signed and released a statement on social justice to voice concerns that they have over… Read More

The Life of Jesus (Pt. I and Pt. II)

Posted: September 14, 2018

Cape Town, South Africa, 9 Sept 2018 In this session (consisting of two parts) Douglas Jacoby paints an outstanding picture as to the life and context of Jesus as a… Read More

9 facts on the End-times

Posted: September 12, 2018

1 Thess 5:1—Don’t get caught up in predictions. These are futile. William Miller Adventists Jehovah’s Witnesses 88 Reasons the Rapture Will Happen in 1988 Eschatology = the study of the… Read More

Why America’s ‘nones’ don’t identify with a religion

Posted: September 11, 2018

By Becka A. Alper, www.pewresearch.org A growing share of Americans are religiously unaffiliated. We recently asked a representative sample of more than 1,300 of these “nones” why they choose not to identify with a religion. Out… Read More

Global Persecution

Posted: September 5, 2018

From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. On arriving there, they gathered the… Read More

OT54 – The Ethiopian Eunuchs (= NT character podcast 56)

Posted: September 1, 2018

To hear the talk on The Ethiopian Eunuchs (25 minutes), click the play arrow. You can download it from here. This podcast is O.T. character podcast 54 and N.T. character… Read More

Preferring Infertility, by Abigail Dodds

Posted: August 29, 2018

How We Worship the Queen of Heaven What must God think of a society that has made child sacrifice normal for the sake of elective infertility? Read here.

Storyline: Strength in Weakness

Posted: August 29, 2018

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

Ministry

Posted: August 29, 2018

I. Who is in the ministry”?” II. What is “the ministry”? III. Does it matter what we call it? Listen to the podcast to find out the answers to these… Read More

African teaching ministry, by Gilbert Kimeng

Posted: August 13, 2018

Gilbert Kimeng 9 August 2018 Kinshasa, D.R.C. The past 10 days spent in the company of Dr. Douglas Jacoby has been transformational. He arrived Lagos on Monday July 30th, and… Read More

iFaith video sermon list

Posted: August 7, 2018

MASTER DOCUMENT: iFaith Bible Project 0622 In this series we will proceed more or less chronologically through the New Testament and the Old Testament. There are 119 video messages, being recorded… Read More

Evangelical Black Exodus, by Danny Anderson

Posted: August 4, 2018

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

Are We at War with Muslims?, by Alan Schlemon

Posted: July 31, 2018

When the topic of violent jihad comes up, the first thing I hear most Muslims say is that they don’t practice violence, nor do most Muslims they know. Islam is… Read More

Cool quotes from Socrates, Plato, & Aristotle

Posted: July 10, 2018

The beginning of wisdom is a definition of terms. I cannot teach anybody anything. I can only make him think. I am not an Athenian, nor a Greek, but a… Read More

“Filling & Following,” sermon by Douglas Jacoby

Posted: July 9, 2018

7-8-2018 Douglas Jacoby “Filling and Following” at the North River Church of Christ, Marietta, Georgia, USA

OT53-Rahab (CJ Jones)

Posted: July 1, 2018

For the O.T. Character Study, Rahab (27 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target… Read More

Black Panther

Posted: June 13, 2018

In April [2018] someone asked me if I’d seen Black Panther. I had heard of it, but admitted I wasn’t particularly interested in yet another superhero movie. “I’ll probably watch… Read More

France Erases Christianity from Public View

Posted: June 12, 2018

Used with permission from John Clayton and Does God Exist? (Vol. 45, no. 1, 2018) FRANCE ERASES CHRISTIANITY FROM PUBLIC VIEW If you remember studying the history of France, you… Read More

The Wit and Wisdom of Ancient Jewish Graffiti – Atlas Obscura

Posted: June 10, 2018

Researchers in the field have uncovered related messages ranging from “Lasius is a pervert” to “Good luck in your resurrection.” Read more here.

Q&A 1528 – Santa Claus and the Faith of Small Children

Posted: May 25, 2018

I often wonder about how it will affect my daughter when she finds out that Santa is not real. She associates Christmas with Santa and with Jesus. When she finds… Read More

Where Does God Want Me to Work?, by David Mathis

Posted: May 23, 2018

David Mathis leads us in finding God’s will through three major factors. Read here.

“Mother’s Day Reflection,” by Douglas Jacoby

Posted: May 14, 2018

Message given at the North River Church of Christ on Sunday, May 13, 2018 at the 9 & 11am services.

OT52-Jonah.mp3

Posted: May 1, 2018

For O.T. Lesson 52, Jonah (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

Sheep Not Goats Newsletter for April 2018

Posted: April 30, 2018

Attached is the latest newsletter about what’s happening in Nicaragua, including all the Sheep Dreamzzz blankets being made and the breakfasts for the elderly that are held in Malpaisillo every Thursday morning…. Read More

Ezekiel comment, by Peter Craigie

Posted: April 19, 2018

“The concluding verses of the book indicate the wholeness and completeness of the prophet’s vision and ministry as a whole. From one perspective, it is a sad book; it begins… Read More

Thrive – Jacoby lesson for NECC

Posted: April 1, 2018

NECC Thrive The file is the .pdf (3 pages) accompanying the class recorded for the 2018 NECC (Northeast Christian Conference, Providence RI, July 2018). Here is the audio file (58… Read More

Did Seinfeld and Letterman ruin us?

Posted: March 24, 2018

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

The Passover 1: Hurry!

Posted: March 19, 2018

Sermon given by Douglas Jacoby at the North River Church of Christ on March 18, 2018, based on Exodus 12.

“I Am an Arab and I Am a Christian: An Autobiography”

Posted: March 6, 2018

Former Muslim shows Islam from the inside. by David Duncan Many well-written books on Islam have appeared in the years since 9/11. So have many not-so-great books, written from a… Read More

OT51-Amos.mp3

Posted: March 1, 2018

For O.T. Lesson 51, Amos (26 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

Series on John (daily study)

Posted: February 23, 2018

The 2018 series is A Tour Through John. Length: 50 days. Units average about 20 minutes, just right if you have to go to work early, or want to listen as you… Read More

An Update on Cathy Hammond’s health

Posted: February 21, 2018

    Dear friend of the Hammonds and the Strength in Weakness ministry, Many have asked about my wife’s health, thank you. Cathy remains seriously ill. In spite of the… Read More

The Serpent & The Savior

Posted: February 21, 2018

A Tour Through John, Lesson 49

Posted: February 18, 2018

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 48

Posted: February 17, 2018

Rev B is the middle podcast in a series of 3 introducing the Revelation of John. Click on the arrow to play the podcast (17 minutes), or right click here,… Read More

A Tour Through John, Lesson 47

Posted: February 16, 2018

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 46 (verses)

Posted: February 15, 2018

Click on the arrow to play the podcast (8 minutes), or right click here, save and listen later. Scripture for memory  1 John 1:7 — But if we walk in the… Read More

A Tour Through John, Lesson 45

Posted: February 14, 2018

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

The Future Computed

Posted: February 13, 2018

Artificial Intelligence and its role in society, by Brad Smith and Harry Shum. Read the article here.

A Tour Through John, Lesson 44

Posted: February 13, 2018

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 43

Posted: February 12, 2018

Two of the most encouraging verses in the Bible are found in 1 John 5. Verse 3 says God’s commands aren’t burdensome. Walking in the light—and basking in it—isn’t only… Read More