The Newsletter of IBTM
with Douglas Jacoby

Good afternoon from Atlanta’s airport (ATL), still the world’s busiest—followed by Dubai (DXB), Dallas (DFW), London Heathrow (LHR), and Tokyo Haneda (HND).

In two hours I fly home to Britain, after a great week in the States. But not before sending out this week’s bulletin. Today we highlight an excellent book on discipleship, consider the alleged error Luke made about the census, and nudge you to sign up for our upcoming evidences program with N.T. scholar Mike Licona.

Mike Licona on the Resurrection!

Many people question God, the Bible, and the Christian faith. That’s a good thing, since there are solid answers. In a world where significant doubt surrounds matters of faith, it's crucial to equip ourselves with the skills to engage in meaningful conversation. Whether you're a seasoned believer looking to deepen your understanding, or a curious seeker seeking answers, this course is designed for you.

On Saturday 27 April, 9:30am-1:00pm ET the Athens Institute is hosting a special session with author, speaker, apologist, professor, and expert on the Resurrection of Jesus Mike Licona. Mike is the author, co-author, or editor of seven books, including an award-winning work on the Resurrection and several volumes on apologetics and evangelism. You don’t want to miss this! It’s such a special opportunity that non-students may attend for only $29.

Note: If you are new to AIM and do not already have an account in our course system, you will be asked to create an account. Then you can complete registration. Once you are registered, you will receive the Zoom link.

Learn more about the Evidences unit
Register now for the entire unit
Register now for Mike Licona only

Just Discipleship

A thought-provoking book I’ve just finished reading is Michael Rhodes’ Just Discipleship. I’m thrilled to have received the book as a member of the Institute for Biblical Research. I believe the author succeeds powerfully in spotlighting the strong biblical emphasis on justice, in both testaments.

From Amazon: “Many Christians and churches are rediscovering that God cares deeply about justice, but opinions abound as to what an approach to biblical justice might look like in contemporary society. What exactly does the Bible mean by justice, and what does it have to do with poverty, racism, and other issues in our world? More importantly, how do we become the kind of people who practice justice?

“Biblical scholar Michael Rhodes argues that the Bible offers a vision of justice-oriented discipleship that is critical for the formation of God's people. Grounded in biblical theology, virtue ethics, and his own experiences, he shows that justice is central to the Bible, central to Jesus, and central to authentic Christian discipleship. Justice stands at the heart of Scripture. Following Jesus demands that we become just disciples in an unjust world.”

Prepare to be challenged!  ORDER NOW

Was Luke Wrong About the Census?

Q: Did Luke make a mistake when he reported the census of Quirinius? Why do so many scholars think he got it wrong? Is it possible to reconcile Luke's account of Jesus's birth with other information we have from the same period that seems to contradict it?

A: This is a well known—though possibly irresolvable—matter. Tyndale House’s David Armitage explores how we might approach the widely debated issue. Click HERE for the answer.

Image: Scene depicting Roman census on a plaque from the Altar of Domitius Ahenobarbus, late 2nd century BC. Jastrow / Wikimedia Commons

160 Communion Messages

The Zoomunion series has been running weekly since March 2021. You can access previous communion reflections at the website, HERE, as well as join the new Zoomunions. We have a superb guest speaker this weekend and next: England’s Malcolm Cox.

More Chesterton Quotes

  • If there were no God, there would be no atheists. — Where All Roads Lead, 1922
  • Once abolish the God, and the government becomes the God.
  • Religious liberty might be supposed to mean that everybody is free to discuss religion. In practice it means that hardly anybody is allowed to mention it. – “The Shadow of the Sword,” Autobiography

Living N.T. Commentary Well Received

Last week we featured the substantial and practical New Testament Commentary, Thanks for your enthusiastic response! If you missed this, please watch the short VIDEO Vicki and I have made. It explains what the commentary is, how to make use of it, and where to find it.

Until Next Week...

Thank you for supporting the International Bible Teaching Ministry. IBTM was launched (embryonically) in 1992, although I was still involved in church work until 2003 and never solicited funding. Since 2004, hundreds have donated to our work, prayed for us, and provided the moral support we have much needed. And we are grateful.

Douglas