Less Directive Discipling? / Ethiopian Eunuch or Nubian Official? / Evidences with Mike Licona

THE BULLETIN OF IBTM
with Douglas Jacoby

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Good afternoon!

Thank you for your prayers and for your interest in our ministry. We trust the Lord is smiling on you.

Vicki and I are currently at home in NW coastal England. Below: some recent photos. Following: food for thought. We hope you like the newsletter.

 

 

 

 

 

In today’s bulletin, five things to ponder:

• Would “discipling” work better if it were less directive? What if we never counseled others, unless they specifically asked for direction?
• An invitation to an evidences course with Resurrection scholar Mike Licona.
• A moving song of praise by Michael Farren.
• Poignant words of truth—about truth.
• Was the Ethiopian Eunuch actually Ethiopian? Or even a eunuch? My friend Mark Wilson provides strong evidence for a different understanding of Acts 8.

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LESS DIRECTIVE DISCIPLING?

 

From the LK10 website: “Are you burned out? Tired of church as usual? Looking for deeper connection with others and with Jesus? Then you’re in the right place. LK10 trains people like you to start Jesus-led, joy-fueled communities. We’re re-imagining church as a simple, organic, and participatory family.”

Several leaders in my own fellowship are rethinking discipleship and striving for a less directive, more organic and effective way of mentoring. Check this out and see what you think. For further thoughts on the application of these principles (from Glenn Giles), click here.

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AIM EVIDENCES & EVANGELISM

 

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.

AIM Evidences & Evangelism combines theological foundations with practical techniques, equipping you to navigate complex discussions with clarity, confidence, and compassion.

We will kick off Christian Evidences & Evangelism with a live online session Saturday 17 February 9:30-11:00 ET. (The Zoom link will be sent out a few days before the live session to the email that you use to register on the website. The link will also be inside the course itself once you are registered.).

On Saturday 27 April, 9:30am-1:00pm ET we will have a special, second live session featuring author, speaker, apologist, professor, and expert on the Resurrection of Jesus, Mike Licona, Ph.D. Mike is the author, co-author, or editor of seven books, including an award-winning book on the Resurrection and several books on apologetics and evangelism. You don’t want to miss this! It’s such a special opportunity that we will allow non-students to attend the April session for only $29.

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

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 before you can complete registration.

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OH PRAISE (THE ONLY ONE)
Hear the tune HERE.

 

There is no greater truth than this
There is no stronger love we know
God Himself comes down to live
And make a sinner's heart His throne

There is no greater peace than this
No other kindness can compare
He clothes us in His righteousness
Forever free, forever heirs

Oh praise the only One
Who shines brighter than ten thousand suns
Death and hell call Him victorious
Praise Him

Oh praise the One true King
Lift it loud till earth and heaven ring
Every crown we lay down at His feet
Praise Him

There is no sweeter joy than this
There is no stronger hope we hold
We are His forevermore
Safe, secure by Christ alone

Oh praise the only One
Who shines brighter than ten thousand suns
Death and hell call Him victorious
Praise Him

Oh praise the One true King
Lift it loud till earth and heaven ring
Every crown we lay down at His feet
Praise Him

There is no sound that's like the song
That rises up from grateful saints
We once were lost but now we're found
One with Him, we bear His name

One with Him, we bear His name
Oh praise the only One
Who shines brighter than ten thousand suns
Death and hell call Him victorious
Praise Him

Oh praise the One true King
Lift it loud till earth and heaven ring
Every crown we lay down at His feet
Praise Him

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THE TRUTH

• When a person has a reputation for telling the truth, he doesn’t have to prove everything he says. — Anon.
• Ten million assertions, even when magnified and accelerated in a hundred million tweets and “likes,” still never add up to truth or wisdom, or what is right and good.
  — Os Guinness, Renaissance
• If you look for truth, you may find comfort in the end; if you look for comfort you will not get either comfort or truth, only soft soap and wishful thinking to begin, and in the end, despair. – C.S. Lewis (1898-1963)

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PHILIP & THE NUBIAN OFFICIAL (ACTS 8)

 

Up for something academic and intriguing? N.T. scholar Mark Wilson has written a fascinating paper on the Ethiopian Eunuch. It is quite technical, but the reasoning solid and the conclusions (for me at least) are unassailable. Learn about the reason for the African official’s trip to Israel, as well as the length, route, and political circumstances.