Change of Tempo / Alcoholic Beverages? / 5,000,000 miles!

Author

Douglas Jacoby
January 24, 2026

Good afternoon from chilly Georgia!

It’s been a while since you’ve heard from me. Here’s why: I solicited your input on the frequency of the newsletter. During the last 11 years, it has been released weekly. (In the 12 years previous, at a slower pace.) While a sizable minority preferred weekly, most indicated once or twice a month was fine. So bimonthly it is! This is a less pressured tempo for me; thank you for your feedback—and words of wisdom.

In this edition:

  • A new book. It would never have been written without the urging of a friend—since it falls well outside the Christian book genre.

  • An important note on the 2026 BSTs (Biblical Study Tours)

  • A Q&A on drinking alcohol, along with a reading recommendation.

TRAVEL WISE

Travel books normally focus on one region (Scandinavia, the Caribbean), country (Italy, Brazil), or city (Rome, Rio de Janeiro). In contrast, Travel Wise is a general work.

My goal was not to be comprehensive, but to spotlight worthwhile and affordable possibilities. You can expect helpful, easy-to-read chapters, like Budgeting Your Trip, Packing & Dressing, Plane Travel, Where to Stay, International Travel, Food & Culture, Off the Beaten Track, Spiritual Retreats, When Things Go Wrong, and 333 Bucket List Destinations & Ideas.

Travel Wise is chock-full of stories from my own journeys, with plenty of material to enhance your travel experience, like Beating jet lag, Frequent flyer programs, The big & tall traveler, Passports and visas, Best travel apps, Sailing through security, and much more.

This is the first book I’ve written that isn’t explicitly Christian—apart from the chapter on personal spiritual retreats. I hesitated to promote here—yet imagine some of you will enjoy the personal anecdotes and practical pointers from decades of travel.

Special thanks to my literary agent, Terry Whalin, for suggesting I write on this topic.

OCT TOUR 96% FULL



Our October Biblical Study Tour, led by Paul Copan and me, is nearly full. If you were considering participating in this amazing adventure, sign up soon! (Just reply to this email to reserve a spot.)

You may also consider joining the June Antioch Seminar—tracing the route of the apostle Paul’s First Missionary Journey (Acts 13-14).

CHRISTIANS & DRINK?

Q: Doesn't the Bible teach that wine was non-alcoholic—that the Jews drank grape juice?

A: This can be a contentious issue, especially where conservative Christians teach, or have been taught, that to touch alcohol is a sin. KEEP READING


A recently-published theological work makes for fascinating reading! I got my copy at the Boston meeting of the Institute for Biblical Research back in November.

UNTIL FEBRUARY…

For now, my only writing project is From Myths to Meaning (IVP 2027), a new version of my previous volume with Paul Copan, Origins. Also tremendously encouraging for me is leading the men’s Bible study for the Atlanta Braves front office. I’ve also joined another group in our neighborhood.

Thank you for prayers and support, especially in this time of transition. We’re meeting neighbors, getting to know our new church family, and unpacking after the move from England. Oh, the clutter of so many years!

In early February Vicki and I will be teaching in O’ahu. The day after our return from HI, it’s back to the surgeon for a shoulder replacement—the third major surgery in the last year or so. The joys of aging!

One last item for prayer: a blockbuster ice storm—over a span of 2000 miles—is expected to affect 180 million Americans this weekend. We’re braced for whatever comes. Good bye for now.
—Douglas

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