Dare to Go Against the Flow! / Middle Earth & the Gospel

Author

Douglas Jacoby
June 30, 2026

Warm (very warm! greetings from North Georgia! It’s been a hot season for many of us, especially those living in Europe and North America, though I also see sweltering temperatures in other parts of the world, like Northern India (47º = 117ºF). Certainly the rising mercury has had an impact on the players in the World Cup—an exciting international tournament watched in most nations. Yet, interesting as they are, weather and World Cup are of no eternal significance.

In today’s bulletin I decided to touch on two matters close to our heart—and that matter deeply to us (perseverance and children). First, my latest talks in the “Against the Flow” series: These are intended to help us live victoriously despite the pressures, disappointments, and challenges of following Christ in our secular age. Second, a fascinating guest article on how the fiction of Tolkien can build faith in our children. It’s called “How Middle-Earth Pointed My Kids to Heaven: Six Gospel Themes in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.” Intrigued? Please take a look.

But before that: In the last bulletin I didn’t include all the photos and observations I wanted to share from the Antioch Seminar (June 2026—the next to take place in June 2028). So… my own personal highlights: Preaching in Athens, then a tasty fellowship dinner; staying in archaeologically stunning Museum Hotel, Syrian Antioch; catching up with New Testament scholar David de Silva—plus several other friends in the academy; touring the ruins of the Palace at Knossos (Crete)—something I’d read about in 1971, but never seen; addressing the entire group on Acts 13:1-5; drinks with the staff of Tutku Educational Travel; an unexpected breakfast and dinner with Old Testament scholar John Walton; the update on Colossae—at long last now being excavated; and many words of gratitude from those who attended the seminar (see comments after photos).

Mountain Theological Seminary staff & graduates / Ancient wreck from Shipwreck Museum, Kyrenia / Salamis theater / Kyrenia, Northern Cyprus / Perge / Cathedral turned into mosque, Famagusta (Cyprus)

Mosaic, Antioch / Doubting Thomas, Salamis / Harbor of Kyrenia / Famagusta / Inscription to divine Claudius (41-54 AD), Perge

Salamis, Northern Cyprus / British friends, Antalya / with the Indonesians / ruins of Perge / with John & Arlene Markowski

My dear brother, words cannot adequately capture how full my heart is of awe  towards God. I thank you for your love, generosity and partnership. You went above and beyond for us, and me in particular, so that I could have this amazing Spirit-led experience in Asia Minor. Only God knows the true impact on my life and ministry! — Harare, Zimbabwe

Thank you for giving us opportunity to learn at the Tutku Seminar on Antioch and Cyprus.  I loved the way it was structured. The lectures (given by wonderful speakers) gave us a lot to think about—and opportunities to view issues from different angles. This stimulated our curiosity to read, explore, and learn. Thank you so much to the IBTM supporters who enabled us to enjoy this wonderful experience. — Jakarta, Indonesia

When I attended last year’s Global Smyrna Meeting [Izmir, Turkey], I saw firsthand the value of learning from multiple Bible scholars and their broad, thoughtful perspectives across different religious traditions. The Antioch Seminar took that experience to a new level. For example, one of the lectures helped me approach James’ epistle with fresh eyes; and the onsite visits deepened my contextual understanding of Asia Minor and the early church. Because of IBTM, I was able to access this depth of teaching and a wonderful network of Bible scholars and students from around the world. Thank you for making it possible through your financial support. — Lagos, Nigeria

For my whole Christian life (40 years+) I have been encouraged to attend events that promised to be life-changing. Unexpectedly, this one actually was! So grateful to have been able to participate. — Massachusetts, US

For all 23 responses—often thoughtful and insightful—click here. (Their comments may also give you a glimpse into the work of IBTM.)

Travel to Greece & Turkey!

There’s nothing quite like being in the lands of the Bible (Egypt, Israel, Turkey, Italy…). Biblical Study Tours (BSTs), which have taken place since the 1990s, bring us to these fascinating lands— with the golden opportunity to interact with others who love the Word, scholars and laymen alike.

In October 2026 we’ll visit Greece and Turkey—with the biblical sites of Athens, Corinth,  Cenchrea, Ephesus, Miletus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Colossae, Hierapolis, and Laodicea. The tour will be led by Douglas Jacoby and Paul Copan. There’s also post-tour to the sensational city of Istanbul, Turkey’s largest and most historic.

There are currently 4 open spaces on this tour. Visit the webpage and reply by email if you’d like to join. (The next available Turkey tour will not be until June 2027.)

How Middle-Earth Pointed My Kids to Heaven
by Kathryn Butler


When COVID stirred doubts in my seven-year-old’s mind about God’s goodness, careful Bible study helped him grasp God’s work in suffering and our hope in Christ.

And once those truths took root, a journey through Middle-earth brought them to life.


I’d left my medical practice to homeschool years before, but in 2020, I returned to help when COVID cases over-whelmed the ICUs in Boston.


As fears that I would catch the virus dogged my son, he wrestled with questions about God’s kindness. “Why would God let this happen?” he’d ask. “I’m not sure God is even real.”

A careful study of Scripture guided him back to the light. Then, a journey through Middle-earth helped him cleave to his newfound hope. READ ON!

Against the Flow

I’ve filmed two more talks in the iFaith series “Against the Flow,” and they’re ready to play. The 66-part series takes us through the various strong currents against which all Christ-followers struggle. The lessons offer perspective and hope. Each runs 15 minutes or less—especially suitable for small group viewing and discussion.


The LEVITICUS message was recorded on the island of Rhodes (Acts 21:1). I did the NUMBERS talk in Ephesus (Acts 19 etc).

This link will take you to the talks.

Hopefully you will take the time to enjoy the new series. Expect four installments / month from now till Oct 2027.

Podcast Performance

My podcast guru (San Diego) informs me that the Douglas Jacoby Podcast has performed well in the Apple rankings. For example, our 1000+ podcasts rank:

  • Position 1 in the category Christianity (Latvia)

  • Position 1 in the category Religion & Spirituality (Latvia)

  • Position 16 in the category Christianity (Lebanon)

  • Position 36 in the category Christianity (China)

  • Position 40 in the category All Podcasts (Latvia)

  • Position 61 in the category Religion & Spirituality (Lebanon)

I am honored. All across the planet there is a genuine hunger for the Word, and bringing spiritual nourishment through this ministry is deeply rewarding. If you are looking for fresh biblical material, please consider our podcast.

Thank you for your Support!

Financial needs:

< Funding for teaching materials for Indonesia, Ghana, and the Philippines.
< Sponsorship for African teachers to attend the 2027 Global Smyrna Meeting.
< Funding for the excavation of Colossae. Our target: $5000.
< The Training cost center. Every year IBTM is invests energy, time, and money into mentoring relationships as well as supporting brothers and sisters laboring in the teaching ministry in their respective countries.

Please donate HERE. All donations are tax-deductible (for US citizens).

Prayer requests:

< Atlanta Braves—current series on Salvation.
< Our neighborhood ministry in North Georgia.
< Our small group (focused on David Brooks’ The Second Mountain).
< The new iFaith series .
< The sale of our apartment in England—the market is slow. (Vicki is in the UK right now.)
< For impact in upcoming travel in Jamaica, California, and Laos.

Many thanks!
Douglas

For all bulletins 2004-2026 (100s of pages of biblical material), click here. Access the website here. New material every week—typically, every day! Become a website member ($1/week, paid annually) here. Your membership is a tremendous boost to this ministry. To donate, click here.