Month: December 2015

When I was Angry with God

Have you ever been angry with God because of an illness, a physical disability, poverty, or family problems? I have. Several years ago, I felt some pain in my back, but didn’t think of going to see a doctor.

This Could Be the Year

My dad was a pastor, and on the first Sunday of each new year he preached about the return of Christ, often quoting from 1 Thessalonians 4. His point was always the same: “This could be the year that Jesus will return. Are you ready to meet Him?” I’ll never forget hearing that sermon at age 6, thinking, If that’s true, I’m not sure I will be among those He’s coming for. I felt certain that my parents would be going to heaven, and I wanted to go too. So, when my dad came home after church, I asked how I could be…

The historical impact of Jesus’ lineage

The genealogies in Scripture aren’t very exciting on their own. But when you consider the historical impact of those included in Jesus’ lineage you find stories that would rival the latest headlines. Today on a classic episode of “Discover the Word,” former hosts Haddon Robinson and Alice Mathews, along with author Dr. Ken Bailey, discuss the women found in the genealogies of Christ

Move Aside BB-8, Here Comes Nadine

Nadine who? She’s a robot created by scientists at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University who doesn’t look like C-3PO, R2-D2 or BB-8 (you wish). In fact, she has been billed as “the world’s most human-like robot”.

On the Wing

In his book On the Wing, Alan Tennant chronicles his efforts to track the migration of the peregrine falcon. Valued for their beauty, swiftness, and power, these amazing birds of prey were favorite hunting companions of emperors and nobility. Sadly, the wide use of the pesticide DDT in the 1950s interfered with their reproductive cycle and placed them on the endangered species list.

Interested in the recovery of this species, Tennant attached transmitters to a select number of falcons to track their migration patterns. But when he and his pilot flew their Cessna behind the birds, they repeatedly lost signal from the…

Behind the story of Zacchaeus

If you attended Sunday school, you’ve likely heard the story of Zacchaeus, the little man who climbed up a tree in order to see Jesus. But there’s a lot more to this simple story than meets the eye! Join former “Discover the Word” hosts Haddon Robinson and Alice Mathews as they welcome Dr. Kenneth Bailey for a discussion about the cultural nuances behind the story of Zacchaeus. Join us for this special classic episode on “Discover the Word”!

3 Things I Learned About My Sin-Filled Life

Ever felt the urge to do something you knew was wrong in God’s eyes, but stopped because you mustered up the strength and courage to put off the earthly, ungodly desires of the heart? And then found yourself going ahead and committing the sin moments later, because the flesh was weak even though the spirit was willing?

An Invitation to Rest

At a friend’s bedside in a hospital emergency ward, I was moved by the sounds of suffering I heard from other patients in pain. As I prayed for my friend and for the ailing patients, I realized anew how fleeting our life on earth is. Then I recalled an old country song by Jim Reeves that talks about how the world is not home for us—we’re “just a-passin’ through.”

  Our world is full of weariness, pain, hunger, debt, poverty, disease, and death. Because we must pass through such a world, Jesus’ invitation is welcome and timely: “Come to me, all you…

beverly Chapple

beverly Chapple

beverly Chapple

The culture Jesus lived in

No matter how many times you read a passage in Scripture, you won’t get the whole picture without some historical context. Today we’re featuring former hosts Haddon Robinson and Alice Mathews, along with Dr. Kenneth Bailey, in a classic “Discover the Word” episode. They’ll be discussing the culture Jesus lived in and how it sheds light on some familiar Bible passages! Join us to on “Discover the Word”!

What Does Jesus Mean to You?

One Tuesday night at Bible Study class, our teacher—after pacing back and forth in his usual manner, with one finger over his lips—looked at us and asked: “What is Jesus to you?”

Reject Apathy

The room was splashed with an assortment of enchanting colors as women in beautiful saris scurried around, completing the final touches for a fundraising event. Formerly from India, these women now live in the USA. Yet they remain concerned for their native country. Upon hearing about the financial situation of a Christian school for autistic children in India, they not only heard the need, but they also took it to heart and responded.

Nehemiah did not allow his comfortable position in life as cupbearer and confidant to the most powerful man at that time to nullify his concerns for his countrymen.…

See Jesus through Middle Eastern eyes

The Bible was written in a much different culture than the one we live in today. Sometimes, we don’t realize how our own heritage and surroundings can influence the way we understand Scripture. Today on a classic “Discover the Word” episode, author Dr. Ken Bailey joins former hosts Haddon Robinson and Alice Mathews to help us see Jesus through Middle Eastern eyes.