Our Welcoming God
Our church meets in an old elementary school, one that closed in 1958 rather than obey a court order to integrate (the act of having African-American students attend schools previously attended by only Caucasian students). The following year, the school reopened and Elva, now a member of our church, was one of those black students who were thrust into a white world. “I was taken out of my safe community, with teachers who were part of our life,” Elva recalls, “and placed in a scary environment in a class with only one other black student.” Elva suffered because she was…
Important Perspectives That Keep Us From Misreading Scripture
When reading the Bible, trying to navigate the complex historical context in which it was written can make it downright intimidating! Today on Discover the Word, we are joined by authors Randy Richards and Brandon O’Brien, to discuss some important perspectives that can keep us from misreading Scripture. Listen today to Discover the Word!
What Kind of Savior Is He?
Last year, friends and I prayed for healing for three women battling cancer. We knew God had the power to do this, and we asked Him to do so every day. We’d seen Him work in the past and believed He could do it again. There were days in each one’s battle where healing looked like it was a reality, and we rejoiced. But they all died that fall. Some said that was “the ultimate healing,” and in a way it was. Still the loss hurt us deeply. We wanted Him to heal them all—here and now—but for reasons we…
Inception: What Are We Allowing Into Our Minds?
Most people would remember Inception, the mind-bending dream-within-a-dream film written, directed and co-produced by Christopher Nolan. Released in 2010 to huge commercial success, it won four Academy Awards in 2011 and grossed over US $828 million in box offices worldwide.
Biblical Characters And The 21st-Century Western Culture
Most of us have favorite biblical characters, but we run the risk of misunderstanding them when we try to fit them into our 21st-century Western culture. Today on Discover the Word, the team sits down with authors Randy Richards and Brandon O’Brien and continue to discuss how to keep from “Misreading Paul.” Join us today for Discover the […]
When I Thought the Bible Wasn’t Enough
Have you ever felt the need to cushion what the Bible says? Do you ever think that maybe if you rephrased some verses a certain way or glossed over a particular passage, your friends would find the gospel more acceptable?
I found myself caught in this dilemma recently.
An Alternative to Worry
A law-abiding, honest man received a voicemail that said, “This is officer _______ from the police department. Please call me at this number.” Immediately the man began to worry—afraid that somehow he had done something wrong. He was afraid to return the call, and he even spent sleepless nights running through possible scenarios—worried that he was in some kind of trouble. The officer never called back, but it took weeks for the worry to go away.
Jesus asked an interesting question about worry: “Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:27). Perhaps this can…
“Misreading Paul”
Sometimes we tend to view biblical characters with rose-colored glasses, failing to see their faults or shortcomings. But that’s not reality! Today on Discover the Word, the team is joined by authors Randy Richards and Brandon O’Brien to explore together what is often perceived as the apostle Paul’s less-than-perfect behavior. A thought-provoking study called “Misreading Paul” today […]
An Ordinary Man
William Carey was a sickly boy, born to a humble family nearby Northampton, England. His future did not look too bright. But God had plans for him. Against all odds, he moved to India, where he brought incredible social reforms and translated the Bible in several Indian languages. He loved God and people, and accomplished many things for God.
David, son of Jesse, was an ordinary young man, the youngest in his family. He was seemingly an insignificant shepherd on the hills of Bethlehem (1 Samuel 16:11–12). Yet God saw David’s heart and had a plan for him. King Saul had…
I Am the Way
Let the astonishing words of Jesus penetrate your heart and draw you closer to Him. In Jesus’s time the magnitude of His claims were astonishing to the people around him, especially the religious leaders of the day. There’s no better source for understanding who Jesus is than the statements he …
The Greater Glory
Caesar Augustus is remembered as the first and greatest of the Roman emperors. By political skill and military power he eliminated his enemies, expanded the empire, and lifted Rome from the clutter of rundown neighborhoods into a city of marble statues and temples. Adoring Roman citizens referred to Augustus as the divine father and savior of the human race. As his 40-year reign came to an end, his official last words were, “I found Rome a city of clay but left it a city of marble.” According to his wife, however, his last words were actually, “Have I played the…
Transformed & Transforming
Tani and Modupe grew up in Nigeria and went to the UK to study in the 1970s. Having been personally transformed by God’s grace, they never imagined that they would be used to transform one of the most deprived and segregated communities in England—Anfield in Liverpool. As Drs. Tani and Modupe Omideyi faithfully sought God and served their community, He restored hope to many. They lead a vibrant church and continue to run numerous community projects that have led to the transformation of countless lives.
Manasseh changed his community, first for evil and then for good. Crowned king of Judah at…
Our Daily Bread for Little Hearts: This is Easter
Our Daily Bread for Little Hearts: This Is Easter introduces children to Jesus and the true meaning of Easter through creative, rhyming verse and vibrant, colourful images. This captivating book draws kids into the story of Jesus—from the seaside, where He tells fishermen to “come and follow me!” to the wooden cross, where He gives His life to save the world.…
What does it mean to repent?
The Bible commands us to "repent", but what does that really mean? What does it look like and is it more than simply being sorry for something? Explore the stories of Peter and the church at Corinth to examine why repentance isn't just a one-time decision to turn to Jesus, but a way of life!
