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Going back to the basics
Have you ever been part of a “sword drill,” racing to find Bible references? Well, today on Discover the Word, the group talks about Ephesians 6:17, where the apostle Paul talks about the Word of God being a sword. So in this reference, is the “sword” referring to the Bible? We’re going back to Bible […]
Putting a strange biblical term into a broader context
In Ephesians chapter five, we read that a husband can cleanse his wife by washing her with the Word. It’s kind of a strange term, isn’t it? Any idea what it means? Well, today on Discover the Word, we try to answer this question by putting it in a broader context. Listen today to Discover the […]
What is meant by the term “Word of Christ”
This week on Discover the Word, be part of a series of conversations that looks for clarity in understanding what is meant when we read the term “the Word of God” in the Bible. And today, we will discuss the apostle Paul’s use of the term, the “Word of Christ,” a term that’s only used once. […]
What does the “Word of God” mean exactly?
No doubt, you’ve heard your pastor say, “Let’s turn in the Word of God,” Well, what does the “Word of God” mean exactly? Today on Discover the Word, we go back to basics and begin a week in which the group explores what the biblical writers were referring to when they used the term “the Word […]
God’s Will Isn’t Found in Books
As Christians, we are known for believing that we are to follow what the Bible tells us to do. Sometimes, this gives others the impression that we serve a God who has an unending list of commands that we need to follow.
Words That Matter
Early in my days of working as an editor for Our Daily Bread, I selected the cover verse for each month’s devotional. After a while, I began to wonder if this duty made a difference.
Not long after that, a reader wrote and described how she had prayed for her son for more than twenty years, yet he wanted nothing to do with Jesus. Then one day he stopped by to visit her, and he read the verse on the cover of the booklet that sat on her table. The Spirit used those words to convict him, and he gave his life…
We can know for certain that God’s Word is true
Skeptics give various reasons why the Bible is not reliable, including that 30- to 60-year time gap between when the events of Jesus’s ministry happened and when they were written down. Today on Discover the Word, we are joined by author and seminary professor Darrell Bock as they “mine the gap,” showing why, as Luke’s gospel […]
Remembering . . .
One difficult part of growing older is the fear of dementia and the loss of short-term memory. But Dr. Benjamin Mast, an expert on the topic of Alzheimer’s disease, offers some encouragement. He says that patients’ brains are often so “well worn” and “habitual” that they can hear an old hymn and sing along to every word. He suggests that spiritual disciplines such as reading Scripture, praying, and singing hymns cause truth to become “embedded” in our brains, ready to be accessed when prompted. In Psalm 119:11, we read how the power of hiding God’s words in our heart can…
Finding the GPS that Never Fails
Some time ago, my brother and I drove to Miami from Florida to fix an item we had recently purchased. Although it wasn’t the first time we had taken this route, we decided to (once again) rely on the trusty Global Positioning System (GPS) on his cell phone.
Great Literature
Recently I came across an article describing what constitutes great literature. The author suggested that great literature “changes you. When you are done reading, you’re a different person.”
In that light, the Word of God will always be classified as great literature. Reading the Bible challenges us to be better. Stories of biblical heroes inspire us to be courageous and persevering. The wisdom and prophetic books warn of the danger of living by our fallen instincts. God spoke through various writers to pen life-changing psalms for our benefit. The teachings of Jesus shape our character to become more like Him. The…
Meant to Be Understood
I enjoy visiting museums such as the National Gallery in London and the State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow. While most of the art is breathtaking, some of it confuses me. I look at seemingly random splashes of color on canvas and realize I have no idea what I am seeing—even though the artist is a master at his craft.
Sometimes we can feel the same way about the Scriptures. We wonder, Is it even possible to understand them? Where do I start? Perhaps Paul’s words can give us some help: “Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us,…
Building Biblical Theology
Faithful Christians have always recognized the importance of the progress of biblical history, especially as it relates to humanity’s fall into sin and to God’s redemptive work. The discipline of biblical theology arose as a means to study this progress in responsible ways. Much like systematic theology, biblical theology organizes theological ideas in ways that increase our understanding of Scripture. But whereas systematic theology organizes its ideas according to topics, biblical theology organizes its findings in historical periods or epochs. Used rightly, biblical theology is a powerful and helpful tool for interpreting and applying the Bible.
Discover the Living Word through the written Word
Today on “Discover the Word,” we conclude our week-long discussion about how the Bible helps us discover who God is. In the gospel of John, we read “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.” And then that Word came to dwell among us. The Word—is Jesus. Discovering the Living Word through the written Word. It’s a powerful truth that will transform how you read the Bible.
When our understanding of God is challenged
While the Bible instructs us in practical living, it’s also a book of mystery. With God, A plus B doesn’t always equal C! Today on “Discover the Word,” we’re told how to deal with those times when what we thought we understood about God is challenged!
Hope through the Scriptures
Paul tells us in Romans that the Bible was written for our instruction, that “through perseverance and encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” But what does that mean exactly? How does “persevering” in our understanding of the Bible help us with our present-day struggles and temptations? Don’t miss this important conversation today on “Discover the Word”!
