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The Drummer Boy
“The Little Drummer Boy” is a popular Christmas song written in 1941. It was originally known as “Carol of the Drum” and is based on a traditional Czech carol. Although there isn’t any reference to a drummer boy in the Christmas story in Matthew 1–2 and Luke 2, the point of the carol goes straight to the heart of the meaning of worship. The carol describes how a boy is summoned by the Magi to the scene of Christ’s birth. Unlike the wise men, however, the drummer has no gift—so he gives what he has. He plays his drum, saying,…
For God So Loved
In ancient Jewish culture, the first-born son held a very special place in family dynamics. So it got Nicodemus’ attention when Jesus told him that God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son. Join the group today on “Discover the Word” as they begin Week 2 of their series on the chapter of the Bible that contains its most familiar verse, “For God So Loved.”
Amazing Love
Approaching the first Christmas after her husband died, our friend Davidene wrote a remarkable letter in which she pictured what it might have been like in heaven when Jesus was born on earth. “It was what God always knew would happen,” she wrote. “The three were one, and He had agreed to allow the fracturing of His precious unity for our sake. Heaven was left empty of God the Son.”
As Jesus taught and healed people on earth, He said, “I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.…
Embracing the Messiah
Today on “Discover the Word,” we end the first week of the special series for Christmas titled, “For God So Loved,” by revealing how Jesus challenged a prominent leader of the Sanhedrin, Nicodemus, to embrace the Messiah he wasn’t expecting. It poses a question for all of us. And the answer is wrapped up in a simple two-letter word that reveals the intensity of Jesus’ love for all humanity. Find out what that word is, on “Discover the Word”!
Holy Is Your Name
One afternoon I was having a discussion with a friend I considered my spiritual mentor about misusing God’s name. “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God,” says the third commandment (Ex. 20:7). We may think this only refers to attaching God’s name to a swear word or using His name flippantly or irreverently. But my mentor rarely missed an opportunity to teach me about real faith. He challenged me to think about other ways we profane God’s name.
When I reject the advice of others and say, “God told me to go this way,” I misuse His…
How Jesus surprised Nicodemus
Sometimes for a really smart person to learn something, they have to be humble enough to want to learn. Nicodemus, a leading member of the Sanhedrin, came to Jesus with some sincere questions. His frame of reference was the Mosaic law, but Jesus surprised him with a whole new paradigm. Join the group today on “Discover the Word” as they begin the series, “For God So Loved.”
When It’s More Blessed To Give Than to Receive
For years, I dreaded Christmas and the social gatherings that came with it. While my friends and colleagues looked forward excitedly to exchanging presents and spending time with friends, I hated the idea of attending awkward barbecues with strangers.
A miracle that demonstrates God’s provision
Today on “Discover the Word,” we wind up a couple of weeks on “The Miraculous Life of Elisha” talking about a miracle that demonstrates God’s provision in a very personal way. Elisha’s miracles were largely public events. Until a distressed widow boldly asked Elisha to help her and her two sons. As we’ll see, the widow did what she could and through Elisha, God performed a miracle of multiplication. Another chapter in “The Miraculous Life of Elisha,” today on “Discover the Word”!
Elisha’s miracle of displaying God’s mercy
It’s Christmas—a time when we sing about the three kings who came to worship Jesus. But today on “Discover the Word,” we’re going to discuss three kings of Israel who are not worth singing about—kings who worshiped pagan idols, yet still believed God would give them victory over their enemy, Moab. So why would Elisha perform a miracle displaying God’s mercy to them?
5 things I Want for Christmas
Christmas is a special time of the year for many people. Whenever December comes, I often hear my friends express their desires for this season, such as:
Elisha and the two bears
Here’s a bedtime story you probably wouldn’t read to your kids, the story of Elisha and the two bears. After a gang of young men mocked the prophet Elisha, two bears suddenly showed up and mauled forty-two of them. Well, today on “Discover the Word,” we’ll talk about this strange and disturbing event. Is it possible there’s more to this story than meets the eye? Join us today for “Discover the Word”!
Important lessons for our own lives
You’re invited to join the group today on “Discover the Word” as we explore a few Bible stories about water. John baptizing Jesus . . . Moses turning bitter waters into sweet . . . Christ at the well with the Samaritan woman . . . and the prophet Elisha purifying the waters of Jericho. It’s a theme that has important lessons for our own lives.
Poem : When Life Hurts
Written By Desiree U. Angeles, Philippines Oh Lord, is this our punishment For turning against you? Chaos and natural disasters everywhere Misunderstandings abound, scuffles in the air. Love seems to slowly fade It’s no longer the paradise you’ve made. Living in a complete mess, where lost souls dwell. We have ourselves to blame, into sin […]
For God So Loved
Christmas is a time of wonder. It’s a time when people from all nations can join together and ponder the humble birth of a baby who came to earth as part of God’s plan. And it was simply because He loved us.
