Topic > Christian Beliefs
The Big Stink
In August 2013, large crowds gathered at the Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to witness the blooming of the tropical plant known as the corpse flower. Since the flower is native to Indonesia, and may flower only once every several years, its blooming is a spectacle. Once open, the huge spiky, beautiful, red bloom smells like rotten meat. Because of its putrid fragrance, the flower attracts flies and beetles that are looking for rotting meat. But there is no nectar.
Like the corpse flower, sin holds out promises but in the end offers no rewards. Adam and Eve found this out…
Pruning the vine
Today on “Discover the Word,” special guest Margaret Feinberg helps center our discussion on what Jesus actually meant when He talked about “pruning the vine.” Instead of whacking the vines with a machete, the vinedresser trims the vine gently, branch by branch. We continue our fascinating conversations about the agrarian images used in the Bible as Margaret tells us about time she spent with a vintner learning about “the fruit of the vine.”
The Promises of God
Time and time again in the Bible we see where God is faithful to His promises. They are the heart of the Bible and actually reveal His good, merciful, and trustworthy character. Explore both His conditional and unconditional promises, and know that His promises are perfect even when we don’t completely understand them. In The […]
Poem: Dry Spell
No forest fires, no burning bushes
No thorny soil or sharp weapons
No storms to overcome, no Goliaths
But in life, there are different kinds of struggles
God With Us
No matter what you face in life, the decisions you make determine the course of your journey. Where can you find clear direction to help you make wise choices? In God With Us, author Alice Mathews examines the decisions made by Eve and Mary that continue to impact the world from generation to generation. Discover from […]
Working together in proper order
What’s the buzz on all those bees in the Bible? Well, today on “Discover the Word,” with the help of special guest Margaret Feinberg, we’ll comb through just a few of the nearly seventy scriptural references to bees and honey. As a beekeeper revealed, “ ‘a land flowing with milk and honey’ is one where the intricate social systems of all the hives are working in proper order.” Be(e) part of a fascinating conversation today on “Discover the Word”!
Jesus works through the most unlikely people
Most people think of a “shepherd” as being a male figure. Yet in reality, tending and herding sheep is often a job done by women and children. Today on “Discover the Word,” our special guest Margaret Feinberg discuss how shepherds were—and are—often marginalized. And so while living on the fringe of society, isn’t it amazing that shepherds were included as main players at our Savior’s birth?
When God Didn’t Heal Me
For the past few days, I had been down with a bout of flu. Fortunately, I was cured after taking some medication. I thank God for healing me; I believe that divine healing can take place through medicine.
Responding to only the Master’s voice
Today we’re going to get a bit sheepish on “Discover the Word.” And you’re invited to join the flock as our special guest Margaret Feinberg introduces us to some of the agricultural . . . or “agrarian” themes of the Bible. When Margaret interviewed a real-life shepherdess she discovered that sheep are hard wired to respond only to their master’s voice. Learn why the image of God as the Shepherd, and us as sheep is so powerful when you listen today on “Discover the Word”!
If God is good, why is there so much evil and suffering?
This must be one of the most perplexing questions Christians face. The problem of evil and suffering is a thorny issue that has caused some to fall away from their faith, prevented others from coming to God, or discouraged some from growing deeper in their walk with Him.
Charity Island
Charity Island is the largest island in Saginaw Bay in the Michigan waters of Lake Huron. For many years the island has provided a lighthouse for navigational aid and a safe harbor for those sailing these waters. The island received its name because sailors believed it was there “through the charity of God.”
Sometimes in life we have to navigate through seas of troubling circumstances. Like those sailors we need guidance and a place of safety; we might wish for our own Charity Island. The psalmist understood that God is the one who can bring tranquility to troubled waters and guide…
Mention the Name
A church group invited a speaker to address their meeting. “Talk about God,” the group leader told him, “but leave out Jesus.”
“Why?” the man asked, taken aback.
“Well,” the leader explained, “some of our prominent members feel uncomfortable with Jesus. Just use God and we’ll be fine.”
Accepting such instructions, however, was a problem for the speaker who said later, “Without Jesus, I have no message.”
Something similar was asked of followers of Jesus in the days of the early church. Local religious leaders conferred together to warn the disciples not to speak about Jesus (Acts 4:17). But the disciples knew better. “We…
King of Glory!
Today on “Discover the Word,” we will talk about what many popular and passionate modern worship songs communicate so beautifully, God is glorious! Even more, He’s the King of Glory. But who is the King of Glory? Quite simply, He’s Jesus! He’s the Lord Almighty, the Victorious and Conquering King. And one day our King will return to rule and reign in Jerusalem. And the whole earth will be filled with the knowledge of His glory.
The Day I Decided to Quit School
In my country, 16 is the age when most students have to decide which educational path to embark on next. It could be going to a polytechnic, a junior college, or taking up a course in a post-secondary institution.
What is worship?
Today on “Discover the Word,” we will discuss how worship isn’t just songs we sing on a Sunday morning. It’s a lifestyle that flows out of intimate relationship with God. We proclaim God’s worthiness through everyday interactions, for example, the way we treat others. Included in our daily worship is taking time to seek His face, meditating on the great love He poured out over us through the cross.
