• Topic > Christianity & Culture

    Why I’m Fasting for the First Time

    “Do you love God more than you love sugar?” A small voice in my head asked. I wavered, and was struck by the fact that I actually hesitated. We all have our coping mechanisms in times of stress and pressure.

    Being spiritual; not religious

    We often hear people say, “I’m spiritual but not religious,” which is often a reaction against the institutional church. But people in the church sometimes say the same thing. Today on “Discover the Word,” we will discuss the apostle Paul’s depiction of spirituality. Would Paul say he’s “spiritual but not religious?”

    A Letter of Condolence to the US$1.6 billion Lottery Winner

    Dear Lottery Winner, Having just heard of your winning the record-breaking US$1.6-billion Powerball lottery jackpot in US last week, I would like to offer you my deepest condolences.

    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”!

    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.

    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 surprisingly redemptive message

    Today on “Discover the Word,” we reveal yet another uncomfortable Bible story, one that involves child sacrifice. It’s a violent story, but one with a surprisingly redemptive message. Be part of the group as they continue to explore “The Miraculous Life of Elisha,” right here on “Discover the Word”!

    Can’t. Get. No. Satisfaction.

    Scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed one day, I see a picture of a man leaving a store with several large bags—clothing store H&M had just launched its new Balmain X H&M collection, with the latest fashion designer clothing worth hundreds of dollars.

    When Money is Never Enough

    After completing my Master’s degree in Kuala Lumpur, I decided to stay and work in the Malaysian capital instead of returning to my hometown in East Malaysia. There, I took on two jobs. On weekdays, I worked as a full-time secretary at a real estate firm, and on Saturdays, as an English teacher at a language center.

    Can We be Rich and Godly at the Same Time?

    My youth group had just begun a study on the Beatitudes. As we were trying to make sense of the first beatitude in Luke 6:20, one youth asked, “Does it mean that Christians can’t be rich?” The question was to be expected, since Jesus’ statement seemed to suggest this line of thinking.

    When I Got Lost in Different Worldviews

    What is your “worldview”? What beliefs and values govern the way you perceive the world around you? Just like how wearing colored lens will affect how we see things, our worldview will affect how we make sense of the things that happen around us, and determine what stand we take in life.

    How do we know for sure that Christianity is the Truth?

    I recently attended a religious ceremony at a Siamese Buddhist temple as part of an official visit by my MP. Several Muslims and Christians were also at the ceremony, as they had been invited after having helped the temple to solve some issues.

    Give It Away

    Many charities that help people with various needs depend on donations of unwanted clothing and household items from those who have more than enough. And it’s good to give away unused things so they can benefit others. But we are often more reluctant to part with things of value that we use every day.

    When Paul was imprisoned in Rome, he needed continuing encouragement and the companionship of trusted friends. Yet he sent two of his closest comrades to help the followers of Jesus in Philippi (Phil. 2:19-30). “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon .…

    Are You a Believer?

    Are you a believer? You may be surprised to hear this, but all of us are—regardless of our religious inclination. We live by faith everyday—faith that our alarm clock will wake us up on time and faith that we will live to face tomorrow.

    Why I Love Rugby: The Game and Its Values

    Today (September 18), the seventh Rugby World Cup will kick off in London, with tournament hosts England taking on the Pacific Island nation of Fiji. For rugby fans, the World Cup is the biggest event on the sporting calendar.