The motive behind Jesus laying down his life Part 5
Why we do something is as important as how we do something. That’s because motive matters. Today on "Discover the Word," we talk about Jesus’s motive for laying down His life on the cross. Hebrews 12 tells us that it was “for the joy that was set before Him.” But what was that joy? It’s all wrapped up in the words “It is finished.” Listen to the Good Friday edition of "Discover the Word."
The perfect sacrifice completed on the cross Part 4
Jesus’s death on the cross appeared to be a failed rescue mission. Yet, His final words, “It is finished,” meant the perfect sacrifice had been completed once and for all. Today on "Discover the Word," we will explore the ancient Jewish context of sacrifice. It will give you a deeper understanding of Christ’s atonement for your own sins. That’s today on "Discover the Word"!
Dashed expectations Part 3
Everyone experiences dashed expectations. We expect things to finish one way, but they turn out completely different. Today on "Discover the Word," we will discuss how the Jewish people had trouble accepting Jesus as the Messiah because they expected Him to come as a conquering king. Instead, He came as a suffering servant. Join the discussion today on "Discover the Word"!
Touching the lives of those around us Part 2
This week, we’re remembering how Jesus came to earth and died on the cross for our sins. But today on "Discover the Word," we will discuss how part of Jesus’s mission was also to touch the lives of people in front of Him, day by day, moment by moment. And that’s our mission too, it’s all part of fulfilling the work He’s called us to do. An insightful conversation today on "Discover the Word"!
A magnificent masterpiece of finishing well! Part 1
In the first-century Roman world, to be crucified meant your life did not “finish well.” Only the worst of criminals were executed on a cross. Today on "Discover the Word," we begin a new study for Easter called, “It Is Finished.” Jesus’s crucifixion was a horrible picture that turned into a magnificent masterpiece that gives us hope that we can finish well! Join us today on "Discover the Word"!
How our decisions can shape our future Part 5
“You want the truth? You can’t handle the truth.” That famous line from a film can easily be applied to Jesus’s encounter with Pontius Pilate that the "Discover the Word" group is focusing on this week. Even when the Truth was standing right in front of him, Pilate couldn’t rise above the political pressure that influenced how he responded to Jesus. How did Pilate’s fateful decision shape the rest of his life and what lesson can that teach us? Listen today on "Discover the Word"!
“Leave this innocent man alone” Part 4
Pontius Pilate definitely felt pressure from two factions when deciding what to do with Jesus . . . Caesar and the Jewish religious leaders. But Pilate’s wife also presented a third option . . . which was to “leave this innocent man alone.” Today on "Discover the Word," join us for another eye-opening conversation.
Do we compromise truth to keep the peace? Part 3
Building a coalition is good when we’re doing it for the right motive. Compromise is an important part of politics on many different levels. But today on "Discover the Word," as we continue our look at Pontius Pilate, we will discuss how compromising truth in order to “keep the peace” is not a good idea. Join the discussion today on "Discover the Word"!
How do we respond under pressure? Part 2
How do you respond under pressure? Hopefully not like Pontius Pilate. He released Jesus to the Jewish leaders for crucifixion to avoid an uprising. And to appease the emperor, Caesar. Today on "Discover the Word," we will discuss how we too can respond the wrong way when caught between a rock and a hard place . . . depending on what . . . or Who . . . is our moral compass. A challenging discussion . . . today on "Discover the Word"!
What is truth? Part 1
What is truth? Do you know who first asked that famous question? Well, today on "Discover the Word," we begin a new study called “Pontius Pilate.” And you guessed it—Pilate was the one who, at Jesus’s trial, was confused and tormented by that question. Find out why on "Discover the Word"!
His only Son Part 10
Today on "Discover the Word," we celebrate Christmas and wind up the series “For God So Loved.” The chapter with the Bible’s most familiar verse has provided the context for our conversations for Christmas this year. John 3:16 of course gives us the reason why Jesus came, but you’ll discover the surprising way John chapter 3 concludes when you join us today on "Discover the Word"!
Celebrate the light of the world Part 9
Have you ever noticed how lights are such a major part of celebrating Christmas? Well, today on "Discover the Word," we will discuss a verse in John chapter 3 that talks about light and darkness and will make a memorable connection to all the lights you’ll be exposed to on this Christmas Eve. Celebrate the coming of the Light of the world with the group, today on "Discover the Word"!
His atoning work on the cross Part 8
In John chapter 3 we read that Jesus said He didn’t come into the world to condemn the world, but to save it. Today on "Discover the Word," we talk about how Christians often condemn the very people that Jesus included through His atoning work on the cross. Continue to study the context of one of the Bible’s most familiar statements: “For God so loved the world.”
Expectations for the coming Messiah Part 7
If Jesus had used the word rescue with Nicodemus as the reason for His coming, how would a first-century religious leader like him have interpreted that? Today on "Discover the Word," we'll discuss what the expectation of the Jewish people was for the coming Messiah. Was it the reason Jesus said He came?
For God So Loved Part 6
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.”
