What is worship? Part 4
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.
Jesus, Fully Divine and Fully Human Part 3
Jesus was both fully divine and fully human. Which means He wasn’t immune to experiencing human emotions. Today on "Discover the Word," we will discuss the intensity of these emotions as David foretold in Psalm 22. Phrases like “I’m a worm . . . scorned by men . . . despised by people,” give us graphic word pictures of Christ’s very real distress on the cross.
The Cross from Jesus' Perspective Part 1
What’s in a song? A lot when that song is Psalm 22. This Old Testament song of lament points us to a future event on the cross. Just as we can see in Isaiah 53 Jesus’ suffering from the Father’s perspective in Psalm 22, we get a glimpse of the agony of the cross from Jesus’ point of view. Today on "Discover the Word"!
God as both Redeemer and Restorer Part 5
God is both a Redeemer and a Restorer. While we can sometimes find it difficult to believe that anything good can come from the horrific, it’s God’s desire to take what the enemy meant for evil and turn it around for good. And in the midst of a crisis, it’s critical to surround yourself with those who share that same hope.
The power of heartfelt prayer
The Bible tells us in First Corinthians that we’re to comfort others with the same comfort we’ve received from God. But sometimes we need a push to do that. Let's discuss the power of heartfelt prayer and how Vivian’s desperate, middle-of-the-night cry to God delivered a miraculous result.
Living out our faith with other believers Part 2
In our individualistic culture, it’s sometimes hard to ask for help even when we need it the most. Let's talk about why Christianity is not a faith to be lived out all by our lonesome. The “fellowship of believers” is not a social club—it’s an “us” versus “I” living organism, designed by God, to bring healing and grace even in hopeless situations.
How God goes before a crisis Part 1
When cancer strikes, most people feel overwhelmed, incapable of coping. Yet for those who turn to God they often find He’s already gone ahead and prepared the way, easing their burden. Let's discuss how sometimes it takes a crisis for us to look back and see how God has orchestrated certain events for His purposes and our spiritual growth.
How the wisdom of true sincerity allows God to work Part 10
A famous journalist once said about sincerity, “If you can fake it, you’ve got it made.” But is sincerity something you can really fake?
The wisdom of impartiality Part 9
Each person is valued by God and should be made to feel that way. It’s not manipulative or artificial to make someone feel important, it’s wise. You’re meeting that person’s heart hunger to be loved. God is no respecter of persons and neither should we be.
The wisdom of mercy Part 8
Greek thought viewed mercy as pity for those who were suffering unjustly. But Jesus introduced a new concept, mercy for those who are in trouble, even if that trouble is their own fault. We’ll see how the combined “good fruits” of wisdom ultimately reach their maturity in a harvest of mercy.
The harvest of joy in our relationships Part 5
Many of us struggle with trusting people in our world today. Relationships are often shallow and people take care of themselves at the expense of others.
Joy: the first step in wisdom Part 4
We're in a great series this week and we're discovering that there is great wisdom in living joyfully.
God’s answer to asking Him for wisdom Part 2
Have you ever regretted asking a question because the answer was hard to take? That was the case with the rich young ruler who asked Jesus, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?"
How can we have joy despite our trials? Part 1
As Christians, we face constant challenges from all sides. It's tempting to give in and give up, but God encourages us to press on! Join us as we begin a new series called "The Wisdom of James—the Wisdom of Joy."
