“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.
Pruning the vine Part 4
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.”
Why Jesus sees us as Beautiful Part 10
Hello Beautiful! If someone said that to you, would you look behind you to see who they were really talking to? Since 96 percent of women surveyed don’t see themselves as beautiful, this would be a common reaction. We'll make the case that “beautiful” is the way God made us to be. We may feel ugly, but Jesus sees us as beautiful. Do you believe that?
How Does Jesus Redeem Our Scars? Part 9
Most of us have scars. Some are physical, easily seen. Others are emotional, often hidden deep within. Let's discuss how many people believe that their painful past disqualifies them from having a part in the kingdom. Be part of today’s conversation as we talk about how Jesus can redeem our scars through His scars.
Using your Gifts to Bring God Glory Part 8
Someone once said, “Vocation does not come from a voice ‘out there’ calling me to be something I’m not. It comes from a voice in here, calling me to be the person I was born to be.” Let's talk about what it really means to use our specific creative gifts to bring God glory and bring us fulfillment as well.
You are an Expression of God’s Glory Part 7
Growing up, many of us were taught lies about ourselves, lies that in some ways can make us feel almost invisible and insignificant. Let's talk about why it’s important to ask God, “How do you see me?” Because each of us is created with our own voice to be a unique expression of God’s glory. You have a role to play in His kingdom, one that no one else can fill.
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Part 6
We read in Psalm 139 that we’re “fearfully and wonderfully” made. Let's continue the series, "Beauty Full Beings." God fashioned our bodies to reflect His nature and to fully experience the joys of His creation. Our bodies are not enemies to be conquered, they’re a sacred place, a temple of the Holy Spirit.
How our fears can keep us from intimacy with Jesus Part 5
Our fears take many forms. Often it’s a fear of being “found out” for who we really are; or we fear the loss of relationships with others because of circumstances that are out of our control. Like the demon-possessed man in the Bible, we’re afraid of what will happen to us if Jesus gets too close.
Our inadequacies often distort our view of God Part 4
We live in a culture of comparison. Beneath our feelings that we don’t measure up to “so and so” is the fear that we don’t have what it takes. Do you feel uncomfortable when you’re told that “you’re beautiful in God’s eyes” because deep down you don’t really believe it?
We can have the right theology, but the wrong belief Part 2
We all have a deep need to be accepted, but because we know ourselves too well, we have a tough time believing why anyone would. They might say they know God loves them, but how could He, really?
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.
Let’s contrast the wisdom of joy and earthly wisdom Part 7
In the midst of conflict, it’s hard to get the right perspective. Let's contrast the “pure and peaceable” wisdom from above with the “earthly and unspiritual” wisdom from below. One is “easily entreated” and furthers our relationships. The other is harsh, driving people apart.
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.
Navigating between what we can and can’t control Part 3
This week our topic is wisdom, wisdom from the book of James. And one of the distinguishing signs of wisdom is how we handle what we can't control.
