What if . . . I did what I could today? Part 8
Today on "Discover the Word," the group asks themselves a question they’d like you to ask yourself. “What if?” "What if" I did what I could? "What if" I didn’t just think about acting, but actually acted? "What if" I didn’t let others act for me? "What if" I didn’t wait to be invited? "What if" I didn’t just wonder about what difference I could make, but actually took a step? "What if" . . . I did what I could, today? A life-shaping question frames today’s "Discover the Word."
Reaching out to others Part 7
We all have our reasons for not doing what we can to help others. And yet we’re still plagued with guilt when we don’t do anything. Today on "Discover the Word," we'll discuss excuses we give for not reaching out to others. Excuses like “What if I’m rejected?” or “What difference could I make?”
Doing what we can with what we've been given Part 5
Today on "Discover the Word," we conclude week one of the discussion on doing what we can for Jesus with what we’ve been given. Today’s discussion contrasts the two women whose act of passionate devotion for Jesus led them both to anoint Him with perfume. One woman, Mary of Bethany, did this out of love with the purpose of preparing Jesus’ body for burial. The other woman anointed her Savior in grateful response to having been forgiven.
An extravagant act of devotion Part 4
Today on "Discover the Word," we discuss Mary of Bethany’s extravagant act of devotion in anointing Jesus with expensive perfume. Knowingly or unknowingly, she was preparing Jesus’ body for burial. It was a risky and appropriate act of love. Mary used what she had to invest in His life when He needed it the most. And that should be an example to each of us. The “what” of “She Did What She Could,” today on "Discover the Word"!
Living loved Part 3
How often do we talk about doing good for others, but then never act on it? Today on "Discover the Word," we will talk about how Mary of Bethany was a woman who “lived loved.” As a result she found the courage to step up at a pivotal moment in Christ’s life, giving Him comfort when He needed it the most. She did. “She Did What She Could” continues today on "Discover the Word"!
A passionate worshiper Part 2
Mary of Bethany was an ordinary woman. But there was nothing ordinary about any woman in the male-dominated culture of that day sitting at the feet of a Jewish rabbi! Today on "Discover the Word," we discuss the extraordinary decision by God to “pick a girl” as a person that history would hold up as an example of a passionate worshiper of Jesus. Join us today on "Discover the Word"!
Mary of Bethany: she did what she could Part 1
In the story of Mary and the alabaster jar in Mark 14, Jesus says, “She did what she could.” It’s a story about an act of devotion that was actually reasonable in light of Mary’s deep love for Jesus. You’re invited to join the group on "Discover the Word" as we begin the discussion on Mary of Bethany and how her life speaks to us today.
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.”
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.
Psalm 23 – for every season of life Part 1
The 23rd Psalm—it’s one of the most familiar passages in the Bible, and you’re invited to join us as we look at the Scripture. Psalm 23 is often recited at funerals, but it’s not just for those who are grieving, it can provide the comfort of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, in every season of life. Listen on "Discover the Word"!
How Jesus Endured the Cross Part 4
Today on "Discover the Word," we will talk about the intense physical violence Jesus endured on the cross, described in Psalm 22, 2,000 years before the actual event. This was long before crucifixion was even invented. While the film "The Passion of the Christ" gave us a graphic taste of that horrific event, it was still a tame depiction of what actually transpired. Join us right here on "Discover the Word"!
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.
