Discover the Word Podcast

This series of 15 conversations revisits the story of a world-class liar and deceiver. The intent is to find insight and perspective as we explore together what Jacob, the father of the original 12 tribes of Israel contributes to the bigger story of Jesus— and to us. Even though he was a grandson of Abraham, Jacob turned out to be so dishonest that he had to leave home to avoid being killed by the older brother he betrayed. Yet his legacy is as wonderful as it is mysterious. God loved Jacob, and chose him to be a blessing to every family of the earth. What was God trying to tell us? Receive When we consider Jacob’s life and ponder his legacy, let’s remember that God is in the redemption business. Even though Jacob was a world-class liar and deceiver God loved him. Jacob became the father of the original 12 tribes of Israel and God used him to be a blessing to every family on the earth. God’s ways may seem mysterious to us at times, but we can trust that He is working things out for our good. We can trust…

Have you ever struggled with the question "what am I supposed to do with my life?" From pretty early on in our lives, we begin to ask that question, only to discover that it reappears in almost every stage of life. So, this week, Daniel is going to lead Elisa and Bill and Rasool in looking at a few stories of “calling” in the Bible and see how these stories might help us think through where we currently are, how God may be leading us in whatever season we’re in, and what the answer to that question—what am I supposed to do with my life?—might be for us right now. Hearing God's Call is the focus of this series of conversations on Discover the Word. Receive If you've ever struggled with the question, "What am I supposed to do with my life?" be encouraged that you're not alone. Questioning what you're supposed to do with your life, no matter what stage you're in, is a common and valid question. As we look at a few stories of “calling” in the Bible, let's see how these stories might help us think through where…

Bill Crowder admits to being a Christmas junkie. It's easy to feel the joy of celebrating Jesus' birth. But it's the message of Easter, and Jesus' resurrection, that fueled the growth of the early church. Join the group as Bill leads Elisa and Daniel and Rasool in exploring how and why The Message of Good News is still the transformative truth that Jesus conquered sin and death, and has proven His power to deliver us from eternal destruction. Jesus' resurrection is at the center of The Message of Good News. Receive The message of Jesus’ resurrection isn’t meant to be celebrated just on Easter Sunday. Every Sunday is Easter Sunday! Jesus’ resurrection is what fueled the growth of the early church. The message of good news is still the transformative truth that Jesus conquered sin and death and has proven His power to deliver us from eternal destruction. As we reflect on Jesus’ resurrection, let’s remember that the message of good news is the centerpiece of God’s rescue plan for a broken world. And it’s…

A covenant is a type of contractual agreement we see in Scripture. The covenants God has made with humanity are significant benchmarks in the Scriptures. Adamic, Noahic, Abrahamic, Davidic, and the New Covenant all serve as critical moments when God has demonstrated his grace and mercy to humanity. But they aren’t the only covenants or contracts we find in Scripture or in many churches. There are also the Unspoken Contracts that people have made with God. Though God never agreed to them, many of us hold him to them anyway. This series will explore the Unspoken Contracts we find many mistakenly make in the Bible and how we can identify them and replace them with the Spoken Covenants that we should actually build our faith upon. Receive Throughout the Bible, we see God making covenants with His people from Adam, Noah, Abraham, David, to the New Covenant through Jesus. But those aren’t the only covenants, or contracts, we find in Scripture or in many churches today. There are also unspoken contracts that…

One proclamation announces availability to and for God: Here am I – or Here I am! From Abraham to Moses to Samuel to Isaiah and eventually to Jesus Himself, those obedient to God’s call say so – with this declaration. How does Jesus Himself provide insight into such a response – when in Revelation 3 He proclaims Here I Am to the church? What does it mean for each – and what can it mean when we utter this proclamation today? Receive A simple, yet profound proclamation announces availability to and for God: Here am I or Here I am! From Abraham to Moses to Samuel to Isaiah and eventually to Jesus Himself, those obedient to God’s call say so with this declaration. And they get to see how God provides for their needs when they answer His call. The responses from these Bible figures can be examples of how we can respond when we feel God calling us. Instead of running or hiding from God, let’s prayerfully and boldly respond to God with our own Here I am! Reflect What was God’s purpose in this exchange with Abraham…

For those who often feel forgotten, it is good to be reminded that our God doesn’t forget us. In this brief topical study, we consider three people in the Bible who called out to God that He remember them, and we see what He did in response to their cry. Receive If you ever struggle with feeling forgotten, it’s good to remember that our God doesn’t forget us. God has promised to never leave or forsake us. As we consider three people in the Bible who called out to God and we see that He remembered them, we get a beautiful picture of how God hears our cries and remembers us. How could trusting that God hasn’t forgotten you help you, especially in your times of trials? Reflect How does Hannah’s story in 1 Samuel 1 comfort you knowing that God remembers you even in your pain, sorrow, and heartache? How does Samson’s story found in Judges 16 encourage you that God remembers you even in your times of weakness and failure? How does the story of the thief on the cross in Luke 23 encourage you that Jesus remembered…

Traditionally, the Old Testament book of Ruth has been viewed as a love story. But in this series of 12 conversations with author Carolyn Custis James, Mart DeHaan and Elisa Morgan discover that this story of Naomi and Ruth and Boaz is not all about romance. It’s about God’s ability to make much of broken lives, and how he calls men and women to serve together to build His kingdom. Receive When Naomi’s world fell apart, she may have felt that she had lost God’s “hesed,” or His sacrificial, costly, voluntary love. But God used Ruth and Boaz to show Naomi He had not abandoned her. Bolstered by God’s hesed love, Naomi can then pour out that love on Ruth, Boaz, and her grandson. As we ponder the blessed alliance between Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz, we see how God provided and protected this humble family that was in the lineage of King David and His Son Jesus. We also get a beautiful picture of how God wants His daughters and sons to work together to build His kingdom on earth. Reflect How did Ruth “break the rules”…

Traditionally, the Old Testament book of Ruth has been viewed as a love story. But in this series of 12 conversations with author Carolyn Custis James, Mart DeHaan and Elisa Morgan discover that this story of Naomi and Ruth and Boaz is not all about romance. It’s about God’s ability to make much of broken lives, and how he calls men and women to serve together to build His kingdom. Receive What do we do when life doesn’t follow the Cinderella script? How do we respond when the life we get doesn’t seem to have the happily-ever-after ending that we hoped for? Traditionally, the Old Testament book of Ruth has been viewed as a love story. But there’s so much more to the story than meets the eye. As we dig deeper into the stories of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz, we get a picture of God’s ability to make much of broken lives, and how He calls men and women to serve together to build His kingdom. How can the story of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz encourage you as you face hardships in your life? Reflect Based on Ruth 1:1–5, how…

Do you ever enjoy a good argument? In the scriptures, there are a surprising number of folks who argue with God. This week we'll consider several of the people in the Bible who argued with God, and try to see what motivated them to argue with the Lord and the result of that argument. Receive Fear, insecurity, arrogance, and unbelief are just some of the reasons why people argue with God in the Bible. Maybe you’ve argued—or are arguing—with God over similar feelings? As we look at the Bible accounts of Moses, Peter, and Ananias, and times they questioned/argued with God, let’s also reflect on the powerful portrait we get of our God for their experiences. God is patient and doesn't simply override our human resistance, but often works through it toward ends that we could never have anticipated. How can you trust God even when you don’t understand or agree with your circumstances? Reflect Why was Moses arguing with God in Exodus 3–4? How did God respond? Why did Peter argue with Jesus in Matthew 16:22? In Luke…

How long do you think your attention span is? A lot has been written about the attention spans of people, and there’s debate about whether attention spans are getting shorter or not. Well, if it’s true that we have short attention spans, and if they are potentially getting even shorter, there’s a really important invitation in the Bible that we’re going to struggle with. It's an invitation that shows up 1000 times--the invitation “to behold.” What does it mean to "behold", and why is "beholding" so important? Explore that with the group in this study called Behold. Receive Does your attention span seem to be getting shorter? If the cares of this world are pulling you in all different directions, perhaps it’s time to pause and ponder why the Bible invites us more than 1,000 times to “behold!” We live in a world of glimpses and glances, but it’s through beholding God that we are transformed and find abundant life. What could taking time to “behold” look like for you? Reflect In Genesis 1:29–31 (NASB), why did…

Is there someone you think would never respond positively to the gospel? Join us and our guest Jennifer Greer as we explore if Jesus was playing a form of the "Most Likely/Least Likely To . . ." game in Luke 17 to show us we can never guess who is the most/least likely to receive Him. Receive The “Most Likely/Least Likely To . . .” game is a fun icebreaker activity in which players guess which group member is most likely or least likely to do something. Have you ever played this game? As we read Luke 17 and ponder the deeper meaning behind the 10 leprous men being healed, we discover that Jesus likes to surprise us when it comes to who is most likely/least likely to respond to the gospel. How can we, like Jesus, welcome those who seem like the least likely to receive Him? Reflect Why was it so significant that Jesus was traveling between Jerusalem and Samaria in Luke 17:11–13? Why did Jesus instruct the men to go to the priests after being healed in Luke 17:14? How does knowing that it was the Samaritan man…

Some time ago Elisa led us in conversations about "tables" and how certain mealtimes moved the story of the Bible forward. For these two weeks Bill wants the group to consider the opposite—how famines (or the lack of food) was a catalyst for biblical events and a force for change in the lives of the characters of the Scriptures. Receive As we ponder why God allowed His people throughout Scripture to experience famines, we can see that God was still working to draw them closer to Him. God is at work in our life as well. When we face hardships and difficulties in our life, let’s remember that God is near. How does reading about how God provided for men and women throughout the Bible help remind you that He is faithful to help you through any trial you may face? What could drawing closer to God even during difficulties look like for you? Reflect Why did God allow someone as faithful as the prophet Elijah to suffer through a famine as we read in 1 Kings 18:2? During famines, how did God provide for Elijah in 1…

Some time ago Elisa led us in conversations about "tables" and how certain mealtimes moved the story of the Bible forward. For these two weeks Bill wants the group to consider the opposite—how famines (or the lack of food) was a catalyst for biblical events and a force for change in the lives of the characters of the Scriptures. Receive When we stop and consider that so many men and women in the Bible experienced various hardships, including famines, we see how God was still working in their lives to draw them closer to Him. From Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and his family to Naomi and Ruth and King David, they all found themselves in challenging situations. Some of their circumstances may raise some difficult questions, but they also offer some helpful insights into what it means to be people of faith, who in spite of any questions, learn to trust God even in life's most difficult times. How does reading about how God helped well-known Old Testament figures even during times of famines help you trust God…

Receive It may be one of the most well-known verses on confession and forgiveness in all of Scripture, but what does 1 John 1:9 mean? And how can it impact the way you live both day to day and from here to eternity? As you consider this Bible verse phrase by phrase, may this crucial statement penned by Jesus’ disciple, John, become a reality to you. 1. If we confess . . . 2. . . . . our sin . . . 3. . . . He is faithful and just . . . 4. . . . and will forgive our sin . . . 5. . . .and purify (cleanse) us from all unrighteousness. How does exploring the meaning of this life-changing Bible verse help you discover God’s immeasurable love and mercy for you? What could your next step toward learning more and receiving God’s forgiveness look like? Reflect Why is fellowship with God and others, which is mentioned in 1 John 1:1–4, so special and vital? Based on 1 John 1:5–7, why are believers called to walk in the light? According to 1 John 1:8–10, how does God respond when we confess our sin to Him? How does Jesus…

Ever wonder about the cultural norms left unsaid in the Bible? Discovering the collectivist perspective will help you better understand Scripture. Receive If we read the Bible exclusively from our Western individualist point of view, we may miss or misunderstand cultural values everybody in the ancient Mediterranean world understood. As this week’s guest, Randy Richards, reminds us, the values of kinship, patronage, and brokerage, which focus on the family or group dynamic instead of an individual, are found throughout Scripture. We also find examples of honor, shame, and boundaries in the Old and New Testaments that are used as tools to help enforce and strengthen these cultural values. Understanding the ancient Mediterranean culture that the Bible is set in can enrich our understanding of some Scripture passages. How has discovering some of the cultural backdrop of the Bible helped you gain a deeper understanding of Scripture and how the Bible applies to your life? What next step could you take toward…

How does our Western/individualistic perspective limit our understanding of the Bible that was written from an Eastern/collectivist perspective? Discover some cultural norms left unsaid in Scripture. Receive As we read Scripture through the lens of our Western culture, this week’s guest, Randy Richards, reminds us that we may miss or misread some key values embedded in the Ancient Near Eastern culture the Bible was written in. Our Western individualist culture values “me” over “we,” but the Eastern collectivist culture that the Bible was set in values kinship, patronage, and brokerage that emphasize the family or group dynamic rather than an individual. Understanding the ancient Mediterranean culture that serves as the backdrop for the Bible can add rich context that can shed a whole new light on some passages of Scripture. How can discovering the cultural context of the Bible help you better understand and apply Scripture to your life? What could your next step toward learning more about the cultural…

Struggling with worry and anxiety? No matter what you’re struggling with, discover how to cast your cares on God. Receive It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with worries, cares, and anxious thoughts, but you’re not meant to carry all those burdens on your own. Jesus said not to worry, and the apostle Paul said to cast all your cares on God. What are you worried about? What may be hindering you from trusting God with your worries, anxious thoughts, cares, and concerns? What could your next step toward trusting God more and worrying less look like? Reflect How does it feel knowing that God wants you to cast all your cares on Him as it says in 1 Peter 5:7 and that we’re to be anxious for nothing as you read in Philippians 4:6–7? How does Matthew 6:19–34 help you to not worry so much about tomorrow? How does the good soil Jesus mentioned in His parable found in Luke 8:4–18 differ from the other soil He mentioned? How can you stay focused on what matters most like Mary in Luke 10:38– 42 instead of being distracted by…

The apostle Paul often used the theme of running in his letters. Discover what he might have been trying to tell us through his running metaphor. Receive The apostle Paul often used the metaphor of running a race to remind his readers, and us, how important it is to run our race well. In his letter to the Corinthian church, Paul encouraged believers to run away from sin and temptation and to run toward God. What have you been running toward lately? Is there something you need to flee from in your life so you can pursue God instead? What could your next step of running toward God look like? Reflect How can you run away from sin and temptation as the apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 6:18 and 1 Corinthians 10:14? What does it look like to “run in such a way” as it says in 1 Corinthians 9:24? According to 1 Corinthians 9:26–27, why is it important to be disciplined along your Christian journey? Based on 1 Corinthians 14:1, what are we to be running toward? Respond (Use this prayer to start a conversation with…

In a sense, you could say that the entire Bible is about God’s desire to dwell with his people. Immanuel—God with us. Experiencing God’s presence is what we were created for. And we are promised in Scripture that if we seek God, we will find Him. But how do we experience the presence of God when we don’t see Him or feel like He’s with us? Well, in this series of conversations with Dr. David Mathewson, the Discover the Word group explores how experiencing God’s presence can be a regular practice and experience of God’s people. And time In His Presence can transform, heal, and empower us. Receive From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is the story of God dwelling with His people. We were created to commune with God, but it can be challenging since we can’t see or feel Him. How can you experience God’s presence on a regular basis? Is there something hindering you from spending time in God’s Word and in prayer and worship so you can experience His transforming, empowering, and healing presence and power in your…

What did Jesus mean when He told Nicodemus that he must be “born again”? Join us as we explore Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus. Discover why the concept was so difficult for Nicodemus to grasp and why we also sometimes struggle with the truth that is so central to the Christian faith. Receive Jesus often said things that unsettled the very people who thought they understood God best. When He told Nicodemus he must be “born again,” it didn’t fit his framework—and he struggled to receive it. Where might the same be true for you? Is there anything—assumptions, expectations, past experiences—that could be shaping how you hear Jesus’ words today? Ask God to gently reveal and release anything that’s getting in the way. Nicodemus didn’t understand everything at first, but he kept moving toward Jesus—stepping out of the shadows, speaking up, and showing up when it mattered most. What might your next step toward Jesus look like? Reflect Read John 3. As you reflect on the chapter, what stands out to you? Why do you…

The word “trees” shows up more than 200 times in the Bible. Discover why it may not just be “the heavens that declare the glory of God” but also trees. Receive The Bible mentions trees more than 200 times throughout the Old and New Testament. From Genesis to Psalms to Matthew and into Revelation, it seems as though many significant theological events in the Bible are marked by a tree. As we consider the significance behind many of the trees included throughout Scripture, may we discover that not only do the heavens declare the glory of God, but so do trees. As we ponder the crucial role trees play in how the story of the Bible is told, let’s look for God’s fingerprints wherever we see a tree or a branch or a bush or a root or some kind of fruit mentioned in a passage. And as we notice the trees in our world a little more, may they help point us to God. Reflect Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? Genesis 18:1 Genesis 21:33 Deuteronomy…

The Bible is filled with feasts and tables set for God’s people. Discover the significance of these meals and gatherings and why they still matter today. Receive God delights in setting a table for His people. From the last supper Jesus shared with His disciples before His sacrificial death to the meals He shared with His disciples after His glorious resurrection, there are various lovely moments of fellowship between Jesus and His followers recorded for us in Scripture. The early church also knew the importance of breaking bread together. As we consider the meals mentioned in the Old and New Testaments and the greatest wedding banquet that’s still to come mentioned in Revelation, may we rejoice in knowing that God lovingly provides for our every need. Reflect What do Matthew 9:9–13, Luke 19:1–10, and Luke 7:34 teach us about who is invited to the Lord’s table? Why does Jesus’ last supper with His disciples recorded in Matthew 26:17–30, Mark 14:12–26, Luke 22:7–23, and John 13–17 still matter to us today?…

Whether it’s in the Garden of Eden, Egypt, the wilderness, or a mountainside near the Sea of Galilee, God knows how to provide for His people. Let’s learn about the tables and meals in Scripture. Receive How lovely that the story of God happens around tables. From the farm-to-table picnic of lavish eating in the Garden of Eden, to the “fast food,” rushed meal during the first Passover, to God’s provision in the wilderness of heavenly food, on into the New Testament servings of a simple lunch to feed thousands, God delights in providing for His people. May we relish in knowing that God longs to fellowship with His people, including us, and a wonderful way He chooses to do so is to set a table for us. Reflect Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? Genesis 1–3 Exodus 12:1–20 Exodus 16 Psalm 23:5 Matthew 14:13–21 Mark 6:30–44 Luke 9:13–17 John 6:1–13 How does Genesis 1:29–30 show God’s generosity toward Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden? How…

Discover the Jewish writings between the Testaments, known as the Apocrypha, and why they still matter for Christians today. Receive The books in the Apocrypha may be a mystery to us, but when we consider that they played a role in shaping Judaism during Jesus’ time and the apostle Paul’s life and that they would have influenced the early church, it may be worth learning about these ancient texts. Perhaps by being familiar with these writings, we’ll get a better understanding of the culture and teachings of the devout Jews who wrote them during the “silent years” between Malachi and Matthew, and we will discover how the writings may still influence us today. Reflect Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? Mark 6:2 Matthew 6:12 Matthew 18:14–35 Luke 6:30–36 Philippians 3:6 Hebrews 1:1–4 Colossians 1:15–17 Could some of Jesus’ teaching referred to in Mark 6:2 have reminded listeners of some of the writings from devout Jews found in the…

What are you conquering—or being conquered by? Explore how God’s surprising plan for His people to both conquer and be conquered is revealed throughout the Bible! Receive The word “conqueror” may make you feel uncomfortable for various reasons. But what if the Bible’s idea of conquest is better than we could ever imagine? As we ponder what it means for us to be more than conquerors through Him who loves us, let’s look to Jesus’ example of what it means to overcome. And let’s remember that His story isn’t over. May we be encouraged and remain confident that when it’s all said and done, Jesus will still be victorious. Reflect Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? Matthew 20:20–28 John 16:33 1 John 4–5 Revelation 12:13 According to Jesus in Matthew 20:20–28, what are the characteristics of a true leader? How does John 16:33 help to encourage you despite whatever you may be facing? How does 1 John 4–5 help you better understand that we…

Conquerors can be scary—but God’s power is different. Discover from Genesis to Revelation how He makes us more than conquerors! Receive The word “conqueror” can stir up many mixed feelings and rightfully so. But the idea of conquest is found in the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. What if instead of avoiding the complicated topic, we pondered how the Bible points to a better idea of conquering? As we ask God to help us overcome various trials and obstacles in our life, we can take courage knowing that we are more than conquerors though Him who loves us. Reflect Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? Romans 8:28-37 Genesis 3:1-7 Joshua 1:1-14 How does Romans 8:28-37 help you better understand what the apostle Paul meant when he said we are more than conquerors? How does Romans 8:31 boost your faith and courage as you seek to be more than a conqueror? How does Genesis 3:1-7 help you recognize the danger of trying to conquer God’s plan for…

Overwhelmed by life’s headlines? 1 Corinthians 15 points to the news that truly matters: Jesus is risen! Receive Even though we live in an information-saturated world, we don’t have to be overwhelmed and distracted by all the news and headlines fighting for our attention. The apostle Paul wanted to remind the Corinthian church not to lose sight of what truly matters in life. The greatest good news of Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection is “Of First Importance”! No matter what time of the year it is, it’s always a good time to ponder and rejoice that Jesus overcame sin and death. He is risen! He is risen indeed! Reflect Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 Acts 1 How does 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 help you better understand why Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection is so crucial to our Christian faith? How does 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 help you celebrate the greatest good news of Jesus’ resurrection not just at Easter…

Come along with us as we continue tracing Jesus’ final steps in Scripture toward the crucifixion. Remember what He did for you by exploring where He stopped to speak with women and criminals, where He cared for His mother, died on the cross, and was buried. Follow our Savior’s journey to save us—and embrace how this can impact our lives today. Receive Christians once retraced Jesus’ final steps, pausing at “stations” to remember His sacrifice. In “Cross Stations,” we follow that path through Scripture. In part two, linger at the cross and the tomb as we reflect on the moment Jesus’ body is taken down and laid in the darkness, and consider what His death means for your faith today. Reflect Have you ever practiced the “Stations of the Cross”? If so, what was your experience? How do you respond now to this concept? The first cross station we identify is Jesus praying alone in the garden. Read Luke 22:39–46. Notice the setting and Jesus’ experience, and then think about how His prayer struggle has impacted the…

Have you ever traced Jesus’ final steps in Scripture toward the crucifixion? Come along with us as we explore where Jesus prayed alone, was betrayed and arrested, tried and condemned, mocked, and carried His cross with Simon’s help. Let these moments in the Bible help you experience our Savior’s journey to save us. Receive Early Christian pilgrims once walked the path Jesus took to the cross, stopping at “stations” to remember His suffering and love. In “Cross Stations,” we slow down with Scripture and reflect on those moments together. In part one, follow Jesus from Gethsemane through His trial to the moment He carried His cross—and take time to consider how His sacrifice speaks into your own faith and life today. Reflect Have you ever practiced the “Stations of the Cross”? If so, what was your experience? How do you respond now to this concept? The first cross station we identify is Jesus praying alone in the garden. Read Luke 22:39–46. Notice the setting and Jesus’ experience, and then think about how His…

Friendships are an essential part of our lives but many of us struggle to build healthy ones. Rediscover how friendships can be nurtured by exploring Jesus’ friendship with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Receive Jesus demonstrated the importance of friendship throughout the Gospels. His relationship with the Bethany siblings—Mary, Martha, and Lazarus—provides a great example of how much we need friends in our own lives, and how much we need to be a friend. Engaging in healthy communication, being dependable, growing with each other, and sharing celebrations can help our friendships flourish! Reflect Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? John 15:9-16 Luke 10:38-42 John 11:1-6, 21, 25, 32 John 12:1-3 How does John 15:9-16 help you better understand Jesus’ plan for friendship? Martha and Mary demonstrate their friendship with Jesus in Luke 10:38-42. How can this nurture your friendships? Martha and Mary depended on Jesus to save their brother in…

The battle for contentment is one of life’s biggest challenges—even for followers of Christ. And that battle for contentment runs headlong into how we view money. What we use to purchase things. The phrase “silver and gold” appears in the scriptures no less than 58 times and we want this week to examine a handful of those texts to try and get some wisdom about money in general and silver and gold in particular. Receive Money touches so much of our daily lives, but the Bible helps us see it in the right perspective. Scripture reminds us that while money can meet needs and bless others, it was never meant to define our worth or secure our future. God cares more about shaping our character than growing our bank accounts. As we earn, spend, give, and save, we’re invited to trust Him as our true provider—knowing that our ultimate security isn’t found in money, but in Jesus. Reflect Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? 2 Kings 5:5 Ecclesiastes…

Several times in the Bible, we read that what is impossible for man is possible for God. What does this mean in various settings? Is making the impossible possible a matter of faith? Character? God’s power? What might be dangerous about the possibility for humans? How can we understand and fully live within the boundaries of the possible while stretching to experience God’s power in the impossible? Receive When life feels uncertain, it helps to remember who God truly is and that the Bible says repeatedly that nothing is too hard for God. But... the Scriptures also tell us there are things God cannot do—He cannot do evil, He cannot lie, and He cannot be overcome by death. That means His character is completely trustworthy. When we face fear, confusion, or disappointment, we can rely on His goodness, believe His promises, and trust that nothing—not even death—has the final word. Reflect Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? Job 34:10, 12…

Being afraid of something doesn’t sound preferable, but throughout the Bible we see benefits from fearing the Lord. Find out what that can look like for us today and what we’ll experience when we do! Receive The fear of the Lord is the starting place for wisdom and it leads to a never-ending friendship with a loving God. Scripture reveals that fearing the Lord is intended to comfort us not to scare us. Because the more we understand God’s character, the more we are compelled to revere Him. God’s Word guides us to express our fear of the Lord through right living, rejecting evil, and clinging to what is good. Reflect Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? Matthew 1:20 Matthew 2:22 Matthew 9:1-8 Acts 13:16, 26, 43 1 Peter 1:1 1 Peter 5:12-13 Revelation 19:4-10 John 4:13-18 Matthew 10:26-31 helps the disciples understand how much God cares for them—and how much He’s in control, even during tribulations. How does this encourage you to know that…

What happens when people “fear the Lord” in a healthy way? Explore how this can lead to wisdom and relationship with God! Receive The Bible’s wisdom books remind us again and again that the fear of the Lord is where real wisdom begins—and that’s the kind of wisdom we need for everyday life. From big decisions to ordinary moments, we all need God’s perspective to help us navigate what’s in front of us. Proverbs offers that wisdom with a hopeful, “glass half-full” lens, giving practical guidance for daily choices. Ecclesiastes meets us in the tension, naming life’s frustrations and uncertainties with a more “glass half-empty” honesty. And Job takes us deeper, showing that a healthy fear of the Lord isn’t about being afraid—it’s about being drawn into a real, trusting relationship with God as we learn to revere all of who He is, even when life doesn’t make sense. Reflect Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? Proverbs 1:5 Proverbs 24:5…

We want to live wisely, but that can seem impossible at times. Discover what the Bible means when it says that wisdom begins with “the fear of the Lord.” Receive What does it look like for you to grow in wisdom? Scripture invites you to begin by fearing the Lord—by learning to revere Him for who He truly is and letting that reverence shape your daily choices. Reflect Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? Isaiah 10:13 Psalm 107:27 Exodus 28:3 Deuteronomy 34:9 1 Kings 5 Psalm 37:30 Deuteronomy 4:6-7 Proverbs 1:1, 7-8 Proverbs 21:23 Proverbs 3:18 Proverbs 16:7 Proverbs 15:32-33 Proverbs 10:1, 27 Proverbs 25:1 Proverbs 9:10 Proverbs 14:27 Proverbs 19:23 Proverbs 22:4 Proverbs 2:1-5 When you hear Proverbs 1:7 say that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,” what stands out to you personally? How does that shape the way you think about wisdom and learning? As you reflect on Scripture, what kinds of good fruit or growth does the…

The Bible is a book of invitations, and in this series, we will explore such invitations in the form of "let us" statements inviting us to join in some aspect of the life of the Christ follower. From worship to purity to endurance to love, these invitations welcome us to live with and for our Lord. Receive After exploring some Let Us invitation in the letter to the Hebrews in our last study, is it possible there are other Let Us invitations in other parts of the Bible? Step into five more biblical invitations, outside of Hebrews, that call you to live out your faith in everyday ways: worship God with your whole heart, persevere when faith feels hard, lay aside the sin that holds you back, love others deeply, and put that love into action. Reflect Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? Psalm 34:3 How does this invite you into communal worship? Romans 13:12-13 How does this invite you into the sanctification process—that Jesus accomplishes in…

Have you ever noticed that the phrase “let us...” appears thirteen times in the book of Hebrews? Join us as we explore why this phrase was important to the author and how it invites us to walk with Jesus! Receive Join together with other believers and walk with Jesus through a series of five “let us” invitations from the book of Hebrews: let us hold fast to our faith, let us approach God in prayer, let us grow spiritually mature, let us draw near to God, and let us run our race. Reflect Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? Hebrews 4:14 How does this invite you to hold fast to your faith? Hebrews 4:16 How does this invite you into prayer? Hebrews 6:1 How does this invite you into spiritual maturity? Hebrews 10:22-24 How does this invite you to draw near to God? Hebrews 12:1 How does this invite you to run your appointed race with Jesus? Respond (Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) “Jesus, thank you for the invitation…

What happens when God’s people worship other things? Find out as we continue exploring the wayward tribe of Jacob’s son Dan with archaeologist Dr. Jonathan Greer. Receive The Danites focus on God but they distort their worship of Him. By subordinating Him to other things, establishing their own version of religion, and lacking justice, they actually keep themselves from God. While their story reveals some important cautions for us today, we can also be encouraged by God’s promise to restore all things. Reflect Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? 1 Kings 12:26-30 Exodus 32:4-6 Nehemiah 9:18 1 Kings 12:31-33 Amos 5:18-24 Revelation 7:5-8 Acts 15:1-5 Acts 15:13-18 Jeroboam worshipped God with calf idols which subordinated God (see 1 Kings 12:26-30). Is there a way you may set out to worship God which could actually subordinate Him to other things? Jeroboam divided the religion in northern Israel from the religion in southern Israel for his…

While some Bible stories surprise us, they all help us understand more about God and His plan! Discover how God was faithful to redeem the tribe of Dan and all of Israel with special guest and archaeologist Dr. Jonathan Greer. Receive So much of Dan’s story leaves us saying “That's not the way it's supposed to be.” From his troubling conception to the Danites forced migration, this tribe does things their own way, mixing legitimate devotion to God with misguided methods of worshipping and serving Him. But ultimately, Dan, his family, and his city set the stage for the coming of the One who redeems all things into the way they should be. Reflect Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? Genesis 30:1-6 Deuteronomy 27:11-13 Judges 5:17 Judges 1:34 Judges 13:1 Judges 17:1-18 Judges 18:3-10 Judges 18:27-19:1 Dan’s conception began with his mother taking matters into her own hands (from Genesis 30:1-6). In what ways might you be taking a matter in…

When you hear the word "seek," what comes to mind? Hide and seek? Explorers? Searching for something you lost? Well, Matthew 6:33 is one of the best-known scriptures in our Bible. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.” What does this summation mid-way through the Sermon on the Mount actually mean and how can following its guidance impact our lives? WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE: 📱On our website: https://www.discovertheword.org 🎧Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3x2Swlq 🎧Spotify: https://go.odb.org/dtwspotify 🎧Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3D9Tttv 🎧YouTube Music: https://go.odb.org/yt-music-playlist 🎧 YouTube: https://bit.ly/3E8LFdz LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts

How is God celebrated in the Bible and how can this inspire your celebration of God throughout the coming year? Join us to discover some of the many praiseworthy qualities that Psalm 95 reveals about our mighty God! WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE: 📱On our website: https://www.discovertheword.org 🎧Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3x2Swlq 🎧Spotify: https://go.odb.org/dtwspotify 🎧Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3D9Tttv 🎧YouTube Music: https://go.odb.org/yt-music-playlist 🎧 YouTube: https://bit.ly/3E8LFdz LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts

While Old Testament genealogies often include lists of fathers and sons, join us to explore the four women who are presented in the genealogy of Jesus. Discover their important stories as you celebrate Christmas! WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE: 📱On our website: https://www.discovertheword.org 🎧Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3x2Swlq 🎧Spotify: https://go.odb.org/dtwspotify 🎧Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3D9Tttv 🎧YouTube Music: https://go.odb.org/yt-music-playlist 🎧 YouTube: https://bit.ly/3E8LFdz LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts

Have you thought much about Jesus’s earthly family and His heavenly family and the impact they all had on His life? Discover what we can learn from people like Mary, Joseph, and the Trinity! WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE: 📱On our website: https://www.discovertheword.org 🎧Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3x2Swlq 🎧Spotify: https://go.odb.org/dtwspotify 🎧Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3D9Tttv 🎧YouTube Music: https://go.odb.org/yt-music-playlist 🎧 YouTube: https://bit.ly/3E8LFdz LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts

It's astonishing how technology (smartphones, tablets, laptops, GPS, etc.) has influenced our lives--for both good and bad? So, would it surprise you to know that "technology" shows up in the Bible and plays a vital role in God's story? In this Discover the Word study, the group explores several stories where technology plays a role. And as we study those passages together, we may find wisdom and freedom for how to use tech well in our modern world to draw us closer to God and others. WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE: 📱On our website: https://www.discovertheword.org 🎧Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3x2Swlq 🎧Spotify: https://go.odb.org/dtwspotify 🎧Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3D9Tttv 🎧YouTube Music: https://go.odb.org/yt-music-playlist 🎧 YouTube: https://bit.ly/3E8LFdz LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts

It's astonishing how technology (smartphones, tablets, laptops, GPS, etc.) has influenced our lives--for both good and bad? So, would it surprise you to know that "technology" shows up in the Bible and plays a vital role in God's story? In this Discover the Word study, the group explores several stories where technology plays a role. And as we study those passages together, we may find wisdom and freedom for how to use tech well in our modern world to draw us closer to God and others. WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE: 📱On our website: https://www.discovertheword.org 🎧Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3x2Swlq 🎧Spotify: https://go.odb.org/dtwspotify 🎧Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3D9Tttv 🎧YouTube Music: https://go.odb.org/yt-music-playlist 🎧 YouTube: https://bit.ly/3E8LFdz LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts

Have you noticed how it usually takes a lot of ordinary steps to achieve something extraordinary? Join us and special guest Jeff Manion to explore some ordinary habits that can lead to an extraordinary life of faith! WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE: 📱On our website: https://www.discovertheword.org 🎧Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3x2Swlq 🎧Spotify: https://go.odb.org/dtwspotify 🎧Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3D9Tttv 🎧YouTube Music: https://go.odb.org/yt-music-playlist 🎧 YouTube: https://bit.ly/3E8LFdz LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts

Most followers of Christ want their lives to count, but it's easy to get impatient with the slow pace at which a life of significance often happens. In these two weeks of conversations with pastor and author Jeff Manion, the Discover the Word group explores how living a life marked by steady faithfulness can have tremendous and lasting results. Learn how, most often, what God considers a great life is built on a foundation of "holy redundancy," as Mart and Elisa and Bill welcome Jeff Manion to the table for this series called "Dream Big, Think Small." WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE: 📱On our website: https://www.discovertheword.org 🎧Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3x2Swlq 🎧Spotify: https://go.odb.org/dtwspotify 🎧Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3D9Tttv 🎧YouTube Music: https://go.odb.org/yt-music-playlist 🎧 YouTube: https://bit.ly/3E8LFdz LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts

When you hear the word "justice" what comes to mind? Courts? Activism? Legal TV dramas? Well, justice is a major theme in the Bible, appearing over 400 times. But what does it look like for God to "act justly?" And what does it look like of us to do justice? In these conversations, the Discover the Word group looks at some specific examples of what Biblical justice looks like, with the hope of making practical applications for us today. WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE: 📱On our website: https://www.discovertheword.org 🎧Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3x2Swlq 🎧Spotify: https://go.odb.org/dtwspotify 🎧Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3D9Tttv 🎧YouTube Music: https://go.odb.org/yt-music-playlist 🎧 YouTube: https://bit.ly/3E8LFdz LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts!

What are some things you are devoted to? Family? Career? A sports team? In Acts 2, we find Luke telling us what the earliest followers of Jesus were devoted to. Can those areas of devotion inform our living today as well? It's a Discover the Word study that asks us to reflect on the question "what am I devoted to?" WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE: 📱On our website: https://www.discovertheword.org 🎧Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3x2Swlq 🎧Spotify: https://go.odb.org/dtwspotify 🎧Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3D9Tttv 🎧YouTube Music: https://go.odb.org/yt-music-playlist 🎧 YouTube: https://bit.ly/3E8LFdz LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts!

What does it mean to live life to the full? Discover how seeing Jesus as our “good shepherd” helps us understand His promise to give us full life! WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE: 📱On our website: https://www.discovertheword.org 🎧Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3x2Swlq 🎧Spotify: https://go.odb.org/dtwspotify 🎧Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3D9Tttv 🎧YouTube Music: https://go.odb.org/yt-music-playlist 🎧 YouTube: https://bit.ly/3E8LFdz LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts!