Discover the Word Podcast

The way the world and the Bible define greatness could not be more different! The world describes greatness as strength, power, influence, and wealth. In the Bible, greatness is smallness. Greatness pursues reconciliation and forgiveness. Greatness welcomes even the least valuable in the world’s eyes. Greatness serves. It becomes obvious that the Bible’s story of greatness points us toward the only One who has fulfilled all of these criteria and is truly great—Jesus. And yet there’s also an invitation here too. Is it possible that in following Jesus’ example that we can become truly great by taking on the nature of a servant, and laying down our lives for others? LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-the-word/id383323412 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5s0X6g7BBUURLngjlkYaMD?si=mOJja34bRY2x5GZ31cOOOw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnRoZXdvcmQub3JnL3BvZGNhc3Qv?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ27cFahcKEwjwjta78NLsAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEA Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd13a308-a1fc-4379-9429-e65ebad7fc5b/discover-the-word-podcast Website: https://discovertheword.org/

Someone once said that if it weren’t for people, life would be easy. Right? But people are pretty much the whole point when it comes to God’s great love. In Paul’s letter to the Romans, he spends most of the book laying out the theology of the gospel. Then he turns to apply his teaching to the practical of how the first century church in Rome can get along with each other as well as with their home city as followers of Christ. As we dig into Paul’s advice, we’ll find principles that translate for how as followers of Christ, we, too, can get along with each other and with those outside our faith communities. LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-the-word/id383323412 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5s0X6g7BBUURLngjlkYaMD?si=mOJja34bRY2x5GZ31cOOOw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnRoZXdvcmQub3JnL3BvZGNhc3Qv?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ27cFahcKEwjwjta78NLsAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEA Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd13a308-a1fc-4379-9429-e65ebad7fc5b/discover-the-word-podcast Website: https://discovertheword.org/

Someone once said that if it weren’t for people, life would be easy. Right? But people are pretty much the whole point when it comes to God’s great love. In Paul’s letter to the Romans, he spends most of the book laying out the theology of the gospel. Then he turns to apply his teaching to the practical of how the first century church in Rome can get along with each other as well as with their home city as followers of Christ. As we dig into Paul’s advice, we’ll find principles that translate for how as followers of Christ, we, too, can get along with each other and with those outside our faith communities. LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-the-word/id383323412 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5s0X6g7BBUURLngjlkYaMD?si=mOJja34bRY2x5GZ31cOOOw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnRoZXdvcmQub3JnL3BvZGNhc3Qv?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ27cFahcKEwjwjta78NLsAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEA Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd13a308-a1fc-4379-9429-e65ebad7fc5b/discover-the-word-podcast Website: https://discovertheword.org/

We don't always like tests, but because tests and testing pop up throughout the Bible at key points, it bears taking a closer look at this theme, with a little help from some Christians from the early church. Dr. Ryan Clevenger joins the group and brings his expertise in "Patristics"--the study of early Christian writers often called "Church Fathers"--to get their perspectives on the difficult times of testing we all face in life. You'll be surprised and encouraged by how relevant their perspectives of testing in the Bible are, as we discover that God does not test us in order to catch us or make us fail, but to provide us the chance to learn and grow into the likeness of Christ. LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-the-word/id383323412 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5s0X6g7BBUURLngjlkYaMD?si=mOJja34bRY2x5GZ31cOOOw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnRoZXdvcmQub3JnL3BvZGNhc3Qv?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ27cFahcKEwjwjta78NLsAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEA Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd13a308-a1fc-4379-9429-e65ebad7fc5b/discover-the-word-podcast Website: https://discovertheword.org/

Does life seem way more complex and complicated than it ever used to be? Well, it's not just you--the world has become more complex. Just think back to 1980 and begin to list off all the things that have changed since then. Well, in complex times like these, it can be helpful to remember that many of God's children in the Bible found themselves in culturally complex times. And during this episode of Discover the Word, Rasool Berry leads Elisa Morgan, Bill Crowder, and Daniel Ryan Day in examining one of those people. Her name is Esther, and her story is full of complex situations. Some that still baffle Bible interpreters. Gain insight into how to navigate our complex situations by exploring Esther's story with the Discover the Word group. LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-the-word/id383323412 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5s0X6g7BBUURLngjlkYaMD?si=mOJja34bRY2x5GZ31cOOOw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnRoZXdvcmQub3JnL3BvZGNhc3Qv?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ27cFahcKEwjwjta78NLsAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEA Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd13a308-a1fc-4379-9429-e65ebad7fc5b/discover-the-word-podcast Website: https://discovertheword.org/

Author Kim Cash Tate feels there's just something about the word "cling" in Deuteronomy 13:4. In this second week of conversations, Kim shows the group how a relationship with God isn't just keeping His commandments, it's also about choosing a lifestyle of intimacy with God. Explore, through Biblical examples and Kim's personal experience what it means to "Cling" to God. LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-the-word/id383323412 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5s0X6g7BBUURLngjlkYaMD?si=mOJja34bRY2x5GZ31cOOOw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnRoZXdvcmQub3JnL3BvZGNhc3Qv?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ27cFahcKEwjwjta78NLsAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEA Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd13a308-a1fc-4379-9429-e65ebad7fc5b/discover-the-word-podcast Website: https://discovertheword.org/

Author Kim Cash Tate feels there's just something about the word "cling" in Deuteronomy 13:4. In this two week series of conversations, Kim shows the group how a relationship with God isn't just keeping His commandments, it's also about choosing a lifestyle of intimacy with God. Explore, through Biblical examples and Kim's personal experience what it means to "Cling" to God. LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-the-word/id383323412 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5s0X6g7BBUURLngjlkYaMD?si=mOJja34bRY2x5GZ31cOOOw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnRoZXdvcmQub3JnL3BvZGNhc3Qv?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ27cFahcKEwjwjta78NLsAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEA Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd13a308-a1fc-4379-9429-e65ebad7fc5b/discover-the-word-podcast Website: https://discovertheword.org/

We often don't know what our expectations are until they go unmet. And then suddenly, we discover that the things we put our hope in can't help us, satisfy us, or make us happy. George Bernanos once said, "In order to be prepared to hope in what does not deceive, we must first lose hope in everything that deceives." This is what the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes is all about. The wise teacher brings attention to many of our expectations and false hopes, and systematically crushes any confidence we have in what we think could make life worth living. But, actually, this is good news! By discovering our false hopes, we can discover true life and purpose in Jesus. LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-the-word/id383323412 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5s0X6g7BBUURLngjlkYaMD?si=mOJja34bRY2x5GZ31cOOOw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnRoZXdvcmQub3JnL3BvZGNhc3Qv?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ27cFahcKEwjwjta78NLsAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEA Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd13a308-a1fc-4379-9429-e65ebad7fc5b/discover-the-word-podcast Website: https://discovertheword.org/

We often don't know what our expectations are until they go unmet. And then suddenly, we discover that the things we put our hope in can't help us, satisfy us, or make us happy. George Bernanos once said, "In order to be prepared to hope in what does not deceive, we must first lose hope in everything that deceives." This is what the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes is all about. The wise teacher brings attention to many of our expectations and false hopes, and systematically crushes any confidence we have in what we think could make life worth living. But, actually, this is good news! By discovering our false hopes, we can discover true life and purpose in Jesus. LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-the-word/id383323412 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5s0X6g7BBUURLngjlkYaMD?si=mOJja34bRY2x5GZ31cOOOw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnRoZXdvcmQub3JnL3BvZGNhc3Qv?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ27cFahcKEwjwjta78NLsAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEA Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd13a308-a1fc-4379-9429-e65ebad7fc5b/discover-the-word-podcast Website: https://discovertheword.org/

What are some things that are good in abundance? Favorite foods? Time with special people? Options? Opportunities? What is it about abundance that makes it so pleasant? It is to say that, as Psalm 23 put it, my cup overflows. That is abundance. It is important to not only see these aspects of spiritual abundance of which the scriptures speak. It is also important to see the abundant source from which all of these things flow. LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-the-word/id383323412 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5s0X6g7BBUURLngjlkYaMD?si=mOJja34bRY2x5GZ31cOOOw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnRoZXdvcmQub3JnL3BvZGNhc3Qv?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ27cFahcKEwjwjta78NLsAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEA Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd13a308-a1fc-4379-9429-e65ebad7fc5b/discover-the-word-podcast Website: https://discovertheword.org/

We can tend to believe that faith and doubt are mutually exclusive. If we have faith, we won’t doubt. If we doubt, we can’t have faith. Yes, if we sink down under them, doubts can erode our faith. But what if faith and doubt can exist together, one fueling the other in such a way that in the end our trust in God is strengthened? LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-the-word/id383323412 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5s0X6g7BBUURLngjlkYaMD?si=mOJja34bRY2x5GZ31cOOOw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnRoZXdvcmQub3JnL3BvZGNhc3Qv?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ27cFahcKEwjwjta78NLsAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEA Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd13a308-a1fc-4379-9429-e65ebad7fc5b/discover-the-word-podcast Website: https://discovertheword.org/

Explore together the thought that “God is a consuming fire” to discover that, in a way similar to Divine jealousy and wrath, the heart of God burns with love (a) to consume what is harmfully worthless and (b) to refine what is of value. In a most unexpected way, Jesus personified this consuming fire in both life and death—by the fire of self-sacrifice, bringing to light the lies that his enemy has always wanted us to believe, bearing and consuming our sin, refining our faith, hope, and love. LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-the-word/id383323412 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5s0X6g7BBUURLngjlkYaMD?si=mOJja34bRY2x5GZ31cOOOw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnRoZXdvcmQub3JnL3BvZGNhc3Qv?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ27cFahcKEwjwjta78NLsAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEA Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd13a308-a1fc-4379-9429-e65ebad7fc5b/discover-the-word-podcast Website: https://discovertheword.org/

Matthew Coder said that a person might name his son Peter or Paul, and his dog Nero or Caesar—but no one will even name a dog “Judas.” The name is synonymous with the worst form of treachery. For centuries the name has stood for the ultimate evil. At the end of the day, Judas did more than simply betray Jesus. He rejected the greatest possible Light—Christ Himself—and sold his Friend to His enemies. So, then, who was Judas? It is a question worth exploring. LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-the-word/id383323412 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5s0X6g7BBUURLngjlkYaMD?si=mOJja34bRY2x5GZ31cOOOw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnRoZXdvcmQub3JnL3BvZGNhc3Qv?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ27cFahcKEwjwjta78NLsAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEA Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd13a308-a1fc-4379-9429-e65ebad7fc5b/discover-the-word-podcast Website: https://discovertheword.org/

Every day of Holy Week describes a different aspect of who Jesus was, why he came, and how that’s good news for the world and us. This week we are going to follow Jesus through the events of what has been traditionally called “Holy Week.” Holy meaning set apart as special. And then “week” because there is a week’s worth of events that specifically show the expectations people had for what the Messiah would do, and the reality of the type of Messiah Jesus was. LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-the-word/id383323412 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5s0X6g7BBUURLngjlkYaMD?si=mOJja34bRY2x5GZ31cOOOw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnRoZXdvcmQub3JnL3BvZGNhc3Qv?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ27cFahcKEwjwjta78NLsAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEA Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd13a308-a1fc-4379-9429-e65ebad7fc5b/discover-the-word-podcast Website: https://discovertheword.org/

While Moses held a resume that would equip him to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery into freedom, he initially resisted when God called to him from a burning bush. Excuse after excuse blurted from his lips with a but…but…but list of objections. How do we also resist God’s invitations in our lives? And perhaps even more importantly, how does our good God respond to our excuses? LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-the-word/id383323412 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5s0X6g7BBUURLngjlkYaMD?si=mOJja34bRY2x5GZ31cOOOw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnRoZXdvcmQub3JnL3BvZGNhc3Qv?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ27cFahcKEwjwjta78NLsAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEA Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd13a308-a1fc-4379-9429-e65ebad7fc5b/discover-the-word-podcast Website: https://discovertheword.org/

“Lord, have mercy” is the most prayed prayer in the Bible, This prayer, known in liturgical churches as the Kyrie Eleison is a beautiful prayer, but, if the most prayed prayer in the Bible is the prayer for the Lord’s mercy—what is this mercy of God for which we are encouraged to pray? We’ll explore that together this week. LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-the-word/id383323412 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5s0X6g7BBUURLngjlkYaMD?si=mOJja34bRY2x5GZ31cOOOw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnRoZXdvcmQub3JnL3BvZGNhc3Qv?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ27cFahcKEwjwjta78NLsAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEA Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd13a308-a1fc-4379-9429-e65ebad7fc5b/discover-the-word-podcast Website: https://discovertheword.org/

Labels. We live in a world where the human race is divided up into different categories under various labels--labels that describe our gender, race, color of skin. Labels do help us order and structure the world, but most often they also focus our attention on differences between people. Scripture, however, begins not by noting how human beings are different, but by identifying what we all hold in common. We are all created in the image of God. But what does that mean? And how does this impact the way we treat others? In this episode, the Discover the Word group explores the subject of "Being Human" with author and Old Testament scholar Dr. Amanda Benckhuysen. LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-the-word/id383323412 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5s0X6g7BBUURLngjlkYaMD?si=mOJja34bRY2x5GZ31cOOOw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnRoZXdvcmQub3JnL3BvZGNhc3Qv?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ27cFahcKEwjwjta78NLsAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEA Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd13a308-a1fc-4379-9429-e65ebad7fc5b/discover-the-word-podcast Website: https://discovertheword.org/

In the Bible, there are quite a few good things that come out of dark places. We often end up “in the dark” in our lives, but God is a God who does his best work “out of the darkness.” Let’s look at darkness in the Bible this week, and discover how God not only brought good things out of darkness in the Bible, but can and will bring good things out of the shadowy places in your life too. LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-the-word/id383323412 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5s0X6g7BBUURLngjlkYaMD?si=mOJja34bRY2x5GZ31cOOOw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnRoZXdvcmQub3JnL3BvZGNhc3Qv?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ27cFahcKEwjwjta78NLsAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEA Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd13a308-a1fc-4379-9429-e65ebad7fc5b/discover-the-word-podcast Website: https://discovertheword.org/

Jesus made it clear that he wants us – you and me – to go into the world and make disciples. We take such a directive seriously because after all, we know the difference knowing Jesus has made in our lives. We desperately want others to find the help and the hope in him that we have. We want our parents, our children, our coworkers and friends to have what we have. In Luke 5, we find a certain “fish story” interaction between Jesus and Peter that provides perspective on the process of faith sharing and just how God works in us and through us as we share our faith with those we love. Then, in 1 and 2 Peter, Peter shares his own well-lived principles for bringing people to Christ and offers certain “fishing tips” for us today. LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-the-word/id383323412 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5s0X6g7BBUURLngjlkYaMD?si=mOJja34bRY2x5GZ31cOOOw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnRoZXdvcmQub3JnL3BvZGNhc3Qv?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ27cFahcKEwjwjta78NLsAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEA Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd13a308-a1fc-4379-9429-e65ebad7fc5b/discover-the-word-podcast Website: https://discovertheword.org/

Consider, in these conversations with the Discover the Word group, a song that are the reflections of a person who has lived life, learned, and now shares the experiences that taught him about his God. To that end, we turn to Psalm 18, which takes us to a song that David wrote in his old age as he looked back over the years of God’s faithfulness to him. LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-the-word/id383323412 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5s0X6g7BBUURLngjlkYaMD?si=mOJja34bRY2x5GZ31cOOOw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnRoZXdvcmQub3JnL3BvZGNhc3Qv?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ27cFahcKEwjwjta78NLsAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEA Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd13a308-a1fc-4379-9429-e65ebad7fc5b/discover-the-word-podcast Website: https://discovertheword.org/

Psalm 131 presents an important profile that should characterize the worshipper—whether going up to Jerusalem or down onto their knees. It is, at its heart, a wisdom psalm that sings of the value and wisdom of childlike humility before God and contentment and confidence in Him. LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-the-word/id383323412 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5s0X6g7BBUURLngjlkYaMD?si=mOJja34bRY2x5GZ31cOOOw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnRoZXdvcmQub3JnL3BvZGNhc3Qv?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ27cFahcKEwjwjta78NLsAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEA Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd13a308-a1fc-4379-9429-e65ebad7fc5b/discover-the-word-podcast Website: https://discovertheword.org/

Love. It’s an essential attribute of God and the central theme of the gospel. From Genesis to Revelation God’s unconditional love is the impetus for creation, redemption, and restoration. God’s love is a foundational principle and practice for those who would follow Him. Unfortunately, we can allow other things to distract us from the main thing. In fact, many people don’t think of love at all when they envision followers of Christ. So, to ask the question the pop star Tina Turner raised awhile ago: What’s Love Got to Do With It? We’ll explore and expound on that question and the deep answer: Love Has Everything to Do With It because it is core to who God is, in this Discover the Word Podcast. LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-the-word/id383323412 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5s0X6g7BBUURLngjlkYaMD?si=mOJja34bRY2x5GZ31cOOOw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnRoZXdvcmQub3JnL3BvZGNhc3Qv?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ27cFahcKEwjwjta78NLsAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEA Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd13a308-a1fc-4379-9429-e65ebad7fc5b/discover-the-word-podcast Website: https://discovertheword.org/

Daniel Ryan Day leads the conversations with Mart and Elisa and Bill about the surprising story of the Old Testament prophet Jonah. Jonah’s primary fear was that a loving God would be gracious to the Ninevites and show them mercy. He did everything he could—including offering to die a few times—to keep from preaching to them. In the middle of 39 Old Testament books that seem almost solely focused on one people group, God worked through Jonah’s obstinance to show mercy, compassion and love to one of Israel’s enemies. Discover some of the significant surprises in the story of Jonah that inform us about God’s love for all nations and that foreshadow the Gospel of Jesus in this concluding episode of this series on the Discover the Word Podcast. LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-the-word/id383323412 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5s0X6g7BBUURLngjlkYaMD?si=mOJja34bRY2x5GZ31cOOOw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnRoZXdvcmQub3JnL3BvZGNhc3Qv?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ27cFahcKEwjwjta78NLsAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEA Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd13a308-a1fc-4379-9429-e65ebad7fc5b/discover-the-word-podcast Website: https://discovertheword.org/

Daniel Ryan Day leads the conversations with Mart and Elisa and Bill about the surprising story of the Old Testament prophet Jonah. Jonah’s primary fear was that a loving God would be gracious to the Ninevites and show them mercy. He did everything he could—including offering to die a few times—to keep from preaching to them. In the middle of 39 Old Testament books that seem almost solely focused on one people group, God worked through Jonah’s obstinance to show mercy, compassion and love to one of Israel’s enemies. Discover some of the significant surprises in the story of Jonah that inform us about God’s love for all nations and that foreshadow the Gospel of Jesus in this Discover the Word Podcast. LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-the-word/id383323412 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5s0X6g7BBUURLngjlkYaMD?si=mOJja34bRY2x5GZ31cOOOw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnRoZXdvcmQub3JnL3BvZGNhc3Qv?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ27cFahcKEwjwjta78NLsAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEA Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd13a308-a1fc-4379-9429-e65ebad7fc5b/discover-the-word-podcast Website: https://discovertheword.org/

In this series of conversations, we want to explore together a moment when Moses was allowed to meet with God in a way that was both overwhelming and instructive. It was overwhelming because God is God. It was instructive because in this meeting God chose to reveal the essence of His nature and character to Moses. We want to try and see all of this together by considering a critical passage in Exodus 34 on this Discover the Word Podcast. LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-the-word/id383323412 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5s0X6g7BBUURLngjlkYaMD?si=mOJja34bRY2x5GZ31cOOOw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnRoZXdvcmQub3JnL3BvZGNhc3Qv?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ27cFahcKEwjwjta78NLsAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEA Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd13a308-a1fc-4379-9429-e65ebad7fc5b/discover-the-word-podcast Website: https://discovertheword.org/

Four times in the first two chapters of Matthew the evangelist uses the citation formula, “This happened to fulfill what had been spoken (by the Lord) through the prophet” (Matthew 1:22; 2:14, 17, 23). What is the purpose of these citations? What does Matthew mean by “fulfilled”? What we will discover is that Matthew is not in search of mere messianic “proof texts,” but rather that he engages his Scriptures with the fundamental hermeneutical conviction that Jesus Messiah brings an end to Israel’s exile and thus unlocks the promised blessing for the nations. Join us for Part 2 of this Discover the Word Podcast. LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-the-word/id383323412 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5s0X6g7BBUURLngjlkYaMD?si=mOJja34bRY2x5GZ31cOOOw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnRoZXdvcmQub3JnL3BvZGNhc3Qv?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ27cFahcKEwjwjta78NLsAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEA Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd13a308-a1fc-4379-9429-e65ebad7fc5b/discover-the-word-podcast Website: https://discovertheword.org/

Four times in the first two chapters of Matthew the evangelist uses the citation formula, “This happened to fulfill what had been spoken (by the Lord) through the prophet” (Matthew 1:22; 2:14, 17, 23). What is the purpose of these citations? What does Matthew mean by “fulfilled”? What we will discover is that Matthew is not in search of mere messianic “proof texts,” but rather that he engages his Scriptures with the fundamental hermeneutical conviction that Jesus Messiah brings an end to Israel’s exile and thus unlocks the promised blessing for the nations. Join us for Part 1 of this Discover the Word Podcast. LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-the-word/id383323412 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5s0X6g7BBUURLngjlkYaMD?si=mOJja34bRY2x5GZ31cOOOw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnRoZXdvcmQub3JnL3BvZGNhc3Qv?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ27cFahcKEwjwjta78NLsAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEA Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd13a308-a1fc-4379-9429-e65ebad7fc5b/discover-the-word-podcast Website: https://discovertheword.org/

In the life of a church – from the first century’s to today’s – growing pains are inevitable. We may not embrace this at first – who likes pain of any kind? But in reality, we often grow best through pain, don’t we? Financial pains teach us to manage our money with an eye to God’s directives. Relational pains shape our character. Physical pains develop dependency on God’s provision. And church pains can bring about resiliency, growth in our bodies of believers and outreach to those who don’t yet know Jesus. In Acts 6 we see how God used struggles to grow the church internally as His people and then externally to bring others to know Jesus. How might God do the same in our churches – and in us? LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-the-word/id383323412 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5s0X6g7BBUURLngjlkYaMD?si=mOJja34bRY2x5GZ31cOOOw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnRoZXdvcmQub3JnL3BvZGNhc3Qv?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ27cFahcKEwjwjta78NLsAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEA Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd13a308-a1fc-4379-9429-e65ebad7fc5b/discover-the-word-podcast Website: https://discovertheword.org/

The Jewish celebration of Rosh Hashanah (the feast of trumpets) celebrates the launching of a new year, and the blowing of the trumpets signals that fresh start for the calendar. In that celebration, Psalm 47 is read seven times before the trumpets are blown, making it an integral part of anticipating the new year. As we approach our own new year, we will consider Psalm 47 and how it might help us prepare for what is ahead on this Discover the Word Podcast. LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-the-word/id383323412 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5s0X6g7BBUURLngjlkYaMD?si=mOJja34bRY2x5GZ31cOOOw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnRoZXdvcmQub3JnL3BvZGNhc3Qv?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ27cFahcKEwjwjta78NLsAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEA Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd13a308-a1fc-4379-9429-e65ebad7fc5b/discover-the-word-podcast Website: https://discovertheword.org/

At Christmas time we often turn to Matthew 1 or Luke 1-2 to think about the story of the birth of the Savior, and those are wonderful records of Jesus’ coming. This Christmas, however, we invite you to explore with us a different telling of the Christmas story—the Christmas story as Paul told it to the Galatians—for it gives us a portrait of the heart of our heavenly Father and His great love for us, in this Discover the Word Podcast. LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-the-word/id383323412 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5s0X6g7BBUURLngjlkYaMD?si=mOJja34bRY2x5GZ31cOOOw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnRoZXdvcmQub3JnL3BvZGNhc3Qv?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ27cFahcKEwjwjta78NLsAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEA Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd13a308-a1fc-4379-9429-e65ebad7fc5b/discover-the-word-podcast Website: https://discovertheword.org/

At Christmastime, we often focus on the first half of Luke 2, and the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Later in that same chapter, however, Luke introduces us to two other characters who also have a story to tell. This week on the Discover the Word Podcast, we consider one of them—Simeon—and the sense of fulfillment and contentment he discovered upon encountering the infant Jesus. LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of the Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-the-word/id383323412 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5s0X6g7BBUURLngjlkYaMD?si=mOJja34bRY2x5GZ31cOOOw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnRoZXdvcmQub3JnL3BvZGNhc3Qv?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ27cFahcKEwjwjta78NLsAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEA Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd13a308-a1fc-4379-9429-e65ebad7fc5b/discover-the-word-podcast Website: https://discovertheword.org/

How does the church respond to times of pain and hardship? Author and professor Soong-Chan Rah explains how Scripture models lament as an appropriate response to the reality of suffering in the world. He then explores why we see an absence of lament in Western Christianity and the dangers of wanting to quicken a time of grieving to return to a happier place. Join Discover the Word and special guest, Dr. Soong-Chan Rah, as you explore Jeremiah and Lamentations to discover passages of Scripture that can reaffirm the value of lament. LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-the-word/id383323412 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5s0X6g7BBUURLngjlkYaMD?si=mOJja34bRY2x5GZ31cOOOw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnRoZXdvcmQub3JnL3BvZGNhc3Qv?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ27cFahcKEwjwjta78NLsAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEA Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd13a308-a1fc-4379-9429-e65ebad7fc5b/discover-the-word-podcast Website: https://discovertheword.org/

The word advent means “coming” or “arrival.” For centuries, different churches have created various practices to help prepare hearts, minds, calendars, congregations, families, and individuals to celebrate the coming/arrival of Christ. Through the practice of observing advent and lighting the candles of an advent wreath in the weeks before Christmas, we can look back at how God was faithful to fulfill His promise of a Messiah and then look forward to the promise of Christ's return. Advent helps us trust that since God was faithful in the past, He will be faithful in the future. LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-the-word/id383323412 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5s0X6g7BBUURLngjlkYaMD?si=mOJja34bRY2x5GZ31cOOOw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnRoZXdvcmQub3JnL3BvZGNhc3Qv?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ27cFahcKEwjwjta78NLsAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEA Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd13a308-a1fc-4379-9429-e65ebad7fc5b/discover-the-word-podcast Website: https://discovertheword.org/

In the Old Testament era, Israel had three offices: prophet, priest, and king. Of those, the priest had the unique role of representing the people before God. He did this through sacrifices, prayers, care, and more. If this was what human priests were responsible for in Judah, what does it mean for Jesus—the Lord, Savior, Creator, Son, and Lamb—to be our high priest? We want to explore that idea in this series of conversations. And to do that, we will consider an important portion of Scripture from the book of Hebrews on this Discover the Word Podcast. LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-the-word/id383323412 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5s0X6g7BBUURLngjlkYaMD?si=mOJja34bRY2x5GZ31cOOOw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnRoZXdvcmQub3JnL3BvZGNhc3Qv?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ27cFahcKEwjwjta78NLsAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEA Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd13a308-a1fc-4379-9429-e65ebad7fc5b/discover-the-word-podcast Website: https://discovertheword.org/

Author Leslie Leyland Fields joins the Discover the Word group from her home on Kodiak Island, Alaska, and shares “Insights from a Fisherwoman about Following Jesus.” In a time when so many are “unfollowing” Jesus and leaving the church, Leslie’s experience in her family’s commercial fishing business provides a helpful perspective about what it meant for those first fishermen disciples to follow Jesus, and what it means for us today. LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-the-word/id383323412 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5s0X6g7BBUURLngjlkYaMD?si=mOJja34bRY2x5GZ31cOOOw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnRoZXdvcmQub3JnL3BvZGNhc3Qv?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ27cFahcKEwjwjta78NLsAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEA Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd13a308-a1fc-4379-9429-e65ebad7fc5b/discover-the-word-podcast Website: https://discovertheword.org/

Shame and honor formed some of the biggest issues in the cultural context of the Bible. So, we shouldn’t be surprised to find that language popping up in the Scriptures. This week on Discover the Word, we want to consider together the surprising ways in which God is not ashamed of us, and how we are called to be unashamed of Him. LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-the-word/id383323412 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5s0X6g7BBUURLngjlkYaMD?si=mOJja34bRY2x5GZ31cOOOw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnRoZXdvcmQub3JnL3BvZGNhc3Qv?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ27cFahcKEwjwjta78NLsAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEA Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd13a308-a1fc-4379-9429-e65ebad7fc5b/discover-the-word-podcast Website: https://discovertheword.org/

What comes to your mind when you hear the word "worship?" Worship is a word we throw around a lot, but it's actually a pretty abstract idea. It's difficult to get our minds around what it is. That's probably why we tend to use the word to simply define a style of music--that's easier than engaging with the mystery that is worship. But the word "worship" shows up in nearly every book of the Bible--200 times from Genesis to Revelation. So, join us this week, as Daniel leads the Discover the Word group in asking the question, "How would Jesus define worship?" LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-the-word/id383323412 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5s0X6g7BBUURLngjlkYaMD?si=mOJja34bRY2x5GZ31cOOOw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnRoZXdvcmQub3JnL3BvZGNhc3Qv?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ27cFahcKEwjwjta78NLsAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEA Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd13a308-a1fc-4379-9429-e65ebad7fc5b/discover-the-word-podcast Website: https://discovertheword.org/

This week on Discover the Word, get to know best-selling children's author Sally Lloyd-Jones. Discover how in her book The Jesus Storybook Bible, she helps us understand that it takes the whole Bible to tell the story of how God loves his children and comes to rescue them. And how at the center of the Story, there is a baby, and every story in the Bible whispers his name. Don't be surprised if, as you hear Sally read passages of a children's book, you're drawn into the story of the Bible in a fresh way. LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-the-word/id383323412 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5s0X6g7BBUURLngjlkYaMD?si=mOJja34bRY2x5GZ31cOOOw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnRoZXdvcmQub3JnL3BvZGNhc3Qv?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ27cFahcKEwjwjta78NLsAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEA Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd13a308-a1fc-4379-9429-e65ebad7fc5b/discover-the-word-podcast Website: https://discovertheword.org/

Oh, how lonely we are in this world! At some point in our lives, and often throughout our lives, we struggle with the set apart, isolated, rejected and unwanted feeling that is loneliness. What can we do about loneliness? Scripture tells the tale of why loneliness first appeared on our planet and in our lives and how we can find help and actually become unlonely. Join us for this Discover the Word podcast. LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-the-word/id383323412 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5s0X6g7BBUURLngjlkYaMD?si=mOJja34bRY2x5GZ31cOOOw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnRoZXdvcmQub3JnL3BvZGNhc3Qv?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ27cFahcKEwjwjta78NLsAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEA Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd13a308-a1fc-4379-9429-e65ebad7fc5b/discover-the-word-podcast Website: https://discovertheword.org/

One of the more abstract concepts in the life of faith is that through salvation our identity is now in Christ. Yet when we talk of our identity in Christ, we’re referring to an actual reality—just not a tangible one. We’re talking about a spiritual reality, which may be why it’s so difficult to get our minds around this subject. This week on Discover the Word, we want to consider together what it means to have our identity in Christ. LOOKING FOR MORE EPISODES of Discover the Word Podcast? Listen and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-the-word/id383323412 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5s0X6g7BBUURLngjlkYaMD?si=mOJja34bRY2x5GZ31cOOOw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnRoZXdvcmQub3JnL3BvZGNhc3Qv?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ27cFahcKEwjwjta78NLsAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEA Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fd13a308-a1fc-4379-9429-e65ebad7fc5b/discover-the-word-podcast Website: https://discovertheword.org/

God created the wild beasts as an important part of His very good creation. But when humans took things into their own hands and the world was broken by their fall, the wild beasts became something they were not intended to become—a symbol of the brokenness of creation. But God never stopped caring about them. In fact, Jesus even emphasized that if God cares about the animals, how much more does He care about you and me! Some of the best Bible studies happen when we notice something we haven’t seen before, and we spend some time following the thread. Daniel Ryan Day says that recently, that happened to him when he was reading an all-to-familiar section in Mark. There he paused at what seemed like a random reference to "wild beasts." But what he discovered as he followed the surprisingly common reference to "wild beasts" throughout Scripture, was how those "wild beasts" point us to Jesus.

Dr. Jeannine K. Brown, a popular writer, teacher, and expert on the Gospels, joins the Discover the Word group to show us how reading the Gospels piecemeal, one story at a time, may miss the point the gospel writer was trying to convey. Be part of the conversations as she takes us to Matthew's gospel and shows us how to interpret the Gospels as whole stories about Jesus of Nazareth. Join the discussion on The Gospels as Stories with Dr. Jeannine K. Brown and the Discover the Word group this week.

Think about the hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy,” which calls God’s people to worship and communion with the God who is both accessible and mysterious. The first verse ends with these words: “God in three Persons, blessed Trinity.” Talk about mystery! The one God who manifests Himself in three distinct persons is beyond our description and beyond our comprehension, yet this is the God who has invited us into relationship with Him. This week, we want to explore some Scriptures that display this three-in-one concept and see what they tell us about our great God.

Do our choices really make a difference? Yes! When we carefully—and creatively—invest our love for God, He can do great things through us. Our choices, stacked one upon another like dominoes in a row, influence the events in our lives, in the lives of others, and in our world. In 32 verses in Exodus, we’re introduced to six people, one man and five women, who made a difference simply by investing themselves in the situation before them. One made evil choices with disastrous results and yet even there, God brought about ultimate good. Five others made good choices, one stacked upon another, creating a powerful legacy of influence.

Few promises of the Bible offer more reassurance than when God says “I will never leave or forsake you.” Who among us doesn’t want to believe that God is still with us—now? Yes, we see evidence of God in the sky and stars. But here on the ground, we worry. Maybe that’s one reason God asked the huge family that he had rescued from Egypt to camp around His tent in the Wilderness of Sinai. From the outside, this Tent of God’s presence looked more like a portable Bedouin tent than “a house of God.” But on the inside, the detail, color, art, and symbolism spoke of mysteries and secrets, and . . . far more goodness than God was ready to reveal. And still today, even though so much has since been revealed, there’s so much for us to explore together. Please join us in discovering together what that tent in the wilderness says about "God With Us" . . . now.

Few promises of the Bible offer more reassurance than when God says “I will never leave or forsake you.” Who among us doesn’t want to believe that God is still with us—now? Yes, we see evidence of God in the sky and stars. But here on the ground, we worry. Maybe that’s one reason God asked the huge family that he had rescued from Egypt to camp around His tent in the Wilderness of Sinai. From the outside, this Tent of God’s presence looked more like a portable Bedouin tent than “a house of God”. But on the inside, the detail, color, art, and symbolism spoke of mysteries and secrets, and… far more goodness than God was ready to reveal. And still today, even though so much has since been revealed, there’s so much for us to explore together. Please join us in discovering together what that tent in the wilderness says about "God With Us"… now.

Justice. What comes to mind when you see or hear that word? We've heard a lot about justice recently, and have so many thoughts, ideas, images, assumptions, and expectations of what justice is and how it works. Understandably, that influences what we think when we read the word justice in the Scriptures. So, this week, the Discover the Word group would like to pause and act as if we've never seen the word before and see how we would define “justice” if we only had the Bible to shape our definition. Join the group as they explore together “What Does the Bible Say About Justice?”

Growing up in the American South, Esau McCaulley knew firsthand the ongoing struggle between despair and hope that marks the lives of some in the African American context. A key element in the fight for hope, he discovered, has long been the practice of Bible reading and interpretation that comes out of traditional Black churches. Join the Discover the Word group as they talk with award-winning author Dr. Esau McCaulley about “Reading Hope with the Black Church.”

In the Bible, there seems to be a love-hate relationship with mountains. It was in the mountains that Israel established “high places” where false gods were worshipped. Yet, it is nonetheless surprising how often mountains are the sites where significant biblical events happened. Here in part 2 of this series of the Discover the Word Podcast, we consider five more of those important and dramatic moments that took place on mountains, and what we can perhaps learn from them.

How do you view mountains? Do you see them as majestic? Intimidating? Beautiful? Dangerous? No matter how we might view them, numerous significant biblical events happened on mountains. What are some of these important and dramatic moments, and what can we perhaps learn from them? This is what we want to consider together over the next two weeks on Discover the Word.