When you read the Gospels, the Pharisees play a prominent role. So, when you hear the word "Pharisee," what do you think of? The dictionary defines a Pharisee as "a self-righteous person; a hypocrite." But were all Pharisees self-righteous hypocrites? Did all Pharisees reject Jesus? Or is it possible that how we think about the Pharisees is more of…

When you read the Gospels, the Pharisees play a prominent role. So, when you hear the word "Pharisee," what do you think of? The dictionary defines a Pharisee as "a self-righteous person; a hypocrite." But were all Pharisees self-righteous hypocrites? Did all Pharisees reject Jesus? Or is it possible that how we think about the Pharisees is more of…

The Bible uses many metaphors to teach us about God, and one of the most common of those metaphors is "shepherd." But of course, metaphors only work when you're familiar with the cultural details. Dr. Tim Laniak joins the group to take them on a fascinating journey into the world of shepherds and Biblical passages about them. Drawing on his researc…

For most Christ-followers arguably the most familiar use of the word amazing is in the hymn “Amazing Grace.” And rightly so. God’s grace is truly amazing. But recently the Discover the Word group had a series of conversations about how amazing Jesus himself was to the people who encountered him in the first century. We saw nine times in Mark’s gosp…

Apparently entering Jerusalem as part of the preparations for the Passover celebration, Simon of Cyrene finds himself caught up in a story that would involve the sacrifice the true Passover Lamb—and change the world as well as changing Simon’s own family. WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE: 📱On our website: https://www.discovertheword.org 🎧Apple Podcasts: …

Author and New Testament scholar Dr. Lynn Cohick joins the Discover the Word group for a week-long walk through the New Testament letter to the Ephesians. What were the social realities in Ephesus that led Paul to address some of the most immense theological ideas of any part of Scripture? Things like the Trinity, salvation by faith, prayer, marria…

Small word--big concept. This week Rasool Berry guides the group through some conversations about... hope, and discovers that the Bible teaches that hope shines the brightest when it seems to be needed the most. But there are a lot of things that can challenge our ability to hope, so pull your chair up to the table and be part of the group for this…

John the Baptist lived a life that pointed to Jesus. From the womb to the tomb, John understood and embraced his multiple roles in the mission of God including a chosen child, a unique man, a forerunner of the Messiah, baptizer, prophet, witness, attendant, questioner, martyr and then ultimately being labeled a “great one” by Jesus Himself. What ma…

John the Baptist lived a life that pointed to Jesus. From the womb to the tomb, John understood and embraced his multiple roles in the mission of God including a chosen child, a unique man, a forerunner of the Messiah, baptizer, prophet, witness, attendant, questioner, martyr and then ultimately being labeled a “great one” by Jesus Himself. What ma…

There is a section of scripture in the Old Testament that most of us rarely turn to—the Minor Prophets. These prophets have come to be known as the minor prophets, not because they are of minor importance, but because of their shorter length in contrast to the major prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel). We’ll take several week…

There is a section of scripture in the Old Testament that most of us rarely turn to—the Minor Prophets. These prophets have come to be known as the minor prophets, not because they are of minor importance, but because of their shorter length in contrast to the major prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel). We’ll take several week…

There is a section of scripture in the Old Testament that most of us rarely turn to—the Minor Prophets. These prophets have come to be known as the minor prophets, not because they are of minor importance, but because of their shorter length in contrast to the major prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel). We’ll take several week…

“Lord, have mercy.” It’s the most prayed prayer in the Bible. In this series of 10 conversations, pastor and author Robert Gelinas joins Mart DeHaan and Elisa Morgan at the table to explore what happens when the Bible’s most prayed prayer becomes our most prayed prayer. The Mercy Prayer—learn how it is the one prayer God always answers. WAYS TO LIS…

“Lord, have mercy.” It’s the most prayed prayer in the Bible. In this series of 10 conversations, pastor and author Robert Gelinas joins Mart DeHaan and Elisa Morgan at the table to explore what happens when the Bible’s most prayed prayer becomes our most prayed prayer. The Mercy Prayer—learn how it is the one prayer God always answers. WAYS TO LIS…

There are so many stories we read in the Gospels where we wish we had more details. Jesus tells parables that we wish had more of an explanation. Jesus often uses complicated metaphors that we wish came with more questions and answers. Basically, we often wish we had more context to understand what Jesus is driving at. Well for the next two weeks, …

There are so many stories we read in the Gospels where we wish we had more details. Jesus tells parables that we wish had more of an explanation. Jesus often uses complicated metaphors that we wish came with more questions and answers. Basically, we often wish we had more context to understand what Jesus is driving at. Well for the next two weeks, …

In this series we’ll look at five sentences that describe Mary of Bethany and the progressive relationship she had with Jesus. We’ll consider what Mary’s encounters with Jesus meant to her, how they layered to form a powerful relationship and how we too can enjoy such a relationship. How might these same sentences describe our journey to Jesus – an…

End 2023 with a collection of episodes from the past 12 months and beyond in this "Best of Discover the Word" week. Start with some classic Christmas conversations Haddon Robinson and Alice Mathews had with Dr. Kenneth Bailey. Will they wreck many things about Christmas for you, or will they enhance your understanding of Christmas? Then flash back …

When the angel, Gabriel, informed the teenage virgin, Mary, that she would become pregnant with the Messiah, she responded with a firm “yes!” And then she offered up what Luke calls a song of praise. Because she began her words with attributing majesty to God, her song was named “The Magnificat” in Latin. What did her melody to God mean for her in …

In this series of conversations, the group goes in-depth on a word we talk about a lot on Discover the Word. It's the Hebrew word hesed. It's one of the primary ways God introduces himself to the world, and implies perhaps the biggest promise God made to people. So what does that word hesed mean? And what is the promise? Explore how hesed dominates…

I think we can agree that we live in an amazing world filled with amazing things and people. But there are also amazing things to ponder in the spiritual realm. Most notably, when we consider the story of the scriptures we should be amazed continually. This was so front of mind for the gospel writer Mark that no less than nine times in his account …

I think we can agree that we live in an amazing world filled with amazing things and people. But there are also amazing things to ponder in the spiritual realm. Most notably, when we consider the story of the scriptures we should be amazed continually. This was so front of mind for the gospel writer Mark that no less than nine times in his account …

Is Hebrews 4:12 referring to the Bible when it says, “The Word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than a two-edged sword?” Pastor, author, and longtime seminary professor Sid Buzzell leads the group in a study of Hebrews 4:12-16. The book of Hebrews is, from beginning to end, about Jesus and so explore with Mart DeHaan, Elisa Morgan, and Sid…

Spend four weeks studying through Paul's letter to the Philippians with Bill and Elisa and Daniel and Rasool. They'll each take turns leading a chapter as they discover how it's possible to have joy in the struggles of life; how we can find joy in serving; and in what sense we can "do all things." It's another study through a book of the Bible that…

Spend four weeks studying through Paul's letter to the Philippians with Bill and Elisa and Daniel and Rasool. They'll each take turns leading a chapter as they discover how it's possible to have joy in the struggles of life; how we can find joy in serving; and in what sense we can "do all things." It's another study through a book of the Bible that…

Spend four weeks studying through Paul's letter to the Philippians with Bill and Elisa and Daniel and Rasool. They'll each take turns leading a chapter as they discover how it's possible to have joy in the struggles of life; how we can find joy in serving; and in what sense we can "do all things." It's another study through a book of the Bible that…

Spend four weeks studying through Paul's letter to the Philippians with Bill and Elisa and Daniel and Rasool. They'll each take turns leading a chapter as they discover how it's possible to have joy in the struggles of life; how we can find joy in serving; and in what sense we can "do all things." It's another study through a book of the Bible that…

Pastor and author Timothy Keller says the the "sexual revolution" that started in the 1960's was not the first sexual revolution. In fact, he believes it's a step back from the first, Christian sexual revolution that Jesus and his first century followers initiated. And while Christian sexual ethics might look more restrictive on the surface, he con…

There is a phrase that appears continuously in the scriptures, particularly it seems to be an idea that is important to the writer of the letter to the Hebrews. And what makes this phrase interesting is that some see it as a command. I would suggest, rather, that it is an invitation—an invitation to join with the writer in walking with Jesus. The p…

"Eating the bread of anxious toil." How does that make you feel? Well, the Discover the Word group goes on a journey this week, searching for the word "toil" in the Bible. They'll start at the beginning in the story of Creation in Genesis, touch down twice in the middle of the Old Testament, and then find the word "toil" in two New Testament passag…

How do you read your Bible? Behind every story or character, there is bigger theology happening behind the scenes. At the heart of the stories, we see ordinary people like us encounter and be transformed by the Creator of the universe. Join us on Discover the Word this week as we dive into the stories of the men featured in 3rd John and see how eac…

We have all seen the glorious crowns that royalty wear, but did you know you have a glorious crown too? Scripture tells us that “when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory” (1 Peter 5:4 NLT). Join us on Discover the Word this week as we examine different references to our crowns through the Bible and how our und…

Have you ever been told you’ve used the Lord’s name in vain but not understood why? The third commandment is often misunderstood and misapplied. Why is that? Join our conversation in this episode of Discover the Word about the third commandment and discover how “bearing God’s name” is a theme throughout Scripture that is often misunderstood. WAYS T…

If we understand how precious the gift of grace is, it becomes our responsibility to share that gift with others. Each day there are opportunities to serve one another and sow seeds that bring joy, but only if we are willing to extend the kindness and grace that God shows each of us. Join us in Discover the Word as we conclude our study on Galatian…

We talk about grace a lot, but do we really understand it? Paul shares that “Christ has truly set us free” (Galatians 5:1), but do we experience freedom if we don’t embrace the grace that only He can give? Join us in Discover the Word as we examine what grace from God looks like, and how that completely changes the way we view ourselves and others.…

Have there been times where all you wanted was some guidance from a friend to help figure life out? Thankfully, God cares about you so much that gives direction on what it means to be a child of God! Join us on this week’s episode of Discover the Word as we continue to journey through our study and see the loving guidance He gives helps us to live …

It’s easy to make assumptions that aren’t always right, including in our faith. Even when we get it wrong, God is there to correct our focus back towards His truth. Continue along with Discover the Word as we dig into the reassurance we can find in Christ when we learn about the promises and knowledge that only He can give. WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRI…

God created us for community, but dealing with one another isn’t always easy. In any relationship, there will be times of cooperation, conflict, shared work, and much more. However, our relationships still must always reflect back to Christ. Join us in Discover the Word as we study Galatians 2 and see how our identity within the body of Christ defi…

Have you ever received a note from a friend, and it completely turned around your day? Paul writes each of his letters with the purpose of encouraging, teaching, or correcting others to pursue after Christ in all things. Join us on Discover the Word as we dive deep into a piece of mail—Paul’s letter to the Galatians—and see what we can discover tog…

“Can we talk?” How do you feel when someone asks you that question? Well, this week, the Discover the Word group will use the Lord’s Prayer as a model to explore the subject of prayer in Scripture. By recognizing the difficulties inherent in cultivating a consistent prayer life, and examining the aspects of the model prayer Jesus laid out, we will …

Many Christians today imagine the apostle Paul sitting down at a desk one afternoon in a quiet room all by himself and writing a letter to one of the first-century churches he started on one of his missionary journeys. A letter we now have included in our New Testament. And when he finished writing that letter, he signed it, sealed it, and put it i…

Many Christians today imagine the apostle Paul sitting down at a desk one afternoon in a quiet room all by himself and writing a letter to one of the first-century churches he started on one of his missionary journeys. A letter we now have included in our New Testament. And when he finished writing that letter, he signed it, sealed it, and put it i…

This week on Discover the Word, the group will consider the idea of Sabbath, and whether it still applies to us New Testament people who are under the New Covenant. We'll explore the intention and heart behind Sabbath, going all the way back to Creation and the first mention in Genesis chapter 2. We'll note it's inclusion in the giving of the Law. …

Ever feel like the Bible leaves you with more questions than answers? Join us on Discover the Word this week as we wrestle with John 5:1–15, Jesus’ healing of the paralytic man at the pool of Bethesda. Together, we’ll examine what it means to be confused by Scripture and how asking questions can lead us closer to God. WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE: 📱O…

Believe it or not, there are some things the Bible encourages you to keep a secret. Join us on Discover the Word as we dive into what God says about secrets and how understanding His perspective on them can deepen our relationship with Him. WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE: 📱On our website: https://www.discovertheword.org 🎧Apple Podcasts: https://apple.c…

No one’s life is squeaky clean. Even if you don’t outwardly show it, you’ve probably gone through some ugly, painful stuff, if you’re not going through it right now. Don’t let yourself be defined by your experiences, but rather how you use the truths of God’s Word to respond to them. Join us on Discover the Word as we dive into Psalm 130 to learn h…

Most people have a somewhat strange love/hate relationship with food. At times it is a wonderful gift from God. But whether it's through dieting, food addiction, food allergies or the simple act of labeling good versus bad things to eat--things can quickly go awry. In this two week series of conversations, the Discover the Word group welcomes autho…

Most people have a somewhat strange love/hate relationship with food. At times it is a wonderful gift from God. But whether it's through dieting, food addiction, food allergies or the simple act of labeling good versus bad things to eat--things can quickly go awry. In this two week series of conversations, the Discover the Word group welcomes autho…

1 John is written by an old wise man, sharing who he knows God to be. His wisdom is directly tied to knowing Jesus personally—he heard him, saw him, followed him around, and laid his head on his chest. His conclusions? God is a generous and caring Father who pours out extravagant love on his children, and desires nothing more than for them to love …

1 John is written by an old wise man, sharing who he knows God to be. His wisdom is directly tied to knowing Jesus personally—he heard him, saw him, followed him around, and laid his head on his chest. His conclusions? God is a generous and caring Father who pours out extravagant love on his children, and desires nothing more than for them to love …