stuff of legends
The 2012 film adaptation of J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit tells the story of a band of dwarves seeking to recapture their lost mountain kingdom from an evil dragon.
How small acts of love can have a big impact
We may never eradicate homelessness, feed the world’s hungry, or care for all the orphans of the world. But through simple actions, we can effect eternal change! Let’s explore Mary’s encounter with Jesus in Mark 14.
The Eleventh Hour
World War I has been ranked by many as one of the deadliest conflicts in human history. Millions lost their lives in the first global modern war. On November 11, 1918, a ceasefire was observed on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. During that historic moment, millions around the world observed moments of silence while they reflected upon the war’s terrible cost—the loss of life and suffering. It was hoped that “the Great War,” as it was called, would truly be “the war that would end all wars.”
a sure investment
I sat on the gift-shop bench while my family looked for souvenirs. We had just finished climbing nearly 300 steps of spiral staircase to the top of a towering memorial. As I leaned against the wall, the display nearest me caught my attention. Filled with clear packages of coins and bills, it offered a selection of replicas of dated money no longer in circulation. One particular piece—the triangular two-bit—especially intrigued me. Similar only in color to a current coin, I mused on its worthlessness in today’s market.
Should Christians Date?
By Sean Tong Bubbling to the surface was months of bitterness. They stood opposite each other, not willing to look each other in the eye. Eye contact, if any, was minimal. The conversation was brief and terse. There were some protestations and justifications, but, in the end, they decided to breakup. They had run headlong […]
Helpers Needed
To some people, the term helper carries with it second-class connotations. Classroom helpers assist trained teachers in their classes. Helpers assist trained electricians, plumbers, and lawyers on the job. Because they aren’t as skilled in the profession, they might be viewed as having less value. But everyone is needed to accomplish the task.
The apostle Paul had many helpers in his work of ministry. He listed them in his letter to Rome (ch.16). He made special reference to Phoebe, who “has been a helper of many and of myself also” (v.2). Priscilla and Aquila risked their own lives for Paul (vv.3-4). And Mary, Paul said, “labored much for us” (v.6).
Discover how God’s love frees us from the guilt of our past and allows us to make the most of the present
Have you ever looked back with regret on missed opportunities—those the things you should have done, or words you should have said? We’re talking about Mark 14.
when your dream dies
In his book, Me, Myself, & Bob, Phil Vischer shares how he invented the popular VeggieTales characters of Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber. Phil’s Christian videos sold millions of copies and he became an overnight sensation. But the creative genius was not a gifted businessman, and his exploding company took on too much debt until it went bankrupt. The rights to Bob, Larry, and the other Veggies were then sold to someone else.
Living in The Wilderness of Life
For thousands of years, the wilderness of Israel has been windswept, barren, and life threatening; a place of reflection, testing, and survival. And for just as long it has been a picture of our own desert places of loneliness, betrayal, and disease.
Author and musician Michael Card joins Mart DeHaan for a thoughtful walk through this land of the Bible. Together they reflect on the rugged times and “wilderness” places of our own lives. “Living in the Wilderness of Life” on this Day of Discovery.
Approximate running time: 26 minutes
Why doing what we can is all that we’re asked to do
We read about the heroic actions of faithful men and women in Scripture and think, “There’s no way I could do what they did!” Another insightful discussion with the group
Behind the Easter Story: Palm Sunday, Part I
Hosts Mart DeHaan and Jimmy DeYoung retrace the footsteps of Jesus from His triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to His victorious resurrection on Easter morning. Using a remarkable limestone model of Jerusalem, they’ll give you a unique look at the city as it was then. They’ll also visit the actual locations in and around Jerusalem and follow the path of Jesus step by step.
Runtime: 26 minutes
Nazareth: The Silent Years of Jesus
The modern city of Nazareth is the hometown of one of the most celebrated and controversial figures of all time—Jesus Christ. Though He spent much of His life in this small Galilean town, not much is recorded about His time here.
Runtime: 26 minutes
On Listening
God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason,” the saying goes. The ability to listen is an essential life skill. Counselors tell us to listen to each other. Spiritual leaders tell us to listen to God. But hardly anyone says, “Listen to yourself.” I’m not suggesting that we have an inner voice that always knows the right thing to say. Nor am I saying we should listen to ourselves instead of to God and others. I’m suggesting that we need to listen to ourselves in order to learn how others might be receiving our words.
The Promise of Messiah, Part I
Evidence of a promised Messiah is found when three Jewish followers of Jesus search the Old Testament Hebrew Scriptures.
powerful prayers
In the spring of 2013, North Korean church leaders requested that believers around the world pray for their country and the Christians who live there. They called for this intercession due to the saber-rattling of North Korea’s government, which had been conducting military exercises with war written all over them. One North Korean church leader stated at the time, “I would like to thank the many brothers and sisters around the world for their continuous love and support. We know that our journey will not be an easy one. . . . Please pray for us.”
