Discover the Word Podcast

Discover the Jewish writings between the Testaments, known as the Apocrypha, and why they still matter for Christians today.
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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 Apocrypha?   
When you read Jesus’ teachings about forgiveness found in Matthew 6:12, Matthew 18:14–35 and loving your enemies in Luke 6:30–36, do they echo some of the teachings found in the Apocrypha? 
Could Philippians 3:6 be an example of how the apostle Paul may have been influenced by the Apocrypha?  
Could Hebrews 1:1–4 and Colossians 1:15–17 be examples of how the early church used language found in the Apocrypha to express their thoughts about Jesus? 

Respond 
(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) 
“Dear God, thank You that I can learn about You and Your Son Jesus through the Bible. I also give thanks for writings that can help me learn about the culture and context of the years when You seemed to be silent. Help me to draw closer to You as I seek to learn more about You and Your marvelous ways.”  

Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources 
Mentioned in this episode: 
The Apocrypha by David deSilva   
Listen: 
 What the Bible Can Teach Us About Reading It 
The Bible Reset 
Read: 
The Preservation of the Bible 
Three Things to Know about the Bible's Story 
What Every Christian Needs to Know About Reading the Bible 
 Watch: 
Why Should You Read the Bible?

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!
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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 overcome by being conquered by God’s love? 
Revelation 12:13 describes God’s ultimate victory. How does this encourage you as you remember that our story isn’t over? over? 

Respond 
(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) 
“Dear God, thank You that You have made me more than a conquer through Your perfect love! Help me to remember that You have the ultimate victory and that You can help me through every battle that comes my way.” 

Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources 
Mentioned in this episode: 
Our Daily Bread Devotional in Print- https://go.odb.org/dtw-printsub  
Our Daily Bread Mobile App - https://go.odb.org/appdownload-dtw  
Explore the Devotional Collection from Our Daily Bread Publishing- https://go.odb.org/odbpdtw  
Listen: 
More Than Conquerors Week 1 - https://go.odb.org/more-than-conquerorsw1  
More Than Conquerors Week 2 https://go.odb.org/more-than-conquerorsw2   
Read: 
Living in Light of Our Savior’s Victory - https://go.odb.org/living-in-light-dtw  
Serving God and Others - https://go.odb.org/serving-god-and-others  
Watch: 
Victorious in God - https://go.odb.org/victorious-in-god-dtw  
The Empty Tomb Is Our Receipt - https://go.odb.org/the-empty-tomb-is-our-receipt

Conquerors can be scary—but God’s power is different. Discover from Genesis to Revelation how He makes us more than conquerors!
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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 your life? 
Joshua 1:1-14 describes how God was with Joshua during the conquest of the Promised Land. How can these verses help encourage you when you need to conqueror the giants of fear, doubt, or unforgiveness in your life? 
 
Respond 
(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) 
“Dear God, thank You that You are with me in every trial and battle I face. Thank You that I am more than a conqueror through You! Help me overcome any temptations or sin I’m struggling with in my life.”   
 
Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources 
Mentioned in this episode: 
Our Daily Bread Devotional in Print- https://go.odb.org/dtw-printsub  
Our Daily Bread Mobile App- https://go.odb.org/appdownload-dtw  
Explore the Devotional Collection from Our Daily Bread Publishing- https://go.odb.org/odbpdtw  
Listen: 
More Than Conquerors Week 1 - https://go.odb.org/more-than-conquerorsw1  
More Than Conquerors Week 2 - https://go.odb.org/more-than-conquerorsw2   
Read: 
Overcoming Fear - https://go.odb.org/overcoming-fear  
Overcoming Worry - https://go.odb.org/overcoming-worry  
Watch: 
Overcoming the Bullies  
How to Win Against Injustice

Overwhelmed by life’s headlines? 1 Corinthians 15 points to the news that truly matters: Jesus is risen!
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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 time but all throughout the year? 
Acts 1:3 describes various times Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection. How can this truth strengthen your faith that Jesus truly has overcome sin and death?  
Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to His disciples in Acts 1:4, 8 to help them be His witnesses to the ends of the earth. How can this inspire you as you seek to share the good news of Jesus with others? 

Respond 
(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) 
“Dear Jesus, thank You that You died for my sins, rose from the dead, and You conquered sin and death. Help me to remember and celebrate Your glorious resurrection all throughout the year. Help me to be Holy Spirt–led as I share Your good news with others.  

Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources 
Mentioned in this episode: 
Immerse: The Reading Bible: Messiah  - https://go.odb.org/messiah26-dtw  
Listen: 
It Is Finished.- https://go.odb.org/it-is-finished26-dtw  
Read: 
Thinking About Resurrection - https://go.odb.org/thinking-about-resurrection  
Hunting for Resurrection Hope - https://go.odb.org/hunting-for-resurrection-hope 
A Joyful Easter: 7-day Devotional Reading Plan - https://go.odb.org/a-joyful-easter26-dtw  
Watch: 
Jesus, the Resurrection - Daily Devotion 
Jerusalem – The Cost of Forgiveness

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.
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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 intimacy you now possess with God. 
Read Matthew 26:57–75 and 27:11–26. Where is Jesus in this cross station? What does He experience? How does His endurance affect you today? 
Consider the torture Jesus endured as you read Matthew 27:27–31. Can you stand with Him at this cross station and receive what He has done for you? 
Jesus carried His own cross until Simon of Cyrene was enlisted to help Him in John 19:17, Matthew 27:32–33, and Luke 23:26. How would you have responded if you were asked to help Jesus? 

Respond 
(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God)  

“Dear Lord, You have shown us through Scripture that even small faith can be used for Your glory. Reveal to me where my faith is lacking and help me to surrender my disbelief to Your perfect plan. In Jesus’ name, amen.” 

Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources
Listen: 
It Is Finished - https://go.odb.org/it-is-finished-dtw  
Life After Easter - https://go.odb.org/life-after-easter-dtw  
Forgiveness, the Story of Easter - https://go.odb.org/forgiveness-the-story-of-easter-dtw  
Read: 
The Perfect Savior - https://go.odb.org/the-perfect-savior-dtw  
A Rumor of Hope | The Good News of Easter - https://go.odb.org/a-rumor-of-hope-the-good-news-of-easter  
40 Days. 40 Words. - https://go.odb.org/40-days-40-words-dtw  
Messiah’s Last Words Reading Plan - https://go.odb.org/messiahs-last-words-easter-reflections-dtw  
Watch: 
Walk in Jesus’ footsteps with The Holy Land: Connecting the Land with Its Stories (Season 4) - https://go.odb.org/the-good-land-dtw