The story of Charles Jackson French, a 22-year-old mess attendant, who swam through shark-infested waters to save 24 wounded sailors from the USS Gregory, a destroyer sunk by Japanese naval gunfire near Guadalcanal. French's heroic actions were initially overlooked, but through the efforts of Bruce Wigo and others, he was finally recognized with the Navy Cross 75 years after the event. [... more]

Ananias and Sapphira's story in Acts chapter 5 teaches us about the importance of single-minded motivation in giving, the law of mutual influence, and the consequences of deceit and lies. Pastor Lutzer explains that God takes sin seriously because it can destroy the church and lead people to think it's okay to sin. He also discusses the importance of honesty and transparency in our walk with God and how it affects our relationships with others. [... more]

Crime is down in Memphis, thanks to the Memphis Safe Task Force, but there are still concerns about illegal aliens and the impact on housing costs and wages. The city's school system is also a major issue, with the University of Memphis Campus School being one of the most successful in the state, while the Memphis-Shelby County School District is struggling. State Senator Brent Taylor and State Representative Mark White discuss their plans to address these issues and make Memphis a safer and more prosperous place. [... more]

Recognizing God's laws of stewardship can free us from the downside of having money, and when we give, it's an expression of our love, not a means to gain more. The early church's commitment to proper distribution and generosity is a model for us, and we're blessed in this life and the next when we give freely, trusting God to direct our resources. [... more]

When God is first, He owns our money. The early church was very generous, and we should be too, because God is generous. Giving is a privilege, not an obligation, and it's a reflection of our gratitude to Almighty God. [... more]

The early Christian church faced persecution, and Apostle Peter wrote letters to encourage believers to stand firm in their faith, even in the face of adversity. Peter's own life, marked by failures and successes, influenced his writing and made his letters precious to every generation of Christians. His confession of faith, 'Jesus is the Christ,' became the bedrock of the church's creed, and his letters continue to inspire and guide believers today. [... more]

The Apostle Paul's message to the people of Athens about the one true God, and how idolatry and self-righteous orthodoxy are prevalent in society today, and how Christians can express confidence in their faith and share the gospel with others. [... more]

Jesus teaches his disciples to experience breakthrough by demonstrating the goodness and love of God through miracles and healing, showing them that they are agents of breakthrough in the lives of others. This message is rooted in the biblical pattern of breakthrough, where ordinary people experience the supernatural power of God, and it is seen throughout history, from the Reformation to modern times. [... more]

Money touches nearly every part of our life, revealing what we trust, desire, and worship. God cares deeply about the state of our hearts and invites us to experience freedom from fear, comparison, and striving. By becoming a steward of God's resources, we can manage our finances with gratitude, humility, and freedom, making every spending choice an act of worship. [... more]

God specializes in doing the impossible, and He wants to unleash His supernatural power into your life to overcome the biggest barriers. Chip Ingram explores the biblical pattern of breakthrough, from creation to Jesus' ministry, and shows how God's power can break through darkness and chaos to bring light, healing, and love. [... more]

The power of the tongue is a double-edged sword, capable of bringing either blessing or cursing. God's control over our tongues is essential for speaking words that bring life and healing, rather than harm and pain. The gift of tongues, demonstrated on the day of Pentecost, was a miracle of God, allowing people to speak in languages they had not learned, and was a sign of the gospel going out to all nations. [... more]

Living life with God in firm control involves understanding who's in charge and making a radical commitment to put Him first. This requires the power of God, which is available to those who yield to Him and live with a spirit-filled heart, allowing them to become witnesses for Christ and make a difference in the world. [... more]

God's purpose is not to raise our standard of living, but to raise our standard of giving. When we trust Him with our possessions, we tap into the unlimited resources He set aside for our good and His glory. By living generously and trusting in His provision, we can experience supernatural things, including financial freedom and spiritual growth. [... more]

Chip Ingram explains why God blesses generous people and how giving to kingdom work unleashes something far more valuable than a bigger bank account. He shares four airtight facts about generosity and its impact on emotional happiness, spiritual holiness, and material prosperity. [... more]

As we enter a new year, it's easy to get caught up in nostalgia for the past, but Carter Conlon reminds us that God has a plan for our future and it's time to look forward with hope and faith. Drawing from the story of Paul's journey in Acts 27, Carter encourages us to stay alive in Christ, pray for our lives, and seek God's vision for the year ahead, trusting that He will guide us through the storms of life and bring healing and light to those around us. [... more]

Jay John shares his experiences and insights on the importance of being intentional in praying, caring, and sharing the Gospel with others. He recounts stories of how he has approached strangers, including an Uber driver and a homeless person, with kindness and prayer, leading to meaningful conversations and opportunities to share the message of Jesus. [... more]

Generosity is a gateway to intimacy with God, changing lives, connecting us with others, and helping us invest in what truly matters. It's a win-win proposition, but why isn't everyone doing it? The reasons are complex, including the power and deception of wealth, the lure of mammon worship, the demand for faith, and the fear of not having enough. By partnering with God through generosity, we can experience a deeper walk with Him and make a lasting impact on families and communities. [... more]

A British evangelist shares his experiences and insights on being intentional about sharing the gospel message with others, emphasizing the importance of praying for those who don't know Jesus and cultivating relationships to reach the world. [... more]

Chip Ingram shares a personal story about how a wise financial counselor, John Saville, entrusted him with a secret fund to help those in need, teaching him the value of generosity and how it can change lives, connect us with others, and help us invest in what truly matters. [... more]

Peter's journey from being controlled by a man-fearing spirit to being delivered and becoming fearless is a powerful example of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. As Peter navigates the challenges of being a disciple, he faces intimidation and fear, but ultimately, he is transformed by the Holy Spirit's power and becomes a bold witness for Jesus Christ. [... more]

The story of St. Nicholas, a man of selfless love and generosity, inspires reflection on the true meaning of Christmas. His life embodied the gospel message of love and generosity, and his acts of kindness pointed others to the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ. As people exchange presents and celebrate with loved ones, they're reminded that the greatest gift has already been given, and that sharing that gift with others is what truly makes this season special. [... more]

Christmas is a reminder that God is aware of our needs, sympathizes with our struggles, and plans for our salvation. The birth of Jesus is a historically provable event that changes lives and offers hope for a better future. By examining the historical facts of Jesus' birth, we can gain a deeper understanding of God's love and plan for humanity. [... more]

A young girl named Dakota touches the heart of a volunteer on a mission trip, teaching him about the importance of family, faith, and gratitude. Meanwhile, a group of athletes face a tough job interview in the Trainer Games, and identity thieves have lists of personal information to steal, but LifeLock can help protect against identity theft. [... more]

Paul settles into his rented quarters in Rome, under house arrest, and begins to share the gospel with the local Jewish leaders, who are curious and open-minded, but also skeptical. He quotes Isaiah 6, saying that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and that they will listen. Paul's bold statement is a fulfillment of prophecy, and he makes it clear that the gospel will go out without hindrance, even in the face of opposition. [... more]

Paul and his companions are shipwrecked on the island of Malta, where they are welcomed by the native people and Paul heals the father of Publius, a chief man on the island. They spend three months in Malta, where Paul performs miracles and builds relationships with the people. Eventually, they set sail for Rome, where they are greeted by believers who have heard about them and are eager to meet Paul. Paul is placed in open custody, where he is lightly chained to a Roman guard and continues to share the gospel with those around him. [... more]

Paul's ship is battered by a raging storm, but he remains confident in God's promise to save the lives of those on board. As the ship runs aground on a hidden reef, the crew must abandon ship, but with the help of a centurion who has been influenced by Paul's faith, they are all brought safely to land. [... more]

Paul's journey to Rome is marked by a perilous voyage across the Mediterranean Sea, where he and his companions face treacherous storms, shipwrecks, and loss of hope. Despite the dire circumstances, Paul's faith remains steadfast, and he finds solace in the promise of God's sovereignty and care for him. [... more]

Paul's defense before King Agrippa highlights his transformation from persecuting Christians to becoming a servant and witness of Jesus Christ. He shares his experience on the road to Damascus, where Jesus appeared to him and commissioned him to open the eyes of the Gentiles to turn from darkness to light and receive forgiveness of sins. [... more]

Paul's defense before King Agrippa in a Roman court highlights his past as a Pharisee, his persecution of Christians, and his dramatic transformation after the Damascus Road experience, where he met Jesus and was changed forever. [... more]

Paul's imprisonment and defense against Jewish accusations, Festus's role in the Roman court, and the significance of Jesus' message being shared with powerful leaders like Agrippa and Caesar. [... more]

Paul defends himself against false charges in a Roman court, using his knowledge of Jewish law and his faith in Jesus to refute his accusers. He also preaches the gospel to Felix and his wife Drusilla, who are intrigued but ultimately unresponsive. [... more]

Paul is taken to Caesarea to stand trial before Governor Felix, who is well-documented for his corruption and bribery. Paul's nephew had informed the Tribune of a plot to kill Paul, and the Tribune had sent 470 soldiers to escort Paul to Caesarea. Paul is placed in protective custody in Herod's Praetorium, where he will remain for two years. The high priest Ananias and a spokesman, Tertullus, present their case against Paul, accusing him of being a plague and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. Paul cheerfully defends himself, knowing that he is fulfilling God's plan and that the Holy Spirit will give him the words to speak. He will not deny some of the charges, but will use them as an opportunity to talk about who Jesus is and the gospel. [... more]

Paul's reception in Jerusalem has not been without violence, with a powerful assassination plot put into play. Despite being in protective custody of the Romans, Paul's life is still in danger. However, God intervenes in a remarkable way, defusing the plot without the Romans' involvement. Meanwhile, Paul's defense before the Sanhedrin highlights the divisiveness between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the Tribune's attempts to navigate the situation are thwarted by a young nephew who overhears the assassination plot and informs the Tribune, who is then forced to take action to protect Paul's life as a Roman citizen. [... more]

Paul recounts his conversion story, emphasizing his Jewish heritage and his role as a witness for Jesus. He describes his encounter with Ananias, who tells him of his appointment by God to know His will, see the righteous one, and hear a voice from His mouth. Paul's message sparks anger from the crowd, and he is taken into custody by the Roman authorities. He uses his Roman citizenship to protect himself from flogging and is brought before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling body, to make his case. [... more]

Paul undergoes a dramatic change as he recounts his past persecution of Christians and his conversion experience on the road to Damascus, where he encounters Jesus and is given instructions to go into the city and await further guidance. [... more]

Paul's journey to Jerusalem continues as he faces warnings and concerns from the Holy Spirit and the people he meets along the way. Despite the challenges, Paul remains determined to fulfill his mission and shares his experiences with the Jerusalem church, including his work among the Gentiles and his commitment to Jewish traditions. [... more]

Paul's farewell to the Ephesian elders is a poignant moment in his missionary journey, as he emphasizes the importance of proclaiming the whole counsel of God and the need for Christian leaders to be aware of their own spiritual growth and the potential dangers of false teaching. [... more]

Paul continues his third missionary journey, leaving Ephesus and traveling to Macedonia, Greece, and Corinth, where he establishes churches and gathers an offering for Jerusalem. He writes the book of Romans during his stay in Corinth and eventually sets sail for Syria, but learns of a plot against him and decides to return through Macedonia. Along the way, he meets up with Luke and other companions, including Aristarchus and Segundus, who join him on his journey. Paul's team takes a boat to Troas, where they spend several days, and he has a remarkable experience with a young man named Eutychus, who falls out of a third-story window but is miraculously revived. Paul then takes a land shortcut to Assos and meets up with his team, who have sailed around the point to pick him up. They continue their journey to Mytilene, Chios, Samos, and Miletus, where Paul lingers for a while before eventually setting sail for Jerusalem to celebrate Pentecost. [... more]

The city of Ephesus, famous for its massive temple to Artemis, is stirred into chaos as a mob forms in response to Paul's preaching about Jesus, threatening the local economy and idolatrous practices. The town clerk intervenes, urging the crowd to remain calm and use established avenues for resolving grievances, highlighting the importance of order and government in maintaining peace. [... more]

God wants to use ordinary people like Stephen to bring his power to the world, and we can start by following the leadership of the Holy Spirit and meeting the needs right in front of us. As we reflect on the story of Stephen, we see that he was an ordinary Christian who was filled with the Spirit and used by God to spread the gospel, and we are called to do the same. We must start with the needs right in front of us and be willing to sacrifice ourselves to save others, just as Jesus sacrificed himself for us. Ultimately, Jesus is worth it, and we must build our lives on the Word of God and the souls of people. [... more]