The angel of the Lord, whose name is described as wonderful, is revealed to be God the Son in one of his rare pre incarnate appearances. This encounter occurred during a period of apostasy and servitude in Israel, where a godly couple received the good news of the birth of mighty Samson. The angel's identity as God the Son is supported by biblical references, highlighting his role as the divine Son and the pre incarnate Christ. [... more]

When Jesus gets in your boat, He can change your life forever. Just like Simon Peter, we may be fishing for fish, but Jesus calls us to fish for men. We must be patient, persevere, and know how to go to the right place at the right time. Our tools are the Bible and the leading of the Holy Spirit. We must also work with others, as Jesus sent people out in pairs. Ultimately, it's not about us, but about Jesus getting into our boat and changing our lives. [... more]

Matt Slick discusses various theological topics, including the relationship between faith and works, the nature of God's divine essence, and the concept of binding and loosing. He also explores the meaning of Psalm 82 and its implications for understanding Jesus' divinity. [... more]

Saul of Tarsus, a zealous defender of Judaism, had a dramatic conversion to Christianity after a spiritual encounter with Jesus Christ. He learned to count his past achievements as loss and trust in Christ alone for salvation, realizing that his heritage, upbringing, and education were not enough to secure his relationship with God. [... more]

The Battle of the Bulge saw a pivotal tank duel between a US M8 armored car and a German Tiger tank in the town of Saint-Vil, Belgium, where the M8 successfully destroyed the Tiger tank, highlighting the importance of understanding one's strengths and recognizing opportunities in the face of overwhelming odds. [... more]

Paul's personal testimony is a powerful example of how a person comes to believe in Christ, and how their past experiences and background can shape their faith. He shares his story of how he was a zealous defender of Judaism, but after a spiritual encounter with Christ, he became a devoted follower of Jesus. Paul's testimony highlights the importance of having a spiritual encounter and learning to count the things of this world as loss for the sake of Christ. [... more]

In Galatians - Paul gives a testimony of the radical change that took place in His life after His encounter with Jesus Paul went from violently persecuting the Church to spreading the gospel message at his own peril all because He met the Messiah Pastor Rich shares the portrait of grace found in Paul's conversion with profound reminders for us today Let's listen in Ourto Thank you for joining us for this message titled Called by Grace which was first preached on March th It's part of our Galatians series Our Freedom in Christ airing weekly on Mondays right here [... more]

The concept of the holiness of God is a mysterious and awe-inspiring experience that evokes both fear and fascination. Rudolph Otto's idea of the holy as a 'tremendous mystery' that produces tremors within us is explored through the experiences of Saint Augustine and R.C. Sproul. The ambivalence of the human response to the holy is discussed, where we are drawn to and repelled by the presence of God at the same time. [... more]

Benjamin Franklin's humiliation at the Cockpit in 1774 marked a turning point in his life, transforming him from a loyal English subject to a committed patriot. His experience with the Hutchinson-Oliver letters and the Boston Tea Party led to his public humiliation, but ultimately, it was a catalyst for his decision to embrace independence and play a crucial role in the American Revolution. [... more]

A veteran shares his story of flying a B-50 bomber as a weather plane close to Russia's airspace during the Cold War, where he encountered Russian MiG fighters and had to navigate a potentially deadly situation. [... more]

Tom Maharris, a Greek Orthodox man, was raised in a life of sex, drugs, and rock and roll, but found Jesus Christ in 1968 after a transformative experience at a peace demonstration in Central Park. He went on to become a pastor, shepherd, and mentor, leading Manhattan Bible Church in New York City. Maharris is now on a mission to share the gospel with prisoners, establishing Bible colleges and witnessing supernatural transformations in the lives of those he reaches. [... more]

A life-changing experience of the majesty of God led to a new understanding of the character of God the Father, shifting focus from personal salvation to the transcendent power and otherness of God, and a lifelong pursuit of the holiness of 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]

Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush reveals crucial principles for how we encounter God, including God taking the initiative, moving in response to prayer, and being the supplier of power. The story also highlights the importance of trusting in God's plans and not trying to accomplish them through our own strength or flesh. [... more]

In the book of Galatians, Paul confronts Peter over his refusal to include Gentiles who weren't obeying Jewish kosher laws within the family of God, introducing a damnable plus of faith in Jesus plus obedience to the law. Paul explains theologically that justification is never about our obedience, but rather about faith in Jesus Christ, and that our behavior should be a response to the grace we've received, not a means of earning it. [... more]

Mary and Joseph bring their newborn son Jesus to the temple for dedication, where they meet Simeon, a righteous and devout man who recognizes Jesus as the Lord's Christ and proclaims his role in bringing salvation and redemption to all peoples, including the Gentiles. [... more]

Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol is often seen as a heartwarming tale of redemption, but it also contains a deeper message about economics and philosophy. Thomas Malthus' concept of surplus population is explored through the character of Ebenezer Scrooge, who represents a philosophy that is ultimately proven wrong. The story highlights the importance of generosity, private charity, and the value of human life, and serves as a reminder that God is generous, not stingy. [... more]

The angel Gabriel plays a pivotal role in the Christmas story, delivering the gospel message to Mary and the shepherds. His announcements proclaim the birth of Jesus, the Messiah, and the Savior of the world, emphasizing God's sovereignty and the gift of undeserved favor. [... more]

The story of Jesus' birth and the Magi's journey to find him is a testament to the power of seeking truth and faith. Despite facing barriers such as distance, race, and religion, the Magi persevered and ultimately worshiped the Christ child. Their example serves as a reminder to investigate the truth and come to a personal faith in Jesus, who is the answer to our deepest problem: sin. [... more]

Chuck Swindahl shares a timeless lesson from Romans 16, emphasizing the importance of recalibrating our lives to stay on the path of foundational truth. He highlights the eternal God's characteristics, including being the revealer of the gospel, the initiator of obedience, and the wise God who devises perfect ends carried out through perfect means. [... more]

Chuck Swindahl reminds us that it's not our job as Christians to point people to a church or denomination, but to point them to Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the importance of giving God all the glory and recognizing His establishing power and the revelation of the gospel through Jesus Christ. [... more]

The Bible is the canon of texts that Christians believe are authoritative for determining their faith and practice. It is a collection of sixty-six books that provide the frame for understanding the church and its relationship with God. The process of establishing the canon took centuries, with the church ultimately deciding which texts were inspired and authoritative. The Bible is remarkably reliable, with over 28,000 ancient manuscripts of the New Testament and a strong historical evidence for the canon. Christians believe that the Bible is the Word of God, conveying the rule of faith and the teaching of the apostles. It is a source of inspiration and guidance for believers, providing a framework for understanding God's relationship with humanity. [... more]

Zebulon Montgomery Pike was a celebrated American explorer and military hero who spent his life navigating the uncharted territories of the United States. From his early days as a Continental Army officer to his later years as a colonel and brigadier general, Pike's adventures took him to the frontiers of the American West, where he encountered Native American tribes, Spanish officials, and treacherous landscapes. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, Pike's bravery and determination earned him a lasting place in American history, with many towns, schools, and landmarks bearing his name. [... more]

The apostle Paul's letter to the Romans reveals the importance of praying with a whole heart, moving mountains and breaking spiritual strongholds. Chuck Swindahl exposes the gap between what the Bible teaches about prayer and what most believers actually practice, highlighting the need to be aware of the need, willing to get involved, and to agonize in prayer, just as Jesus did in the Garden of Gethsemane. [... more]

A group of 1,000 American pastors and Christian influencers have arrived in Israel for a historic event, where they will experience firsthand the country's history, culture, and significance to Christianity. They will visit sites such as the Western Wall, the Garden Tomb, and the Mount of Olives, and engage with local leaders and communities. The trip is a result of a decade-long effort by Dr. Mike Evans, founder of Friends of Zion, to educate American evangelicals about the importance of supporting Israel and understanding its biblical significance. [... more]

The presence of joy is an unmistakable badge of divine ownership, and it's an emotion that's deeply rooted in the Christian faith. Paul the Apostle, once a Pharisee who persecuted the church, experienced a profound transformation after meeting Jesus Christ, and his life was forever changed by the joy of the Lord. In this message, Skip Heitzig explores the concept of joy and how it's a byproduct of serving the Lord, rather than a direct pursuit. [... more]

Prayer is meant to be a dynamic collaboration with God that produces deep fulfillment within our soul. However, many people struggle with shallow religious clichés and a lack of faith, leading to ineffective prayer. The Bible reveals that wholehearted prayer involves awareness of the need, willingness to get involved, and agonizing with others in prayer to break the grip of the adversary and attain real faith. [... more]

Many people struggle with a prayer life that feels more like a duty than a privilege, but the biblical model presents a far better way. By being aware of our needs and praying with our whole hearts, we can break through spiritual opposition and experience the power of prayer. [... more]

The story of Mary's lavish worship of Jesus with expensive perfume is contrasted with the superficial exposure of the Pharisees and Judas, highlighting the signs of a true encounter with Jesus' glory: the stirring of our affections, the shattering of our idols, and the satisfying of our souls. [... more]

The healthcare system in America is plagued by high costs and complicated insurance plans, leaving millions with medical debt. Christians have an alternative to health insurance at half the cost through Christian Healthcare Ministries. Meanwhile, a family in the Mid-South is preparing for the holiday season with a beloved tradition, the Singing Christmas Tree at Bellevue Baptist Church, which has been a staple of the community for 49 years. [... more]

We all face giants in life, whether it's a problem, a fear, or a personal sin. But with faith in God, we can overcome these giants and achieve victory. The story of David and Goliath teaches us that with God on our side, we can defeat even the most daunting challenges. By committing our battles to the Lord, attacking our giants, and finishing them off, we can live a life of triumph and victory in Christ. [... more]

Patty Kingsbaker shares her story of growing up in Miami, where her dad was a boxing coach and referee, and her encounter with Frank Sinatra at a fight. She also shares a story about Elvis Presley and how she wrote a letter to Frank Sinatra to get his autograph, which he eventually sent back to her. [... more]

A man born blind receives sight after encountering Jesus, illustrating the power of God to heal spiritual blindness and bring light to those living in darkness. Jesus' claim to be the light of the world is explored, and the importance of obeying Him to experience transformation and live an extraordinary life. [... more]

Followers of Christ are to repent of our sin So how do we interact with those who are still searching and struggling with ongoing sin in their lives On this episode Pastor John Munro unpacks a fascinating encounter with Jesus and a woman who is struggling with sin [... more]

Jesus' claims of divinity are met with both amazement and hostility, as he reveals his true nature as the Son of God. Through his words and works, Jesus demonstrates his equality with God the Father, yet distinct from Him. He invites all to believe in him, even if it's just a fraction of faith, and promises to welcome those who are skeptical or hesitant. Jesus' message is one of love, mercy, and transformation, challenging listeners to re-examine their understanding of God and themselves. [... more]

Chip Ingram shares his personal experiences with spiritual warfare, including a frontal attack by demonic forces, and explains how to engage the enemy and win the battle using the armor of God, faith, and trust in God's character. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the spiritual battle and using the shield of faith to quench the fiery missiles of the enemy, which include temptations, doubts, and lies. [... more]

James E. Ward shares his life-changing experience in third grade when he was bused to a predominantly white school and met his teacher, Mrs. Pitts, who taught him the power of integration, self-worth, and relationships. He discusses how this experience shaped his zero victim thinking and its impact on his life, including his encounters with police officers and his work as a pastor teaching others to overcome injustice with a new attitude. [... more]

Jesus teaches that true worship cannot be confined to a place, but is an overflowing of the human heart, an act of the Spirit, and an expression of devotion, adoration, and love for a loving, holy, and righteous God. [... more]

Greg McDonald shares his first encounter with Elvis Presley and Colonel Tom Parker, where they bonded over their shared experiences as Assembly of God kids and their love for preachers. They talked about the tent used for Oral Roberts' revivals, the organ player for Earl Roberts, and their common interest in the supernatural, including snakes in church. [... more]

Alistair Begg shares his thought process on preaching the gospel, using Bible stories to illustrate the love and knowledge of Jesus Christ, and the importance of evangelism in everyday life. He discusses his book, which retells three stories from the Gospels and draws out the application of the gospel from each one, with the hope of inspiring people to share the gospel with others and see unbelieving people become committed followers of Jesus. [... more]