We often misunderstand God's plan and struggle with doubt, but Jesus helps John the Baptist refocus his priorities, answer his doubts with Scripture, and stay the course, reminding us that we are greater than John because we have Jesus living in our hearts and are part of the new covenant. [... more]

The Apostle Paul's boasting in his weaknesses, as seen in 2 Corinthians 11, serves as a harsh grace to jolt the Corinthian church out of their blind adoration of impressive but false teachers. Paul's strategy is to turn their world upside down by boasting about the things that should have impressed them, such as his sufferings and love for the church, rather than the things they valued, like rhetorical strength and poise. This passage highlights the importance of humility, selflessness, and dependence on God, and warns against loving self-gratification and self-promotion. [... more]

Planning and execution are key elements for long-term financial success. Research shows that even small steps towards planning can have a huge impact on net worth at retirement. It's essential to get the ball rolling with a plan and follow through, as the diligent lead to profit, according to Proverbs 21:5. [... more]

Every believer is part of the church and has at least some spiritual gift, which is a supernatural ability given by the Holy Spirit for the work of the gospel and the edification of the body of Christ. Knowing and operating in one's spiritual gifts is vital to the success of the church and the fulfillment of the Great Commission. [... more]

When God answers in the negative, it can be disappointing, but it's crucial to understand that even no answers are still answers. God is fully aware of our needs and what's best for us. The Apostle Paul's experience with a thorn in the flesh teaches us that God's answer may not be what we want, but it can be what we need to grow in faith and receive grace. [... more]

As Christians, we have been drafted into service, commissioned to occupy a singular role, taking the gospel to a world at war with God. We put everything on the line to see a peace treaty signed between man and God, delivering the terms of surrender and how to have peace with God. [... more]

Counterfeit verses can distort our understanding of God's character and financial stewardship, leading to a lack of discernment and dependence on ourselves rather than God. By immersing ourselves in the truth of Scripture, we can develop the ability to recognize these counterfeit verses and instead cultivate a deeper understanding of God's wisdom and guidance in our financial decisions. [... more]

Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, to follow him, and Matthew's life is radically changed. Jesus sees beyond Matthew's exterior and calls him to a life of faith and spiritual transformation. The story of Matthew's call serves as a reminder that Jesus is still calling people today to follow him, and that he sees them for who they are and for who they can become. [... more]

Paul contrasts the imperishable crown of Christ with the corruptible crowns won by Roman athletes, emphasizing the importance of striving for a life in Christ and sacrificing selfish desires for the gospel's sake. [... more]

Generosity flows from a place of grace, not guilt or fear, and is an overflow of the gospel. Christians give because God has already been generous with them, and generosity is an act of trust in God's provision. A biblical perspective on money and wealth can impact our day-to-day lives, and faithful stewardship involves managing money, time, and resources in a way that honors God. [... 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]

God's standard for purity is clear, yet the pull toward compromise can feel overwhelming. Chuck Swindahl offers a solid four-point game plan for maintaining purity, equipping listeners with the tools they need to resist sexual temptation and live a life of holiness. [... more]

Illicit sex is not a novel concept, but a timeless issue that has been present throughout history. The Bible offers guidance on how to avoid temptation and maintain a moral lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of sanctification, holiness, and obedience to God's commands. [... more]

Moral compromise has plagued humanity since the Garden of Eden, destroying lives, families, and legacies across every generation. Chuck Swindahl offers straight talk from scripture and a practical game plan to help you stand firm when the pressure mounts, living with confidence and freedom. [... more]

God cares more about the heart in which we give than the amount we give. A cheerful giver comes from a heart that has been captivated and changed by the gospel, recognizing God's generosity and responding with generosity. Giving is not just about the recipient, but about the provision and sufficiency we receive in return, leading to peace, satisfaction, and contentment in our relationship with Christ. [... more]

The gospel of grace in Jesus Christ is not a man-made message but a divine revelation that has the power to transform human hearts and minds. Paul's authority to preach this gospel comes from his direct revelation by Jesus Christ, which is verified by continuity with scripture, community with other apostles, and his confrontation by Christ on the road to Damascus. This revelation is not subjective but objective truth that has been handed down through the apostles with written authority. [... more]

The Holy Spirit's outpouring brings about the last days, launches the kingdom of God, and transforms us to the hope of righteousness. Through faith, we trust Christ for salvation and the Holy Spirit's power to sustain us, overcome our struggles, and live as new creations in Christ. [... more]

Giving Receiving is a series that explores what Scripture really says about money - not as a source of guilt or pressure but as a reflection of the heart Through Paul's teaching to the church at Corinth this series reveals God's desire for His people to be generous disciplined and gracious with what He has entrusted to them Giving is more than an action - it is a mindset shaped by the gospel God doesn't need our money He wants our hearts You'll discover the difference between giving and generosity why intentional and disciplined giving matters how tithing serves as [... more]

The Holy Spirit's outpouring at Pentecost marks a turning point in human history, fulfilling God's ancient promise to send the Spirit and empowering believers for mission. Jesus, the ascended and exalted King, pours out the Spirit upon his people, giving them life and transforming them into new creations. The Spirit's presence is a down payment assuring believers of their eternal redemption and resurrection, and it transforms all people, bringing a permanent, internal renewal through faith. [... more]

God keeps His promises, as seen in the story of Noah, who was a righteous man but fell into sin. The Bible teaches us to be faithful and to seek restoration when we fail. We must also be aware of the end times and the return of Jesus, and make sure we are ready to meet Him. A Bible study on the book of Genesis and the Sermon on the Mount can help us understand God's plan and our place in it. [... more]

Jesus Christ is a stranger to us because our hearts are hardened by sin, but through the power of the Holy Spirit, he opens our eyes to see the reality of his physical resurrection, proving he is the Christ, Messiah, and Savior. The Holy Spirit takes our darkened minds and gives us spiritual comprehension, allowing us to understand the gospel and recognize Jesus as the risen King. Through word and sacrament, the Holy Spirit ignites the fire of faith within us, burning away sinful desires and stirring love for God and our neighbor. [... more]

Dr. Dondi Kosten, president of Liberty University, shares his personal journey of faith and how God has led him to this point in his life. He discusses the importance of Christian education and how Liberty University is committed to helping students grow in their faith and become champions for Christ. The conversation also touches on the role of chaplaincy in the military and the importance of freedom of religion. Dr. Kosten emphasizes the need for Christians to be stewards of their time, talents, and resources, and to live their lives aligned with God's design for human flourishing. [... more]

The boy Jesus reveals his divine mission at the temple, demonstrating his unique connection to God the Father and setting the stage for his future saving work. His interaction with the temple teachers and his parents showcases his divine understanding and obedience, highlighting his awareness of his identity as the Son of God sent to seek and save the lost. [... more]

Starting strong is good, but finishing strong is better. The Christian life is like a race, and the objective is to run to win. We must keep our eyes on Jesus, resist the devil, and stay focused on our faith. Making public commitments, separating ourselves from ungodly influences, and giving to the kingdom are essential for spiritual growth and finishing well in our faith journey. [... more]

The true meaning of Christmas is love, as emphasized by Adrian Rogers, who explains that love is the greatest virtue, commandment, and testimony. He discusses the characteristics of love, including patience, kindness, humility, and selflessness, and how it is the greatest motivation and confirmation of our faith. [... more]

The gift of Jesus Christ is the greatest gift, offering eternal life and peace to those who believe in him. It's not about working harder or becoming a better person, but about trusting in God's promise and receiving his love. [... more]

Chuck Swindahl describes a nighttime conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus that spawned a life-changing verse, John 3:16, which reveals God's greatest gift: the love that requires no reciprocal response, and the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. [... more]

The Christmas story is a powerful reminder of God's love and sacrifice, as Jesus, born in a manger, came to redeem us from sin and offer us a relationship with God. Mary and Joseph, despite facing ridicule and hardship, trusted in God's plan and played a crucial role in Jesus' birth. As we reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, we are reminded that Jesus came to give us life, not just after death, but also during life, and that we can have a personal relationship with Him through faith and forgiveness. [... more]

Chuck Swindahl unwraps the shocking simplicity of God's gift, explaining why salvation isn't about our effort, but about a single act of trust. He delves into the meaning behind John 3:16, exploring the original Greek text and its significance in the context of the Bible story about the bronze serpent. [... 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]

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]

As stewards of Christ, we have been entrusted with material possessions, time, talents, and opportunities, and our Christian profession will be tested at the judgment seat of Christ, where the faithful and wise steward will receive rewards for their faithful service. [... more]

God wants us to see our money as a trust to manage, not a possession to squander. Running life's race successfully has a financial component, a component that we'll summarize on today's broadcast. Giving is not a matter of amount, but a matter of the heart, and God says very clearly in the Word that what we give and when we want to give but can't, that also counts, because it is our attitude. [... more]

Christians often struggle with issues of finance, but giving generously and faithfully is key to making Christ Lord of our finances. The Bible teaches that it's not about how much we have, but how we handle what God has given us. Giving willingly and cheerfully is a sign of a generous heart, and God honors the heart, not just the amount given. [... more]

Al Mueller, founder and CEO of Excellence in Giving, shares insights on how to approach generosity with both heart and wisdom, evaluating ministries well, and experiencing the joy of stewardship. He emphasizes the importance of intentional and strategic giving, and discusses the key things to consider when deciding where to give, including the ministry's problem-solving approach, measurable outcomes, leadership stability, and donor retention. [... more]

Christmas is a time for personal revival, restoring relationships, and resetting priorities. It's a reminder of God's love and the birth of Jesus, who came to relieve the burden of sin and the fall. As we reflect on Christmas, we can renew our relationship with Christ, mend fences with others, and recommit ourselves to the Great Commission. [... more]

Paul's letter to the Corinthians emphasizes the importance of generosity as a divine grace that Christians ought to pursue. He highlights the example of the Macedonian churches, who gave generously despite their poverty, and encourages the Corinthians to follow their example, recognizing that generosity is a gift from God that demonstrates the sincerity of their faith and love for others. [... more]

God's abundance and generosity are reflected in creation and the gospel, and cheerful giving is a sign of trust in His provision. The Bible teaches that generosity increases our righteousness and fullness of life, and that it feeds people and leads to praise and worship. [... more]

Sharon Epps shares insights on the generosity of women in the Bible, specifically Joanna who financially supported Jesus, and how her story teaches us about receiving before giving and the virtuous cycle of giving. Rob West discusses various financial topics, including retirement planning, student loans, and Social Security benefits, using biblical principles to guide decision-making. [... more]

Paul's pioneering spirit and ministry serve as a model for living a life of purpose and adventure, fueled by dreams and visions that inspire others to join in. Through joint effort and sustained hope, individuals can overcome hindrances and achieve great things, all while staying positive and focused on their goals. [... more]