Following Jesus Christ is a life of sacrifice and obedience, but also one of fulfillment and joy. The call to follow Jesus is personal, and the challenge is costly, involving a radical denial of self and taking up one's own cross. This commitment is continuous, requiring a lifetime of following Jesus, and is the very antithesis of a life of self-determination. [... more]

God's all-knowing nature is revealed in creation and salvation, demonstrating His wisdom in choosing the cross as the means of salvation, a symbol of foolishness that represents humanity's sinful state. The simplicity of God's plan is contrasted with human attempts to create complex systems of salvation, highlighting the importance of seeking God's wisdom through His word and the heart of God. [... more]

Ignoring problems and sin in our lives can lead to them growing and becoming overwhelming, but Jesus offers forgiveness and healing through confronting and acknowledging our sin, and ultimately, through the cross. [... more]

The Bible teaches that Israel will be under siege by the nations, but in that moment, they will turn to God and confess their sin, looking back on the one they pierced, Jesus Christ. This confession is rooted in Isaiah 53, where the prophet describes the suffering and glory of the Messiah. The Jewish people have been exposed to the gospel, but they have rejected it, seeking to establish their own righteousness and not needing a sacrifice. God's sovereignty is also a factor in their unbelief, as He shuts down their opportunity to believe. The view of Isaiah 53 provides a historical reason for their unbelief, as they were unimpressed with Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. [... more]

The cross of Christ is essential for spiritual understanding and salvation, as it is the only way of cleansing and forgiveness of sin. Many people love to talk about Jesus, but fail to understand the importance of the cross, which is central to the Christian faith and the message of the Bible. [... more]

The 53rd chapter of Isaiah is a profound Old Testament prophecy that looks at the vicarious, substitutionary, sacrificial, atoning death of the Messiah, the servant of Jehovah, who is Jesus. It is the premier Old Testament look at the cross, the death, and the atonement of Christ, and its primary purpose is to say to Israel that one day in the future they will turn from their rejection and look back at the Gospel and Messiah, realizing they have rejected their only hope and Savior. [... more]

The Bible teaches that the world is under the influence of Satan and his demonic forces, leading to spiritual blindness and separation from God. Jesus Christ is the light of the world, and those who follow him will never walk in darkness. The Bible also teaches that there is a great separation that will take place on Judgment Day, where people will be separated into two groups: those who will inherit eternal life and those who will be cast into eternal punishment. The only way to avoid this separation is to come to Jesus and accept his gift of salvation. [... more]

Harlan Akola explains how a reverse mortgage can be a tax-efficient way to manage retirement income, while Rob West discusses strategies for building credit and managing debt, emphasizing the importance of God's wisdom in financial decisions. [... more]

Faithfulness to our Lord requires fortitude, a virtue that enables us to face our fears, resist pressure, and obey God even when it costs us. Dr. Craig Bartholomew discusses how fortitude shapes a generous life, strengthens us in moments of honesty and integrity, and helps us cultivate resilience in community, prayer, and humility. [... more]

The nature of Islam and its relationship to Christianity is explored, with a focus on the Quran, the life of Muhammad, and the concept of jihad. The discussion also touches on the idea of taqiyyah, or deception, and the apocalyptic mentality of some Muslim groups. The conversation highlights the differences between Islam and Christianity, particularly with regards to the treatment of non-Muslims and the concept of a 'religion of peace'. [... more]

The journey of rebuilding a life after captivity is a process that requires perseverance and faith in God's presence. The psalmist in Psalm 126 expresses the longing to be restored to a state of joy and freedom, just as the Israelites were released from captivity in Babylon. Similarly, when we face opposition and trials, we must remember that God is greater than our heart and will carry us through to the end, bringing us to a deeper joy and understanding of His faithfulness. [... more]

The central attribute of God is His holiness, which is the core of who He is and everything draws itself from it. God cannot tolerate sin and will punish it, but He offers redemption through the blood of Jesus Christ, who became a substitute for humanity, taking our sins upon Himself and making atonement for our souls. [... more]

Nan Aspinwall, a skilled trick shooter and rodeo performer, became the highest paid star in Buffalo Bill's Wild West show. She was also the first woman to ride cross-country on horseback, a feat immortalized in pop culture. Her journey reflected the transformation of the Western Frontier from a place of conflict to a mythological ideal of American identity. [... more]

The saints of God will receive the kingdom and possess it forever and ever, despite the presence of evil and opposition. The kingdom of man reaches its apex in the little horn, while the kingdom of God finds its climax in the destruction of the Antichrist and the putting together of a dominion that will never come to an end. [... more]

Jesus Christ asks the question, 'Do you want to be made whole?' and offers healing and freedom from addiction, promising a new life and revival through cooperation with the Holy Spirit. [... more]

The Bible emphasizes the importance of living a life of faith, with God's Spirit and empowering gifts guiding us through the battle of life. As Christians, we should focus on denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, living soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, and looking forward to the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ. [... more]

North Carolina's state health plan undergoes significant changes, including a new preferred provider network and pharmacy benefit manager, aiming to reduce costs and improve healthcare outcomes. Meanwhile, the state budget allocates $48.9 million to farmland preservation efforts, a critical issue as North Carolina faces a high risk of farmland loss. [... more]

The Bible teaches that God created the world good, but sin made it bad, and in Jesus, it's made new, and one day it'll be made perfect. This understanding of the storyline of the Bible gives Christians a distinct view of the world, emphasizing the kingship of Jesus and His role in redemption and the future. [... more]

Carter Conlon from Times Square Church shares a powerful message from Psalm 91, highlighting God's promise of protection and deliverance from evil. He explains how Satan fears the truth of Psalm 91, which gives believers confidence in God's keeping power and spiritual authority to overcome life's challenges. [... more]

Jesus Christ's kingship is central to the work of redemption, and his reign is seen in subduing us to himself, ruling and defending us, and restraining and conquering all his and our enemies. The cross is the epicenter of Christ's reign, where He declares it is finished and triumphs over all things that are ranged against Him and those for whom He dies. [... more]

Chuck Swindahl explores the importance of the cross in Christianity, discussing how pride and dependence on self can lead to drifting away from God. He emphasizes the need for humility and reliance on God's power, using 1 Corinthians 1 as a foundation for his message. [... more]

Jesus' humanity and suffering are essential to the gospel's appeal, as he endured the full weight of human pain and emotions, yet remained obedient to the Father's will. This authentic expression of humanity makes the gospel attractive and relatable, allowing Christians to effectively impact a world they're not in. [... more]

At the foot of the cross, all ground is level, and there is no distinction between individuals. The Apostle Paul's message to the Corinthians emphasizes the importance of focusing on the cross and Jesus' crucifixion, rather than human achievements or prestige. This mindset allows individuals to see life as it truly is and to live out their faith in a genuine way. [... more]

Jesus' experience in the Garden of Gethsemane reveals a deeply distressed and troubled Christ, overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death, as he faces the prospect of his own crucifixion and the will of God the Father. [... more]

The Christian life was never meant to feel like striving without purpose. The cross of Christ is the key to understanding and living a life focused on the right thing, rather than being driven by fleshly desires. Paul's message in 1 Corinthians emphasizes the importance of the cross and how it can transform our lives, helping us to walk and run in the right direction. [... more]

Heaven is a physical place where God the Father lives with his loved ones, and it's a populated place inside by the Lord, a lamb, and his loved ones. The city has 12 foundations, 12 gates made of a single pearl, and the streets are of pure gold. Heaven is a place of great beauty, glory, and light, where there's no more suffering or death, and it's a place of fellowship, marriage feast, and dancing. On the other hand, hell is a place of great suffering, weeping, gnashing of teeth, and it's a place of physical torment, described as a bottomless pit, a lake, and a fire. The best part of hell is that people there are totally devoid of God's presence, and they'll never see his face, never know his name, never be in his presence. [... more]

Following Jesus Christ requires making fundamental changes in our priorities, including prayer, people, purity, patience, and purpose. We must be willing to make tough choices and break out of our comfort zone to live a life that honors God. [... more]

Jesus' encounter with a Samaritan woman at a well in John's Gospel highlights the importance of personal evangelism and cross-cultural mission. Alastair Begg emphasizes that the passion for reaching people with the gospel is quenched when we lose sight of the grandeur of the gospel, and that every generation needs to take to heart Jesus' exhortation to open their eyes and look at the fields ripe for harvest. [... more]

The Christian gospel is rooted in the story of the Lamb of God, who took our place and paid our debt. Four qualities shaped by the Lamb are worth living by: a life of dependence, the assurance of approachability, a heart of innocence, and a spirit of sacrifice. These qualities are essential for spiritual growth and living a life that honors God. [... more]

The concept of the Lamb of God is central to understanding the sacrifice of Christ and the forgiveness of sins. Through the Old Testament prophecies and New Testament accounts, the Lamb of God is revealed as the spotless and unblemished sacrifice that takes away the sins of the world. The blood of Christ is the key to redemption, and without it, there is no forgiveness of sins. The message emphasizes the importance of living a life of purity and reverence before a holy God. [... more]

The concept of the lamb is woven throughout the Bible, from the story of Abraham and Isaac to the Passover and the sacrifice of Christ. The lamb represents innocence, gentleness, and redemption, and its significance is explored in the context of faith and the relationship between God and humanity. [... more]

The king's pardon is revealed in Romans Chapter 8, where it is stated that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. This pardon is a gift of eternal security, silencing the guilt of conscience and subduing anxiety about the present and future. It is a declaration of God's love and forgiveness, available to all who place their faith in Christ alone. [... more]

Chuck Swindahl shares a message titled The Cup That He Drank, emphasizing the difference between believing in Jesus and actually following him. He highlights the importance of surrendering to God's will, taking up one's cross daily, and denying oneself to live a life of obedience and commitment to Christ. [... more]

Becoming a disciple is a painful journey of self-denial, taking up one's cross daily, and following Jesus Christ. It's a process of giving up one's own will for God's will, marked by crushing experiences, but ultimately leading to a deeper relationship with Christ. The cross represents a deliberate decision to abandon one's own desires and live with the pain that entails. [... more]

Matt Slick discusses the importance of knowing Bible doctrine, the prevalence of false teachers, and the need for spiritual maturity among Christians. He shares personal experiences and anecdotes, including a conference he attended where he discovered a lack of spiritual maturity among pastors and elders. Slick emphasizes the importance of studying the Bible, memorizing scripture, and seeking to glorify God in all things. [... more]

Death for the believer does not exist, and the victory Christ has won means that Satan's power is broken. The cross is the ultimate defeat of Satan, and those who know Jesus are never afraid to die because they will be ushered into the presence of the Lord immediately after death. The devil's final defeat is eternally sealed, and those who reject Jesus will face judgment and eternal punishment in hell. [... more]

Dr. Tony Evans explains how Satan was defeated strategically, prophetically, and spiritually through the cross, and how this victory gives believers the power to overcome fear of death and live a life pleasing to God. [... more]

Chuck Swindahl reminds us that Jesus' humility and willingness to sacrifice himself on the cross is the greatest demonstration of love and the key to understanding the plan of salvation. He explains that Jesus took on the limitations of humanity while remaining true to his deity, and that his death on the cross was a turning point in history, transforming a shameful instrument of torture into a symbol of redemption and hope. [... more]

The story of Pat Sommerall, a celebrity who struggled with addiction, and his journey to discovering the love and grace of Jesus Christ, and how it transformed his life. [... more]

Jesus prepares his disciples for his departure, explaining that the Holy Spirit will guide them into all truth and that their sorrow will be turned to joy after his resurrection. He uses the illustration of a woman in labor to describe the process of giving birth to new life, and encourages his followers to ask for the Holy Spirit's reality in their lives. [... more]