James Warner Bella's life was a tale of adventure, military service, and writing. From his early days as a pilot in World War I to his later years as a writer in Hollywood, Bella's experiences shaped his stories and screenplays. He served in both World War I and World War II, rising through the ranks and earning numerous decorations. Bella's writing career flourished, with works such as Fort Apache, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, and Rio Grande becoming classics of the Western canon. His collaboration with John Ford resulted in some of the most iconic films of the golden era of Hollywood. [... more]

David Green, founder of Hobby Lobby, and author Bill High discuss the importance of building a generational legacy through family values, stewardship, and a strong Christian faith. They share practical tips on how to create a lasting impact on future generations, including the importance of storytelling, mission, vision, and values. [... more]

The Talking Heads' song 'Once in a Lifetime' is a symphonic embodiment of the band's unique blend of punk, funk, and world music. The song's creation involved a series of jam sessions, misheard counting, and a breakthrough for producer Brian Eno. David Byrne's lyrics, inspired by televangelists, explore the theme of routine existence and the search for meaning. [... more]

The written word has exercised enduring cultural power, shaping culture and thought through the development of the book. From ancient scrolls to modern codices, books have built the world, facilitating history, politics, philosophy, and self-discovery. Christians have long advanced books as instruments of cultural renewal, driven by the zeal to preserve and spread the gospel. [... more]

Robert Johnson, a legendary blues musician, struggled with a tumultuous life, marked by poverty, infidelity, and personal struggles. His grandmother blamed him for her daughter's and grandchild's deaths, leading to Robert's feelings of guilt and pressure. Despite this, he continued to play the guitar, eventually meeting Ike Zimmerman, who mentored him and helped him develop his skills. The myth that Robert sold his soul to the devil at the crossroads to learn how to play the guitar is disputed by his grandson, who believes that Robert's talent came from hard work and dedication, not a deal with the devil. [... more]

Christians have certain heavenly possessions that put earthly possessions in perspective, and knowledge of these possessions helps cope with long-standing troubles and suffering, requiring patience and faith in the coming of the Lord. [... more]

The movie Slapshot, released in 1977, is a true classic of American sports film, comically depicting a minor league hockey team's violent play to gain popularity in a declining factory town. The film's success can be attributed to Paul Newman's performance as an aging player coach and the bespeckled, brawling characters known as the Hansen Brothers, played by former Johnston Jets players Steve and Jeff Carlson, and Dave Hansen. [... more]

The USS Lexington, also known as Lady Lex, was a versatile warship that served in the US Navy during World War II. It was the first aircraft carrier to deploy air-to-surface missiles and sailed enough miles to circle the globe eight times. The ship played a unique role in peacetime, serving as a temporary power plant for the city of Tacoma during a power shortage and providing relief to the people of Nicaragua after a natural disaster. [... more]

The story of Georgia on My Mind, a quintessentially American song about love, longing, and the power of music. Written by Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorell, the song was brought to life by Ray Charles, who recorded a version that reached number one on the Billboard pop album chart in 1960. [... more]

A story of reconciliation and faith is shared through the history of the White Rock Chapel, a church built by formerly enslaved individuals and their former enslavers, who came together to worship and build a community in 19th century Texas. [... more]

John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States, grew up in a family of patriots and was deeply influenced by his father's values of service and courage. He traveled extensively throughout Europe as a young man, learning multiple languages and developing a deep understanding of politics and diplomacy. Adams went on to become a skilled diplomat and politician, serving as Secretary of State and eventually president. However, his presidency was marked by controversy and failure, and he was eventually recalled from office. Undeterred, Adams returned to Congress, where he became a leading voice against slavery, introducing petitions and arguing cases before the Supreme Court. His most notable victory came in the Amistad case, where he successfully argued for the freedom of enslaved Africans on a ship that had been seized by the US Navy. Adams' unwavering commitment to his principles and his willingness to challenge the status quo made him a hero of the anti-slavery movement and a lasting figure in American history. [... more]

The Reformation's final sola, Soli Deo Gloria, emphasizes the importance of glorifying God alone. Martin Luther's teachings on prayer and worship highlight the significance of focusing on divine agency and the relationship between sinful man and justifying God. The practice of prayer, including daily routines, meditative prayer, and continual prayer, is essential for glorifying God and deepening one's faith. The Christian community plays a crucial role in supporting common prayer and teaching children and youth to pray. [... more]

Pastor John Monroe shares a message on what it means to live like Christ, focusing on enduring love, humble service, spiritual cleansing, and the dangers of satanic betrayal. He emphasizes the importance of serving others with love, humility, and selflessness, and encourages listeners to receive Jesus Christ into their hearts and lives as their personal Savior. [... more]

Jesus' love is demonstrated through his actions, particularly in washing his disciples' feet, showing that true greatness comes from serving others, not seeking to be served. This act of humility is a reflection of God's character and a lesson for Christians to follow in serving others with love and compassion. [... more]

The story of the Pilgrims' journey to the New World and their first Thanksgiving is a testament to their courage, faith, and resilience in the face of struggle and sacrifice. Meanwhile, in the present day, experts discuss the implications of new laws and regulations on digital currency, stable coins, and the management of inherited IRAs, while also exploring the role of nonprofit organizations and the importance of living with an eternal perspective as stewards of God's resources. [... more]

Tom Waits is a distinctive writer and performer who draws inspiration from the American Songbook, jazz, and classic American music. His songs often feature characters from the margins of society, and his unique voice and style have captivated audiences. With a career spanning decades, Waits has become a master of storytelling through song, weaving tales of love, loss, and longing into his music. [... more]

The role of the Bible in shaping America's founding is explored through the story of the first Continental Congress's prayer session, where Jacob Duchet's powerful prayer braced the delegates and became a defining moment in American history. [... more]

The New Testament teaches a special day of Christian worship, known as the Lord's Day, which is distinct from the Old Testament Sabbath. This day is identified as Sunday, the first day of the week, and is seen as a fulfillment of the Sabbath day in the eternal rest of glory. The Lord's Day is a day of worship and rest for the people of God, a blessing and not a burden, and is rooted in apostolic practice and the New Testament teaching on Sabbath. [... more]

President Ronald Reagan delivers a powerful speech at Pointe du Hoc in Normandy, France, honoring the men who fought in World War II and emphasizing the importance of faith, belief, loyalty, and love in the face of tyranny and oppression. [... more]

The Lone Ranger, a beloved American hero, was created by Fran Stryker, a radio scriptwriter who drew inspiration from real-life figures and his own wholesome upbringing. Stryker's life and work are intertwined with George W. Trendle, the owner of WXYZ radio station in Detroit, who offered Stryker a lucrative contract to write exclusively for the station, but at the cost of selling the rights to the Lone Ranger for $10. The story of how the Lone Ranger came to be is a fascinating tale of creativity, perseverance, and the power of storytelling. [... more]

Edgar Allan Poe's life was marked by loss and tragedy, but he persevered to become one of America's most influential writers, creating the Detective Story genre and influencing science fiction and literary history. [... more]

The case of Lizzie Borden, who was accused of murdering her father and stepmother in 1892, is a fascinating and complex tale of crime, justice, and the social norms of the Victorian era. The trial, which took place in New Bedford, Massachusetts, was a highly publicized and sensationalized event, with many people believing that Lizzie was guilty, while others thought she was innocent. The case remains unsolved to this day, with many theories and interpretations surrounding the events of that fateful summer. [... more]

Biblical love, or agape, is a steadfast and enduring quality that bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. It never fails and is the supreme quality that characterizes the love of Christ. Through the study of 1 Corinthians 13, we can learn what true love really is and how it can be demonstrated in our lives, even in the face of challenges and difficulties. [... more]

The Bible teaches that suffering is a natural part of life, but Christians have hope in God's promise of redemption and a new creation. This hope transforms our perspective on the world and our place in it, and it's a mind-transforming reality that changes the way we think about everything. [... more]

Genuine Christianity is radically different from formalized religion, and it's characterized by a deep sense of intimacy with God, who is referred to as Father. This intimacy is a result of being adopted into God's family through faith in Christ, and it brings with it a sense of sonship and inheritance. However, this adoption also means that Christians must learn to deal with their sinful nature and put to death the misdeeds of the body in order to live a truly life. The Spirit of God is the witness to this adoption, and he testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Ultimately, our inheritance is Christ himself, and when we have him, we have everything we need. [... more]

Alastair Begg explores the meaning of being a Christian, the role of the Spirit in believers' lives, and the responsibility that comes with it. He examines Romans 8, discussing the contrast between living according to the flesh and living by the Spirit, and the importance of obedience and faithfulness in the face of suffering. [... more]

Believers have a new identity, mentality, and destiny due to the presence of the Spirit of God within them. This reality is distinct from the natural human condition, where the mind is hostile to God. The Christian life involves a radical transformation, where the believer is no longer controlled by the flesh but is alive in the Spirit, with a new set of beliefs and behaviors. This transformation is not just intellectual but is deeply rooted in the believer's core being, resulting in a new view of mortality, which is not one of morbidity but of reality and hope in the resurrection of the body. [... more]

Pat Boone, a Christian music icon, takes a surprising turn in his life by recording an album of heavy metal classics, including 'Crazy Train' and 'Enter Sandman'. He shares his story of befriending Ozzy Osbourne and Alice Cooper, and how their unlikely friendship brought them closer together despite their differences. [... more]

Men and women are often unaware of their total depravity and inability to fix their sinful nature, but the Bible teaches that those who live according to the Spirit have a new mindset, a different way of thinking, and a new destiny. This contrast is crucial, and there is no middle ground between living according to the flesh and living according to the Spirit. Those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires, and they enjoy the privileges that accompany that, including the opportunity to enjoy a vigorous faith, live in the light of a bright hope, and find increasingly in their hearts a fervent love for Christ, for His word, for His people, for His world. [... more]

Alastair Begg explores the opening verses of the Apostle Paul's letter to Titus, focusing on Paul's concern for the church in Crete, his position as a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, and his purpose of promoting the faith of God's elect through the message of salvation. [... more]

The Christian is set free from the law of sin and death through Christ Jesus, and this freedom is not just from the guilt of sin but also from its power. The Holy Spirit sets us free from the downward drag of the flesh, and we are enabled to live according to God's law and fulfill its righteous requirements. [... more]

Alastair Begg explores the concept of being free from condemnation as a Christian, despite still sinning, and how this relates to our identity in Christ. He delves into Romans chapter 8, discussing the paradox between the law and sin, and how understanding our identity in Christ can bring transformation and peace with God. [... more]

The Christian life is about using the gifts entrusted to us to share the gospel with others, and living in a way that honors God. We must avoid the pitfalls of legalism, which can lead to a focus on performance and a neglect of our relationship with Christ. Instead, we should rest in Christ and trust in his work for us, allowing our lives to be transformed by his love and power. [... more]

Jesus' parable of the ten minas teaches that believers must invest the gospel message and use their talents to serve others, lest they be numbered among the rebels or wicked servants. The parable emphasizes the importance of good works as evidence of a genuine faith, and warns against the dangers of rebellion and passivity. [... more]

Alastair Begg walks listeners through Jesus' parable of the nobleman and the ten servants, exploring the significance of life, faithfulness, and unfaithfulness in the context of waiting for the kingdom of God. He emphasizes the importance of living with significance, fulfilling one's task, and making proper application of biblical teachings in light of the controls around us. [... more]

The apostle Paul's letter to Titus emphasizes the importance of faithfully proclaiming God's Word and practicing what one preaches, especially in a culture marked by moral and doctrinal confusion. Paul encourages Titus to establish congregations in Crete by teaching sound doctrine and modeling good works, and to remind believers to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, and to be ready for every good work. [... more]

A man named Zacchaeus, a tax collector, yearned for companionship with Jesus, and through a dramatic encounter, he found forgiveness, purpose, and significance in his life, discovering that Jesus was seeking him all along. [... more]

Alastair Begg examines a story about a man who was desperate to see Jesus, as recorded in Luke's Gospel. The story of Zacchaeus, a tax collector who climbed a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus, is used to illustrate the theme of seeking and finding Jesus, and the importance of companionship and faith in our lives. [... more]

Investors are piling into gold and silver as concerns about currency debasement and inflation grow. Central banks have been buying gold aggressively, and individual investors are now joining the trade. Gold has set new all-time highs in both dollar terms and inflation-adjusted terms, while silver is knocking on the door of its 1980 peak. Experts recommend a core position in physical metals, supplemented by ETFs, and caution against over-investing in mining stocks. [... more]

Jesus teaches his disciples that his suffering and death were not unfortunate circumstances, but rather the fulfillment of prophecy and the plan of redemption. A blind beggar's faith and awareness of his need lead him to Jesus, who heals him and shows that faith is the means by which we receive the cure, not the cause of it. [... more]