Paul's teachings on Romans chapter 6 emphasize that true freedom is not autonomy, but rather slavery to the right master, Jesus Christ. He explains that everyone is a slave to either sin or righteousness, and that the key to freedom is a change of heart, obeying God out of love, and presenting oneself as a slave to righteousness, resulting in sanctification and eternal life. [... more]

Madam C.J. Walker, a former washerwoman, built a business empire in the early 20th century by creating and marketing hair care products for African American women. Her rags-to-riches story is a testament to her hard work, determination, and innovative marketing strategies. With a focus on empowering women and promoting financial independence, Walker became one of the wealthiest American businesswomen of her time, paving the way for future generations of entrepreneurs. [... more]

Phyllis Wheatley, a young African American slave, was brought to America in 1761 and eventually became the first published African American poet, surprising her owners with her literacy and writing skills, and later gaining recognition and freedom in England. [... more]

The struggle with lust is a pervasive issue in society, but Christians have the power to overcome it through repentance, a deeper relationship with God, and the Holy Spirit's guidance. By focusing on God's beauty, holiness, and power, and cultivating holy habits, individuals can develop a stronger affection for God and a greater desire to live a godly life, making lust seem absurd and repulsive. [... more]

A white cloth, seemingly ordinary, holds an extraordinary story of the American Civil War, slavery, and the struggle for freedom. It was woven by an enslaved person on a plantation in South Carolina, and its history reveals the complexities of the war and the lives of those who lived through it. [... more]

James Armistead Lafayette, an enslaved African American, played a pivotal role in the American Revolution as a spy for the Continental Army, providing crucial intelligence that helped turn the tide of the Battle of Yorktown and ultimately led to the defeat of the British. Despite his bravery, James remained enslaved after the war, but his contributions were eventually recognized, and he was granted his freedom in 1787. [... 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]

Andrew Jackson's cursing parrot is a lesser-known story from his life, but it reveals a complex view of enslaved people's morality and religion. Mark Cheatham, a history professor, shares the story of how the parrot's language was perceived by the enslaved community at Jackson's funeral, and how it challenges the common narrative of enslaved people's spirituality. [... 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 story of how three slaves escaping to the Union's Fort Monroe provided the spark that led to Abraham Lincoln earning the nickname the Great Emancipator. Lincoln's public statements about the war were cautious, but the actions of General Butler and the escapees themselves ultimately changed the course of the war and the fate of slavery in the United States. [... more]

William and Ellen Kraft's incredible escape from slavery is one of the most remarkable stories in American history. Ellen, a slave with a white father, disguised herself as a white man to join her husband William on a perilous journey to freedom. They traveled through the South, using disguises and deception to evade slave catchers and reach the North. Along the way, they faced numerous challenges and obstacles, but ultimately succeeded in escaping to freedom in England. Their story is a testament to the bravery and determination of those who fought against slavery and for freedom. [... more]

Jesus Christ has declared his followers free from spiritual bondage, and it's time we received and acted upon that good news. He's the authorized representative of God, proclaiming good news about freedom, and offering it to those who accept the spiritual relationship with God. [... more]

David George, an enslaved African American, escaped from bondage in Virginia and eventually founded the first Black Baptist Church in America. He later moved to Sierra Leone, where he became a Baptist minister and helped establish a community of African Americans. Meanwhile, a new audio course explores the importance of nutrition and the gut microbiome, highlighting the impact of ultra-processed foods on our health. [... more]

A 60-year-old single retiree seeks advice on managing her annuity and diversified accounts, while a listener in Wisconsin considers investing in the stock market instead of purchasing a rental property. A couple in Florida explores the option of a reverse mortgage to supplement their retirement income, and a listener in Illinois asks about the difference between a Roth IRA and a traditional IRA. [... more]

Living in God's abundance means trusting in His provision and letting go of the scarcity mindset. It's about peace that passes understanding, joy in the midst of sorrow, and confidence that our Father knows what we need even before we ask. We can shift from anxiety to peace by renewing our minds, practicing gratitude, and embracing stewardship. It's not just about material provision, but about living generously and trusting in God's abundant care. [... more]

Thomas Smallwood, a former slave, and Charles Torrey, a white abolitionist, collaborated to help slaves escape by the wagon load, demoralizing slaveholders and undermining slavery. Their operation was revolutionary, and Smallwood's dispatches to an abolitionist newspaper may have coined the term 'Underground Railroad'. [... more]

We'll explore the idea that true freedom comes not from giving more, but from treasuring God most. We'll examine how our hearts can be enslaved to wealth, even when giving generously, and how choosing a better treasure can lead to a more fulfilling life. [... more]

Charleston, South Carolina, was the site of the first Memorial Day, where 10,000 African American freed slaves honored the Union dead who fell at the Washington Race Course prisoner of war camp. The event, which took place on May 1st, 1865, was a procession and ceremony to remember the 257 Union soldiers who died in the camp, and it marked the beginning of a day of remembrance that would become known as Memorial Day. [... more]

James Armistead Lafayette, an enslaved African American, risked his life to spy for the Continental Army during the American Revolution, providing crucial intelligence that helped turn the tide of the Battle of Yorktown and secure American independence. [... more]

The Bible declares that we are spiritually dead on account of our trespasses and our sins, and that only God is able to raise the dead. Paul explains that God has made us alive with Christ, raised us with Christ, and seated us with him in the heavenly places, where we wage war against the spiritual forces of evil. [... more]