The birth of Jesus Christ is set against the backdrop of Caesar Augustus's decree, which required a census of the Roman Empire. However, God is ultimately in control, orchestrating events to bring about the fulfillment of prophecy and the birth of the Messiah. The shepherds, who were considered ceremonially unclean, are chosen to be the first human evangelists, delivering the good news of Jesus' birth to others, and their example serves as a model for biblical leadership and evangelism. [... more]

Choosing contentment is a daily path that comes from a surrendered heart, cultivated through walking with Christ. It's not found in having everything, but in knowing the one who is everything. A biblical approach to financial decisions and stewardship can help individuals navigate their finances and make wise investment choices, especially in retirement. Additionally, seeking help with debt and credit counseling can provide freedom and peace of mind. [... 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]

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]

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]

The Christmas story reveals the heart of God and generosity through the lives of unlikely people, including the Magi, shepherds, Joseph, and Mary, who respond to God's love and sacrifice, demonstrating that generosity is not just about giving money, but about giving time, reputation, future, and life, and that increasing levels of generosity bring increasing levels of reward and blessing. [... 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]

God measures generosity not by the size of the gift, but by the size of the sacrifice. True generosity touches the deepest parts of who you are and what you value most, and is an act of love that cultivates intimacy with God and overflows into relationships. [... 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]

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 hosts discuss various topics including the TSA's policy on transgender officers conducting pat-downs, the controversy surrounding the Department of Transportation's spending on DEI initiatives, the Gen Z stare, Florida Man's antics, and the possibility of alien life and UFO sightings. [... more]

The message of Christmas is one of joy, as Jesus came to save us from our sins, offering forgiveness and eternal life. The angel's message to the shepherds, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people,' is a promise of salvation and joy available to everyone, regardless of background or circumstances. [... more]

The angels' understanding of Christmas is rooted in their witness to Jesus Christ's glory in heaven, his incarnation at Bethlehem, his temptation in the wilderness, his agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, his sacrifice on the cross, his resurrection from the dead, and his return for his people. The angels' response to this knowledge is to worship and adore Christ, and it is the same response that should be ours. [... more]

The Christmas story reveals that God came for everyone, not just the worthy, and that the shepherds, nobodies in their time, were invited into God's presence and given a message to share with others, a message that is still for everybody today, reminding us of the importance of worship and telling others about the gospel. [... more]

On this episode of Our American Stories why was Jesus born in a manger Why were shepherds the first to know And why did a Roman census set the stage for it all In Why the Nativity Dr David Jeremiah walks through the entire Christmas narrative to explain why each person was part of it Mary Joseph the wise men and even the animals in the stable each carry meaning beyond tradition Dr Jeremiah joins us to talk about what the nativity scene shows us when we look at it with fresh eyes and why these quiet details still speak [... more]

On the first Christmas, God came to ordinary people like you and me, revealing himself to those on the lowest rung of society, the shepherds, with the announcement of the Messiah's birth, a personal and universal message of hope and salvation. [... more]

Solomon's journal entries reflect on his search for truth and the importance of fearing God, worshiping, obeying, and preparing for the day of judgment. He warns against getting beyond the words of God and encourages believers to live a life of purpose and meaning by remembering their Creator and resolving to walk with God through life. [... more]

The birth of Jesus is announced by angels to shepherds in the fields, who are told to find the newborn savior in Bethlehem, and they spread the news, marveling at the incredible event, while Mary keeps the details to herself, pondering them in her heart. [... more]

The story of St. Nicholas, a man of selfless love and generosity, inspires reflection on the true meaning of Christmas. His life embodied the gospel message of love and generosity, and his acts of kindness pointed others to the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ. As people exchange presents and celebrate with loved ones, they're reminded that the greatest gift has already been given, and that sharing that gift with others is what truly makes this season special. [... more]

The birthplace of Jesus, Bethlehem, was a small, overlooked city that God chose for his son's birth, revealing his unpredictability and love for the lowly. Jesus' birth in Bethlehem foreshadowed his role as the bread of life, the good shepherd, and the sacrifice for humanity's sins. God's grace extends to all, regardless of their background or circumstances, and Jesus' coming to Bethlehem demonstrates his humility and desire to redeem humanity. [... more]

Maintaining a standard of excellence during the Christmas season can be challenging, especially when faced with extra services, special programs, and last-minute changes. Dr. Abadan Shah shares his insights on how to prioritize joy and excellence, rather than just going through the motions, and how to avoid burnout by focusing on the true meaning of the season. [... more]

The distinction between Islam as a political ideology of domination and Christianity as a religion of salvation is crucial in understanding the nature of the two faiths. Islam teaches that salvation is achieved through submission to Allah and adherence to the five pillars, whereas Christianity teaches that salvation is a free gift by faith alone. The concept of kafir, or unbelievers, in Islam is also explored, highlighting the hierarchical treatment of non-believers in Islamic society. The mass immigration of Muslims into Western countries has brought about significant cultural changes, posing an existential threat to the dominant culture. Christians must be aware of the threat of Islam and take an apologetic approach to sharing the gospel with Muslims, while also being shrewd and intelligent in their understanding of the ideology. [... more]

Staying focused on what God has called you to do is crucial in Christian ministry. When faced with discouragement, it's easy to jump into new ideas, but this can divert from the main thing. Dr. Abadan Shah shares his experience of being a pastor and how he learned to stay focused on the word of God and prayer, even when things got tough. [... more]

A real Christmas tree can be a meaningful way to celebrate the holiday season by decorating it with ornaments that tell the story of Jesus Christ, using the tree as a Bible study tool, and creating a festive atmosphere that honors the birth of the Savior. [... more]

The humble shepherds, first to greet the newborn Jesus, responded with contagious joy, demonstrating the natural response to Christmas. Their spontaneous joy became a message of hope and faith, as they retold the story of the Savior's birth, emphasizing the importance of obedience and the joy of God in their hearts. [... more]

Jesus teaches about the Good Shepherd, comparing himself to a shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep, and contrasts himself with thieves and robbers who only seek to harm and destroy. He explains that true followers are those who listen to his voice and follow him, and that he is one with the Father, giving eternal life to those who believe in him. [... more]

The humble shepherds of Bethlehem were chosen to receive the first announcement of Jesus' birth, a message of great joy that would be to all people. The shepherds were the least expected audience, but they received the message with fear and awe, and then responded by going to Bethlehem to see the newborn Jesus, lying in a manger. Their obedience and response to the message marked the beginning of their faith, and they retold the story of their encounter with Jesus to others, sharing the changing of their lives because of what they saw. [... more]

The story of the Prodigal Son teaches us about the importance of forgiveness and repentance, and how God's love is available to all, regardless of our past mistakes. Jesus came to seek and save those who are lost, and we are called to share this message with others, living our lives in a way that reflects God's love and compassion. [... more]

As December 25th approaches, Dr. Robert Jeffress takes time to reflect on the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ, exploring the Nativity scene and the five major characters involved, including Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the wise men, and the baby Jesus, highlighting the significance of humility, obedience, and the true meaning of Christmas. [... more]

Dr. Robert Jeffers invites listeners to slow down and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas by examining the lives of five key players in the Nativity story, including Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds, and learning eternal lessons about what it means to love and obey God. [... more]

God's promise to King Ahaz of a child born through a virgin, supernaturally conceived, bypassing the sin nature, is a core doctrine of the Christian faith, offering a perfect sacrifice for humanity's sin, and providing a relationship with God, as seen in the birth of Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us. [... more]

The Christmas story begins with the birth of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus Christ. Zacharias and Elizabeth, an elderly couple, are chosen by God to be the parents of John. Their story teaches us about the importance of faithfulness, prayer, and spiritual gifts. We learn that God can take ordinary people and do amazing things through their lives if they will dedicate themselves to Him. Ultimately, God's plan is for Jesus Christ to come into our hearts and lives, forgiving our sins and giving us the certainty of heaven. [... more]

The story of Christmas is about God's search for humanity, seeking to reconcile us to Himself through Jesus Christ. Jesus' parables, such as the lost sheep and the prodigal son, illustrate the depth of God's love and His desire to bring us back to Him. Repentance is a change in direction, turning away from sin and towards God, and it leads to a new life in Christ. As Zig Ziglar's story shows, repentance can transform a person's life, and it is the message of Christmas that God loves us and wants us to know Him. [... more]

Greg Laurie discusses the significance of Jesus' name, exploring its various facets and meanings in Isaiah 9:6. He highlights how Jesus' name is a source of wonder, a counselor, a mighty God, an everlasting Father, and a Prince of Peace, addressing different aspects of human life and needs. Laurie emphasizes the importance of having a personal relationship with God and invites listeners to ask Jesus to come into their lives. [... more]

The synoptic problem refers to the similarities and differences between the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Dr. Abadan Shah discusses the genealogy of Jesus, highlighting the differences between the genealogies in Matthew and Luke, and how they both demonstrate Jesus' royalty and legitimacy. He also explores the concept of adoption and how it relates to Jesus' birth and our own relationship with God. [... more]

Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, lays down his life for his sheep, securing their eternal life and guaranteeing their safe passage into the heavenly fold. He finds, leads, feeds, and carries the sheep, ultimately giving his life for their sins. With his divine love, Jesus Christ saves us from our fallen nature and secures our place in the Father's hands, making us eternally secure and free from destruction. [... more]

A Somali terror group al-Shabab is reportedly 'taking a cut' of millions in stolen Minnesota taxpayer money from a welfare fraud scheme Zohran Mamdani heads to The White House to meet with President Trump Randi Weingarten says opposing DEI gets you on the road to Fascism Rep Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick who was just indicted for allegedly stealing M in FEMA funds suggests she is being targeted because she is black The first-ever Miss Palestine in this year's Miss Universe pageant has a connection to a convicted terrorist leader The queer hookup app Grindr debuted a knitwear collection created with wool culled [... more]

We are like sheep, helpless and prone to wander, but Jesus is the Good Shepherd who finds, leads, and feeds us. He knows our name and cares for us, giving us spiritual food and protection. Our spiritual lives depend on His protection and provision, and trusting God makes a real difference in our lives as we face difficult issues. [... more]

Pastor Jack Hibbs teaches from 1 Samuel, highlighting the contrast between Saul, the people's choice for king, and David, God's choice. He emphasizes the importance of being a shepherd, feeding and tending to God's people, and the dangers of ministry by assumption. The message is part of Pastor Jack's series on 1 Samuel, which explores the prophet Samuel's call to bring the people back to a heart of true worship. [... more]

Jesus, the ordinary man from Nazareth, was extraordinary in his mission to suffer for the sins of the world. He loved us and died for us, and his sacrifice fulfilled the righteous demands of God, purchasing our forgiveness and salvation. Understanding pain and grief, Jesus knows what it's like to weep and be abandoned by friends, but he also knows how to comfort and heal through the power of the Word of God. [... more]