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]

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]

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]

Rob West discusses six financial choices that can help individuals steward their resources wisely, including choosing to spend with a plan, choosing the right car for their budget, and preparing for the unexpected. He also answers listener questions on topics such as reverse mortgages, charitable donations from IRAs, and finding a certified kingdom advisor. [... more]

Islam is often perceived as a religion of peace, but some argue it is a political ideology of domination. Christians and Muslims worship different gods, with Allah being an idol of man's imagination, while the Christian God is Yahweh. Islam teaches salvation through submission to Allah and adherence to the five pillars, whereas Christianity emphasizes faith and the gift of God. Muslims view non-believers as second-class citizens, deserving of vitriol and outrage, and the world is divided between those who submit to Allah and the kafir. [... more]

Paul's transformation after being physically blind for three days is a powerful example of spiritual transformation. He received a heavenly vision that opened his eyes to the truth of God's word and the Messiah. However, many people are spiritually blind, walking in the vanity of their mind, and alienated from God due to the ignorance and blindness of their heart. This condition is described as a heart callus that prevents the word of God from penetrating. The solution is to seek a change of heart and to walk in the light of God's truth. [... more]

A wise woman builds her home with her walk, words, work, witness, and wisdom, while a foolish woman tears it down with her foolishness, neglect, negativity, and selfishness. Building a home requires effort, commitment, and character, but it leads to a reward, while foolishness leads to regret. [... more]

Peter's denial of Christ is one of the saddest episodes in Scripture, but it provides a great lesson for recognizing genuine repentance. Peter's story shows how foolish confidence and self-protective instincts can lead to failing cowardice, even for a believer who has spent three years walking with the Lord. Jesus' warnings to Peter and the other disciples about the dangers of self-confidence and the importance of prayer and faith are crucial lessons for all believers. [... more]

In this episode Greg defines the terms wise and foolish as they are used in the Parable of The Ten Bridesmaids He also explains what the extra oil is and is not and how we obtain it He furthermore explains why Jesus' warning that only they that were ready went to the great marriage supper while the others were left behind is a very accurate and binding statement Jesus said what He meant and meant what He said And if in this text He did not mean what He said which is preposterous what other vital New Testament facts and [... 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]

In this episode Greg explores other New Testament texts besides the Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids Matthew - in which Jesus used the wise foolish motif to describe not non-believers but Christians He also offers two likely reasons why Jesus used bridesmaids to describe His church rather than one bride After listening to this episode you will be convinced that this parable is addressed to born-again Christians and it is high time we recognize this and begin earnestly preparing for the Bridegroom's Appearing [... more]

Samuel A godly wife a foolish husband and a rash soldier overlap in a fascinating story found in Samuel Follow along as Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores the story of Abigail and Nabal as they meet the future king David Which character or part of the passage will resonate with you Resolve to act with wisdom and discernment every day See other's needs and determine to meet them with sensitivity and grace Then trust God's perfect timing [... more]

David's life is a powerful example of how to handle the fool, as he navigates the challenges of living with those who make foolish decisions. The Bible teaches that foolishness is bound up in our hearts, but with trust in the Lord, we can minimize the damage and seek His guidance. Godly examples, such as Samuel's life, can inspire us to follow His ways, but even in the presence of great examples, fools will arise. David's encounter with Nabal, a wealthy but foolish man, teaches us about the importance of a thankful heart and the dangers of unthankfulness. [... more]

Abigail, the wife of Nabal, intervenes on her husband's behalf when David and his men come seeking remuneration for their services, preventing a violent retaliation that could have led to devastating consequences. [... more]

Living with margin is essential for wise stewardship, creating space for rest, faith, and generosity. It's a spiritual discipline that involves creating room for God's provision, pace, and purposes in life, and it changes the way you give, think, and live. [... more]

A listener in Idaho discusses their rental properties, credit card debt, and lack of emergency fund with host Rob West, who offers guidance on prioritizing financial decisions, managing debt, and building a stronger financial foundation for retirement. [... 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]

The Nazi rise to power in Weimar Germany serves as a cautionary tale for the United States, where inflation has been steadily building since the Biden administration's quantitative easing and open border immigration policy. Like their counterparts in Weimar, Germany, many young people today face a prospect of lower living standards and have been radicalized by a critical theory narrative of oppression, leading some to flirt with Marxism, white nationalism, and conspiracy theories. [... more]

Preparing for inevitable expenses with sinking funds is a key aspect of financial planning, as seen in biblical examples such as Joseph's grain storage and the ant's diligence. Setting aside resources gradually for future expenses provides peace of mind and freedom from debt, while also demonstrating trust in God's provision. Effective retirement planning involves considering expenses that are irregular but inevitable, such as car repairs and medical costs, and breaking them down into manageable pieces through sinking funds. [... more]

The roots of pride are the failure to recognize that everything is a gift from God and the foolish assumption that it will last forever. Pride's fruits include competitiveness, ingratitude, entitlement, overconfidence, self-will, and stinginess. However, pride's cure is suffering and failure, which can lead to repentance and humility. The story of Nebuchadnezzar, a pagan king, serves as a powerful example of how God can humble the proud and bring them to repentance. [... more]