A former US Senator is facing a lawsuit in North Carolina over allegations of alienating a married man's affections, while the University of North Carolina System President implements a new policy requiring instructors to post course descriptions and syllabi online to increase transparency. Meanwhile, a state audit reveals $1.04 billion in lapsed salaries across North Carolina, and the FBI captures a fugitive accused of murdering a Charlotte woman in 2016. [... more]

Jesus teaches that our understanding of God the Father determines our practice of prayer, and that righteous prayer is rooted in the knowledge of God as our Father. He commends to us a pattern of righteous prayer that focuses on the honor of God the Father, and explains that our thoughts about God are crucial in determining how we live the Christian life. [... more]

Learning to linger in God's presence is a key aspect of prayer, allowing us to experience a deeper connection with Him and receive His blessings. This concept is rooted in the idea of loving and being loved, much like human relationships. By letting go of agendas and spending time with God, we can cultivate a deeper understanding of His goodness and receive the gifts He desires to give us. [... more]

Jesus teaches that righteous prayer is rooted in childlike trust and reverence, addressing God as our Father in heaven, and coming to Him with confidence and awe. He emphasizes that prayer is not a mechanical technique or formula, but an expression of gospel-based faith, and that knowing God as Father is the key to understanding Christianity. [... more]

Jesus teaches that true righteous prayer stems from the grace of God in the gospel, and that it is rooted in sonship and a relationship with the Heavenly Father. He contrasts this with the hypocritical, pompous, and purposeless prayers of the scribes and Pharisees, which are based on a misunderstanding of how God the Father expects to be approached. Jesus gives us the model of righteous prayer in the Lord's Prayer, which is a divine, gospel-centered, and wisdom-guided pattern for prayer that is rooted in the gospel of grace and intended to guide believers in their life of faith. [... more]

Submission, humility, trust, self-control, vigilant defense, hope, worship, faithfulness, and affection are essential attitudes in the spiritual battle against Satan's attacks. By living with these attitudes, Christians can resist the devil and stand firm in their faith, knowing that God's purpose in their lives involves some pain in the present but will ultimately lead to eternal glory. [... more]

A family's extraordinary story of love, acceptance, and resilience in the face of a child's severe disabilities, and how their experiences have shaped their lives and relationships. [... 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 host discusses the importance of religious liberty and the dangers of evolution, uncleanness, and a reprobate mind. He also touches on the topic of family values and the need for a strong moral foundation in society. [... more]

Loving God supremely involves the mind, and Christians are commanded to cast off every weight and sin that besets them. The Bible says to love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself. However, many Christians struggle to love God with all their heart, and instead, they love other things more. To overcome this, one must honor Christ, believe in Jesus as their Savior, and receive His gift of eternal life. Additionally, one must be willing to ask God to take away the idols in their life and to submit to Him, so that they can love Him more and paint Him better. [... more]

Believers are commanded to love God supremely, casting off every weight and sin that besets them. Then they can run life's race at top speed, knowing that the goal line will bring them face to face with the God they love. [... more]

The church was never meant to be an impersonal institution, but a family where people can find belonging and genuine relationships. In Romans chapter 16, Paul emphasizes the importance of authentic affection, love, and acceptance, and how these qualities can help break down barriers and create a sense of community. [... more]

The story of Mary's lavish worship of Jesus with expensive perfume is contrasted with the superficial exposure of the Pharisees and Judas, highlighting the signs of a true encounter with Jesus' glory: the stirring of our affections, the shattering of our idols, and the satisfying of our souls. [... more]

Paul's letter to the Corinthians highlights the dangers of false expectations and misplaced affections, warning them not to receive God's grace in vain. He emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's timing and means of salvation, rather than relying on human expectations and idols. [... more]

David's confidence in God's love equips him for life's circumstances, and we can live in the same way, swimming in the pool of God's love, despite our struggles and doubts. The Bible teaches us that God's love is not based on our performance, but on His character and actions, and we can trust in His goodness and sovereignty. [... more]

The Bible warns believers to mortify their fleshly members by avoiding fornication, uncleanness, and other forms of sinful behavior. These actions will bring God's wrath and judgment upon those who refuse to repent. The consequences of such behavior are severe, and those who participate in it are worthy of death. The Bible teaches that a rebellious heart and a desire for pleasure can lead to a life of disobedience. Believers must be aware of these dangers and strive to live a life of faith and obedience to God's commands. [... more]

The Bible emphasizes focusing on heavenly matters rather than earthly circumstances, as seen in Colossians 3:2, where the Greek word Froneo highlights the importance of directing one's reactions to eternal things, not worldly ones. [... more]

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood firm in their faith despite facing a fiery furnace, demonstrating the importance of perseverance and endurance in the face of adversity. Jesus' presence and power were evident in their lives, and His promise to never leave or forsake us is a reminder that we are not alone in our trials. The Bible teaches us to keep ourselves from idols and to worship God alone, and to persevere in our faith despite the challenges we face. [... more]

In the midst of a sinful city, a church was formed with redeemed, liberated, and forgiven sinners who had come to faith in Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul wrote to them about the importance of true love, which is described as selfless, committed, and willful love that places value on the beloved, regardless of their worthiness. This type of love is the foundation of the gospel and is essential for living a holy life for Christ. [... more]

Women fear abandonment and men fear futility, leading to hurtful comments and devastating arguments in marriage. Learning to communicate effectively and guard one's words can build trust and strengthen relationships. [... more]

Marriage is an institution created by God, designed to provide spiritual, emotional, and physical intimacy. Cohabitation, on the other hand, has been shown to have negative effects on relationships and society. Research has found that cohabitants tend to be less committed and more focused on personal autonomy, leading to a higher likelihood of break-up. The consequences of cohabitation can be devastating, especially for women. In contrast, marriage is the glue that holds society and culture together, providing a foundation for families and communities. [... more]

When struggling with sin, temptation, or weakness, God's faithfulness can be a source of comfort and strength. He promises to forgive and cleanse us of all unrighteousness, and to help us in our times of need. By confessing our sins, bringing our problems to Him, and placing our hope in Him, we can experience true life and growth in our relationship with God. [... more]

God's faithfulness is a steadfast and affectionate attribute that holds us up inside, providing satisfaction and optimism when we experience it, but anxiety and despair when it fails. This faithfulness is revealed through creation, people, and God's character, and is demonstrated in our lives when we face weakness and struggle, but can choose to trust in God's promise to sustain us and meet us in our vulnerability. [... more]

Chip explores the concept of God's love, discussing how it's a universal need, and how self-rejection can prevent people from experiencing it. He defines agape love as a holy disposition that compels God to express unconditional affection and selective correction, and explains how God's love is not based on human performance, but rather on His character. [... more]

Regeneration is eternal in reality and experience. True believers exhibit holy affections, such as a longing for fellowship with God and Christ, sensitivity to sin, obedience to God's word, rejection of the world, and eagerly waiting for Christ's coming. These affections are evidence of a regenerate life, and their presence indicates true salvation. [... more]

God calls us to love him, and we can do that by beholding his beauty and being captivated by his greatness. He is the God of gods, the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome. He is our protector, our sustainer, and our creator, and he defines our purpose and determines our success. [... more]

Developing healthy habits and listening skills can strengthen a marriage, while criticism and a lack of self-control can lead to unhappiness. Couples can build a strong relationship by planning and prioritizing time together, and by being intentional about how they communicate and interact with each other. [... more]

God desires a personal relationship with His people, calling them to love and serve Him with all their heart, soul, and mind. He reveals Himself as a merciful, gracious, and loving God, who wants to captivate His people's affections and attitudes, leading to a life of obedience and joy. [... more]

The love of God is a powerful and healing force that can calm anxious thoughts and bring peace to our hearts. According to Zephaniah, God sings with loud rejoicing and quiet, and his song is shaping us, comforting us, and giving us joy. We are healed by the songs of God, and his love is a felt love, an affectionate love, a real love that has healing, power, and joy in it. [... more]

Dr. Randy Schrader shares practical skills and tools to build a strong, satisfying relationship, including daily habits such as saying 'I love you' every day, avoiding the 'Cs' of correcting, criticizing, complaining, and condemning, and having quiet connects to reconnect emotionally with your spouse. [... more]

When God sees us, he feels overjoyed and delighted, and his love is like a song that comforts and heals us. This love is the heart's harmonious response to the Lord's song of love, and it's a powerful force that can quiet our fears and anxieties, bringing us peace and calm in a chaotic world. [... more]

Couples can have a strong, satisfying relationship by developing daily habits such as saying 'I love you' every day, avoiding the 'C's' (correcting, criticizing, complaining, condemning), and reconnecting emotionally within the first 20 minutes of being home together. Practicing gratitude, complimenting each other, and avoiding sarcasm and mind reading can also help to build a happy marriage. [... more]

Jonathan Edwards saw that glorifying God and enjoying God are not at odds with each other, and he believed that the chief end of human life is to glorify and enjoy God forever. He expressed this idea in his writings and sermons, and it became a central theme throughout his life and work. [... more]

Growing in our love of God is the point of life, and particularly the Christian life, is to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. This is the point, and that's our topic today. We need to remind ourselves of who God is and what He has done for us if you're a believer. Then once you're a believer, we're called to draw near to him every day. James 4:8, draw near to God and he will draw nearer to you. Spend time communicating with Him. You hear from him through reading his word, meditating on his word, hearing it preached, and then you communicate back to him through prayer. It takes effort to cultivate a close relationship, it doesn't just happen. Love can grow cold if Neglected. Another thing is to fellowship with other believers who love God, especially within the context of the local church. And if you're a Christian, we need to remind ourselves that the purpose of reading the word and hearing it preached and fellowshipping with other believers is ultimately to love God more and more. [... more]

God's promise to supply all your needs according to his riches and glory in Christ Jesus is a principle that applies to every area of your life, not just finances. By giving generously and cheerfully, you will experience a supernatural harvest of blessings, including emotional, relational, and financial abundance. [... more]

Understanding temperaments, specifically the yellow temperament, can help individuals make informed financial decisions that align with their values and personality. By recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of the yellow temperament, individuals can develop strategies for effective financial management, such as using flexible planning tools and framing financial wins in terms of freedom and short-term wins. This approach can help individuals like Rob West, a certified kingdom advisor, navigate financial conversations with ease and make decisions that honor God with their finances. [... more]

Learning to live contentment means understanding that God's provision is available when we prioritize faith, generosity, and obedience. The law of the harvest teaches us that giving leads to receiving, and trusting God's promises is key to experiencing peace and contentment in life. [... more]

The pursuit of wealth can lead to empty pursuits, but a personal relationship with God brings lasting contentment. Jesus' parable of the sower reveals the deceitfulness of riches and the importance of cultivating good soil in our hearts. By prioritizing generosity, checking our emotional temperature, and rethinking our financial goals, we can break free from the lie of wealth and trust in God's promises. [... more]

Talking to God not only from the heart but also with your heart is a crucial aspect of praying with affection. Dr. James Banks shares insights on how to cultivate a deeper relationship with God through adoration, which involves expressing love and affection for Him without condition. [... more]

Men are encouraged to step up and be intentional fathers, leaving a lasting legacy that honors God. Jonathan Lewis shares his personal story and the mission of Fathers for Fathers, emphasizing the importance of faith, financial stewardship, and biblical wisdom in shaping generations. [... more]