The kingdom of God is a gift that God the Father in love is giving to rebellious, undeserving subjects through the sending of his gift, his Son. Entrance into the kingdom of God is a miracle of resurrection, made possible by the power of God who raises the dead to life and speaks them back into existence. The kingdom of God comes as the Holy Spirit conquers hearts by means of word and sacrament, and it spreads throughout the whole world in these last days through the proclamation of the gospel. When we pray, 'Your kingdom come,' we are praying for the success of the worldwide spread of the gospel of the kingdom, the consummation of the Father's kingdom, and the establishment of his rule and reign and blessing in its fullness. [... more]

Seeking wise counsel is essential for making informed financial decisions, especially when it comes to navigating complex financial situations. By prioritizing godly counsel and biblical wisdom, individuals can make decisions that align with their values and goals, leading to greater peace of mind and financial stability. [... more]

Esau's story is a shocking and heartbreaking tale of family dynamics gone awry, where the older son's resentment and instant gratification lead to a life of struggle and deception, while his brother Jacob's cunning and manipulation ultimately secure the blessing and birthright. [... more]

Generosity flows from a place of grace, not guilt or fear, and is an overflow of the gospel. Christians give because God has already been generous with them, and generosity is an act of trust in God's provision. A biblical perspective on money and wealth can impact our day-to-day lives, and faithful stewardship involves managing money, time, and resources in a way that honors God. [... more]

Faith is not just mental assent, but a response to God's revelation, resulting in obedience and action. It's intensified by resistance and inspired by the reward it anticipates. God has spoken about stewardship, and His plan is to bless those who honor Him. [... more]

God's promise of the serpent crusher in Genesis 3:15 is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the last Adam, who brings about a restored and glorious kingdom where God's people can enjoy an intimate relationship with Him in His presence without fear, but total joy and blessing. [... more]

Jesus teaches us to pray with intimacy and reverence, honoring God's name by our theology and practice, and seeking to glorify Him throughout the whole earth. Our relationship with God is becoming God-centered, restraining from sinning out of love and honor for the Father, not out of fear or selfish reward. We are joining in the call to worship, praying for the day when our Father's name will be hallowed in all the earth, and the gospel will be fully realized. [... more]

The Christian life requires discipline and meditation to achieve spiritual maturity and transformation. By focusing on the mind and its power, individuals can develop a deeper connection with God and live a more prosperous life. [... more]

Joseph's unwavering faith and integrity in the face of relentless trials and unjust suffering serve as a powerful example of God's providence and unconditional favor. As we navigate life's challenges, we must understand that God's goodness and love are not limited to our immediate circumstances, but are instead a fundamental aspect of His nature, working all things out in conformity with His purpose and will. [... 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]

A trip to Israel reveals the horrors of war and the importance of love and blessing, as Robbie shares eyewitness stories and videos of the conflict, and discusses the role of Christians in promoting peace and understanding between nations. [... more]

Faith is born out of a promise from the father, and it grows as we are in relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. According to the word of God, faith is a growing and relational thing. God likes us to ask big, and he has given us the infinite gift of salvation, so we can count on him to give us other things. Pastor Alan Wright teaches about the power of blessing our lives and discovering God's grace-filled vision for our lives. [... more]

God has an incentive program for those who recognize His ownership and become kingdom stewards. As managers under His ownership, believers can experience divine guidance, emotional stability, a reversal of fortune, and ultimately, co-reigning with Christ. By giving up ownership and prioritizing God's rule, individuals can receive these benefits and live a life of purpose and meaning. [... more]

Nehemiah's story teaches us to be honest about our fears and shame, and to ask big things of God, trusting in His favor and abundant life. By recognizing our limitations and qualifications as children of God, we can overcome false humility and disqualifying ourselves, and instead, boldly ask for God's help and guidance. [... 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]

God has an incentive program for those who approach Him as stewards, not owners, where He rewards their faithfulness with answered prayers, met needs, divine supernatural guidance, and more, but only when they prioritize the spiritual and manage His resources His way. [... more]

In the midst of trials and daily routines, it's possible to find fulfillment and prosper despite circumstances. Joseph's story in Genesis 39 shows how he made the most of his situation, trusting in God's sovereignty and finding blessings in disguise. [... more]

The Bible's narrative is about unmerited favor, where God shows preference to individuals and nations, often in unexpected ways, revealing a gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ, who took our curse and gave us his blessing, making us the favored of the Lord. [... more]

Praying for favor is a powerful way to eliminate entitlement mentalities, cultivate gratitude, and develop humility. By asking God for favor, we can tap into His unmerited love and receive blessings we don't deserve. This theme of favor runs throughout the Bible, from Nehemiah's request to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem to Joseph's experience of being favored by God. By praying for favor, we can open doors that no amount of human skill or initiative could, and experience the abundant life that comes from living under God's favor. [... 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 church is experiencing marginalization and persecution worldwide, and believers are struggling to find their place in a culture that no longer pretends to believe what they believe. Peter's letter to the scattered believers in 1 Peter reminds them that they have been chosen by God, and this truth is a source of encouragement and hope in the midst of suffering. [... 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]

As we begin a new year, many people make resolutions, but often struggle to keep them. Greg Laurie explores the concept of temptation and resisting sin, drawing from the story of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. He emphasizes the importance of knowing and following God's will, and using the Bible as a guide in spiritual warfare. By trusting in God and His word, we can overcome temptation and live a life that honors Him. [... more]

North Carolina's state auditor released a report revealing over 11% of the state workforce is vacant, with more than 14,000 positions unfilled, resulting in over $1 billion in lapsed salaries. The report also found that some state agencies intentionally keep positions vacant to generate lapsed salaries. Meanwhile, a North Carolina Supreme Court justice announced a breast cancer diagnosis but plans to remain in the 2026 judicial race. In other news, the state's Christmas tree industry had a strong season despite the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene in 2024. [... more]

Making room for God requires dealing with the idols in our lives, understanding and believing God's goodness, and taking specific steps of repentance and surrender. This involves getting rid of competitors, submitting to God, resisting the devil, drawing near to God, washing our hands and purifying our hearts, grieving and mourning, and humbling ourselves under God's mighty hand. By doing so, we can experience breakthrough and have God's favor and hand poured forth in our lives. [... 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]

Modeling faith and generosity around money is crucial for discipling children and shaping their financial foundation. Parents can use everyday money decisions as opportunities for teaching and discipleship, focusing on heart posture and values rather than just financial skills. [... more]

God sovereignly works in the world, orchestrating events to bring about breakthroughs in individuals, communities, and nations. Breakthroughs involve making room for God's power to work, which requires spiritual growth, personal transformation, and dependence on God. [... more]

Financial decisions are spiritual decisions, and the story of Jonah illustrates this truth. Jonah's actions show that money and motives move in the same direction, revealing the spiritual dimension of spending. When our hearts move off course, our spending decisions will financially do the same, and poor stewardship can have ripple effects on others. Genuine repentance can redirect spending away from what harms and toward what honors God, and faithful follow-through looks like having a budget and sticking to it, keeping commitments to generosity, and giving as a form of worship. [... more]

A renewed mind means getting rid of excuses and dealing with past offenses to move forward in life and fulfill one's destiny, as exemplified by the story of Jacob, who was tricked and deceived but ultimately blessed by God. [... more]

God's creation is not ours to own, but rather to manage and care for as His stewards. He wants us to unlock the potential of what He has given us, and to live in a relationship with Him to experience His blessing and favor. [... more]

Money touches nearly every part of our life, revealing what we trust, desire, and worship. God cares deeply about the state of our hearts and invites us to experience freedom from fear, comparison, and striving. By becoming a steward of God's resources, we can manage our finances with gratitude, humility, and freedom, making every spending choice an act of worship. [... 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]

Joel Wegener, a father of two children with Down syndrome, shares his story of facing unexpected challenges and finding purpose in running an ice cream truck with his kids. Through his journey, he spreads hope and courage to families with special needs kids, demonstrating the power of unconditional love and 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]

Many of the blessings of God are released into our lives only through persistent, unrelenting prayer. Jacob's story in Genesis 32 teaches us that God wants us to pin him, so to speak, and that our belief in his goodness is measured by how long we will persist in prayer when the answer does not come. [... more]

The Christian acknowledges that God's blessings far outweigh his burdens, and that even trials can become a blessing if taken as a gift from God for spiritual benefit. God loads us with benefits, including life, breath, and eternal life through faith in Christ. The indwelling presence of His Spirit, the guidance of His Word, and the daily provision of needs are all part of God's blessings. [... 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]

Chip Ingram explains why God blesses generous people and how giving to kingdom work unleashes something far more valuable than a bigger bank account. He shares four airtight facts about generosity and its impact on emotional happiness, spiritual holiness, and material prosperity. [... more]