You are a living letter bearing God's mark, carrying his peace, and extending his grace to a watching world. Your distinguishing mark is a unique gift that sets you apart, and it's essential to exercise it personally, bountifully, cheerfully, and broadly to make a meaningful impact. [... more]

Solomon, the king, explores the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and the importance of finding meaning that goes beyond physical things. He concludes that true fulfillment only comes from God, and that real purpose and contentment are found when our lives are aligned with Christ. [... more]

When life seems chaotic and God seems absent, He is always present and cares for His people. The story of Esther reminds us that God is always working for our good, even in the darkest of times, and that His hand is at the helm, guiding us through every situation. [... more]

In this episode Greg outlines the diverse spiritual fires that began spreading out into the world from Jerusalem after the amazing Christ-designed-and-executed outpouring of the Holy Spirit as tongues of fire fires of devotion of light of rapidly spreading faith and so forth Was this New Testament fire something new Or was it like previous fires manifest during the period of Law Was it strange fire Or was it the same fire that burned in the bush which Moses gazed upon and to which captivated with wonder he drew near Was it the same fire that was enveloped by the [... more]

Knowing who you are as a Christian is what keeps you going, and it's relieving to know who you're not. You are a living letter of Christ, and your actions need to reflect his character. You are a representative of the king, and your life is a manifestation of Christ's presence in the world. [... more]

The book of Psalms is a treasure that gives us language to express our emotions to God, and many Psalms point us to Christ. Psalm 127, written by Solomon, is a reflection on the blessing of God's people, emphasizing that all labors will amount to nothing if the Lord is not working for us and in us and with us. The psalm celebrates the blessing of children, the defense of the family, and the prosperity and protection of the city, ultimately pointing forward to Jesus as the true fulfillment of everything that had been pointed to and anticipated in all that had been said about the king. [... more]

Elijah's faith is tested as he faces a drought and a confrontation with false prophets on Mount Carmel. He prays for rain and sends his servant to look, but there is no sign of it. Elijah's faith persists, and he continues to send his servant seven times, believing that God's promise will be fulfilled. Finally, a little cloud appears, and Elijah tells Ahab to prepare his chariot, knowing that the rain will soon come. [... more]

The passage in Deuteronomy 10:17 is the structure of the Amidah prayer, emphasizing God's power and majesty. The concept of fear of the Lord is crucial, as it is the beginning of wisdom and requires intimacy with God's power, which is beyond human understanding. [... more]

On this episode of Our American Stories Thomas Jefferson stood at the center of the American founding writing the Declaration of Independence and later serving as the third president of the United States He believed deeply in liberty and in the promise of the country but his life was marked by contradictions that continue to shape how he is remembered including the fact that he never freed his slaves despite his lofty ideals about freedom In this talk at the Library of Congress acclaimed historian and bestselling author of Thomas Jefferson The Art of Power Jon Meacham explores Jefferson as [... more]

Defining enough is a crucial step in achieving financial contentment and living a life of purpose. Scripture reframes the question of enough, emphasizing trust, stewardship, and contentment. By setting a financial finish line and prioritizing generosity, individuals can create margin for kingdom impact and live on mission. [... more]

God's presence is always with us, even when it seems absent. Pastor Greg Laurie shares stories from the Bible, including Joseph's journey from prison to palace and Esther's bravery in the face of adversity, to illustrate God's providence and care for us. He encourages listeners to turn to Jesus Christ for eternal life and forgiveness of sin. [... more]

When we come prepared to see God for who He is, we don't leave the same person we walked in. Worship is God's antidote for hypocrisy, and it has the power to transform our lives. By encountering God in corporate worship, we can experience spiritual transformation and grow deeper in Christ. [... more]

In the face of adversity and hardship, Jesus' promise to his followers is a call to endurance and determination. Through biblical guidance, we learn to stand firm in our convictions and character, even when the world around us seems to be against us. With the strength of Christ within us, we can persevere through trials and tribulations, and ultimately, be saved. [... more]

A right relationship with Jesus breaks the chains of fear and gives confidence that goes beyond the grave. Understanding the gospel promises and moving from slaves to sons is key to facing death with hope and joy. [... more]

Hypocrisy can be overcome through worship, which allows us to see God and be progressively transformed into His likeness. Corporate worship, personal worship, and practicing the presence of God are all ways to encounter and experience God, leading to a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. [... more]

Understanding the non-negotiable factor of faith in Christ, Pastor Lutzer emphasizes that Jesus' sacrifice is enough for salvation, and that assurance comes from persuasion of the heart, confirmed by the Holy Spirit, and the life of God working itself out. [... more]

The Christian faith starts with God, continues with God, and ends with God. The ultimate purpose of God is not our happiness, but his glory. He is over all, working through all, and present in all, sustaining and pervading the church He has created. [... more]

In the face of hardship and judgment, Christian praise is not about pretending that pain doesn't exist, but about recognizing reality and anchoring oneself in God's presence, power, and pardoning nature, finding joy in the Lord as Savior and Redeemer, and trusting in His faithfulness to sustain and deliver. [... more]

The promise of the Beatitudes is that the pure in heart shall see God, face to face, and experience the beatific vision. This promise is not just about the future, but also about the present, as it encourages Christians to manifest a spirit of mercy and to be peacemakers, bringing reconciliation and true peace to bear without compromising integrity or truths. [... more]

Abram, a man of faith, leaves his home in Ur to journey to Canaan based on God's promise to make him a great nation and bless all the families of the earth. He passes through the land, building altars and calling upon the name of the Lord, trusting in God's promise of a future homeland, a heavenly city built by God Himself. [... more]

David's poem in Psalm 139 reveals God's omniscience and presence, highlighting humanity's futile attempts to hide from God. The psalmist's words are a comfort, knowing that God is everywhere, and there is no escape from His presence. This understanding is rooted in the biblical truth that God is sovereign over all, including death and the grave, as seen in the resurrection of Christ. [... more]

Defining a financial finish line is a powerful tool for establishing a solid plan for your finances and recognizing that all of God's provision belongs to Him. By setting a maximum for your spending, you can protect yourself against lifestyle creep and keep yourself aligned with God's purposes for your finances. This concept is not just for high net worth individuals, but can be applied by anyone, regardless of their financial situation. [... more]

The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ will return to earth, and God's plan is not meant to confuse us, but to inspire us. The second coming of Christ is a pivotal event in Bible prophecy, and understanding it can provide clarity and hope in uncertain times. As we examine the events leading up to the second coming, we see a pattern of God's judgment and redemption, culminating in the return of Jesus Christ. This event will be preceded by the Great Tribulation, a time of great turmoil and suffering, and the rise of the Antichrist. However, even in the midst of chaos, God is working to bring about a glorious conclusion to human history, and the second coming of Christ is the ultimate expression of His love and redemption. [... more]

A former pastor's wife shares her journey of healing after an unexpected divorce, discussing the challenges of loneliness, the importance of gratitude, and finding hope in God's presence. She also talks about her experiences as a single mom and how she navigated the difficult process of co-parenting with her ex-husband. [... more]

A Salvation Army pastor and volunteer share practical ways to make a tremendous impact in local communities through acts of kindness, listening, and prayer, highlighting the importance of being a good neighbor and engaging with those around us. [... more]

The Christian life is about living in the presence of God, under His authority, and to His honor and glory. It requires perseverance and faithfulness, pressing beyond plateaus and obstacles to seek the kingdom of God. This lifelong pursuit is the chief business of the Christian, and it involves coming under the discipline of someone more mature, seeking to please God and honor Him in all aspects of life. [... more]

The Christian life is a battle to be fought daily, relying on God's promises and obeying His precepts to achieve victory over sin and live righteously in this present evil world. [... more]

The group discusses their word of the year, with one member sharing how a horrific automobile accident led him to focus on being wholehearted and persevering. Another member shares how his word of the year, Shiloh, has taught him about God's presence, rest, and peace. They also discuss the importance of God's word and how it can bring life and guidance. [... more]

King David's response to God's all-knowing nature is one of awe and wonder, acknowledging that God's knowledge is too wonderful for him to comprehend. David's words in Psalm 139 reveal his understanding of God's comprehensive knowledge, which spans the globe and encompasses every aspect of human life, from thoughts and actions to movements and resting spots. This realization is both daunting and a source of comfort, highlighting the importance of acknowledging God's presence in our lives and recognizing our own limitations in comparison to His divine nature. [... more]

Dr. Tony Evans shares how to keep faith in focus, even in scary situations, by understanding God's presence and faithfulness. He uses the story of Jesus walking on the water to illustrate how faith can overcome fear and lead to a deeper trust in God. [... more]

Pastor Jack Hibbs teaches that waiting on the Lord is a crucial discipline for Christians, allowing them to discern and understand God's will and receive His power and guidance. He emphasizes the importance of standing in the power of God's might, trusting in His eternal word, and not relying on human strength or defense mechanisms. By learning to wait on the Lord, Christians can develop a deeper faith and trust in God, and be better equipped to face the challenges of life. [... more]

Jesus promised that Christians will face more hatred from the world in the last days, and Dr. David Jeremiah explores why this is happening and how believers should respond. He shares stories of Christians who have faced persecution, including Andrew Brunson and Kayla Mueller, and discusses the importance of standing up for one's faith and not being ashamed to identify as a Christian. [... more]

Paul reflects on Jesus' eternal and immortal nature, praising him for his permanence, purity, and presence. He emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in Jesus, even when we can't see him. Paul shares his own story of conversion and the mercy he received from God, highlighting the theme of salvation and redemption. The message concludes with a reflection on Memorial Day, encouraging listeners to remember the sacrifices made for their freedom and to trust in the eternal and invisible God. [... more]

Faith is the golden key that unlocks all of the provision and promises of God in our lives. It's not something we say, but something we live. In times of anxiety and depression, faith gives us hope and assurance of things hoped for. By faith, we realize God's presence, release God's power, and recognize God's purpose. Faith is the foundation of the Christian life, and it's not complicated - it's simple, childlike, and real. [... more]

Jesus John the Baptist and Luke Acts heavily emphasize the Baptism with the Holy Spirit It appears at the beginning of Church history Acts continues throughout Luke's record of the church's first thirty years and was valued and ministered by the apostle Paul Yet strangely many evangelical and liturgical Protestant organizations ignore or oppose the experience Greg uses scripture to establish the fact that both Father and Son promised true believers could and should receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit The artesian well Gihon or gusher of the Spirit's living water John - Or the rivers of living water [... more]

Dr. Tony Evans discusses the root cause of anxiety and worry, explaining that it stems from misplaced priorities and a lack of trust in God's provision. He shares biblical teachings on how to overcome worry and find freedom in Christ, emphasizing the importance of putting God's kingdom first and trusting in His goodness. [... more]

The Salvation Army's Words of Life podcast explores the importance of being a good neighbor and spreading hope in local communities through faith and community engagement. Guests share personal stories of building relationships and providing support to those in need, highlighting the impact of loving one's neighbors and the transformative power of faith. [... more]

As the world faces increasing natural disasters, famines, and pestilences, Jesus' prophecy in Matthew 24 reminds us that these events will become more frequent and intense as we move toward the end of history. But despite the chaos, God's protection and pardon are available to those who turn to Him in repentance and faith. [... more]

A small town in northwest Minnesota, Fertile, comes together to show support and love for a veteran, John Hovety, who lost a leg and an arm in Vietnam. The community rallies around him, organizing a parade and other events to welcome him home and celebrate his life. [... more]

Scripture calls us to anchor our hope in Christ, trusting him in both abundance and hardship, rather than measuring God's love by our circumstances. The prosperity gospel distorts biblical truth, making health and wealth a measuring stick for spiritual success. Faithful believers have walked through both abundance and hardship, and scripture shows us that faithful giving is an act of worship and thankfulness to God, not a formula to get results in our life. [... more]