David's life is marked by desperation and faithlessness, but he eventually finds trust in God's sovereignty. He is reunited with his family and surrounded by others who are desperate for God's help, and he learns to wait for God's plan to unfold. [... more]

Stephen, the church's first martyr, looks to heaven and sees the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, even as he is about to be stoned to death for his faith. He gives a powerful sermon, recounting the history of God's redemption in the Old Testament and accusing his accusers of killing the prophets and rejecting God's message. Despite their anger and hostility, Stephen remains full of the Holy Spirit and sees Jesus as his defense attorney, rising in his defense. [... more]

The pursuit of comfort often leads to false comforters, causing individuals to seek solace in external sources rather than God. This can result in a cycle of seeking justice, truth, and peace, but ultimately finding temporary relief. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding God's sense of justice, mercy, and peace, and how these concepts can bring true comfort and peace. [... more]

The COVID pandemic highlighted the need for Christians to exercise critical thinking and discernment in the face of deception and lies. Christians must be prepared to question authority and challenge false narratives, even when they come from trusted sources. The Bible teaches that Christians are to be ready to defend their faith and to seek answers, rather than simply asking questions. In the context of the COVID pandemic, Christians were faced with conflicting information and conflicting narratives, and they must be equipped to navigate these complexities and to make informed decisions. The Bible teaches that Christians are to be discerning and to test all things, and that they are to be guided by the truth of Scripture. [... more]

Pastor Greg Laurie discusses the dangers of hypocrisy and the importance of living an honest life, highlighting the story of Ananias and Sapphira who lied to the Holy Spirit and faced severe consequences. He also explores the concept of resisting, insulting, and blaspheming the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the need to respond to the work of the Holy Spirit and follow Jesus. [... more]

The Bible teaches that faith and prayer can lead to miracles and healing, and that believers have the power and authority to cast out devils, speak in new tongues, and lay hands on the sick. Those who believe and exercise their faith can experience the power of the Holy Spirit and see God's love and redemption in their lives. [... more]

Jesus modeled righteous anger for us, and it's okay to be angry without being in sin. However, we must learn to operate by being true to how we feel, and not let our emotions lead us into sin. We also need to give people permission to be imperfect and learn to exhale, letting go of our burdens and trusting God to supply us with the strength we need. [... more]

God's righteous judgment is that all people are unrighteous, but He had a plan to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins through the redemption in Christ Jesus, making Him our substitute and Saviour, and now our loving Saviour has become our righteous judge. [... more]

Living an authentic Christian life requires balance and emotional intelligence. Jesus modeled a life of balance, cultivating a support system, reconciling relationships, establishing boundaries, and expressing emotions. By learning to exhale and express emotions, individuals can avoid suffering in silence and develop healthier relationships. A balanced life is not just about spiritual development, but also about nurturing one's soul and managing emotions in a way that glorifies God and benefits those around us. [... more]

Abigail, a virtuous woman, shines despite her harsh and evil husband Nabal. The contrast between Abigail's beauty and understanding and Nabal's wickedness is intentional, highlighting the Holy Spirit's emphasis on virtue. David, who is seeking a gift from Nabal, is insulted and provoked, leading to a potential confrontation. Meanwhile, Abigail uses her wisdom and reason to prevent a violent outcome, demonstrating her peacemaking nature and earning her a place among the Bible's most notable peacemakers. [... more]

Jesus Christ came to earth to teach, and his teaching had a profound impact on those who heard him. He spoke with authority, drawing people in and causing the Bible to come to life. His message was one of obedience, and he taught that the Bible is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. [... more]

John Brown, a radical abolitionist, dedicated his life to ending slavery, believing it was a war against an entire race of people. He witnessed a slave being beaten and vowed to dedicate his life to abolitionism, becoming a farmer, tanner, and leader in the Underground Railroad. Brown's actions, including his raid on Harpers Ferry, were driven by his faith and conviction that slavery must be abolished, ultimately leading to his execution but inspiring a nation to fight for freedom and equality. [... more]

If you're feeling disconnected from your walk with Christ, Pastor Greg Laurie shares key characteristics of those who have been with Jesus, including boldness in witness, a love for scripture, and persecution. He also emphasizes the importance of prayer and a relationship with God, encouraging listeners to pray for boldness in their faith and to seek a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. [... more]

Jesus teaches us to establish appropriate boundaries, reconcile relationships, and let go of unresolved issues. He shows us that forgiveness is not about forgetting, but about releasing the past and moving forward. By following Jesus' example, we can live a life of holiness and humanity, pleasing God in every area of our lives. [... more]

Being a Christian isn't just about imitation, it's about impartation, where Christ lives in you and the Holy Spirit enables you to live the life God has called you to live. When you spend time with the Lord, people will notice it'll show on the outside, and you'll be able to boldly share your faith, know scripture, and live a life that reflects Jesus. [... more]

Living an authentic Christian life means cultivating right relationships with people, just as Jesus modeled for us. This requires reconciliation, forgiveness, and unconditional love, as demonstrated by Jesus' interactions with his disciples and others. By following Jesus' example, we can learn to balance our spiritual and earthly lives, treating others with kindness and respect, even in challenging situations. [... more]

Dave and Ashley Willis discuss how to maintain peace in the home despite chaos and uncertainty, emphasizing the importance of God's presence and the Holy Spirit's guidance. They share personal anecdotes and biblical examples to illustrate the concept of shalom, or peace, and how it can be experienced in everyday life. The couple encourages listeners to surrender to God's authority and to focus on the good in their spouse and children, rather than dwelling on negative aspects. [... more]

When dealing with detractors and disappointers, it's essential to understand that they're uniquely human, with weaknesses and flaws. To live a balanced life and do God's will, one must learn to love and forgive them, even if they don't acknowledge their harm. By giving them over to God and seeking reconciliation, we can break free from bitterness and unforgiveness, allowing us to move forward and please God. [... more]

Jesus' message of holy house cleaning and righteous indignation against false worship and made-for-money messages being preached today under the pretense of prosperity is echoed by Sharon Knott, who calls for true sons and daughters of God to rise up and throw out the false, establishing the truth. [... more]

God loves to give gifts, and He has specific gifts just for you, called the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Every Christian needs to be filled, refilled, and filled again with the Holy Spirit all the time. The gifts of the Spirit are not toys to play with, but tools to build with and weapons to fight with. We want to find out what those gifts are that God has given to us so we can start using them. [... more]

Jesus' first miracle at a wedding and his cleansing of the temple, demonstrating his righteous indignation and zeal for true worship, and calling for the true sons and daughters of God to rise up and establish the truth. [... more]

Jesus is our example for living a balanced Christian life, where we cultivate a support system to serve others and receive what we need to continue giving. This includes identifying people and activities that drain and fill us, and prioritizing relationships that strengthen us. [... more]

Jesus Christ's humanity is a key aspect of his nature, as he took on human flesh to live among us and show us God's works. He resisted temptation, trusted in the Father, and loved unconditionally, setting an example for us to follow by the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus' death on the cross took our judgment, meeting the requirements of the law and wiping out the handwriting of requirements against us. [... more]

Jesus, the Son of God, knew the importance of having a social support system to fulfill his purpose and live a balanced life. He had various categories of people in his life, including the masses, the 70, and his closest friends, who were his fillers and helped him recharge. Understanding the concept of fillers versus drainers is crucial for Christians to maintain their spiritual growth and avoid burnout. [... more]

God's omnipresence is a double-sided reality, where he is fully present in all places at all times, yet manifests himself differently in various contexts, such as heaven, earth, and hell. This attribute is often misunderstood, leading to fears of judgment or a lack of understanding of God's love and presence. [... more]

Sharing the gospel and preaching the word is a crucial part of a Christian's life, and it can happen in unexpected moments, such as a conversation with a stranger or a chance encounter with someone who needs to hear the good news. The Holy Spirit can empower believers to share the gospel and use Scripture to guide them in their conversations. [... more]

Jesus' life serves as an example for living a balanced life that pleases God and fulfills one's divine call and purpose. A balanced life involves spiritual development, but also attending to other areas of humanity, such as relationships and personal growth. Jesus' need for a social support system and his cultivation of friendships demonstrate the importance of having people in one's life who can give and receive support. By following Jesus' example, individuals can learn to live a life that is authentic, balanced, and pleasing to God. [... more]

Pastor Greg Laurie emphasizes the importance of sharing the gospel effectively, citing the example of Peter's message on the day of Pentecost. He stresses the need to know one's audience, adapt to the situation, quote scripture, call sin sin, and ask for a decision. The Holy Spirit will do his part, but it's essential to do one's part in proclamation and sharing the truth. [... more]

Pastor Greg Laurie emphasizes the importance of unity in sharing the gospel, citing the example of the early church on the day of Pentecost, where 3,000 people believed after Simon Peter's sermon. He explains the role of the Holy Spirit in bringing people to Jesus, sealing them, and teaching them, and encourages listeners to be filled with the Spirit and to focus on the primary message of God's kingdom. [... more]

The prophetic visions in the book of Daniel point forward to future events in history, ultimately leading to Christ's return. The 70 weeks decreed about God's people and holy city are a crucial part of this prophecy, with some seeing its fulfillment in the coming of Christ, while others believe it foreshadows events yet to unfold. The interpretation of these verses impacts one's view of Jerusalem, the temple, and ethnic Israel, with some seeing the rebuilding of the temple and restoration of Jewish worship as a future event, while others believe Jesus is the replacement for the temple, and the real temple is in the place of reconciliation. [... more]

Paul teaches that true Christian living, particularly in the pursuit of sexual purity, is rooted in gospel holiness, which springs from love and gratitude to God. He argues that this is distinct from legal holiness, which is based on self-regarding motives and outward conformity to rules. Paul emphasizes the importance of understanding the gospel and its implications for daily life, and how this understanding leads to obedience and glorification of God. [... more]

When faced with persecution, Christians can find comfort in knowing they are blessed and honored by God. Having a clear conscience and being prepared to give a defense of their faith with meekness and fear is crucial in standing firm in their convictions. By being inwardly grounded in their faith and outwardly gentle and respectful, Christians can effectively share the gospel and bring hope to a hostile world. [... more]

God's forgiveness is not automatic, but comes to those who truly repent of their sin and turn to him for mercy. The ignorance of those who committed sin against Christ is not an excuse, but rather a call to repentance and humility. Only through humility and acknowledging our sins can we experience the erasing of our transgressions and receive God's forgiveness. [... more]

Learning to love praying and making friendship with God our goal can lead to a more effective and vibrant prayer life. By spending time with Him without an agenda and listening to His insights, we can receive guidance and make progress in our lives. It's about being with God, not just asking for things, and letting Him lead us to places of growth and transformation. [... more]

The Apostles' Creed is a summary of Christian faith, unifying believers under one declared doctrine and guarding against false teaching. It is based on the entirety of scripture and serves as a tool to share the gospel with others, capturing their attention and conveying the core tenets of our faith. The creed's roots are in the Bible, with early creeds used in the Old Testament and New Testament, and its style is similar to oral traditions and poetic expressions, such as the Genesis account of creation. [... more]

The Bible is considered the inspired word of God, with human authors serving as vessels for divine communication. This concept is evident in the recognition of God as the author of passages, with the human author merely recording God's words. The early Christians, Paul, and Christ Jesus all acknowledged this principle, emphasizing the importance of trusting in Scripture as the word of God. [... more]

God still speaks to people today, just as He did in the Bible. He speaks through His Word, the Holy Spirit, and other people. To listen to God, one must be willing to obey Him and seek His guidance through prayer, scripture, and the counsel of others. God's voice is clear and loving, and He desires a personal relationship with each individual. [... more]

God's self-sufficiency is a fundamental aspect of His nature, meaning He does not need anything to exist. In contrast, humans are by nature dependent beings, requiring God's provision and care. Recognizing this dependence is essential for a genuine relationship with God, and it is through prayer that we can submit to His sufficiency and trust in His plan for our lives. [... more]

Pastor Greg Laurie emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit to do God's work, referencing the book of Acts and the power of the Spirit to change the world. He encourages listeners to start with their Jerusalem, or home base, and move beyond to reach others with the gospel. [... more]

Living the Enoch Lifestyle Walking with God- Total Conformity Surrender Until He Comes What does it truly mean to walk with God in daily life In Part of Living the Enoch Lifestyle we continue examining Genesis and the life of Enoch to understand what it means to live in close fellowship with the Lord Biblically to walk with God means aligning our lives entirely with His path surrendering self-will yielding in complete conformity to His Spirit and taking up the yoke of Jesus Christ Matthew We explore what it means to be a devoted servant doulos of Christ dependent on [... more]