Ulysses S. Grant's early life was marked by his father's influence, who secured him an appointment at West Point despite his initial reluctance. Grant developed a love for horses and eventually graduated in a middling position. He met his future wife, Julia, and was shipped out to the Mexican-American War, where he learned valuable lessons from General Zachary Taylor. Grant struggled with depression and drinking, but eventually emancipated a slave and found his calling as a military leader during the Civil War. He led the 21st Illinois Regiment and eventually became a general, known for his calm and calculated demeanor. Grant's humility and respect for his former enemies were evident at Appomattox, where he allowed them to keep their guns and horses. His life was a remarkable turnaround from selling wood on a street corner to leading the US Army and becoming a US President. [... 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]

Representative Carla Cunningham switches party affiliation from Democrat to unaffiliated, potentially impacting veto overrides in the North Carolina House. Meanwhile, a new infusion of federal disaster funding highlights progress and challenges in Western North Carolina's recovery from Hurricane Helene. Governor Josh Stein's proposed budget would phase out the Opportunity Scholarship Program, affecting an estimated 60,000 students. The U.S. Postal Service's regulations on cluster box units are causing delays and adding costs to housing developments, making homes less affordable for many families. U.S. Representative Alma Adams was cleared of any wrongdoing after an investigation by the House Ethics Committee regarding an alleged inappropriate relationship with a staffer. [... more]

Faithful planning is a delicate balance between preparation and surrender, trusting in God's guidance and wisdom. It's about holding plans loosely enough for God to redirect them, embracing the paradox of planning, and finding peace and trust in the one who holds the future. [... more]

Pastor Greg Laurie explains the importance of sharing the gospel and fulfilling the Great Commission, emphasizing that every believer is called to preach the message of Christ and make disciples of all nations. He shares personal anecdotes and biblical teachings to encourage listeners to take action and share their faith with others. [... more]

The Christian life was never meant to be about willpower, performance, or simply trying harder. The key to being filled with the Holy Spirit is not getting more of Him, but allowing Him to get more of you. Obedience to God and His Word, an undefeated life, and a dependent life are the conditions necessary to experience the filling of the Spirit. [... more]

Knowing for sure that you will spend eternity with God is a critical question that has puzzled many. Pastor Erwin Lutzer explores the topic of assurance of salvation, discussing how genuine Christians can still have doubts, and what saving faith truly means. He examines the concept of false faith, a misdirected faith that does not lead to salvation, and emphasizes the importance of understanding that Jesus Christ's death on the cross is all that is needed for salvation. [... more]

A look at America's long history with Cuba and its impact on the island's future, as well as stories of community and resilience in the face of adversity, including a soccer team's rise to success and a young girl's journey to become a professional soccer player. [... more]

Pastor Philip Miller explores the concept of identity and how it relates to our sense of self, significance, security, and satisfaction. He discusses how our identity is shaped by our relationship with God and how we can fall into identity traps by seeking these needs in people, power, and possessions. He also shares how the gospel offers a new identity as children of God, free from the need for self-justification and filled with love, generosity, and self-giving. [... more]

Living without hypocrisy requires a life of winsome authenticity, where one's words and actions align. Jesus' prescription for overcoming hypocrisy involves beginning within, starting with the heart, and weighing the consequences. The filling of the Spirit is a continuous moment-by-moment ministry that produces love, joy, peace, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. [... more]

Christians can have assurance of their salvation and eternal life by understanding the plan of God, the pardon of God, and the pledge of God. These three pillars provide a foundation for spiritual assurance, and believers can know that they belong to God through His promises and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. [... more]

Knowing your destiny makes all the trials of life bearable. The Assurance of Salvation is the focus of today's message, which explores the idea that those who are truly saved will stay saved and God will take them all the way to heaven, despite any bumps along the way. The doctrine of security rests on three pillars: the plan of God, the pardon of God, and the justification of God. [... more]

Christian financial advisors can help clients align their values with their financial decisions, leading to a more fulfilling and responsible approach to money management. By prioritizing stewardship and biblical principles, individuals can make informed choices about their finances and create a more secure financial future. [... more]

The new birth is a miracle only God can perform, bringing eternal life and salvation to those who receive Christ. It's a direct and immediate work of God in the human heart, instantaneous and supernatural, yet it requires human cooperation and faith. [... more]

The new birth is a miracle of God that imparts the nature of God, making us members of the heavenly family. It's a work of the Father, a miracle of love and grace, and a choice of God, not man. We can't participate in this miracle, but we can respond to God's work in our hearts and believe on Christ for the righteousness and miracle we need. [... more]

Dave Van Andel and Barb Gaby pay tribute to their parents Jay and Betty Van Andel, sharing stories of their commitment to family and love, despite the challenges of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. [... more]

Investing can become an act of worship and a tool for human flourishing when approached with biblical wisdom. Scripture calls us to use what we have to serve others and reflect God's purposes. Faithful investing starts with surrender, inviting God into our investment decisions and asking for wisdom and discernment. It's about directing resources into productive work that serves others, advancing the goodness of God's world, and promoting dignity, justice, and opportunity. [... more]

The gift of righteousness is a free and unchangeable gift from God that covers all of our sins, past, present, and future, making us as righteous as God's blessed son. This gift is based on faith in Jesus Christ, not on our own efforts or good deeds. [... more]

A military wife shares her journey of learning to trust God and her husband, navigating fear and uncertainty, and finding strength in Bible study and women's ministry. She emphasizes the importance of letting her husband lead and trusting in God's faithfulness, even in difficult circumstances. [... more]

The Christian life is centered around the gift of righteousness from God, which is available to all through faith in Jesus Christ. This gift is not earned through good works or perfection, but is a free gift that covers even the greatest of sins, including those that seem impossible to forgive. [... more]