Amanda Dykes discusses the importance of nature and God's creation in her book A Pocket Full of Wonder, sharing hands-on adventures for kids to discover the wonders of the world around them, and how this can help parents and children develop a deeper faith and connection with God. [... more]

Jesus' final request in his high priestly prayer is for those whom God has given him to be with him and see his glory, a selfless desire rooted in the love of the Father for his Son, and a promise of eternal life and union with God. [... more]

The Bible predicts the human condition with uncanny accuracy, describing the human desire for sovereignty and the dangers of idolizing technology. As artificial intelligence proliferates, it's essential to discern its impact on human relationships, identity, and the soul. Christian parents must vigilantly guide their children to understand the implications of AI and maintain a thick concept of their identity as immaterial souls, rooted in the image of God. [... more]

Alastair Begg examines the historical evidence and universal impact of Jesus' resurrection, focusing on the story of Mary of Magdala and her encounter with the risen Christ, highlighting the significance of faith and the personal dimension of the resurrection. [... more]

Cultivating meaningful friendships can have a profound impact on our emotional and physical well-being, but establishing and maintaining healthy relationships requires intentionality, boundaries, and a willingness to listen, be vulnerable, and laugh together. By recognizing the importance of these qualities, we can build stronger, more authentic friendships that enrich our lives and bring us closer to Christ. [... more]

Jesus' response to his disciples' attempt to protect him from arrest reveals his complete control and awareness of the events unfolding. He takes the initiative, speaking to the Roman soldiers and asking if they seek him, and when they identify him, he says 'I am he,' causing them to fall to the ground. Jesus' actions demonstrate his willingness to give his life for the sheep, anticipating the substitutionary atonement that will unfold on the cross. [... more]

Lee Strobel, a former atheist and investigative journalist, shares his journey from unbelief to faith in Jesus Christ, citing historical evidence and eyewitness accounts that confirm the resurrection of Jesus. He explains how the early Christian creed, ancient sources, and archaeological findings support the truth of the resurrection, and how it transformed his life. [... more]

Jesus' prayer in John 17 reveals the glory of God displayed in Christ and His followers, emphasizing the importance of unity and the love of God. The glory of God is seen in Christ's perfect obedience to the will of God, and this same glory is available to followers of Christ through their union with Him. Jesus prays for His disciples to be one, even as He and the Father are one, so that the world might know that God sent Jesus and that He loves them. [... more]

Harlan Akola discusses the benefits and misconceptions of reverse mortgages, explaining how they can be a valuable tool for seniors struggling with cash flow and high-interest debt. He also addresses common concerns and provides guidance on how to approach debt management and retirement planning with a biblical perspective. [... more]

Jennifer Dukes Lee shares her experiences and insights about slowing down and embracing the rhythms of life, drawing from her book Growing Slow: Lessons on Unhurrying Your Heart from an Accidental Farm Girl. She discusses the importance of being present in the moment, appreciating nature's pace, and letting go of the need for constant productivity and achievement. Lee also explores the concept of unexpressed grief and the need to allow ourselves to feel and process our emotions, rather than suppressing them. She emphasizes the value of slowing down and trusting in God's plan, even in the midst of uncertainty and change. [... more]

The unity Jesus prays for is not organizational, but organic, based on a common understanding of the gospel and the truth of God's word. It is supernatural in its origin, doctrinal in its substance, and evangelical in its focus, putting the good news of the gospel on display for the world to see. [... more]

Marriage is a gift from God, and it's meant to be a source of joy and connection. However, many couples struggle with intimacy and communication, leading to frustration and resentment. Dave and Ashley Willis share their insights and experiences in their book 'Do Marriage Better: Seven Simple Shifts for a Deeper Connection.' They discuss the importance of understanding each other's needs and desires, and how to navigate the different seasons of marriage, including the 'beach season' of honeymoon-like intimacy, the 'busy season' of practicality, the 'baby season' of exhaustion and distraction, and the 'broken season' of vulnerability and healing. By applying the seven simple shifts outlined in their book, couples can experience a deeper connection and a more fulfilling marriage. [... more]

Jesus' love for his followers is revealed through his actions and words, demonstrating his commitment to their sanctification and redemption. He consecrates himself for their sake, giving himself up to death on the cross, and through this act, he perfects those who are being sanctified, making them increasingly fit for the title he has put upon them. [... more]

Couples can make a 20% improvement in their marital relationship by implementing seven simple shifts, including having curiosity and compassion when communicating, being mindful of tone, and prioritizing their marriage over other aspects of their lives. [... more]

Considering what God has done in sending Jesus, what Jesus has done in sending the apostles, and where we fit into this picture, Alistair Begg explores the eternal purpose of God and the mission of Jesus. He emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit and serving Jesus, and shares the story of Seth Sykes, a conductor on the Glasgow trams who used his routine work as a gospel platform. Begg challenges each of us to consider God's call to us, and to join in the mission of making disciples of all nations. [... more]

Raising resilient children in a world filled with adversity requires a delicate balance of protection and challenge. Dr. Nicole Wilkie shares her expertise on how to help kids overcome difficult experiences, from validating their emotions to teaching them to navigate stress and hardship. By cultivating a sense of hope and future orientation, parents can empower their children to thrive in the face of adversity and find their place in the world. [... more]

Effective communication and conflict resolution strategies can help individuals navigate disagreements and polarized conversations, leading to a better understanding of opposing viewpoints and more constructive interactions. [... more]

Jesus warns his disciples about dark days to come, telling them to be prepared for trouble and to cultivate courage in a particular way. He explains his death in terms of the substitution portrayed in Isaiah 53, where he takes the place of sinners to provide salvation. The disciples struggle to understand Jesus' words, but he reassures them of his love and care for them, and reminds them that through it all, grace is available. [... more]

Dr. Gary Chapman discusses the importance of understanding and expressing love in different languages, particularly in relationships and the workplace. He shares practical advice on how to identify and speak your partner's love language, and how to use the concept to build stronger relationships and improve communication. [... more]

Sanctification is a lifelong process of growing in holiness, becoming more like Jesus, as we continue our study in John chapter 17. The Holy Spirit comes to indwell us, making us new, but we still struggle with our fallen nature. The work of sanctification is progressive, and the Word of God is the means by which God works to make us more like Jesus. [... more]

Jonathan McKee discusses the impact of screens on human connection and relationships, highlighting the pressure of influencer culture and its effects on mental health, as well as the importance of media choices and family relationships. [... more]

God is seeking to make believers more like His Son Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit, a lifelong process of growing in holiness and being transformed from what we were to what He means for us to be. [... more]

Deborah Paget shares her insights on how to tame your tongue and improve relationships by being more positive, encouraging, and self-aware, drawing from her book '30 Days to Taming Your Tongue' and biblical principles. [... more]

The Bible describes Satan as a formidable enemy, but as believers, we ought not be preoccupied with his threat. Jesus' victory over the evil one is secure, and we are called to live a life of faith, resisting the evil one's strategies and living under the authority of God. The Bible reminds us that we are either living under the power of the evil one or in the power of God, and we have the choice to trust in Jesus and experience love, joy, security, and the promise of eternity. [... more]

Former U.S. Senator Ben Sasse shares his experience with a terminal cancer diagnosis and how it has shaped his faith, emphasizing the importance of living intentionally and prioritizing relationships with God and family. He discusses the concept of suffering as a means of spiritual growth and the need to stay faithful in the face of adversity. [... more]

Jesus' high priestly prayer reveals the devil's identity and strategies, described in the Bible as the devil, Satan, and the evil one, who seeks to discredit God's word and destroy his works, employing tactics of deception, intimidation, and disguise to lead humanity away from God. [... more]

Former Senator Ben Sass shares his poignant thoughts on life, death, and eternity as he faces a terminal diagnosis of stage four pancreatic cancer. He discusses how his faith in Christ has given him peace and perspective, and how he's learning to trust God's plan despite the difficulties he's facing. He also talks about the importance of ordering one's loves correctly, and how Christians can respond to the challenges of social media and the culture around them with the fruit of the Spirit. [... more]

Jesus' high priestly prayer in John's Gospel reveals the world's hatred for biblical truth and Christian conviction, as seen in the disciples' reception of the word and their alignment with the Father. This hatred stems from the world's rebellion against God, leading to a life of conflict for Christians, who must stand firm in their faith and trust in Jesus to overcome the evil one. [... more]

Parents have a unique role in shaping their children's spiritual lives, and it's essential to make the Bible come alive for them. A father shares his experiences and insights on how to create effective devotional times with kids, using the Bible as a guide. He discusses the importance of loving God with all one's heart, being a good example, and teaching children to live in sync with reality. The conversation also touches on the challenges of parenting teens and how to make up for past mistakes in faith transmission. [... more]

Leading a quiet life, minding your business, and working with your hands is the Bible's first step toward evangelism, earning the right to be heard and seasoning speech with grace and a pinch of salt. [... more]

A man's spiritual transformation while serving a life sentence in prison reveals the true meaning of freedom, which is not physical restraint, but rather being at peace with oneself and appreciating what one has. He shares his wisdom and life lessons, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance, inner peace, and personal growth. [... more]

Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of servanthood and humility, warning them about the dangers of self-reliance and the need to face their true selves. He also reminds them that he has prayed for them and will be with them in their trials, encouraging them to strengthen one another when they have turned back to him. [... more]

Jesus teaches that being a follower of him will inevitably lead to being hated by the world, but this is a reality that should not deter believers from living out their faith. The world's hatred is a result of its opposition to God's truth and its desire to be independent of Him. Believers must be prepared to suffer for their faith and to proclaim the truth of Jesus Christ, even in the face of hostility and rejection. [... more]

Joshua Becker reveals the secret to finding more freedom time money and peace in your life owning less Hear the steps to unlocking more margin to be generous pursue God and build up your family by practicing minimalism Receive a copy of Uncluttered Faith and an audio download of Simplify Your Life and Open Your Heart to Spiritual Growth for your donation of any amount Get More Episode Resources If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly please give us your feedback [... more]

Christians often struggle with extremes, either becoming exclusive or worldly, but Jesus prayed for his followers to remain in the world while not being of it, and to behave properly toward outsiders, loving them and not offending them, in order to be a positive influence and share the love of God. [... more]

Jesus' prayer for his disciples in the Gospel of John reveals his concern for their spiritual unity and preservation in a cold and wicked world. He prays that they may be kept in his name, which is the revelation of God's character, and that they may experience the fullness of joy that comes from knowing and loving Jesus. [... more]

Teen anxiety rates have risen significantly in recent years, with many teens experiencing depression or anxiety. Christian parents can play a crucial role in helping their children navigate these challenges, but it requires a thoughtful and compassionate approach. By being aware of situational changes that can impact their child's emotional well-being, parents can take practical steps to help their children, such as teaching them breathing techniques and grounding them in spiritual truth. With patience, love, and persistence, parents can help their children find hope and healing in Christ. [... more]

Jesus prays for his disciples, emphasizing their unique relationship with God and their role in reaching the world. He asks the Father to keep them in his name, united and secure, so they can live out their oneness and share the gospel with others. [... more]

Greg Kochol discusses the importance of understanding relativism and objectivism in moral truth, and how to effectively communicate the Christian perspective on issues like abortion and gender identity. He emphasizes the need for Christians to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to engage in gracious and loving conversations with those who hold different views. [... more]

A disciple of Jesus belongs to God, keeps His name, and knows the truth, as seen in Jesus' high priestly prayer in John 17. Those who claim to be searching spiritually but don't want to know or be told what they know are not true disciples. The Bible is clear that believers must abide in the Word and encourage one another to do the same, and that the Lordship of Christ is often stumbled over by those who succumb to cultural influences rather than believing the clarity of the Word of Jesus. [... more]