The Christian life is about faithfulness, not fame or success. Learning from others' biographies can be inspiring, but it's essential to avoid unhealthy comparisons and focus on our unique gifting and God's plan for our lives. By recognizing our strengths and weaknesses, we can grow in our faith and follow God's lead, just as Peter and John did in their ministries. [... more]

E. V. Hill and S. M. Lockeridge were two African-American pastors who lived with devotion, courage, and passion for the gospel of Christ. Despite facing challenges and making enemies on both sides, they remained committed to delivering the truth of God's word and were motivated by the approval of Christ. Their lives are worthy of imitation, not for their oratory skills or large congregations, but for their unwavering focus on the glory of Christ. [... more]

Jesus meets us where we are, gently demanding we face the truth about ourselves, and affirming our value and worthiness by commissioning us to service. He shows us that forgiveness is a choice, a process, and a journey, and that we must receive both forgiveness and restoration to truly heal and move forward. By following Jesus' example with Peter, we can learn to forgive ourselves and others, and to restore our relationships and find peace. [... more]

Jesus teaches us to pray for divine deliverance from temptation and evil, trusting in the Father's sovereignty and protection. He shows us how to invoke the Father's power against hostile powers of evil, and how to confidently call on Him for forgiveness and deliverance, knowing that our plea is answered in the person and work of Jesus Christ. [... more]

Christian writers discuss the importance of writing as worship, drawing from their experiences and perspectives on the Salvation Army's mission and the nature of holiness, emphasizing the incarnational and Trinitarian aspects of the written word. [... more]

God's son is tested in the wilderness to prove his faithfulness, and Jesus teaches us to pray for deliverance from temptation, trusting in the Father's sovereignty and protection, and knowing that our plea for deliverance is answered in the person and work of Jesus on our behalf. [... more]

The Lord's Prayer emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, both in our relationship with God and with others. Jesus teaches that those who have been forgiven will forgive others, and that our forgiveness is a sign of genuine saving faith. The second half of the fifth petition in the Lord's Prayer is not a condition for God's forgiveness, but rather an aspiration to imitate our Father in heaven, who forgives sinners of an infinite debt. [... more]

The Olympic ceremonies and Super Bowl halftime shows reflect humanity's innate longing for something greater, a yearning that can manifest in athletic achievement, national pride, or a vision of global harmony. However, this desire is often misplaced, seeking unity and transcendence outside of God, leading to futile and idolatrous pursuits. Christians have the opportunity to bring clarity and meaning to these longings, pointing people to the true reconciler of their souls, Jesus Christ. [... more]

God the Father's generous provision for our daily needs is a reminder of our dependence on His grace, and praying for our daily bread teaches us to trust in His providential care, acknowledge our dependence on Him, and give thanks for His gifts, while also emphasizing the importance of moderation and using our resources to honor His name and love our neighbors. [... more]

Jesus teaches us that true prayer is impossible without the gospel, and that the Lord's Prayer focuses on seven major themes that reveal the true character of God the Father. He instructs us to pray 'your will be done' on earth as it is in heaven, which means to fulfill our office and calling, and to live in readiness to give up our fallen desires and obey the revealed will of the Father. [... more]

The Lord's Prayer is a gift that reminds us of the divine gift of salvation, which is only possible through Jesus Christ. The prayer is a constant companion to the sacraments, and its petitions are answered in the Lord's Supper, which is a gift of forgiveness and a promise of eternal life. [... more]

Jesus extends a gracious invitation to all who labor and are heavy laden, offering rest for their souls through his power, strength, and love. He is the only way to God, and his death on the cross paid the price for our sins, making forgiveness and new life possible. [... more]

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]

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 meets Moses, the law, and Simeon, a righteous and devout man who has been waiting for the Messiah. Mary and Joseph follow the law by circumcising Jesus and presenting him to the Lord, and they offer sacrifices for purification. Simeon recognizes Jesus as the Messiah and blesses God, while Anna, a prophetess, also recognizes Jesus as the Messiah and speaks of Him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. [... 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 God-man who will seek and save the lost is the central figure of Christianity, as revealed in the Gospel of Luke. Luke, a converted doctor and traveling companion of the Apostle Paul, wrote the most content of the New Testament, providing a detailed account of Jesus' birth, life, death, and resurrection. Through his Gospel, Luke stresses the importance of faith, authority, and control, demonstrating that even when God's authority seems unimportant, He is still in control, and even when God seems absent, He is still aware of every sorrow and longing. [... 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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

When we try to control others, we can lead to dysfunction and enable bad behavior. Instead, we should focus on staying in our own lane and influencing others through our words and actions. This requires setting boundaries, trusting God's sovereignty, and recognizing that we can't control outcomes. By doing so, we can create a climate of love and respect in our relationships, and help others grow and change. [... 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]

Pastor Greg Laurie emphasizes the importance of sharing the gospel and being a witness to others, sharing his personal testimony and practical principles for effectively sharing the life-giving message of Jesus Christ. [... more]

The boy Jesus reveals his divine mission at the temple, demonstrating his unique connection to God the Father and setting the stage for his future saving work. His interaction with the temple teachers and his parents showcases his divine understanding and obedience, highlighting his awareness of his identity as the Son of God sent to seek and save the lost. [... more]

Paul's desire to depart and be with Christ is weighed against his willingness to remain on earth for the progress and joy of others. He sees his life as a campground, a temporary tent that will be broken down and replaced with a permanent home in heaven. Paul's focus is on being fruitful and helping others grow in their faith, knowing that his effectiveness will end when he dies. [... more]

As Christians, we live between two worlds, longing for heaven while navigating life on earth. Paul's struggle in prison reflects this tension, as he weighs his desire to depart and be with Christ against his responsibility to remain and continue serving the Philippian church. He is caught between his will and God's will, unsure of which way to go. This predicament is a universal human experience, and Paul's honesty and vulnerability offer a powerful reminder of the complexities of faith and doubt. [... more]

Justin Briarly discusses his book 'Why I'm Still a Christian' and how he came to faith, addressing common objections to Christianity and exploring the intersection of science and faith, morality, and human value. He also shares his thoughts on how to have respectful conversations with those who disagree, and how to approach the question of evil and suffering in the world. [... more]

The Christian life is often burdened by the weight of trying to be enough, but God's gift of Jesus Christ brings comfort and hope to those who feel unworthy. The concept of grace is often misunderstood, but it is a gift that is given to those who are not worthy, and it is the foundation of the Christian life. [... more]

The story of the Pilgrims' journey to the New World and their first Thanksgiving is a testament to their courage, faith, and resilience in the face of struggle and sacrifice. Meanwhile, in the present day, experts discuss the implications of new laws and regulations on digital currency, stable coins, and the management of inherited IRAs, while also exploring the role of nonprofit organizations and the importance of living with an eternal perspective as stewards of God's resources. [... more]

Biblical wisdom provides a framework for making financial decisions that honor God and not just benefit ourselves. When we approach money through this lens, our habits begin to change, and we move from reacting emotionally to responding spiritually. [... more]

The Bible teaches that God's people and creation are groaning for Christ's return, and that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. Alistair Begg explores the concept of God's glory and how it is marred in humanity due to idolatry and sin. He discusses the great exchange that God has made in Jesus, who takes the place of the sinner on the cross, and how this exchange brings about acceptance with God and peace with Him. Begg also talks about the importance of acknowledging and embracing our weaknesses, as it is in our weakness that God's power is made perfect. [... more]

Dr. David Jeremiah and guest Sheila Walsh discuss the majesty and magnificence of heaven, the promise of heaven, and what it means to be a Christian. They explore topics such as the absence of chaos and curses in heaven, the marriage supper of the Lamb, and the importance of having a heavenly mindset. They also address sensitive subjects like suicide, cremation, and the fear of death, and emphasize the importance of trusting in Jesus Christ for salvation. [... more]

The Bible offers a clear vision of heaven as a real place, a person, and a promise. It's a place where God has prepared a home for believers, where they'll experience joy, happiness, and fulfillment. The promise of heaven is not just a comfort, but a motivation to live a life that honors God and serves others. Dr. David Jeremiah and Sheila Walsh explore the wonders of heaven, including the celestial city, the new Jerusalem, and the relationships we'll have with angels and loved ones. Understanding the promise of heaven can bring comfort and joy to those facing difficult times, and inspire us to live with purpose and passion. [... more]

Paul's homesickness for heaven is a longing for the day when his faith will be made sight, and he can see and touch the incarnate Christ. This insatiable desire has not left him useless on earth, but rather fills his life with purpose and courage, even in the midst of suffering. Paul encourages believers to cultivate this same longing, knowing that their future home in glory is certain and will be better than anything they can imagine. [... more]

A woman from Samaria searches for fulfillment in her life, but Jesus offers her living water, which satisfies her deepest longings and brings eternal life. He bridges the barriers of ethnicity, culture, and protocol, showing that His love goes beyond human limitations. [... more]

Solomon's journal reveals the emptiness of living for money and wealth, and how it can rob us of a good night's sleep. He advises trusting in God's sovereignty and pursuing contentment with what we have, rather than constantly striving for more. [... more]