Exploring the concept of the childlike spirit and its significance in our relationship with God, discussing how it relates to our identity as sons of God, and how we can cultivate this spirit in our lives, embracing faith, humility, and a deeper understanding of God's love and presence. [... more]

The clash of civilizations between the US and Iran reveals significant worldview implications, highlighting the differences between Islamic and Christian perspectives. Meanwhile, the widespread abuse of women and children in the UK and the harms of social media are also major concerns, as are the LGBT movement's push for acceptance and the decline of traditional values, including fatherhood and marriage rates. [... more]

Jesus teaches that true abundance is not found in possessions, but in an abiding relationship with Him. Financial decisions should be guided by faith, not just dollars and cents. A budget becomes a reflection of what we treasure, and saving, giving, and spending should be done with a heart of worship and trust in God's provision. [... more]

A conversation with author Preston Fiddler about the importance of sharing one's testimony and the gospel with others, and how to cultivate a rhythm of life that allows for spiritual growth and obedience. [... more]

A discussion about the importance of local ownership in sports teams, with a focus on the Milwaukee Bucks and the potential impact of private equity ownership. The hosts also share their hypothetical plans for a week in Wisconsin before being traded to a new location, and explore the idea of a 'prime minister' to run the day-to-day operations of a sports team. [... more]

The human desire for meaning and fulfillment can lead people to create their own festivals of atonement and sacred games, but ultimately, these things cannot fill the God-shaped hole in their hearts. As the author of Ecclesiastes said, if not built on what's ultimately true and good, even the good things of this world are only vanity. [... more]

Discovering true contentment in a world that always pushes us toward more requires a shift in perspective. It's not about reaching a certain number, but about trusting God as our source and recognizing that enough is ultimately a matter of the heart, not a number. By understanding that enough is rooted in stewardship, not ownership, and that it's about purpose, not possessions, we can find peace and security in our financial journey. [... more]

Exploring the concept of grateful living and how it can transform our approach to money and contentment. John Cortinez discusses the cycle of grateful living, which involves enjoying God's provision, accepting life's brevity, and rejoicing in our toil. He also shares practical insights on how to apply this biblical financial vision in our daily lives. [... more]

Developing holy craving for God's word is essential for spiritual growth and maturity. Christians must put aside sinful attitudes like malice, deceit, envy, and slander to cultivate a deep longing for the pure milk of God's word, which brings about growth in faith and salvation. [... more]

Jesus challenges our definition of wealth and invites us into something far greater, as seen in the story of the rich young ruler, who struggled with the desire for more and the longing to create treasure, ultimately realizing that true wealth lies in using every resource in service of Christ. [... more]

Navigating the complexities of caregiving, Peter Rosenberger shares valuable insights on how to effectively communicate with medical professionals, assert caregiver authority, and advocate for loved ones. He emphasizes the importance of being polite, prepared, and aware of one's role in the medical process. [... more]

Paul writes to the Galatians, urging them to remain in the freedom of Christ and not return to the law, which he believes will enslave them. He uses the example of Abraham's two sons, one born of a bondwoman and the other of a free woman, to illustrate the difference between the law and faith. Paul also shares his personal struggles with physical infirmity and his desire to see the Galatians grow in their faith. [... more]

Paul's prayer for the Philippian church in Philippians 1.9 expresses his longing for their maturation in faith, focusing on an ever-growing love for knowledge and judgment rooted in understanding and discernment. [... more]

An elderly pastor, nearing 72, is forced into retirement, but instead of traveling to Florida, he takes a step of faith and travels to India, where he discovers a new ministry and preaches to thousands, showing that God's plans are often different from our own, and that surrender and trust are key to a life of faith. [... more]

The Coddingley Fairies Incident of 1920, where two young girls took pictures of fairies dancing in the forest, initially convinced even the famous author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle of the supernatural. This incident highlights how intelligent people can fall for things they wish to be true, often driven by a longing for eternal reality and a sense of spiritual vulnerability. This phenomenon is not unique to this incident, but rather a recurring theme in human history, where people seek to understand and connect with something beyond this world. [... more]

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]