Chuck Swindahl explains that great followership is the flip side of leadership, citing 1 Thessalonians as an example of how a church can thrive when its members actively contribute to the success of their leaders by embracing the truth of God's Word without reservation. [... more]

Riley King, later known as B.B. King, was born in the Mississippi Delta and rose to fame as a blues musician, known for his unique guitar sound and voice. Despite facing racial segregation and slights, King persevered and became a star, breaking through to white audiences in the 1960s and influencing generations of musicians, including Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page. [... more]

The Spanish-American War marked a turning point in American history, as the country emerged as a world power and grappled with the complexities of imperialism. President William McKinley's decision to annex the Philippines sparked a debate over the country's role in the world, with some arguing that it was a paternalistic duty to educate and uplift the Filipino people, while others saw it as a threat to American values and a precursor to further expansion. The war's aftermath saw the rise of Theodore Roosevelt, who would go on to assert American power in the region and establish the Roosevelt Corollary, a policy that would increase Latin American resentment towards the US. The story of the Spanish-American War and its aftermath continues to be debated today, with questions about the nature of American power and its responsibilities in the world remaining unresolved. [... more]

Becky Schaefer shares her harrowing story of growing up in a dysfunctional foster care system, where she experienced physical and emotional abuse. Despite the trauma, she found hope and healing through her faith and eventually became a foster parent herself, leading her to start the organization Saving Grace to help young women aging out of the foster care system. [... more]

General Daniel Sickles, a colorful character in American history, left a trail of unpaid bills, broken romances, and political scandals. He served as a soldier, politician, and diplomat, and was involved in several controversies, including the killing of Philip Barton Key and his subsequent acquittal on temporary insanity. Sickles went on to become a major general in the Civil War and was instrumental in the preservation of Gettysburg as a national historic site. [... more]

Susannah Wesley, the mother of John and Charles Wesley, dedicated her life to teaching and counseling her 21 children, despite facing numerous challenges and hardships. She struggled with her husband's inflexible personality and stubborn wills, but continued to believe and teach the importance of spiritual growth and faith. Her efforts ultimately led to the impact of her two sons on the world, with John preaching to over a million people and Charles writing over 9,000 hymns. [... more]

Amy Carmichael, a self-willed and determined missionary, defied conventional norms to serve in India for 55 years, rescuing young girls from temple prostitution and building an orphanage, leaving behind a legacy of precious lives and a testament to her unwavering faith and sacrifice. [... more]

A former inmate shares the story of his spiritual transformation while serving a life sentence, and the friendship he formed with a fellow inmate who helped him achieve educational success, including earning his GED and signing up for college. [... more]

Tom Maharris, a Greek Orthodox man, was raised in a life of sex, drugs, and rock and roll, but found Jesus Christ in 1968 after a transformative experience at a peace demonstration in Central Park. He went on to become a pastor, shepherd, and mentor, leading Manhattan Bible Church in New York City. Maharris is now on a mission to share the gospel with prisoners, establishing Bible colleges and witnessing supernatural transformations in the lives of those he reaches. [... more]

Mary Mikami, a Japanese-American woman, defied expectations and achieved great success despite her parents' internment during World War II. Born in Alaska, she excelled academically and professionally, earning a doctorate degree in anthropology from Yale University. Her remarkable story highlights the American dream and the importance of perseverance and hard work. [... more]

When speaking about Jesus, Christians must do so with authenticity, humility, and integrity, avoiding arrogance and intellectual tolerance. The uniqueness of Jesus' claims, particularly the incarnation and resurrection, sets Christianity apart from other religions. Christians must be clear about their convictions and not shy away from proclaiming the truth, while also being sensitive to others' perspectives and respecting their right to hold different views. [... more]

NFL quarterback Kirk Cousins shares his journey of generosity and the role of faith in managing finances, emphasizing the importance of trusting God and seeking wise counsel in making financial decisions. [... more]

The birth of Christ is intricately connected with the ministry of angels, particularly Gabriel, who delivers crucial messages to key figures in the Christmas story, including Zacharias and Elizabeth, setting in motion the events that will lead to the birth of John the Baptist and ultimately the Messiah. [... more]

The gift of Jesus Christ is the greatest gift, offering eternal life and peace to those who believe in him. It's not about working harder or becoming a better person, but about trusting in God's promise and receiving his love. [... more]

Chuck Swindahl describes a nighttime conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus that spawned a life-changing verse, John 3:16, which reveals God's greatest gift: the love that requires no reciprocal response, and the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. [... more]

The story of St. Nicholas, a man of selfless love and generosity, inspires reflection on the true meaning of Christmas. His life embodied the gospel message of love and generosity, and his acts of kindness pointed others to the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ. As people exchange presents and celebrate with loved ones, they're reminded that the greatest gift has already been given, and that sharing that gift with others is what truly makes this season special. [... more]

Chuck Swindahl unwraps the shocking simplicity of God's gift, explaining why salvation isn't about our effort, but about a single act of trust. He delves into the meaning behind John 3:16, exploring the original Greek text and its significance in the context of the Bible story about the bronze serpent. [... more]

The history of Christmas traditions and the evolution of Santa Claus, from Saint Nicholas to the modern-day figure, is a fascinating story that spans centuries. Clement Clark Moore's poem 'A Visit from St. Nicholas,' also known as 'The Night Before Christmas,' helped popularize the idea of Santa Claus as a jolly, gift-giving figure. Thomas Nast's illustrations further solidified the image of Santa, and the Christmas tree, a variation of the ancient Norse custom, became a central part of the family-oriented American Christmas. Meanwhile, the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, a serious condition that affects millions, are often overlooked, and AI in business can be a double-edged sword, adding more complexity to an already overwhelming IT landscape. Pet insurance can provide peace of mind for pet owners, and holiday gifting can be a stressful but rewarding experience. [... more]

Solomon explores the theme of wisdom in Ecclesiastes 7, discussing how it helps us navigate life's complexities and avoid extremes of self-righteousness and wickedness. He emphasizes the importance of humility, discernment, and trusting God, and highlights the benefits of wisdom, including living uniquely, making decisions correctly, and living more graciously. [... more]

President Abraham Lincoln issued the first Thanksgiving proclamation in 1863, but it wasn't until Franklin D. Roosevelt's attempt to change the date in 1939 that the holiday's tradition was put to the test. The decision sparked controversy, with many Americans opposing the change, and ultimately led to the establishment of Thanksgiving as a fixed date on the fourth Thursday of November. [... more]

The Bible teaches that followers of Christ should pursue a reputation of gentleness, even when faced with difficult circumstances. This means being willing to yield to others, being courteous, and putting up with abuse. The Lord is near, and His presence should motivate us to respond with patience, kindness, and compassion. By living out these qualities, Christians can demonstrate the grace of God and advance the gospel in everyday interactions. [... more]

Godly leadership is marked by sacrificing for others, putting the needs of those under authority before one's own, and promoting the flourishing of those around them. Nehemiah's example in the book of Nehemiah demonstrates this principle, as he prioritized the well-being of the people over his own interests and worked tirelessly to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. [... more]

The Battle of Midway was a pivotal naval battle in World War II, fought between the United States and Japan in June 1942. The battle was a turning point in the war, as the Japanese lost four aircraft carriers and over a hundred trained pilots, derailed their plans for expansion in the Pacific, and marked a significant shift in the balance of power. [... more]

When giving, we often expect a transactional return, but scripture presents generosity as a way to receive something far greater than wealth. We receive freedom from greed, joy in Christ, and purpose in God's kingdom. Our motivation for giving should be love, not return, and we should give to participate in the life God has already set before us. [... more]

Joshua's leadership and dependence on God led to the Israelites' victory in the promised land. He circumcised the second generation of Israelites, remembered God's faithfulness, and met Jesus in a Christophany. This encounter with God's presence and power prepared them for the challenges ahead, demonstrating that dependence on God is key to achieving victory and success. [... more]

The apostle Paul's letter to Titus emphasizes the importance of faithfully proclaiming God's Word and practicing what one preaches, especially in a culture marked by moral and doctrinal confusion. Paul encourages Titus to establish congregations in Crete by teaching sound doctrine and modeling good works, and to remind believers to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, and to be ready for every good work. [... more]

Nancy Kelsey, a remarkable pioneer woman, was the first woman to cross overland to California from the United States. She traveled with her husband Ben and their children, facing numerous challenges and hardships along the way. Despite the difficulties, Nancy persevered, using her courage, kindness, and determination to inspire the men in the party and to make a lasting impact on the settlement of California. [... more]

Investing is not just about returns, but about reflecting what we truly value. A theology of investing brings our heart, head, and hands together to reframe investing as an act of stewardship, love, and spiritual formation, not just the physical act of putting money into a company or instrument. By understanding God's creation mandate and our role as co-creators, we can use investments to love our neighbor and expand God's blessings through creation, while also being mindful of the temptations of wealth and the importance of trusting in God rather than money. [... more]

The Ford Motor Company's 100th anniversary celebration in 2003 marked the rebirth of the iconic Ford GT, a supercar that aimed to beat Ferrari in the 1960s Le Mans races. Led by Neil Ressler, a team of engineers with racing experience worked tirelessly to design and build the car, pushing the limits of speed and performance. With a focus on innovation and precision, they created a modern-day classic that became a pace car for a new generation. [... more]

As believers, the marker of maturity is greater dependence on the Lord, evidenced by a consistent prayer life. Apostle Paul's prayer life, as seen in the book of Colossians, is characterized by constancy, thankfulness, and praying for others' growth and maturity. He gives thanks for signs of grace among the Colossians, particularly their faith, love, and hope, which are rooted in the gospel. Paul's prayers focus on the gospel's work in their hearts, leading to fruitfulness, growth, and strengthening in faith. [... more]

Solomon teaches that the pursuit of wealth and possessions can lead to selfishness and insecurity, causing individuals to lose sight of what truly matters. He contrasts this with the ability to enjoy and appreciate what one has, which comes from a relationship with God and a willingness to accept one's circumstances. This mindset allows individuals to find contentment and joy in their lives, regardless of their material possessions. [... more]

Army Sergeant William H. Carney, a former enslaved man, fought and bled for his nation in the Civil War, becoming the first black American to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor for his valorous service. He protected the American flag at Fort Wagner, a pivotal moment in American history that epitomizes the lengths to which one might strive to fulfill America's founding ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. [... more]

John Newton's life was a journey of transformation from a slave ship captain to a Christian minister, and the author of the most famous hymn in history, Amazing Grace. His story is a testament to the power of faith and redemption, and his influence on the abolition of the slave trade and the reformation of morality in England is still felt today. [... more]

On the day of Pentecost, a new spiritual creation is happening right in front of our eyes. The Holy Spirit descended on the church, fulfilling God's will and plan. The power of the Holy Spirit available in 2025 is highlighted, and its effects on the lives of those present and the world are discussed. [... more]

Marriage is about becoming one, and that includes how we handle our finances. The Bible offers timeless wisdom about unity, trust, and stewardship within marriage, but it doesn't speak directly to separate checking accounts. Joint accounts can offer a clear path toward transparency and mutual accountability, but separate accounts aren't inherently sinful. Financial oneness in marriage is about sharing a vision, building trust, and stewarding God's provision as one. [... more]

Sarah Gonzalez shares her story of growing up in a family of faith, struggling with demonic attacks and spiritual warfare, and ultimately finding redemption and purpose in Christianity. She recounts her experiences as a high school teacher, ministering to students in a gang-infested neighborhood, and her father's legacy in prison ministry. [... more]

The recent assassinations of Charlie Kirk and Irina Zarutska reveal a culture of dehumanization and brokenness, where the distinction between ideas and identity has collapsed, and the erasure of cancel culture has led to assassination culture. The West has squandered its unique heritage of human dignity, replacing it with politicized conceptions that produce victims. As Christians, we must face the sober realities of this moment and recognize that the cost of telling the truth is higher than we may have imagined. [... more]

The Hunley, a Confederate submarine, made history by sinking an enemy vessel in 1864, but its exact fate remains a mystery. The submarine's crew, led by Commander Dixon, embarked on a daring mission to break the Union blockade in Charleston Harbor. Despite initial setbacks and a tragic end, the Hunley's legacy as the first submarine to sink an enemy ship endures, leaving behind a tale of bravery and innovation in American history. [... more]

Tim Holt, a Western star, left Hollywood to join the Army Air Forces during World War II, becoming a bombardier on the B-29 Superfortress and flying 22 missions over Japan. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart, and four Air Medals. After the war, Holt returned to acting, starring in classics like 'My Darling Clementine' and 'The Treasure of the Sierra Madre'. He eventually retired from Hollywood and lived a peaceful life on his Oklahoma ranch. [... more]

A couple's journey from addiction and despair to redemption and city transformation, through their work in renovating houses and starting businesses, and their discovery of faith and self-love. [... more]