Puritan John Winthrop's famous sermon about being a 'city on a hill' has been a guiding principle for American history, but its meaning and significance are often misunderstood. Historians argue that Christians played a pivotal role in advancing liberty and equality in America, and that a balanced understanding of the past is essential to appreciating the true miracle of the United States. [... more]

John Eliot, a Cambridge-educated pastor, left England to serve in the American wilderness, where he translated the first Bible in America into Algonquin, a daunting task that took years to complete. His perseverance and dedication led to the establishment of 14 praying villages, each with thousands of Native American inhabitants, and the training of 24 Native American preachers. Eliot's remarkable life and legacy continue to inspire and shape the enduring foundation of faith in America. [... more]

Embracing the conviction that God owns everything can transform the way we live, give, and steward our resources. By surrendering our ownership and adopting a stewardship mindset, we can gain humility and hope, and reorder our hearts so that money serves its proper place. This shift in perspective can lead to a more faithful and intentional approach to financial decision-making, aligning our desires with God's priorities and multiplying what belongs to the Lord. [... more]

The story of America's founding is marked by the Puritans' attempt to establish a utopian society in the wilderness, where they sought to practice their own religion without interference. However, individuals like Ann Hutchinson and Roger Williams challenged the orthodoxy of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, advocating for religious freedom and the separation of church and state. Meanwhile, other colonies like Pennsylvania and Georgia were founded on different principles, such as the Quakers' rejection of formal services and the British humanitarians' goal of creating a colony for debtors. Despite the failure of these utopian experiments, they contributed to the development of the American character, which is characterized by adaptability, idealism, and a commitment to self-rule. [... more]

The story of America's early settlers from England, who established colonies in the New World, is a tale of entrepreneurship, individual initiative, and the creation of a unique civil society. The Pilgrims, who arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts, drafted the Mayflower Compact, a secular agreement that left room for freedoms of religion and mirrored the self-governing nature of New England's congregational churches. The Massachusetts Bay Colony, led by John Winthrop, was established with a similar goal of creating a community based on Christian charity and mutual support. [... more]

The Bible encourages believers to be actively involved in prayer, as it is a vital part of the Christian life. Prayer is not about changing God's mind, but rather about trusting in His sovereignty and providence. The prayer of faith can have a significant impact on the world, and fervent, effectual prayer can bring about much. However, prayer does not guarantee a specific outcome, and God's will may not always align with our own. Nevertheless, prayer is a privilege and a mandate for believers, and it is essential for courage, hope, and a deeper relationship with God. [... more]

When praying, it's essential to remember who God is and who you are, acknowledging your dependence on Him for daily necessities and spiritual strength. The Lord's Prayer teaches us to ask for forgiveness and protection from temptation, while also recognizing God's sovereignty and glory. [... 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]

The Pilgrims' journey to America was motivated by their desire to escape religious persecution in England, where the Church of England was heavily influenced by the government. They sought to establish a new colony in North America, where they could worship freely and create a distinct culture. The Mayflower Compact, signed by the Pilgrims before landing in Plymouth, was a precursor to the US Constitution and established the principle of self-government by the people. The Pilgrims' first winter in America was difficult, but they were aided by the Native American Squanto, who taught them how to plant crops and survive in the new environment. The harvest festival they celebrated in the fall was a secular event, but it was later combined with the day of Thanksgiving, which was a religious expression of gratitude to God for their survival. [... more]

The Lord's Prayer is a model for prayer that Jesus taught his disciples, emphasizing the importance of addressing God as Father, praying for the honor of God's name, and seeking the triumph of God's kingdom. R.C. Sproul explores the significance of the Lord's Prayer in relation to anxiety, thanksgiving, and supplication, highlighting the role of the Trinity in prayer and the need to pray for the advance of God's kingdom. [... more]

David's prayer in Psalm 51 serves as a model for true repentance, involving a godly sorrow for having offended God and a genuine turning away from sin. A truly penitent person acknowledges their guilt and forfeits all rights, recognizing God's justice in exacting full punishment. This spirit of contrition is essential for a meaningful prayer life, as it involves coming before God with a broken and contrite heart, seeking forgiveness and cleansing from sin. [... more]

When entering into a conversation with God, it's essential to begin with worship and express humility, giving Him the honor He deserves. Adoration is about praising God for who He is, thinking about His attributes, character, and being. It's a crucial aspect of prayer, and the more people advance in their prayer lives, the more time they spend in adoration. [... more]

In John Bunyan's classic allegory, The Pilgrim's Progress, the Lord's Day is depicted as a time of spiritual growth and renewal, a 'market day of the soul' where Christians can acquire spiritual blessings and draw closer to God. The Puritans saw the Lord's Day as a time to gather together under the oversight of godly shepherds, who feed and care for the flock, and to catch glimpses of heaven through the scriptures. [... more]

The story of Hannah, a mother in the Old Testament, is a powerful example of prayer and faith. Her prayer was answered, and she was able to bear a child. The Bible teaches us that fervent and effectual prayer is a key to a strong relationship with God. We can learn from Hannah's example and from the prayers of others, such as Dr. Jamison, a retired medical missionary who spent eight hours a day in prayer. Prayer is not just a duty, but an opportunity to come into the presence of God and speak to Him from the deepest level of our concerns and hearts. [... more]

Joel Beeke shares practical steps for believers to take when their assurance of salvation is weak, including prayer, studying the promises of God, and fleeing to the basics of the gospel. He also discusses the dangers of doubt and the importance of spiritual disciplines in maintaining a strong faith. [... more]

The Holy Spirit works in believers to develop an 'oughtness' within them, leading to mortification of sin, the leading of the Spirit, adoption, and the witnessing ministry, resulting in a deeper assurance of faith and a transformed life. [... more]

Backsliding is a serious sin that can lead to a loss of assurance, but the Holy Spirit can revive it through renewed prayer, confession, and forsaking of sin. The Puritans believed that divine desertion, or the withdrawal of God's presence, can occur, but it is not the norm. Instead, the believer's sin and neglect of spiritual disciplines are usually the cause of lost assurance. Revival of assurance begins with a longing cry of the heart for the Holy Spirit not to be taken from us, and it can be achieved by returning to the means of grace, such as secret prayer and the preached word. [... more]

Cultivating assurance of faith is a critical part of the Christian life, bringing peace, gratitude, obedience, and more. Through Bible study, prayer, and afflictions, believers can grow in their faith and develop a deeper understanding of their salvation, leading to a more confident and joyful walk with God. [... more]

John Eliot, a Christian missionary, traveled to America in the 1600s to spread the word of God to Native Americans. He learned the Algonquin language and translated the Bible into it, establishing 14 praying villages and planting churches throughout the region. Eliot's remarkable life and achievements have left a lasting impact on American history. [... more]

John Winthrop's vision of America as a 'City Upon a Hill' has been a powerful symbol of American freedom and faith. This concept, rooted in the Bible, has been referenced by Presidents and Americans alike, representing a shining example of a nation built on principles of justice, mercy, and community. [... more]