Paul's imprisonment is used by some to enhance their reputations, but he rejoices that Christ is preached, even by those with ungodly motives, as the gospel has power, not the messenger, and warns against changing the gospel to make it more attractive to sinners or allowing human works. [... more]

Jesus's Prayer of Thanksgiving reveals that the simplest among us, even little children, can easily understand the wonderful truths of salvation and forgiveness, eternal life in heaven, and God's guidance and provision on earth. [... more]

God-fearing men have led America, including its presidents, and Christianity has thrived as a result. However, signs of deterioration are emerging, and Christians are urged to pray for leaders and the nation, that it may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. [... more]

The concept of joy is not limited to personal achievements or circumstances, but rather it's about finding joy in others' successes and rejoicing with those who rejoice, as taught in the Scripture. This requires empathy and the ability to put others first, as exemplified by Jesus, who was able to maintain joy despite his own sorrows and griefs. [... more]

A healthy church is characterized by a big heart, a firm stance, a warm embrace, a merry soul, and a soft touch. These qualities are essential for spiritual stability, unity, and growth, and are exemplified in the lives of Christians who follow Jesus' example of gentleness and humility. [... more]

Moses' dying song, Psalm 90, reflects on his life's work and the fleeting nature of human existence, contrasting it with the eternal and unchanging God. [... 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]

The concept of the holiness of God is a mysterious and awe-inspiring experience that evokes both fear and fascination. Rudolph Otto's idea of the holy as a 'tremendous mystery' that produces tremors within us is explored through the experiences of Saint Augustine and R.C. Sproul. The ambivalence of the human response to the holy is discussed, where we are drawn to and repelled by the presence of God at the same time. [... more]

John Harbaugh's marriage to the Giants seems obvious, but the team still had to win to secure him. Meanwhile, Mike Tomlin's decision to leave the Steelers after 15 seasons has left fans and players emotional, with some wondering if he'll return to coaching. The divisional playoffs are wide open, with any team capable of winning. The NFL Players Association needs to get its own house in order before discussing the CBA and NIL deals. Tomlin's next move is uncertain, but he could be a great fit as the NCAA commissioner. The Bears' wild card win over the Packers was a satisfying moment for fans, and the team is looking forward to the divisional playoffs. [... more]

Christians are people who rejoice in the midst of difficulty, recognizing that trials are temporary, never wasteful, and always used to refine and grow genuine faith. They love and follow an invisible deity, believing in a God they cannot see, and reflecting the glory of his face in the midst of unexplainable things. [... more]

The importance of living a life of sexual purity and moral integrity, as discussed through the lens of Christianity and the biblical worldview, with a focus on the role of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit in guiding believers towards a life of obedience and holiness. [... more]

The source of joy is in the Lord, and it's a command to rejoice in Him. The righteous should know better and rejoice in the Lord, not in circumstances, people, or possessions, but in His everlasting love, power, and promises. Praise is comely for the upright, and it's a sign to the world that Jesus brings joy to our lives. A personal song, a passionate soul, and a public song are all expressions of rejoicing in the Lord. [... more]

Solomon advises young people to enjoy their early years, invest them wisely, and guard them carefully, warning against the dangers of sexual sin and the importance of living with a joyful spirit and a sense of accountability to God. [... more]

The birth of Jesus is a light that shines into our darkness, revealing our need for a Savior and illuminating everything else. Jesus is a light that guides us home, showing us where we've come from and how to get back to God. He's a light that reveals our imperfections and shows us what goodness is, but also a healing light that absorbs our darkness and brings us hope for the future. [... more]

God's timing is perfect, and his plan for our lives is always better than our own. Mary's obedience to God's will is a powerful example of surrendering to his plan, and it has a ripple effect, impacting those around her. We are called to obey God's plan, submit ourselves to his will, and trust in his perfect timing. [... more]

Solomon's message in Ecclesiastes 9 emphasizes the importance of living fully and faithfully, without fear of the grave, and enjoying the simple things in life, such as relationships and everyday tasks, as a reminder of God's approval and authority. [... more]

The Christmas story begins with the birth of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus Christ. Zacharias and Elizabeth, an elderly couple, are chosen by God to be the parents of John. Their story teaches us about the importance of faithfulness, prayer, and spiritual gifts. We learn that God can take ordinary people and do amazing things through their lives if they will dedicate themselves to Him. Ultimately, God's plan is for Jesus Christ to come into our hearts and lives, forgiving our sins and giving us the certainty of heaven. [... more]

The number 7 is associated with fullness and rest in the Bible, and is often linked to new beginnings, life, and resurrection. Eight great spiritual revivals are described in the Old Testament, each centered around the reception and acceptance of God's Word, which is the foundation for true and lasting revival. [... more]

The Advent season brings hope and joy as we wait for Christ's return, remembering that death has been defeated and resurrection is our future hope. As faithful stewards of the gospel, we are called to rejoice in Christ's first coming and proclaim his message to others, guarding the mysteries of salvation that have been revealed to us in Christ. [... more]

Greg Laurie discusses the significance of Jesus' name, exploring its various facets and meanings in Isaiah 9:6. He highlights how Jesus' name is a source of wonder, a counselor, a mighty God, an everlasting Father, and a Prince of Peace, addressing different aspects of human life and needs. Laurie emphasizes the importance of having a personal relationship with God and invites listeners to ask Jesus to come into their lives. [... more]

Developing a thankful spirit is key to overcoming bitterness and finding peace in the midst of calamity. Christians are called to rejoice in the Lord, not in their circumstances, and to give thanks in everything, no matter what the circumstances. This mindset changes everything, lifting burdens, freeing us from anger and fear, and allowing us to endure trials with hope and confidence in eternity. [... more]

As we journey through Advent, we're invited to fix our eyes on the promises of God, look forward to the redemption of all creation, and rejoice in the mercy and grace shown to us in Christ. Despite the darkness of this world, God assures his people through the prophet Isaiah that despite this cataclysmic judgment that is coming upon the earth, justice, peace, and hope prevail because the king comes and the church is glorified. [... more]

Giving thanks to the Lord is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, and it's not just limited to special occasions like Thanksgiving. Pastor Greg Laurie emphasizes the importance of having an attitude of gratitude, recognizing God's sovereignty, and praising Him in all circumstances, even in times of suffering. He shares powerful stories of Paul and Silas, who gave thanks to God while in prison, and how their worship and praise led to the salvation of a Roman jailer and his family. [... more]

Jesus performs a miracle at the pool of Bethesda, healing a man who has been paralyzed for 38 years. The religious leaders respond with hostility, accusing Jesus of breaking the Sabbath and claiming to be equal with God. Jesus explains that his dependence on God is perfect, and he shares the rights and power of God. He claims to be the giver of spiritual life and the judge of all mankind, and invites people to believe in him and receive eternal life. [... more]

The Apostle Paul learned the principle of being content, and you can too. He rejoiced in the Lord despite being under house arrest, and his secret to contentment was appreciating what he had, applying what he learned, and accepting wherever he was. Paul's dependence on Christ gave him the strength to do everything he was called to do, and he promises that you can do the same. [... 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]

The speaker discusses the significance of the rainy season in the Holy Land, highlighting the importance of prayer and thanksgiving for the bounty of the land. The discussion explores the biblical concept of the land flowing with milk and honey, and how it is not a natural phenomenon but rather a result of God's provision. The speaker also touches on the theme of God pouring out his spirit and the importance of preparing vessels to receive it. [... more]

Peter Rosenberger shares his personal experiences as a caregiver for his wife Gracie, who is a double amputee. He discusses the importance of finding joy and purpose in life, even in the midst of challenges, and how faith-based programs can make a positive impact on individuals and communities. [... more]

The Great Awakening of 1858 in Chicago was a powerful revival that swept the nation, converting hundreds of thousands of people and leaving a lasting impact on the city and its churches. Led by D.L. Moody, this movement was characterized by a strong awareness of God's presence, deep conviction of sin, and joy. As Pastor Lutzer reflects on this event, he encourages listeners to seek God's face and be available for a mighty work of the Holy Spirit. [... more]

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood firm in their faith despite facing a fiery furnace, demonstrating the importance of perseverance and endurance in the face of adversity. Jesus' presence and power were evident in their lives, and His promise to never leave or forsake us is a reminder that we are not alone in our trials. The Bible teaches us to keep ourselves from idols and to worship God alone, and to persevere in our faith despite the challenges we face. [... more]

When God comes to church, many wonderful things happen, and when that happens, we sometimes call it a spiritual awakening or revival. It happened in the church in Thessalonica, and to see their impact on a whole community. It also happened in America, God has done some unusual things in these United States. Today's message is a little unusual because I'm not going to be giving an exposition of Scripture, though at the end we will turn to 1 Thessalonians 5 if you want to turn there now. And we'll be talking about what to do while we are waiting for an awakening. But today I'm going to tell you the story of America's great awakenings so that, number one, faith might be quickened in our hearts and we might say, My goodness, if God did it then, why can't He do it now? [... more]

True love is not captivated by sin, but rather delights in the truth. It doesn't rejoice in unrighteousness, applaud sinful behavior, or delight in repeating sinful deeds. Instead, it rejoices with the truth and is deeply concerned with the advancement of the gospel and the pure and holy reputation of Jesus Christ. [... more]

Investing can be a spiritual act that brings joy and honors God when done with Christian values in mind. By viewing investments as opportunities to partner with companies that align with faith-based principles, individuals can create real-world impact and promote human flourishing. This approach involves being an owner, not just a trader, and taking responsibility for the companies they invest in, including influencing their practices and policies through corporate engagement. [... more]

Paul describes true love in 1 Corinthians 13 as a selfless and humble love that doesn't act with envy, brag, or become arrogant. He warns against the dangers of pride and arrogance, which can lead to destructive jealousy and a lack of love for others. True love seeks to rescue the sinner from self-destruction and bring them into fellowship with Jesus Christ. [... more]

The return of Israeli hostages highlights the stark contrast between Israel's celebration and the chaos in Gaza, underscoring the moral equivalence of critical theory. The Chinese Communist Party's crackdown on the Christian church in China raises questions about the nature of totalitarianism and the role of Christianity. Meanwhile, a Christian revival may be underway, with rising Bible sales and downloads of religion and spirituality apps. However, this revival must be approached with caution, avoiding the pitfalls of purity tests and infighting. The importance of individual faithfulness, corporate faithfulness, and waiting on God's timing are emphasized. [... more]

Forgiveness is a crucial skill for a great marriage, allowing couples to release resentment and bitterness, and instead choose to bless and pray for each other. Effective communication and conflict resolution are also essential, enabling partners to understand each other's perspectives and work through difficulties together. By prioritizing their relationship with God and each other, couples can build a strong foundation for a fulfilling and loving marriage. [... more]

God is with us, even when it seems like He's not. He's always working things together for His purposes, and He's willing to forgive us and bring good out of difficult situations. Through the stories of Joseph, Esther, and Abraham, we see how God's presence and providence can bring us hope and comfort, even in the darkest of times. [... more]

The story of Saul of Tarsus, a persecutor of Christians, who was converted to Christ after a surprising encounter with the risen Jesus. This transformation had a profound impact on his life and the world, inspiring a message of hope and redemption through the power of God's grace. [... more]

Made in the image of God, humans cannot help but worship. The question is, who or what will we worship? Pastor Rich Powell explores seven principles for worshiping the Lord God, including inclusivity, passing on worship to children, and stewardship of life. [... more]

Our worship of God is rooted in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and must be a worship that affirms rest, rejoicing, and is inclusive of all people, including those who are not part of the community. This is because God is an inviting and welcoming God of compassion, and our worship should reflect His character. [... more]