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]

Our worship of God must be anchored in objective truth, God's self-disclosure, and rooted in sacrifice, affirming rest, and corporate centrality. We are called to come together as God's people to worship, reflect His presence, and live out our lives in harmony with His will. [... more]

The worship of God is a contrast to paganism, rooted in divine revelation and objective truth, and is a response to God's self-disclosure. It is not a human construction, but a divine ordination, and is essential for faithfulness to God's laws. [... more]

Paul's letter to the Philippians emphasizes the importance of moving forward in the Christian life, forgetting the past and looking to the future. He encourages believers to focus on the basics of their faith, such as reading the Bible, praying, attending church, and sharing their faith. By doing so, they can experience spiritual growth and maturity, and ultimately reach their full potential in Christ. [... more]

Living a life of spiritual simplicity requires growing up and prioritizing love, faith, and hope. By focusing on what's truly important and letting go of worldly values, individuals can experience a deeper connection with God and others, leading to a more fulfilling life. [... more]

In the name of love, we often do things that don't make sense, and our priorities can become misplaced. Chip Ingram explores how love responds to hurts, differences, and failure, and how it ruthlessly refuses to allow temporal good things to crowd out the eternal best things. He encourages listeners to evaluate their priorities and make specific steps towards clearing the decks for extra time with God to get clarity and alignment with His will. [... more]

Chip Ingram discusses the importance of spiritual simplicity and living a life of love and forgiveness. He shares personal stories and biblical examples to illustrate the power of hope and the sovereignty of God. The message emphasizes the need to prioritize our faith journey and live in community with others, and to receive God's love and forgiveness through faith. [... more]

Exploring the origins of our longing for connection and love, and how to steer clear of relational traps that many fall into, by understanding the importance of love, truth, and grace in our relationships. [... more]

Matt Slick discusses the importance of understanding Reformed theology, election, and predestination in the Christian faith, and how it relates to the sovereignty of God, covenant theology, and biblical truth. [... more]

America has had four great spiritual awakenings historically, with the first one happening in colonial America before the country was officially formed. A revival among God's people can happen individually or locally, but a spiritual awakening is when God does a huge work across the board. The key to seeing revival is to pray with passion, confess sins, separate from ungodly influences, and hear God's word and act on it. Revival always leads to evangelism, and it's up to individuals to take action and do revival-like things to see a spiritual awakening happen. [... more]

Rob West explores how God can use our setbacks to move us forward with Tim Tebow, discussing how to reframe our mindsets and trust God's sovereignty, and how to use our success to turn it into significance for others. [... more]

Living a life of gratitude and service can shift our mindset from victimhood to empowerment, allowing us to see the good in our lives and trust God's power. By recognizing the enemy's tactics and using the supernatural weapons of service, gratitude, and stillness with God, we can take control of our thoughts and live a life that honors God. [... more]

Robin John, CEO of Eventide Asset Management, shares his journey from an immigrant child struggling in school to co-founder and CEO of a faith-based investment firm. He discusses how investing can be more than financial, but also deeply spiritual, and how businesses can promote human flourishing through their products and practices. [... more]

The parable of the prodigal son teaches about radical love, restoration, and forgiveness, highlighting the importance of self-worth and authority in our lives. Pastor Jack Hibbs explains how the Bible warns against rejecting authority and the consequences of doing so, while also emphasizing the joy of repentance and the love of God for us. [... more]