We're naturally rebellious due to our fallen state, but through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, there's forgiveness. However, in our fallen state, we continue to rebel against authority, seeking self-autonomy and self-indulgence. As followers of Jesus Christ, submission is to be our lifestyle, characterized by humility and obedience to God's word, which is the supreme authority for all of us. [... more]

Dr. Russell James III discusses the biblical perspective on wealth management, highlighting the importance of joyful stewardship and generosity. He explains how fear can lead to hoarding and how recognizing God as the giver can free us to enjoy and share our wealth. The conversation also touches on the role of generosity in building trust and witness, and how joyful wealth management can help us take hold of life that is truly life. [... more]

The doctrine of justification by faith alone has been a subject of controversy throughout church history. Martin Luther's 95 theses sparked a theological battle that continues to this day. Paul and James, two key figures in the Bible, seem to be in disagreement on the matter, but a closer examination reveals that they are actually complementing each other's message. Paul emphasizes the foundation of salvation, while James highlights the fruit of salvation, demonstrating that faith without works is dead. [... more]

Joseph, a young man sold into slavery, faces temptation in the form of his master's wife, who repeatedly tries to seduce him. Despite being in a position of power and anonymity, Joseph refuses to give in to his desires, citing his commitment to his master's trust, his own character, and his relationship with God. His refusal leads to his imprisonment, but God is with him even in the prison cell, giving him favor and responsibility. The story of Joseph teaches us that resisting temptation may not bring immediate rewards, but it is essential for living a life of personal purity and integrity. [... more]

The story of Jonah serves as a reminder that God can transform anyone, regardless of their past or appearance. God appoints circumstances to bring people back to Him, not to punish them. The Bible teaches that we can pray anywhere, anytime, and that God sees and hears us even in our darkest moments. The story of Jonah also highlights the importance of obedience and the role we play in sharing the gospel with others. [... more]

Rich Powell emphasizes the importance of living a life of faith, abiding in Christ, and being a conduit of God's grace. He encourages listeners to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, prepare their minds for action, and engage in the mission entrusted to them. The church is portrayed as a community built on relationships based on God's grace, where members are equipped and encouraged to live out their faith. [... more]

Knowing God's self-disclosure through the Word of God is essential for Christian growth and spiritual maturity. Rich Powell emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine and theology in understanding God's purpose and character. He encourages listeners to grow in the grace and knowledge of their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and to be all in with God's graces, including his Word, the Spirit, and the Son. [... more]

Christians are warned against being carried away by societal change and losing their stability, as Peter emphasizes in 2 Peter, Live as People Who Remember. A rip current of contemporary societal sensibilities threatens to legitimize sin, and the church must stand faithfully to scriptures, graciously but truthfully, to maintain stability and discernment. [... more]

The importance of diligent study and humility in understanding God's character and purpose, and how false teachers twist scripture for personal gain, leading to their own destruction. [... more]

A settled satisfaction comes from understanding God's character and purpose, leading to a transcendent approach to life and work. This requires diligent study and humility, as God's ways are way above human understanding. [... more]

The pursuit of pleasure can lead to emptiness, as seen in the book of Ecclesiastes. The author's experiment in chasing every earthly delight resulted in a life of vanity and striving after wind. This message is crucial for our culture, which constantly bombards us with messages telling us to treat ourselves and follow our hearts. However, Ecclesiastes forces us to ask a harder question: what if pleasure doesn't lead where we think it does? We must reflect on what we're turning to when we feel tired, discouraged, or disconnected, and seek joy in God instead. [... more]

Living amongst self-absorbed behavior, Lot practiced hospitality and restraint, exercising light and salt in his culture. Today, the church is called to engage unbelief and false teachers, exercising discernment and challenging lies. Tenderness must not leave people in sin, and believers must beware of the Pharisee syndrome, recognizing their own sin natures and deception. [... more]

Living amongst self-indulgence and self-preoccupation can be challenging for followers of Jehovah God. However, practicing hospitality and restraint in the face of overwhelming sin can be a powerful witness. The church is called to exercise hospitality and engage unbelief, but not at the cost of condoning sin or compromising the gospel. [... more]

Understanding the importance of being rich toward God, navigating financial decisions with biblical wisdom, and making wise choices about wealth management, estate planning, and investments that align with Christian values. [... more]

The Reformation was a significant part of the story that God is telling, as it brought a renewed understanding of the gospel and the central importance of faith rather than mechanical works. The authority of scripture was emphasized, and direct access to God for the person in the pew was made possible. This movement was spurred on by the renaissance of interest in classical ideas and languages, and the printing press, which exploded the spread of these ideas. [... more]

Martin Luther's bold stand for truth was sparked by his discovery of the imputation of the righteousness of God, which he believed was revealed in the Bible, particularly in the book of Romans. This understanding led him to challenge the Catholic Church's practice of selling indulgences, which he saw as a corruption of the gospel. Luther's theses, posted on the church door at Wittenberg, ignited a wildfire of controversy that would change the course of history. [... more]

Living rich toward God involves recognizing God as the source of true wealth and the object of our riches, and evaluating true wealth by what it means in terms of our relationship with him. Generosity and giving lavishly are key aspects of being rich toward God, as it honors God and benefits others, and also brings eternal rewards. Materialism, or the love of money and things, can become a center of gravity in our lives, but giving and parting with our stuff can break the hold of materialism and free us from its bondage. [... more]

Dr. Abidjan Shah discusses the importance of having a relationship with Jesus Christ, explaining that it's not just about believing in Him, but also about having a personal connection with Him. He also delves into the topic of purgatory and indulgences, highlighting how they can undermine the finality of Christ's sacrifice and lead to a lack of assurance in one's salvation. [... more]

Martin Luther's 95 Theses sparked the Reformation, challenging the sale of indulgences and the doctrine of the treasury of merits. Luther's protest was initially against the agent of the church, Johann Tetzel, but eventually led to a broader critique of the Catholic Church. The theses were widely disseminated, thanks to the printing press, and Luther's ideas began to spread, leading to a series of important meetings and debates, including the Imperial Diet of Worms in 1521. [... more]

The Roman Catholic Church's doctrine of indulgences and the treasury of merit is explored, highlighting the controversy surrounding the sale of indulgences in Germany and the role of Pope Leo X in financing the construction of St. Peter's Basilica. [... more]