The Bible teaches that God is our shepherd, guiding us through life's challenges and providing us with the ultimate satisfaction and peace. Through the example of sheep and their dependence on a shepherd, we learn the importance of trusting in God's guidance and care, and recognizing our need for a personal relationship with Him. [... more]

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. This statement of trusting belief will mean a lot more after understanding the intimacy of the relationship between a shepherd and his sheep. Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, cares for his sheep, providing them with green pastures, quiet waters, and protection from anxiety, hunger, and thirst. [... more]

Navigating grief and lament in marriage and blended families requires a nuanced understanding of the pain and sorrow involved. Western culture's emphasis on mastering grief can be detrimental, and the church often adopts this approach without realizing it. A healthy approach to grief involves lament, which is a process of turning to God in pain, complaining, asking, and trusting. This process is reflected in the scriptures and is essential for growth and deepening of faith. [... more]

John Newton, a former slave trader, recounts his life of sin and eventual conversion to Christianity, becoming a prominent figure in Christian history and influencing the abolition of the slave trade through his friendship with William Wilberforce. [... more]

Counterfeit verses can distort our understanding of God's character and financial stewardship, leading to a lack of discernment and dependence on ourselves rather than God. By immersing ourselves in the truth of Scripture, we can develop the ability to recognize these counterfeit verses and instead cultivate a deeper understanding of God's wisdom and guidance in our financial decisions. [... more]

The Bible teaches that we are all prone to wander and need a shepherd to guide us. Jesus is our shepherd, who provides complete satisfaction, controlled supply, and capable supervision. He leads us in the path of righteousness and gives us peace, solace, and restoration. We must learn to follow Him, even in difficult times, and trust in His presence and guidance. [... more]

The rejection of God's plan and purpose in life leads to spiritual collapse, false prophets, idolatry, and social decay. The judgment of God is evident in the consequences of sin and the rejection of His truth. The importance of repentance and a correct understanding of God's character are emphasized. [... more]

Church elders who remain faithful and set examples for their flock will receive a crown of glory, as described in 1 Peter 5:4 and Titus 1:7-9. These leaders must be blameless, sober, just, and holy, holding fast to sound doctrine and applying scriptures to all areas of life. They must not be motivated by filthy lucre, but rather serve willingly and with a ready mind. [... more]

Jesus meets Moses, the law, and Simeon, a righteous and devout man who has been waiting for the Messiah. Mary and Joseph follow the law by circumcising Jesus and presenting him to the Lord, and they offer sacrifices for purification. Simeon recognizes Jesus as the Messiah and blesses God, while Anna, a prophetess, also recognizes Jesus as the Messiah and speaks of Him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. [... more]

The birth of Jesus Christ is set against the backdrop of Caesar Augustus's decree, which required a census of the Roman Empire. However, God is ultimately in control, orchestrating events to bring about the fulfillment of prophecy and the birth of the Messiah. The shepherds, who were considered ceremonially unclean, are chosen to be the first human evangelists, delivering the good news of Jesus' birth to others, and their example serves as a model for biblical leadership and evangelism. [... more]

Choosing contentment is a daily path that comes from a surrendered heart, cultivated through walking with Christ. It's not found in having everything, but in knowing the one who is everything. A biblical approach to financial decisions and stewardship can help individuals navigate their finances and make wise investment choices, especially in retirement. Additionally, seeking help with debt and credit counseling can provide freedom and peace of mind. [... more]

The early Christian church faced persecution, and Apostle Peter wrote letters to encourage believers to stand firm in their faith, even in the face of adversity. Peter's own life, marked by failures and successes, influenced his writing and made his letters precious to every generation of Christians. His confession of faith, 'Jesus is the Christ,' became the bedrock of the church's creed, and his letters continue to inspire and guide believers today. [... more]

The Holy Spirit's outpouring brings about the last days, launches the kingdom of God, and transforms us to the hope of righteousness. Through faith, we trust Christ for salvation and the Holy Spirit's power to sustain us, overcome our struggles, and live as new creations in Christ. [... more]

The Holy Spirit's outpouring at Pentecost marks a turning point in human history, fulfilling God's ancient promise to send the Spirit and empowering believers for mission. Jesus, the ascended and exalted King, pours out the Spirit upon his people, giving them life and transforming them into new creations. The Spirit's presence is a down payment assuring believers of their eternal redemption and resurrection, and it transforms all people, bringing a permanent, internal renewal through faith. [... more]

The Christmas story reveals the heart of God and generosity through the lives of unlikely people, including the Magi, shepherds, Joseph, and Mary, who respond to God's love and sacrifice, demonstrating that generosity is not just about giving money, but about giving time, reputation, future, and life, and that increasing levels of generosity bring increasing levels of reward and blessing. [... more]

Jesus Christ is a stranger to us because our hearts are hardened by sin, but through the power of the Holy Spirit, he opens our eyes to see the reality of his physical resurrection, proving he is the Christ, Messiah, and Savior. The Holy Spirit takes our darkened minds and gives us spiritual comprehension, allowing us to understand the gospel and recognize Jesus as the risen King. Through word and sacrament, the Holy Spirit ignites the fire of faith within us, burning away sinful desires and stirring love for God and our neighbor. [... more]

God measures generosity not by the size of the gift, but by the size of the sacrifice. True generosity touches the deepest parts of who you are and what you value most, and is an act of love that cultivates intimacy with God and overflows into relationships. [... more]

The boy Jesus reveals his divine mission at the temple, demonstrating his unique connection to God the Father and setting the stage for his future saving work. His interaction with the temple teachers and his parents showcases his divine understanding and obedience, highlighting his awareness of his identity as the Son of God sent to seek and save the lost. [... more]

The angel Gabriel plays a pivotal role in the Christmas story, delivering the gospel message to Mary and the shepherds. His announcements proclaim the birth of Jesus, the Messiah, and the Savior of the world, emphasizing God's sovereignty and the gift of undeserved favor. [... more]

The message of Christmas is one of joy, as Jesus came to save us from our sins, offering forgiveness and eternal life. The angel's message to the shepherds, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people,' is a promise of salvation and joy available to everyone, regardless of background or circumstances. [... more]

The angels' understanding of Christmas is rooted in their witness to Jesus Christ's glory in heaven, his incarnation at Bethlehem, his temptation in the wilderness, his agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, his sacrifice on the cross, his resurrection from the dead, and his return for his people. The angels' response to this knowledge is to worship and adore Christ, and it is the same response that should be ours. [... more]

The Christmas story reveals that God came for everyone, not just the worthy, and that the shepherds, nobodies in their time, were invited into God's presence and given a message to share with others, a message that is still for everybody today, reminding us of the importance of worship and telling others about the gospel. [... more]

On this episode of Our American Stories why was Jesus born in a manger Why were shepherds the first to know And why did a Roman census set the stage for it all In Why the Nativity Dr David Jeremiah walks through the entire Christmas narrative to explain why each person was part of it Mary Joseph the wise men and even the animals in the stable each carry meaning beyond tradition Dr Jeremiah joins us to talk about what the nativity scene shows us when we look at it with fresh eyes and why these quiet details still speak [... more]

On the first Christmas, God came to ordinary people like you and me, revealing himself to those on the lowest rung of society, the shepherds, with the announcement of the Messiah's birth, a personal and universal message of hope and salvation. [... more]

Solomon's journal entries reflect on his search for truth and the importance of fearing God, worshiping, obeying, and preparing for the day of judgment. He warns against getting beyond the words of God and encourages believers to live a life of purpose and meaning by remembering their Creator and resolving to walk with God through life. [... more]

The birth of Jesus is announced by angels to shepherds in the fields, who are told to find the newborn savior in Bethlehem, and they spread the news, marveling at the incredible event, while Mary keeps the details to herself, pondering them in her heart. [... 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]

The birthplace of Jesus, Bethlehem, was a small, overlooked city that God chose for his son's birth, revealing his unpredictability and love for the lowly. Jesus' birth in Bethlehem foreshadowed his role as the bread of life, the good shepherd, and the sacrifice for humanity's sins. God's grace extends to all, regardless of their background or circumstances, and Jesus' coming to Bethlehem demonstrates his humility and desire to redeem humanity. [... more]

Maintaining a standard of excellence during the Christmas season can be challenging, especially when faced with extra services, special programs, and last-minute changes. Dr. Abadan Shah shares his insights on how to prioritize joy and excellence, rather than just going through the motions, and how to avoid burnout by focusing on the true meaning of the season. [... more]

The distinction between Islam as a political ideology of domination and Christianity as a religion of salvation is crucial in understanding the nature of the two faiths. Islam teaches that salvation is achieved through submission to Allah and adherence to the five pillars, whereas Christianity teaches that salvation is a free gift by faith alone. The concept of kafir, or unbelievers, in Islam is also explored, highlighting the hierarchical treatment of non-believers in Islamic society. The mass immigration of Muslims into Western countries has brought about significant cultural changes, posing an existential threat to the dominant culture. Christians must be aware of the threat of Islam and take an apologetic approach to sharing the gospel with Muslims, while also being shrewd and intelligent in their understanding of the ideology. [... more]

Staying focused on what God has called you to do is crucial in Christian ministry. When faced with discouragement, it's easy to jump into new ideas, but this can divert from the main thing. Dr. Abadan Shah shares his experience of being a pastor and how he learned to stay focused on the word of God and prayer, even when things got tough. [... more]

The humble shepherds, first to greet the newborn Jesus, responded with contagious joy, demonstrating the natural response to Christmas. Their spontaneous joy became a message of hope and faith, as they retold the story of the Savior's birth, emphasizing the importance of obedience and the joy of God in their hearts. [... more]

Jesus teaches about the Good Shepherd, comparing himself to a shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep, and contrasts himself with thieves and robbers who only seek to harm and destroy. He explains that true followers are those who listen to his voice and follow him, and that he is one with the Father, giving eternal life to those who believe in him. [... more]

The humble shepherds of Bethlehem were chosen to receive the first announcement of Jesus' birth, a message of great joy that would be to all people. The shepherds were the least expected audience, but they received the message with fear and awe, and then responded by going to Bethlehem to see the newborn Jesus, lying in a manger. Their obedience and response to the message marked the beginning of their faith, and they retold the story of their encounter with Jesus to others, sharing the changing of their lives because of what they saw. [... more]

As December 25th approaches, Dr. Robert Jeffress takes time to reflect on the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ, exploring the Nativity scene and the five major characters involved, including Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the wise men, and the baby Jesus, highlighting the significance of humility, obedience, and the true meaning of Christmas. [... more]

Dr. Robert Jeffers invites listeners to slow down and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas by examining the lives of five key players in the Nativity story, including Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds, and learning eternal lessons about what it means to love and obey God. [... more]

God's promise to King Ahaz of a child born through a virgin, supernaturally conceived, bypassing the sin nature, is a core doctrine of the Christian faith, offering a perfect sacrifice for humanity's sin, and providing a relationship with God, as seen in the birth of Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us. [... more]

The story of Christmas is about God's search for humanity, seeking to reconcile us to Himself through Jesus Christ. Jesus' parables, such as the lost sheep and the prodigal son, illustrate the depth of God's love and His desire to bring us back to Him. Repentance is a change in direction, turning away from sin and towards God, and it leads to a new life in Christ. As Zig Ziglar's story shows, repentance can transform a person's life, and it is the message of Christmas that God loves us and wants us to know Him. [... 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]

The synoptic problem refers to the similarities and differences between the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Dr. Abadan Shah discusses the genealogy of Jesus, highlighting the differences between the genealogies in Matthew and Luke, and how they both demonstrate Jesus' royalty and legitimacy. He also explores the concept of adoption and how it relates to Jesus' birth and our own relationship with God. [... more]