A pastor examines the qualifications for elders in the church, emphasizing the importance of character, spiritual maturity, and biblical leadership. He discusses the need for elders to be one-woman men, temperate, hospitable, and free from the love of money, among other qualities. The pastor also stresses the importance of careful selection and realistic appraisal of leaders, as well as sensitivity to God's leading in the process. [... more]

When facing a crisis, God may allow us to wrestle with our problems to help us remember Him and discover our true character. As we strive with God and with men, we can prevail and receive a breakthrough, but only if we persevere and don't let go too soon. God's purpose is to transform us and give us a new name, a new identity, and a new blessing, which is only available when we are in a right relationship with Him. [... more]

God's anointing is about his choice and purpose, not human merit. David's role as a harp player is seen as humbling, but that kind of humility is exactly what the Lord is looking for. Worship takes place on a battlefield, and music is one of Satan's strongholds. The power of worship can galvanize us into action, and it's a great benefit to turn on Christian worship praise when we're troubled. [... more]

Paul's joy and thankfulness were directly proportional to the growth of the family business, and he was thankful for God's work collectively and personally, being confident that God would complete the good work He had begun in the Philippians. [... more]

Developing a deeper emotional and spiritual connection in marriage requires intentional effort and communication. By believing the best about each other, expressing positive regard, and engaging in meaningful conversations, couples can cultivate a warm and intimate relationship. This involves being curious about each other, asking open-ended questions, and seeking to understand each other's perspectives. By prioritizing communication and connection, couples can build a stronger and more resilient marriage, even in the face of challenges and conflicts. [... more]

Catherine Wolf shares her personal story of overcoming a massive stroke and finding hope and treasure in the darkness. She discusses how suffering impacts finances and the importance of surrendering to God's plan. Catherine also talks about her ministry, Hope Heals, and how it provides a sacred space for people with disabilities to belong and find community. [... more]

Pastor Greg Laurie emphasizes the importance of understanding the basics of the Christian faith and regularly reading and studying the Bible to foster spiritual growth and development. He encourages listeners to reflect on their relationship with God and to seek a deeper understanding of their faith, highlighting the value of the Bible as a source of guidance and comfort. [... more]

Solomon's inspired advice for navigating life under human authority is shared, focusing on the principles of obedience, patience, and loyalty to the office, as well as the limitations of power and the importance of not sinning against God. [... more]

Jesus Christ is the living word of God, the overflow of God's heart, and the catalyst for creation. He is the light of the world, revealing the darkness and bringing spiritual life to those who believe in Him. Through His power, He sustains all things and is the cohesiveness that keeps creation together. [... more]

Big Mitch, a man who spent 44 years in prison for a crime he committed, shares his story of spiritual transformation and redemption. He offers guidance to those in need, including his friend Bo, who is struggling with a marriage crisis. Mitch's words of wisdom and his own experiences with loss and grief are a testament to the power of faith and the human spirit. [... 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]

Jerry Johnson, a renowned evangelist, is launching a movement called Christian Strong, which aims to awaken believers and help them become spiritually strong by adopting a biblical worldview. The movement seeks to enroll a million people and train them to think biblically, making them culture warriors for the nation. Johnson emphasizes the importance of having a strong faith and being able to articulate it, citing the need for Christians to go from weak to strong in the face of increasing secularism and cultural challenges. [... 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]

Failure in the Christian life is not uncommon, and it's not final. Peter's story serves as a warning to us, showing how even the spiritually strong can fall. Through true repentance, we can find restoration in Jesus Christ and avoid the pitfalls of spiritual failure. [... more]

God tests our hunger for Him by asking us what we are willing to sacrifice, and it's in those moments of sacrifice that we discover the real price of spiritual passion. Dr. Tony Evans explains that God's testing is not about figuring out what we can do, but about revealing whether we truly love Him more than anything else. [... more]

A Christian's life is a choice to invest in God's kingdom or squander it, as seen in the story of King Saul and David. The Holy Spirit's presence is essential for spiritual growth, and without it, one is open to Satan's influence. Grief is a real experience, but God provides the answer to managing it through His power and love. [... more]

Jesus Christ has given us authority over Satan and his kingdom, and we must strongly enforce this authority to set captives free and overcome spiritual warfare. This authority is sovereignly established and must be strategically exercised, requiring the right person, position, and power to overcome Satan's dominion. [... more]

The image of light is a crucial part of Christmas, symbolizing Jesus Christ, who is the center of human history. Jesus is like light in that he commands our attention, reveals our flaws, overpowers darkness, and offers us direction to God Himself. [... more]

Investing can be a spiritual practice that aligns our portfolios and hearts with God's purposes. By adopting spiritual disciplines like gratitude, review, and repentance, investors can move from just analysis to discernment and invite God into their financial decisions. [... more]

The success of the gospel does not depend on human power or manipulation, but rather on the divine sovereignty of God. John MacArthur explains that spiritual life and regeneration are automatic, and that the farmer in the parable of the seed sowing is not Jesus, but rather a representation of humanity, who must sow the seed and let God do the work. [... more]

Pastor Greg Laurie discusses the importance of living a life that honors the Lord, paying attention to signs of the times, and being prepared for the return of Jesus Christ. He shares the story of Noah and the great flood, highlighting the destructive power of sin and the need for spiritual growth and accountability. Pastor Laurie emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Spirit and not being controlled by intoxicants or other substances. [... more]

Jesus teaches that spiritual hunger is a reality for every person, and that eternal life is found in believing in Him. He explains that His flesh is the bread of life, and that those who eat of it will have eternal life. The concept of redemption is central to the gospel, and Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is the means by which we are redeemed. [... more]

God's silence can be a call to faith, and praise is a powerful tool in spiritual warfare, leading to breakthroughs and victories. Understanding God's character and sovereignty is key to navigating life's challenges and finding peace in the midst of turmoil. [... more]

The Apostle Peter's denial of Jesus is a powerful reminder that even the strongest followers of Christ can falter and fail. Peter's story teaches us about the dangers of spiritual complacency, the importance of prayer and Bible study, and the need to listen to godly advice. We can learn from Peter's mistakes and apply these lessons to our own lives, seeking to deepen our faith and avoid the pitfalls of spiritual failure. [... more]

When our desperation meets our dependence, we're in a position to experience God's fullness. Recognizing spiritual hunger and taking action to increase our emptiness can lead to a deeper appetite for God's presence and power. [... more]

Pastor Jack Hibbs teaches about advancing the kingdom of God through faith and obedience, using the story of David and Saul from 1 Samuel. He explains how God's anointing is not based on human merit, but on His choice and purpose. The pastor also discusses the importance of spiritual law and God's protection, and how sin can lead to being unusable by God. [... more]

Killing sin requires a Christ-centered focus, abstaining from fleshly lusts, and making no provision for the flesh. This involves understanding the consequences of sinful thinking, rooting out sin, and keeping thoughts pure. It also requires prayer, meditation on God's Word, and self-discipline to hack sin to pieces and kill it, rather than merely covering it up or internalizing it. [... more]

Pastor Greg Laurie explores the life of Noah, a man of great faith who lived in the days before the great flood. Despite his flaws, Noah's story teaches us about the importance of reverence for God, the power of faith, and the need to finish the race well. We also learn about the dangers of spiritual complacency and the importance of seeking forgiveness and restoration through Jesus Christ. [... more]

The story of William and Catherine Booth, founders of the Salvation Army, and their mission to spread the gospel and help the poor and marginalized, including their early days in London, their decision to form the Salvation Army, and their expansion to the United States and beyond. [... more]

The Father's role in drawing people to Jesus is a mystery, but it is clear that left to ourselves, we would not choose salvation. The Bible is the key to understanding God's plan of salvation, and it is through faith in Jesus that we are given eternal life. [... more]

When faced with difficult decisions and circumstances, God offers a supernatural resource of wisdom to guide us. This resource is available to those who ask in faith, without doubting, and are willing to surrender to God's will. Chip Ingram teaches from James chapter 1, emphasizing the importance of absolute surrender and faith in God's character, and how this can lead to great power and testimony in our lives. [... more]

The importance of giving thanks to God in every circumstance, even in the face of adversity, is a central theme in Christian maturity and preparing for the second coming of Christ. Christians are encouraged to develop a habit of thanksgiving, which can transform their attitude and character, and is pleasing to God. The Bible teaches that God is in control of everything that touches our lives and that He can turn even the darkest situations for good. Christians are called to pick up their cross and follow Jesus, even if it means facing persecution and suffering. A self-serving gospel has led to a cross-less Christianity in America, where Jesus is marketed as a means to improve one's temporal life rather than a call to live for Him and His kingdom. [... more]

Praise is a beautiful thing for God's people, as it brings joy and makes Him look good. It's a spiritual sacrifice that pleases God, and when done sincerely, it can bring victory over spiritual warfare. Understanding the importance of stewardship and walking by faith, rather than sight, is crucial in this journey. By giving God praise and worship, we can experience the power of His presence and overcome challenges in life. [... more]

When God's people drift toward idolatry, they also drift toward defeat. Dr. Tony Evans explores one of the darkest chapters in Israel's history, revealing why spiritual victories often depend on restoring our relationship with the Lord before seeking His help. [... more]

Jesus Christ marveled at a centurion's great faith, saying he had not found such faith in all of Israel. This man understood the concept of kingdom authority, which comes from a higher power and is linked to obedience. He demonstrated this by saying he was a man under authority, having soldiers under him, and therefore he had authority over them. This principle is still applicable today, and Jesus' authority is our authority, as we are united with him in his death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and enthronement. [... more]

Carrie Newhoff, pastor, speaker, and best-selling author, shares his journey from burnout to biblical rest, emphasizing the importance of managing energy rather than time, and delegating tasks to others when not at their best. He discusses how to prioritize tasks, set boundaries, and maintain a healthy work-life balance, highlighting the benefits of Sabbath and prehab in achieving rest and rejuvenation. [... more]

Pastor Greg Laurie shares the story of Noah, a last days believer who found grace in the eyes of the Lord. He explains that God sends judgment because he is loving and just, and that we should not spend too much time wondering why, but instead say who, as in who do we turn to. He emphasizes the importance of faith, grace, and the afterlife, and encourages listeners to prepare for the afterlife by believing in Jesus Christ. [... more]

Anxiety can be a debilitating condition that affects many people, but there is hope for healing and recovery. By understanding the spiritual context of anxiety and addressing the underlying issues, individuals can find peace and freedom from anxiety. Forgiveness and healing are key components of the anxiety treatment process, and faith in Christ can provide the foundation for overcoming anxiety and finding hope. [... more]

The Bible teaches that people's hearts must be overcome by God's love in order to come to faith in Jesus Christ. This is a mystery that cannot be explained by human reasoning, but rather requires a spiritual transformation that only God can bring about. [... more]

When faced with crisis or chaos, it's easy to feel stuck and paralyzed. But according to Chip Ingram, God has a supernatural resource that can show us exactly what to do, when to do it, and how to take the next step. By asking God for wisdom and trusting in His character, we can find hope and endurance in the midst of difficult times. [... more]