After the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution faced numerous challenges, including a divided population, lack of funds, and a formidable British army. George Washington's leadership and strategic decisions, such as his alliance with France and his victories at Trenton and Princeton, helped turn the tide of the war. Meanwhile, Thomas Paine's writings, including his influential pamphlet 'The Crisis,' inspired the colonists to persevere and fight for their freedom. [... more]

The story of Thomas Jefferson's unlikely alliance with evangelical Christians to protect churches from the power of the state, leading to the birth of American religious freedom and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. [... more]

The Milwaukee Bucks' recent win over the Thunder has sparked questions about their second-half performance, with some speculating that they may be freewheeling and fun, while others believe they will continue to struggle with tanking. The team's new lineup, featuring Cam Thomas and other young players, has shown promise, but the return of Doc Rivers and the departure of Darvin Ham may impact their performance. Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo's absence from the All-Star Game has raised concerns about his health and the team's overall chemistry. [... more]

The story of America's founding is told through the eyes of Hillsdale College professor Bill McClay, who explores the significance of the Declaration of Independence and its enduring impact on American history and culture. [... more]

Hillsdale College professor Bill McClay discusses the lead-up to the American Revolution, focusing on Thomas Paine's influential pamphlet 'Common Sense' and its impact on the colonists' decision to declare independence from Britain. [... more]

Tom Lyle Williams, the founder of Maybelline, revolutionized the advertising industry by creating a brand that focused on the eyes, making women feel beautiful and confident. He was a true entrepreneur who never stopped, even in the face of adversity, and his family played a crucial role in the company's success. The story of Maybelline is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and innovation. [... more]

The story of Jesse Leroy Brown, the first African American naval aviator, who deliberately crash-landed his plane behind enemy lines in the Korean War to save his wingman, Thomas J. Hudner Jr., who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic attempt to rescue Brown. [... more]

The rise of digital detox camps and kid concierge services reflects a broader trend of disordered loves in parenting, where parents prioritize their own comfort and ease over the well-being and moral formation of their children. [... more]

In the book of Galatians, Paul confronts Peter over his refusal to include Gentiles who weren't obeying Jewish kosher laws within the family of God, introducing a damnable plus of faith in Jesus plus obedience to the law. Paul explains theologically that justification is never about our obedience, but rather about faith in Jesus Christ, and that our behavior should be a response to the grace we've received, not a means of earning it. [... more]

Stephen Ambrose shares the epic story of Lewis and Clark's expedition, exploring the American West and the journals of the captains. He discusses the importance of Bernard DeVoto's editing of the journals and how it brought the story to life for the general reader. [... more]

This year saw numerous advancements in medicine, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence, which is bringing enormous progress in predicting disease, discovering new drugs, and especially diagnosing illnesses. Additionally, farmers are returning to their land, and compostable plastic is being produced at large scale, reducing microplastics in our soils. The year also brought a mix of good news, including the return of salmon to their traditional spawning grounds after old dams were removed, and the cleanup of the Seine River in Paris. However, the year was also marked by the loss of many remarkable individuals, including celebrities and TV personalities who left an indelible mark on our world. [... more]

Paul defends the gospel against threats from Judaizers in Galatia, emphasizing the importance of faith alone for justification and warning against adding man-made requirements to the gospel. He recounts a historical narrative of a similar issue in Jerusalem, where the church struggled with the inclusion of Gentiles, and how the apostles agreed to remember the poor as a condition of their fellowship. [... more]

Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol is often seen as a heartwarming tale of redemption, but it also contains a deeper message about economics and philosophy. Thomas Malthus' concept of surplus population is explored through the character of Ebenezer Scrooge, who represents a philosophy that is ultimately proven wrong. The story highlights the importance of generosity, private charity, and the value of human life, and serves as a reminder that God is generous, not stingy. [... more]

On his way to Damascus Saul of Tarsus was confronted by the risen Lord Jesus Christ and his life was changed forever Today Derek Thomas examines the dramatic significance of Saul's conversion Donate any amount to request R C Sproul's commentary on Galatians and Derek Thomas' video teaching series No Other Gospel on DVD You'll also receive lifetime digital access to all messages and the study guide https gift renewingyourmind org offer Live outside the U S and Canada Get the Galatians commentary ebook digital teaching series and digital study guide with your donation https www renewingyourmind org global Meet [... more]

The history of Christmas traditions and the evolution of Santa Claus, from Saint Nicholas to the modern-day figure, is a fascinating story that spans centuries. Clement Clark Moore's poem 'A Visit from St. Nicholas,' also known as 'The Night Before Christmas,' helped popularize the idea of Santa Claus as a jolly, gift-giving figure. Thomas Nast's illustrations further solidified the image of Santa, and the Christmas tree, a variation of the ancient Norse custom, became a central part of the family-oriented American Christmas. Meanwhile, the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, a serious condition that affects millions, are often overlooked, and AI in business can be a double-edged sword, adding more complexity to an already overwhelming IT landscape. Pet insurance can provide peace of mind for pet owners, and holiday gifting can be a stressful but rewarding experience. [... more]

Thomas Shipley, a 19th-century Christian philanthropist, devoted his life to the extinction of human bondage, and his tireless efforts helped free hundreds of black Americans captured by slave owners and kidnappers, laying the foundation for the Underground Railroad. [... more]

The gospel is about Jesus giving Himself for our sins to deliver us from this present evil age, and it's a message of grace. Paul is passionate about ensuring the gospel is pure, and he warns against adding works to the gospel, which distorts its true meaning. [... more]

Doubting Thomas's skepticism and doubts about the resurrection of Jesus from the dead serve as a reminder that faith and doubt are not mutually exclusive. The Bible teaches that God's existence and nature are beyond human understanding, and it's okay to have doubts. However, it's essential to confront and deal with doubts in a way that strengthens and stimulates faith, rather than allowing them to drive us away from God and His people. [... more]

The Reformation's emphasis on Scripture Alone is rooted in the understanding that God's Word is the ultimate authority, not tradition or human reasoning. Thomas Cranmer's teachings on the power of Scripture to transform human hearts and minds are a key aspect of this movement, as seen in his work on the English Reformation. The story of Augustine's conversion highlights the importance of the Holy Spirit's role in guiding individuals to faith and the dangers of relying on human efforts to achieve salvation. The Bible's promise of salvation by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ, is a central theme in Cranmer's teachings and a key aspect of the Reformation's message. [... more]

Helping teenagers navigate conflict, manage anger, and build healthy relationships with their parents, friends, and community. Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Jennifer Thomas share practical tools and biblical principles for resolving conflicts, apologizing, and communicating effectively. [... more]

Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, offers wise advice to his son-in-law, suggesting he delegate tasks to able men to avoid burnout and ensure effective leadership, drawing parallels with the appointment of elders in the New Testament. [... more]

Jabez's prayer, recorded in 1 Chronicles, has been promoted as a shortcut to prayer, but is that really the case? We explore Jabez's character, his prayer, and what we can learn from it, while also considering the context and limitations of his prayer. [... more]

The story of Ehud, a left-handed judge of Israel, who kills the king of Moab, Eglon, with an 18-inch dagger, and restores Israel to the promised land, demonstrating God's use of messy business to bring about good and the importance of understanding the history of God's people. [... more]

Pastor Greg Laurie explores the biblical story of Joseph, a young man who was sold into slavery but rose to become a powerful leader in Egypt. Through his journey, Joseph demonstrates the power of forgiveness, showing that God is sovereign and good, and that forgiveness is not just a suggestion, but a command in Scripture. [... more]

A story of human trafficking and the providence of God is revealed through the account of Naaman's wife's maid, who has faith that the prophet Elisha can cure Naaman's leprosy, and ultimately leads to his transformation and the demonstration of God's sovereignty over big and small things. [... more]

Thomas Jefferson's paradoxical nature has made him an everyman figure in American history, with his words 'We hold these truths to be self-evident' influencing various historical events and figures, including the Declaration of Independence and the constitutions of Vietnam and the United States. However, his ownership of slaves and inability to take a strong stand against slavery in his latter years have raised questions about his legacy and moral bankruptcy. [... more]

The Cabbage Patch Kids phenomenon of the 1980s was a cultural sensation that saw people fighting over the dolls, with some even willing to spend thousands of dollars to get one. The story of the Cabbage Patch Kids is one of innovation, creativity, and the power of toys to shape American culture. [... more]

Walter Isaacson's book, The Greatest Sentence Ever Written, explores the significance of the Declaration of Independence's opening sentence, 'We hold these truths to be self-evident.' Isaacson delves into the lives of the Founding Fathers, including Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, and their struggles with issues like slavery, meritocracy, and the balance between individual freedom and the common good. [... more]

Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress is a tract to help Christians understand the reality of death and face it with assurance, expectation, and hope, knowing Christ has conquered death by his resurrection from the dead. The story follows Christian's journey to the celestial city, highlighting the struggle of death and the importance of preparation, faith, and justification by faith alone. [... more]

In John Bunyan's classic allegory, The Pilgrim's Progress, the Lord's Day is depicted as a time of spiritual growth and renewal, a 'market day of the soul' where Christians can acquire spiritual blessings and draw closer to God. The Puritans saw the Lord's Day as a time to gather together under the oversight of godly shepherds, who feed and care for the flock, and to catch glimpses of heaven through the scriptures. [... more]

Gary Thomas discusses how ordinary Christians can choose courage in a culture that needs truth, and how they can be set free from spiritual lies that hinder their relationship with God. He emphasizes the importance of living a rich toward God life, and how this can lead to greater joy, worship, and gratitude. Thomas also explores the concept of entitlement and how it can prevent people from experiencing the fullness of God's plan for their lives. [... more]

In the darkest moments of life, Christians can find solace in the promise of God's covenant. A key to unlocking this promise is found in the story of Christian and Hopeful, two pilgrims who navigate the treacherous path of Doubting Castle, where they face the temptation of despair and the danger of giant Despair. With the help of the promise, they find a way out of their prison and continue their journey to the celestial city. [... more]

Thomas E. Selfridge's life was tragically cut short at 26, but he holds major firsts in world history thanks to his passion for a new developing technology. He became the first passenger of any plane in Canada, designed the Association's first conventional airplane, and was the first US military officer to fly solo in a powered flying machine. [... more]

Believing a lie has consequences, creating fear and unrest, and can obliterate our relationship with God. We must unmask the lies and replace them with the truth, and cultivate community to build a stronger faith and family. Gary Thomas discusses his book, The Life You Were Reborn to Live, which explores the importance of spiritual adventure and living a life surrendered to God. [... more]

In John Bunyan's classic allegory, The Pilgrim's Progress, Christian and Faithful navigate the temptations of Vanity Fair, a town built by Satan, where worldly desires and pleasures are on display. As they journey through the city, they are arrested, put on trial, and Faithful is martyred, demonstrating the cost of being a faithful witness to the gospel. The story highlights the importance of standing out from the world, being different, and having a deep hatred for sin, as well as the marks of true discipleship, including a willingness to die for one's faith. [... more]

In John Bunyan's allegory, The Pilgrim's Progress, Christian navigates the Valley of the Shadow of Death, a place of spiritual darkness and temptation, where he must rely on prayer and the support of his friend Faithful to overcome the challenges of assurance and spiritual death. [... more]

The story of Tom Stonewall Jackson, a legendary Confederate general, reveals a complex and nuanced individual who was driven by his Christian faith, his love of family, and his commitment to education. Despite being a slave owner, Jackson secretly taught slaves and free blacks to read and worship, and his legacy continues to inspire Americans today. [... more]

The Bible has been a cornerstone of Western civilization, yet its presence in public schools is often misunderstood. A new documentary, Off School Property, aims to correct this record by highlighting a 1952 Supreme Court ruling that allows private Bible instruction in public schools with parental permission. [... more]

The US has led the world in inventions, but why is that? From Thomas Edison's light bulb to modern innovation, we explore the country's inventive spirit and what sets it apart. Meanwhile, we delve into the world of animation, from The Simpsons to new films like Animal Farm, and meet the people behind them, including Bruce Springsteen and Jeremy Allen White. We also talk to former Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy about his legacy and concerns for the court's future. [... more]

Thomas Weller, known as the San Diego Highwayman, has spent 51 years helping over 10,000 stranded motorists on the side of the road. His selfless acts have earned him the title of 'angel' and inspired countless people to pay it forward. From a chance encounter in a snowbank to a lifetime of helping others, Thomas's story is a testament to the power of kindness and generosity. [... more]