Marriage is designed for a much bigger purpose than happiness, and it's about displaying God's love through imperfect relationships. By looking up and seeing the world around us, couples can grow in love and make a dent in their community, breaking down walls and creating a sense of shared dependency. The Art of Marriage resource helps couples navigate their messy marriages and find a stronger, more beautiful masterpiece of God's handiwork. [... more]

Marriage is not just about happiness and companionship, but about being on mission together to show the gospel to the world. This means looking beyond our own desires and expectations, and instead seeking to reflect God's love and purpose in our relationships. By doing so, we can create a powerful and authentic expression of the gospel, and make a dent in the world around us. [... more]

Finding time for female friends is essential for women, as men can't fully relate to their experiences. A healthy connection with both your husband and female friends can strengthen your relationships and bring healing to your marriage. [... more]

The early church struggled with assurance of faith due to false teachings, including Gnosticism, which denied the full divinity and humanity of Christ. The Apostle John's first letter addresses this issue, emphasizing the importance of knowing Jesus Christ as a real person in history, fully God and fully man, and the fellowship we have with God and other believers through Christ. [... more]

The Biden administration is constructing a vertical barrier in the border region, which is not a wall, but rather a structure to comply with federal laws and use previously allocated funds. This move has sparked controversy and debate, with some arguing it's a reversal of the administration's previous stance on the border wall. Meanwhile, the economy is experiencing a jobs boom, but critics argue the numbers are misleading and don't reflect the true state of the economy. The administration's spending habits and debt ceiling have also raised concerns, with some warning of a potential economic downturn. [... more]

A discussion on the Great Awakening, Jonathan Edwards, and Unitarianism, with a focus on biblical theology and apologetics. The hosts also examine Mormonism and its teachings, and discuss the importance of Christians being equipped for the work of ministry in the face of apostasy and unrighteousness. [... more]

Marriage is meant to reflect how Jesus pursues and loves us, and it's a universal language that can be used to share the gospel with others. By being intentional and organic in our relationships, we can grow desirous of people and the beauty of the gospel, and express it out to the world around us. [... more]

The Bible teaches that God is our Father, and this personal relationship is the foundation of prayer. Jesus taught his disciples to pray, 'Our Father in heaven,' emphasizing the importance of addressing God with reverence and awe. Genuine prayer recognizes our divine audience and elevates God's divine attributes, setting him in his proper place as sovereign above creation. [... more]

Jesus confronts the Pharisees for their hypocrisy in religious activities, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and sincerity in worship, prayer, and giving. He teaches the disciples to focus on their relationship with God, rather than seeking external validation or recognition. [... more]

Honoring your parents and spouse is not about obeying them, but about obeying God. Submission in marriage is not about dominance, but about serving God. Work is a laboratory where we learn to serve like Jesus, lead like Jesus, and put Jesus on display for everyone to see. [... more]

The pursuit of marriage is often misguided, focusing on finding the right person rather than becoming the right person. Christianity teaches that our ultimate marriage is to God, and that our preparation in life is mainly for our relationship with Him, not for a temporary marriage to someone else. [... more]

Dr. Tim Keller shares his insights on the importance of forgiveness in the Christian life, discussing how it can be a powerful tool for spiritual growth and sanctification, and how it is linked to our relationship with God. [... more]

When someone hurts you, blessing them is a choice. It's not about forgiving the person, but about dealing with the root of bitterness that grows from the offense. God wants to reveal himself to the world through relationships, but Satan uses offense to create disunity. By choosing to bless back instead of paying back, Christians can experience freedom and live out God's plan for relationships. [... more]

Bitterness in relationships can lead to isolation and division, but God's plan is for unity and oneness. Satan's plan is to destroy unity through division and bitterness, but Christians can overcome bitterness by forgiving and seeking forgiveness. [... more]

In Santa Barbara, a California town known as the American Riviera, a century-old estate named El Faredes is a tranquil oasis with Roman, Middle Eastern, and European influences. Meanwhile, the latest smart watches can detect medical problems, including atrial fibrillation, and have the potential to revolutionize disease detection. In Jackson, Wyoming, a vertical farm produces 100,000 pounds of produce a year, and in Santa Barbara, surfboard design has come a long way since its origins in ancient Hawaii. Grammy winner Kenny Loggins has sold millions of albums and recorded movie soundtracks, and secondhand fashion is one of the hottest trends in fashion, with a $35 billion market and growing. The humble ice cream scooper has also been elevated to an art form, with its design dating back to 1897. [... more]

Santa Barbara is a picturesque town on the American Riviera, where technology and nature coexist. Fitness trackers have become highly sophisticated, detecting diseases like atrial fibrillation and sinus rhythm. Vertical farming is a growing trend, with companies like Vertical Harvest producing 100,000 pounds of produce a year in a small plot of land. Secondhand shopping is also on the rise, with the secondhand clothing market valued at $35 billion. Meanwhile, surfboard design has evolved over the centuries, from traditional Hawaiian boards to modern, hand-shaped models. As the world grapples with great power competition, experts are developing strategies to prepare the United States for a new era of global politics. [... more]

Knowing what we believe, where we belong, and how we are to behave are essential aspects of a Christian's life. Our identity in Christ is rooted in God's choice of us, and our belonging to Him is a result of His love and grace. As we live out our faith, we must strive to behave in a way that reflects the character of Christ, with a vertical orientation that prioritizes pleasing God and honoring Him in all aspects of life. [... more]

Putting God's Word before the world can transform a person's life, bringing peace, direction, and discernment. By making the Word a priority, individuals can experience a deeper connection with Jesus and develop a sense of purpose and fulfillment. This can be especially challenging for young mothers, but with creative solutions and a willingness to adapt, it is possible to cultivate a daily rhythm of reading and meditating on Scripture. [... more]

As we navigate life's challenges, it's easy to forget the importance of soul care and soul maintenance. Gretchen Saffels shares her personal journey of prioritizing God's Word and experiencing a deeper connection with Jesus, leading to a more fulfilling life and a stronger marriage. [... more]

Aaron Taylor's book 'Do You Love Me?' explores the concept of unconditional love, drawing from Jesus' interactions with Peter in John 21. Taylor shares his personal story of growing up in a dysfunctional family and finding love through his relationship with God, which he believes is the key to restoring churches and communities. [... more]

A couple recounts their journey through a marital crisis, from infidelity to forgiveness and rebuilding trust, as they discover the power of God's plan and the importance of a vertical relationship in their marriage. [... more]

The early church's model of community, worship, and evangelism is a powerful reminder of the importance of spiritual connection and growth. By focusing on the Word of God, loving one another, and serving each other, Christians can build strong relationships and a deeper understanding of their faith. As Jesus taught, 'where two or more are gathered in my name, I am there among them.' [... more]

Discovering the transformative power of forgiveness, Chuck Swindoll shares a deeply personal story of redemption, illustrating the importance of releasing grudges and bitter feelings to find peace and freedom. [... more]

Jesus teaches that we should forgive others an infinite number of times, just as God has forgiven us. He uses a parable to illustrate the importance of forgiving others and the consequences of refusing to do so, which can lead to inner torment and a self-made prison. [... more]

A vertical man is one who finds his life vertically in Christ, a man who is sexy, sensitive to his wife's needs, and submitted to God's authority. He is a man who is willing to surrender his life to God and live a life that is pleasing to Him, which in turn affects every aspect of his marriage and family. [... more]

A biblical vision for manhood emphasizes a man's connection with God, leading to a stronger, more loving, and more responsible relationship with his family. A godly man prioritizes his relationship with God, demonstrating qualities like self-control, patience, and kindness, making him a more attractive and trustworthy partner to his wife and children. [... more]

Dr. Gary Chapman shares his insights on parenting, the importance of apology, and the love languages in helping parents navigate their relationships with their children. He also shares his personal story of apologizing to his son and the impact it had on their relationship. [... more]

When we see our spouse, children, or others the way God sees them, we speak words of life, building them up and encouraging them. This habit can change our homes and relationships, motivating us to be better versions of ourselves and to speak life constantly, not just occasionally. [... more]

Every couple has the power to choose how they speak to each other, with words that build up or tear down. Happy or healthy couples choose to speak life to their spouse, using self-control and considering the impact of their words. This is a powerful tool that can change the climate of a marriage and home, and it's up to each individual to decide how to use it. [... more]

Biblical forgiveness is a crucial aspect of Christian living, and understanding its implications can transform relationships and deepen fellowship with God. Dr. Kevin Oberlin explores the concept of forgiveness, its relationship to judicial and fellowship forgiveness, and how it affects both vertical and horizontal relationships. [... more]

A couple's journey through marriage, faith, and leadership is explored as they share their struggles with loneliness, communication, and spiritual growth. They discuss the importance of taking responsibility, leading with strong hands, and seeking God's guidance in relationships. [... more]

A couple shares their journey of navigating toxic conflict and learning to communicate effectively in their marriage, highlighting the importance of empathy, selflessness, and faith in overcoming challenges and building a stronger relationship. [... more]

Couples can learn to recognize and manage their triggers, exchanging angry reactions for gentle biblical responses. By understanding their own wounds and triggers, they can create a healing environment in their marriage, leading to growth and a stronger relationship. [... more]

Marriage and sex were designed by God to address one of the deepest needs of the human soul, the need for companionship, intimacy, and to be fully seen and fully known, fully loved. Jesus teaches that sex is not just a physical act, but a soul act, and that it was created to point us beyond our horizontal relationships to our vertical relationship with God. [... more]

NFL quarterback Kirk Cousins discusses how his Christian faith has influenced his career and personal life, including his marriage and approach to Sabbath rest. He shares stories of how his faith has helped him stay grounded and focused, even in the midst of challenges and criticism. [... more]

Kirk and Julie Cousins, a Christian NFL quarterback and his wife, share their story of how they navigated their marriage, faith, and identity in the public eye. They discuss how they prioritize their relationship, handle criticism, and maintain a strong faith in the midst of challenges. Their conversation highlights the importance of having a vertical marriage, where their relationship with God is the foundation of their love for each other. [... more]

A couple shares their story of how they met and fell in love, and how their strong Christian faith helped them navigate the challenges of marriage and relationships. They emphasize the importance of keeping God at the center of their relationship and of pursuing each other with a reckless abandon, just as they did when they were dating. [... more]

Dr. Tony Evans emphasizes the importance of authentic Christianity, where real people in real relationships meet real needs in a real way. He explains how Christians are part of a spiritual family and should invest in relationships, giving preference and honor to one another, and practicing hospitality to strangers, as this connects the vertical and horizontal aspects of our relationship with God. [... more]

A couple shares their experience of cultivating transparency in their marriage, discussing the importance of meaningful risk, Christian community, and sanctification in deepening their relationship and fostering a sense of vulnerability and intimacy. [... more]

Dads can take spiritual leadership in their homes by making family devotion a priority, using tools like Scripture memorization and music to connect with their kids and teach them about God's Word. With commitment and perseverance, parents can plant seeds of faith in their children's hearts, leading to a lifetime of spiritual growth and harvest. [... more]