The heart behind generosity is explored, with a focus on the motives that shape our giving and why God cares deeply about them. Pierce Taylor Hibbs discusses the biblical concept of the heart, Labob, and how it governs all that we do, including our actions and decisions. He also unpacks the story of the widow in Mark 12, who gave two copper coins, and how her motives were celebrated by Jesus. [... more]

God's election and predestination are central themes in understanding salvation and the relationship between God and humanity. The Bible teaches that God chooses those who will come to faith and be saved, but it also emphasizes the importance of human choice and free will. The story of Jacob and Esau serves as a prime example of God's sovereignty and the consequences of one's choices. Ultimately, God desires all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth, but it is up to each individual to make a deliberate response to the gospel. [... more]

Jesus teaches that salvation is a combination of divine election and human volition, where God chooses individuals in advance and they must choose to follow him. He explains that he is the bread of life, and those who come to him will never hunger or thirst. Jesus also discusses the concept of resurrection, stating that he will raise the dead on the last day and that God will teach everyone who has heard and learned from him. [... more]

The Scriptures assume humans have the ability to think, and moral beings must have the capacity to make choices. The mind is essential to the Christian life, and its nature is a puzzling question. The biblical view of the mind is contrasted with physical determinism, which argues that all responses are determined by environment and physical makeup. [... more]

Solomon's observations in Ecclesiastes 3 reveal the consequences of a world without God, where human volition leads to wickedness and the loss of moral distinction between man and beast. In contrast, God uses wickedness to test and purify humanity, leading people to seek truth, a longing for Him, and spiritual growth. [... more]

The Pentecostalization of Christian worship has led to a shift in the way churches approach worship and music, with some arguing that it has compromised the accuracy of Scripture and the saving gospel. David DeBrain, pastor of New Covenant Baptist Church in Johannesburg, South Africa, discusses the issue of spiritual gifts and the charismatic movement, and how it has affected the evangelical church. He also addresses the topic of music and worship style, and how it can be a distraction from the true worship of God. [... more]

Golf professionals Jay Delsing and John Pearly discuss their golf games, sharing tips and experiences as they navigate the challenges of aging and maintaining their skills. They also interview Lieutenant Colonel Dan Rooney, a fighter pilot and founder of Folds of Honor, a charity that provides educational scholarships to families of fallen military personnel. [... more]

Jonathan Edwards' concept of freedom of the will suggests that choices are motivated by inclinations, and the mind deems what is good or pleasing at the moment. Edwards argues that choices are determined by something, and what they are caused by is one's desires and what the mind deems most good or pleasing. He also distinguishes between natural ability and moral ability, stating that humans have the natural ability to make choices but lack the moral ability to choose the things of God due to original sin. [... more]

The existence of evil is a complex issue that raises questions about the nature of God and humanity. From a Christian perspective, evil exists as a corruption of good, and it is not created by God but rather by human free will. This worldview acknowledges that humans have the capacity for moral decision making, which allows them to choose between good and evil. The Bible provides a solution to the problem of evil, offering a path to redemption and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. [... more]

God's love is a profound and multifaceted concept that is rooted in the Trinity and demonstrated through the sacrifice of His only begotten Son. This love is infinite, limitless, and has no boundaries, and it is a choice of God's will, not based on human worthiness. It is a love that is eternal, predestined, and passionate, and it is the foundation of our salvation and relationship with God. [... more]

In God's Kingdom, failure doesn't have to be final. When we make poor choices, we should acknowledge them and confess our sins, allowing us to experience the mercy of God. The Bible teaches us that sin doesn't have to be fatal, but a refusal to acknowledge and confess it can lead to consequences. God wants to help us get right and is in the reconciliation, restoration, and redemption business, rebuilding and restoring us through His love and forgiveness. [... more]

God respects those who make good choices, such as Abel, who gave offerings to the Lord with a heart of generosity and worship. In contrast, Cain's casual and minimal offering was not respected by God. Pastor Paul emphasizes the importance of making choices that result in God's blessing and abundant life, rather than adopting a victim mentality or blaming circumstances for one's situation. [... more]