The tithe, a long-standing practice in Christian stewardship, is often misunderstood and tied to guilt or division. John Cortinez, Director of Grantmaking at the McClellan Foundation, takes a fresh look at the ancient practice, examining the Old and New Testament references to the tithe and identifying five key principles that can inform giving today. He emphasizes the importance of giving to Christ as priest and king, giving faithfully to the local church, celebrating God's goodness, caring for the poor, and recognizing 10% as an ancient benchmark. [... more]

The Israelites in the book of Leviticus could dedicate people, animals, houses, and lands to support the sanctuary, demonstrating a voluntary and sacrificial approach to worship, with the priest determining the value of the offering based on market rates and the individual's ability to pay, highlighting the importance of spiritual economy and the sanctity of the sanctuary. [... more]

The concept of slavery is explored in the context of spiritual freedom, where individuals are presented with a choice between bondage to sin and voluntary surrender to Christ, leading to abundant life. The passage from Romans chapter 6 highlights the paradox of liberation, where freedom comes from choosing the right master, and the importance of self-surrender leading to slavery, either to sin or to righteousness. [... more]

The concept of God's justice and mercy is a complex and often misunderstood topic in Christian theology. Dr. R. C. Sproul explores the relationship between God's holiness and justice, and how this affects our understanding of God's sovereignty and the role of the Holy Spirit. [... more]

The struggle with temptation and sin is a common experience for many Christians, including committed leaders. Chip Ingram explains that this is due to the power of our own sinful passions and the tendency to underestimate our ability to handle temptation. He emphasizes the importance of biblical accountability in helping us stay on track and avoid falling into sin. [... more]

Chip Ingram emphasizes the importance of biblical accountability in achieving spiritual success, citing the need for personal accountability, the danger of past successes being no guarantee of future faithfulness, and the power of sinful passions. He encourages listeners to identify their vulnerabilities and find someone to hold them accountable, using the example of David's struggles and the importance of humility. [... more]

The concept of free will is a central debate in theology, with some arguing that God chooses individuals for salvation and others believing that humans make their own choices. Theologians such as Calvin and Luther have contributed to this discussion, with Calvin's views on total depravity and unconditional election sparking controversy. The idea that humans are unable to come to God without divine intervention is a key aspect of Calvin's theology, with Jesus' statement in John 6:44 being a pivotal text in this debate. [... more]

The Pacers are trying to take a 3-1 series lead over the Knicks in the NBA Playoffs, while the NFL is in the midst of voluntary OTAs, with some notable players not showing up, including James Cook and TJ Watt. Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers is hinting at a possible move to the Chicago Bears, and the college football world is discussing player compensation, with EA Sports offering $1,500 to players who opt-in to be featured in their video game. [... more]

The NFL's voluntary OTAs have begun, but several high-profile players, including Aaron Rodgers, Kirk Cousins, and Trey Hendrickson, are not participating. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder are on the brink of winning their series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, with the Thunder's Shay Gilgus-Alexander putting on a dominant performance. [... more]

The first Thanksgiving was not just a celebration of abundance, but also a testament to the power of private property and biblical economics. The Pilgrims at Plymouth Plantation initially implemented a communistic system, which led to starvation and hardship. However, they later abandoned this approach and adopted private property, leading to a bountiful harvest and a new way of life. [... more]

Jesus' statement 'I am the Good Shepherd' emphasizes his singular role in caring for humanity, highlighting four key aspects: he sacrifices for the sheep, knows his sheep individually, lays down his life for them, and has a deep, intimate knowledge of each individual, demonstrating unconditional love and acceptance. [... more]

The host recounts their recent trip to Arizona, where they hiked the Grand Canyon with a friend, experiencing breathtaking views and a spiritual connection with nature. They also discuss Matthew Stafford's return to the NFL, highlighting his enthusiasm and renewed passion for the game after a season marred by injury. [... more]

God prospers generous people, not those who prioritize raising their standard of living. Generosity is a matter of the heart, an act of worship, and a lifestyle that involves giving the first and best, systematically, proportionally, sacrificially, and thoughtfully, with a voluntary and worshipful attitude. [... more]

The concept of God's holiness and justice can be puzzling, especially when considering the existence of evil and suffering in the world. However, Jesus teaches that we should be amazed by God's mercy and grace, rather than His justice. He emphasizes the importance of repentance and the difference between justice and mercy, which is that mercy is never obligated and is always voluntary. [... more]

The concept of free will versus election and predestination is a long-standing debate in Christianity, with theologians like Calvin and Luther playing significant roles. The doctrine of total depravity suggests that humanity's fallen nature affects every aspect of existence, while regeneration is necessary for liberation from sin. The sovereignty of God and the nature of grace are also central to this discussion. [... more]

Pastor Paul Shepherd discusses the common misconception that every good marriage is made in heaven, emphasizing that marriage is a voluntary commitment between two people, ordained by God, but not predetermined by Him. He also talks about the importance of setting goals and keeping the main thing the main thing in life, and encourages listeners to focus on spiritual growth and marital success. [... more]

The concept of sin and redemption is explored through biblical passages, discussing the nature of sin, the role of Adam, and the relationship between God and humanity. The discussion also touches on the topics of heaven, angels, and the redemption of fallen angels. [... more]

Caregivers often face difficult decisions when caring for loved ones with chronic illnesses or disabilities. Palliative care and hospice care can provide relief from suffering, but the lines between these services and assisted suicide can be blurry. Bioethicist Nancy Valko shares her expertise on the complexities of end-of-life care and the importance of informed decision-making for caregivers. [... more]