On this episode of Our American Stories before Smokin' Ed Currie became famous for breeding the Carolina Reaper and Pepper X he nearly destroyed his life with addiction Recovery gave Ed a second chance but it didn't erase the guilt he carried over the person he had once been Years later after he and his wife Linda endured miscarriage after miscarriage they finally accepted that they might never have children of their own Then in the middle of the night the phone rang Ed shares the deeply personal story of the unexpected events that followed Support the show https www [... more]

Wealth power and prestige will never fulfill you If you're a Christian all you need is what you already have In this message Dr David Jeremiah walks through the opening verses of the book of Ephesians and reminds us of our true wealth which we have in Jesus Christ Covers Ephesians - [... more]

Today Pastor Jack teaches that redemption is not only initiated but accepted and completed entirely by God Jesus paid for our sins in full so we can stop striving and simply rest in what He's already done [... more]

The COVID pandemic highlighted the need for Christians to exercise critical thinking and discernment in the face of deception and lies. Christians must be prepared to question authority and challenge false narratives, even when they come from trusted sources. The Bible teaches that Christians are to be ready to defend their faith and to seek answers, rather than simply asking questions. In the context of the COVID pandemic, Christians were faced with conflicting information and conflicting narratives, and they must be equipped to navigate these complexities and to make informed decisions. The Bible teaches that Christians are to be discerning and to test all things, and that they are to be guided by the truth of Scripture. [... more]

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus Christ wrestled with the knowledge of his impending suffering and separation from God, ultimately accepting the will of the Father to redeem humanity. This event is a powerful example of Jesus' humanity and his determination to fulfill his mission, and it has significant implications for our understanding of faith, suffering, and redemption. [... more]

Jesus' baptism in the Jordan River is a public display of his faith in a life after death, and it symbolizes his mission to fulfill all righteousness and endure the cross, where he will be baptized in his death, burial, and resurrection. Through his baptism, Jesus prefigures his mission and demonstrates the involvement of the entire Trinity in our salvation, and our own baptism identifies us with his death, burial, and resurrection, making us beloved to the Father and accepted in Christ. [... more]

The power of a loving touch and compassionate words can bring emotional and spiritual stability, acceptance, and healing. Jesus' example of touching and healing a leper demonstrates the importance of physical and emotional connection in our lives, and how it can be a source of hope and comfort for those who have experienced rejection and abuse. [... more]

The king's pardon is revealed in Romans Chapter 8, where it is stated that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. This pardon is a gift of eternal security, silencing the guilt of conscience and subduing anxiety about the present and future. It is a declaration of God's love and forgiveness, available to all who place their faith in Christ alone. [... more]

The conversation explores the concept of being a child of God, distinct from being a son of God, and how this identity is essential for spiritual growth and development. The discussion highlights the importance of a father-child relationship, unconditional love, and childlike faith in receiving God's kingdom. It also touches on the themes of shame, guilt, and spiritual innocence, emphasizing the need to approach God with a sense of wonder and humility. [... more]

The moral and spiritual deterioration of our culture is evident in the decline of Christianity, the breakdown of the family, and the increasing violence in our society. Dr. Robert Jeffress explains how these trends are leading to the demise of our nation and the world, and how repentance is the key to reversing this downward trend. [... more]

Johnny Carson's legacy is explored through the story of Joan Rivers, who rose to fame as a comedian after being discovered by Carson on The Tonight Show. Their complex relationship is revealed, including Carson's hurt when Rivers left to host her own show on Fox, and Rivers' admiration for Carson's straight-man skills. [... more]

Jesus' death is the key to understanding the gospel and atonement for sin, but it's a message that's often misunderstood or downplayed in favor of self-help or human potential. True faithfulness requires embracing the cross of Christ and the reality of eternal life, which may involve suffering for Christ, but ultimately leads to a deeper allegiance to Jesus and a greater understanding of His love and sacrifice. [... more]

Cody Hobelman shares his personal journey of moving from accumulation to impact, setting a financial finish line, and experiencing transformation in his life and finances. He discusses how this shift in perspective has allowed him to live with greater purpose, clarity, and generosity, and how others can start their own journey by defining what is enough and taking the first step towards setting a financial finish line. [... more]

When God calls us to step up, there's a cost involved, and it's not just about sacrificing a weekend or two. It's about being willing to give up our comfort, our security, and our status. Nehemiah's story in the Bible is a powerful example of what it means to be a shepherd and to have a shepherd's heart. It's about seeing people the way Jesus sees them, with compassion and love. We need to ask ourselves what moves us, what challenges us, and what motivates us to serve others. We need to be willing to pray and fast, not just to feel bad for others, but to be moved by their needs and to take action. We need to remember that God is still working, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, and that He has a plan for His people. We need to be the salt and the light in the world, and to seek His guidance and direction in all that we do. [... more]

Realizing how Jesus Christ sees us as his children, loved and accepted, can bring a profound sense of relief and joy. It's a foundational aspect of evangelism, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with others and calling them to a brand new identity. Understanding our identity in Christ can help us overcome shame and guilt, and walk in faith and security, knowing that our righteousness is found in Christ Jesus. [... more]

Jesus preaches his first sermon in Nazareth, proclaiming himself the Messiah and challenging the congregation's faith. He uses the stories of a Gentile widow and a Syrian leper to illustrate the importance of faith and the rejection of God's word, leading to a violent reaction from the crowd. [... more]

God's love for His Son is the root source of every other love in the universe, and it is the one love that is eternal. This love is the foundation of salvation, and those who are saved by grace through faith are predestined to be with Him in glory. [... more]

When the disciples saw their Lord crucified on the cross their hopes and dreams were dashed But where they saw an ending God brought a new beginning In this Sunday episode Pastor Greg Laurie explores the defining event of our faith Find out What the Resurrection of Jesus Means to You in this message Notes The cross was Jesus' goal and destination from the very beginning and it happened exactly as Jesus had predicted The crucifixion and resurrection were God's well thought out plan God takes our endings and turns them into new beginnings Read Mark So they went out [... more]

Jesus Christ is the only life to live, offering love, change, power, and peace to those who seek Him. His love is raw, vigilant, and aggressive, yet tender and kind, and it's the only love that can truly transform lives and bring acceptance and forgiveness. [... more]

The experience of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane teaches us valuable lessons about responding to pain and suffering, and how it can be a transformative experience in our lives, leading to intimacy with God and a deeper understanding of His will. [... more]