On this episode of Our American Stories why was Jesus born in a manger Why were shepherds the first to know And why did a Roman census set the stage for it all In Why the Nativity Dr David Jeremiah walks through the entire Christmas narrative to explain why each person was part of it Mary Joseph the wise men and even the animals in the stable each carry meaning beyond tradition Dr Jeremiah joins us to talk about what the nativity scene shows us when we look at it with fresh eyes and why these quiet details still speak [... more]

The Bible is a rich and complex book that communicates God's love and creativity through various genres, styles, and historical settings. Understanding the history and culture surrounding the Bible, as well as its different genres, can deepen one's appreciation and knowledge of God's Word. From genealogies to apocalyptic texts, every part of the Bible has a purpose and contributes to the overall narrative of God's story. [... more]

The story of St. Nicholas, a man of selfless love and generosity, inspires reflection on the true meaning of Christmas. His life embodied the gospel message of love and generosity, and his acts of kindness pointed others to the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ. As people exchange presents and celebrate with loved ones, they're reminded that the greatest gift has already been given, and that sharing that gift with others is what truly makes this season special. [... 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]

The Bible is the canon of texts that Christians believe are authoritative for determining their faith and practice. It is a collection of sixty-six books that provide the frame for understanding the church and its relationship with God. The process of establishing the canon took centuries, with the church ultimately deciding which texts were inspired and authoritative. The Bible is remarkably reliable, with over 28,000 ancient manuscripts of the New Testament and a strong historical evidence for the canon. Christians believe that the Bible is the Word of God, conveying the rule of faith and the teaching of the apostles. It is a source of inspiration and guidance for believers, providing a framework for understanding God's relationship with humanity. [... more]

The English language is filled with curious and intriguing phrases, some of which have origins dating back centuries. From nautical expressions to industrial-era terminology, Andrew Thompson explores the fascinating history behind phrases like 'apple of your eye' and 'at full blast'. [... more]

The birth of Jesus is the greatest miracle, fulfilling 1,500 years of prophecy, and Zachariah's song in Luke 1 is a powerful expression of praise and thanksgiving for this miraculous event. Zachariah's use of the image of a horn in his song is significant, representing God's strength, abundance, anointing, and announcement of salvation. Jesus is the horn of God's power, abundance, and anointing, and his birth and resurrection are the ultimate answers to our questions of doubt and unbelief. [... more]

The American frontier was a brutal and violent world where two cultures clashed, resulting in a centuries-long war that saw the Comanche Nation emerge as a dominant force. However, the arrival of European settlers and the introduction of new diseases led to the decline of Native American populations and the eventual defeat of the Comanche. The story of the Indian Wars is a complex and nuanced one, with both sides committing atrocities and violating treaties. Ultimately, the US Army and population overwhelmed the Native American tribes, leading to the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives and the erasure of Native American cultures. [... more]

The Christmas story begins with the birth of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus Christ. Zacharias and Elizabeth, an elderly couple, are chosen by God to be the parents of John. Their story teaches us about the importance of faithfulness, prayer, and spiritual gifts. We learn that God can take ordinary people and do amazing things through their lives if they will dedicate themselves to Him. Ultimately, God's plan is for Jesus Christ to come into our hearts and lives, forgiving our sins and giving us the certainty of heaven. [... more]

Investing can be a spiritual practice that aligns our portfolios and hearts with God's purposes. By adopting spiritual disciplines like gratitude, review, and repentance, investors can move from just analysis to discernment and invite God into their financial decisions. [... more]

Abraham is considered the father of the Christian faith, but Muslims also claim him as their spiritual father, believing he surrendered to God and became the first Muslim. However, the Bible teaches that Abraham's faith was in the promise of God, which was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, and that true faith involves giving glory to God and trusting in His promises. [... more]

The story of the Pilgrims' journey to the New World and their first Thanksgiving is a testament to their courage, faith, and resilience in the face of struggle and sacrifice. Meanwhile, in the present day, experts discuss the implications of new laws and regulations on digital currency, stable coins, and the management of inherited IRAs, while also exploring the role of nonprofit organizations and the importance of living with an eternal perspective as stewards of God's resources. [... more]

Generosity is a reflection of a person's heart, and giving is not just about money, but about reflecting the heart of the giver. The Bible paints a rich picture of generosity, one that reaches far beyond money, and true giving flows from the heart. Christians are called to be good stewards of God's resources, and generosity is a key aspect of this stewardship. By giving wisely and investing in a way that aligns with their Christian values, individuals can make a positive impact on the world and bring glory to God. [... more]

The book of Job explores the question of why bad things happen to good people, as Job, a blameless and upright man, experiences trials and tribulations. The story begins in heaven, where God and Satan engage in a conversation about Job's character and fate. The book raises questions about the nature of evil and the role of Satan, and it challenges readers to re-examine their understanding of the Old Testament and the narrative genre. [... more]

Financial teacher Ron Blue explores the disconnect between what people say and do about money, revealing that expecting money to fix problems or fill hearts is a recipe for disappointment. He notes that true wealth isn't measured in net worth, but in contentment, and that freedom and joy come from trusting God as provider, not paycheck. The solution lies in realizing it's not our money, but God's, and that our trust should shift from our finances to the Lord Himself. [... more]

Manhattan's past exists side by side with the present, and though fragmented, often remains oddly alive. The city's history is marked by the evolution of transportation, from oarsmen-powered ferries to steam-powered machines, and the impact of human activity on the landscape. The Randall map, a rare and priceless document, provides a glimpse into the city's past and its development over time. [... more]

The Eastern Mediterranean has been a crucible of history, with various empires rising and falling over five millennia. The region's story is marked by the legacies of Abraham's faith, which have shaped Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. As followers of Jesus, we look forward to his return in majestic power and glory, when he will set up his reign on earth for a thousand years, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament. [... more]

The doctrine of Sola Fide, or justification by faith alone, is a life-changing concept that answers the question of how a person can be right with God. According to the Apostle Paul, this doctrine has been the cornerstone of the gospel for centuries, and it is the key to understanding our hope for eternal salvation. Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, God has provided for our salvation, and it is by faith in Him that we can receive this gift. The concept of Sola Fide is not something we provide for God, but rather something God has provided for us, and it is a message of hope for the hopeless, the depraved, and the sinful. [... more]

A cemetery trustee shares stories from the town's public cemeteries, including the history of the occupants, the significance of grave markers, and the customs of visiting and remembering the deceased. [... more]

Britain's transformation into a multicultural society has led to a decline in its Christian identity, with the country welcoming millions of Muslims and adopting policies that restrict free speech and promote government control. The Church of England has also undergone significant changes, embracing progressive values and liberalizing its stance on sexuality. As a result, the country is at a tipping point, with some predicting that it may become an Islamic-ruled nation in the near future. [... more]

The Panama Canal is an engineering marvel that has been a vital waterway for global trade since its completion in 1914. However, its construction was not without challenges, including disease, construction delays, and financial struggles. The canal was initially envisioned as a sea-level canal, but this plan was abandoned in favor of a lock-and-lake system. The construction of the canal required the excavation of over 3 million cubic yards of concrete and the creation of a man-made lake. The canal's locks and dams allowed ships to be lifted and lowered between the two oceans, and its construction was a testament to American ingenuity and determination. [... more]

Dr. Abadan Shah explains the concept of election in the context of Romans 9-11, highlighting that God's promises to Abraham and Israel are irrevocable and that election is not about individual salvation, but rather corporate service. He also discusses how the doctrine of election has been misunderstood and misapplied throughout history, and how it relates to the Old and New Testaments. [... more]

Investors are piling into gold and silver as concerns about currency debasement and inflation grow. Central banks have been buying gold aggressively, and individual investors are now joining the trade. Gold has set new all-time highs in both dollar terms and inflation-adjusted terms, while silver is knocking on the door of its 1980 peak. Experts recommend a core position in physical metals, supplemented by ETFs, and caution against over-investing in mining stocks. [... more]

Chip Ingram explores the challenges of building a godly family in a culture filled with lies and misconceptions about relationships, marriage, and parenting. He shares his own experiences and biblical insights to help couples and families identify and resist the attacks on their relationships, and to renew their minds with the life-giving truth of God's Word. [... more]

The appearance of angels, the empty tomb, the announcement of the angel regarding Jesus' resurrection, and the testimony of women are all considered supernatural evidence that confirms the life-changing event of our Lord's resurrection. [... more]

The Bible has had a profound impact on world history, influencing literature, arts, and culture. Its translation has been a complex process, with various versions and interpretations emerging over the centuries. From the King James Bible to modern translations, the Holy Bible has continued to shape the Western Christian Church and beyond. [... more]

The Bible's transmission, translations, and trustworthiness are explored through the lens of history, archaeology, and faith. Guest Josh Barzan discusses the Dead Sea Scrolls, the King James Version, and the Geneva Bible, highlighting the importance of understanding the Bible's reliability and relevance in today's world. [... more]

The Bible teaches that hell is a real and eternal place of torment, where those who reject Christ will suffer the wrath of God. This is in contrast to annihilationism, which suggests that the wicked will be destroyed, and universalism, which claims that everyone will be saved. The Bible is clear that faith in Christ is the only way to avoid hell and receive eternal life. [... more]

The Bible warns that the wrath of God is personal, terrible, and painful, and that hell is a place of eternal torment where the wicked will suffer forever. This warning is not just for the wicked, but for everyone who denies the glory of a Creator God and refuses to follow Jesus Christ. The gospel message is not just about feeling comfortable, but about confronting the truth of sin and redemption, and making a personal conversion to follow Christ. [... more]

Dr. Robert Jeffress unravels the apparent contradiction between James and Paul on how a person can be made right with God, showing how faith and works exist in perfect harmony. He explains that dead faith is fruitless, powerless, and orthodox, but not saving faith. The goal of interpreting Scripture is to understand what the writer had in mind, and James is not talking about living faith but dead faith. [... more]

Jeff Mannion, teaching pastor of Ada Bible Church, joins Rob West to explore how to cultivate contentment in a culture that always craves more. They discuss the dangers of comparison, the importance of generosity, and how to break free from the cycle of wanting more. Jeff shares his personal journey of decluttering and the lessons he's learned about contentment, including the need to focus on the present moment and to trust in God's provision. [... more]

The host discusses the shift in American culture from Judeo-Christian values to a post-Protestant pluralistic society, citing the impact of immigration and the infiltration of liberal ideas from Europe. He argues that this shift has led to a decline in the influence of Christianity in America and a rise in anti-Christian sentiment. [... more]

No nation that outlaws the mention of God in the public square, celebrates the murder of its own children, and destroys the most basic unit of society, the family, will survive. Dr. Robert Jeffress explains how America's decline began with the removal of God from public life, the legalization of abortion, and the redefinition of marriage, and how Christians can push back against evil by being salt and light in the world. [... more]

True joy doesn't come from gaining more, but from gratefully receiving what God has already provided. The cycle of grateful living transforms our approach to money and contentment, as seen in Ecclesiastes 5:18-20, where we're told to enjoy God's provision, accept life's brevity, and rejoice in our toil. [... more]

The Bible reveals Jesus as a human being who experienced the gamut of human emotions, yet he is also divine and true. His humanity is essential to understanding his divinity, and the New Testament supports the idea that Jesus is God, despite not explicitly stating it with the words 'I am God'. [... more]

The idea of a lawn originated from medieval castles, where the area around them was cleared to provide a clear field of vision for defenders. The concept of lawns gained popularity in the 17th century as part of the magnificent gardens of rich estates. The development of home lawns has been intrinsically linked to prosperity and development, with turf grasses being used to enhance the quality of life of humans. [... more]

The history of beards is a rich and complicated one, with varying ideals of masculinity influencing facial hairstyles over the centuries. From ancient civilizations to modern times, beards have been associated with different values and meanings, reflecting changing societal norms and expectations. [... more]

The fight for human rights has a long history, with Christians playing a significant role in the abolition of slavery. From the Quakers' propaganda coins to William Wilberforce's campaign in England, and from the Underground Railroad to Harriet Tubman's bravery, the story of how followers of Jesus worked to end slavery is a powerful reminder of the impact of faith on society. [... more]

In a world where slavery was once a norm, Jesus' message of freedom and equality has inspired countless followers to fight for human rights and bring light to moral darkness. From the abolitionists who used the Bible to argue against slavery to the Quaker Christians who wrote the first universal declaration of equal human rights, the impact of Jesus' teachings on human history is undeniable. As we continue to grapple with the complexities of human existence, Jesus' challenge to be the light in the darkness remains a powerful call to action. [... more]

The Bible's reliability and credibility are discussed, with evidence from prophecy and the transmission of scripture. Chip Ingram shares personal experiences and insights on how God's word can transform lives, and emphasizes the importance of reading and studying the Bible to develop a deeper faith and understanding of God's promises. [... more]