On this episode of Our American Stories in Bill Ruger and Alexander Sturm started a firearms company with a investment and a new -caliber pistol Within months orders were coming in faster than their small operation could fill them Then just as the company was taking off Sturm died unexpectedly at only years old Ruger pressed ahead He expanded into revolvers and rifles took the company public survived a costly attempt at building automobiles and even weathered a controversy that angered some of his most loyal customers Firearms historian Logan Metesh shares how a handful of men working out of [... more]

Governor Josh Stein signed four bills into law, including one that reduces his appointment powers and another that extends housing supplies and limits local zoning barriers across North Carolina. Meanwhile, North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson rejected a proposed settlement with Duke Energy Progress, citing a 6.8% rate hike as too high. Senator Ted Budd led an unsuccessful effort to amend the U.S. Senate's continuing resolution to delay federal restrictions on hemp products, while North Carolina lawmakers remain deadlocked over legislation that would incorporate federal hemp standards into state law. The North Carolina Department of Labor recovered a record $3.7 million in unpaid wages for workers across the state. [... more]

Jim Johnson, a longtime pastor, shares his story of learning valuable life lessons from selling hot dogs at the Old Met Stadium in Bloomington, Minnesota, during the 1970s. He recounts his experiences with vendors, fans, and players, including Reggie Jackson, and how these encounters taught him about humility, dignity in work, and the importance of getting along with others. Johnson's story is a reflection on the human condition and the lessons we can learn from everyday experiences. [... more]

Western North Carolina continues to recover from Hurricane Helene, with federal grants aimed at rebuilding infrastructure and strengthening the workforce. Meanwhile, Duke Energy has joined the Trump administration's ratepayer protection pledge, promising to support measures preventing households and small businesses from paying for power plants and grid infrastructure changes. The North Carolina General Assembly is also debating election laws, with a pair of rewritten bills passed by the Senate that would shorten early voting for primary elections and add performance audits for election systems. Additionally, a state representative is raising concerns about professional standards in public schools, specifically regarding a transgender music teacher at an elementary school. [... more]

Biblical justice is a holistic concept that encompasses retributive and restorative justice, as well as a broader creative understanding of how things ought to be. It involves putting things to rights and fixing what's broken, and is tied to righteousness, mercy, and the care for the vulnerable. Christians are called to practice justice in their everyday financial decisions, including how they earn, spend, save, give, invest, and lend their money. [... more]

Tammy Harris, a tattoo artist from Cincinnati, shares her story of overcoming obstacles as a single mom and pursuing her dream of becoming a tattoo artist. She emphasizes the importance of putting customers first and treating them with respect and kindness, highlighting the value of ethics and profit complementing each other in business. [... more]

Dr. Amy Sherman joins the show to discuss vocational stewardship, the idea that our work is a means of seeking the common good and participating in God's redemptive mission in the world. She explains how this concept is not just about character and integrity, but also about the actual work itself and how it can reflect God's heart for justice, beauty, and restoration. [... more]

Western North Carolina leaders warn that Hurricane Helene recovery efforts may last years longer than public attention and funding will. Governor Josh Stein describes the state's financial slowdown as a threat to rebuilding efforts, and recovery leaders express concerns about volunteer oversight and construction quality. Meanwhile, a federal prison sentence has been handed down to Greg Lindbergh for insurance fraud, and a major electricity merger between Dominion and NextEra is planned, which could affect utility rates in the northeastern half of the state. [... more]

Mike Levin, a hotel legend and entrepreneur, shares his philosophy on customer satisfaction and leadership, emphasizing the importance of making decisions for the customer's benefit, rather than personal power or profit. He recounts his first booking experience and how it taught him to prioritize the customer's needs, leading to his success in the hotel industry. [... more]

Faith-driven investors are seeking ways to align their investments with their values, and new tools are making it easier than ever. Mike Schnackenberg from Eventide Asset Management discusses the rise of faith-based ETFs and how they can help investors make a positive impact through their investments, while avoiding problematic areas that go against their Christian worldview. [... more]

Todd Starns discusses various topics including anti-Semitism on Christian university campuses, redistricting and gerrymandering, gas prices, and small business owners being targeted by the left. He also talks to Wade Burleson, a Republican candidate running for Congress in Oklahoma, and Paul Johnson, the founder of Republican Red Winery, a conservative wine company in California. [... more]

Character growth, relationships, and the gospel are key to manifesting patience in our lives. We must learn to trust God's timing and have faith that the harvest will come, even if we don't see immediate results. Practicing patience requires understanding people better, being willing to learn from mistakes, and persevering through challenges. [... more]

Money is not a zero-sum game, and success is not achieved by exploiting others. Christians should strive to be wise stewards of their finances, creating experiences that draw people closer to Christ and His Word, and then encouraging them to give generously. This approach leads to a more sustainable and substantial inspiration to give, inspiring people to support the church and its mission. [... more]

Wealth in itself is not the problem, but the behavior of those who have it can be. Christians often struggle with the topic of money, but it's not about being reckless or making bad decisions. It's about not letting money control your life and being generous to others. [... more]

Dr. Abadan Shah and his team discuss the dangers of procrastination in ministry and leadership, highlighting the importance of living in the present and making decisions with urgency, as they reflect on the consequences of delaying actions and the benefits of living a life of faithfulness and productivity. [... more]

God's sovereign will and plan for our lives is a concept that is often misunderstood. Many people view God as distant and uninvolved, but the Bible teaches that He is a living person who cares deeply about every decision we make. When we understand this, our approach to planning and decision-making changes. We begin to ask, 'What is God's will for my life?' and 'How can I align my plans with His?' This requires a daily walk with Jesus Christ, where we seek to know Him and His ways. Through prayer and obedience, we can learn to discern God's voice and follow His lead, even in the midst of uncertainty and suffering. [... more]

Planning for the future without God can lead to disaster, while trusting in His plan can bring long-term success and fulfillment. Dr. Shah emphasizes the importance of valuing people and seeing them as valuable, rather than just using them as means to an end. He also encourages listeners to take their life seriously and not waste it, as life is short and unpredictable, like a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. [... more]

The cure for conflict lies in changing one's perspective, understanding the world's system, and resisting the devil. Humility is key, and drawing near to God can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and the world. [... more]

Conflict is a natural part of life, but it can be devastating to relationships and marriages when left unchecked. Selfishness is often the root cause of conflict, and it can manifest in subtle and obvious ways. The Bible teaches that prayer and faith are essential in dealing with conflict and seeking God's will. By admitting our selfishness and seeking God's intervention, we can begin to work towards healing and reconciliation in our relationships. [... more]

Wise people are those who exhibit integrity, peaceableness, gentleness, teachability, willingness to yield, and fullness of mercy. They do not let bitterness consume them and instead choose to trust God's grace and timing. A wise person is also one who plays fair and does not pretend to be perfect, but rather acknowledges their weaknesses and trusts others to do the same. [... more]

Dr. Abadan Shah discusses the characteristics of wisdom, as outlined in the book of James, including maintaining integrity, being peaceable, having a gentle spirit, being willing to yield, and being full of mercy and good fruits. He emphasizes the importance of cultivating these qualities in one's life and provides examples from his own experiences and the lives of others. [... more]

Discussing the relationship between faith and works in Christianity, with a focus on the book of James and the book of Romans, and how the Holy Spirit enables believers to live a life of good works that reflect their faith in Christ. [... more]

On this episode of Our American Stories when Walter Isaacson began working on his biography of Steve Jobs he quickly saw that Jobs approached Apple with a different kind of discipline He believed a product should be built with care from start to finish even if the customer would never see it Walter Isaacson shares how that mindset shaped Apple's growth from its early days with Steve Wozniak to its place today under CEO Tim Cook We'd like to thank the U S Library of Congress for allowing us access to this audio Support the show https www ouramericanstories com [... more]

Understanding the science behind the text of Scripture and how textual criticism helps us get back to the original words of God. Dr. Abadan Shah and Pastor Dwayne Green discuss the importance of knowing the differences in Bible translations and how to approach the textual question with confidence. [... more]

Dr. Mark Ward discusses the challenges of King James Onlyism, the importance of understanding New Testament textual criticism, and the role of language in Bible interpretation. He emphasizes the need for Christians to learn about the history of how we got our Bibles and to use multiple Bible translations to better understand God's word. [... more]

Dr. Abadan Shah and Dr. Maurice Robinson discuss the release of the New Testament in the original Greek Byzantine text form 2026 edition, published by Clearview Press. The text offers a contrast to the predominantly Alexandrian text of the Nestle-Aland and UBS traditions, with differences in approximately 8,000 places throughout the New Testament. The Byzantine text form is represented by the vast majority of Greek New Testament manuscripts, and the Robinson-Pierpont text is considered the closest approximation to the original text as it was transmitted through the centuries. [... more]

The Bible teaches that judging others is a form of evil, and that Christians should strive to love their neighbors as themselves. The rich and poor are not inherently good or bad, but rather it's the attitude and actions of individuals that matter. Socialism and Marxism have been used to justify the oppression of the wealthy, but this is not in line with biblical teachings. Dr. Abadan Shah explains that the royal law is to love God and love one's neighbor, and that this is the key to true humility and service to others. [... more]

The Bible teaches that anger can destroy relationships and compromise one's witness, but God's word offers hope for change through the implanted word, which leads to a deeper understanding of righteousness and a desire to live according to God's will. [... more]

The Bible teaches that judging people is wrong, but it's not just about avoiding judgment. It's about treating everyone with equality and respect, regardless of their wealth or social status. Dr. Abadan Shah explains that partiality is a sin that can lead to evil thoughts and mistreating others. He shares practical steps to move in the opposite direction and live with a sense of gratefulness towards others, recognizing that everyone is saved by God's grace. [... more]

Wrestling with anger is a common struggle for Christians, but it's not a sin to feel anger. Rather, it's how we respond to it that matters. Dr. Abadan Shah explains that anger itself is not the problem, but rather our sinful nature can lead to sinful anger. He shares insights from the book of James, emphasizing the importance of being swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath. By applying these principles, Christians can learn to navigate their emotions and respond to situations in a more godly way. [... more]

Investing in companies that prioritize servant leadership and biblical stewardship can lead to long-term business success and positive impact on society. Dolores Bamford, Co-Chief Investment Officer at Eventide Asset Management, shares her expertise on evaluating leadership quality and its role in creating lasting value. [... more]

The concept of judging others is explored in the context of Christianity, with a focus on the biblical teachings of James and the importance of treating all people equally. The discussion also touches on the caste system in Hinduism and how it contradicts the Christian values of equality and love. [... more]

Dr. Abadan Shah discusses the importance of being a doer of the word and not just a hearer, highlighting the dangers of deceiving oneself and the need for immediate evaluation and correction. He also emphasizes the importance of speech, service, and separation from the world in living a holy and transformed life. [... more]

The birth of sin is a process that happens over time, starting with temptation and leading to desire, lust, and eventually murder. According to James 1:14, each person is tempted when they are drawn away by their own desires and enticed. This process can lead to eternal consequences, and it's essential to recognize the destructive power of sin and seek God's forgiveness and help. [... more]

David's fall from grace and Peter's denial of Jesus serve as cautionary tales about the dangers of unguarded strengths, which can be used for good or evil. Recognizing and guarding one's strengths is crucial for avoiding temptation and living a life of humility and service to God. [... more]

The importance of engaging with the Word of God, particularly in times of trials, is emphasized by Dr. Abadan Shah. He shares his personal experience of growing up in India, where Christianity was scarce, and how it shaped his perspective on the value of the Bible. Dr. Shah highlights the need for Christians to understand the difference between the written word and the implanted word, and how the latter is essential for a deeper connection with God. [... more]

Temptation is a natural part of the trial process, and it can lead to sin and destruction if not managed properly. Christians must be aware of their weaknesses and take action to protect themselves against temptation, using tools such as prayer and self-reflection to stay on the path of righteousness. [... more]

The Bible teaches that wisdom is the greatest need in times of trial, and it can be obtained by asking God with faith. Dr. Abadan Shah explains that wisdom is not just about knowledge, but about understanding and applying God's word in our lives. He shares personal experiences and biblical examples to illustrate the importance of faith in receiving wisdom from God. [... more]

Dr. Abadan Shah discusses the importance of wisdom in making decisions, distinguishing it from knowledge, and how it comes from God. He shares personal experiences and biblical examples, emphasizing the need to pray for wisdom and seek God's guidance in life's challenges. [... more]

Joy is more than just a feeling, it's based on hardcore facts that you put your faith in, in spite of the circumstances, and you move forward. When you come into the heart of that faith, you'll find that joy is a future-oriented word because God is in the future making all things right, and He will take care of it, and there's a better day coming that also gives you joy. [... more]