In the first century B C Roman historian Sallust observed Prosperity tries the souls even of the wise Most of us would probably choose financial prosperity over adversity Yet both seasons bring their own spiritual challenges When things are going well financially it can be tempting to take credit for our success Pride greed and self-reliance can quietly take root Financial hardship brings different temptations self-pity bitterness envy or fear Scripture offers a better way Christians are called to live faithfully and with integrity regardless of their circumstances And according to the Bible the key to doing that in both [... more]

Send us Fan MailGUEST DAVID MORRILL publisher Protestia comG began as a theology conference in at Pray's Mill Baptist Church near Atlanta Pastor Josh Buice of the same church was the founder Year by year the conference grew into one of the largest and most influential annual events with thousands attending and some of the most prominent leaders speaking such as John MacArthur Voddie Baucham Steve Lawson Paul Washer Ken Ham Joel Beeke HB Charles Tom Ascol James White and more G developed beyond a national conference into a ministry organization with regional conferences G Press publishing arm G Plus [... more]

Is AI a gift a danger or simply a tool In this episode of If Not For God Mike Zwick and Robby Dillmore dive into the growing influence of ChatGPT and artificial intelligence and ask an even deeper question What happens when we start trusting technology more than we trust God From AI Bible studies and computers that can generate sermons music and conversations to the possibility of AI companions replacing real relationships Mike and Robbie explore both the incredible opportunities and the spiritual dangers of this rapidly changing technology They also discuss whether AI could have anything to do [... more]

ESG investing promises to align your portfolio with your values But an important question remains Whose values are shaping the standards Environmental social and governance ratings are often presented as measures of corporate responsibility Yet the assumptions behind those ratings may not always align with biblical convictions Nick Schmitz Professor of Finance at The Catholic University of America and a Board Member of the Christian Investing Council CIC joined the show today to explain the differences between ESG and faith-based investing and why Christians should pay attention not only to what they own but also to how their shares are [... 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]

The comparison trap can lead to a focus on material wealth and self-worth, but a biblical perspective on finances emphasizes generosity, gratitude, and faith-based decision-making. Certified Kingdom Advisors like Jim Rasmussen help individuals and families align their financial plans with their values and purpose, seeking God's kingdom first and living a life of contentment and stewardship. [... more]

The book of Ecclesiastes teaches that wisdom is a shelter that preserves life, while wealth can be fleeting. John Cortinez shares his study, Wisdom Over Wealth, which explores 12 lessons from Ecclesiastes on money and the importance of prioritizing wisdom over wealth. He discusses how to obtain wisdom, the dangers of wealth without wisdom, and the benefits of living a life that honors God. [... more]

The Apostles' Creed is a summary of Christian faith, unifying believers under one declared doctrine and guarding against false teaching. It is based on the entirety of scripture and serves as a tool to share the gospel with others, capturing their attention and conveying the core tenets of our faith. The creed's roots are in the Bible, with early creeds used in the Old Testament and New Testament, and its style is similar to oral traditions and poetic expressions, such as the Genesis account of creation. [... more]

The Bible teaches that dishonesty and theft are not to be part of people who walk in the light, and that honesty and integrity are essential for a life of devotion to Jesus Christ. The eighth commandment prohibits stealing, but it also includes deceit, defraud, and withholding something from someone to whom it is rightfully due. The Bible provides examples of theft, including stealing from God, family, and church, and warns against the dangers of self-deception and false teachers. [... more]

Paul's prayers for the Philippians emphasize the importance of love, knowledge, and discernment in living out God's truth. He prays that their love would abound more and more, not just as an emotional response, but as a responsible and balanced expression of God's love, guided by knowledge and discernment. This balance is essential for producing righteous fruit and bringing glory to God. [... more]

Faithfulness to our Lord requires fortitude, a virtue that enables us to face our fears, resist pressure, and obey God even when it costs us. Dr. Craig Bartholomew discusses how fortitude shapes a generous life, strengthens us in moments of honesty and integrity, and helps us cultivate resilience in community, prayer, and humility. [... more]

Paul the Apostle views himself as a servant of Jesus Christ and writes to the Philippians about their spiritual growth, encouraging them to abound in love and knowledge, and to use discernment in their expressions of love. [... more]

Dr. Bob Jones III, Chancellor of Bob Jones University, shares his personal reflections on the life and legacy of Lindsey Graham, a conservative politician who stood for religious liberty and was a friend of the university. Dr. Jones emphasizes the importance of biblical discernment and the need for Christians to engage in politics without compromising their doctrine, while also warning against Christian nationalism and the dangers of pragmatism in education. [... more]

The Bible addresses dreams more than we think, with God using them to communicate with people throughout Scripture. However, discerning whether a dream is from God requires careful consideration of God's Word and prayer, as well as seeking the counsel of mature believers. By being sensitive to the Holy Spirit and seeking guidance, individuals can better understand the meaning behind their dreams and deepen their relationship with God. [... more]

Lisa Turkhurst shares her personal story of broken trust in her marriage, exploring the impact of emotional trauma and the importance of discernment in relationships. She emphasizes the need to prioritize safety and connection, and discusses how our trust issues can affect our relationship with God. Lisa's book, 'I Want to Trust You, But I Don't,' offers personal stories and biblical wisdom to help readers examine trust issues and find healing. [... more]

When a man knows God and obeys his word, his steps will be ordered by the Lord, and he will discover the truth of the Bible, which will grow his faith and give him wisdom. The Holy Spirit indwells those who know God, guiding them through life and ordering their steps. By reading God's Word and obeying it, one can gain wisdom and become a wise man, able to make judgments and counsel others. [... more]

Godly men share personal stories and movie clips that have impacted their faith and understanding of masculinity, highlighting the importance of discernment and wisdom in sharing the truth. [... more]

Stewarding a surplus isn't primarily a technical problem, it's a relational and spiritual one. A new novel, The River and the Garden, explores the journey of a family as they navigate the challenges of managing a surplus, discovering that wealth needs to be assigned a purpose according to God's vision and calling for their lives and families. [... more]

David's life is a testament to the idea that God has made every believer to climb, to become what He wants us to be. He equips us with the ability to see, to discern, and to perceive the world around us, and to move always heading upward, never satisfied with being less than God wants us to be. [... more]

Biblical wisdom for financial decisions, exploring the virtue of prudence and its application in Christian investing, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's financial actions with their faith and values. [... more]

The pastor begins a series on Acts 16, focusing on Christians who create change. He shares the story of Paul and Silas, who were imprisoned but remained unchanged, and how they encountered a jailer who was changed by their presence. The pastor emphasizes the importance of being servants of God, shining as lights in the world, and being sensitive to spiritual discernment and direction. [... more]

Being led by the Spirit of God means to be led into the Word of God and to obey its teachings. This is a fundamental aspect of Christianity, where the Holy Spirit enables believers to follow divine leadership and experience a divine relationship with God. Through adoption by God, believers become sons of God, inheriting the full rights of their citizenship in heaven and receiving the spirit of adoption, which allows them to cry out to God as Abba, Father, with intimacy and respect. [... more]

Christian obedience and faithfulness can lead to spiritual victory, but this does not necessarily mean that unbelievers will repent or convert. Instead, they may become fearful or disheartened, and the enemy may shift from attack mode to influence mode, using tactics such as flattery and fear to undermine spiritual progress. Leaders must develop spiritual discernment and emotional endurance to navigate these challenges and stay vigilant after spiritual success, recognizing that the work of God is not finished until the end of one's life. [... more]

Nehemiah's leadership and discernment were crucial in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, but he faced opposition and psychological attacks from his enemies. He demonstrated a sense of discernment, recognizing the intentions of his adversaries and refusing to engage with them. This sense of discernment is essential for leaders, allowing them to navigate complex situations and make wise decisions. By trusting in God and having a deep understanding of His Word, leaders can develop this discernment and avoid falling prey to psychological attacks. [... more]

Living a life of spiritual discernment is crucial in today's confusing world filled with darkness, false ideas, and deception. When God's Word lives in our hearts, it's a powerful way to live, and allowing ourselves to be taught by the Lord and yield our lives to His will can help us live free of uncertainty and doubt. Discovering God's plan for our lives, staying focused on His will, and being determined to obey Him no matter what are key to a life of purpose and fulfillment. [... more]

Today Pastor Jack teaches that the purpose of discernment is to know and follow God's will in every situation When God's will is our priority the goal is not just making decisions but making decisions that God wants for our lives [... more]

Today Pastor Jack teaches that discernment is the ability to tell the difference between truth and lies right and wrong or God's way vs other influences It's a discipline that takes a renewal of our minds through prayer scripture and relying on the Holy Spirit to guide our decision making process [... more]

Pastor Greg Laurie emphasizes the importance of spiritual discernment, warning against false prophets and counterfeit spiritual experiences. He highlights the spiritual battle that surrounds us and encourages listeners to test the spirits to ensure they are from God. He also emphasizes God's greater power and presence in our lives, reminding us that we are on the winning side in the spiritual war. [... more]

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in helping believers understand and apply the truths of Scripture, bringing spiritual illumination and guidance to their lives. Through prayer, Bible study, and obedience, Christians can trust in the Spirit's leading and guidance, even in times of uncertainty and crisis. [... more]

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in understanding God's Word, bringing clarity and conviction to our minds, and helping us comprehend the Bible's teachings. Without the Spirit's illumination, the Bible remains a book of words, but with Him, it becomes a source of wisdom, guidance, and truth. [... more]

Being filled with the Holy Spirit is an ongoing process that requires desire, denouncing sin, and dedicating oneself fully to Christ. It means yielding to the Spirit's control, trusting in the Lord God every moment, and depending on Him daily. The evidence of being spirit-filled includes speaking to one another in psalms and hymns, singing and making melody in the heart to the Lord, giving thanks always, and submitting to one another in the fear of God. [... more]

Saul's anointing as king in 1 Samuel 10 is marked by a noble beginning, but his reluctance and fear of his calling soon become apparent. Despite being chosen by God, Saul fails to demonstrate the qualities of a godly leader, instead warring against the spirit and fighting God's will. This sets the stage for a tumultuous reign, marked by disobedience and a lack of spiritual discernment. [... more]

When God gives you a dream, it's essential to keep it close to your chest and not share it with everyone. Dr. Abadan Shah shares his experience of learning to share his vision with the right people at the right time, highlighting the importance of trust, opposition, and God's will in leadership and ministry. [... more]

Seeking wise counsel is a key part of faithful stewardship, and it's essential to recognize that God never intended for us to walk through life's biggest decisions alone. Biblical wisdom includes discernment, humility, and the willingness to receive insight from others, and it's crucial to remind ourselves that these voices keep us from drifting into the ditches of greed, fear, impulsiveness, or self-reliance. When making financial decisions, we can look for voices that justify our desires, reinforce our fears, or confirm what we've already decided, but wise counsel doesn't merely validate us, it helps us see what we cannot see on our own. [... more]

Saul, the future king of Israel, is introduced as a man of external appearance, but lacking in spiritual depth. His character is contrasted with that of David, who is described as having a heart after God. The importance of spiritual discernment and the need to prioritize God's truth over human feelings are emphasized. [... more]

The greatest wealth and wisdom a person can possess is found in Jesus Christ, who indwells in believers and provides all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Christian maturity requires community, discernment, and a Christ-centered life, resulting in spiritual growth and thankfulness. [... more]

Chip Ingram explains the spiritual gifts mentioned in the New Testament, including apostleship, prophecy, evangelism, pastor-teacher, healing, administration, wisdom, knowledge, faith, discernment, and tongues. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and exercising these gifts in ministry, and provides a clear action plan for developing one's spiritual gift for kingdom impact. [... more]

Paul teaches that spiritual maturity requires community, discernment, and a Christ-centered life. He emphasizes the importance of being knit together in love with fellow believers and being discerning of false teaching. In Colossians 2, Paul presents Christ as the treasure of wisdom and knowledge, and encourages believers to focus on maturing in Christ rather than seeking secrets or techniques for a victorious and prosperous Christian life. [... more]

When you trust Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, you can expect an intimate relationship with God, clear guidance in every aspect of your life, and adequate provision for all your needs. The Holy Spirit is your helper, giving you discernment, spiritual energy, and the ability to understand God's love and blessings. [... more]

Hannah's intense prayer at the temple is met with misunderstanding by Eli the priest, who accuses her of being drunk. However, she stands firm and explains that she has poured out her soul before Yahweh, seeking a male child to dedicate to God. Eli's reversal and blessing of her petition is a reminder that God answers fervent prayers, and Hannah's faithfulness is rewarded with the birth of Samuel, a prophet who will go on to play a significant role in Israel's history. [... more]