New parents can benefit from a financial checklist to ensure they're prepared for the added expenses of raising a child. This includes updating health insurance, life insurance, budgeting, creating or updating a will, building an emergency fund, updating taxes, and considering education savings. A financial advisor can help individuals navigate these changes and make informed decisions about their finances. [... more]

Every follower of Jesus is to long for the pure milk of the word, which is the next step in following Jesus. The Bible is the inspired and inert word of God, containing all that we need to know for salvation and spiritual growth. Studying the Bible requires focus, concentration, and a desire to listen to God's voice, and it is essential for a strong and secure faith. [... more]

The Salvation Army's commitment to publishing biblically sound written resources is crucial in today's world where truth is often questioned. The organization's vetting process ensures that authors are grounded in their faith, and their work is accurate and trustworthy. This commitment to quality is essential for Christians seeking to deepen their understanding of God's word and live out their faith in a world filled with uncertainty. [... more]

The Apostle Paul's goal in Romans chapter 14 was to help the diverse church understand the importance of unity and agreement among God's people. He outlines three critical steps to achieving unity: accepting others as equals, allowing for honest differences of opinion, and avoiding arrogance. [... more]

The Christian tradition of thinking about issues of war and peace asks three questions: the moral basis for the decision to use force, how to use force morally, and the ethical steps in the late and post-conflict phase. Dr. Eric Patterson, an expert on the just war tradition, discusses the legitimacy of the US government's actions against Iran and the importance of right intention and just cause. [... more]

Understanding God's grace is essential to salvation and walking by faith. Pastor John Monroe explains that God's grace is a gift, not a reward for good deeds, and that it's received through faith in Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the importance of trusting in Christ's sacrifice and receiving His forgiveness, leading to a personal relationship with Jesus and eternal life. [... more]

Embracing the conviction that God owns everything can transform the way we live, give, and steward our resources. By surrendering our ownership and adopting a stewardship mindset, we can gain humility and hope, and reorder our hearts so that money serves its proper place. This shift in perspective can lead to a more faithful and intentional approach to financial decision-making, aligning our desires with God's priorities and multiplying what belongs to the Lord. [... more]

The Bible is the Word of God, objectively true and profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. To grow in grace and understanding, it's essential to be diligent in studying the scriptures, developing a discipline of Bible study, and acquiring wisdom rooted in the fear of the Lord. A practical approach to studying the Bible involves reading the Old Testament in a historical overview, followed by a more in-depth study of specific books, and then moving to the New Testament, where one can read the Gospels, epistles, and other books in a systematic and structured manner. [... more]

A new generation of investors is reshaping the investment landscape with their preferences for cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, and ETFs. However, this shift also raises concerns about the motives behind their investments and the potential risks of getting-rich-quick stock investment ideas. Biblical wisdom can guide investors in making informed decisions and avoiding the pitfalls of speculation. [... more]

Living the Christian life is not about trying harder, but about surrendering to the prevailing control of the Holy Spirit. This means acknowledging our weakness, awakening each day to our dependence on God, and allowing the Spirit to work in us to accomplish what God has called us to do. The Holy Spirit is essential for our spiritual growth, faith, and living out the life of Christ. He convicts us of sin, baptizes us into Christ, indwells us, and guides us to live according to God's will. [... more]

The Holy Spirit is an absolute essential in the Christian life, empowering believers to do the work God has called them to do. He is a person of the Trinity, the promise of the Father, and the gift to every believer. The Holy Spirit enables believers to operate out of their spiritual gifts, equipping them to fulfill God's purpose in their lives. [... more]

Clean water changes far more than health, restoring dignity, opening doors for education and work, and pointing to the living water himself. Aaron Griggs joins us to talk about how clean water is transforming communities in Africa, and how Cross International is working to address the need on the ground. [... more]

Seeking wise counsel is essential for making informed financial decisions, especially when it comes to navigating complex financial situations. By prioritizing godly counsel and biblical wisdom, individuals can make decisions that align with their values and goals, leading to greater peace of mind and financial stability. [... more]

Preparing for death while celebrating life is a unique opportunity to pause and reflect on the gift of life itself, and to praise and magnify our parents. The Bible teaches us that God cares for us and knows when we will die, and that we should trust and rest in His promises. Celebrating birthdays provides a chance to thank God for sustaining us through another year and to praise Him for His goodness and mercy. [... more]

Living with a God-centered focus allows individuals to navigate life's challenges with dignity and purpose. Joseph's story in Genesis 40 demonstrates the importance of telling the truth, even when it's difficult, and trusting in divine providence. The Bible teaches that death and judgment are inevitable, and that understanding heaven and hell is crucial for making preparations for eternity. [... more]

A panel of friends shares their experiences and insights on how to navigate life's challenges with faith and perseverance, exploring the importance of walking with God, submission and love, and finding hope and encouragement in the Bible. [... more]

Living with margin is essential for wise stewardship, creating space for rest, faith, and generosity. It's a spiritual discipline that involves creating room for God's provision, pace, and purposes in life, and it changes the way you give, think, and live. [... more]

Paul emphasizes the importance of Christian maturity, citing Timothy as an example of a reliable, compatible, thoughtful, and loyal friend. He explains that true friends are like-minded, sharing the same goal of serving God and His people, and that they are willing to serve others, even in difficult circumstances. [... more]

A naturopathic doctor discusses alternative treatments for heart disease, magnesium deficiency, and other health issues, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle changes and natural remedies over conventional medicine. He also addresses essential tremors, blood sugar control, and weight loss, and shares his views on pro-life and salvation. [... more]

Families face significant challenges in planning for long-term care, with many retirees unprepared for the financial burden. Harlan Akala discusses the financial realities of long-term care and how home equity can play a strategic role in meeting those costs. He also explores the benefits of delaying Social Security benefits and the risks of 401k loans. Additionally, the hosts answer listener questions on beneficiary designations and 1031 exchanges. [... more]

Jesus commands us to take up our cross and follow him, revealing three uncomfortable truths that every follower must accept: denying ourselves, taking up our cross daily, and following Christ. This message emphasizes the importance of self-denial, obedience, and self-restraint in living a Christ-like life. [... more]

The Bible teaches that pain and suffering are not punishments, but gifts from God that can produce perseverance, purity, and perspective, ultimately leading to hope and a deeper understanding of His sovereignty. [... more]

Chuck Swindahl presents three non-negotiables for being an authentic disciple of Jesus, including denying oneself, taking up one's cross, and following Jesus' will, emphasizing the importance of self-denial and obedience in true discipleship. [... more]

The concept of the virgin birth of Jesus Christ is a central theme in the Bible, with Matthew and Luke providing detailed accounts of the miraculous conception. The controversy surrounding the Hebrew term 'almah' and its translation as 'virgin' or 'young woman' is explored, with scholars arguing over its implications for the virgin birth narrative. The biblical account of the virgin birth is seen as a miraculous and supernatural event, made possible by the creative power of God, the Holy Spirit. [... more]

Military service offers a unique opportunity for students to fund their college education while gaining valuable leadership experience and serving their country. However, the process of applying to service academies or ROTC programs can be complex and requires careful consideration. Meanwhile, individuals approaching retirement may need to reassess their financial plans, including their estate planning and retirement savings, to ensure a secure financial future. [... more]

The virgin birth of Jesus Christ is a central truth of the Christian faith, revealing God's wisdom in planning our salvation. Mary's response to the angel Gabriel's announcement is a beautiful example of humility and surrender, trusting God's promises and plans for her life. [... more]

The virgin birth of Jesus Christ stands as one of the cornerstone truths of Christianity, a theological necessity that demands a response from each one of us. It's a miraculous and gracious gift of God, a demonstration of His power and love. The miracle of the birth of Jesus is the grace of God in action, a reminder that nothing is impossible with Him. [... more]

When a church member has a ministry idea that doesn't align with the church's vision, it's essential to understand the church's mission and values before pursuing it. Starting a ministry without considering the church's existing structure and goals can lead to frustration and disappointment. Instead, it's better to integrate the idea into an existing ministry or make it a service project, ensuring that it aligns with the church's overall vision and goals. [... more]

Charitable giving and tax planning are crucial during year-end, and understanding donor-advised funds and qualified charitable distributions can help individuals make the most of their donations. Financial stewardship and biblical wisdom are essential in managing money, and recognizing God as the owner of everything can lead to a more balanced approach to finances. [... more]

A panel of believers shares how Scripture has shaped their lives and deepened their walk with God, discussing the importance of the Bible as a source of strength, hope, and guidance in a world looking for hope. [... more]

The tradition of decorating Christmas trees has its roots in ancient cultures, with evergreen plants symbolizing life and hope during the winter solstice. The modern tradition of Christmas trees originated in 16th century Germany, where it was associated with Protestantism and the story of Martin Luther. The tradition was popularized in the United States by German immigrants and the royal family, with the first White House Christmas tree placed in 1889. Today, Christmas trees are a staple of American life, with millions of trees sold each year and a rich history that spans centuries. [... more]

The Apostle Paul lays out a list of characteristics for effective church leadership, emphasizing the importance of humility, self-control, and a commitment to sound biblical truth. Elders must be above reproach, hospitable, lovers of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined, with a strong conviction in the trustworthy word of God. [... more]

The Holy Spirit's role in church growth is discussed, with Pastor Jack Hibbs emphasizing the importance of spiritual gifts and their operational use in the body of Christ. He teaches that believers need to examine their motives for growth, whether it's to impress or serve the Lord, and that church growth begins from within. Pastor Jack also discusses the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including the word of wisdom, prophecy, and exhortation, and how they can be used to strengthen the body of Christ. [... more]

The next generation is redefining stewardship and generosity, with a focus on authenticity, impact, and community. Women play a significant role in shaping generosity, and advisors should consider co-creation and connecting head and heart when working with millennials and Gen Z. A reverse mortgage can be a viable option for tapping into home equity, and QCDs allow for tax-free charitable giving from IRAs. [... more]

Jesus teaches Nicodemus that being born again is essential for seeing the kingdom of God, and it's a supernatural reality that comes through the power of the Holy Spirit, bringing about a radical change in the nature of an individual, making them a child of God. [... more]

Ron Blue shares insights on biblical and practical wisdom for business partnerships, emphasizing the importance of shared faith and values in lasting relationships. Rob West discusses various financial topics, including vendor access to bank accounts, retirement planning, and charitable giving. [... more]

When dealing with genuine evidence of demonic influence in someone's life, it's essential to understand the process of submission to God, resistance of the enemy, and specific steps to take with actions and heart. Believers are taught to resist the devil and he'll flee, but extremism and fanaticism can negatively color this ministry. Recognizing the signs of demonic influence, such as severe sickness, divination, unusual physical strength, split personality, and resistance to spiritual help, is crucial. The cure for demonic influence is through the cross of Christ, and victory is through the name of Jesus. Deliverance from demonic influence involves accepting Christ, confessing sin, renouncing the works of the devil, resting in Christ's deliverance, and engaging in corporate prayer. [... more]

Consistent, intense, and strategic prayer is a vital aspect of spiritual warfare, allowing believers to withstand and overcome demonic influence. The Bible teaches that prayer has a direct impact on spiritual warfare, and that intercessory prayer is a powerful weapon in the fight against evil. By praying for others and for the message of the gospel, believers can experience deliverance and power in their lives. [... more]

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and for those who feel far from God, a crisis can be the first step towards coming home. Dr. Robert Jeffress outlines three essential steps for reviving a relationship with God: crisis, repentance, and forgiveness, and emphasizes the importance of perseverance in maintaining a right relationship with God. [... more]

The government shutdown continues, with Democrats and Republicans struggling to reach a deal. Meanwhile, the Abraham Accords are gaining momentum, with Kazakhstan joining the agreement. The ACLJ is fighting for the rights of Christians in public schools, including a student-led Bible club in New York. The organization is also working on several high-profile cases, including a Supreme Court brief to fight the left's attempt to deny the president's use of the National Guard in Chicago. [... more]