The Shema, a central prayer in Judaism, declares God's unity, but what does the word 'echad' mean? Exploring Jewish tradition and scripture, we delve into the complexities of God's oneness, including his transcendence, presence on earth, and interactions with humanity. [... more]

Jesus' words in the Gospel of John and the Sermon on the Mount emphasize the importance of enduring persecution and standing for righteousness' sake. The reward for doing so is a heavenly kingdom, and Jesus' example of enduring hostility and shame on the cross is a model for believers to follow. The church has a long history of persecution, but with courage and faith, believers can overcome their fears and remain steadfast in their devotion to Christ. [... more]

The early Christian church grew strong despite facing intense persecution, with the blood of martyrs becoming the seed of the church. Jesus taught that persecution is a natural consequence of following him, and that those who are persecuted for his name's sake will be hated by the world. Throughout history, the church has faced numerous persecutions, from the Roman Empire to modern-day Muslim countries, but has continued to thrive and spread the gospel. [... more]

The doctrine of sola gratia, or grace alone, is central to the Protestant Reformation, emphasizing that salvation is solely the work of God's grace in the soul. This concept is rooted in the teachings of Augustine, who argued that humanity's fallen nature renders us morally impotent, unable to choose the things of God without divine intervention. In contrast, semi-Pelagianism posits that human beings have the power to choose God, albeit with the assistance of God's grace. The Reformation's emphasis on sola gratia highlights the importance of divine initiative in salvation, underscoring that our salvation is not based on our own efforts or decisions, but rather on God's sovereign grace. [... more]

Six-time World Champion and two-time WWE Hall of Fame inductee Booker T joins O'Shea Jackson Jr and T J Jefferson this week on No-Contest Wrestling In this two-hour episode Booker T shares insights into his legendary career including how he got his start in wrestling early life choices that led to trouble closing out WCW as World Champion his iconic grocery store brawl with Stone Cold Steve Austin the orgin of Black Snow the creation of Reality of Wrestling and more In addition Booker chooses an almost unfair Bar Fight Crew RESPECT Learn more about your ad choices Visit podcastchoices [... more]

Navigating the ups and downs of marriage requires intentional self-care and setting healthy boundaries. Soul care expert Deborah Falleda shares six rhythms to live a restored life, including nourishing our bodies, resting, protecting our time, connecting with others, savoring life, and tuning into our inner world. By prioritizing these rhythms, we can cultivate emotional intelligence, deepen our relationships, and experience spiritual growth. [... more]

Christians often struggle with burnout due to neglecting their physical and emotional well-being. Deborah Phileda discusses the importance of soul care, which involves honoring one's human capacity and practicing healthy rhythms, such as nourishment, rest, and relaxation. By following Jesus' example, individuals can learn to live a restored life, avoid burnout, and experience unspeakable joy. [... more]

The doctrine of justification is central to the Christian faith, with the Roman Catholic Church teaching that faith, grace, and Christ are necessary for salvation, while the Protestant Reformation emphasizes faith alone, the imputation of the righteousness of Christ, and the gospel as the grounds for justification. [... more]

The Bible teaches that husbands are to love their wives sacrificially and exclusively, just as Jesus loves the church. This love is not just a feeling, but a choice to put one's wife's interests ahead of one's own and to prioritize her well-being. In contrast, a harsh tone and selfishness can lead to a breakdown in the marriage bond. By following the biblical framework for marriage, husbands can cultivate a deeper understanding and trust with their wives, leading to a more fulfilling and joyful relationship. [... more]

O'Shea Jackson Jr. and TJ Jefferson discuss the latest news and rumors in the world of professional wrestling, including Asuka's departure from the WWE and the impact it has on the wrestling community. They also talk about the importance of comedy in wrestling and the rise of new wrestling stars. Brad Williams joins the show to talk about his experiences as a comedian and a wrestling fan, and they discuss the future of the wrestling industry. [... more]

A young adult shares her perspective on the pressures facing teens and young adults, including bullying, perfectionism, and anxiety, and how to trust God for their future. Her mother, a best-selling author, joins the conversation to offer guidance and support to parents on how to help their children navigate these challenges. [... more]

Moms of the Bible, including Naomi and the unnamed mother of David, demonstrate the importance of community, faith, and motherly love in shaping their children's lives. Rhonda Stoppe shares insights from her book, highlighting the value of older women mentoring younger mothers and the impact of mothers on their children's faith and character. [... more]

The Roman Catholic Church's view of sacraments as instrumental causes of justification is contrasted with Protestantism's emphasis on faith alone. The sacraments of baptism, confirmation, matrimony, and holy orders are discussed, highlighting the differences between the two traditions. [... more]

Moms of the Bible, like Rahab and Jacobed, demonstrate fearless faith and motherly love, while flawed moms like Herodias and the wife of Lot show the consequences of idolatry and a lack of urgency in parenting. Rhonda Stoppe shares life-changing lessons from the Bible to help moms live with purpose and raise their children to know God. [... more]

The relationship between the Roman Catholic Church and salvation is a complex issue, with the church's doctrine of salvation by means of the sacraments being a central point of contention. Historically, the church's teaching on salvation has evolved, with figures like Augustine and Cyprian contributing to the development of the church's understanding of salvation and its relationship to the visible church. The Donatist controversy and the Reformation played significant roles in shaping the church's doctrine of salvation, with the Reformers relying solely on Scripture for salvation. [... more]

Jacob Fatu discusses his upcoming match against Roman Reigns at Backlash, his family's wrestling legacy, and the importance of respecting the ring and people backstage. The podcast also touches on the departure of New Day from WWE and the impact it has on fans. [... more]

The doctrine of papal infallibility, a concept of recent definition, has its roots in early church history, with the Bishop of Rome playing a prominent role in the development of the Christian Church. The notion of a monarchical episcopacy, or a reigning primate, has its roots in early developments in church history, with the Church at Rome being prominent since the first century. The increasing significance of the Roman See is evident in the history of the Church, with the Bishop of Rome giving pastoral admonition to the church at Corinth and the development of the Roman Church moving in the direction of a monarchial episcopate. [... more]

Miles Bourne, the NXT North American Champion, shares his journey from being a hearing-impaired child to becoming a professional wrestler. He talks about his early days, his struggles, and his triumphs, including his recent championship win. Bourne also discusses his inspirations, his favorite wrestlers, and his approach to the sport. [... more]

Practicing morning and evening prayers, listening to scripture, and being intentional about communication and romance can strengthen a marriage. Jay John and his wife Killy share their 42-year marriage experience, highlighting the importance of respect, responsibility, and resolve in a relationship. They also discuss the value of praying together, making time for each other, and being honest in conveying feelings to avoid disrespect and build a stronger bond. [... more]

A couple shares their 42-year marriage journey, discussing the importance of faith, communication, and prayer in strengthening their relationship. They offer practical advice for couples, including the need to respect each other, take responsibility, and navigate conflicts with a Christ-like heart. [... more]

Charlotte Flair discusses her journey in the wrestling world, growing up as Ric Flair's daughter, and her experiences as a second-generation superstar in WWE. She shares her thoughts on being a heel, her relationships with other wrestlers, and her passion for women's wrestling. [... more]

I have cerebral palsy--what's your problem Whatever difficulties you face you can't help but be encouraged as you hear David Ring describe how God's strength helps him overcome the limitations of his severe disability Receive the book The Boy Born Dead and the audio download of the broadcast Living Joyously for your donation of any amount Plus receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today Your monthly support helps families thrive Get More Episode Resources If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly please give us your feedback [... more]

Jesus teaches that he is the door to the sheepfold, emphasizing the exclusive way to salvation and the importance of recognizing him as the only mediator between God and man. He contrasts himself with false messiahs and thieves who try to lead people astray, highlighting the importance of following him to achieve eternal life and protection. [... more]

David Ring shares his powerful testimony of living with cerebral palsy and finding hope and joy in God's love, despite facing numerous challenges and hardships. He emphasizes the importance of faith in Christ and the impact it has on one's life, relationships, and spiritual journey. [... more]

The Pope criticizes President Trump's handling of the war in Iran, while Trump supporters argue that the war is a just one. Meanwhile, Congressman Chip Roy discusses his run for Attorney General of Texas, focusing on border security and immigration. In New York City, the mayor celebrates 100 days in office, but critics argue that his policies are too socialist. The Heritage Foundation's Kevin Roberts weighs in on foreign policy, including the Iran war and the situation in Ukraine. [... more]

Michelle Singletary shares practical advice on managing finances, including the importance of emergency funds, retirement savings, and long-term planning. She also discusses the Christian perspective on money and how it can be used to bless others. [... more]

Javon Evans shares his experiences as a young wrestler, including his first WrestleMania experience and his interactions with legends like CM Punk, Roman Reigns, and John Cena. The podcast also discusses the upcoming WrestleMania event and the challenges of being a wrestler, including the importance of life insurance and taxes. [... more]

Michelle Singletary shares practical advice on managing finances, especially in times of crisis, and emphasizes the importance of discipline, savings, and giving. She also discusses her personal experience of growing up in a financially struggling household and how her grandmother's frugal ways influenced her own financial decisions. [... more]

Amanda Dykes discusses the importance of nature and God's creation in her book A Pocket Full of Wonder, sharing hands-on adventures for kids to discover the wonders of the world around them, and how this can help parents and children develop a deeper faith and connection with God. [... more]

Marriage is a gift from God, and it's meant to be a source of joy and connection. However, many couples struggle with intimacy and communication, leading to frustration and resentment. Dave and Ashley Willis share their insights and experiences in their book 'Do Marriage Better: Seven Simple Shifts for a Deeper Connection.' They discuss the importance of understanding each other's needs and desires, and how to navigate the different seasons of marriage, including the 'beach season' of honeymoon-like intimacy, the 'busy season' of practicality, the 'baby season' of exhaustion and distraction, and the 'broken season' of vulnerability and healing. By applying the seven simple shifts outlined in their book, couples can experience a deeper connection and a more fulfilling marriage. [... more]

As people increasingly turn to AI companions for therapy and companionship, experts warn of the dangers of digital addiction and emotional dependence. With AI designed to keep users hooked, the line between technology and human relationships is becoming increasingly blurred, raising concerns about the impact on mental health and relationships. [... more]

Couples can make a 20% improvement in their marital relationship by implementing seven simple shifts, including having curiosity and compassion when communicating, being mindful of tone, and prioritizing their marriage over other aspects of their lives. [... more]

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the central moment in the Christian faith, and understanding its significance can bring hope and redemption to our lives. Andrew Peterson shares his personal journey of discovering the power of the resurrection and how it has impacted his music and family. He emphasizes the importance of embracing darkness and suffering, and trusting in the goodness of God's plan, just as the characters in the Lord of the Rings story do. By being open and honest about our struggles, we can model for our children the value of hope and redemption, and help them understand the true meaning of Easter. [... more]

A woman's 13-month ordeal as her sister is held hostage in Iraq, and her fight to secure her release, serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of international relations and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. Meanwhile, a former Daily Show regular turned actress, Olivia Munn, shares her own story of courage and resilience as she battles breast cancer and becomes an advocate for early detection. In other news, Michael Jordan's competitive drive is still going strong as he takes on a new challenge in the world of NASCAR, and Senator Rand Paul weighs in on the ongoing debate over Congressional power and the role of the executive branch in foreign policy. [... more]

Couples can prioritize their marriage by setting aside time for emotional connection, learning to communicate effectively, and recognizing the importance of spiritual growth and dependence on God. By doing so, they can cultivate a deeper intimacy and romance in their relationship, even in the midst of busy lives and high-stress jobs. [... more]

A couple shares their journey of navigating the challenges of ministry, leadership, and marriage, highlighting the importance of balance, intimacy, and effective communication in maintaining a strong relationship. [... more]

Deborah Paget shares her insights on how to tame your tongue and improve relationships by being more positive, encouraging, and self-aware, drawing from her book '30 Days to Taming Your Tongue' and biblical principles. [... more]

Tony D'Angelo discusses his NXT career, including his time in the performance center, meeting wrestling legends, and his upcoming fatal four-way championship match at Stand and Deliver. He also shares his passion for amateur wrestling and capoeira, and talks about his personal life, including his upcoming fatherhood and his love for the Chicago Bears. [... more]

Parents Brian and Stephanie Carter share their experiences and insights on how to build long-lasting relationships with their children, including the importance of giving choices, offering options, and modeling spiritual growth. They discuss how to cultivate each child's unique personality, set realistic expectations, and provide a supportive environment for their children to thrive. [... more]

A pastor and his wife share their journey of rediscovering their priorities and reconnecting with God, leading to a stronger marriage and family. They discuss the importance of setting goals, having a safe couple, and cultivating a relationship with God to build long-lasting relationships. [... more]