Jesus chooses twelve men to be his core team, bypassing the religious establishment and selecting those who realize they need him. He prays for them, knowing their flaws and future, and chooses them not for who they are but for who they will become. The first group of disciples is Peter, Andrew, James, and John, with Peter being the most prominent and unpredictable, yet steadfast in his faith. Andrew, Peter's brother, is the first to follow Jesus and brings his brother to meet him, demonstrating humility and a willingness to bring people to Jesus. [... more]

Willie Lynch shares a poignant story about his father's cancer diagnosis and how it led to a deeper understanding and forgiveness between them. The story explores the complexities of human relationships and the power of forgiveness in healing emotional wounds. [... more]

When you become a Christian, your old nature doesn't go away, and you're in a battle with the flesh. The Holy Spirit makes you uncomfortable with some of the things you used to do, and He's making you uniquely different from the world in which you live. Walking in the Spirit means letting the Holy Spirit set the pace, and just keeping walking, one step after another, keeping constant vigilance over your life. [... more]

In blended families, the dynamics between insiders and outsiders can ignite difficulty in parenting and marriage. Biological parents have insider status with their children, receiving automatic love, approval, and trust. Step parents, on the other hand, are outsiders who must navigate their role and build relationships with their step children. By declaring loyalty to their spouse, passing power to the step parent, standing together as a team, and prioritizing family unity, biological parents can help their step children become insiders and build a stronger, more loving family. [... more]

Alex McFarland and his guest Frank Figueroa discuss the importance of defending the Christian faith, particularly among young people, and share stories of how they've seen God moving in the lives of others through apologetics and evangelism. [... more]

Jonah, a rebellious prophet, attempts to flee from God's presence but is caught in a storm at sea. The pagan sailors, desperate to survive, pray to God and eventually throw Jonah overboard, saving themselves and leading to a miraculous calm in the sea. Meanwhile, Jonah's disobedience and hypocrisy are exposed, and he is used by God to bring about the conversion of the sailors. [... more]

Parents are primarily responsible for their child's education, and education encompasses more than just academic learning, including faith formation and human development. The state's role in education should be limited, and parents should have the freedom to choose their child's educational path, whether through public schools, charter schools, private schools, or homeschooling. The use of technology in education, known as EdTech, has been shown to have negative effects on academic performance and social interaction, and parents should have the option to opt-out of these programs. [... more]

The Bible shows how the Lord kept his promises to ordinary, everyday, faithless, godless sinners who didn't deserve it, revealing a message of justification by faith alone, which has been God's method of salvation for sinners from the beginning, as seen in the story of Abraham and the unfolding redemptive plan of God, which centers on the promises made to Abraham and finds its fullest expression in Christ, who is the fulfillment of all the promises of the Old Testament and the heart of the gospel. [... more]

The consequences of French philosopher Michel Foucault's ideas about a world without God, moral absolutes, and fixed human identity can be seen in the chaos of postmodernism, where truth and morality are mere tools for societal control. [... more]

The Reformation's third pillar, Sola Gratia, emphasizes that salvation is by grace alone, not through human cooperation or works. This concept is rooted in the Bible's teaching that God's grace is a person, Jesus Christ, who redeems us from our sins. The Reformers rejected the medieval view of salvation as a combination of God's grace and human effort, instead affirming that God's demerited favor is the sole cause of our salvation. This understanding of grace is seen in the lives of biblical figures such as Abraham and Adam, who received God's unilateral covenant promise despite their sinfulness. Ultimately, the purpose of God's grace is to bring glory to Himself, as He saves sinners through Jesus Christ and attributes all glory to Him alone. [... more]

The Bible's underlying message is the good news that God justifies the ungodly by grace through faith alone, a message that has been consistent from the beginning of the story of redemption, starting with Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:15, and unfolding through the promises made to Abraham, with Jesus being the fulfillment of all God's promises. [... more]

A successful marriage is one that pleases Christ, and couples can deepen their love and reverence for Him by applying biblical principles to their relationships. Dr. Emerson Egrich shares his insights on how to break free from the 'crazy cycle' of conflict and find harmony in marriage, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and effective communication. [... more]

John's letter to his children emphasizes the importance of confidence in their relationship with God, which is rooted in their love for one another and generosity towards those in need. He explains that our hearts can condemn us for our failure to love, but we must persuade our hearts with the comforting truth that God is greater than our hearts and knows all things. This persuasion leads to confidence in prayer and generosity towards others. [... more]

James teaches that trials are unavoidable, unlimited, and unexpected, but can produce single-minded affection for Christ and spiritual maturity. He exhorts believers to ask God for wisdom, to persevere under trial, and to recognize their sufficiency in Christ, promising a crown of life for those who love him. [... more]

Dave and Ashley Willis discuss the importance of teaching boys to respect girls, the challenges of modern culture, and the role of parents in shaping their children's values and behaviors. They share practical advice and personal anecdotes, emphasizing the need for intentional parenting and modeling healthy relationships. [... more]

Generosity is a fundamental aspect of Christianity, as demonstrated by the example of Christ who laid down his life for others. The Holy Spirit guides believers to give generously to those in need, prioritizing support for the church and fellow believers, while also encouraging universal giving to all people. This generosity is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, effecting change in the hearts of believers and creating a similar generosity in their lives. [... more]

The book of 1 John is not a series of tests for assurance of salvation, but rather a letter to assure believers of their faith in Jesus Christ. John contrasts the children of God with the children of the devil, highlighting the love and generosity of those who trust in Jesus, and the meanness and tight-fistedness of those who reject Him. [... more]

Joy Bowser shares her personal story of overcoming bitterness and doubt, while Chris Bennett talks about his children's book, The World's Fastest Sloth, and Ken and Mary Sue Grine discuss their book, Jacob's Story, about their son who couldn't hear, talk, or walk but could change the world. [... more]

Man's basic problem is unbelief, and the greatest sin is refusing Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior. The Holy Spirit teaches that sin is in the heart, and the world's idea of righteousness is warped. Jesus came to provide righteousness through His finished work on the cross, and only the Holy Spirit can convict us of our need for righteousness. The prince of this world, Satan, is already judged, and those who refuse Jesus will be transformed into the image of Satan and go to a hell prepared for the devil and his angels. [... more]

Moms struggle with lies about their own worth and ability to disciple their daughters, while girls face pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards and deal with anxiety and depression. Dana Gresh discusses her book Lies Girls Believe and the importance of teaching girls to gaze at God's word and glance at themselves in the mirror, rather than the other way around. [... more]

Living a life of both spirit and intellect is not a conflict, but a unity, as the Holy Spirit heightens the intellect and brings about spiritual growth, revealing the things that God has freely given us in Christ, and imparting wisdom that is not of this age, but of God. [... more]

God's Word offers profound and transformative perspectives on managing money, changing how we see it. Sharon Epps joins Rob West to discuss powerful biblical principles for financial decisions, including the power of trust, focus, priorities, planning, and decision-making. [... more]

Chuck Swindahl explores the concept of preservation in the context of Paul's farewell to the Thessalonians, highlighting the importance of being insulated in the world while remaining blameless and faithful to God's truth. [... more]

Paul's farewell to the Thessalonians is a beautiful example of how to offer a gracious send-off, focusing on the God of peace and the importance of sanctification, preservation, and blamelessness in the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. [... more]

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a central theme in the Christian faith, and its significance is evident in the lives of believers today. From the predictions and proofs of the resurrection to the changed lives of people who have put their trust in Jesus Christ, the evidence is clear. The Christian faith is not just a historical event, but a living reality that continues to transform lives today. [... more]

The importance of recognizing the difference between forgiveness and consequences, and the need for genuine repentance and discipline in the face of sin. A good shepherd guides us through life's challenges, including the valleys of despair, and leads us to restoration and intimacy with God. [... more]

Asaph's psalm of despair and anxiety is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, God is present and faithful. He invites us to direct our unfiltered cries to Him, to consider who He is, and to dwell on His covenant faithfulness. Through Asaph's experience, we see the importance of remembering God's past deliverances and His holy character, and how this can bring us peace and comfort in the midst of turmoil. [... more]

The Bible teaches that men and women have distinct roles in marriage, with men as the head and women as the helper. This order is not based on superiority, but rather on the design of God. The fall of man in the Garden of Eden introduced distortions in relationships, leading to a desire for control and manipulation. However, the gospel restores relationships to their original design, where men lead and women submit, and both are equal in essence but different in function. [... more]

Angels are messengers to God's people, watching over believers and observing our worship. They are created independently and have no family connections with Jesus Christ. Despite their advantages, angels will eventually be exalted above them, and we will rule with Jesus Christ in the kingdom. The angels' desire to look into the plan of redemption is staggering, and they rejoice over our exaltation as if it were their own. They understand the cost of our redemption and are amazed at the humiliation of God at the incarnation. [... more]

Work is not just a means to an end, but an act of worship to God, reflecting the God who creates, orders, and sustains all things. Scripture reframes the conversation on work, showing it as a sacred calling woven into what it means to bear God's image. Faithful stewardship of resources, including finances, is a key aspect of living out one's faith, and trusting in God's provision and sovereignty is essential for navigating life's uncertainties. [... more]

Believers can reframe their view of taxes as evidence of God's provision, rather than just an interruption to their finances. This mindset shift can lead to gratitude, humility, and trust in God's sovereignty. Christians can also apply biblical wisdom to their financial decisions, such as prioritizing integrity and honesty in their financial dealings. [... more]

FaithFi's new app helps users build a budget and live it out with daily check-ins, weekly progress snapshots, and monthly goal alignment. Meanwhile, Compass Financial Ministry's One More program encourages intentional relationships and shared discussions to create lasting eternal impact through financial discipleship. A listener's question about managing her 19-year-old daughter's finances sparks a conversation about budgeting tools and responsible spending habits. [... more]

The Holy Spirit's role in the Christian life is to reproduce the character of Jesus in believers, but this requires a willingness to repent and let go of sin. Believers must learn to walk in the Spirit, not by feelings, but by faith, and must be obedient to God's will. The Spirit's power is not something to be begged for, but rather something to be received by faith, and it is always pointing to Jesus. [... more]

The study of Revelation chapter 20 reveals the final events of the millennium, including Satan's release and deception of the nations, the great white throne judgment, and the eternal punishment of those who reject God, while also emphasizing the importance of salvation and the book of life. [... more]

The discussion revolves around the concept of knowledge and vengeance in the context of God's sovereignty and accountability. The hosts explore the idea that knowledge and vengeance are not just human concepts, but are also attributes of God, and that He is the one who ultimately weighs actions and brings justice. The conversation touches on the theme of accountability, highlighting the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and the consequences that follow. The hosts also draw parallels between the biblical account of Haman and the current situation in the Middle East, emphasizing the idea that God is ultimately in control and that justice will be served. [... more]

The story of the Bible unfolds through four gardens, representing the progression of God's redemption and restoration of his people. From the Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve's rebellion led to the curse of the covenant, to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus' obedience reversed the curse, the story of God's people is one of faithfulness, disobedience, and ultimate redemption. Through the typological garden of Israel and the redemptive garden of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, God's promise of salvation is fulfilled in the new garden of the new heavens and new earth, where fellowship between God and man, man and man, and man and creation is fully restored. [... more]

The concept of a God-given right to life is foundational to human dignity and the sanctity of human life. Pro-life advocates argue that life is valuable from conception to natural death, regardless of circumstances, and that it is not conditional upon quality of life or extrinsic factors. The increasing use of technology, such as in vitro fertilization and artificial intelligence, raises questions about the origin of life and the value of human life, and highlights the importance of acknowledging what it means to be human and why human life is valuable. [... more]

The Bible teaches that those who abide in Christ have confidence to stand before God when Christ returns, free from shame and guilt. Jesus' propitiation for our sins means we don't have to fear judgment, but can have confidence in our salvation and eternal life. [... more]

Solomon's life of emptiness and aimless living is contrasted with the plan of redemption through Jesus Christ, where the precious blood of Christ cleanses sin and makes us valuable to God. Peter's letter highlights the two approaches to God: human achievement and divine accomplishment, and emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in Jesus Christ to be redeemed. [... more]

Solomon's book of Ecclesiastes reveals the uncertainty of life without God, emphasizing the importance of enjoying life, experiencing every day totally, and expressing faith thoughtfully. He advises embracing aging thankfully and reminds us to remember our Creator in the days of our youth. [... more]