John Bunyan's masterpiece, The Pilgrim's Progress, is a timeless classic that has captivated readers for centuries with its allegorical tale of Christian's journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. Written while Bunyan was in prison, the novel has become one of the most widely read and influential works of English literature, with its themes of faith, redemption, and the human condition continuing to resonate with readers today. [... more]

Exploring the concept of grateful living and how it can transform our approach to money and contentment. John Cortinez discusses the cycle of grateful living, which involves enjoying God's provision, accepting life's brevity, and rejoicing in our toil. He also shares practical insights on how to apply this biblical financial vision in our daily lives. [... more]

Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep, giving them salvation, significance, and security. He knows his sheep by name and calls them to follow him, promising eternal life and protection from harm. As believers, we can trust in God's love and care for us, knowing that we are in his hands and no one can snatch us out of his hand. [... 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]

The resurrection of Jesus is the central fact of the Christian faith, validating the man and the message. Eyewitness testimony from over 500 people, including the empty tomb, provides strong proof for his resurrection. The New Testament is recognized as a trustworthy source, and the resurrection appearances of Jesus to multiple people, including the apostles and others, demonstrate the reality of his return. [... 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]

Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, marking the beginning of Holy Week. The event is a pivotal moment in the Christian faith, demonstrating Jesus' messiahship and offering salvation to humanity. As the Bible says, 'Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion, Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem, Behold, your King is coming to you, He is just and endowed with salvation, humble, and mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.' [... more]

Money is a gift from God, but it also carries spiritual weight, revealing what we trust. Every spending decision, every saving decision, and every act of generosity asks a question: what am I trusting right now, God or money? Financial wisdom is not just about managing our finances, but about using money as a tool to accomplish God's purposes and serve others. [... more]

Paul's profound confidence comes from prayer, the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, and God's providential care, producing a growing hope and anticipation for God's direction and wisdom, resulting in spiritual joy and peace. [... more]

Money reveals our hearts, and our pursuit of treasure often leads to anxiety and slavery. Jesus cares about treasure not because He opposes wealth, but because wealth competes for what He alone deserves, our trust. Generosity can reveal the heart, but it doesn't automatically transform it. True freedom comes from loving Christ most, and when Christ becomes our treasure, everything else takes its proper place. [... more]

A woman shares her emotional journey as her husband's caregiver during his seven-month battle with terminal cancer, discovering the beauty of life and the importance of being present in the face of adversity, and finding personal growth and a new sense of purpose. [... more]

David's lapse of faith led to a series of unfortunate events, including the loss of his family and the destruction of his city. He realized that he had stopped seeking God's protection and provision, and instead tried to manage his fears on his own. David learned to strengthen himself in the Lord, even in the midst of darkness, and to trust in God's sovereignty and love. [... more]

Investors can pursue both financial performance and positive social impact through disciplined, values-aligned investing. Praxis Investment Management offers a faith-based approach to investing, integrating impact considerations without compromising financial rigor. By focusing on long-term orientation and patient, active engagement, investors can achieve competitive returns while contributing to good in the world. [... more]

Women are increasingly becoming the primary financial decision makers after inheriting wealth from their spouses, and with this responsibility comes the opportunity for wise and faithful stewardship. Sharon Epps, president of Kingdom Advisors, shares insights from research on Christian women's financial habits and generosity, highlighting the importance of clarity, confidence, and biblical understanding in making financial decisions. [... more]

Trusting God's provision is about a relationship with a God who sees, knows, and cares. Faith in God's provision means we can plan without panic, give without fear, and endure seasons of scarcity with hope. It's about understanding God's character and trusting His promise, not just about securing every possible outcome. [... more]

Jesus teaches us to pray for divine deliverance from temptation and evil, trusting in the Father's sovereignty and protection. He shows us how to invoke the Father's power against hostile powers of evil, and how to confidently call on Him for forgiveness and deliverance, knowing that our plea is answered in the person and work of Jesus Christ. [... more]

God's son is tested in the wilderness to prove his faithfulness, and Jesus teaches us to pray for deliverance from temptation, trusting in the Father's sovereignty and protection, and knowing that our plea for deliverance is answered in the person and work of Jesus on our behalf. [... more]

Discovering God's purpose for money leads to financial freedom, direction, and joy. Intentional living and biblical stewardship are key to making wise financial decisions and living a life that honors God. [... more]

The Lord's Prayer emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, both in our relationship with God and with others. Jesus teaches that those who have been forgiven will forgive others, and that our forgiveness is a sign of genuine saving faith. The second half of the fifth petition in the Lord's Prayer is not a condition for God's forgiveness, but rather an aspiration to imitate our Father in heaven, who forgives sinners of an infinite debt. [... more]

God the Father's generous provision for our daily needs is a reminder of our dependence on His grace, and praying for our daily bread teaches us to trust in His providential care, acknowledge our dependence on Him, and give thanks for His gifts, while also emphasizing the importance of moderation and using our resources to honor His name and love our neighbors. [... more]

Jesus teaches us that true prayer is impossible without the gospel, and that the Lord's Prayer focuses on seven major themes that reveal the true character of God the Father. He instructs us to pray 'your will be done' on earth as it is in heaven, which means to fulfill our office and calling, and to live in readiness to give up our fallen desires and obey the revealed will of the Father. [... more]

The Bible teaches that there is a correlation between fasting and healing. God desires our physical well-being, but also our spiritual health. Fasting can promote God's program and develop God's people. It is a way to trust in God's power and provision, and to seek His healing and guidance. [... more]

The Lord's Prayer is a gift that reminds us of the divine gift of salvation, which is only possible through Jesus Christ. The prayer is a constant companion to the sacraments, and its petitions are answered in the Lord's Supper, which is a gift of forgiveness and a promise of eternal life. [... more]

The kingdom of God is a gift that God the Father in love is giving to rebellious, undeserving subjects through the sending of his gift, his Son. Entrance into the kingdom of God is a miracle of resurrection, made possible by the power of God who raises the dead to life and speaks them back into existence. The kingdom of God comes as the Holy Spirit conquers hearts by means of word and sacrament, and it spreads throughout the whole world in these last days through the proclamation of the gospel. When we pray, 'Your kingdom come,' we are praying for the success of the worldwide spread of the gospel of the kingdom, the consummation of the Father's kingdom, and the establishment of his rule and reign and blessing in its fullness. [... more]

The Talking Heads' song 'Once in a Lifetime' is a symphonic embodiment of the band's unique blend of punk, funk, and world music. The song's creation involved a series of jam sessions, misheard counting, and a breakthrough for producer Brian Eno. David Byrne's lyrics, inspired by televangelists, explore the theme of routine existence and the search for meaning. [... more]

God's promise of the serpent crusher in Genesis 3:15 is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the last Adam, who brings about a restored and glorious kingdom where God's people can enjoy an intimate relationship with Him in His presence without fear, but total joy and blessing. [... more]

Jesus teaches us to pray with intimacy and reverence, honoring God's name by our theology and practice, and seeking to glorify Him throughout the whole earth. Our relationship with God is becoming God-centered, restraining from sinning out of love and honor for the Father, not out of fear or selfish reward. We are joining in the call to worship, praying for the day when our Father's name will be hallowed in all the earth, and the gospel will be fully realized. [... more]

In Galatians - Paul gives a testimony of the radical change that took place in His life after His encounter with Jesus Paul went from violently persecuting the Church to spreading the gospel message at his own peril all because He met the Messiah Pastor Rich shares the portrait of grace found in Paul's conversion with profound reminders for us today Let's listen in Ourto Thank you for joining us for this message titled Called by Grace which was first preached on March th It's part of our Galatians series Our Freedom in Christ airing weekly on Mondays right here [... more]

Jesus teaches that our understanding of God the Father determines our practice of prayer, and that righteous prayer is rooted in the knowledge of God as our Father. He commends to us a pattern of righteous prayer that focuses on the honor of God the Father, and explains that our thoughts about God are crucial in determining how we live the Christian life. [... more]

Ashley Glatter shares her personal story of wrestling with God through trials and tribulations, including the loss of her brother and son, and how she has come to trust and surrender to God's plan, even when she doesn't understand it. [... more]

Jesus teaches that righteous prayer is rooted in childlike trust and reverence, addressing God as our Father in heaven, and coming to Him with confidence and awe. He emphasizes that prayer is not a mechanical technique or formula, but an expression of gospel-based faith, and that knowing God as Father is the key to understanding Christianity. [... more]

Stewardship involves managing God's resources wisely, including money and skills, to serve His purposes. Good stewards understand their mission, are faithful, trustworthy, diligent, and spend time in prayer, seeking God's will and wisdom. They act when led by the Spirit and surrender to the Holy Spirit to walk in obedience. Financial decisions should be guided by biblical principles, and debt management, savings, and investing should be done with a focus on honoring God. [... more]

The principle of sowing and reaping is a universal law that applies to every area of life, including spiritual giving and financial responsibility. God promises blessings to those who give faithfully, but it's essential to break the cycle of self-deception and recognize that we can't fool God. The focus of the New Testament is on the local church, where the Word of God is taught, and faithful giving is prioritized. [... more]

A former fraternity brother shares stories of lifelong friendships forged during his time at West Virginia University, including the impact of a friend's terminal illness and a memorable conversation on his deathbed. [... more]

Jesus teaches that true righteous prayer stems from the grace of God in the gospel, and that it is rooted in sonship and a relationship with the Heavenly Father. He contrasts this with the hypocritical, pompous, and purposeless prayers of the scribes and Pharisees, which are based on a misunderstanding of how God the Father expects to be approached. Jesus gives us the model of righteous prayer in the Lord's Prayer, which is a divine, gospel-centered, and wisdom-guided pattern for prayer that is rooted in the gospel of grace and intended to guide believers in their life of faith. [... more]

The Holy Spirit's outpouring brings about the last days, launches the kingdom of God, and transforms us to the hope of righteousness. Through faith, we trust Christ for salvation and the Holy Spirit's power to sustain us, overcome our struggles, and live as new creations in Christ. [... more]

Modeling faith and generosity around money is crucial for discipling children and shaping their financial foundation. Parents can use everyday money decisions as opportunities for teaching and discipleship, focusing on heart posture and values rather than just financial skills. [... more]

The importance of attitude in shaping our lives and eternal destiny is discussed, highlighting the need to choose the right attitude and respond to sin with humility and faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that our attitudes affect our relationships, behavior, and ultimately our eternal fate, emphasizing the need to prioritize righteousness and forgiveness. [... more]

Money touches nearly every part of our life, revealing what we trust, desire, and worship. God cares deeply about the state of our hearts and invites us to experience freedom from fear, comparison, and striving. By becoming a steward of God's resources, we can manage our finances with gratitude, humility, and freedom, making every spending choice an act of worship. [... more]

The Holy Spirit's outpouring at Pentecost marks a turning point in human history, fulfilling God's ancient promise to send the Spirit and empowering believers for mission. Jesus, the ascended and exalted King, pours out the Spirit upon his people, giving them life and transforming them into new creations. The Spirit's presence is a down payment assuring believers of their eternal redemption and resurrection, and it transforms all people, bringing a permanent, internal renewal through faith. [... more]