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]

Jesus Christ is a stranger to us because our hearts are hardened by sin, but through the power of the Holy Spirit, he opens our eyes to see the reality of his physical resurrection, proving he is the Christ, Messiah, and Savior. The Holy Spirit takes our darkened minds and gives us spiritual comprehension, allowing us to understand the gospel and recognize Jesus as the risen King. Through word and sacrament, the Holy Spirit ignites the fire of faith within us, burning away sinful desires and stirring love for God and our neighbor. [... more]

Deion Joseph, a law enforcement consultant, shares his story of building bridges with the community on Skid Row, where he was initially met with skepticism but eventually earned the respect and trust of the residents, who began to call him 'Rambro' due to his dedication to their well-being. [... more]

The boy Jesus reveals his divine mission at the temple, demonstrating his unique connection to God the Father and setting the stage for his future saving work. His interaction with the temple teachers and his parents showcases his divine understanding and obedience, highlighting his awareness of his identity as the Son of God sent to seek and save the lost. [... more]

A family's extraordinary story of love, acceptance, and resilience in the face of a child's severe disabilities, and how their experiences have shaped their lives and relationships. [... more]

The story of the widow's oil in 2 Kings 4 illustrates God's provision and the importance of faithfulness, wise counsel, and generosity in financial stewardship. The widow's reliance on God and obedience to His instructions demonstrate the balance between God's role and our role in meeting our needs. [... more]

The timeless good news of Christmas is a reminder of God's love and redemption, as seen in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, where Ebenezer Scrooge's transformation is a powerful allegory of the gospel message. Through his journey, Scrooge learns the true spirit of Christmas and the importance of faith, family, and generosity, ultimately leading to a changed heart and a renewed appreciation for the season. [... more]

When we speak to someone in their language, they feel connected. Peter Rosenberger shares his experiences as a caregiver and how speaking in a way that others can understand brings hope and comfort. He explores the concept of the 'language of the heart' and how it transcends suffering, isolation, and even sin. Through personal anecdotes and biblical references, Peter shows how God's love and presence can penetrate into the ultimate isolation, bringing comfort and hope to those who feel alone. [... more]

The birth of Jesus in a humble stable is a profound reminder of God's love and sacrifice. Deity invaded humanity, eternity invaded time, and royalty invaded poverty when Jesus, the eternal Son of God, became a man to save humanity from sin. This magnificent occasion is a celebration of God's love and forgiveness, and a reminder that we must make room for Him in our hearts. [... more]

Jabez's prayer, recorded in 1 Chronicles, has been promoted as a shortcut to prayer, but is that really the case? We explore Jabez's character, his prayer, and what we can learn from it, while also considering the context and limitations of his prayer. [... more]

The real meaning of Christmas is often obscured by commercialization and sentimentality, but the Apostle Paul provides a clear explanation in Galatians 4:4-5, stating that God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, to redeem those under the law and give us adoption as sons. This message is a call to focus on the true significance of Jesus' birth and the role of God in initiating the events that led to it. [... 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]

Helping kids handle money is a part of helping them follow Christ. Parents can use the power of storytelling to teach their children biblical principles of generosity, contentment, and stewardship through resources like the Money Storybook Bible podcast. [... more]

The book of Job is a complex and ancient text that explores the nature of suffering and God's sovereignty. Written around 2200 BC, it delves into the human experience of pain and questions the idea that God blesses people based on their righteousness. The book's sophisticated language and genres, including narrative, dialogue, and poetry, demonstrate its literary merit and challenge modern assumptions about history and the Bible. [... more]

God made us for relationship, and Pastor John Monroe points to the biblical guidance from the Book of Ruth to understand the importance of obtaining the counsel of others in developing relationships that may lead to marriage. He explains the cultural setting and customs in ancient Israel, including the law of leveret marriage and the law of the kinsman redeemer, to provide context for the story of Ruth and Boaz. [... more]

James E. Ward Jr. shares his zero victim mentality, inspired by historical figures like Booker T. Washington and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who encouraged people to overcome injustice with a new attitude, promoting non-violence, peace, and forgiveness in the face of racial and social challenges. [... more]

In the darkest moments of life, Christians can find solace in the promise of God's covenant. A key to unlocking this promise is found in the story of Christian and Hopeful, two pilgrims who navigate the treacherous path of Doubting Castle, where they face the temptation of despair and the danger of giant Despair. With the help of the promise, they find a way out of their prison and continue their journey to the celestial city. [... more]

Biblical love, or agape, is a steadfast and enduring quality that bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. It never fails and is the supreme quality that characterizes the love of Christ. Through the study of 1 Corinthians 13, we can learn what true love really is and how it can be demonstrated in our lives, even in the face of challenges and difficulties. [... more]

The Christian life is not a guarantee of a pain-free journey, but it can be a journey of growth and redemption through suffering. Jesus, who suffered unjustly, is our example of how to respond to suffering with love and forgiveness. By putting our faith in Christ, we can find meaning and purpose in our pain and trust that God is working redemptively in our lives. [... more]

A husband's role in the family is not just to provide financially, but to lead and serve as a servant leader, taking responsibility for his family's physical, spiritual, and emotional needs. A wife's empowerment comes from trusting God to provide room for her husband to step up and lead, rather than taking on all the responsibilities herself. [... more]

Changing the way you think about money can have a profound impact on your financial decisions and relationship with God. By identifying and replacing negative thought patterns, you can cultivate a healthier mindset and make progress towards your financial goals. John Acuff shares practical advice on how to renew your mind and develop a more generous and stewardship-focused approach to money. [... more]