The US military strategy in the Iran War is a matter of debate, with some arguing that a ceasefire was a pause rather than an end to the conflict. Military experts believe that 70 to 80 percent of Iran's military capacity has been taken out, but 20 to 30 percent remains, and the regime has not moderated. The blockade has been effective in stopping oil exports, and the US has doubled its firepower in the Persian Gulf. The war can only end in a positive way for President Trump if the Iranians capitulate at the negotiating table or the US finishes the military task. [... more]

Paul Blavin, a former Wall Street workaholic, shares his transformation from success to significance and real purpose. He founded the Blavin Scholars Program to support foster care youth, and his son Joseph, a Blavin scholar, is working on a novel approach for the early detection of cancer. Paul's story highlights the importance of connection, community, and support in helping foster care youth thrive and achieve their goals. [... more]

Harlan Akola joins the show to discuss how bringing home equity into financial plans can change everything, especially for retirees. He explains how home equity can function as a third bucket alongside income and investments, and how using it strategically can help preserve investment accounts longer. The conversation also touches on the importance of timing and the best way to use money, as well as the role of stewardship in managing financial resources. [... more]

Alastair Begg explores the importance of Sabbath observance, its relevance to society and the church, and how it can be a means of spiritual improvement and a positive influence on public order. He emphasizes the need to understand the Sabbath as a day of rest and worship, and to prioritize its observance as a complete day of rest, free from worldly concerns and activities. [... more]

Knowing you have eternal life is crucial for a strong Christian faith. Pastor Lutzer explains that assurance of salvation comes from the Holy Spirit, and it's not just about feeling different, but about having a deep sense of confidence that you belong to God. He discusses how wrong teaching and disobedience can lead to a lack of assurance, and how believing in Jesus as Savior is the key to having a confirmed ticket to heaven. [... more]

Defining enough is a crucial step in achieving financial contentment and living a life of purpose. Scripture reframes the question of enough, emphasizing trust, stewardship, and contentment. By setting a financial finish line and prioritizing generosity, individuals can create margin for kingdom impact and live on mission. [... more]

The Sabbath is a day set apart by God for rest, worship, and fellowship, a time to remember and observe the fourth commandment, not just as a day of inactivity, but as a day to focus on the Lord and His glory, and to cultivate a deeper conviction and devotion to Christ. [... more]

The devil's ultimate goal is to destroy our confidence in salvation, but the helmet of salvation protects our minds from his attacks. To be born of God, we must believe in Jesus Christ, the Messiah, who came in the flesh and shed His blood for our sins. The Holy Spirit testifies to the truth of Jesus, and His witness is greater than the testimony of men. We can have absolute assurance of our salvation through the Spirit's confirmation of the gospel message. [... more]

The relationship between the US and the UK is put to the test as King Charles attempts to heal relations between the two countries. Meanwhile, the White House is dealing with the aftermath of a security breach, and tensions are rising between the Trump administration and Iran over the nuclear program. Analysts are questioning the US strategy in the Middle East and the motives of its allies. [... more]

A massive coordinated FBI raid is underway in Minnesota, targeting businesses accused of massive fraud, including some Somali American-owned companies. Meanwhile, the Secretary of Agriculture reveals shocking data on SNAP recipients driving luxury vehicles, and the government cracks down on Medicare and Medicaid fraud. In a separate case, two Christian brothers on death row in Pakistan write a heartfelt letter to the American Center for Law and Justice, thanking them for their tireless efforts to secure their freedom. [... more]

Faith-based investors can use their ownership to influence companies for good through corporate engagement, a process of talking with company management to encourage better policies and practices on issues that align with their values. [... more]

The Bible teaches that the Sabbath day is a gift, a day of rest, and a time to worship God. However, many people struggle to understand its significance and relevance in modern times. Alastair Begg examines the fourth commandment and the importance of recognizing the distinction of the day, which is essential for its observance. Without a conviction about the day's abiding relevance, its observance becomes obsolete, and people may view it as anachronistic or a quirk of human personality. [... more]

Understanding the non-negotiable factor of faith in Christ, Pastor Lutzer emphasizes that Jesus' sacrifice is enough for salvation, and that assurance comes from persuasion of the heart, confirmed by the Holy Spirit, and the life of God working itself out. [... more]

The White House Correspondents Association dinner turned chaotic when a gunman opened fire, but thankfully no one was seriously hurt. The incident has sparked a heated debate about security, violence, and rhetoric in politics, with many pointing fingers at the Democrats for inciting hatred and violence. President Trump has been a target of numerous threats and attacks, and his critics are being called out for their role in perpetuating a culture of violence. [... more]

Representative Carla Cunningham switches party affiliation from Democrat to unaffiliated, potentially impacting veto overrides in the North Carolina House. Meanwhile, a new infusion of federal disaster funding highlights progress and challenges in Western North Carolina's recovery from Hurricane Helene. Governor Josh Stein's proposed budget would phase out the Opportunity Scholarship Program, affecting an estimated 60,000 students. The U.S. Postal Service's regulations on cluster box units are causing delays and adding costs to housing developments, making homes less affordable for many families. U.S. Representative Alma Adams was cleared of any wrongdoing after an investigation by the House Ethics Committee regarding an alleged inappropriate relationship with a staffer. [... more]

Faithful planning is a delicate balance between preparation and surrender, trusting in God's guidance and wisdom. It's about holding plans loosely enough for God to redirect them, embracing the paradox of planning, and finding peace and trust in the one who holds the future. [... more]

The Christian faith starts with God, continues with God, and ends with God. The ultimate purpose of God is not our happiness, but his glory. He is over all, working through all, and present in all, sustaining and pervading the church He has created. [... more]

Knowing for sure that you will spend eternity with God is a critical question that has puzzled many. Pastor Erwin Lutzer explores the topic of assurance of salvation, discussing how genuine Christians can still have doubts, and what saving faith truly means. He examines the concept of false faith, a misdirected faith that does not lead to salvation, and emphasizes the importance of understanding that Jesus Christ's death on the cross is all that is needed for salvation. [... more]

The rapid advancement of technology has led to a shift in what it means to be 'smart', with machines capable of processing vast amounts of information, but lacking in human empathy and understanding. As a result, humans are losing touch with the wisdom of the past, and the importance of cultivating virtue and moral character in the face of technological progress. [... more]

Pastor Philip Miller explores the concept of identity and how it relates to our sense of self, significance, security, and satisfaction. He discusses how our identity is shaped by our relationship with God and how we can fall into identity traps by seeking these needs in people, power, and possessions. He also shares how the gospel offers a new identity as children of God, free from the need for self-justification and filled with love, generosity, and self-giving. [... more]

Real estate attorneys discuss various legal scenarios, including easement disputes, estate planning, contractor liens, and probate, providing insights into North Carolina law and offering advice on navigating complex situations. [... more]

David's poem in Psalm 139 reveals God's omniscience and presence, highlighting humanity's futile attempts to hide from God. The psalmist's words are a comfort, knowing that God is everywhere, and there is no escape from His presence. This understanding is rooted in the biblical truth that God is sovereign over all, including death and the grave, as seen in the resurrection of Christ. [... more]

Alastair Begg explores the immense privilege and blessing of being one who can address God intimately, discussing the concept of God as Father and the Christian faith's understanding of the Trinity, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and living in accordance with God's word. [... more]

Defining a financial finish line is a powerful tool for establishing a solid plan for your finances and recognizing that all of God's provision belongs to Him. By setting a maximum for your spending, you can protect yourself against lifestyle creep and keep yourself aligned with God's purposes for your finances. This concept is not just for high net worth individuals, but can be applied by anyone, regardless of their financial situation. [... more]

Christians can have assurance of their salvation and eternal life by understanding the plan of God, the pardon of God, and the pledge of God. These three pillars provide a foundation for spiritual assurance, and believers can know that they belong to God through His promises and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. [... more]

Alastair Begg explores the concept of God as Father, examining the biblical context of Ephesians 4 and the importance of unity in the Spirit. He discusses redemption through Christ and the need to reject pantheistic spirituality, instead embracing a Christian understanding of faith in Jesus. [... more]

A devastating conflict is unfolding in Lebanon, leaving families in fear and uncertainty. Heart for Lebanon is responding with emergency aid and the hope of the gospel, providing food, shelter, and hygiene supplies to newly displaced families. The organization is committed to walking with these families for as long as they need, introducing them to the hope of Christ and the possibility of a lasting eternal peace. [... more]

Knowing your destiny makes all the trials of life bearable. The Assurance of Salvation is the focus of today's message, which explores the idea that those who are truly saved will stay saved and God will take them all the way to heaven, despite any bumps along the way. The doctrine of security rests on three pillars: the plan of God, the pardon of God, and the justification of God. [... more]

Christian financial advisors can help clients align their values with their financial decisions, leading to a more fulfilling and responsible approach to money management. By prioritizing stewardship and biblical principles, individuals can make informed choices about their finances and create a more secure financial future. [... more]

The essence of being a Christian is in being united to Christ by faith, and understanding one's identity in Christ is crucial for spiritual growth and renewal. The Bible teaches that baptism symbolizes what has been done for us, and that we have been united with Christ, set free from the domain of sin and transferred into the kingdom of God. [... more]

The new birth is a miracle only God can perform, bringing eternal life and salvation to those who receive Christ. It's a direct and immediate work of God in the human heart, instantaneous and supernatural, yet it requires human cooperation and faith. [... more]

A Salvation Army pastor and volunteer share practical ways to make a tremendous impact in local communities through acts of kindness, listening, and prayer, highlighting the importance of being a good neighbor and engaging with those around us. [... more]

Retirees face a crucial question: how much can they safely withdraw from their savings without depleting their retirement funds too soon. Mark Biller joins the discussion to revisit the widely used 4% rule and explore a more flexible, thoughtful approach to retirement withdrawals. [... more]

Faith is similar to planting a seed, requiring nurturing and evidence of growth. The Bible teaches that faith is the conviction of things not seen, and it's the ground of our salvation, entirely outside of us in the work of Christ. Christian faith answers the cries of the human heart, providing meaning, peace, security, and significance. [... more]

You are called to a new relationship with Jesus, a new purpose, a new family, and a new plan. God's calling is not about being a part of a group or following a set of rules, but about experiencing a deep and meaningful connection with Him. By surrendering to His will and discovering our unique role in His plan, we can find fulfillment and purpose in life. [... more]

The new birth is a miracle of God that imparts the nature of God, making us members of the heavenly family. It's a work of the Father, a miracle of love and grace, and a choice of God, not man. We can't participate in this miracle, but we can respond to God's work in our hearts and believe on Christ for the righteousness and miracle we need. [... more]

Discovering true confidence comes from seeing how big and powerful God is, and getting swept up in His purposes. God doesn't deal with our insecurities by teaching us about ourselves, but by calling us to focus on who He is. By becoming confident in His purposes, we can become confident in our own lives and find the strength to overcome our insecurities and doubts. [... more]

Investing can become an act of worship and a tool for human flourishing when approached with biblical wisdom. Scripture calls us to use what we have to serve others and reflect God's purposes. Faithful investing starts with surrender, inviting God into our investment decisions and asking for wisdom and discernment. It's about directing resources into productive work that serves others, advancing the goodness of God's world, and promoting dignity, justice, and opportunity. [... more]

Faith is not blind belief, but rather a gift of God that comes through the ministry of the Word. The Bible teaches that faith is the work of the Spirit of Christ in our hearts, ordinarily produced through the preaching of the Word. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the heart of the Christian faith, where God's justice and love are made clear through the cross of Jesus Christ. [... more]

The gift of righteousness is a free and unchangeable gift from God that covers all of our sins, past, present, and future, making us as righteous as God's blessed son. This gift is based on faith in Jesus Christ, not on our own efforts or good deeds. [... more]