Jonah's decision to run from God did not affect him alone it brought a violent storm into the lives of everyone traveling with him This message follows Jonah as his sin is exposed he accepts responsibility and the sailors encounter the living God through the crisis His story reminds us that our choices carry influence and our obedience or disobedience inevitably touches the people around us [... more]

On this episode of Our American Stories in November Great Lakes captains were racing to make their final runs before winter shut down the shipping season Coal iron ore and grain still had to move and the promise of bonuses gave crews another reason to push their luck Then the weather turned For days hurricane-force winds blinding snow ice and waves reaching feet battered ships across the Great Lakes Some captains made desperate runs for shore Others disappeared without a trace By the time the storm passed ships had gone down with all hands and more than sailors were dead [... more]

On this episode of Our American Stories as a boy Bob McClellan walked through Golden Gate National Cemetery on his way into town Years later he returned as a father bringing his own children to place flags beside the graves on Memorial Day and visit the resting place of their grandfather a Marine who fought at Guadalcanal But their walks through the cemetery became about much more than remembering one man From an -year-old Marine killed in Vietnam to Medal of Honor recipients the Black sailors lost in the Port Chicago disaster and Japanese Americans who fought for a country [... 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]

The book of Jonah is a story of God's relationship and sovereignty over all creation and all kingdoms, revealing His mercy and the gospel through the life and ministry of the prophet Jonah, who was commissioned to preach to a Gentile nation and experienced a miraculous rescue and a song of praise. [... more]

The USS Indianapolis was struck by a Japanese sub and sank in the Pacific Ocean in 1945, resulting in the worst naval disaster in American history. The crew's desperate struggle to survive against shark attacks and the harsh environment is a testament to the bravery and resilience of the men who served on the ship. [... more]

The USS Indianapolis was struck by a kamikaze attack during the Battle of Okinawa and later sank after being torpedoed by a Japanese submarine, resulting in the worst naval disaster in American history. The crew members were left stranded in the Pacific with nothing but small life jackets, facing a massive shark attack that claimed the lives of over 800 men. The story of survival and sacrifice is a testament to the bravery and resilience of the crew members who fought to stay alive. [... more]

Witnessing is not a disposition, but a decision to share the gospel with others, and it requires faithful obedience, trust in the supernatural work of God, and understanding that it may not always result in spiritual fruit or a favorable response. [... more]

The Bible emphasizes the importance of evangelism and witnessing, but it's not always easy. Relationships with unbelievers may be unfruitful, and witnessing doesn't always result in spiritual fruit. However, faithful obedience to the word is what matters, not the response of the world. The gospel exposes guilt over sin and produces a defensive attitude, but it's a necessary part of the process of leading people to Christ. [... more]

The story of Charles Jackson French, a 22-year-old mess attendant, who swam through shark-infested waters to save 24 wounded sailors from the USS Gregory, a destroyer sunk by Japanese naval gunfire near Guadalcanal. French's heroic actions were initially overlooked, but through the efforts of Bruce Wigo and others, he was finally recognized with the Navy Cross 75 years after the event. [... more]

Financial decisions are spiritual decisions, and the story of Jonah illustrates this truth. Jonah's actions show that money and motives move in the same direction, revealing the spiritual dimension of spending. When our hearts move off course, our spending decisions will financially do the same, and poor stewardship can have ripple effects on others. Genuine repentance can redirect spending away from what harms and toward what honors God, and faithful follow-through looks like having a budget and sticking to it, keeping commitments to generosity, and giving as a form of worship. [... more]

The story of St. Nicholas, a man of selfless love and generosity, inspires reflection on the true meaning of Christmas. His life embodied the gospel message of love and generosity, and his acts of kindness pointed others to the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ. As people exchange presents and celebrate with loved ones, they're reminded that the greatest gift has already been given, and that sharing that gift with others is what truly makes this season special. [... more]

Samuel Bellamy, also known as Black Sam, was a pirate who operated off the coast of New England and throughout the Caribbean. He became one of the wealthiest pirates in recorded history, known for his generosity and odd sympathy to those he captured. Bellamy's life began in service, born in Devon, England, in 1689, and he initially sailed for the British Royal Navy. He later turned to piracy and joined the crew of Benjamin Hornegold and his second-in-command, Edward Teach, also known as Blackbeard. Bellamy quickly captured other ships and in spring of 1717, he captured his prize, the Woota Galley, when sailing through the Windward Passage. The Wooda was originally a slave ship built in England two years prior and was 300 tons and 102 feet long, with 18 guns and could reach speeds of 15 miles an hour. [... more]

Benjamin Franklin's lesser-known connection to swimming is explored, revealing his use of a book on fluid dynamics to teach himself the sport. Meanwhile, the story of Charles Jackson French, a 22-year-old mess attendant who swam through shark-infested waters to save 24 wounded sailors during World War II, is brought to light, and his heroic actions are finally recognized with the Navy Cross 75 years later. [... more]

Greg Laurie emphasizes the importance of sharing the gospel and being a reluctant evangelist, highlighting the story of Jonah and the city of Nineveh. He encourages listeners to seize opportunities to share their faith and to be patient and loving in their interactions with non-believers. [... more]

The story of Saint Nicholas challenges us to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, embodying the love of Christ, a love that is sacrificial, humble, and freely given. His life inspired the figure of Santa Claus, but behind the red suit and cheerful laughter lies the legacy of a man who lived to glorify God. Meanwhile, experts discuss cryptocurrency and investment, and offer advice on managing credit scores and credit cards. [... more]

The 1913 storm was one of the worst on the Great Lakes, resulting in 12 ships sunk and over 250 sailors lost. The storm's legacy continues to be felt, with many questions still unanswered about the tragedy. [... more]

John Newton's life was marked by a dramatic conversion from a wicked lifestyle to a life of faith and ministry. He was a slave trader who later became a prominent figure in Christian history, writing the hymn Amazing Grace. Newton's story is a testament to the power of God's grace to transform even the most hardened hearts. [... more]

A story of an unknown American war hero, Charles Jackson French, who swam through shark-infested waters to save his comrades during World War II, and his journey to recognition and the Navy Cross, highlighting the racism he faced in the military and the importance of preserving swimming history. [... more]

The story of Benjamin Franklin's swimming history and its influence on his scientific discoveries is revealed, while a lesser-known hero from World War II, Charles Jackson French, is recognized for his bravery in rescuing wounded sailors from a sinking ship. Meanwhile, the dark secrets of Hollywood's past are explored in the context of the casting couch. [... more]