Chuck Swindahl begins a new study in 2 Thessalonians, focusing on the theme of steadfast Christianity. He explores how the church in Thessalonica was persecuted and how Paul wrote to them with pride, affirming their faith. Swindahl also discusses the importance of Bible study, particularly in understanding the lesser-known books of the New Testament, such as 2 Thessalonians. [... more]

Breaking down strongholds in our lives requires recognizing the lies that drive them, replacing them with God's truth, and reinforcing that truth with community and content. By doing so, we can experience supernatural freedom and transformation, and break patterns of anger, addiction, anxiety, and control that have held us captive for generations. [... more]

Leading a quiet life, minding your business, and working with your hands is the Bible's first step toward evangelism, earning the right to be heard and seasoning speech with grace and a pinch of salt. [... more]

A close race in North Carolina's Senate between Phil Berger and Sam Page remains unchanged after a machine recount in Rockingham and Guilford counties. The Berger campaign has until late afternoon to request a partial hand-eye recount, which could potentially expand to a full hand-eye recount of all 26,000 plus votes in the contest. [... more]

Navigating financial decisions in blended families requires intentional effort and a clear plan. Couples can use a Togetherness Agreement to promote peace and unity in their marriage by addressing emotionally charged issues and creating a roadmap for their financial future. This agreement can provide clarity on financial decisions, including how to manage debt, investments, and assets, and can help couples make decisions that align with their values and faith. [... more]

Christians often struggle with extremes, either becoming exclusive or worldly, but Jesus prayed for his followers to remain in the world while not being of it, and to behave properly toward outsiders, loving them and not offending them, in order to be a positive influence and share the love of God. [... more]

Chip Ingram teaches about the importance of total commitment to God, explaining that it's not just an emotional moment, but a wise decision to surrender all to Him. He uses the parable of the treasure in the field to illustrate the idea that God wants us to give Him our all, and that this is the channel through which His best blessings flow. [... more]

Chip Ingram explores the concept of total commitment and surrender, revealing that it's the channel through which God's best and biggest blessings flow. He shares stories and biblical principles to help listeners understand the importance of trusting God and letting go of 'plastic pearls' in favor of true spiritual treasures. [... more]

To give God what He wants the most, one must make a decision to surrender all to Him, letting go of idols and distractions, and trusting in His goodness and plan for their life. This involves a process of spiritual growth, where one learns to offer their body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, and to trust in His mercy and love. [... more]

The breaking of bread in the New Testament is a reminder of Christ's sacrificial death, and the importance of remembering and appreciating the reality of eternal life imparted through His death. [... more]

Obedience to God's Word is a powerful protection against Satan's attacks, shielding us from the consequences of sin, doubt about our salvation, the loss of heavenly rewards, and further entrance into our lives. Practicing righteousness and making obedience a habit can be a game-changer in our spiritual journey, leading to eternal life and a deeper relationship with God. [... more]

Treat your mate the way Christ treats you, bearing with one another, forgiving each other, and letting the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. A biblical approach to handling conflict in marriage involves defining the problem, initiating a time to talk, focusing on the problem, feeling each other's pain, uncovering the root problem, setting things right, and establishing a specific action plan. [... more]

Conflict is inevitable in marriage, but it can be a catalyst for growth when addressed wisely and lovingly. Chip Ingram teaches the two predictable patterns couples follow, the negative dance and the positive dance, and provides practical tools to resolve conflict peaceably, including defining the problem, initiating a time to talk, focusing on the perceived problem, and feeling each other's pain. [... more]

Conflict is normal in relationships, but it can be destructive unless addressed wisely, lovingly, and with rules to govern the process. To resolve conflicts peaceably, one must define the problem, initiate a time to talk, focus on the perceived problem, feel the pain of the other person, uncover the root problem, set things right between each other, and establish a specific action plan to address the issue. [... more]

Our redemption depended on an unanswered prayer, and understanding God's hidden purposes can help us trust and have faith in His plan, even when our prayers are not answered. [... more]

Developing spiritual intimacy in marriage is key to a deeper connection with your partner. Chip Ingram shares practical steps to build this foundation, including praying together, worshiping together, and taking baby steps towards a stronger relationship. By focusing on God's love and commitment, couples can overcome challenges and cultivate a more fulfilling marriage. [... more]

Cultivating spiritual intimacy is key to keeping love alive in marriage. Chip Ingram shares practical insights on how to develop this essential skill, drawing from biblical teachings and personal experiences. By focusing on God's design for marriage and choosing unconditional love, couples can build a deeper connection and navigate life's challenges together. [... more]

Developing spiritual intimacy in marriage requires recognizing the supremacy of Christ's role and relationship in your marriage, actively believing in God's love, and cultivating a deeper connection with your mate by following God's design for marriage. [... more]

Forgiveness is a choice, a process, and a destination. It's a willful decision to let go of resentment and anger, and to restore peace and love in our relationships. Chip Ingram shares a powerful message about the rhythm of forgiveness, and how it can transform our marriages and our lives. [... more]

Jesus restores Peter after his devastating betrayal, showing that forgiveness and restoration are not the same, and that true healing comes from facing the truth about ourselves and receiving God's forgiveness and restoration. [... more]

Jesus meets us where we are, gently demanding we face the truth about ourselves, and affirming our value and worthiness by commissioning us to service. He shows us that forgiveness is a choice, a process, and a journey, and that we must receive both forgiveness and restoration to truly heal and move forward. By following Jesus' example with Peter, we can learn to forgive ourselves and others, and to restore our relationships and find peace. [... more]

Long-term planning provides hope and perspective to overcome short-term pain and challenges in marriage, while communication and shared goals are key to building a strong relationship. [... 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]

Marriages suffocate without hope, but Jesus' teachings on hope can bring new life to relationships. By planning and prioritizing time together, couples can build a strong foundation for their marriage and overcome short-term challenges. Jesus' promise to prepare a place for his followers and his command to love one another as he loves the church provide a long-term plan and a specific path for couples to follow. By keeping promises and serving one another, couples can build hope and intimacy in their marriage. [... more]

Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of hope in their marriage, explaining that hope is the oxygen of the soul and that it allows them to endure daily struggles. He shares a long-term plan for their future, promising to prepare a place for them and to come back for them. Chip Ingram emphasizes the importance of planning and creating a specific path for their marriage, and provides practical tools and exercises to help couples achieve this goal. [... more]

A conservative radio host discusses various topics including the Epstein documents, voter ID laws, immigration, and the upcoming elections in Florida and Tennessee. He also talks about the use of AI in Bible study and the importance of conservative politics. [... more]

When God doesn't answer our prayers as we expect, He's reminding us that it's Him we really need, not the answers. A paradigm shift in our minds regarding prayer is necessary, moving from getting to a mentality of relationship with God, understanding that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. [... more]

Chip Ingram reveals the secret to authentic humility, explaining that it's not something you feel your way into, but rather something you obey your way into. He shares the importance of servanthood, love, and faith in achieving true greatness, and challenges listeners to consider others more important than themselves and to serve without seeking recognition. [... more]

The path to true greatness is not measured by power, possessions, or prestige, but by how well we love and serve others, as exemplified by Jesus' radical humility and servant leadership. [... more]

Desiring to be great is one thing, but true greatness comes with humility, considering others more important than yourself, and serving others. Jesus' example of servanthood shows that true greatness is not about power, possessions, or prestige, but about loving and serving others. [... more]

Declaring war on selfishness and attacking the root of pride can lead to genuine humility, which fosters better health, stronger relationships, and improved self-esteem. By putting others' needs and interests ahead of our own, we can choose to practice humility daily and develop a more loving and selfless attitude. [... more]

Many people struggle with why prayer doesn't seem to work, leading them to question God's existence or relevance. However, Pastor Lutzer argues that God has an agenda that might be greater than his answers, and that we must learn to live with unfulfilled promises. He draws on biblical examples, including the early Christian church's suffering and endurance, to show that God's purposes are often hidden from us, and that we must trust in His sovereignty and character. [... more]

Living daily with the end in view is the key to motivation, while making a personal commitment to grow is the key to overcoming inertia. Cultivating stimulating relationships, choosing to become progressive risk-takers, leveraging life's hardships, and making time for solitude and silence are also essential for spiritual growth. By following these principles, individuals can break free from stagnation and experience breakthrough in their lives. [... more]

Living daily with the end in view is key to motivation, and making a personal commitment is crucial for overcoming inertia. Valuing process over event leads to progress, and cultivating stimulating relationships inspires growth. Daily discipline and habits shape us over time, and getting the end in view helps us stay motivated and focused on becoming more like Christ. [... more]

Building habits that last requires intentionality, a plan, and accountability. A budget helps automate goals and steward what God has entrusted. Real lasting change requires spiritual power, not just willpower. Sticking to a budget may feel restrictive, but Scripture assures us that discipline produces peace, stability, and a life aligned with God's wisdom. [... more]

The birth of Jesus is announced by angels to shepherds in the fields, who are told to find the newborn savior in Bethlehem, and they spread the news, marveling at the incredible event, while Mary keeps the details to herself, pondering them in her heart. [... more]

Life is fleeting, and death is not final, but an awakening for the believer. Remembering your Creator means living wisely, trusting in Him, and honoring Him in all aspects of life, from youth to old age, and ultimately, eternity. [... more]

Military service offers a unique opportunity for students to fund their college education while gaining valuable leadership experience and serving their country. However, the process of applying to service academies or ROTC programs can be complex and requires careful consideration. Meanwhile, individuals approaching retirement may need to reassess their financial plans, including their estate planning and retirement savings, to ensure a secure financial future. [... more]

Christmas is a reminder that God is aware of our needs, sympathizes with our struggles, and plans for our salvation. The birth of Jesus is a historically provable event that changes lives and offers hope for a better future. By examining the historical facts of Jesus' birth, we can gain a deeper understanding of God's love and plan for humanity. [... more]

The Bible is the canon of texts that Christians believe are authoritative for determining their faith and practice. It is a collection of sixty-six books that provide the frame for understanding the church and its relationship with God. The process of establishing the canon took centuries, with the church ultimately deciding which texts were inspired and authoritative. The Bible is remarkably reliable, with over 28,000 ancient manuscripts of the New Testament and a strong historical evidence for the canon. Christians believe that the Bible is the Word of God, conveying the rule of faith and the teaching of the apostles. It is a source of inspiration and guidance for believers, providing a framework for understanding God's relationship with humanity. [... more]