Abraham Lincoln's complicated faith life is explored by historian Richard Corradine, who reveals that Lincoln was deeply unimpressed with pro-slavery theology and instead believed in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. Lincoln's views on faith evolved over time, and he turned to the Bible for comfort during the Civil War. His second inaugural address is a remarkable plea for national unity and forgiveness, and it reflects his deep understanding of the complexities of American history and the role of religion in shaping the nation's identity. [... more]

Your life is shaped by your thoughts, and 95% of them are below the level of consciousness. The law of cognition says your life is molded by your thoughts, and you can't change that by trying harder or more religious services. Transformation comes by renewing your mind, aligning your thoughts with God's truth, and taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. [... more]

Hegel's philosophy, known as dialectical idealism, views history as the unfolding of the absolute spirit, where God is not distinct from his creation, but rather, history is God in the sense that it is the dynamic of God working himself out in time and space. This approach sees history as a process of development, where God is in process, and the development of God is history. The dialectical method involves a tension between seemingly disparate ideas, which are capable of being resolved through experience and the whole experience of human history. [... more]

Chip Ingram explains that authentic community is essential for spiritual transformation, and it requires a specific environment where people can be their genuine selves, lay down their lives for one another, and meet real needs. He emphasizes the importance of devotion, humility, and sincerity in building meaningful relationships. [... more]

God's sovereignty and control are evident in all aspects of life, including the good and the evil. Romans 8:28 is a promise that God causes everything to work together for good, but it's not a guarantee of a trouble-free life. It's a call to trust in God's plan and to have a higher perspective, even in the midst of difficulties and challenges. The story of Corey and Betsy Ten Boom, who lived through the Holocaust and demonstrated incredible faith and forgiveness, is a powerful example of this principle. [... more]

Pastor Jonathan Evans explores how Jesus transforms ordinary moments into opportunities for His glory, revealing the importance of faith, obedience, and the new covenant in experiencing miracles and redemption. [... more]

The discussion revolves around the concept of knowledge and vengeance in the context of God's sovereignty and accountability. The hosts explore the idea that knowledge and vengeance are not just human concepts, but are also attributes of God, and that He is the one who ultimately weighs actions and brings justice. The conversation touches on the theme of accountability, highlighting the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and the consequences that follow. The hosts also draw parallels between the biblical account of Haman and the current situation in the Middle East, emphasizing the idea that God is ultimately in control and that justice will be served. [... more]

A Polish farm wife risked her entire family's life to save two young girls from the Nazi occupation, and her selfless act was later recognized as an example of humanitarianism during World War II. [... 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]

Millions around the world are stuck in generational poverty, but the body of Christ is working together to break this cycle. Faith and Finance is partnering with Cross International to lift 250 kids in Malawi, Uganda, and Zambia out of poverty and introduce them to the love of Jesus. [... 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]

Death is the great leveler, and it's essential to make plans now while it still makes a difference. Jacob's life serves as a wonderful illustration of how to die, and his story provides valuable insights into the signs of impending death, including the diminishing of physical powers, the fading of mental capacity, and the onset of illness. As we age, we must recognize these signs and prepare ourselves for the inevitable, cherishing the time we have left and making adequate preparation for our own mortality. [... 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]

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 rise of sports betting and gambling poses a significant challenge for Christians, as it can lead to financial ruin, exploitation of the vulnerable, and a distorted view of money and stewardship. Kyle Worley, a pastor and author, discusses the spiritual stakes behind this growing trend and offers guidance on how to navigate it with wisdom and conviction. [... more]

When parenting, it's easy to get caught up in comparing our children to others and seeking validation through their accomplishments. However, this can lead to feelings of insecurity and anxiety. Instead, parents can find freedom by focusing on their relationship with God and seeking to be secure in His love. This means recognizing that our identity and worth come from being beloved children of God, not from our children's achievements. By walking alongside God and seeking to be like Him, parents can develop the fruit of the Spirit, including patience, kindness, and love. This requires a daily encounter with God, saturating our hearts and minds with His truth, and being willing to surrender our fears and insecurities to Him. [... more]

Melissa Doherty shares her personal story of transitioning from New Thought and New Age beliefs to a follower of Jesus Christ, highlighting the dangers of progressive Christianity and the importance of teaching the full counsel of God from Genesis to Revelation. [... more]

Brett Evanoff, a US Army veteran, discovers he has a 26-year-old son he never knew and reunites with him and his family through a series of adventures in Southeast Asia. Along the way, he tracks down a lost dog tag belonging to a fellow veteran, reuniting him with a piece of his past. [... more]

The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 left 100,000 people homeless and 17,000 buildings destroyed, but the city's spirit and innovative spirit led to a remarkable recovery. With the help of cultural historian Tim Samuelson, we explore how Chicago rebuilt and transformed itself into a modern metropolis, creating the skyscraper and becoming a hub of culture and achievement. [... more]

David's story teaches us that even when we've been robbed of our joy, peace, and well-being, God wants us to put on our spiritual ephod and seek His guidance. With faith and trust, we can reclaim what's been lost and overcome adversity, just like David did when he recovered all that the Amalekites had taken. [... more]

The importance of submitting to God's word and authority is emphasized in the passage, highlighting the dangers of intellectual neutrality and the elevation of human intellect above simple obedience. Paul's apostolic ministry is seen as a means of destroying strongholds of false arguments and lofty opinions, and the Corinthian church's rejection of Paul's authority is contrasted with the need for a right relationship to apostolic authority. [... more]

Believers have taken the identity of Jesus Christ, giving them access to His benefits and inheritance. They have the completed revelation of God's word, allowing them to understand the plan of redemption and the glory of Christ. The Holy Spirit is the dynamic behind the church, and believers are the recipients of His work. Angels are fascinated by the believer's salvation and long to comprehend the glories of Christ unfolding through them. [... more]

The Bible teaches that submission is a posture of love and trust, not just an action, and it's essential for a healthy marriage. Women are called to submit to their own husbands, not just any man, and this is not about losing their voice or autonomy, but about trusting in God's plan and reflecting His nature. [... more]

Jesus teaches that being a true follower means being all in, not perfect, but fully committed to his teachings. [... 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 is a vital part of the Christian faith, connecting believers to God's love and guiding them in their spiritual journey. He is a person with a mind, will, and emotions, who resides in every believer and helps them to understand and apply God's Word. Through the Holy Spirit, believers can experience spiritual growth, receive guidance, and be empowered to live a holy and obedient life. [... more]

Jim Keyes shares his story of rising from poverty to become the CEO of 7-Eleven, and how he discovered the American Dream through the company's franchisees. He talks about the importance of convenience and innovation in business, and how 7-Eleven's early success was due to its ability to adapt to changing times. [... more]

As we reflect on the past year, we must make deliberate choices to move closer to God, not further away. This requires effort and specific decisions about our thoughts, treasure, time, and touch. By focusing on what is true, right, pure, lovely, and admirable, we can conquer cynicism and cultivate healthy friendships. We must also prioritize our treasure, giving generously and cheerfully, and use our time wisely, seeking God's guidance and direction. [... more]

Chuck Swindoll reflects on the importance of honest self-evaluation, encouraging listeners to examine their thought patterns, spending habits, and use of time. He emphasizes the need for intentional choices and spiritual growth, highlighting the benefits of cultivating healthy friendships, conquering cynicism, and living a life of generosity and purity. [... more]

Chuck Swindahl challenges listeners to evaluate their thought life, treasure, time, and touch, encouraging them to make intentional choices that transform them into someone resembling Christ. He draws from scriptures in James and Philippians to emphasize the importance of living a life of truth, purity, and responsibility. [... more]

Jesus Christ is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace, able to bear our burdens and give us the grace of forgiveness. He is the Savior who redeems the lowly and is the master of the mighty, the captain of the conquerors, and the king of kings. Christians should be aware of demon possession, which can occur in the modern church age, and know how to recognize and handle it through prayer and seeking guidance from others. [... more]

The birth of Jesus is a pivotal moment in history, marking the fulfillment of centuries of prophetic promise and patient waiting by the people of God. The Jewish understanding of history emphasizes the importance of real events, while Greek thought views history as cyclical and lacking a definitive beginning or end. The New Testament's portrayal of Jesus' birth is grounded in real time and space, distinguishing it from mythological accounts. [... more]

The Reformation's final sola, Soli Deo Gloria, emphasizes the importance of glorifying God alone. Martin Luther's teachings on prayer and worship highlight the significance of focusing on divine agency and the relationship between sinful man and justifying God. The practice of prayer, including daily routines, meditative prayer, and continual prayer, is essential for glorifying God and deepening one's faith. The Christian community plays a crucial role in supporting common prayer and teaching children and youth to pray. [... more]

The Christmas story is a powerful reminder of God's love and sacrifice, as Jesus, born in a manger, came to redeem us from sin and offer us a relationship with God. Mary and Joseph, despite facing ridicule and hardship, trusted in God's plan and played a crucial role in Jesus' birth. As we reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, we are reminded that Jesus came to give us life, not just after death, but also during life, and that we can have a personal relationship with Him through faith and forgiveness. [... more]

The Bible is a rich and complex book that communicates God's love and creativity through various genres, styles, and historical settings. Understanding the history and culture surrounding the Bible, as well as its different genres, can deepen one's appreciation and knowledge of God's Word. From genealogies to apocalyptic texts, every part of the Bible has a purpose and contributes to the overall narrative of God's story. [... more]

The distinction between Islam as a political ideology of domination and Christianity as a religion of salvation is crucial in understanding the nature of the two faiths. Islam teaches that salvation is achieved through submission to Allah and adherence to the five pillars, whereas Christianity teaches that salvation is a free gift by faith alone. The concept of kafir, or unbelievers, in Islam is also explored, highlighting the hierarchical treatment of non-believers in Islamic society. The mass immigration of Muslims into Western countries has brought about significant cultural changes, posing an existential threat to the dominant culture. Christians must be aware of the threat of Islam and take an apologetic approach to sharing the gospel with Muslims, while also being shrewd and intelligent in their understanding of the ideology. [... more]

Carl Claussen shares his personal story of struggling with sin and finding freedom through humility, repentance, and the power of the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes the importance of confession, accountability, and meditation on God's word in overcoming sin and living a victorious life. [... more]

The Christmas story begins with the birth of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus Christ. Zacharias and Elizabeth, an elderly couple, are chosen by God to be the parents of John. Their story teaches us about the importance of faithfulness, prayer, and spiritual gifts. We learn that God can take ordinary people and do amazing things through their lives if they will dedicate themselves to Him. Ultimately, God's plan is for Jesus Christ to come into our hearts and lives, forgiving our sins and giving us the certainty of heaven. [... more]

Solomon explores the theme of wisdom in Ecclesiastes 7, discussing how it helps us navigate life's complexities and avoid extremes of self-righteousness and wickedness. He emphasizes the importance of humility, discernment, and trusting God, and highlights the benefits of wisdom, including living uniquely, making decisions correctly, and living more graciously. [... more]