The Light

In This Special Bonus Episode From Christian Parent, Crazy World: What if the greatest gift you give your kids this Christmas is a heart of generosity—and the chance to change someone else’s world? Catherine Segars goes beyond stockings and wrapping paper to tackle one of the most pressing questions for believers during the holiday season: How do we practically teach our children the virtue of generosity, not just for the holidays, but for a lifetime—and in a way that makes a true, eternal difference? Answer: Plant seeds of generosity in your family with Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Gift Catalog, a unique way for families to give gifts that can transform lives around the globe. Browse the catalog and get involved at www.samaritanspurse.org/parent . Catherine welcomes Kristy Graham, host of the On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse podcast and wife to Edward Graham, part of the legacy family behind this renowned global relief ministry. With firsthand experience raising four children and witnessing God’s faithfulness in some of the most challenging corners of the globe, Kristy brings unmatched insight and compassion to this timely discussion. What You’ll Discover in This Episode: Transformative Giving - The Samaritan's Purse Christmas Gift Catalog: Learn how families can open a new kind of catalog—one offering goats, honeybees, water filters, heart surgeries, and more—to provide desperately needed gifts to people across the globe. Real Stories, Real Impact: Kristy recounts emotional, hope-filled stories: families in Iraq whose lives are remade by a simple beehive; a mother shattered by tragedy in need of purpose and dignity, restored by a brood of baby chicks; and the power of a $9 donation to feed a hungry infant and spark the hope of the Gospel for a mother who feels forgotten. Generosity That Changes Hearts—Including Our Own: Discover practical ways to involve your kids in picking out gifts, writing cards for teachers in someone’s honor, or pairing a meaningful donation with something tangible. Biblical Parallels: Kristy and Catherine share how the work of Samaritan’s purse brings to life the stories of Ruth, who gleaned what benevolent benefactors left for those less fortunate, and Hagar, who met the God who saw her need. Seeds of the Gospel: Every gift given through Samaritan’s Purse meets physical needs—and intentionally opens doors for the life-changing message of Christ. Whether it’s a water well, a jar of honey, or a vital medical procedure, these gifts become vehicles for sharing hope and introducing recipients to the God who truly sees them. Call to Action: This Christmas, will your family give a gift that extends beyond your home? Explore life-changing opportunities at samaritanspurse.org/parent as a family, and ask your kids: “How can we be part of God’s story of hope this Christmas?” Let your generosity become a legacy of faith, planting seeds for eternity. Episode Links: Samaritan’s Purse Gift Catalog: www.samaritanspurse.org/parent On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse Podcast Catherine's Resources for Christian Parents About the guest: Kristy Graham hosts On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse , a show she launched in 2019 to highlight God’s faithfulness through the ministry’s work. Each week, she brings listeners close to the stories

Listen to this podcast story of the miracle of Jesus as seen through Mary's eyes.

Recognize the importance of how Christ redeemed us by dying on the cross for us. Donate: https://store.intouch.org/donate/general See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If our sins are taken away, why does Romans 4:7 say "covered"? What does "work out your salvation with fear and trembling" really mean? Does Galatians 2:20 say we live by faith "in" Christ or by the faith "of" Christ?

Today’s readings come from Psalm 142, Revelation 4, Esther 6, 7 and 8

What changed when Jesus entered the world? From Galatians 3:25-26, Dr. John explores two massive shifts now that Christ has come. First, we're no longer under the guardian—no cultural barriers stand between us and God. Second, believers are made sons and daughters of God—adopted into His family as heirs who will one day rule the new creation. Christmas didn't just offer forgiveness, but restored humanity's original calling. Christmas From Galatians : This Christmas, Dr. John takes an unprecedented approach to the season by exploring why Jesus' coming was absolutely necessary. Through the book of Galatians, this series traces God's plan from Abraham's promise through the giving of the Law to the arrival of Christ. Discover why the Law was never meant to save us but to diagnose our condition, how Jesus fulfilled what we could never accomplish, and how Christmas opened the door for all people to become sons and daughters of God.

Sheila Walsh’s happy childhood dissolved in an instant when her father suffered a devastating brain injury that led to violent outbursts, and ultimately, death by suicide. Sheila couldn’t understand why her dad hated her but resolved to do better for her Heavenly Father. Hear why Sheila ended up in a psychiatric hospital at age 34, and how Jesus helped her see her truth worth as His child.

Because of Jesus, you can have hope that God will protect you with his mighty power and that you are being prepared for eternity. Join Pastor Rick as he continues to teach more about radical hope.

Romans 16:20-24 / December 11 - 12, 2025 Join Pastor Chuck Swindoll as he explores some of Paul’s final words to the Roman church (Romans 16). As you acknowledge the presence of spiritual warfare, you can also stand firm with a shield of faith and with a heart full of grace. From the Series: Romans: The Christian’s Constitution read more

1 Thessalonians 5:14 Want some great advice for building a happy home? These four two-word one-liners will help you keep your family first.

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Stand too close to a painting, and all you’ll see are brush strokes. You need to step back to get the full picture. Similarly, a fuller understanding of biblical history helps you grasp the Christmas story’s significance. Learn why on Truth For Life with Alistair Begg. ----------------------------------------- • Click here and look for "FROM THE SERMON" to stream or read the full message. • This program is part of the series ‘Songs for a Savior’ • Learn more about our current resource, request your copy with a donation of any amount. • Share the Gospel this holiday season by giving gifts that lead others to Jesus! At truthforlife.org/gifts you'll find ESV Study Bibles for both men and women for only $15, children's hardcover storybooks—three books for just $10, and a brand-new evangelism booklet by Alistair Begg, only $1 each! Helpful Resources - Learn about God's salvation plan - Read our most recent articles - Subscribe to our daily devotional Follow Us YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter This listener-funded program features the clear, relevant Bible teaching of Alistair Begg. Today’s program and nearly 3,000 messages can be streamed and shared for free at tfl.org thanks to the generous giving from monthly donors called Truthpartners. Learn more about this Gospel-sharing team or become one today . Thanks for listening to Truth For Life!

While rulers of the kingdoms of the world rage against the Lord and his rule, God places his King on the throne of his kingdom. The Lord promises blessing for all who take refuge in him. Jesus is God’s true and universal King, and we must fear him, honour him, and seek refuge in him.

Christians are not home yet . . . and Jesus is coming again. That perspective can help you “do” Christmas in a way that builds anticipation and points you and your loved ones to Christ. Caroline Cobb and Erin Davis explain.

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: 1 Peter 1:23-25 There is an ongoing war over the Bible. There are those who despise it, but some of the greatest enemies of the Bible are those who disregard that it is the very Word of God. If we want the kingdom authority that God has promised His children, we must be under the authority of the Word of God. We must see it as incontestable: There is no contest, controversy, or denial that the Bible is the Word of God. The Bible is absolutely perfect, for the God of truth cannot speak in error. 1 Peter 1:23 claims: “...having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever…” Second, we must see the Bible as the incorruptible Word of God; there is no blemish or spot in it. Though many have come against it with their own personal agendas and opinions, the Bible outstands them all. Third, we see that it is indestructible: “...because “All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the word of the Lord endures forever...” (1 Peter 1:24-25). Finally, the Word of God is indispensable: “Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you” (1 Peter 1:25). The Gospel is the message of the church, and we get the Gospel from Scripture. We don’t need a new or modern Gospel for the new and modern age; it stands the test of time. The Bible also prescribes the church’s method, which is (and always will be) preaching. Adrian Rogers says, “No church will ever grow and prosper and be a New Testament church until the pulpit is central and the Gospel is central in the pulpit.” In order to join a church body, one must be born again into the family of God. Only the Gospel can grow this family, and therefore, grow the Church. Apply it to your life Do you see the Bible as the incontestable, incorruptible, indestructible, indispensable Word of God? Adrian Rogers says, “We can never have Kingdom Authority, speak or preach with authority, witness with authority, live with authority until we get under the authority of the Word of God.”

Classic Christmas carols speak of a weary world rejoicing, yet Scripture reminds us that our world is still deeply broken.

When life feels unsettled, peace can feel impossible to find. In this Advent episode, Ellen Adkins joins Kaley Olson and Wendy Blight to unpack the deeper meaning of “shalom” — not just the absence of conflict but the presence of wholeness. Together, they trace the story of peace from the garden of Genesis to the birth of Jesus, revealing why Christ alone brings calm to the chaos within us and around us. A hope-filled conversation for anyone longing for a steady, soul-deep peace this Christmas. You’ll learn: The deeper meaning of “shalom” and why biblical peace offers wholeness, not just relief. How Jesus’ birth fulfills God’s long-awaited promise to push back the chaos of sin. Why our instinct to control often amplifies inner turmoil — and the freeing alternative Scripture gives us. How to identify places of unrest in your life and step into them with Christ-shaped peace. The powerful hope of a future where God fully silences chaos and makes all things whole again. Resources From This Episode: Join us for Advent in the First 5 app! Download the free app, and spend five minutes each day studying God’s Word with women around the world. Go deeper with our brand-new Advent study guide, More Than a Manger . Experience the Christmas story with fresh eyes through rich biblical teaching and meaningful daily reflections. Help more women access biblical Truth this season. Your generosity fuels everything we do — from free podcasts to devotions to study resources. [ Give to Proverbs 31 Ministries today.] Click here to download a transcript of this episode Want More on This Topic? Check out this episode of The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast with Lysa TerKeurst and Dr. Joel Muddamalle on finding inner peace. Watch this episode of Therapy & Theology if you’re struggling with letting go of control.

When life feels bigger than your strength, God’s provision becomes your power. Ezra 5:5 reminds us that when God gives an assignment—whether rebuilding a life, leading a family, launching a ministry, or facing opposition—His hand stays on His people until the work is complete. The returning exiles discovered that divine calling comes with divine supply, even when challenges rise and fear tries to stall our obedience. Highlights God equips us fully for every assignment He places in our hands—strength, resources, and support. The exiles returned to devastation, yet God’s favor and miraculous provision met them on arrival. Opposition, intimidation, and discouragement threatened to halt their progress, but God’s presence stayed constant. His faithfulness guaranteed the completion of the rebuilding—He finishes what He begins. Following Jesus includes hardship, but we “take heart” because He has already overcome the world. Romans 8 reminds believers that nothing can separate us from Christ or stop His purposes. Through Him, we live not as survivors but as “more than conquerors,” empowered to persevere. Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas! Full Transcript Below: Divinely Empowered for Our Greatest Challenges Jennifer Slattery (host of Faith Over Fear ) Bible Reading: But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, and they did not make them cease till the matter should come to Darius, and then answer should be returned by letter concerning it. (Ezra 5:5, ESV) Today’s verse and the historical context surrounding it assure us that when God assigns us a task, be that to raise children, complete a work project, lead a team, launch a ministry, or pursue a dream, He gives us everything we need to do all that He asks. And while we will likely always experience opposition, whenever we seek to live for Jesus, the events recorded in Ezra and Nehemiah also assure us that He is greater than any opposition we’ll face. In short, He finishes what He begins. The question is, how will we respond when difficulties come? Will we cower in fear, falter in fatigue, or trust in His provision, protection, and care? Presumably, this was a question with which Ezra, the religious leader introduced in the Bible book bearing his name, and the returning exiles wrestled as they labored, for decades, to rebuild what the Assyrians destroyed seventy years prior. Here’s the backstory. Despit

Are you allowing comparison or fear to rob you of God-given opportunities in your life? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Hark the Herald Angels Sing” has a long history. The lyrics were tweaked by a famous preacher. Then the original music was replaced. Nancy will tell you the fascinating history of this carol. But more importantly, she’ll show you the gospel in it.

Instead of starting our Christmas season with a study of one of the gospels, we thought we'd look back to the promises of God in the Old Testament. God promised David a Son who would sit on an eternal throne, and this Son of David would also be God’s own Son, Jesus.

Take up your cross? Lose your life? To whom was Jesus referring? What are your thoughts on the Orthodox traditions? How do I share the core message of Christianity with my grandchildren?

What will happen to the saints living in the Great Tribulation period? Learn more as Zechariah gives further details about the coming Millennium.

Matthew’s Gospel begins with Joseph—a quiet, righteous man through whom God fulfilled His promises and secured Jesus’ royal identity as the Son of David.

In this Christmas series opener, Dr. John explores a foundational question: If people walked with God before Jesus came, why do we need Him? Drawing from Galatians 3:15-18, he examines God's covenant with Abraham and the promise that all nations would be blessed through Abraham's "seed." Through Israel's turbulent history, Dr. John reveals that the promised blessing didn't come through a nation, but through one person: Jesus Christ. Christmas From Galatians : This Christmas, Dr. John takes an unprecedented approach to the season by exploring why Jesus' coming was absolutely necessary. Through the book of Galatians, this series traces God's plan from Abraham's promise through the giving of the Law to the arrival of Christ. Discover why the Law was never meant to save us but to diagnose our condition, how Jesus fulfilled what we could never accomplish, and how Christmas opened the door for all people to become sons and daughters of God.