Most people are familiar with the Christmas story of Jesus being born in a manger. But how does this story fit into the Bible’s big picture? And what significance does it have for us today? Join Alistair Begg as he explores the answers on Truth For Life.

So many think their happiest life is down the pathway of money, fame and pleasure. If that’s the case, every TV star, movie star, rock star and sports star would be ecstatic. Yet hundreds and hundreds have taken their own lives. We’re going to hear from the man who said, “vanity, vanity, all is vanity.” He was the celebrity of celebrities of his day. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie shows us Solomon’s lesson for the ages about real contentment. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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In this day, it is not values that we desperately need, but virtue. We must be able to differentiate truth and fact: we acquire facts, but learn truth. Facts deal with knowledge, and knowledge can double, but truth never changes and is settled for eternity. In this message, Adrian Rogers shares the necessary steps we must take in treasuring truth.

Throughout the history of the church, Christians have had some wildly differing views about the mother of Jesus. So what’s the proper way to regard this remarkable young woman named Mary? Dr. Robert Jeffress turns to the defining passage on the mother of Jesus and her prominent role in the Christmas story.

Your birth order reveals some important clues about your personality and your relationship with loved ones. Dr. Kevin Leman discusses how birth order can affect your marriage. He reveals which pairings are the most complementary, and which ones might induce more conflict. Everyone is made uniquely, and Dr. Leman wants all couples to lean into their birth order strengths to make the most out of their marriages. At the end of this engaging conversation, we open the floor to the audience so that they might ask Dr. Leman specific questions regarding the subject matter.   Receive the book The Birth Order Book and the audio download of the broadcast "How Your Birth Order Shapes Your Marriage" for your donation of any amount! Your Gift DOUBLES to Give Families Hope! Save 2X the marriages and families this Christmas with your life-changing gift today!    Get More Episode Resources    If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback. 

In our media age, sensuality, violence, and the occult pervade our screens. But the Church is called to holiness, even if it’s not a popular notion. In this message from 1 Thessalonians 4, Pastor Lutzer answers the first of three questions about what pleases God. Why should we please God, choosing holiness? This month’s special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337. 

Where do you turn when your heart is troubled? Today, Sinclair Ferguson explains that because Jesus bore the burden of our sin, our souls can remain calm in any circumstance. Get Sinclair Ferguson’s book Love Came Down at Christmas, plus lifetime digital access to his Lessons from the Upper Room teaching series and digital study guide, for your donation of any amount: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/3740/give-today   Meet Today’s Teacher:   Sinclair Ferguson is a Ligonier Ministries teaching fellow, vice-chairman of Ligonier Ministries, and Chancellor’s Professor of Systematic Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary. He is featured teacher for several Ligonier teaching series, including Union with Christ. He is author of many books, including The Whole Christ, Maturity, and Devoted to God’s Church. Dr. Ferguson is also host of the podcast Things Unseen.   Meet the Host:   Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of ministry engagement for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, host of the Ask Ligonier podcast, and a graduate of Presbyterian Theological College in Melbourne, Australia. Nathan joined Ligonier in 2012 and lives in Central Florida with his wife and four children. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Strive for peace with God so you can experience genuine, lasting contentment.

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Pastor Greg Laurie dives into how young people sought Jesus in biblical times as we reflect on the children Jesus warmly welcomed, and the story of the rich young ruler—a man searching for something he wasn’t ready to fully embrace. Notes: Focus verse - Luke 18  “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.Let all that you do be done in love.” –1 Corinthians 16:13–14 A man is to be watchful. A man is to be a provider. He takes care of his wife and children.1 Timothy 5:8 A man is to stand firm.He is the spiritual leader in the home. A man is to be strong. Jesus was the strongest man to ever live and the ultimate definition of masculinity. The man of God does all that he does in love.He is faithful to his wife for a lifetime. Read Luke 18:15–17 Jesus loves little children, and so should we. We need to bring our children to Jesus. It is the job of parents to teach their children, to lead them, and to guide them.Proverbs 22:6 Parents, have a walk with God that is attractive. Ephesians 6:4 Jesus took the little children into His arms and fervently blessed them. "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them…”Luke 18:16 Mark 10:16 We must become like a child.Luke 18:17 To be childlike means to come with complete honesty to God. Children come in complete helplessness. We need to evangelize our children. To evangelize children:-Build a bridge-Keep it simple and understandable-Make the focus on the death and resurrection of Jesus-Give them an opportunity to respond The rich young ruler he was powerful and independent. The rich young ruler saw something unique and special in Jesus that deeply touched him. Read Luke 18:18–23 Jesus challenged the rich young ruler’s opening statement.Luke 18:19 Read Luke 18:22–23 Jesus pointed out the primary sin in this man’s life, his love of earthly things. The Ethiopian man went on his way rejoicing.Acts 8:39 The rich young ruler went on his way full of sorrow.Luke 18:23 Come to Jesus with an open heart.He will receive and forgive you. --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most people try not to bother God with the little things. We mistake self-reliance as freedom, but that doesn’t sound much like Jesus. In this message, Pastor Philip Miller explores five prayer characteristics to realign our souls in utter dependence on God. Jesus opens our eyes to real freedom because there’s no living without Him. This month’s special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://moodyoffer.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001. 

For four long centuries, the prophets of God were silent. But then, a strange figure emerged from the desert, announcing that the Messiah had finally arrived. From his exposition of the gospel of John, today R.C. Sproul explains the important ministry of John the Baptist. Get R.C. Sproul’s commentary on the gospel of John for your donation of any amount: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/3732/john-commentary   Meet Today’s Teacher:   R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was known for his ability to winsomely and clearly communicate deep, practical truths from God’s Word. He was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew’s Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.   Meet the Host:   Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of ministry engagement for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, host of the Ask Ligonier podcast, and a graduate of Presbyterian Theological College in Melbourne, Australia. Nathan joined Ligonier in 2012 and lives in Central Florida with his wife and four children. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

In Adam and Eve’s story, it’s clear that God doesn’t take sin lightly. There are serious consequences for doubting God—yet He doesn’t abandon His people to the aftermath of their sin! Learn about the promised cure on Truth For Life with Alistair Begg.

The world’s religions are not all equally valid. No one comes to the Father except through the Son. Today, R.C. Sproul explores one of Jesus’ most striking claims to His deity. Get R.C. Sproul’s book Who Is Jesus?, his teaching series Knowing Christ on DVD, and lifetime digital access to the messages and study guide for your donation of any amount: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/3709/knowing-christ   Meet Today’s Teacher:   R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was known for his ability to winsomely and clearly communicate deep, practical truths from God’s Word. He was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew’s Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.   Meet the Host:   Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of ministry engagement for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, host of the Ask Ligonier podcast, and a graduate of Presbyterian Theological College in Melbourne, Australia. Nathan joined Ligonier in 2012 and lives in Central Florida with his wife and four children. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Get a fresh perspective on how determination plays a key role in having a humble spirit.

The apostle Paul urged every believer to cultivate a heart of thankfulness—to celebrate God’s goodness at all times, in all circumstances. Listen to Truth For Life as Alistair Begg explains how the church can be a bright light shining into a dark world.

You can find success principles nearly everywhere: in books, seminars, podcasts, videos, radio programs. But people who are successful often find it less fulfilling than expected. A famous celebrity said, “I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it's not the answer.” Well today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie identifies those things that offer enduring satisfaction – from serving the purposes of God. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Perhaps the most difficult thing we’ll ever do is give thanks in tough times. It requires true maturity in the faith to see that God is good, even when things are not good. In this message, Adrian Rogers shares seven ways that our troubles may minister to us.

One day, in the little city of Nazareth, an angel appeared to a young woman named Mary. Why would God pick such an average, ordinary-looking girl to be the mother of the Savior? Dr. Robert Jeffress reveals that Mary was not a random choice, but a true servant of God.

 It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, and forget the “main event” – the birth of Jesus Christ. J.John shares a heartfelt look at the gifts God offers us at Christmas: forgiveness for our sins and salvation through belief in His Son.   Want more wisdom from J.John? This free collection contains over two hours of content featuring his most popular talks on topics like having a godly perspective, accepting your identity in Christ, the proofs of Christianity, and the true meaning of Christmas.    Get More Episode Resources    If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback. 

How can we please God? In 1 Thessalonians 4–5, Paul gives his readers commands to follow—commands we should all follow. In this message, Pastor Lutzer explains the four underlying assumptions about God’s will. As we obey the Lord’s commands, He is renovating our hearts. This month’s special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337. 

In his children’s book The Priest with Dirty Clothes, R.C. Sproul reminds people of all ages that we can stand before God only if we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ. Gather the family and listen today as Dr. Sproul reads this story. Request The Priest with Dirty Clothes, the children’s book by R.C. Sproul, with your donation of any amount: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/3715/priest-dirty-clothes   Meet Today’s Teacher:   R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was known for his ability to winsomely and clearly communicate deep, practical truths from God’s Word. He was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew’s Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.   Meet the Host:   Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of ministry engagement for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, host of the Ask Ligonier podcast, and a graduate of Presbyterian Theological College in Melbourne, Australia. Nathan joined Ligonier in 2012 and lives in Central Florida with his wife and four children. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Take stock of God's provision over your life and adopt a grateful heart full of hope and contentment.

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What does it mean to be “in Christ”? Where do we find true identity, as individuals and as a church? Hear the answers as we explore an important reminder from the apostle Paul to the early Christians in Colossae. That’s on Truth For Life with Alistair Begg.

The Bible tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. It says to put on the mind of Christ. The Lord wants us to, “Be holy as I am holy.” It’s our thoughts, our motives and our actions that set us apart as believers. It helps us do our job as ambassadors of Christ. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie takes us to an Old Testament story that shows us how to be a channel through which the love of God can flow to others. A message of encouragement from the life of David. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Chances are, you can point to a time in your life when you felt closer to God than you do now. But just because your relationship isn’t what it used to be doesn’t mean it can’t be restored! Dr. Jeffress outlines three essential steps for reviving our relationship with God.

Happy Thanksgiving from Focus on the Family! Thanksgiving is a time to spend with family, eat great food, and reflect on our blessings. We are so blessed, and we have a lot to be grateful for! On this one-day Focus on the Family broadcast, Becky Kopitzke will highlight ways you can bless your family and others during Thanksgiving, stemming from a heart of gratitude. From sending cards to cover blessing operations to pulling a Thank Prank, you’ll discover many things you can do to bless those around you and cultivate a spirit of gratitude in your home.   Receive the book Love Because and the audio download of the broadcast "Reflecting on Our Blessings at Thanksgiving" for your donation of any amount! Your Gift DOUBLES to Give Families Hope! Save 2X the marriages and families this Christmas with your life-changing gift today!    Get More Episode Resources    If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback. 

How can we know, and delight in, God’s will? Whatever our circumstances or degree of optimism, we can follow God’s commands by the power of the Holy Spirit. In this message from 1 Thessalonians, Pastor Lutzer shows three direct commands about God’s will. We'll not only know the will of God, but also how to please Him. This month’s special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337. 

Those who know they have been forgiven a great debt are stirred to great love and gratitude. From his exposition of the gospel of Luke, today R.C. Sproul reflects on Jesus’ response when a notorious woman came to honor Him at dinner. Get R.C. Sproul’s commentary on the gospel of Luke for your donation of any amount: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/3714/luke-commentary Meet Today’s Teacher:   R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was known for his ability to winsomely and clearly communicate deep, practical truths from God’s Word. He was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew’s Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.   Meet the Host:   Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of ministry engagement for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, host of the Ask Ligonier podcast, and a graduate of Presbyterian Theological College in Melbourne, Australia. Nathan joined Ligonier in 2012 and lives in Central Florida with his wife and four children. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Cultivate an attitude of gratitude that transcends any negativity or hardship.

The apostle Paul exhorted believers to give thanks to God continually in all circumstances. Genuine gratitude isn’t merely driven by good habits or self-endeavors, though. Listen to Truth For Life as Alistair Begg teaches us how to become truly thankful.

When we follow the lives of some of the key individuals in Scripture, we learn so much. We see faith in action . . . or sometimes we see a lack of faith in action. But the lessons are practical since they’re demonstrated by real people in real circumstances. Currently on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie is leading our study of David’s life. And today, we learn some things from David and another individual who crosses David’s path. It’s good encouragement for those who’ve had some setbacks. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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No military power, economic upturn, or presidential election can bring the revival we so desperately need. Transformation happens when, by holy boldness, one person seeks the face of God. In this message, Adrian Rogers tells us what happens when God shows up and revival breaks out.