Reliable Truth

What is the quality of your work? Would you like to get understanding on how to live a more fruitful life?In today's message, we continue looking at the metaphor of the different types of soil that the Word of God fell on. We'll look at three things that keep us from being fruitful: worry, deceit and the desire for other things.

The podcast discusses the importance of sharing who Christ is with others through personal connections and friendships. It explores creative ways to bear fruit for the Lord and emphasizes the significance of inviting others to encounter Christ. Tim Keller shares the principle of finding Jesus through a friend, highlighting the effectiveness of personal relationships in leading others to a personal relationship with Christ.

What would it mean for the world if Jesus truly did rise from the dead? And what does it mean to me personally - or does it mean anything at all to me? For many years C.S. Lewis thought the Bible and the stories of the resurrection were all a bunch of myths, kind of like Norse mythology. But I would just say that the evidence for the resurrection is quite compelling, particularly if you'll take the time to look into it.In this message I dive into 3 strategies that we use to deal with facing our own mortality. By choosing the right one you can have true peace and confidence that will impact the quality of your life until it comes to an end. Watch on YouTube

What is Lent, and why is it important? Much like Advent leading up to Christmas, Lent is a season that's really a gift for us. It is a time to become conscious and to take some time to enter into thought, prayer and repentance as we prepare for Easter Sunday. Christians have an unusual relationship with the concept of time. We live in the present here on earth, but the Bible also lets us know that we're already participants and citizens of another time and place. What does that look like in our daily lives?Watch on YouTubeDr. Mark Gignilliat is professor of divinity at Beeson Divinity School, where he teaches courses in Old Testament and Hebrew, and also serves as theologian in residence at St. Peter's Anglican Church in Birmingham. Dr. Gignilliat is married to Naomi, and they have four children.

How did God design us, and what were we made to long for?God is a relational being, and we are in His image, so we are also relational beings. Relationships are inherent to who we are as people. If we were not made relational, then there would be no such thing as loneliness.Why do people get lonely? Life is bankrupt without relationships.Former pro football player Joe Ermann says this about men:"This is our problem (as men): we compare, we compete; that's all we ever do. It leaves most men feeling isolated and alone. And it destroys any concept of community."Even to truly know God in the fullest way, we also need to experience God in relationship with other believers who know God intimately.As you listen to this message, ask yourself, "How does this really apply to me?" Be honest with yourself. Then ask, "Is there something that I can do differently in my life?" Watch on YouTube

What would say are the biggest struggles in your life?In Part 3 we discussed how to grow in wisdom as men. Now, using that wisdom, let's look at how to confront the three deadly sins - pride, greed and envy.My desire is that these messages help bring you wisdom and freedom to live as healthy men. >>Watch on YouTube

What role do our choices play in our health?In Part 1 we learned the importance of being centered on truth. Last week we discussed how to guard and look after your heart and mind - even recognizing that the heart and the mind are one.Now in Part 3 we dive into growing in wisdom as men. Proverbs 24:5 tells us that "A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge increases power."Wise people are forward-thinking. They understand that all of life is connected - that there is a cause and effect relationship between the choices we make today and the lives that we end up with tomorrow. Watch on YouTube

What has more power over you - your mind or your heart? Which one rules over you?The heart can easily overcome or override what you know. The heart is the seat of the emotions and has the ability to take charge of your thinking.Last week we looked at the foundational principles to living a healthy life:- Being transparent- Dealing with the past- Dealing with the future- Emotional healthWe concluded that to truly live well is to live in the present.In Part 2 we are looking at the heart and the mind, the innermost parts of a man.The heart is made up of the mind, the will and the emotions. And the soul is the mind and the heart of a man.To have a healthy heart, we have to be proactive, and we have to be defensive. It is up to each of us to protect our own hearts and minds.

What does it mean to be a healthy man? This is a complex issue. One definition of the word healthy is, "a state of physical, mental and emotional well-being. A healthy person functions well in their day-to-day living, as opposed to being dysfunctional.I propose to show you how the foundation of our health is actually spiritual, along with being centered on the truth.Being centered on the truth is crucial to living a healthy, vital human life. - Richard E. Simmons III >>Watch on YouTube

How do you respond when you experience hardship? How many of us face moments in our life when we don't have a plan? Serious illness, financial loss, failure... how we need to have this as our prayer from 2 Chronicles 20:12 "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You."Our guest is Jerry Leachman, sharing this message at our recent Men's Breakfast. James 5:16 tells us that "The fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much!" - Watch on YouTubeJerry Leachman of Leachman Ministries is a favorite speaker at The Center's events. Along with being an associate Chaplain in The NFL for many years, Jerry has done ministry in Guatemala, Scotland, Russia, Europe and Africa as well as all over the U.S. He and his wife Holly have been on Young Life Staff and continue to be involved with Young Life here and also internationally.Learn more about the books Jerry mentioned in his talk: Reflections on the Existence of God and The Battle Plan for Prayer