Arena 22

When scripture speaks of God as the First and the Last, it is literally the First (ALEF) and the Last (TAV) letters of the alphabet. Jesus claimed this same title for himself, and both the ALEF and the TAV are pregnant with meaning that cannot be missed, clearly pointing to the cross and salvation. Plus, why David Livingstone was fearless (he courageously faced down Muslim slave traders ), what George Muller taught about the trials of life, why Pilate's question about truth was categorically wrong, the mark believers literally wear on their foreheads, why have a theology grounded in victory, and the need more than ever for an uncommon faith. As Livingstone said, "I SHALL TRY TO HOLD MYSELF IN READINESS TO GO ANYWHERE, PROVIDED IT BE FORWARD."

The absolutely compelling story of Greg Matthew (Wild Awakenings), and how his faith was transformed by an act of terrifying violence. Plus, 5 things husbands and wives can do for their marriage, how your worst day can become your best, true pictures of God in the midst of pain, understanding God has no better plan than to use you and me, Rigoberta Menchu on surviving war and earning the Nobel peace prize by giving hope to others, and what Jesus said when a man asked him, “Where were you when I needed you most?”

Nely Galan on the importance of answering, "Why aren't you doing something bigger with your life?"; Paul on facing Christ one day and answering whether we spent our time on good things or worthless things; John Milton on losing his eyesight but seeing God more clearly; the story of hate and forgiveness in the lives of Adolf Coors and the man who murdered his father, Joseph Corbett; Ephesians 4:10 which tells us Jesus ascended above all the heavens in order to fill the entire universe, yet knows the very number of hairs on our head; why God of Jacob may soon become your favorite reference to God in prayer; William Tyndale on fearlessly facing death for translating the Bible into common language; Terry Sisney on pretty praise vs. ugly praise; and Linda Dillow on the powerful story of love and holiness in the story of Krista and her husband who returned from the war in Iraq.

How Truett Cathy used isolation to create one of the most successful companies in America; Rosey Grier (who helped stop RFK's assassin) on finding hope in the house we all share; D. L. Moody on being emptied to be filled; Joel Rivera on a fascinating study on college students and bad habits and how it can help you make massive changes today; John Piper on a better question about faith; the numbers you won't hear on your daily news but that really matter (70,000 people commit their lives to Christ every day; a film about Jesus that has been viewed by over 3.5 billion times; the nations the gospel reached in 1000 years); and Judy Rogers on one of the most unselfish gifts you will ever hear about. 

Come along and see that theologians, missionaries and song writers down through history have consistently lived and proclaimed the victory of Jesus and of his gospel in day to day life and in all of history (far different from the many naysayers today who are always spreading fear and defeat); plus a life changing event that happened at Tony Robbins seminar on 9/11; why the media so often is opposed to hope and truth; why gold is used as a metaphor for faith and blessing (and why people are still drawn to it today); how Jesus is restoring what was lost in Eden and how we can be partners with him in that restoration; and why in Christ you do not need to fear the devil. 

The true account of what motivated alchemists and why it matters today; fascinating psychology studies of what happens when we feel like something has been taken from us; what Peter said about Jesus’ miracles, the empty tomb, and David’s prophecy about him; understanding that sin complicates and that righteousness simplifies; why holiness is not about numbers; Max Lucado on the prison of want; Tony Robbins on what determines destiny; Thomas Paine and knowing ‘the time hath found us’; the heroic efforts of Leonard Abess and Alicia Keys; Joseph McClendon on thoughts, feelings and actions; Paul Zane Pilzer on the music industry being transformed; why you need to live and tell your story; Martin Luther’s profound answer for life in 3 words; and Chuck Colson on finding grace in prison after Watergate.

A simple survey on how people are staying positive during the lockdown; Duante Moore on leaving behind gang violence to serving other people and the two decision that got him where he is today; why Peter said you can I can see Jesus just as clearly as he did on the morning of the Resurrection; Charles Swindoll on living your own faith and not a “they said so” gospel; the prophecy of Bethlehem, the donkey, the 30 pieces of silver, and the crucifixion, and why all of this can explode your faith; and one singer whose family lost everything before she found her voice and reached millions.

Napoleon Hill on finding yourself three feet from gold; knowing where God is even in the darkest moment; Will Ford on learning about God’s presence in the middle of an unjust lawsuit; Dutch Sheets on understanding the difference between power and authority; three questions from Tony Robbins to change how you focus and how you feel; what Adam lost and what Jesus regained for you and me; Greg Reid on moving from being interested to being committed; Joseph Stowell on focusing less on self and more on Jesus; and Helen Roseveare’s life changing story of God doing the impossible in a village on the equator with a child’s life at stake.

The absolutely fascinating account of Los Angeles where in the 1980s a bank was robbed every hour of every day, why it was ignored and later how it was ended; knowing that if nothing changes then nothing changes and why decisions are so important (especially when someone if afraid or stressed); a one verse summary of the life of Jesus; Tony Robbins on "Our biggest problem is we think we shouldn't have problems"; why Jesus rode a donkey; Lorainne Day on the will of God; Tim Lee on losing his legs and finding his faith in Vietnam; ending the fear of death; why Emperor Qin had 7000 terra cotta warriors built; understanding the history changing statement of "It is finished" and how it was used as an expression of freedom in the first century, and changes everything for you and me; and a favorite quote on building a world shaking faith.

Rick Warren on finding hope after losing his son to suicide; George Barna on stunning statistics about faith and church attendance; why the average man dies within 2 years of retirement; Jack Canfield on healing deep wounds from childhood and beyond; a stunning study on the impact negativity has on a baby in the womb; why God sometimes uses pain and delays to shape us; how one word Jesus used was commonly applied to prisoners and tax debts, and more importantly how it applies to you and me and summarizes the hope of Easter; a profound strategy you can use right now to overcome your wounds; and what Pharaoh taught the world about the cost of indecision.