CIAM Radio

Kristin’s son had died from cancer when he was just seven. Now, three years later, her older son was being diagnosed with a terminal illness. Friends who were not believers in Jesus grieved with her, but they couldn’t understand why she continued to trust Christ. “How could your God allow this? Why keep believing in Him?” they asked.

For Kristin, however, it was an even stronger reason to keep believing. “I don’t understand why this is happening,” she said, “but I know God will help us through this. Only God can give me hope to keep going.”

Such a hope and trust kept King David going when he found himself in overwhelming circumstances. Surrounded by enemies seeking his destruction, he probably couldn’t understand why all this was happening to him. Yet he knew he was following a God he could trust to deliver and bless him in His time (Psalm 31:14-16). This certain hope enabled him to keep submitting to God and to say, “My times are in your hands” (v. 15). And it uplifted him, such that he could also say: “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord” (v. 24).

In times when we feel overwhelmed and there seems little to look forward to, we know we can hang on even more tightly to God and the life-giving hope He alone provides.

Segment 1

• Don’t date to just find the right “vibes”… there are actual things that you should be looking for, as a believer, if you are dating.

• The Bible doesn’t speak directly to our experience of dating, but does direct us how to find a mate.

• Want a marriage that lasts? Start asking better questions of a prospective spouse now.

Segment 2

• Date for more than meets the eye: looks fade and even personalities can change

• If he won’t lead now, don’t assume he magically will later.

• Beware of dating when you are vulnerable – you won’t be in the right frame of mind to make big decisions

Segment 3

• Todd reviews a book on assurance: “Resting In Sovereign Grace” by pastor Joshua Banks.

• You’re not saved because of your performance, but because of Christ’s performance on your behalf.

• No Christian has ever been saved by the strength of their faith, but by the object that they place their faith in: Christ.

Segment 4

• Todd reviews Nate Pickowicz’s book, “Overcoming the Darkness”

• Sometimes our emotional lows are more than just a bad day, and we need to be aware of prolonged seasons of emotional darkness.

• There are real causes of spiritual depression that can be discovered and addressed.

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Thanks for listening!

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Listen to today's Laugh Again with Phil Callaway, "Is God Cheap?" Enjoy!

Can't see the forest for the trees? Dr. John Neufeld helps us grasp the big picture of Jesus' life by exploring how the four Gospels each offer a unique perspective—Matthew's Jewish Messiah, Mark's Son of God, Luke's perfect man, and John's declaration of deity. As we begin a journey through Matthew 19-20, Dr. Neufeld sets the scene: Jesus is leaving Galilee for the final time, heading toward Jerusalem with growing crowds—and an approaching cross.

The Ministry of Our Lord: Join Dr. John Neufeld for a journey through Matthew 19-20, where Jesus makes His final trip to Jerusalem. The crowds are growing, expecting triumph and glory. But what Jesus teaches is startling: humility over greatness, sacrifice over power. This Messiah will not rule from a throne—He will reign from a cross. Discover what it means to follow a suffering King.

Dr. Wheeler, a former practitioner of second trimester abortions, shares her transformative journey toward becoming a pro-life advocate. She describes a pivotal moment when she became acutely aware of the moral implications of her actions, and how this led her to cease performing abortions. She shares about the cultural influences that shaped her views on feminism and reproductive rights before returning to the Christian faith later in life. Dr. Wheeler recounts her conversations with patients and peers on both sides of the abortion debate, aiming to introduce new perspectives compassionately. She also highlights her efforts in pro-life advocacy, while encouraging others to engage in compassionate, informed discourse.

When you give to Focus on the Family’s Option Ultrasound program, you’ll provide training and equipment to introduce a mother to her baby through an ultrasound! This moving experience saves lives and stops abortion.

Learn about Focus on the Family's pro-life ministry.

Rebekah Buell Hagan shares her powerful story of pursuing a chemically-induced abortion and then experiencing a change of heart which led to saving her baby's life. Dr. Bill Lile, a pro-life OB/GYN, explains how the abortion pill works, how its effects may be reversed, and how this option is being provided to women and teen girls who have second thoughts about having an abortion.

Buy your copy of Jim Daly’s book, ReFOCUS! He shares how believers can engage others in the culture with the love of Christ and reveal the heart of God.

Focus on the Family's staff of licensed, professional counselors can help you bring healing and restoration to your family with Christian perspectives you can trust.

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The one constant in life is change—and most of it is unexpected. Flexibility is the key to handling change. That way you can be open to it and live courageously and victoriously.

As a parent, when you’re disciplining, breaking up fights, or chatting in the car—would you believe you’re doing theology? Theologian Kelly Kapic knows theology isn't just a matter of what we think. It affects who we are. Theology is about life, which means our souls can’t afford to avoid it. So what version of God are our kids internalizing? How can we respond thoughtfully in talks with our kids about acceptance, injustice, suffering, poverty, and moral absolutes? Kelly, author of A Little Book for New Theologians: Why and How to Study Theology, offer do-this-now ideas to shape an unshakeable theology that can stand up to whatever life tosses at our kids.

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People may wonder why God allows temptation in the first place, but He often uses our desires and bad habits to reveal His power and grace in our lives, and form our character to be more like Jesus Christ. Dr. Lutzer describes how renewing our mind and restraining our emotions, and keeping current accounts with God will equip us to fight temptation and sin.