CIAM Radio

Listen to today's Laugh Again with Phil Callaway, "Inside the Box." Enjoy!

What do you do when heaven is silent and God seems far away? Dr. John Neufeld examines Isaiah 40:27-31, where Israel cries out that their way is hidden from the Lord. Isaiah's response isn't to explain the silence, but to remind them who God is - everlasting, never growing weary, with unsearchable understanding. When we feel abandoned, we must preach God's attributes to ourselves, not because we feel them, but because they're true.

God and the World's Idols: What are you really worshipping? In this series through Isaiah 40–44, Dr. John Neufeld explores one of Scripture's most powerful confrontations between the living God and the idols humanity creates. Writing to a nation facing exile and questioning whether their God has abandoned them, Isaiah paints a stunning portrait of who God truly is — His wisdom that needs no counsel, His power that never grows weary, His sovereignty over history itself.

We live in a world that says there is neither right nor wrong, and only relative truth. To avoid being swept along by postmodernism you’ll need the discernment and direction found in the Bible.

Stepping into a new year with big questions—about your kids’ faith, your next move, or whether God still writes surprising love stories? This warm, laughter-stuffed episode introduces FamilyLife’s new president, Luke Middendorf, and his wife Kristina--through elevator meet-cutes, campus-ministry moments, and the kind of real-life faith that reshapes families. It’s a hope-packed reminder that God still actively pursues, guides, and opens doors--sometimes literally.

Show Notes and Resources

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The story of Cain and Abel is tossed around rather generally in both Christian and non-Christian circles. Many folks are aware of the big picture aspect of the account—namely, that the older brother murdered the younger—but beyond that, little is known and even less is applied to everyday life. But woven within and between the lines of this amazing story are several insights that await our discovery.

From the Series: Fascinating Stories of Forgotten Lives: Rediscovering Some Old Testament Characters

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Courtney Ellis tells the story of how she suffered from a severe panic attack at work and had no idea why. The anxiety kept persisting, and she felt consistently overwhelmed by seemingly nothing. She discovered that her husband was also struggling with anxiety, so they worked together to find the root of the problem. They discovered how many things they had stuffed into their home and schedule. They began to purge their house, schedule and media subscriptions and discovered how much deeper their relationships with God, each other, and their families became. In this interview, Courtney will talk about how you can pare down what you own and free up your schedule. She’ll also discuss how parents can help their kids clear out the clutter.

Using nerd culture to share Christ, plus Scripture’s solution to addiction and strongholds, and what to do about Bible study cliques.  

Featured musical artist:  Tauren Wells

Roundtable: Bringing Jesus Into Your Nerdy Hobbies

Fantasy novels. Video games. Cosplay. There is a growing fascination among young adults for what we call nerd culture. If you’re nerdy and proud, what does that mean for you as a Christian? Are there any concerns with content in this genre? And is there a way to bring Jesus into it? Three of our nerdiest friends are ready to dish and defend all things nerd and talk about creative and practical ways to have fun in this world while inviting God into it. 

The Theology of… Pokémon  

The Theology of… Halo 

The Theology of… The Lord of the Rings 

The Theology of… Final Destination 

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Culture: Strongholds and Scripture

Have you ever done a Bible study on the topic of addiction and bad habits? Well, now you can. Dr. Karl Benzio and Rose Ann Forte have written one, and are here to talk about it as well as why God’s Word is the answer to the strongholds, false beliefs and besetting behaviors that hold us prisoner. Whether alcohol or drugs, sex, bitterness and anger or something else, finding hope in Scripture, journaling gratitude, rewiring your thought patterns and practicing new rhythms will get you unstuck. Here’s to real and radical change in 2026!

 Transformed by His Promises: A 12-Week Devotional for Freedom from the Psychological Slavery of Life-Interfering Behaviors            

Link to Counseling Services 

Find More About Rose Ann Forte 

Learn About the Honey Lake Clinic 

More on Karl’s Work 

Inbox: Bible Study Cliques

Does your small group or Bible study feel like junior high? Lisa Anderson gives advice for navigating the scene when it starts feeling cliquish. 

Find us on YouTube 

When I had to go for a new passport, it meant I had to dig out a document that I don't look at very often - my birth certificate. I had to prove to the State Department that I exist! Of course, I have to be careful with my birth certificate - one that's been around that long is about to disintegrate. It's interesting that when you have to produce the most authoritative proof of who you are, what do they ask for? Your birth certificate! And mine, like yours, clearly identifies who you are and exactly when and where you were born. I was a little nervous before I went for my passport because we had just moved and I couldn't find my birth certificate for a little while! That's very bad news!

I'm Ron Hutchcraft, and I want to have A Word With You today about "A Birth Certificate for Heaven."

One thing that birth certificate demonstrates for sure - your life. Your relationship with your parents has a definite beginning. You know, you celebrate that day every year. Birth, of course, is a clear, definite thing - into your family...into God's family too. Tragically, a lot of people can't remember a beginning to their personal relationship with God - often because there hasn't been one. And without a "birth certificate" on file in heaven, one that marks the beginning of your belonging to your Heavenly Father, you are in real danger. Eternal danger if that doesn't change.

Our word for today from the Word of God talks about how a person gets born into God's family. John 1:12 says, "To all who received Him (that's Jesus), to those who believed in His name, (God) gave the right to become the children of God." Now, God likens our beginning with Him to birth into His family. That's why Jesus would say just two chapters later, "No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again" (John 3:3).

There's a conscious, deliberate choice that begins your God-relationship. It's what our word for today calls "receiving" Jesus Christ, "believing" in Him. It's describing a moment when you consciously open up your heart for Jesus Christ to come in, when you tell Him you are putting your total trust in Him to remove that wall of sin between you and God and to give you a relationship with Him.

The reason we don't have that love relationship is because we've taken a life that God was supposed to run and we've run it ourselves. That "sin" has cut us off from a God whose sinless and perfect. And no religious ceremony can remove that sin - not baptism, not church attendance, not confirmation, not church membership, not all the good things you do. In fact, the Bible explicitly says, "It is by grace you have been saved" - listen to this - "not by works" (Ephesians 2:8-9).

It couldn't be any clearer. Our only hope is that Jesus paid for the sin that we could only pay for with an eternity in hell. So when you put your total trust in Him and welcome Him into your life, every sin is forgiven and God records your birth into His family.

Actually, God doesn't have birth certificates - He has what the Bible calls the "book of life." And your name is entered in it the moment you come to Jesus. Revelation 20:15 says that on Judgment Day, "If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." My prayer is that if you have not begun your personal relationship with Jesus, that you'll do it today, so your name can be entered in God's Book of Life in indelible ink.

He doesn't intend for anybody; He never wanted anybody to suffer that judgment. That's why He sent His Son to take the judgment for us on the cross. This is your day to reach out and take what He died to give you. Tell Him you want what He died on the cross for - to forgive your sin, to change your life, to take you to heaven with Him.

If you don't know there's been a time when you gave yourself to Him

Read: Galatians 5:13-14

“Hey, Caleb!” Josh shouted when they got off the bus. “I almost forgot! Tomorrow I’m going to Planet Pizza, and I was wondering if you—”

“I’d love to go!” Caleb started running toward his house before Josh could finish his sentence. “I’ll ask my mom!”

That night, Caleb asked his mom about going to Planet Pizza with Josh. “Of course you can go,” said Mom. “I just spoke with Josh’s dad, and I’m glad you want to help.”

Help? thought Caleb. I’ll always help eat pizza!

The next day, a long line of people waited outside Planet Pizza. “Whoa!” said Caleb. “I hope we get a table. I’m starving!”

Josh gave Caleb a funny look. “Not like they are,” he said. “Follow me.”

They walked to the front of the line. “Hi, Josh!” said the man at the door. “Who’s your friend?”

“Hey, Pastor Eric. This is Caleb. He came to help serve lunch.”

“Help serve?” Caleb was confused. “I thought we came to eat!”

“We will.” Josh handed Caleb a pair of gloves. “After everyone else is served first.” Josh ran to the table of pizzas. “Our church is buying pizza and passing it out as part of our food drive this month. It’s why we’re here!”

“You mean we don’t get to eat pizza until after we’re done serving everyone else?”

Josh handed Caleb a stack of plates. “I think you’ll make it.”

Soon Pastor Eric let in the line of people, and Caleb and Josh helped serve slices of pizza to everyone who came in.

“My name’s Tommy,” one boy said. “I’ve never had pizza here before. Is it good?”

“Good?” exclaimed Caleb. “It’s the best! Here, sausage is my favorite.”

After everyone was served, Pastor Eric prayed for the meal. “Dear God, thank you for this pizza and for every person here, and thank you for sending Your Son, Jesus, to die for us. Help us see the ways we can serve those around us and show others Your love. Amen.”

Caleb lifted his head just as Tommy took his first bite. “This pizza is the best!” he said.

Caleb smiled and slid his own piece of pizza across the table. “Here, Tommy. You can have mine too.”

“Really?” asked Tommy.

“Really,” said Caleb. “It’s why I’m here.”

–Kelly Carlson

How about you? Do you serve others? Or do you always put your own needs before everyone else’s? Even though He’s Creator of the universe, Jesus came to earth to serve and give His life for us. Ask Him to help you see the ways you can serve others and show them His love. Today, find at least one person who could use your help and serve them before you serve yourself.

Today's Key Verse: For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45 (NIV)

Today's Key Thought: Serve others