CIAM Radio

Listen to Paul’s exhortations in Romans 14 to the “strong” and “weak” brothers and sisters in the church. Pastor Chuck Swindoll encourages believers to focus on Christ, live in freedom, and love others.

From the Series: Romans: The Christian’s Constitution

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Sometimes we seem inundated by laws and rules, but whether or not we like them they’re usually there for a reason. The same goes for God’s Word. He gives us laws for our protection and well-being. When we go against God’s laws we find ourselves living with regret, disappointment, and heartache.

Christmas is a chaotic season with many things that can distract us from celebrating quiet moments and God’s blessings. Award-winning songwriter Tony Wood shares heartwarming reflections on the holiday season tied to our emotions, relationships, and God’s gift of Jesus Christ.

Not many parents can sleep real soundly until they know their children are in for the night. At our house, we asked our kids - big teenage guys to stop by our room no matter how late it was and just say, "Hey, we're here." Sometimes they get delayed, or sometimes they're in a situation where they couldn't call. And it's natural, I think, for a mom or a dad to be anxious until they can get a fix on where their kids are, and the great time of relief is when they come in the door and we know everything's okay. Right? I guess some of the most beautiful words in the English language are, "Mom, Dad, I'm home." Maybe you know a child who's way overdue.

I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Mom, Dad, I'm Home."

Our word for today from the Word of God comes from Luke 7, and I'm going to begin reading at verse 12. "As Jesus approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out; the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. Now, a large crowd from the town was with her. When the Lord saw her, His heart went out to her and He said, 'Don't cry.' Then He went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying stood still." This is truly a dramatic moment here. "He said, "Young man, I say to you, 'Get up!'" The dead man sat up and began to talk. And Jesus gave him back to his Mother. They were all filled with awe and praised God."

That's a powerful story! And the most touching words of all for me are these, "And Jesus gave him back to his Mother." You know, Jesus is still in the business of giving children back to their parents, even when it appears hopeless they'll ever come back. Maybe you or someone you know has a son or a daughter who's away right now; spiritually, emotionally, physically. My word of encouragement is this simple word from the Lord. He's still in the business of giving children back to their parents.

I don't know, for some reason, I just thought that this day should be the time when we should talk about this for someone who needs that little word of encouragement.

Maybe you know better than I do why we're talking about this today. Sometimes maybe it seems like your prayers just are not being answered for the one you love. But remember, much of God's work is invisible. Like plants getting ready to sprout and come out, and flowers blooming in the spring. We don't see anything going on all winter, looks like nothing is going on under the ground. But God is at work all the time. Much that God is doing to bring that child home, you can't see. But you'd better believe it's going on under the ground where you can't see it.

Secondly, the hound of heaven - the Holy Spirit - pursues that child wherever he goes. They can get away from you; they can't get away from Him. Thirdly, open arms do more than open mouths to bring kids home. Sometimes we can talk too much and push them so hard we actually push them away from the Lord. The Father of the prodigal son didn't chase the son. He just kept his arms open for him to come home.

And then fourthly, remember God does answer prayer. Release that child again to the Lord. Don't try to do God's job of changing that child's heart. I understand that John Newton, the writer of Amazing Grace said his conversion came in a storm at sea with a mast crashing down on him as he cried, "My Mother's God save me!" And her prayers were answered.

Continue to claim that child for Jesus Christ. Do not give up! "Be not weary in well doing, for in due season you will reap if you do not give up!" Jesus is still in the business of bringing kids home to their parents and home to Him. Because of His love, I believe one day you will hear, "Mom... Dad... I'm home."

Do you realize that God has a specific plan for your life?

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When a country erupted in civil war, authorities conscripted a man into military service. However, he objected. “I don’t want any part in destroying [my country].” So he left it. Because he didn’t have proper visas, however, he eventually found himself stuck in another country’s airport. For months, airport employees gave the man food and thousands followed his tweets as he roamed terminals, knitted scarves, and clung to hope. Hearing of his perpetual plight, a community in Canada, raised money, and found him a job and a house.

Lamentations presents the cry of Jeremiah who waited for God and the end of His discipline for the sins of his people. The prophet remained confident in an everlasting God who he knew could be trusted. “The Lord is good to those who hope in him” (3:25). God’s people can experience hope even when troubles overwhelm and relief seems impossible. Though they might need to “[bury their] face in the dust” and humbly accept God’s discipline, they can cling to the reality that “there may yet be hope” (v. 29). However desperate the situation, those who know God can experience a hope that flows from Him. “It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord” (v. 26).

Without answers or any clear way of escape, we wait for God to help us. We wait, with hope, for the God who’s proven Himself faithful over and over again.

Rising costs, denied claims, and surprise bills have left millions of Americans buried in medical debt. But there’s a better, biblical way to approach healthcare—one where Christians have been served for more than forty years. On the next Faith & Finance Live, Lauren Gajdek joins Rob West to tell us all about Christian Healthcare Ministries. Then, it’s your calls. That’s Faith & Finance Live, where biblical wisdom meets today’s finances, weekdays at 4pm Eastern/3pm Central on Moody Radio.

Faith & Finance Live is a listener supported program on Moody Radio.  To join our team of supporters, click here.

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To learn more about Rob West, click here.

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It’s a special Mailbag Thursday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers.

Segment 1

• Am I truly forgiven after divorce, abuse, and years of regret? — Anonymous

• Our pastor gave a different reason from the pulpit for another pastor’s removal—was that a lie or discretion? — Anonymous

• Does God still “speak” today? Should I sit in silence to hear His voice? — Anonymous

Segment 2 • 1 John exposes me—how can I rest if I don’t “pass the tests”? — Alex

• Our church paused women-teaching-women—does that have any biblical basis? — Cala

Segment 3

• What makes Eastern Orthodoxy heretical? — Joe

Segment 4

• How can I defend against the Catholic belief that we do some good and Christ does the rest—and to those who say that’s not a big difference? — Anonymous

• How important is it for a local church to serve the needy in its community? — Paul

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Listen to today's Laugh Again with Phil Callaway, "Ambushing the Joy Suckers." Enjoy!