CIAM Radio

There are some things that are just tough to advertise - like things people need but don't want to think about. Like insurance to pay your funeral expenses some day. Well, a local insurance agency gave it a good try in the newspaper ad they ran. In bold letters it said, "FINAL PAYMENT." It went on to make a case for doing something now to take care of the last obligation of your life. Of course, that ad had a serious inaccuracy.

I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Your Bill With God."

According to the Bible, there is still one more bill to pay after the funeral. It's the payment for all those me-first life choices that the Bible calls "sin." In God's words, "Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment" (Hebrews 9:27). The payment for running our own lives is an eternal payment. But like that final payment for your funeral expenses, you can do something now to take care of that awful obligation once and for all.

Our word for today from the Word of God comes from 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9, and it graphically explains the terrible final payment for sin, and it suggests the way to remove it. These are sobering words from the One who will be your Judge and mine. It says, "The Lord Jesus will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of His power."

Everlasting destruction - shut out from God's presence. I know we don't like the idea of hell, but it doesn't change the reality of it. If you don't have life forever, there's just one alternative-living death forever. But that's not what God wants for you. It's not what He wants for anyone.

He says in the Bible, "This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins" (1 John 4:9-10). In other words, God loves you so much that He sent His Son to take on all the punishment for every sin you have ever done. Your final payment was paid by Jesus Christ on His cross!

That's the "Gospel," the good news. God said the ones who would never see Him (never see heaven) are those who "do not obey the Gospel (the good news) of our Lord Jesus." That Gospel calls upon us to grab Jesus as our Savior like a drowning person would grab a lifeguard to save them.

That's why the Bible bottom lines the most important decision you will ever make in these words, "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved." That's "believe" as in totally trusting Him as your only hope for having your sins forgiven, for going to heaven someday.

Have you ever consciously given yourself to Jesus to be your Savior from your sins? If not, does it make any sense to wait any longer? Not when eternity's at stake, and eternity can begin any time. If you want to trust Jesus as your rescuer from your sin and from its penalty - the One who died for you - would you tell Him you're His from this day on - that you're pinning all your hopes on Him to forgive your sins and to guarantee you eternal life someday?

Only He can rescue you. That's why we've really dedicated our website to helping you know and be sure that you have begun this life-saving relationship. It's ANewStory.com. Please go there today.

The final payment is one God doesn't want you to pay. He sent His Son to pay it for you. But He leaves the choice in your hands, and that choice will determine your eternity.

David Uttal is a cognitive scientist who studies navigation but has problems navigating his way around geographic locations. This isn’t a new problem for him—one that goes back to when he was thirteen years old and was lost for two and a half days on a hike. Uttal admits he's still terrible with simple directions in life. Some people are natural navigators–knowing exactly where they are and how to get where they desire to go. Others, like Uttal, struggle even with clear directions and often get lost.

The psalmist also felt the disorientation of lostness: "I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands" (Psalm 119:176). He compared himself to a wandering sheep. Although sheep can be valuable, they’re also notoriously rebellious and will sometimes drift off without their shepherd guiding them—needing rescue (v. 174). The psalmist’s spiritual navigation skills had deteriorated, and his spiritual sense of direction had faded, so he needed God to pursue him and give him a “discerning mind” (v. 169 nlt).

When we wander away from God's care, He loves us enough to seek us and lead us back to Himself. As He helps us understand the Scriptures and follow “all [His] commands” (v. 172) we can avoid getting spiritually lost.

Could a reverse mortgage be a widow’s best friend? Since women typically outlive men, many will one day carry the financial load alone. On the next Faith & Finance Live, Harlan Accola joins Rob West to explain how reverse mortgages have changed and why they can offer widows stability, dignity, and confidence for the years ahead. Then it’s on to your calls. That’s Faith & Finance Live—biblical wisdom for your financial journey. That’s weekdays at 4pm Eastern/3pm Central on Moody Radio.

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It’s Witness Wednesday!

In this episode of Wretched Radio, Todd Friel, Todd interviews a student named William at Kennesaw State University. William, a political science major and Marine, engages in a thought-provoking conversation about his faith, value system, and the significance of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The discussion explores theological beliefs, the nature of God, human sinfulness, and salvation.

Segment 1

• William describes his background, military service, and vague belief in “God and country.”

• Todd challenges William’s notion of subjective truth.

• William identifies as a Christian but admits to being unsure of the gospel and distant from church.

Segment 2

• Todd presses William to articulate the gospel; William fumbles, focusing on general morality and Jesus’ teachings.

• Todd walks him through God’s justice, sin, and the necessity of a Savior—not just moral improvement.

• William acknowledges the significance but admits he rarely thinks about spiritual matters.

Segment 3

• Todd walks through God’s standard of holiness, exposing sin through thought life and the Ten Commandments.

• William admits guilt and agrees he’d deserve punishment if judged by God’s standards.

• Todd explains penal substitution: Jesus took the wrath William deserves so he could be declared righteous.

Segment 4 – What Does It Mean to Be Born Again?

• Todd clarifies being born again: not baptism, but spiritual rebirth through repentance and faith.

• William expresses openness but says he needs time; Todd warns delay is dangerous and urges urgent repentance.

• Todd challenges William to respond to the gospel—not just ponder it.

___

Thanks for listening!

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Welcome to episode #241! ️ Pure Victory Podcast: Being Bold in a Crazy World!
In a world that feels louder, messier, and more chaotic than ever, it’s easy to play it safe — to keep our heads down and hope life just evens out. But what if God is calling you to be bold right where you are? In this episode, Braden challenges you to ask, “Where is God calling me to be bold?” and reminds you that boldness isn’t about perfection — it’s about obedience, trust, and faith in God’s presence and power.

Braden shares encouragement from Joshua 1:9 and the story of Moses at the burning bush, unpacking what it looks like to step out in faith even when you feel unqualified or stuck in shame. Maybe you’ve battled addiction, pornography, or self-doubt — and you’ve believed the lie that you need to “get it together” before God can use you. This episode reminds you: God doesn’t wait for your perfection. He meets you in your mess.

Key Takeaways:

• God’s call to boldness often comes in the middle of your mess, not after you’ve cleaned it up.
• Joshua 1:9 reminds us that we can be strong and courageous because God is with us wherever we go.
• Like Moses, we often respond to God with excuses — “I’m not good enough,” “I’m not ready,” or “I’ve messed up too much.” But God’s answer is always, “I will be with you.”
• Your past doesn’t disqualify you; it prepares you. God redeems every part of your story.
• Naming your stumbling blocks — fear, shame, addiction, inadequacy — is the first step to bringing them before God and walking in freedom.
• Stepping out in boldness can unlock freedom not only for you but for others watching your story unfold.

Practical Challenge:

• Take a moment to pray and ask:
   “God, where are You calling me to be bold right now?”
• Write down what holds you back — name your fear, shame, or inadequacy — and surrender it to Him.
• Take one small step of faith this week: share your story, start a conversation, or step into a leadership opportunity you’ve been avoiding.

Remember: God doesn’t need perfection — just your yes.

Scripture Highlight:

❤️ Final Encouragement:

Don’t wait for the perfect moment — it may never come. God’s bold call always comes with His bold provision. Trust that He’ll give you what you need, when you need it. The world doesn’t need perfect people — it needs bold followers of Jesus.

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At Pure Victory Podcast, we believe in the power of God’s grace to heal and restore lives. Pornography addiction is a silent struggle for many, but with Christ, there is hope for freedom and transformation. Through biblically-based guidance, real-life testimonies, and expert advice, we’re helping individuals break free from the chains of addiction and walk in the fullness of God’s plan for their lives.

But we need your help to continue this vital work. Your donation will support the production of future episodes, reach more people with the life-changing message of freedom in Christ, and provide resources to those in need of healing.

Why Donate?

• Bring Hope to the Hurting: Your generosity will help us reach those who feel trapped and alone in their addiction, showing them the love, forgiveness, and freedom found in Christ.
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Listen to today's Laugh Again with Phil Callaway, "Hide and Seek." Enjoy!

Excommunication reminds us of church wounds and harsh judgments, yet the Bible teaches it has a place. Dr. John Neufeld examines 1 Corinthians 5:1-5 to show that biblical church discipline, when done correctly, is actually an act of love. A faithful church grieves over sin and, when necessary, removes unrepentant members—not to be cruel, but to protect the church's holiness and hopefully lead the person to repentance. Paul teaches that excommunication must be done under Christ's authority, yet is always undertaken with hope for restoration.

The Gospel Alternative to the Cultures of Men: Being a Christian inevitably puts you in conflict with culture. In this three-week series, Dr. John Neufeld examines 1 Corinthians 5-7 to explore how the gospel creates a distinct counter-culture in the church. Addressing sexual purity, church discipline, and Christian identity, Dr. Neufeld challenges believers to live faithfully in a broken world—not by condemning culture, but by demonstrating Christ's transforming power through humble accountability, moral courage, and authentic community that offers hope to a watching world.

These 12 important words from Chuck Swindoll are helpful for those who are in a transition time. These words, put into practice, will leave you more secure, self-confident, and not afraid to fly free.