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In a poignant performance of Pilgrim: The Musical, Leisa stood before a special section for the Deaf and using American Sign Language expressively interpreted the performance. The musical, based on John Bunyan’s book The Pilgrim’s Progress about one man’s faith journey, was deeply moving, but so was Leisa’s delivery.

When asked about her interpreting, Leisa said, “The reason I do Pilgrim and the reason I interpret is because the gospel should be accessible to everyone. And the Deaf are a group that is [largely] ignored.” She went on to say, “It’s heartbreaking because less than 2 percent of the Deaf worldwide have heard about Jesus.” Leisa uses her gift so the Deaf can know Jesus.

Like Leisa, we’re called to use our gifts and abilities to be witnesses of God’s love and draw others to Jesus—to impact the world with the good news. The apostle Peter wrote, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10). These gifts include loving and praying for others (vv. 7-8). Whether you’re an encourager, a helper serving behind the scenes, a teacher, a speaker, a prayer warrior, or have another gift or ability, God can use you to serve others. Just ask. He’ll show you a way.

Phil Johnson spent 45 years alongside John MacArthur—and now opens up about the man behind the pulpit. From private regrets to public faithfulness, this candid conversation explores what made MacArthur the shepherd, not the celebrity.

Segment 1: A Diagnosis, a Death, and Dying Well

• Phil shares his own cancer battle and how it shaped his view of mortality

• Reflects on MacArthur’s final days and the surprising way he spoke of heaven

• What it means for Christians to prepare to die well

Segment 2: The Warmth Behind the Lion • What John MacArthur was really like off the stage

• How he reacted to sudden fame—and why he rejected celebrity culture

• Why pastors should never neglect the pulpit for programs

Segment 3: The Mistakes He Admitted and Corrected

• The two doctrinal errors MacArthur publicly retracted

• Why his view on the eternal Sonship of Christ changed—and why it matters

• What his response reveals about humility and theological integrity

Segment 4: COVID, Romans 13, and the Critics

• Did John MacArthur change his view on church and state during COVID?

• Phil explains how the church stood firm—and what drove the decision

• Why MacArthur never landed in scandal despite decades of controversy

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Thanks for listening!

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Your role as an aunt or uncle, plus lessons learned in climbing mountains, and house rules for when a roommate starts dating.     

Featured musical artist:  David Dunn

Roundtable: Influence Your Nephews and Nieces

Having nieces or nephews is a tremendous amount of fun — but do you know you can also have a huge impact on their lives? Spending time with them, setting a good example, teaching life skills, and just letting them know they’re loved; these all make a huge difference in their development and sense of identity and belonging. Our conversation includes practical ideas for connecting as an aunt or uncle, plus how to stay in your nieces’ and nephews’ lives even if they live far away.      

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Culture: Climb Every Mountain (Or at Least One)

July 30th is National Climb a Mountain Day, and we’re celebrating by chatting with hiker-adventurer Jen Smith. Jen shares how she got into mountain climbing, the benefits it provides, how she meets God (and others) on the trails, and lessons she’s learned from training and traveling (including a trip to Nepal!). She’ll also give preparedness tips for safe and successful hiking.     

Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family’s Faith Through God’s Creation     

Inbox: When a Roommate Starts Dating

How do you adjust when your roommate starts dating and wants to hang out in your home with their boyfriend or girlfriend? Should you set ground rules? Boundaries? Kasie Ewing weighs in. 

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Listen to today's Laugh Again with Phil Callaway, "Chico's Miracle." Enjoy!

Why would a leader boast about his weaknesses? Dr. John Neufeld explores Paul's surprising defense of his ministry in 1 Corinthians 2:1-5. When the Corinthian church criticized Paul as an unimpressive speaker who failed to reach society's elite, Paul responded by embracing his inadequacies. He refused flashy rhetoric, focusing solely on the cross of Christ, and admitted to fear and trembling—because God's power works best through human weakness.

The Power of Christ in a Pagan World: Join Dr. John Neufeld for this 20-message series as he focuses on the book of 1 Corinthians. Covering chapters 1-4, The Power of Christ in a Pagan World looks at the many issues that confronted the church in Corinth; Problems that seemed to find their place within the church at every turn! This series helps us unpack the different conflicts and struggles of this early church in a relevant and practical way. Even though the church in Corinth existed a long time ago, they went through trials that might sound familiar to us in the 21st Century!

Finding hope in the midst of depression can feel impossible, especially as a mom. In this powerful FamilyLife Today episode, hosts Dave and Ann Wilson sit down with biblical counselor and author Christine Chappell to dive deep into her personal battle with depression, self-harm, and suicidal ideation that led to a psychiatric hospital stay. Christine openly shares the raw details of her journey, from feeling utterly forsaken to finding profound hope in God’s steadfast love through Psalm 59. Discover how a quirky moment with a sleeping squirrel became a divine invitation to rest in God, not strive. This episode beautifully weaves Christine’s story with biblical examples like Moses, Elijah, and Hannah, who also wrestled with despair but ultimately found God’s mercy.

Show Notes and Resources

• Visit Christine's website at christinemchappell.com
• Learn more about Christine's book on her website. 
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In his study of Jonah 3:1-4, Chuck Swindoll teaches us about the riches of God's grace and abundance of mercy from that quaint phrase, “the Lord came to Jonah a second time.”

From the Series: Jonah: The Reluctant Prophet

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With great passion and enthusiasm, Kim Meeder shares miraculous stories from Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, a ministry dedicated to pairing at-risk children with rescued horses. She shares how God took a tragic childhood event in her life and redeemed it with this incredible outreach.

Music is medicinal. It calms, soothes, and lifts our weariness. It also delights and entertains, and helps us to forget our problems. Like the English poet William Congreve said—music has charms to sooth the savage breast, to soften rocks, to bend a knotted oak.