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Expected to die. Now teaching others how to truly live.  In this episode, John O'Leary recounts his journey from a childhood accident to a life of purpose, inspired by a simple yet powerful message: "Say yes to being used for good." Through heartfelt stories and insights, we explore how faith and courage can lead to unexpected blessings and personal growth.  "I choose to thrive because God demands it. My family deserves it. The world is starved for it," John passionately states. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience and the importance of living out our faith in every aspect of life.

About John:
#1 Bestselling Author, Beloved Keynote Speaker, Live Inspired Podcast Host + Subject of the Upcoming Major Motion Picture SOUL ON FIRE

In 1987, John O’Leary was a curious nine-year-old boy. Playing with fire and gasoline, John created a massive explosion in his home and was burned on 100% of his body. He was given less than a 1% chance to live. 

This epic story of survival was first showcased in Overwhelming Odds, the book his parents wrote in 2006. It was this book that first invited John to embrace his miraculous recovery and share it with the world. 

Today, John inspires tens of thousands of people at more than 100 live and virtual events each year. He partners with companies and organizations across fields, such as: sales, healthcare, safety, marketing, finance, faith, education and insurance. 

Consistently described as “the best speaker we’ve ever had,” John’s tireless schedule is a testament to the power of his message. His emotional storytelling, unexpected humor and authenticity make each presentation unforgettable. 

John is a two-time bestselling author of On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life and In Awe: Rediscover Your Childlike Wonder to Unleash Inspiration, Meaning and Joy. 

John’s award-winning Live Inspired Podcast has more than seven million downloads and enjoys world-class guests such as Brené Brown, Mitch Albom, Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Bob Costas. 

Amazingly, John’s story is taking on a new form: a full-length feature film starring Joel Courtney, John Corbett, and William H. Macy. SOUL ON FIRE will be release in theaters nationwide on October 10, 2025. 

John is a proud husband and father of four and resides in St. Louis, Missouri. 

He would be honored to join your team to shift perspective, refocus and unite. Please email [email protected] for more information.

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Biblical Business Training (“BBT”) equips busy, working people to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and empowers them in small-group Bible study settings to apply Biblical principles to their every day lives - especially in the workplace. BBT is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization which exists to help people develop their Christian “Faith for Work – Leadership for Life!”

Join host Justin Forman for an enlightening conversation with Carey Nieuwhof, leadership expert and former lead pastor, as they tackle one of the most important conversations in the modern church: bridging the gap between pastors and entrepreneurs. From his unique perspective of having served in both pastoral ministry and entrepreneurial ventures, Carey reveals why there's mutual intimidation between these two groups and how churches can unleash the untapped potential of their entrepreneurial members.

This episode explores the crisis of community in entrepreneurship, why 50% of retired CEOs die within two years, and how churches possess the "convening power" to create lasting connections. Carey shares practical insights from leading churches that are successfully engaging their business leaders beyond "handing out programs and parking cars."

• The entrepreneurial isolation crisis: Why there's "no default community" for business leaders
• Mutual intimidation: Why pastors feel inadequate around entrepreneurs and vice versa
• The spiritual gift of entrepreneurship: Learning from the Apostle Paul's business model
• Moving beyond volunteer tasks to meaningful engagement for high-capacity leaders
• How churches can serve as "incubators" for Kingdom-minded business ventures
• The difference between "real friends" and "deal friends" in entrepreneurial communities
• Practical steps for pastors to start entrepreneur-focused ministries

"I think for entrepreneurs, there's no default community. You're on your own. It's sort of the hero's journey. You start by yourself, that pioneer spirit. Within two years of retiring as a CEO, 50% of CEOs are dead." - Carey Nieuwhof

"Pastors are thinking, I don't make a million dollars a year like I haven't got staff and employees like you do. I don't feel like I measure up, and I don't know, I've talked to so many pastors who are like, I know this guy or woman could give $3 million I'm terrified of making the ask." - Carey Nieuwhof

"You've got some in your church, and they don't know how to contribute, and they're feeling alone and they're feeling isolated." - Carey Nieuwhof

When times are uncertain, it’s easy to go down mental paths that are unhelpful and untrue. So, how do you recognize this, and what do you do to correct it? Spiritual fitness Coach Nat Crawford helps you stay on top of destructive thoughts.

As a thank you for your support this month, we’d love to bless you with a gift of your choice.Choose from three excellent books -each designed to encourage and equip you as you grow in Christ.

Tracing His Promise: Donna Amidon shares 25 OT stories revealing Jesus in God’s redemptive plan.

Tactics:  A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions  -   Practical tools to share and defend your faith with confidence and grace.

Discovering a Living Faith: Explore James with Pastor Bryan Clark – Insightful and practical guidance.

Yours with a gift of any amount.

Thank you for supporting the mission of Christ.

An old adage says, "If you think education is expensive, you should try ignorance!" There is a price to be paid for wisdom, but the price of foolishness is far greater. Dr. John calls us to resist the fallicy that sexual sin has no consequence. The price of failure scars our soul, and our family. The vision of temptation's promise is dwarfed by the vision of God's blessings. 

Wisdom Matters: Is it better to be wealthy, good looking, successful, popular or wise? If any Christian isn't sure of the answer, then Proverbs has something to say! In this 10-message series, Dr. John will point us to wisdom that shapes our living. Proverbs doesn't guarantee us wealth or popularity, but it does promise the blessings of God. 

Businessman and author T. Harv Eker once wrote, “Financial freedom is the ability to live the lifestyle you desire without having to work or rely on anyone else for money.”

It’s tempting to think that financial independence is the ultimate goal of life—but what does the Bible say? God’s Word points us toward a far better kind of freedom.

In recent years, financial independence has become a cultural ideal. People long to be self-sufficient, debt-free, and free to pursue their passions. While these desires can be wise, they also carry a subtle danger: believing we don’t need anyone—including God.

This temptation isn’t new. In Luke 12, Jesus told a parable about a wealthy man who thought he had “made it”:

“I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and goods. And I will say to my soul, ‘You have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, and be merry.’”

But God’s response was sobering:

“Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?”

The man’s sin wasn’t wealth itself—it was trusting in wealth instead of God. His independence became his idol. In contrast, Proverbs 30 records a prayer from Agur:

“Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God.”

Agur understood the heart of stewardship: daily dependence on God. Too little can lead to desperation; too much can lead to pride. The goal isn’t independence, but faithful reliance on the Lord.

As you think about your own financial journey, consider these questions:

1. Am I placing my trust in money? Retirement savings and emergency funds are wise, but security must come from God, not a balance sheet.
2. Am I trying to eliminate work entirely? Work is part of God’s good design. Even in retirement, we’re called to meaningful contribution.
3. Am I paying off debt just for myself? Debt-free living is good, but its ultimate purpose is to gain the freedom to serve, give, and advance God’s Kingdom.

So, is financial independence biblical? It depends.

• If independence means replacing God with money, then no.
• If independence means freedom for generosity, stewardship, and dependence on God, then yes—it reflects something greater than wealth: a life rich toward God.

Scripture reminds us that “He richly provides us with everything to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17) and that “every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17). But those gifts were never meant to replace the Giver.

If you’d like to explore this more, check out our 4-Week study, Rich Toward God. This study walks through Jesus’ Parable of the Rich Fool in Luke 12, helping you discover what truly drives your financial decisions and how to align your resources with God’s Kingdom purposes.

You can get your copy—or place a bulk order for your church or small group—by visiting FaithFi.com and clicking the Shop tab.

• I’ve had multiple jobs with 401(k) benefits over the years, but I’ve struggled to stay organized with my finances. How can I get a handle on everything, and would it be wise to work with a financial advisor?
• My 16-year-old daughter received a $200,000 settlement after being hit by a car. Once she turns 18, she’ll gain full access to the money, and I’m very concerned she’ll misuse it. What options do I have to pro

Who says the God of the Bible is better than any other god? Are there really any major differences between all religions? Chip explores the answer to these questions.

Question: What makes you think your god is better than everyone else’s god?

Answer: The God I worship:

• is before ALL
• created ALL
• upholds ALL
• is above ALL
• knows ALL
• can do ALL
• accomplishes ALL
• rules over ALL
• is in control of ALL

How must we respond to the sovereign God?

1. BOW before the King of the universe. -Phil 2:9-11
2. BELIEVE all that comes into your life is either allowed or decreed by a good God who will use it for your benefit. -Rom8:28-29, Gen 50:20
3. BEHOLD in awe the mystery and majesty of His kind, compassionate, just, and sovereign rule of all that is or will ever be. -Rom 11:33-36, Gen 50:20

How does God reveal His sovereignty to us? Through:

• His TITLES
• His PROMISES
• PROPHECY
• CHRIST
• REDEEMING PAIN in our lives

Broadcast Resource

• The Real God Resources
• Message Notes

Additional Resource Mentions

• Daily Discipleship
• Rodney Stark - The Rise of Christianity
• Rodney Stark - The Triumph of Christianity
• C.S. Lewis - The Problem of Pain
• Norman Geisler - Chosen but Free
• Ken Boa

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The culture is shifting, and the season has changed. It can be agitating and frightening, but it means something else, too: Jesus’ return is drawing closer. In this sermon, Pastor Allen Jackson discusses how we can be prepared for our Lord’s return. The Bible tells us that deception and conflict, both physical and spiritual, will increase as the End of the Age approaches. Pastor Allen shows how we see this in our world today, then he shares God’s instructions for standing firm. Living in the truth of God’s Word and relying on His wisdom and peace will be essential. We’ve been asked to overcome a number of daunting things—our own carnal desires, evil, Satan’s kingdom—but God hasn’t left us alone. We can trust in the Lion of Judah.