The Bridge Austin

In today's episode, Mark dives into some more pressing questions from parents who are struggling with their teens and young adults. From addressing severe outbursts and substance use in a high-functioning autistic teen, to knowing when it’s time to seek psychiatric help, Mark offers practical advice and empathy for families in crisis. The episode covers issues like adolescent depression, parent-child conflict and the impact of unresolved teen issues in adulthood. Mark emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, acting with love, and the power of community and counseling, all with a message of hope for families navigating the bumpy road of raising teens in today’s world.

Have a question for Mark? We'd love to hear it! Submit your question today at markgregston.com.

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit parentingtodayteens.org. 

As Christmas Day draws near, we often hear stories of generosity, kindness, and the spirit of giving. But perhaps no story has inspired these virtues more than the life of St. Nicholas—a real man whose faith-filled generosity continues to echo through the centuries.

Long before red suits and reindeer entered the picture, Nicholas lived a quiet, Christ-centered life marked by sacrificial love. His story reminds us that the true meaning of Christmas isn’t found in what we receive, but in how we reflect the love of Jesus to others.

Nicholas was born around A.D. 280 into a wealthy Christian family in Patara, a bustling port city in modern-day Turkey. From an early age, his parents taught him the teachings of Jesus—especially the call to care for the poor and the vulnerable. Their daily example planted seeds of compassion that would later bear extraordinary fruit.

A tragedy occurred when Nicholas was still young. An epidemic claimed the lives of both his parents, leaving him orphaned—but also leaving him with a significant inheritance. In his grief, Nicholas turned to his faith. Rather than clinging to his wealth, he saw it as a means to serve others and live out the gospel.

Nicholas became known for quietly helping those in desperate situations. His most famous act of generosity involved a poor man and his three daughters. In that culture, a dowry was required for marriage. Without it, the daughters faced the horrifying prospect of being sold into slavery.

Moved by their plight, Nicholas acted—secretly. Under the cover of night, he delivered a bag of gold to the family, securing the eldest daughter's future. He returned twice more, each time providing enough to ensure another daughter could marry safely.

When the father eventually discovered Nicholas’s identity, Nicholas urged him to thank God alone. He took Jesus’ words to heart: “When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” (Matthew 6:3). Nicholas didn’t seek recognition—only faithfulness.

Later in life, Nicholas became the bishop of Myra, where his compassion expanded beyond individuals to an entire community. He was known for defending the poor, standing up for the innocent, and shepherding his people with deep love.

During the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian, Nicholas risked imprisonment for his faith. He later attended the Council of Nicaea in A.D. 325, standing firm for the truth of the gospel. Yet what truly defined him wasn’t his position—it was his Christlike love.

Nicholas lived as if true wealth was found not in possessions, but in a living relationship with God.

After his death on December 6, A.D. 343, stories of Nicholas’s generosity spread across generations. He became known as a protector of children, a patron of sailors, and a symbol of selfless giving. Over time, his life inspired the figure we now associate with Santa Claus—but behind the legend stands a man devoted to glorifying God.

The story of St. Nicholas challenges us to reconsider the meaning of Christmas. His life wasn’t about extravagant gifts or public praise. It was about embodying the love of Christ—sacrificial, humble, and freely given.

This Christmas, as we exchange gifts and gather with loved ones, let’s remember that the greatest gift has already been given—Jesus Christ, who came to save sinners and offer eternal life.

Like St. Nicholas, we are called to share that gift with others. Through generosity, service, and simple acts of kindness, we can reflect the light of Christ in a world desperate for hope. As Jesus reminded us, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

May the story of St. Nicholas inspire us to give generously, love deeply, and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas—because it’s

At Christmas time, we hear the same familiar carols and recite the same Bible passages year after year. But amid all the holiday traditions, do we truly understand what Christmas is all about? Dr. Robert Jeffress shares everything you need to know about the first Christmas, explained in one powerful sentence.

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This Best of 2025 episode is based on Lee Strobel’s newest book, Seeing the Supernatural. Dive into the scriptures with us and explore what the Bible has to say about supernatural phenomena, showing how God works in the nonphysical realm.

Receive the book Seeing the Supernatural and the audio download of the broadcast "What Does the Bible Say About the Supernatural?" for your donation of any amount! Your Gift DOUBLES to Help Deliver Hope and Joy! Save 2X the marriages and families this Christmas with your life-changing gift today!

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Transferable Concept #5: Teach them to live GRACE FILLED lives

A theology of grace

1. It's the unmerited and unconditional FAVOR of God toward us - 1 Jn 4:19

2. It's free to us, but COSTLY to God -1 Cr 6:19-20

3. The CROSS is God’s greatest act of grace -Ro 5:8

4. SALVATION is a free gift from God -Ro 6:23

5. It must be received by FAITH -Ep 2:8-9

6. It produces GRATITUDE toward God and love toward others -Ti 2:11-12

7. Old Testament roots: Gn 3:21, 6:8

8. Biblical profiles: David, Peter

9. New Testament command: Jn 3:16-18, Ep 2:8-9, 1 Pt 1:13

Teach them that failure is never final

1. Encourage them to MEDITATE on the lives of David and Peter, a murderer, adulterer, and betrayer among God's most beloved and mightily used servants

2. Help them remove the power of the SECRECY and condemnation by practicing repentance and confession with some mature believers you can trust

3. Teach them to REFUSE a "performance-orientation" with God; the relationship is always grace-orientation.

Life message: You were created to RECEIVE grace and to give grace!

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Hope in the Night - Friendship

In this episode of The Creative Connection, Ed Young emphasizes the importance of spiritual preparation during Advent, focusing on being responsible stewards of God’s gifts, staying ready for Christ’s return, and wisely investing the talents entrusted to believers, encouraging a life lived in anticipation of both the first and second comings of Jesus Christ.