The Bridge Austin

In this episode, Rabbi Schneider teaches how God brings us through trials and how we can be confident that He is conforming us to the image of Christ.

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How often do you find yourself making excuses instead of taking the blame? It can be hard to admit responsibility at times, but it is the right thing to do. In today’s message, Pastor Chris teaches that when Jesus was condemned to death, none of the responsible parties wanted to stake their name in it. Pontius Pilate washed his hands… the Jews turned Jesus over to Rome to do their dirty work. Today, can you admit what they couldn’t? Can you admit that Jesus was on the cross for and because of you?

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that it’s the Holy Spirit’s job to work out the gifts within us. Even when sin has quenched our progress, and we feel defeated, if we repent, we are now open and ready for God to use us.

The Christmas season often comes along with high expectations and chaos. But Julie and David Lavender want to help families slow down and contemplate the greatest gift that God gave mankind — the birth of His son, Jesus Christ. The Lavenders share stories and fun memories from their family.

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Today, Mark dives deep into the real-life struggles facing families — from navigating a teen’s anxiety, depression and drug use, to managing explosive anger and the challenges of motivating older teens to take responsibility. Mark also shares some insights for parents of special needs children and discusses the importance of adapting parenting styles as culture rapidly shifts. Whether you’re seeking support for a teen in crisis, wondering if Heartlight is right for your child, or simply trying to foster deeper relationships, this episode provides heartfelt guidance and practical next steps.

At your wits' end with your teen? Ask Mark for advice — your question may be featured on the show! Go to markgregston.com to submit a question.

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. 

Most people think that the Christmas story took place two thousand years ago. But in fact, it began thousands of years before Jesus was even born. Dr. Robert Jeffress uncovers the origins of the Christmas story in the countless prophecies recorded throughout the Old Testament.

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“We love because He first loved us.” — 1 John 4:19

Those six simple words form the foundation of all Christian generosity. Every act of love, every gift we offer, every step of obedience begins with what God has already given to us. We don’t start by giving—we start by receiving.

In this spirit, Sharon Epps, President of Kingdom Advisors, joined us for a meaningful conversation on the often-overlooked generosity of the women who financially supported Jesus. Their story, found in Luke 8, gives us a powerful picture of what grateful, gospel-shaped giving looks like.

Luke 8 opens with a glimpse into Jesus’ ministry on the move:

“Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the Good News of the Kingdom of God… and also some women… Mary called Magdalene… Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.”  — Luke 8:1–3

These women formed part of Jesus’ traveling ministry team, and Scripture highlights an astonishing truth: they provided for Jesus and His disciples out of their own resources.

Among them was Joanna, a woman of high social standing and significant wealth. As the wife of King Herod’s household manager, she lived with privilege—but Scripture also tells us she was once spiritually and physically broken. Jesus healed her, and her generosity flowed from that transformation.

Before Joanna gave to Jesus, she received from Jesus.

Sharon points out that Luke intentionally includes this detail: these women had been healed—spiritually, emotionally, or physically—before they supported Jesus’ ministry. It reminds us that money alone can’t solve the deepest problems of the heart. We all begin our stewardship journey by receiving.

At the most basic level, every good thing in our lives is a gift from God:

• The breath in our lungs
• The abilities we develop
• The resources we hold
• The love we experience

As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 4:7, “What do you have that you did not receive?” The answer is nothing.

Giving, then, is designed to be a response—a natural overflow of gratitude.

Joanna’s story doesn’t end in Luke 8. We meet her again in Luke 24 at the empty tomb, heartbroken and confused, until the angels remind her of Jesus’ words. Joanna becomes one of the first witnesses of the resurrection, running with Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James, to tell the apostles.

Her pattern is clear: She received from Jesus. She loved Jesus. And she gave to honor Jesus. Her generosity was not transactional—it was relational. It was the fruit of a transformed life.

Sharon suggests that generosity is never a one-time event—it’s a journey. As our relationship with Christ deepens, our giving naturally grows. Joanna shows us what sacrificial generosity looks like when it springs from grateful love.

To make this practical, Sharon shared three questions she’s been asking herself—questions all of us can ask:

1. What do I need to recognize as a gift from Christ before I can give generously?

Do I see what’s in my hands as mine—or as His?

2. Is my giving safe or sacrificial?

Does my generosity reflect comfort… or love?

3. What does my current giving say about how well I’ve received?

Giving reveals the condition of the heart.

These questions invite us into deeper intimacy with Jesus, because generous living always begins with grateful receiving.

Joanna’s life encourages us to see generosity not as a duty but as a joyful response to God’s grace. As Sharon put