Coming to you from the Morning Star Mission sponsored studio. This is Carl and crew on Moody Radio.

Coming to you from the Morning Star Mission sponsored studio. This is Carl and crew on Moody Radio.

Hey, what's the what's the most recent book that you purchased? Can you remember the last time that you purchased a book? Actual. An actual. Let's go with a physical copy of a book as opposed to a e-reader or a download. I want to hear this from you. When is the. What's the last? What's the name of the last book that you actually purchased? Text me that title. 800 555 7898. What is the name of the book that you most recently purchased? 800 555 7898. Just curious about this when you got an answer to this one, Young Thunder.

Hey, what's the what's the most recent book that you purchased? Can you remember the last time that you purchased a book? Actual. An actual. Let's go with a physical copy of a book as opposed to a e-reader or a download. I want to hear this from you. When is the. What's the last? What's the name of the last book that you actually purchased? Text me that title. 800 555 7898. What is the name of the book that you most recently purchased? 800 555 7898. Just curious about this when you got an answer to this one, Young Thunder.

Yeah, it's I mean, it's been a little while still probably like a year, but within the last year, uh, I bought the Lord of the rings trilogy in hard copy. Okay. And so those are good books. I got into Lord of the rings pretty recently, and my wife was, like, surprised because I had never seen the movies or anything. So we watched all the movies and then I got the books and got it. Yeah, it was fun.

Yeah, it's I mean, it's been a little while still probably like a year, but within the last year, uh, I bought the Lord of the rings trilogy in hard copy. Okay. And so those are good books. I got into Lord of the rings pretty recently, and my wife was, like, surprised because I had never seen the movies or anything. So we watched all the movies and then I got the books and got it. Yeah, it was fun.

Have you read.

Have you read.

It? Uh, I'm in the middle of it. These are long books, so. Yeah. So it's, uh. I pick it up when I, when I can or want to and, uh, and then. Yeah, it's they're really good books, though. I really like them.

It? Uh, I'm in the middle of it. These are long books, so. Yeah. So it's, uh. I pick it up when I, when I can or want to and, uh, and then. Yeah, it's they're really good books, though. I really like them.

I didn't know that about Young Thunder. Okay.

I didn't know that about Young Thunder. Okay.

Super die.

Super die.

Uh, about six months ago. Um, how to resurrect a dead prayer life. Doctor bill Thrasher. Yes. I actually bought a few copies. Okay. Myself in just a few friends. Just kind of handing it out. So. Yeah. Love that one. It's how to resurrect a Dead prayer Life. And that's doctor Bill Thrasher. That's a good.

Uh, about six months ago. Um, how to resurrect a dead prayer life. Doctor bill Thrasher. Yes. I actually bought a few copies. Okay. Myself in just a few friends. Just kind of handing it out. So. Yeah. Love that one. It's how to resurrect a Dead prayer Life. And that's doctor Bill Thrasher. That's a good.

One. I remember reading that one a couple of years ago. I'm trying to think of the last actual book that I've purchased, and I'm drawing a blank here. The inside scoop is because of what we do. We we get a lot of books. So you had. Very grateful. So we get to see titles from authors across the country. A lot of times what people will do is they'll mail us a sample copy and and say, hey, take a look at this. If you're interested in talking about it, I'd love to set up an interview. That's kind of how this thing works. We do interview a lot of authors, so we get a lot of books. If you had to guess Super Die on your desk right now, how many books do you probably have to be sorted through and thumbed through.

One. I remember reading that one a couple of years ago. I'm trying to think of the last actual book that I've purchased, and I'm drawing a blank here. The inside scoop is because of what we do. We we get a lot of books. So you had. Very grateful. So we get to see titles from authors across the country. A lot of times what people will do is they'll mail us a sample copy and and say, hey, take a look at this. If you're interested in talking about it, I'd love to set up an interview. That's kind of how this thing works. We do interview a lot of authors, so we get a lot of books. If you had to guess Super Die on your desk right now, how many books do you probably have to be sorted through and thumbed through.

Do you think? 100.

Do you think? 100.

Oh my goodness.

Oh my goodness.

At least that's probably just on your desk. If we were to count the bookshelves next to the desk, we might be nearing a thousand. I don't think would be an overstatement. Wow. If you were to count all of the books on the bookshelves.

At least that's probably just on your desk. If we were to count the bookshelves next to the desk, we might be nearing a thousand. I don't think would be an overstatement. Wow. If you were to count all of the books on the bookshelves.

Yeah, it's.

Yeah, it's.

Pretty close.

Pretty close.

To 1000.

To 1000.

I think we'd get into the many hundreds, if not thousands, and get.

I think we'd get into the many hundreds, if not thousands, and get.

Overwhelming.

Overwhelming.

Pretty quickly. Let's see. What are you reading? As of late, we got a text message from someone who said they bought the Ground Zero leadership. I don't think I've heard that one. Someone else bought the Forge the Message Bible remix. The MacArthur Bible. Becoming by Elizabeth Elliott a memoir. Another book from 8398. It's called Holding on to Hope The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury. Interesting. Okay. I haven't heard of a couple of these. There's so many different books that you can buy coming up, though. Interesting stat about Bible sales. When you think about the sales of books, the actual sales of books as books kind of stagnating, but the sales of Bibles over the last year skyrocketing major increase in the number of people actually buying a copy of the Bible for the first time. Let's talk about that coming up.

Pretty quickly. Let's see. What are you reading? As of late, we got a text message from someone who said they bought the Ground Zero leadership. I don't think I've heard that one. Someone else bought the Forge the Message Bible remix. The MacArthur Bible. Becoming by Elizabeth Elliott a memoir. Another book from 8398. It's called Holding on to Hope The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury. Interesting. Okay. I haven't heard of a couple of these. There's so many different books that you can buy coming up, though. Interesting stat about Bible sales. When you think about the sales of books, the actual sales of books as books kind of stagnating, but the sales of Bibles over the last year skyrocketing major increase in the number of people actually buying a copy of the Bible for the first time. Let's talk about that coming up.

This is Curling Crew on Moody Radio.

This is Curling Crew on Moody Radio.

Well, you want good news? We got some good news. Ali, how great is this?

Well, you want good news? We got some good news. Ali, how great is this?

Bible sales up A 2% this year compared to the same time last year, according to the Wall Street Journal. This is a fascinating report. We're going to bring in Doctor Alex McFarland to talk about it. He's a Christian apologist, author, evangelist, religion and culture analyst. What do you make of this 22% increase in Bible sales?

Bible sales up A 2% this year compared to the same time last year, according to the Wall Street Journal. This is a fascinating report. We're going to bring in Doctor Alex McFarland to talk about it. He's a Christian apologist, author, evangelist, religion and culture analyst. What do you make of this 22% increase in Bible sales?

That's awesome, isn't it? The Bible is outselling other books 22 to 1. That's good news.

That's awesome, isn't it? The Bible is outselling other books 22 to 1. That's good news.

What do you attribute this significant rise in Bible sales to?

What do you attribute this significant rise in Bible sales to?

Well, I think the Bible is selling so strongly these days because there is a real spiritual hunger. We see it in all of our travels in the seven youth camps we do every summer middle school, high schoolers, college students, 20 somethings. They're asking questions, you know, why am I here? What is my purpose in life? Is God real? And if God is real, how do I access God? How can God be a part of my life? There is an honest spiritual hunger like I've not really seen in 30 years of youth ministry. And this really represents an opportunity for the church and for Christians.

Well, I think the Bible is selling so strongly these days because there is a real spiritual hunger. We see it in all of our travels in the seven youth camps we do every summer middle school, high schoolers, college students, 20 somethings. They're asking questions, you know, why am I here? What is my purpose in life? Is God real? And if God is real, how do I access God? How can God be a part of my life? There is an honest spiritual hunger like I've not really seen in 30 years of youth ministry. And this really represents an opportunity for the church and for Christians.

Alex, I think the big gap here is that we've got a huge uptick in Bible sales, but we don't see a corresponding uptick in church attendance. Is there a little bit of delay there or how do we jump in the gap? It's one. Do you walk around town and go, hey, did you buy a Bible on Amazon lately? And I didn't know about it. I mean, we gotta close the gap here, Alex. You know, we.

Alex, I think the big gap here is that we've got a huge uptick in Bible sales, but we don't see a corresponding uptick in church attendance. Is there a little bit of delay there or how do we jump in the gap? It's one. Do you walk around town and go, hey, did you buy a Bible on Amazon lately? And I didn't know about it. I mean, we gotta close the gap here, Alex. You know, we.

Have several generations of people that really don't have any exposure to church. And I was doing research for one of my books. I was speaking at a college in the spring of this year. And, you know, about a 20 year old man said to me, I think is probably the sentiment of a lot of people. This college student said to me. He said, I can't imagine a circumstance that would lead me to go to church. Church is just not relevant. I think people are open a LifeWay study from two years ago said of the unchurched millennials Gen Z and younger. 86% said that they would, quote, strongly consider attending a church service if they were invited by a friend. So bad news a lot of people aren't going to church. Good news, though, nearly 90% are saying, yeah, sure, I would strongly consider going to church if somebody invited me. So we've got an opportunity, you know, ask questions, build relationships, invite people. There's a strong possibility they're open to going to church if a friend would give them an opportunity.

Have several generations of people that really don't have any exposure to church. And I was doing research for one of my books. I was speaking at a college in the spring of this year. And, you know, about a 20 year old man said to me, I think is probably the sentiment of a lot of people. This college student said to me. He said, I can't imagine a circumstance that would lead me to go to church. Church is just not relevant. I think people are open a LifeWay study from two years ago said of the unchurched millennials Gen Z and younger. 86% said that they would, quote, strongly consider attending a church service if they were invited by a friend. So bad news a lot of people aren't going to church. Good news, though, nearly 90% are saying, yeah, sure, I would strongly consider going to church if somebody invited me. So we've got an opportunity, you know, ask questions, build relationships, invite people. There's a strong possibility they're open to going to church if a friend would give them an opportunity.

22% increase in Bible sales from this time last year. Now going back to this Wall Street Journal article says it's being fueled by first time buyers and new versions. That's great. What are these new versions?

22% increase in Bible sales from this time last year. Now going back to this Wall Street Journal article says it's being fueled by first time buyers and new versions. That's great. What are these new versions?

Well, the King James has been around 400 years, but there are a lot of new English language translations. The NLT. The ESV. You know, I'm just thrilled that people are getting into the Word of God and they're hungry for the Word of God. And again, you know, I would encourage people to start small groups in their homes. You know, in a way, this is kind of cool. It's like the first century church. You know, I believe in, you know, traditional churches. I've spoken in 2000 churches throughout North America. But this is an opportunity, whether it's, you know, in our living room or den or at the local coffee shop, to start discussion groups and tell people, hey, bring your doubts, bring your questions in a user friendly, non-threatening way, in a way that will change your life and your eternity. We're going to get into not only the Word of God, but we're going to talk about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Well, the King James has been around 400 years, but there are a lot of new English language translations. The NLT. The ESV. You know, I'm just thrilled that people are getting into the Word of God and they're hungry for the Word of God. And again, you know, I would encourage people to start small groups in their homes. You know, in a way, this is kind of cool. It's like the first century church. You know, I believe in, you know, traditional churches. I've spoken in 2000 churches throughout North America. But this is an opportunity, whether it's, you know, in our living room or den or at the local coffee shop, to start discussion groups and tell people, hey, bring your doubts, bring your questions in a user friendly, non-threatening way, in a way that will change your life and your eternity. We're going to get into not only the Word of God, but we're going to talk about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

I don't think we're getting fired up enough about this. I honestly don't. This is huge. Alex, I mean, I if we saw a 22% uptick in people that were darkened in the doors of a church, we'd be blown away. I mean, that's a awakening type numbers. So I think you're right. I think this if the path of least resistance is into a home and not into a church, so be it, man. I mean, this is a time when the church can make some hey, this has to have you fired up from your perspective.

I don't think we're getting fired up enough about this. I honestly don't. This is huge. Alex, I mean, I if we saw a 22% uptick in people that were darkened in the doors of a church, we'd be blown away. I mean, that's a awakening type numbers. So I think you're right. I think this if the path of least resistance is into a home and not into a church, so be it, man. I mean, this is a time when the church can make some hey, this has to have you fired up from your perspective.

For real. I mean, we should be excited because like you said, this is a awakening type stuff. I think the world situation, I mean, many countries have nuclear capabilities. There's instability in the Middle East, you know, I mean, we could be on the verge of World War three. People are interested young people especially. I mean, we we have 1200 teenagers a year in our youth camps. We'll have seven camps in the summer of 25. And kids are asking profound questions, you know, can we know that God is real? Is Jesus the the only way? And the answer is yes. Christ alone is the Savior. What about my future? Kids are asking questions like this. Does God have a plan for my life? And so yeah, this is a chance for the church to really, like you say, to make hay and tell people that God is real. I mean, just like nutrition for the body, daily reading of the scripture is nutrition for our soul. And you know, I'm glad people are buying these Bibles that the Bible is outselling other books 22 to 1. I will say this. I think what maybe Christians need to do is to come alongside the searchers and the spiritually hungry people, and here's how to get into the Word of God. You know, maybe, maybe read one of the Gospels, read Mark. Mark is the shortest gospel, and it's a biography of Jesus and a pretty user friendly, easy way to learn who Jesus is. Read John maybe in the Old Testament, read Proverbs, God's wisdom. And while it's great that people are buying Bibles and we know the Holy Spirit will help them read the Bible, the church, I think, has an opportunity to start Bible study groups or mentoring groups and help people find out that the simple message of the Bible is that Jesus does love us, and he's as close by as a prayer, and we can have a personal relationship to Almighty God through His Son, Jesus Christ. So there's a real opportunity here, and we need to prayerfully, intentionally, proactively seize this moment where people are open. And it's a work of the Holy Spirit. I mean, if people are desiring God and clearly they are, it's because the Spirit of God is moving. And let's make sure that we're in step with what God is doing to touch this culture.

For real. I mean, we should be excited because like you said, this is a awakening type stuff. I think the world situation, I mean, many countries have nuclear capabilities. There's instability in the Middle East, you know, I mean, we could be on the verge of World War three. People are interested young people especially. I mean, we we have 1200 teenagers a year in our youth camps. We'll have seven camps in the summer of 25. And kids are asking profound questions, you know, can we know that God is real? Is Jesus the the only way? And the answer is yes. Christ alone is the Savior. What about my future? Kids are asking questions like this. Does God have a plan for my life? And so yeah, this is a chance for the church to really, like you say, to make hay and tell people that God is real. I mean, just like nutrition for the body, daily reading of the scripture is nutrition for our soul. And you know, I'm glad people are buying these Bibles that the Bible is outselling other books 22 to 1. I will say this. I think what maybe Christians need to do is to come alongside the searchers and the spiritually hungry people, and here's how to get into the Word of God. You know, maybe, maybe read one of the Gospels, read Mark. Mark is the shortest gospel, and it's a biography of Jesus and a pretty user friendly, easy way to learn who Jesus is. Read John maybe in the Old Testament, read Proverbs, God's wisdom. And while it's great that people are buying Bibles and we know the Holy Spirit will help them read the Bible, the church, I think, has an opportunity to start Bible study groups or mentoring groups and help people find out that the simple message of the Bible is that Jesus does love us, and he's as close by as a prayer, and we can have a personal relationship to Almighty God through His Son, Jesus Christ. So there's a real opportunity here, and we need to prayerfully, intentionally, proactively seize this moment where people are open. And it's a work of the Holy Spirit. I mean, if people are desiring God and clearly they are, it's because the Spirit of God is moving. And let's make sure that we're in step with what God is doing to touch this culture.

By the way, we cannot sell that short. This is a work of the Holy Spirit. There is no other way to it. You can't attribute this to anything else and just. Ali, come on, give us the stats again. Sister, this is huge. This is something for us to get up and dance.

By the way, we cannot sell that short. This is a work of the Holy Spirit. There is no other way to it. You can't attribute this to anything else and just. Ali, come on, give us the stats again. Sister, this is huge. This is something for us to get up and dance.

Over 22% increase in Bible sales from this time last year, way outselling any other book. Alex McFarland, culture analyst. Christian apologist. Our guest this morning. Well, if you want to read more about this increase in Bible sales text Bible to 800 555 7898. Text Bible to (800) 555-7898.

Over 22% increase in Bible sales from this time last year, way outselling any other book. Alex McFarland, culture analyst. Christian apologist. Our guest this morning. Well, if you want to read more about this increase in Bible sales text Bible to 800 555 7898. Text Bible to (800) 555-7898.

It's Carl and crew on Moody Radio.

It's Carl and crew on Moody Radio.

Darlington mornings. Here. I'm Allie, got the team here. And, you know, I want to go back to this conversation about the Bible sales and what our guest, doctor Alex McFarland, what he was talking about with, you know, how do we respond to this growing curiosity around the Bible? And, you know, he mentioned young people. And I think that probably is what's what's fueling it. And anecdotally, you know, I have a high school sophomore, my oldest is a high school sophomore, and she brings her Bible to school. She prefers to read a actual physical Bible. And so she had has gotten lots of curiosity around sitting and reading this big book, I'm sure. And so she's got questions kind of pitched her way. She goes to a public school here in Chicago and, you know, had a had a couple friends who expressed interest and, and wanted a Bible.

Darlington mornings. Here. I'm Allie, got the team here. And, you know, I want to go back to this conversation about the Bible sales and what our guest, doctor Alex McFarland, what he was talking about with, you know, how do we respond to this growing curiosity around the Bible? And, you know, he mentioned young people. And I think that probably is what's what's fueling it. And anecdotally, you know, I have a high school sophomore, my oldest is a high school sophomore, and she brings her Bible to school. She prefers to read a actual physical Bible. And so she had has gotten lots of curiosity around sitting and reading this big book, I'm sure. And so she's got questions kind of pitched her way. She goes to a public school here in Chicago and, you know, had a had a couple friends who expressed interest and, and wanted a Bible.

That's great.

That's great.

And so she helped them get their, their first Bible. And I remember hearing one of the girls say, I've never had a or one of the girls said to her, I've never had a Bible of my own. And so I think there definitely is this curiosity of what is this book that I've heard about? I know is probably most people would probably say no. It's a very holy, reverent book. Sure, I know it, that it's the Word of God. But I think particularly for a younger generation that does not have maybe the same exposure even to church, that my generation did, where.

And so she helped them get their, their first Bible. And I remember hearing one of the girls say, I've never had a or one of the girls said to her, I've never had a Bible of my own. And so I think there definitely is this curiosity of what is this book that I've heard about? I know is probably most people would probably say no. It's a very holy, reverent book. Sure, I know it, that it's the Word of God. But I think particularly for a younger generation that does not have maybe the same exposure even to church, that my generation did, where.

Definitely many.

Definitely many.

People in this country grew up with some sort of church exposure. And I think that is going by the wayside. What do you what do you make of this?

People in this country grew up with some sort of church exposure. And I think that is going by the wayside. What do you what do you make of this?

I love it. Well, first, I think there's a couple of things about it. One, it it makes sense that there's a lot of questions just because that's not that's not common. It doesn't matter what public school you're at, you know, walking around with the Bible in your hands because it is a big and very like obvious book. When people see the Bible, they know it's the Bible. And so I'm sure that brings about a lot of questions, because there's one probably not many students doing that. And then two, I think that it speaks to the witness of your daughter, because not only do you have to have the Bible, but you also have to be a good witness for when people are asking questions. And so I think it's those two things mixed with a general curiosity, you know, because in terms of spiritual seeking, kids are are not strangers to that. I think that we think because we're post-Christian, that no one's thinking about God or about where they came from or what their purpose is. And so they just look for it in the wrong areas. And so because they don't have this, this church experience, they're willing to ask those questions. But you have to come across a good witness in order to want to kind of check that road out. So I think it makes sense.

I love it. Well, first, I think there's a couple of things about it. One, it it makes sense that there's a lot of questions just because that's not that's not common. It doesn't matter what public school you're at, you know, walking around with the Bible in your hands because it is a big and very like obvious book. When people see the Bible, they know it's the Bible. And so I'm sure that brings about a lot of questions, because there's one probably not many students doing that. And then two, I think that it speaks to the witness of your daughter, because not only do you have to have the Bible, but you also have to be a good witness for when people are asking questions. And so I think it's those two things mixed with a general curiosity, you know, because in terms of spiritual seeking, kids are are not strangers to that. I think that we think because we're post-Christian, that no one's thinking about God or about where they came from or what their purpose is. And so they just look for it in the wrong areas. And so because they don't have this, this church experience, they're willing to ask those questions. But you have to come across a good witness in order to want to kind of check that road out. So I think it makes sense.

And I think it's exciting. And I do think that we want to be prepared, whether it's to help our kids. If you've got kids who are believers and who are going to be engaging in these conversations, but also for for ourselves.

And I think it's exciting. And I do think that we want to be prepared, whether it's to help our kids. If you've got kids who are believers and who are going to be engaging in these conversations, but also for for ourselves.

And I think, too, with your daughter's example, we don't need to be on a soapbox on the corner shouting Scripture. I mean, if that's your thing, go for it. But just be the subtle be you. As Jonathan mentioned, just your walk of life. Life as a Christian becomes a lighthouse to those around you. What do you have? What is so different about you? I want that you know, that kind of scenario. I want that. Plus, you made the comment that the girl said she never.

And I think, too, with your daughter's example, we don't need to be on a soapbox on the corner shouting Scripture. I mean, if that's your thing, go for it. But just be the subtle be you. As Jonathan mentioned, just your walk of life. Life as a Christian becomes a lighthouse to those around you. What do you have? What is so different about you? I want that you know, that kind of scenario. I want that. Plus, you made the comment that the girl said she never.

She'd never had her own Bible.

She'd never had her own Bible.

I mean, that is amazing to me that we really. I wouldn't even think that far. Like she wouldn't even know not to have a Bible. People do want to hear about it. And even in this day and age, not to have yet a Bible just throws me. I'm like, my goodness, let's go out there and sow and reap.

I mean, that is amazing to me that we really. I wouldn't even think that far. Like she wouldn't even know not to have a Bible. People do want to hear about it. And even in this day and age, not to have yet a Bible just throws me. I'm like, my goodness, let's go out there and sow and reap.

So let's take that to heart that the the encouragement to be ready to engage with people around the Bible. And I think you want to do this in a very organic way. You know, I think there was a time where it was like, and I'm all for things like, bring your Bible to school day. I, I'm a big supporter of that. So I want to say that up front, but I think we have to have the right heart and intent behind it. Yes. I mean, if you don't regularly, I remember I mean, you could easily bring a Bible and not be a Bible reader. It could become a religious thing of like, I want to make a show of having my Bible so people can see it. That's that's obviously that's not the posture of our hearts. But maybe if you regularly read on a device. Maybe make a habit of of reading on an actual Bible. If you read your Bible at work, maybe instead of having it on your phone, maybe you do have an actual Bible so that that could perhaps spark conversation.

So let's take that to heart that the the encouragement to be ready to engage with people around the Bible. And I think you want to do this in a very organic way. You know, I think there was a time where it was like, and I'm all for things like, bring your Bible to school day. I, I'm a big supporter of that. So I want to say that up front, but I think we have to have the right heart and intent behind it. Yes. I mean, if you don't regularly, I remember I mean, you could easily bring a Bible and not be a Bible reader. It could become a religious thing of like, I want to make a show of having my Bible so people can see it. That's that's obviously that's not the posture of our hearts. But maybe if you regularly read on a device. Maybe make a habit of of reading on an actual Bible. If you read your Bible at work, maybe instead of having it on your phone, maybe you do have an actual Bible so that that could perhaps spark conversation.

Yeah, because if you got it on your phone, I mean, that's great. I have it on my phone, but people can't tell what's on your phone unless they're standing behind your shoulder and watching you. And so. So yeah, I think having the Bible is a is a great way to start conversations. But then you gotta you gotta live like you're holding a Bible too.

Yeah, because if you got it on your phone, I mean, that's great. I have it on my phone, but people can't tell what's on your phone unless they're standing behind your shoulder and watching you. And so. So yeah, I think having the Bible is a is a great way to start conversations. But then you gotta you gotta live like you're holding a Bible too.

So careful.

So careful.

That's a that's part two of this. Hey, I'm Ali, this is Carlin crew. What do you think about this increase in Bible sales? Have you seen people asking Bible questions your way?

That's a that's part two of this. Hey, I'm Ali, this is Carlin crew. What do you think about this increase in Bible sales? Have you seen people asking Bible questions your way?

You're listening to Carlin crew on Moody Radio.

You're listening to Carlin crew on Moody Radio.

Well, we are less than a week away from Christmas, and for many people, that brings a sense of excitement. It's coming. And for some people, it brings a sense of, oh boy. It's coming. It's talking to somebody yesterday. And she's she goes, are you ready for Christmas? And I had a bit of a mixed well.

Well, we are less than a week away from Christmas, and for many people, that brings a sense of excitement. It's coming. And for some people, it brings a sense of, oh boy. It's coming. It's talking to somebody yesterday. And she's she goes, are you ready for Christmas? And I had a bit of a mixed well.

Not particularly as.

Not particularly as.

Far as the gift giving and the shopping and the wrapping and the that stuff. No, not quite there yet. I actually made my first gift purchase yesterday.

Far as the gift giving and the shopping and the wrapping and the that stuff. No, not quite there yet. I actually made my first gift purchase yesterday.

First your first gift purchase yesterday.

First your first gift purchase yesterday.

Yeah, I'm a little bit. I heard that.

Yeah, I'm a little bit. I heard that.

Right. Just a wee.

Right. Just a wee.

Bit. Just a wee bit behind.

Bit. Just a wee bit behind.

I'm a little behind this year. Then I'm a little behind this year. But I'm going to get caught up.

I'm a little behind this year. Then I'm a little behind this year. But I'm going to get caught up.

It's not going through Amazon.

It's not going through Amazon.

I know, I know that's going to slow things down.

I know, I know that's going to slow things down.

Strikes her out Jonathan. Yeah, thanks.

Strikes her out Jonathan. Yeah, thanks.

For that encouragement. You're welcome. I want to share with you what was on my heart yesterday. I attended a funeral for a beloved member of the church that I attend here on the northwest side of Chicago, a man named Freddie who was loved by so many in our church. And when I think of Freddie, Freddie was a big teddy bear of a man, and to know him was to love him. He grew up in Chicago, in a neighborhood where gang life was the norm for a young man, unfortunately, and he got involved in gangs when he was, I think, 8 or 9 years old and all of the life that came with that. His, his days as a young man in his teen and young adult years, he would be the first one to tell you that he did a lot of things and he was not proud of. I had the opportunity to interview Freddie and write a feature story about his life a couple years ago, and so I got to know him pretty well. And the man he was once he was transformed by Christ was just so remarkable. And the remarkable thing is, I sat there yesterday as we collectively celebrated its life. And I looked at the rows of young people. He had a lot of nieces and nephews, and he always he would always share stories about his nieces and nephews. He'd stop me and he goes, oh, you, I got to tell you about. And he'd whatever name that he would fill in or he'd he was always trying to bring them to church. And he was so, so loved God and so loved people. He was a faithful servant. He served in the parking ministry, in the Security Ministry. He would there was a time when he would drive a bus from the north side of Chicago, all the way to the south side of Chicago, to pick up a group of kids from a particular school, and he would drive them. He would drive an hour in traffic to get them, and then drive an hour back to get them to youth group. And then when service was over, he if needed, he'd even turn around and drive it again so that they could get back home. That's just the kind of man that he was. He always had a story. He always had a smile. He even I have. I forgot about this on my desk right now. I have a book that he gave me, a book of dad jokes because he knew I did this dad joke segment. So he got this book that he found on a book, a whole book of dad jokes, and he got it to a friend of his who he knew would see me at church on a Sunday. And she she came and found me. She was like, I've been carrying this around. Freddy said to give you this book. Freddy wanted me to give you this book.

For that encouragement. You're welcome. I want to share with you what was on my heart yesterday. I attended a funeral for a beloved member of the church that I attend here on the northwest side of Chicago, a man named Freddie who was loved by so many in our church. And when I think of Freddie, Freddie was a big teddy bear of a man, and to know him was to love him. He grew up in Chicago, in a neighborhood where gang life was the norm for a young man, unfortunately, and he got involved in gangs when he was, I think, 8 or 9 years old and all of the life that came with that. His, his days as a young man in his teen and young adult years, he would be the first one to tell you that he did a lot of things and he was not proud of. I had the opportunity to interview Freddie and write a feature story about his life a couple years ago, and so I got to know him pretty well. And the man he was once he was transformed by Christ was just so remarkable. And the remarkable thing is, I sat there yesterday as we collectively celebrated its life. And I looked at the rows of young people. He had a lot of nieces and nephews, and he always he would always share stories about his nieces and nephews. He'd stop me and he goes, oh, you, I got to tell you about. And he'd whatever name that he would fill in or he'd he was always trying to bring them to church. And he was so, so loved God and so loved people. He was a faithful servant. He served in the parking ministry, in the Security Ministry. He would there was a time when he would drive a bus from the north side of Chicago, all the way to the south side of Chicago, to pick up a group of kids from a particular school, and he would drive them. He would drive an hour in traffic to get them, and then drive an hour back to get them to youth group. And then when service was over, he if needed, he'd even turn around and drive it again so that they could get back home. That's just the kind of man that he was. He always had a story. He always had a smile. He even I have. I forgot about this on my desk right now. I have a book that he gave me, a book of dad jokes because he knew I did this dad joke segment. So he got this book that he found on a book, a whole book of dad jokes, and he got it to a friend of his who he knew would see me at church on a Sunday. And she she came and found me. She was like, I've been carrying this around. Freddy said to give you this book. Freddy wanted me to give you this book.

That's so great.

That's so great.

And once I got the book, I happened to see him in service, and he just walked by and he saw that I had the book, and he smiled, and he just was so faithful. And I think funerals are such a there's so many emotions, obviously, around the loss of a, of someone that's near and dear to you. But as I sat there and it was truly a celebration of the impact that he had made on so many people through in the simplest ways, Freddy was a very simple man. He wasn't a man of a lot of means. he. There wasn't a lot of fanfare. He was kind of a what you see is what you get kind of guy. But I thought, what a powerful impact. He lived simply by loving God and loving people. And you hear that? And it sounds kind of trite. It sounds cliche, but he but it's the when you boil down life. Isn't that what it is? The love, the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and love your neighbor as yourself. When you boil it down, it's all that matters. And that's what he did. And I thought, boy, he's left such a legacy. He's got rows of family members who know those two things about him. Even if they didn't know his whole backstory, all that he'd been through, they knew those two things, that he loved them and that he loved Jesus. He was always trying to get people to church. He was always trying to get people to talk to the pastor. He got a job. He was out of work for a season. The pastor was telling him kind of a funny story. We all chuckled as he told about the time he got a job, and he was very thankful to get this job because of his tough background. He had, you know, a record that would make make employment difficult in some ways. But he got this job and shortly after he said, pastor, I'm going to have to tell him I can't work on Sundays. They got me working weekends. That's not going to work. Like, oh, okay, Freddy, let's let's just got this job. I can't work Sundays. So he went and he talked to him. They said, we'll make the exception for you. We don't have to work Sundays. Then a little bit more time passed and he said, pastor got a problem. They got me working Tuesday nights. I got to I got to be at the prayer meeting. It's like, whoa, Freddy, let's not be asking too much. Came back. I'll be back at the prayer meeting. They're letting me off on Tuesday nights.

And once I got the book, I happened to see him in service, and he just walked by and he saw that I had the book, and he smiled, and he just was so faithful. And I think funerals are such a there's so many emotions, obviously, around the loss of a, of someone that's near and dear to you. But as I sat there and it was truly a celebration of the impact that he had made on so many people through in the simplest ways, Freddy was a very simple man. He wasn't a man of a lot of means. he. There wasn't a lot of fanfare. He was kind of a what you see is what you get kind of guy. But I thought, what a powerful impact. He lived simply by loving God and loving people. And you hear that? And it sounds kind of trite. It sounds cliche, but he but it's the when you boil down life. Isn't that what it is? The love, the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and love your neighbor as yourself. When you boil it down, it's all that matters. And that's what he did. And I thought, boy, he's left such a legacy. He's got rows of family members who know those two things about him. Even if they didn't know his whole backstory, all that he'd been through, they knew those two things, that he loved them and that he loved Jesus. He was always trying to get people to church. He was always trying to get people to talk to the pastor. He got a job. He was out of work for a season. The pastor was telling him kind of a funny story. We all chuckled as he told about the time he got a job, and he was very thankful to get this job because of his tough background. He had, you know, a record that would make make employment difficult in some ways. But he got this job and shortly after he said, pastor, I'm going to have to tell him I can't work on Sundays. They got me working weekends. That's not going to work. Like, oh, okay, Freddy, let's let's just got this job. I can't work Sundays. So he went and he talked to him. They said, we'll make the exception for you. We don't have to work Sundays. Then a little bit more time passed and he said, pastor got a problem. They got me working Tuesday nights. I got to I got to be at the prayer meeting. It's like, whoa, Freddy, let's not be asking too much. Came back. I'll be back at the prayer meeting. They're letting me off on Tuesday nights.

That's awesome.

That's awesome.

It was a joy to be able to be in a room full of people celebrating Freddie's life. And I want to share a story with you, because I think Freddie's life is worth reading about. It's worth emulating. And so I want I want to share this with you. Um, this was done a couple of years ago. Just a just a feature writing piece all about him, because I thought his story needed to be told. And I want to share it with you today in honor and in memory and celebration of my friend Freddie. So if you want to read it, text life to 800 555 7898. If you'd like to read this story, just text life to 800 555 7898.

It was a joy to be able to be in a room full of people celebrating Freddie's life. And I want to share a story with you, because I think Freddie's life is worth reading about. It's worth emulating. And so I want I want to share this with you. Um, this was done a couple of years ago. Just a just a feature writing piece all about him, because I thought his story needed to be told. And I want to share it with you today in honor and in memory and celebration of my friend Freddie. So if you want to read it, text life to 800 555 7898. If you'd like to read this story, just text life to 800 555 7898.

Good morning, I'm Jonathan, and hey, let's get you updated with a couple quick headlines to have this morning. President elect Donald Trump is opposing the bipartisan funding bill that would prevent a government shutdown. Members of Congress announced Tuesday a deal had been reached to keep the government open until March 14th. However, Trump and Vance have released a joint statement criticizing the bill, jeopardizing its prospects in the Republican controlled House. Surprisingly, Trump also demanded the bill include the debt ceiling increase, which neither party had been considering in the bill, saying, quote, it's not great, but we'd rather do it on Biden's watch. The US Supreme Court will hear arguments over the upcoming TikTok ban, the law that requires ByteDance to either sell the app or be banned in the US is set to go into effect on January 19th. The company is asking the Supreme Court to block the law while it appeals a lower court ruling that upheld it. Oral arguments are set for January 10th. President elect Trump has signaled he may intervene and stop the ban once he has been sworn back into office. I'm Jonathan, that is your update.

Good morning, I'm Jonathan, and hey, let's get you updated with a couple quick headlines to have this morning. President elect Donald Trump is opposing the bipartisan funding bill that would prevent a government shutdown. Members of Congress announced Tuesday a deal had been reached to keep the government open until March 14th. However, Trump and Vance have released a joint statement criticizing the bill, jeopardizing its prospects in the Republican controlled House. Surprisingly, Trump also demanded the bill include the debt ceiling increase, which neither party had been considering in the bill, saying, quote, it's not great, but we'd rather do it on Biden's watch. The US Supreme Court will hear arguments over the upcoming TikTok ban, the law that requires ByteDance to either sell the app or be banned in the US is set to go into effect on January 19th. The company is asking the Supreme Court to block the law while it appeals a lower court ruling that upheld it. Oral arguments are set for January 10th. President elect Trump has signaled he may intervene and stop the ban once he has been sworn back into office. I'm Jonathan, that is your update.

Thanks young Thunder. Well, we're talking about Christmas music this week, and maybe you have a favorite song, the songs that you like to hear. Uh, I got a trivia question for you, though. If you were to just choose from Christmas music and you needed to pick a song where all you would get was the lyrics to that song to effectively communicate the gospel with someone. What? What song would you pick? What song? What Christmas song do you think most effectively communicates the gospel? First person to get this right will get a prize pack. Text us your guests to 800 555 7898. If you have listened to other parts of the morning and have already heard the correct answer, let someone else grab this up. But if you're hearing this for the first time, text us your answer to 800 555 7898. Immediately your wheels start to turn and you think, okay, O Holy night, the stars are brightly shining and you start to think, because all of.

Thanks young Thunder. Well, we're talking about Christmas music this week, and maybe you have a favorite song, the songs that you like to hear. Uh, I got a trivia question for you, though. If you were to just choose from Christmas music and you needed to pick a song where all you would get was the lyrics to that song to effectively communicate the gospel with someone. What? What song would you pick? What song? What Christmas song do you think most effectively communicates the gospel? First person to get this right will get a prize pack. Text us your guests to 800 555 7898. If you have listened to other parts of the morning and have already heard the correct answer, let someone else grab this up. But if you're hearing this for the first time, text us your answer to 800 555 7898. Immediately your wheels start to turn and you think, okay, O Holy night, the stars are brightly shining and you start to think, because all of.

Play through lyrics.

Play through lyrics.

All of the Christmas songs are telling a story.

All of the Christmas songs are telling a story.

Sure. And part of the gospel for sure. But I mean, there are a lot of Christmas songs that focus mainly on the birth without getting into the rest of it. So I think there's an objective answer here.

Sure. And part of the gospel for sure. But I mean, there are a lot of Christmas songs that focus mainly on the birth without getting into the rest of it. So I think there's an objective answer here.

This song captures the what happened, the birth, but what it gets to that I think is so powerful. And I'll explain more coming up. It gets to the why not just the what happened, but the why and what does it mean for me? What song captures that? 800 555 7898. I think you're going to love this. The story behind this particular Christmas song is coming up.

This song captures the what happened, the birth, but what it gets to that I think is so powerful. And I'll explain more coming up. It gets to the why not just the what happened, but the why and what does it mean for me? What song captures that? 800 555 7898. I think you're going to love this. The story behind this particular Christmas song is coming up.

Your shot of hope to help you through the day. This is Carl and crew on Moody Radio.

Your shot of hope to help you through the day. This is Carl and crew on Moody Radio.

Hey, I'm Ali, this is Carl and crew. Mornings I put a question out there for you. If you had only the lyrics of a popular Christmas song to draw from, to share the gospel with someone who had never heard it before, what song would you pick? Put a little bit of a trivia question. The correct answer to this question is Hark the herald angels sing.

Hey, I'm Ali, this is Carl and crew. Mornings I put a question out there for you. If you had only the lyrics of a popular Christmas song to draw from, to share the gospel with someone who had never heard it before, what song would you pick? Put a little bit of a trivia question. The correct answer to this question is Hark the herald angels sing.

Okay, I guess I don't know the lyrics that well.

Okay, I guess I don't know the lyrics that well.

Yes. And as we are marching through some of these popular Christmas songs and learning the story behind the song, I've done quite a bit of digging this week on both the historical who wrote it, what was happening in the world when they when they wrote it. Was it a poem? Did it start as. This is a fascinating one, and not so much because of how it came to be, but because of the power of the lyrics. Hark! The herald angels sing. I want to break it down a little bit for you first. Hark! Listen. That's what it means. It literally means listen. So if you were to see that written out, it should say Hark, comma, the Herald. Like, listen.

Yes. And as we are marching through some of these popular Christmas songs and learning the story behind the song, I've done quite a bit of digging this week on both the historical who wrote it, what was happening in the world when they when they wrote it. Was it a poem? Did it start as. This is a fascinating one, and not so much because of how it came to be, but because of the power of the lyrics. Hark! The herald angels sing. I want to break it down a little bit for you first. Hark! Listen. That's what it means. It literally means listen. So if you were to see that written out, it should say Hark, comma, the Herald. Like, listen.

Gotcha. I didn't know.

Gotcha. I didn't know.

That. Listen. The Herald angels sing. And contrary to what some Google searchers have, there was, you know, you can type in something and see what other people have searched for. And so when I was looking up this song, one popular search is Who is Harold the Angel? Which at first, you know, I thought, oh, okay. That's I can understand why someone would would think that like that. Maybe in Scripture there's an angel named Harold with the first name Harold.

That. Listen. The Herald angels sing. And contrary to what some Google searchers have, there was, you know, you can type in something and see what other people have searched for. And so when I was looking up this song, one popular search is Who is Harold the Angel? Which at first, you know, I thought, oh, okay. That's I can understand why someone would would think that like that. Maybe in Scripture there's an angel named Harold with the first name Harold.

I wish there was.

I wish there was.

That's so. Hark! The Herald. Herald with an e. Harold is a messenger. And you think about all of the newspapers that use like we in our, in our listening area or in our, in the Chicagoland area have a newspaper called the Daily Herald that is in the, I think, the northwest suburbs of Chicago. But Harold is a is a popular part of a newspaper title because it means messenger. So hark, listen the herald, the messenger, angels sing. And what are they singing? Will you go to Luke 213 through 14? Here's the verse. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased. This song originally written by Charles Wesley. He was an English Methodist leader and hymn writer, brother of the famous John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, and he wrote it. Charles Wesley wrote it as a poem to be read on Christmas Day, later adapted and turned into a song in the 1700s by George Whitefield. But if you really start to break down the lyrics of the song, the gospel comes forth so clearly in these, particularly two of these stanzas. And so I want to add verses, since it's a song, I want to read this to you. Hark! The herald angels sing. Glory to the newborn King. Peace on earth and mercy mild. God and sinners reconciled. Huh? God and sinners reconciled. Let's go to second Corinthians 518 through 19 says, all this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation that is, in Christ. God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. So already four lines in, and you have the purpose for why Jesus was born as a baby in a manger. Why? Because God and sinners needed reconciliation. You need reconciliation when there's a separation, right? Yeah. Song goes on. Joyful, all ye nations rise. Join the triumph of the skies with angelic host proclaim Christ is born in Bethlehem, then this is you jump down to. Depending on how many verses your particular version plays, this is maybe the second or third one. Listen to this. Hail the heaven born Prince of Peace. Hail the sun of righteousness, light and life to all he brings. Risen with healing in his wings mild he lays his glory by. Born that man no more may die. Born to raise the sons of earth. Born to give them second birth. So we have the reconciliation of God and sinners. We have him coming to bring healing. He comes. That man no more may die. Eternal life, right? Salvation born to raise the sons of earth. Born to give them second birth. Born again. This song, this Christmas song. Think about the amount of times People maybe stand in a service, or maybe just in a secular gathering. Stand and sing this. These words. Born that man no more may die. Born to raise the sons of earth. Born to give them second birth. Wow.

That's so. Hark! The Herald. Herald with an e. Harold is a messenger. And you think about all of the newspapers that use like we in our, in our listening area or in our, in the Chicagoland area have a newspaper called the Daily Herald that is in the, I think, the northwest suburbs of Chicago. But Harold is a is a popular part of a newspaper title because it means messenger. So hark, listen the herald, the messenger, angels sing. And what are they singing? Will you go to Luke 213 through 14? Here's the verse. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased. This song originally written by Charles Wesley. He was an English Methodist leader and hymn writer, brother of the famous John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, and he wrote it. Charles Wesley wrote it as a poem to be read on Christmas Day, later adapted and turned into a song in the 1700s by George Whitefield. But if you really start to break down the lyrics of the song, the gospel comes forth so clearly in these, particularly two of these stanzas. And so I want to add verses, since it's a song, I want to read this to you. Hark! The herald angels sing. Glory to the newborn King. Peace on earth and mercy mild. God and sinners reconciled. Huh? God and sinners reconciled. Let's go to second Corinthians 518 through 19 says, all this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation that is, in Christ. God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. So already four lines in, and you have the purpose for why Jesus was born as a baby in a manger. Why? Because God and sinners needed reconciliation. You need reconciliation when there's a separation, right? Yeah. Song goes on. Joyful, all ye nations rise. Join the triumph of the skies with angelic host proclaim Christ is born in Bethlehem, then this is you jump down to. Depending on how many verses your particular version plays, this is maybe the second or third one. Listen to this. Hail the heaven born Prince of Peace. Hail the sun of righteousness, light and life to all he brings. Risen with healing in his wings mild he lays his glory by. Born that man no more may die. Born to raise the sons of earth. Born to give them second birth. So we have the reconciliation of God and sinners. We have him coming to bring healing. He comes. That man no more may die. Eternal life, right? Salvation born to raise the sons of earth. Born to give them second birth. Born again. This song, this Christmas song. Think about the amount of times People maybe stand in a service, or maybe just in a secular gathering. Stand and sing this. These words. Born that man no more may die. Born to raise the sons of earth. Born to give them second birth. Wow.

Yeah. I guess it never really. No, I never thought about it.

Yeah. I guess it never really. No, I never thought about it.

This is.

This is.

Deep, very deep.

Deep, very deep.

Rich theology. And I don't know about you, but when I really started looking at this yesterday, I started to get really excited that this is what we're singing about. Because, like yesterday, for some reason, the songs that I've landed on to talk about this week, they aren't the songs that I feel like get all of the love in terms of people just liking to sing them or hear them. Yeah, true. But they're certainly ones that are well known where the lyrics have been absorbed over many years of hearing it. I had no idea that this much theology was in this song.

Rich theology. And I don't know about you, but when I really started looking at this yesterday, I started to get really excited that this is what we're singing about. Because, like yesterday, for some reason, the songs that I've landed on to talk about this week, they aren't the songs that I feel like get all of the love in terms of people just liking to sing them or hear them. Yeah, true. But they're certainly ones that are well known where the lyrics have been absorbed over many years of hearing it. I had no idea that this much theology was in this song.

Me neither.

Me neither.

That literally. What's laid out? God and sinners reconciled. That's what we've been singing. God and sinners.

That literally. What's laid out? God and sinners reconciled. That's what we've been singing. God and sinners.

You know the tune.

You know the tune.

Child and joyful.

Child and joyful.

I'll keep going. Just keep going.

I'll keep going. Just keep going.

My goodness. And then when you get to that risen with healing in his wings, light and life to all he brings. That's why he came. We needed reconciliation because we were sinners separated from God. He came with healing in his wings. And then there's a note on this mild mercy. Peace on earth and mercy mild. You think about. Yes. He came to bring peace on earth, but mercy mild. Think about the mild mercy that's extended to us. That what we deserve is the wrath of God because of our sin. But what's offered is this mild, compassionate, powerful, infinite mercy to reconcile sinners with a holy God.

My goodness. And then when you get to that risen with healing in his wings, light and life to all he brings. That's why he came. We needed reconciliation because we were sinners separated from God. He came with healing in his wings. And then there's a note on this mild mercy. Peace on earth and mercy mild. You think about. Yes. He came to bring peace on earth, but mercy mild. Think about the mild mercy that's extended to us. That what we deserve is the wrath of God because of our sin. But what's offered is this mild, compassionate, powerful, infinite mercy to reconcile sinners with a holy God.

This is curling crew on Moody Radio.

This is curling crew on Moody Radio.

Loved digging into the lyrics and the backstory of these popular Christmas songs today. Hark! The Herald angels sing getting lots of feedback from you. Uh, if you want more on this, there's a great article. If you want to check it out, maybe share it with, uh, with a friend. Just text song to 800 555 7898. Text song to 800 555 7898. This is an essay written by modern hymn writer named Keith Getty. You probably know Keith and Kirsten Getty write powerful songs, but he he dug into some of these Christmas songs to pull out some of the theology. He's done a great work here. Just text the word song to 800 555 7898. Song to 800 555 7898.

Loved digging into the lyrics and the backstory of these popular Christmas songs today. Hark! The Herald angels sing getting lots of feedback from you. Uh, if you want more on this, there's a great article. If you want to check it out, maybe share it with, uh, with a friend. Just text song to 800 555 7898. Text song to 800 555 7898. This is an essay written by modern hymn writer named Keith Getty. You probably know Keith and Kirsten Getty write powerful songs, but he he dug into some of these Christmas songs to pull out some of the theology. He's done a great work here. Just text the word song to 800 555 7898. Song to 800 555 7898.