Episodes

  • The Battle Ground Of The Ordinary Song
    Feb 16 2026

    The Battle Ground Of The Ordinary Song

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    4 mins
  • In this episode of "An Ordinary Man," host Jim Wining discusses the meaning of the ⁠American Dream⁠ and how it is modeled through American football and the Super Bowl.
    Feb 14 2026
    Wining clarifies that he uses the term "ordinary man" to refer to everyday people who are not famous movie stars, politicians, or billionaires. He includes professionals like plumbers, electricians, teachers, and pastors in this category—normal citizens who do exceptional work without the "flash" of celebrity 01:12 Opens in a new window .To Wining, the American Dream is fundamentally about achieving a better way of life. Key components include:A safe place to live and start a family 02:54 Opens in a new window .The ability to own a home and accumulate wealth through hard work 03:23 Opens in a new window .Opportunities for children to advance through education 05:25 Opens in a new window .He notes that despite different backgrounds—whether families came as immigrants, indentured servants, or slaves—everyone has made sacrifices for a "chance to be better off" 04:47 Opens in a new window .Wining uses American football as a symbolic model for the values required to attain the American Dream 06:11 Opens in a new window :Hard Work: Representing the physical and mental effort needed for success 07:00 Opens in a new window .Perseverance: The commitment to perform day after day 07:18 Opens in a new window .Teamwork: Cooperation and unity in a diverse society 07:44 Opens in a new window .Reward: Recognition of excellence and the resulting financial and personal benefits 08:08 Opens in a new window .The Super Bowl represents the "best of the best" competing 10:13 Opens in a new window . Wining reflects on the tradition of halftime shows as "cement between the bricks" that should celebrate patriotism, veterans, and outstanding citizens 12:14 Opens in a new window . He concludes by asking viewers to objectively consider whether recent halftime performances (referencing "Super Bowl 60") truly reflect these unifying American values 13:52 Opens in a new window .Defining "An Ordinary Man"The Essence of the American DreamFootball as a Model of the DreamReflections on Super Bowl HalftimesWining clarifies that he uses the term "ordinary man" to refer to everyday people who are not famous movie stars, politicians, or billionaires. He includes professionals like plumbers, electricians, teachers, and pastors in this category—normal citizens who do exceptional work without the "flash" of celebrity 01:12 Opens in a new window .To Wining, the American Dream is fundamentally about achieving a better way of life. Key components include:A safe place to live and start a family 02:54 Opens in a new window .The ability to own a home and accumulate wealth through hard work 03:23 Opens in a new window .Opportunities for children to advance through education 05:25 Opens in a new window .He notes that despite different backgrounds—whether families came as immigrants, indentured servants, or slaves—everyone has made sacrifices for a "chance to be better off" 04:47 Opens in a new window .Wining uses American football as a symbolic model for the values required to attain the American Dream 06:11 Opens in a new window :Hard Work: Representing the physical and mental effort needed for success 07:00 Opens in a new window .Perseverance: The commitment to perform day after day 07:18 Opens in a new window .Teamwork: Cooperation and unity in a diverse society 07:44 Opens in a new window .Reward: Recognition of excellence and the resulting financial and personal benefits 08:08 Opens in a new window .The Super Bowl represents the "best of the best" competing 10:13 Opens in a new window . Wining reflects on the tradition of halftime shows as "cement between the bricks" that should celebrate patriotism, veterans, and outstanding citizens 12:14 Opens in a new window . He concludes by asking viewers to objectively consider whether recent halftime performances (referencing "Super Bowl 60") truly reflect these unifying American values 13:52 Opens in a new window .
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    16 mins
  • ⁠"Four Words for Unity," "An Ordinary Man," Jim Wining
    Jan 30 2026

    "Four Words for Unity," "An Ordinary Man," Jim Wining, host Jim Wining explores the concept of unity as a foundation for a stable and fulfilling life. He emphasizes that society is made up of individuals, not groups, and that achieving unity is a personal responsibility rooted in biblical principles.

    Wining explains that when unity is achieved, four essential "ingredients" manifest in a person's life:

    • Peace: Relationships shift from being hostile or combative to having a peaceful sentiment 01:05 Opens in a new window .

    • Security: This includes protection from enemies and the "security of agreement," where there is a clear understanding of what is shared and what is personal 01:24 Opens in a new window .

    • Financial Protection: Peace brings a level of financial security that helps preserve homes, savings, and businesses for future generations 01:43 Opens in a new window .

    • Emotional Stability: Hostility and violence become the exception rather than the rule, leading to a state of mind where individuals feel a sense of purpose and comfort in helping others 02:20 Opens in a new window .

    To reach this state of unity, Wining recaps four defining words:

    1. Unity: The ultimate goal and "top word" 11:02 Opens in a new window .

    2. Offer: Referring to the "Jesus offer" found in His final prayer for unity (John 17), which offers peace, love, and security 11:05 Opens in a new window .

    3. Work: Unity requires active effort in pursuing love, truth, and understanding others 11:22 Opens in a new window .

    4. Forgive: The final essential piece is the willingness to forgive the "trespasses" of others as you seek forgiveness for your own 11:51 Opens in a new window .

    The teaching is centered on John 17, the last prayer of Jesus, where He prayed for His followers to be one 03:57 Opens in a new window . Wining emphasizes that unity is built through:

    • Love: Following the commandments to love God and love your neighbor as yourself 05:04 Opens in a new window .

    • Truth and Holiness: When these two abide together, deceptive and "sneaky" behavior is eliminated 05:50 Opens in a new window .

    • Individual Action: Wining stresses that it is up to each person to offer the "branch of unity" to impact their community and the world 12:50 Opens in a new window .

    The Four Outcomes of UnityThe Four Key Words to Achieve UnityThe Biblical Foundation

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    18 mins
  • ⁠"What makes a good President," "An Ordinary Man," Jim Wining⁠,.
    Jan 28 2026

    "What makes a good President," "An Ordinary Man," Jim Wining,.

    Jim Wining explores four core characteristics he believes are essential for a successful U.S. President. These qualities are illustrated through historical figures from the last 125 years and are grounded in what he calls a "Christian thread" of service, love, and peace.

    • Leadership (Theodore Roosevelt): Wining identifies Theodore Roosevelt as the embodiment of leadership. He highlights Roosevelt's independent decision to send the U.S. Navy around the world to assert American power, even when faced with financial opposition from his own party.

    • Unity (Adlai Stevenson II): Adlai Stevenson II is presented as a figure of poise, dignity, and unity. Wining specifically references Stevenson's famous 1960s UN speech during the Cuban Missile Crisis as a defining moment that helped unify the American people.

    • Inspiration/Hope (John F. Kennedy): John F. Kennedy is credited with the essential ability to motivate citizens and provide hope for a better future, even in difficult circumstances.

    • Compromise (Hubert Humphrey): Hubert Humphrey is cited for his mastery of compromise and his ability to find middle ground. Wining notes that this skill was instrumental in passing significant legislation, such as civil rights laws.

    Wining emphasizes that these four secular traits must be driven by a "servant’s heart". He argues that a truly effective president must:

    • Prioritize serving the country over being served.

    • Believe in and actively seek peace.

    • Operate with a "Christian thread" characterized by love and peacefulness.

    The video concludes by posing a question to the audience: whether Donald Trump meets these four standards while maintaining a peaceful and loving Christian heart.

    The Four Core CharacteristicsThe Spiritual Foundation

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    18 mins
  • "An Ordinary Man," looks at the abnormal behavior in America. He sums it with subjects and issues which God could help with.
    Jan 18 2026

    "An Ordinary Man," looks at abnormality in America, host Jim Wining discusses what he perceives as a shift toward "abnormal" behavior in modern society compared to the activism he witnessed in the 1960s.Key Topics Discussed:Supreme Court and Identity: Wining expresses confusion over recent Supreme Court discussions regarding the definitions of man and woman, which he believes should be simple concepts 00:46Opens in a new window. Comparison to the 1960s: He reflects on his youth during the 1960s, noting that protests then were focused on "real issues" like civil rights and discrimination 01:31Opens in a new window.Law Enforcement and ICE: The host criticizes protesters who block ICE agents from performing their duties, specifically mentioning a tragic incident involving a young lady killed during a confrontation with law enforcement 07:49Opens in a new window.Financial Fraud: He mentions reports of daycare centers in Minnesota allegedly misusing millions of dollars in taxpayer funds 11:46Opens in a new window.Foreign Policy: Wining shares concerns about the U.S. acting as a "world monitor," drawing parallels between current events in Venezuela and his personal experiences with the Vietnam War 05:30Opens in a new window.The Proposed Solution:Wining concludes by suggesting that the "only answer" to ending this disharmony is through Jesus Christ 14:02Opens in a new window. He encourages viewers to:Love and care for one another despite differing opinions 14:13Opens in a new window.Perform simple acts of service, such as handing out coffee to both protesters and police, to de-escalate tension 15:09Opens in a new window.Step in with understanding to help end "abnormal" behaviors and restore the country 16:19Opens in a new window

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    17 mins
  • "An Ordinary Man," host Jim Wining discusses "The Christian Way" and evaluates how different economic systems align with Christian values
    Jan 18 2026

    In this video from the series "An Ordinary Man," host Jim Wining discusses "The Christian Way" and evaluates how different economic systems align with Christian values.

    Overview of Economic Systems

    Wining compares three primary economic systems based on how they impact individual freedom and the ability to practice faith:Communism: Described as a system of "total control" where the government owns everything 01:29Opens in a new window.

    He argues it puts people in a position of "diminished capacity" with no individual authority 01:05Opens in a new window.

    Socialism: Characterized as collective ownership of major production (like energy and food) 02:01Opens in a new window.

    While it allows for some private property, he claims it leaves individual rights "in the sand" and can easily abolish private ownership 02:26Opens in a new window.

    Capitalism: Defined as "free enterprise" where individuals determine their own value and make their own decisions 03:00Opens in a new window.

    He views this as the opposite of the other two systems because it rejects government as the best source for decision-making 03:25Opens in a new window.

    The Connection to ChristianityThe speaker concludes that Capitalism is the most compatible system with Christianity for several reasons:Freedom of Choice: He emphasizes that God gave humans the "right of choice," particularly the individual choice to follow Jesus Christ 03:48Opens in a new window.

    He argues that systems which limit individual choices (like Communism and Socialism) interfere with this spiritual autonomy 04:22Opens in a new window.

    Individual Liberty: He links the economic philosophy of capitalism to the constitutional freedoms of religion, speech, and assembly 04:38Opens in a new window.

    These freedoms are seen as essential for practicing faith and assembling with other believers 05:35Opens in a new window.

    Priority of Family: Wining states that while Christianity and Capitalism foster the family unit, Communism and Socialism prioritize groups that the government can control, often discouraging traditional family structures 05:56Opens in a new window.

    Ultimately, he argues that capitalism is "favorable to Christianity" because it allows individuals the freedom to fulfill "God's opportunities" through faith, peace, and love 08:17Opens in a new window.

    What economic system fits with Christianity. Is it Communism, socialism or capitalism? Why do we care?The speaker explores the concept of living according to Christian values in everyday life.The video emphasizes that being a follower of Christ involves:Emulating the life of Jesus by practicing kindness, patience, and integrity.Integrating faith into one's daily routine, rather than just treating it as a Sunday activity.Finding purpose in simple, "ordinary" actions that reflect a commitment to spiritual principles.

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    9 mins
  • "An Ordinary Man," "The Listening Lesson," Jim Wining shares a personal story about purchasing a horse to illustrate the importance of paying close attention to details and listening carefully.
    Jan 18 2026

    When buying a horse Jim Wining learned to pay attention more closely to the details. Maybe we should also pay greater attention to the words of Jesus Christ and what specifically he prayed for in John 17."An Ordinary Man," "The Listening Lesson," Jim Wining shares a personal story about purchasing a horse to illustrate the importance of paying close attention to details and listening carefully.The Story of StockingsThe Purchase: About 30 years ago, Jim bought a gentle paint horse named Stockings. During the purchase, the previous owner mentioned he kept the horse in a corral and fed him only oats 01:42Opens in a new window.The Mistake: Jim assumed the owner was just being lazy and decided to let Stockings out into a lush green pasture to graze 02:33Opens in a new window.The Consequence: Within 24 hours, the horse began to "founder," a condition where the moisture in the grass caused him to become crippled 03:02Opens in a new window. Jim realized too late that the owner’s specific feeding routine was a necessity, not a preference 03:41Opens in a new window.The Lesson: For the next 25 years, Stockings had to live almost entirely in a corral. Jim reflects that he failed to pay attention to the underlying details of what the owner was telling him 03:52Opens in a new window.Spiritual ApplicationJim connects this experience to how Christians should approach the Bible:Pay Attention to Jesus' Words: He encourages listeners to look closely at the specific language used by Jesus in the scriptures 04:22Opens in a new window.Unity in Christ: Specifically referencing John 17, Jim highlights that Jesus' heart and final prayer were for believers to come together in unity 04:34Opens in a new window.Mission of Acts Ministry: He explains that his organization, Acts Media Group, is dedicated to advocating for this unity among all Christians through the Holy Spirit 04:43Opens in a new window.

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    6 mins
  • "An Ordinary Man," "Then and Now,", host Jim Wining explores the social and cultural shifts in America from the 1960s to the 2020s.
    Jan 18 2026

    The program traces developments from the 1960's to the 2020's . Jim Wining, Bishop/President of Acts Ministry, Inc. sets forth the topics of work, marriage, education, food, media and most importantly the church for its 2026 podcasts. Summarizing with, what has the Body of Christ (church)not done these past 60 years and what should it start doing now in 2026 to save our country and most importantly Christianity for the Return of Jesus."An Ordinary Man," "Then and Now,", host Jim Wining explores the social and cultural shifts in America from the 1960s to the 2020s. He argues that a decline in socialization and connection has led to the crumbling of society and calls for a restoration led by the "Body of Christ" in 2026.Key Societal Changes (1960s vs. 2020s)Wining highlights several areas where he believes American life has fundamentally changed:Workplace Socialization: In the 1960s, work was primarily in-office from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, fostering constant interaction. Today, over 30% of the workforce works remotely with minimal direct social connection.Education: While traditional K-12 schooling provided high social interaction, now nearly 25% of high school diplomas are completed online. He notes a similar loss of interaction in trade schools and colleges.Marriage and Family: The marriage rate for adults over 21 has plummeted from 72% in the 1960s to just 31% today.Home and Food: In the 60s, families ate roughly 80% of their meals at home, which served as a primary time for communication. Now, less than 20% of families eat together at home, which Wining says has nearly eliminated critical family communication.Media and Communication: Physical newspapers once served as tools for shared discussion. They have been replaced by the internet, which provides knowledge but lacks true connection and the sharing of ideas.The Role of the ChurchWining describes the church as the ultimate tool for American socialization and education:Attendance Decline: Church attendance has dropped from approximately 70% in the 1960s to roughly 32% today.Lost Functions: He believes this decline means 68% of the population is missing out on the church's core functions: education, correction, and socialization.Restoration Plan: Wining announces that his program in 2026 will focus on how Christians can fulfill their obligation as the "Body of Christ" to educate the youth and restore the American dream. He connects this effort to preparing for the return of Jesus Christ.

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    11 mins