Christ 2R Culture Podcast: Recent Episodes
Kurt Trucksess
It is all about Jesus! Dr. Kurt Trucksess is the Lead Pastor of CrossWinds - a multisite Evangelical Free Church in Spirit Lake and Spencer, IA. This channel carries his sermons and occasionally a little something special for those who connect via the Internet.
During World War II, the United States used remote islands in the South Pacific as part of their supply routes. The natives on the islands, who had never experienced modern civilization, were fascinated with the lighters that could instantly make fire, jeeps that could drive, and heavy equipment that could push down trees. When World War II ended, the Americans and their stuff disappeared as fast as it came. Since the Americans and their stuff came from the sky, many natives assumed they were gods and began worshipping them when they left. They prayed that the gods would return from the sky and bring them more stuff. While we find this amusing, that is the way many of us pray. We ask God to bring us more stuff. In 2 Thessalonians, we see how Paul prayed for the Thessalonians and what are the right things to ask God for.
In 2003, Governor George Ryan set free 160 inmates on death row. Among the criminals he set free was a couple who murdered a pregnant woman, killed her two children, and cut the baby out of her womb. His personal opposition to the death penalty and unilateral decision to abuse his power and set horrifying criminals on death row free left victims’ families outraged that there was no justice for their loved ones. As we continue our study in 2 Thessalonians, we find that this won’t happen with Jesus and that he will carry out just judgment when he returns.
Where are the biggest church buildings in the world located? They are not in America but in Nigeria. The Hand of God Cathedral is under construction. It will hold 120,000 people. The second-largest church building in the world is also under construction in Nigeria. It is known as the Ark and will hold 109,000. The third-largest church building in the world is completed. It is known as the Glory Dome and holds 100,000. You guessed it. It is also in Nigeria. Joel Ostein’s massive Lakewood church is the thirteenth largest church building in the world holding a mere 16,000. Are these the kind of churches that impressed the apostle Paul? Not according to 2 Thessalonians. Join us as we see the kind of church Paul boasted about and how we can become one.
We live in a conflict-saturated world. Nations are at war. Crime decimates our cities. The evening news features the ugly battle for the next election. While many lean into conflict, others seem to avoid most of it. How do they do that? When ancient Hebrews prepared their sons for leadership positions, they had them study the book of Proverbs to teach them how to work with people skillfully. In this study, we will learn what Proverbs teaches us about how to avoid conflict and successfully work with those different from us.
Outside of sleeping, we spend most of our lives working. Work gives us an identity and a purpose. God created us to work, but one of the ways sin influences our lives is by inducing us to be lazy instead of productive. Join us as we look at how laziness shows up in our lives and the payoff for diligence.
In our world, parents have an urgent job to prepare their children for life. After sharing the gospel, what should parents teach their children? In this message, we look through some of the lessons Solomon thought were essential to teach his son in the book of Proverbs so we can teach them to our children, too.
Today, many churches follow the social gospel and Critical Race Theory. Others ordain women pastors. Some no longer believe in the existence of hell. In this message, we share how CrossWinds Church relates to modern culture and the EFCA’s response to issues such as wokism, Critical Race Theory, Christian Nationalism, Egalitarianism, and other cultural trends.
At CrossWinds Church, our fourth core value is Family. Parents, not the church, are the most powerful voices for the gospel in children's lives. We are a church that helps parents teach their children about Jesus.
At CrossWinds Church, our second core value is Community. Relationships in the church are important. The way we love one another is one of the ways we reach our community with Jesus.
At CrossWinds Church, our first core value is the Bible. Join us to learn why we trust the Bible, how we teach the Bible, and why we love the Bible.
How important is a Christian’s attitude? We watch negative news. We work with whining people. It is easy to develop a negative attitude. God’s will is different. As Christians, we are to stand out because of the joy in our lives and the thankfulness of our words. Join us as we learn how to worship Jesus in our attitude.
What is God’s will in the church? Join us as we examine what Paul says about God's will for pastors and people and our responsibilities to one another.
How will the world end? Will it be due to climate change? Will it be from war in the Middle East? As Christians, what signs tell us the end is near? As we continue our study in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, we look at the end of the world and what the Bible says about Christians predicting and preparing for its arrival.
When a Christian dies, where do they go? When Jesus returns, what happens to a Christian’s body? Will the dead miss out on the glorious return of Jesus? These are some of the important questions Paul answers for the Thessalonians and us.
Harold Camping of Family Radio predicted that Christ’s return and the world’s end would occur in May 2011. In no surprise, he was wrong. In his enthusiasm for Christ’s return, he provoked people into selling their property, giving him millions of dollars, and making other foolish decisions. In spite of putting up over 5,000 billboards, his preoccupation with Christ’s return did more harm for the cause of Christ than good. How should we prepare for Christ’s return? If Jesus was to return in the next 5 years, what should we do today? In this study, we find the answer.
A common question for young adults is, “How far is too far when it comes to sex?” In this study, Paul answers that question and tells us how to pursue sexual purity in a sex-saturated world.
What does good spiritual leadership look like? In 1 Thessalonians 3, Paul gives us an X-ray of his heart, showing us his love for the Thessalonians. This window into Paul’s soul helps us understand what good spiritual leadership looks like in the church.
If Jesus didn’t rise from the dead, what happened on resurrection Sunday? Join us as we examine the last 2,000 years of alternative explanations for the resurrection and see how they ultimately prove Jesus’ resurrection is true.
Recently, my father went to the doctor for an X-ray. This gave the doctor a true picture of his bones. In 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20, Paul gives us an X-ray of his heart. We get a chance to see the heart of a good pastor. By seeing a good pastor, we can be a good pastor.
Have you squandered an opportunity? Have you seen someone so close to a good thing but miss it through a foolish decision? As we continue in 1 Thessalonians, Paul contrasts the Thessalonians and the Jews. One makes him glad as they embrace the gospel with limited opportunity, the other makes him sad as they reject it after countless chances to embrace it. Join us as we learn how to choose wisely with the gospel.
Today, most men are encouraged to be couch potatoes rather than bold leaders. There are plenty of manipulators, scammers, and those who lack character in positions of power. More acute than the leadership crisis in the world is the crisis of leadership we have in the church. Many of us don’t know what makes a good spiritual leader or how to be one. Join us as we learn what the gospel teaches about good spiritual leadership.
Artificial Intelligence makes it harder to distinguish between a deep fake and reality. It generates lifelike videos, where only experts can tell the difference between fantasy and reality. Deep fakes are nothing new when it comes to the Christian faith. Many claim to be saved by Christ but, over time, walk away from Him. How can we tell the difference between genuine faith and fake faith? Join us to learn the difference.
How do we handle the wounds of life? The world tells us to get even. Recently, a man in Colorado shot a dog to death because days earlier, it was in a fight with his dog, so he plotted revenge. War in the Middle East never ends because of a commitment to revenge instead of extending forgiveness. In this study, we look at what the Bible says about the aroma of forgiveness from the life of a Christian introduces people to Jesus.
When life is difficult, it is easy to become discouraged. We long for easier days. As Christians, when society is against us, it is tempting to think our relationship with Jesus will fade and the church will wilt. As we begin the book of 1 Thessalonians, we find the opposite is true. 1 Thessalonians is the story of healthy Christians and a thriving church in a city hostile to the gospel. Join us as we learn that God does some of his best work in us and through us when the world is against us.
David saved Israel from their enemies through the books of 1 and 2 Samuel. In the book’s closing chapter, we find one enemy from which David couldn’t save the nation. That was God and his just wrath against their sin. Join us as we finish the book and see the need for a better king named Jesus!
Zvika Greengold was celebrating Yom Kippur at his Israeli kibbutz when he heard the sound of a jet fighter. Realizing there would be no military exercises on a religious holiday, he turned on his radio and learned that Egypt and Syria sprung a surprise attack on Israel. It was October 6, 1973. As a reserve tank commander, Zvika ran to his tank and drove it to the Golan Heights. Force Zvika singlehandedly held back two thousand advancing Syrian tanks, giving the Israeli military enough time to mobilize. After 30 hours of fighting, Zvika emerged from his tank, burned, wounded, and too exhausted to walk after destroying forty tanks and thwarting five Syrian divisions. His sacrifice and courage saved the country. As we continue studying 2 Samuel, we meet the mighty men God put around David. We will learn of their heroic deeds and how God used them to save David and the kingdom. When God raises up a leader, thankfully, he also raises up a team.
Have you listened to a worship song and found your heart resonating with the song’s words about the goodness of God? Many of us know that experience. As the author of 2 Samuel prepared to draw his book to a close, he shared one of David’s final songs. It is a song where David looks back on his life and worships God for all the goodness shown to him. In the song, he answers the question, “What can we do to put ourselves in a position where we experience the abundant goodness of God?”
As we come to the last four chapters of 2 Samuel, instead of organizing themselves chronologically, they look back on David’s kingdom, God’s kingdom, and the relationship between them. Chapter 21 discusses some of life’s biggest questions, such as, “If there is a good God, why does he allow natural disaster and suffering?” Join us as we turn to the Bible for answers to some of life’s biggest questions.
Every election season politicians make promises. The promise to lower the debt, solve immigration, and reduce taxes while raising our benefits. What should we expect from our flawed leaders? As David's kingdom is restored after Absalom's coupe, we see the limits of human leaders and why Jesus is the better king we need.
In today's world, who can you trust? Stockbrokers don't always pick winners. Doctors make mistakes. Fortune tellers are virtually never reliable. Whose word is good? Is the Bible simply another authority we cannot trust? In this study, we examine what the Bible claims to be and do in our lives.
Jesus changed many things in this world. He changed education, medicine, science, civilization, arts, and politics. Most importantly, he came to change us. Jesus came to save us from our sin, to be the savior of the world. In our final message of this series, we look at how Jesus saves lives, and how he can save yours today.
The world into which Jesus was born was a harsh place. He was born in a stable because the inn had no room and people had no compassion. He grew up in poverty. He grew up in a world where the Roman government heavily taxed their people and crucified all who resisted. For entertainment, the Romans watched gladiators kill one another and animals dismember defenseless humans. The gothic tribes of Europe that eventually overran the Romans were not better. They practiced polygamy, blood sacrifices, and abandoning their children in the forest. They raped, killed, and burned everything and everyone they met. When Jesus came, the gospel message conquered Rome, conquered the barbaric tribes of Europe, and conquered the darkness of every culture it penetrated. Join us as we learn how the birth of Jesus brought civility to the world.
In the 1946 film classic, It’s a Wonderful Life, the character played by Jimmy Stewart gets a chance to see what life would be like had he never been born. In many ways, that movie is the springboard for this series. The film’s main point is that each person’s life impacts everyone else’s. Had they never been born, there would be gaping holes left in their absence. This series aims to help us realize Jesus's enormous impact on history.
When was the last time you struggled with forgiveness? It is hard to forget and forgive after someone has said or done something hurtful. How do we work for unity and restoration in the church and our family? As we continue our study in 2 Samuel, we will examine how David worked for unity in a divided nation and the tensions that tried to tear it apart.
From 1955 until 1962, the world’s largest statue of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin loomed over Prague. The 17,000-ton monster dominated the skyline. When sculptor, Svec Polesny, applied to build the monument, he never expected to win the opportunity and spend the next five years of his life building it. During construction, the size of the project overwhelmed him. He fell into depression, became an alcoholic, and had an affair on his wife, which resulted in her committing suicide. As the monument neared completion in the spring of 1955, the project took so much out of him that Svec took his life. In the same way, Absalom was consumed with building a monument for himself. He wanted to leave a lasting legacy no one would forget. Like Svec, his attempt to build an unforgettable monument led to the end of his life. Join us as we study the story of Absalom, a man obsessed with being remembered.
In most cases, we are told of biblical figures to emulate, such as Enoch, Noah, Moses, and Jesus. There are other biblical figures we are told to avoid, such as the Jews who hardened their hearts after the Exodus and Lot’s wife. At the top of the list of biblical characters to avoid in the Old Testament is Ahithophel. He was an evil genius committed to destroying the life of David. In this chapter, we learn about the difference between man’s plans and God’s plans. No matter how brilliant or creative we may be, God’s plans will always prevail. That is why it is always wise to work with God’s plans for his chosen king instead of against them.
On September 11, when the Twin Towers in New York were attacked, many were late for work. They were frustrated because they were caught in traffic or overslept their alarm. What appeared to be a problem was God’s grace in their life as they were not in the World Trade Center when it was attacked. Many times, God has a way of taking the evil plans of those who are against us and carrying out God’s grace to us through it. In 2 Samuel 16, we meet three of David’s enemies who are unwittingly used for God’s good purposes.
In 1942, Red Cross packages arrived for prisoners in German concentration camps. When the Red Cross asked for an accounting, 23,000 packages were missing. When Nazi German collapsed, many of these packages were found in the barracks of SS officers. The packages were not intended for them, but they took them anyway. In 2 Samuel 15, that is what we find. Absalom attempts to seize the kingship from his father, a kingship that doesn’t belong to him. In David’s darkest days, we learn about conspiracy, manipulation, and how to rely on God when all hope is gone.
Politicians manipulate their peers. Parents manipulate their children. Employees manipulate one another at work. As we continue our study in 2 Samuel, we see political manipulation in David’s kingdom. When David fails to deal decisively with his rebellious sons, he is manipulated into placing Absalom, his murderous son, just outside the kingship. Join us as we learn the importance of genuine repentance before restoration.
What are the dangers of passive parenting? What happens when fathers are too busy at work to play an active role in comforting and correcting their children? What happens when children are left to act on their urges and instincts? In 2 Samuel 13, we get a window into King David’s passive parenting and the disaster that followed when he failed to discipline his sons. It is a chapter that will motivate every parent to be involved in guiding their children, no matter what their age.
One of the fictions we hear during the political season is that a leader’s personal life has no impact on public performance. We know that this is untrue. What happens at home never stays at home. It follows us to work. A personal life that lacks character and integrity will lead to a public one that looks the same. If ever there was a man whose private life influenced his public world, it was King David. After committing adultery and murder in private, this brought God’s public judgment on his family and nation. What must we do if we sin in private? If we ask for God’s forgiveness, can we escape the consequences of our sins? Join us in 2 Samuel 12 to find the answers to these questions and more.
The election season is in full swing. Candidates text and call our phones. We see political advertisements on YouTube and television. Every candidate promises to turn the country around. While some candidates are better than others, the sad truth is that all candidates will fail us. They are flawed human beings, just like us. In 2 Samuel 11, we see that even David, a man after God’s own heart, fails his nation. He gives in to sexual desires and has an affair. What left him vulnerable? What fatal choices did he make? How can we avoid repeating his mistake? Most importantly, now that David sinned so spectacularly, is there any hope for his future? Join us for answers to these and many more important questions about moral failure.
Building wealth has become problematic in recent years, especially with soaring inflation. Half of American households do not have enough cash reserves for an an unexpected $400 expense. The most brutal hit is the lower class, with an income between $23,000 and $40,499. Their net worth fell by half in recent years. Payday loans and credit cards are some of the biggest financial killers offering easy access to money at predatory rates. What does the Bible say about building wealth? In this study, we look at what the Bible says about money, how to grow it, and how to avoid losing it.
On September 11, airplanes were hijacked. Two were flown into the Twin Towers, and another into the Pentagon. Flight 93 did not reach its target (probably the White House) thanks to a handful of ordinary people that God used to make a difference. As we continue our study on how God uses ordinary and broken people to make a big difference, in 2 Kings 5, we meet an unnamed junior high girl who was captured and sold into slavery. God used her to reach the second most powerful person in the Syrian empire. If God can use a broken and ordinary person like her to grow his kingdom, God has a good plan to grow his kingdom through you and me.
In the finals of the 2004 Olympics, Perdita Felicien of Canada tripped on her first hurdle and then fell into the adjacent lane taking out Irina Shevchenko of Russia. Felicien was ranked number one in the world when she started, but her race ended in defeat. The Christian life is also described as a race. What does it take not just to start but also to finish the Christian life well? Caleb was one of only two in the Exodus generation to see the Promised Land. Join us as we learn from his life about how to start and finish life well.
Life can be difficult. Discouragement is a common human experience. Sometimes, the purpose of the insignificant things we do seems impossible to understand. We may want to give up. Without encouragement, life can be burdensome. Without encouragement, we begin to think God is unconcerned for us. This is why the Bible tells us to encourage one another. We are to remind one another that God loves us, He promises to equip us for the challenges we face, and we are Christ’s precious treasure. In this study, we meet a man in the early church named Barnabas. He was nicknamed the son of encouragement. Join us as we learn how God used this ordinary man and his simple words of encouragement in life-changing ways.
Richard Stevens, a British psychologist from Keene University, conducted an experiment in which people immersed their hand in ice water. He concluded that the act of swearing during the experiment enabled participants to have an increased pain tolerance of up to 33 percent. Does this mean we should curse when in pain or around difficult people? Join us as we look at what the Bible says about cursing.
Jack LaLanne was a pioneer in American fitness. At age 62, he swam the length of the Golden Gate Bridge underwater while handcuffed and towing a 1,000-pound boat. At age 70, he swam towing 70 rowboats with 70 people in them for one mile while handcuffed and shackled on his feet. At age 96, he gave an interview claiming he would live forever! His arrogant boasting didn’t help when shortly after the interview, he contracted pneumonia and died. In this study, we learn what the Bible says about how our ego shows up in our words as boasting, flattery, and exaggeration.
In 2013, Justine Sacco, a communications executive with the media company IAC, sent a sarcastic tweet to her 170 Twitter followers just before boarding a plane for Africa. The tweet dripped with racial animosity — “Going to Africa. Hope I don’t get AIDS. Just kidding. I’m white!” During her 11-hour flight to Cape Town, the tweet spread like wildfire from her tiny band of Twitter followers until she became the number one worldwide trend on Twitter. Hundreds called for her firing. Thousands labeled her as a hate-mongering racist. She had no idea that during her 11-hour flight when her phone was off, she became an Internet sensation. When she landed, she lost her job. She couldn’t find work for months, all because of a tweet with 12 slanderous words. As we study gossip and slander, we will examine how gossip spreads and the damage it can cause.
In 2017, while struggling with depression, 15-year-old Molly Russell took her life. During the dark struggle, she turned to social media for help. Before her suicide, she interacted with over 2,100 posts about suicide and self-harm on Facebook and Instagram. The words of the posts convinced her that instead of seeking help, she should take her life. Recently a British court held Meta, Facebook’s parent group, liable for her death because of the words they chose not to censor. As we begin our series on taming the tongue, we learn what the Bible says about the power of words and the importance of using every word we speak to honor God in our life.
Shaquille O’Neill, the four-time NBA champion and one of the greatest basketball players ever, renounced his celebrity status in an interview with the New York Post. He feels celebrities are “freaking crazy.” He doesn’t like how they treat people, what they do with their life, and what they say. “That has never been me.” Shaq said, “I hope to be remembered for my kindness both on and off the basketball court.” In 2 Samuel 10, David also shows incredible kindness. The question is, will people embrace or reject the kindness of the king?
In 1932 Franklin Roosevelt made a speech in Pittsburgh where he talked about the importance of restraining government spending. Four years later, he wanted to speak in the same city in favor of government spending. He asked one of his advisors what he should do. They told him to deny the works he had spoken four years before! In 2 Samuel 9, David could have done the same thing and conveniently forgotten about a promise he had made almost twenty years before. Instead of going back on his word, David shows us the importance of keeping our word and being men and women of integrity.
What will it be like when Jesus returns? How will He treat those who have rebelled against Him? What will happen to those who longed for Him? In 2 Samuel 8, we preview Jesus’ eternal rule as God’s anointed king over creation through the lens of David, God’s anointed king over Israel. Join me as we look at what Jesus’ leadership will be like in our future.
The story is told of how Louis XIV requested that at his funeral in the cathedral of Notre Dame, all be darkened — except for one candle burning on his casket at the front. When Massillon, the court preacher, rose to give the funeral sermon, he walked over to the casket and blew out the candle. He began his funeral message with the words, “Only God is great! Only God is Great!” In 2 Samuel 7, David was overwhelmed by God’s goodness to him. We learned that because God is so good, the best thing we can pray for is the fulfillment of God’s promises.
What should you do when you have made it? What should we do if we can retire? Join us as we learn from King David what to do when we are to financially comfortable.
In 2003, in Texas, 19 people died after being left inside an airtight truck trailer. At the time, it was called the nation’s deadliest smuggling attempt. While the driver of the trailer truck was clearly at fault, the sin began years before with illegal immigration. In 2 Samuel 6, we learn that the harsh and surprising consequences of sin often begin long before with a pattern of lesser sin. Join us as we learn the blessings of consistent obedience to God’s Word.
On Sunday, December 4, 2016, a man with a rifle came into a northwestern Washington D.C. pizza shop and started shooting. Thankfully he was arrested, and nobody was hurt. It was the motive for his crime that was shocking. The pizza shop, Comet Ping Pong, was accused on Twitter of serving as the base for a pedophile sex ring involving presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and members of her campaign. The accusations of the pizza shop sex ring were re-tweeted and re-posted on social media so many times that many considered them true. Is the resurrection the same way for the Christian faith? Was the resurrection fake news that was repeated so many times that people believed it to be true? Join us as we learn why the resurrection of Jesus from the dead is a fact we can trust.
In Psalm 130:5, David writes, “I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word, I hope.” David waited over a decade for God to keep his word and make him king. The double-digit years of waiting were filled with discouragement, near-death experiences, and difficulty keeping peace in a nation at war. The story of David’s rise to power is an encouragement for all of us who find ourselves waiting for God to answer our prayers.
Have you found yourself stuck in a situation where you do not know how to move forward? It may be a difficult marriage or job. The only options to find relief are ungodly choices? What should we do? Join us as we learn how David faced times when there was no god-honoring path forward.
In May of 2016, John Houser opened fire in a movie theatre. Teacher Allison Martin and her friend, Jena Beaux were credited with helping save lives after the gunman opened fire. They shielded others with their bodies. Both of them were shot. Allison managed to pull the fire alarm emptying the 300-person theatre complex before more were injured and killed. When police arrived, John Houser turned the gun on himself and took his life. When interviewed after recovering in the hospital, Allison talked about the importance of forgiving the man who shot her. Join us as we learn how to work for peace and forgive those who hurt us.
What kind of leader are you? What does a godly leader look like in our dog-eat-dog world? 2 Samuel 2 is a contrast between an egotistical leader who is eager for war and a godly leader who is eager for peace. Join us as we learn what godly leadership looks like and the futility of rebelling against Jesus, God’s chosen king.
Adoniram Judson was a student at Providence College in 1808. He grew up in a Christian home, but in college he was captivated by a group of students who embraced Enlightenment ideas from Europe. He was especially fond of an upperclassman named Jacob Eames, who persuaded Adoniram to abandon his Christian faith and adopt deism. Adoniram moved to New York to pursue a life of pleasure in the theatre. It was at that time when he stayed in an Inn. It just happened that the man in the next room was dying. All night long Adoniram heard his cries of anguish and pain. It shook him to his core. Without God, how would he face the end of his life? In the morning, he asked the innkeeper who was in the room next to him. It was Jacob Eames. He died that morning. That death changed Adoniram’s life. He returned to his faith and become a missionary. In 2 Samuel 1, we see another death that changed a life. The death of King Saul changed David’s life.
Adriana Kuch was a 14-year-old freshman viciously beaten by girls in the hall of her New Jersey high school. It was a planned beating, with other students recording the incident on their cell phones. The purpose was to upload the video to TikTok and become famous. Two days after the beating, after hundreds of hateful comments on the video from people she didn’t know, Adriana committed suicide. So far, there are three students charged as an accessory to her death. Many of the students involved in the beating video now wish they had made a wiser choice of friends. As we continue our series on Spiritual Health, we learn how healthy Christians pursue wise choices, not just avoid openly sinful ones.
John Patton was a missionary to the cannibals of the New Hebrides Islands. Shortly after arriving, his wife and his newborn son died. He was forced to guard their bodies to keep cannibals from eating them. Rather than leave, he pressed on staying for the next 35 years. In a remarkable transformation. over three decades, every native on the islands gave their heart to Christ. Do not underestimate the way God can use the power of our witness to change a life. In this message, we learn how a healthy Christian can be an effective witness for Jesus.
John Patton was a missionary to the cannibals of the New Hebrides Islands. Shortly after arriving, his wife and his newborn son died. He was forced to guard their bodies to keep cannibals from eating them. Rather than leave, he pressed on staying for the next 35 years. In a remarkable transformation. over three decades, every native on the islands gave their heart to Christ. Do not underestimate the way God can use the power of our witness to change a life. In this message, we learn how a healthy Christian can be an effective witness for Jesus.
Recently the heat went out on our Spencer campus. People came to church in winter clothes, boots, and mittens. The good news is that they came. What brought people to church was the relational warmth of the people, not the temperature warmth of the building. Would you rather attend a church with a warm building but cold people or a church with a cold building but warm people? Join us as we look at the relational warmth of the church and how it reveals the true state of our spiritual health.
n 1977, Maria Rubio of Lake Arthur New Mexico was assembling a burrito when she noticed the skillet marks on one of her tortillas resembled what she thought was the face of Jesus. Excited, she showed it to her husband and neighbors, who also thought the burn mark on the tortillas looked like Jesus. She went to the priest to have her tortilla blessed. The priest, who was not accustomed to blessing tortillas, reluctantly agreed to its blessing. Mrs. Rubio took the tortilla home and put it in a box on a pile of cotton. Mr. Rubio built a special altar for it and put it in a wooden utility shed in the backyard. The shine of Jesus of the tortilla was open for visitors. Within months more than 8,000 people came to visit the shine. In two years, 35,000 people had visited the shrine in the wooden tool shed in the Rubio’s backyard, all to see Jesus on a tortilla. People kept coming for 28 years. Then in 2005, Mrs. Rubio’s granddaughter took Jesus the tortilla to school for show-and-tell, there, the tortilla was dropped, and the shrine of Jesus of the tortilla came to an end. Worship should be part of a healthy Christian’s life. Join me as we learn the right and the wrong ways to worship.
What is the most valuable object on the planet? Is it the Mona Lisa? Is it the gold in Fort Knox? If a man is starving and within hours of death, none of the most priceless objects on the planet mean a thing. What he longs for are the essentials that keep us alive, food and water. When it comes to the Bible, we should not let our familiarity with the book cause us to underestimate the importance of the book. The Bible is like food and water. God uses it to create and sustain spiritual life. In this series, we discover the essentials for a healthy Christian life. Join us as we learn the importance of regular Bible study for a healthy Christian life.
Schools have adopted a new system of writing for children. It is called Inventive Spelling. Children are allowed to write words in any way that feels right to them. This is intended to help children feel good about themselves and build self-esteem. Is allowing encouraging children to do whatever feels right to them the right way to raise our children? Join me as we look at God’s instructions on how to raise children.
Queen Elizabeth died on September 8, 2022. She was the longest-reigning British monarch. An estimated 250,000 people visited her casket, and representatives from 168 countries attended her funeral. The queen’s funeral was the most-watched television event in the twenty-first century. It is an understatement to say the queen’s death was a big deal. As we finish 1 Samuel, we come to the death of King Saul. After a 40-year reign, his death led to a national crisis. Join us as we look at King Saul’s death and what we can learn about living and dying well.
Robert Robinson is the author of the hymn “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” After writing the hymn, he walked away from God. While traveling in his elderly years, he met a woman who was reading the hymn he wrote! When she asked him about the hymn, his eyes flooded with tears as he told her that he was the author but walked away from God. The young woman reassured him of God’s love for him, no matter what he had done. He turned his heart back to the Lord and was restored as a Christian. As we continue our study in 1 Samuel, we see how God’s grace restores backslidden David. God’s amazing grace is eager to restore any of us who have wandered away from Him.
We live in a world filled with fear. There is fear of war in Europe, fear of inflation, and fear of COVID. As we continue our study in 1 Samuel we see Saul lived his life and final days in fear. The good news is we do not need to be that way! Join us as we learn how to live life without fear.
In 2010, the journal of Cognitive Therapy and Research examined the way depression changes the decision-making process. The researchers concluded that the likelihood of someone making a poor decision increased with the number of depression symptoms one develops. As we return to 1 Samuel, we find David battling depression as he is exhausted after running from Saul for years. In desperation, he stops relying on God to protect him. He relies on himself and makes poor decisions. Join us as we learn what can happen in our life when we wander from God.
In 1914, Wrigley introduced Doublemint gum. The name came from chemists who realized a double distillation process improved the flavor. Just as doubling the flavoring process made gum better, in the Bible sometimes repeats similar stories to drive its point home. In 1 Samuel 26, David has another opportunity to take Saul’s life, but he again chooses to respect Saul instead of killing him. Join us as we find out why choosing not to take revenge a second time made things better.
The people we choose to surround ourselves with are some of the most significant decisions we make. “Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future,” says motivational speaker Jim Rohn. A good Christian friend is better than a thousand followers on social media. As we continue our study in 1 Samuel, we find how God uses Christian friends that can speak candidly and lovingly to us when they see us making sinful or unwise choices.
In the movie The Straight Story, 73-year-old Alvin Straight from Laurens, Iowa, travels to Mt. Zion, Iowa, to mend a broken relationship with his 75-year-old brother Lyle from whom he was bitterly estranged. Alvin’s legs and eyes are too compromised for him to obtain a driver’s license, so he hitches a trailer to his used John Deere 110 tractor and sets off on the 240-mile six-week journey to restore the broken relationship with his brother while they are still alive. It is an amazing story of forgiveness and loving an enemy. 1 Samuel 24 is another story of the power of forgiveness as David finally has the chance to kill Saul. Instead of killing Saul, he chooses to love and forgive him. Join me as we learn the power of forgiving our enemies.
Have you played Nascondino? That is the Italian name for the game hide-and-seek. Italy hosts the hide-and-seek world championship on a large playground each summer in the city of Bergamo with 70 teams from 11 different countries. In the Bible, hide-and-seek is more than a game. For David, hide-and-seek was a life-and-death struggle as he ran from King Saul. Join us as we learn the good God intends in our life when we endure difficulty.
Bryan Brown is a Christian attorney who is licensed to practice law in Kansas and has been admitted to the bar of the U.S. Supreme Court. His application to the Indiana Board of Law Examiners was denied based on his admitted adherence to God’s laws above human laws. He was required to receive a psychological assessment after they asked him about his views regarding the final judgment, sexual morality, and gender roles. The Letters of John remind us we should not be surprised when the spirit of the antichrist shows up around us and we are hated like Jesus. Join us in our study as we meet an Old Testament antichrist and learn how to avoid his seductive work to destroy God’s people.
In 1993 Harrison Ford starred in The Fugitive. In the movie, Harrison Ford played Dr. Richard Kimble, a man who was wrongfully accused of murdering his wife. He escaped from custody and put the U.S. Marshalls on a wild chase as he narrowly and often creatively slipped from the grasp again and again. As we continue our study in 1 Samuel, David has become a fugitive. He is on the run. He is also narrowly escaping attempts on his life. The stress of his world falling apart gets the better of him, and he starts relying on himself instead of turning to God for strength, wisdom, and rescue. Join us as we learn the danger of relying on ourselves instead of God and how to return to God after we have walked away from Him.
34-year-old Joaquin Romero was helping a woman get hooked to a zip-line platform when she started sliding out on the line. He grabbed her harness to stop her but couldn’t hold her back. Both slide to a position of about a hundred feet above the ground. Fearing the woman would fall because of his extra weight, he made the heroic decision to put her life before his own and let go, plunging to his death. In 1 Samuel 20, we meet Jonathan and learn how God used him when he put God’s plan to save David’s life in front of his own. We learn why God loves to use people who are willing to give up their own will to get behind God’s will for the future.
Cats are said to have nine lives for their uncanny ability to survive near-death circumstances. As we continue our study of David in 1 Samuel, we learn that David is like a cat. Saul couldn’t kill him, no matter how hard he tried! God helped David escape death more than nine times! Join us as we learn how God’s hand of protection works not just in David’s life but in our own.
The news is hard to watch. Politics and manipulation are everywhere we look. The Internet filters the news. The media spins the news. Underhanded schemes to smear political opponents surface all the time. This is nothing new. In 1 Samuel 18, we look at God’s involvement in politics and how God has a good plan that will succeed, no matter how hard people fight against it.
In 2015, Malcom Gladwell wrote his book David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants. He claims David and Goliath is a lesson on how to handle obstacles, disadvantages, disabilities, and other setbacks in life. Is the story of David and Goliath nothing more than a lesson on how to face hard times and find victory when you are the underdog? Join us in this study as we learn what David and Goliath teach us about God and the confidence we can have in him.
Have you noticed something is terribly wrong in the world? The evening news is a constant stream of world horrors ranging from wars to school shootings. There is suffering, death, sickness, deception, outright lying, and evil everywhere we look. People are popping Prozac like Tic Tacs just to deal with it. What has gone wrong? In this study, we look at the many ways sin shows up in our lives and the bad excuses we use to justify our sin. It will all help us understand why Jesus can be the only answer to the problem of sin.
Have you noticed something is terribly wrong in the world? The evening news is a constant stream of world horrors ranging from wars to school shootings. There is suffering, death, sickness, deception, outright lying, and evil everywhere we look. People are popping Prozac like Tic Tacs just to deal with it. What has gone wrong? In this study, we look at the many ways sin shows up in our lives and the bad excuses we use to justify our sin. It will all help us understand why Jesus can be the only answer to the problem of sin.
The Department of Education has proposed a new Title IX rule that demands colleges treat students by their gender identity, not their biological sex. That means a transgender man, who identifies as a woman, will live in a woman’s college dormitory and use the women’s shower facilities. A young woman is to have no say, nor is the school to alert her in any way that her roommate will not be a biological female. How are Christians to respond to the legal push to affirm the transgender life? Is sex-change surgery the answer? How do we help our children if they struggle with transgender desires? These are just a few of the questions we will answer as we look at what the Bible says about transgender.
The Los Angeles Angels struggle as a baseball team. The last time they won the world series was twenty years ago. They could use a little help to win a few games. The Disney movie “Angels in the Outfield” is the fictional story of the Los Angeles Angels receiving help from actual angels to win their games. While real angels probably won’t help us catch balls, pitch strikes, or hit home runs, they are constantly at work in our daily life. Join me as we find out how God has angels at work in our daily life.
America is fascinated by demons and the occult. Television series like Buffy the Vampire Slayer are popular. Movies like The Exorcist and Poltergeist are well-known. While the media presents dark spiritual forces as fantasy, the Bible tells us the power of Satan and his demons are very real. Join us as we learn what the Bible says about Satan, demons and how Christians should engage in spiritual battles.
Have you tried dieting? One of the secrets of dieting is removing food temptations from your life. The Oreos go in the garbage. Healthy foods go in the refrigerator. There is no more walking by the snack machine at the office. Removing food temptations is one of the best ways of beating dieting temptations. We are tempted with more than food. In this study, we learn how Satan, the world, and our own fleshy desires work together to tempt us to sin and how to beat them.
An Internet survey claims being eaten by sharks, burned to death or buried alive are considered some of the people’s worst fears. What is your worst fear? This week, as we continue in 1 Samuel, we will learn what the Bible says about the Holy Spirit and why its absence in life is one of the worst things that can happen but its presence is the best. Join us as we learn how the Holy Spirit changes lives.
In any group, people have different points of view. In our postmodern society, we are taught all points of view are equally valid. Our opinions are just products of our experiences so no point of view is better than another. Does that work? Join me as we discover why truth does exist and how we can find it.
The YouTube Channel “Caught in Providence” are the real-life cases of Judge Frank Caprio who is a judge in Providence Rhode Island. It is the real-life story of people with their traffic tickets, speeding tickets, and parking tickets and the excuses they give to try to get out of them. As we continue our study in 1 Samuel, we are looking at five excuses we give to justify sin and why none of them work.
If you love the game show Jeopardy, you are familiar with Mattea Roach. She was on a 23-game winning streak and well ahead of the second-place contestant when she wagered $1 too much in the Final Jeopardy round bringing her reign to a crashing end. She is not the only one to snatch defeat from the jaws of certain victory. As we continue our study in 1 Samuel, we see how King Saul snatched defeat from a certain God-given victory and what lessons we can learn to not follow in his footsteps.
In June of 2017, Alex Honnold climbed El-Capitan in Yosemite park using a style of climbing known as free-soloing. Climbing the 7,573 granite rock without safety equipment was a feat most considered impossible. His astounding climb was filmed with cameras and drones to produce the stomach-churning movie “Free-Solo”. Daunting rock cliffs and fearless climbers are nothing new. This weekend, as we study 1 Samuel 14, we find a daring free-solo rock climb in the Bible.
When Elon Musk bought Twitter he paid a premium on the stock giving shareholders more than the stock was worth. Was that a foolish decision or was Elon wiser than we realize? As we continue our studies in 1 Samuel, we learn about foolish choices and how to avoid making them.
How do you finish a career? Steven Slater, a former JetBlue flight attendant, made a dramatic exit. A passenger refused to stay seated while the plane was taxing to the gate. The passenger removed her luggage from an overhead bin striking Slater in the head. She then cursed Slater out for getting in her way. Fed up with his job, Slater grabbed a beer from the beverage cart, called out, “It has been great!” then activated the emergency evacuation shoot sliding his way to freedom. This weekend, in 1 Samuel 12, we find an even more dramatic career exit by the prophet Samuel as we learn how God uses repentance and obedience to take our worst sins and use them in ways we don't expect for good.
Every once in a while, I like to share a little something extra. This is the worship music from Easter morning at the CrossWinds Spirit Lake campus. I hope you are encouraged in Jesus. The team did a great job!
The link in this podcast is to a video of the service, Enjoy!
As of the end of March 2022, it is estimated Russia has lost between 7,000 to 15,000 troops in its attempt to take over Ukraine. While that number is terrible, we should put that in perspective. Each day there are 6,400 Americans that die of cancer, heart disease, car accidents, and a myriad of other causes. That is 3.3 million people a year. The war between Russia and Ukraine brought about many immediate deaths, but it has not changed the ultimate number of deaths. It doesn’t matter if you eat healthily, buckle up, and avoid war... all of us will die. When that fearful moment comes, is there a way to know our next life will be better than this life? The Bible tells us Jesus came so we do not need to fear our death. Join me on Easter Sunday as we learn how we can know the resurrection of Jesus is true and how Jesus’ resurrection changes our future.
While churches are full on Easter morning, many people in churches are frustrated with Jesus. They feel like He let them down. He didn’t protect them from life’s tragedies. If Jesus isn't living up to your expectations, you are not alone. In the week before Jesus’ death, the crowds in Jerusalem felt like Jesus let them down. Join us this weekend as we find why what Jesus did on the cross is better than anything else the crowds wanted Him to do.
On June 18, 1940, Winston Churchhill delivered a speech to Britain after the fall of France to the Germans. Churchhill braced England for a battle upon which he believed the survival of Christian civilization now stood. He believed that if England did not successfully hold off the Germans, the whole world, including the United States, would plunge into the abyss of a new Dark Age made more sinister by Hitler’s perverted science. If England lasted a thousand years, he was sure history would look back on their defense of freedom in the face of Hitler’s fury as the nation’s finest hour. This weekend, we look at King Saul’s finest hour as he rallies a nation in a last-ditch effort to defend freedom and stop an evil tyrant.
Porch pirating is a popular business. In New York City alone 90,000 packages go missing daily. What can people do to fight back against the thieves? Homeowners have come up with creative ways of payback. One inventor created a package called “the blank box”. It sets off a blank shotgun shell when the package is taken from the porch. Another created a package filled with manure that explodes when opened after being stolen by a thief. In those neighborhoods, porch pirates are thinking twice since packages are not turning out to be what they expect. This week, as we continue our series of 1 Samuel, the people of God get the king they asked for, but like a porch pirate opening a bait package, the king didn’t turn out the way they expected.
How much control does God have over the details of our day? When the alarm doesn’t go off, our car tire goes flat, or the grocery store is out of our favorite peanut butter, are those details of life God is orchestrating for a good purpose or just annoying inconveniences? As we continue our study of 1 Samuel we find how God shaped the ordinary events of one man’s life to move him from a country farmer to the king of a nation.
This week the war on Ukraine dominated headlines. Behind the death of thousands and destruction of the second-largest nation in Europe is one man, Vladimir Putin. He has unchecked authority in Russia and enough power to destroy the world in war. How do tyrants like Putin come to power? What will they always do once in control? These are some of the questions we will cover this weekend as we continue our studies in 1 Samuel and look at the problem with a king.
William Leverett barged into a Connecticut church and confessed to worshippers that he was the man who killed a Harford jogger and mother four years before. Prior to his confession, the homicide had no leads. The pastor and a handful of parishioners knew what they had to do. They took him to the police and helped him turn himself in. William Leverett knew he could never begin to heal from his pain until he confessed and repented of what he had done. As we turn to 1 Samuel 7, we find the power of repentance to experience God’s forgiveness and favor in our lives.
If you have a relative that served in a war, chances are they came home with something from the front lines. While most war trophies are a privilege to possess, some people wish they never brought them home. Danny Nightingale was jailed for 18 months after he plead guilty to possessing an unregistered 9mm pistol that he was given to him after his 2007 tour in Iraq. This week, as we return to the book of 1 Samuel, we will look at the ultimate trophy of war — the ark of the covenant — and we will learn why the Philistines regretted bringing it home.
In the movie Raiders of the Lost Ark, Harrison Ford was in search of the long-lost ark of the covenant. It was a race between Indian Jones and the Nazis. They believed the army that found the ark first would become invincible. Was that true? Join us this weekend in 1 Samuel 4 as we search for the ark and learn the danger of trying to make God serve us.
The leadership challenges of our time are enormous. Russia is preparing to invade Ukraine. ISIS is reconstituting in the Middle East. China is destabilizing the world. What is the answer to the leadership challenges of our nation? As we continue our study in 1 Samuel, we see God’s answer to the leadership challenges in Israel and what they teach us about facing the leadership challenges of today.
Statistics tell us that social media is putting teenagers under more cultural pressure. This results in over half of teenagers drinking alcohol and over forty percent of teenagers trying drugs. How should parents handle rebellion in the lives of their teenage and adult children? Join us this weekend as we continue our study in 1 Samuel and meet Eli’s rebellious sons. We will learn lessons on how to parent children who refuse to listen and the responsibility children have for making wise choices.
On February 7, 2021, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs to win the Superbowl with a score of 31-9. A Superbowl victory deserves a celebration. How would the city of Tampa celebrate in a COVID world? To encourage people to keep their distance, the city celebrated with a boat parade down the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa. In our study of 1 Samuel, we have seen God rescue Hannah from her barrenness by the birth of Samuel. How will she celebrate God's win in her life? Join us this weekend as we learn how she celebrated God’s victory and the promise she saw of a win for God’s people in the future.
First-time mom Hayley Sexton painted the nursery pink. She had a girl’s name picked out. All of the baby shower gifts were for a girl. In two different ultrasounds, the doctor assured her she was having a girl. To her surprise, she gave birth to a boy! Children don’t always turn out the way we planned. As we continue our study in 1 Samuel, we learn from Hannah about preparing our children for the future and dedicating them to God.
Did you have packages that did not arrive in time for Christmas because of supply chain issues? Can anyone untangle that mess? Who can solve the problem of soaring inflation? Can anyone get control of the coronavirus? Everywhere we look there is a leadership crisis. Everyone is looking for a decisive leader they can trust. Until we find that leader, everyone will do what is right in their own eyes. This weekend, we begin the book of 1 Samuel. It is a book on leadership. It will teach us what good leadership looks like and introduce us to the leader everyone of us desperately needs. Join us as we start the book of 1 Samuel, the search for a true king.
In the sweltering heat of August in 1885, six and one-half inches of rain fell in Chicago in only 24 hours. Sewage from the city’s 750,000 residents and runoff from the stockyards washed into the Chicago River. The polluted water flowed into Lake Michigan. According to an exaggerated story in the Chicago Tribune, this toxic brew was sucked into the city’s drinking water. Soon people claimed that cholera, dysentery, and typhoid were ravaging parts of the city. In later years it was said that one in eight Chicagoans died from the toxic water. For years this was known as the 1885 Chicago epidemic. The problem was that when an investigative writer began researching the story in 2000, she found the entire story to be a hoax. In reality, fewer people died in Chicago in 1885 than in other years. The entire 1885 epidemic was gossip and urban legend that took on a life of their own and was assumed to be true. There was no evidence to back it up. Many people feel the same way about the Bible. Is the Bible is nothing more than a collection of word-of-mouth stories or is it factual truth? Join me as we learn why we can trust the Bible and why we need to let the Bible saturate our life.
Blaise Pascal said, “All men seek happiness.” Thomas Aquinas, the most influential theologian of the Middle Ages, said, “No one can live without delight, and that is why a man deprived of spiritual joy goes over to carnal pleasures.” God created us with a longing to be happy. To satisfy that desire, people stuff almost into their life in search of pleasure. What does the Bible say about our craving for happiness and how can we find lasting happiness that doesn’t expire? Join us to learn what the Bible teaches us about happiness and where to find it.
Christmas is a hard time of year. Many find themselves alone and without family. Sometimes families don’t gather because of friction between relatives. Christmas is not for cowards. It takes courage. Join us as we learn the story of Joseph—the foster father of Jesus, and see what he teaches us about finding courage at Christmas.
As we remember Veteran’s Day, we are especially grateful for soldiers who take big risks to save lives. Currently, there are marines risking their lives in Afghanistan rescuing civilians caught behind enemy lines. One of those marines has rescued more than 30 people. Our hearts are inspired by soldiers like that who go big to save lives. In a similar way, we want to be a church filled with people that go big to share the gospel. We want to take big risks when it comes to saving lives eternally for God.
On December 17, 1941, North Platte residents gathered at the Union Pacific Depot because they heard that a troop train carrying the Nebraska National Guard would be coming through town. When the train stopped, it was actually the Kansas National Guard. After a few moments of awkward silence, the people of the town surged forward and shared their Christmas gifts with the young men on board. After all, they were someone’s children and it was Christmas time. That night, young Rae Wilson penned a letter to the editor asking North Platte to open a Canteen at the depot that would feed other troops passing through town. Little did she know that she was starting an endeavor that would last 54 months, involving 12,000 volunteers and feeding more than 6 million servicemen and women. The North Platte Canteen remains the largest volunteer movement in United States history. This extraordinary act of kindness made North Platte one of the most loved towns for troops returning from the war. Just as the good works of a small town transformed lives, as Christians, God calls us to be about good works which God will use to help transform lives with the gospel. Join us to see how good works lead to good will which opens the door to the good news.
With the prices at the gas pump hitting record highs, lawnmowers being outlawed in California, and empty store shelves while hundreds of container ships float off the California coast, the last thing we want is more change. The church feels like it is the one place that should be safe from change. As we turn to 1 Corinthians 9, we find the Bible telling us we must change. Join us as we learn how we must change for the sake of the gospel.
This week the remains of Brian Laundrie were found in Florida. The feverish hunt for Brian revived the search for many others who have gone missing. Unfortunately, most are never found. On the rare occasion when people are saved, it is one of the greatest joys a family can experience. This weekend we begin a series on CrossWind’s 5-Year Vision. We will learn how much joy God experiences when someone far from God is saved and comes home.
If you need a box of diapers, you will have a hard time finding them. Due to inflation and supply chain issues at least 1 in 3 Americans are facing a diaper shortage. Diapers are not the only item that is hard to find. Just about everything is scarce and pricey. As a result, people grumble against those in power. In the final message of Jude, we find there is no reason to grumble about what our God has done for us. Instead, there is every reason to sing his praises now and forever. Join us in the final message of Jude as we discover why the greatness of our God demands the worship of his people.
A recent report claims the cost of living for an average family has risen $175 a month. For millions of Americans, their income is not keeping pace with expenses. How are people to survive? Just as it can be difficult to survive financially, today it is also difficult to survive spiritually. False teachers infiltrate churches and fill the Internet. Join us this weekend as we study Jude 17-23 and learn how to survive in spiritually tough times and not be led astray.
Brian Laundrie has a nation looking for him. After the murder of Gabby Petito, Brian managed to evade the police. The longer he refuses to turn himself in, the more guilty he appears. A nation is wondering, will Brian get away with murder? Will justice be served? As we continue our study of Jude, we look at God’s promise of final justice. Nobody gets away with anything. We will also see the good news of a God who loves us so much that he offers to take the punishment we deserve.
This year the movie “The Eyes of Tammy Faye” came to theaters. It is the behind-the-scenes story of Tammy Faye Baker, a woman driven by greed, sexual sin, all things gold, and ten pounds of makeup. The movie reveals the life that Jim and Tammy kept hidden for years and how money, sex, and power controlled their life and brought about their demise. This weekend, as we continue in our study of Jude, we learn more about the way apostates work and how—like the Bakkers—they lead Christians astray.
In 2015, Shamima Begum left Britain to join the Islamic State in Syria. At the age of 15, she married a man who was later convicted of terrorism offenses. Since then she has repeatedly tried to return to Britain but the British government has refused to allow her to come home. As terrorism experts warn, she is not a student stuck overseas. She is a proven terrorist that can not be trusted. While some think she is being treated harshly, governments around the world take no chances when it comes to terrorism. Terrorists are hard to spot and they do great damage once inside a country. Joins us as we learn how to spot spiritual terrorists, Satan’s ISIS operatives. If we can identify them, we can protect ourselves from them before they blow themselves up and nothing remains but the smoldering ashes of the church they left behind.
Franklin Graham had a full house at the Hertz arena where he made a stop on his Decision America tour. Surprisingly thousands have signed petitions to stop Franklin Graham from speaking in arenas around the country. The Reverend Nathan Empsall explains why, “Graham engages in repeated hatred against the LGBTQ community despite the fact that each and every person is made in God’s image.” What has Franklin Graham said that the LGBTQ community finds so hateful and offensive? Graham claims the Bible calls homosexuality a sin of which people need to repent, not an alternative lifestyle God wants us to enjoy. With so many churches and denominations endorsing homosexuality and celebrating the LGBTQ lifestyle, is Franklin Graham wrong? Join us this weekend as we find out what the Bible says about homosexuality and hell.
This week, Hurricane Ida pounded the East coast resulting in a staggering loss of life. As America leaves Afghanistan, the Taliban began moving house to house assassinating American sympathizers. Our hearts break to hear of these tragic and needless deaths. This weekend, as we continue our study in the book of Jude, we come face to face with a tragedy greater than any seen on the news: rebellion against Jesus — which is the greatest tragedy in the universe. Join us as we learn how fighting for the faith once for all delivered to the saints to make this is a tragedy we can avoid.
When America pulled out of Afghanistan, many were shocked at how quickly the Taliban regained the country and infiltrated the cities. It turns out the terrorists weren’t beaten. They were hiding waiting for the right time to seize control. In a similar way, spiritual terrorists stand ready to infiltrate the church. They are looking for opportunities to seize control and steer the church away from the only gospel that can save. Join us as we learn how to recognize spiritual terrorists.
COVID-19 has killed over 4 million people around the globe. Early in the pandemic, we heard there was evidence the virus originating in a lab in China. Then, almost immediately, we were told the lab-leak theory couldn’t possibly be true. The virus originated in an animal market. This month, after an extensive investigation, the government now believes the China lab-leak theory is true after all. Plus, many of those who claimed the lab-leak theory wasn’t true intentionally deceived the public. With so many deceivers, truth is hard to find. This isn’t only true in the news, it is also true in the church where deceivers distort the gospel message and undermine confidence in the Bible. Join us as we begin the book of Jude. It is a book on how to fight for the truth in a world filled with deception.
This special message was given at the One Church - One Day joint worship service at the Arnold's Park green space. Due to the outdoor event, there is wind noise in the recording we were not able to remove.
If God knows everything, why pray? If God has already planned the future, why pray and ask God to change the future? Does prayer make a difference? In our final study on prayer, we look at what Jesus taught his disciples in the Gospel of Luke immediately following the Lord’s Prayer about how God answers prayer.
We live in a YouTube world. People are constantly consuming videos on their phones. While a modest number of churches had an online presence before the pandemic, COVID pushed most churches into the virtual church world. Thankfully, the Internet is helping churches reach more people with Jesus. Megachurches, like Saddleback in California, have as many as 20,000 people joining them online each weekend. While God is using the virtual church to grow his kingdom, there are unintended consequences when the physical gathering of God’s people is replaced with a virtual one. What are the dangers of digital church? Join us as we learn why together is better.
Disrespect of authority is rampant in our country. The media mocks our government leaders. In our cities, police are defunded and attacked. How can Christians stem the rising tide of disrespect for authority in our nation? What can we do to create a more God-honoring country? In this study, we discover the answer.
Business books tell us networking is the secret to success. It is not what you know but who you know that makes the difference. In the final verses of Paul’s letter to Timothy, Paul introduces us to his network. We see the different roles they played on his team and how they helped him reach the world with Jesus. God is not just concerned with our faithfulness to Him. He is also concerned with our faithfulness to one another.
One of the toughest races in the world is the Yukon Arctic Ultra. This competition involves running the Yukon Quest Trail in northern Canada in the dead of winter. The athletes run 100 miles around the clock entirely unsupported for days in the extreme Canadian winter. They run on remote unmaintained trails while towing their survival gear on a sled. It is one of the most life-threatening races on the planet. This week we continue our study in 2 Timothy and learn Christian life is not easy. It is like the Yukon Arctic Ultra. Our Christian lives requires a lifetime of sustained and agonizing effort to finish well. Join us as we learn more about what it takes for us to finish well.
In the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the United States men’s 4x100m relay team was favored to win. The athletes on the American team were outstanding. They included Tyson Gay, the man who ran the fasted ever 100m time in the world. The Americans hopes for a gold came crashing down during a qualifying race when the baton pass from Darvis Patton to Tyson Gay went bad. Tyson dropped the baton. The drop was so costly the United States did not even finish the race. It doesn’t matter if you are the fasted 100m runner in the world, if you can’t pass the baton to the next athlete, you can’t win. This week we learn the church is like a relay race. Just as important as running our race for Christ is passing the baton of leadership to the next generation that will take our place. Join us as we learn how to pass the baton of faith to the next generation and finish well.
This week we finish our study on what it means to be a faithful pastor. We will look at the way Paul tells Timothy—and all faithful pastors—to handle difficult seasons when people leave the church to follow false teachers that deliver only people-pleasing messages to tickles the ears.
In 2015, Josh Canfield—a lead choir director at Hill Song church, competed as a contestant on the Survivor television show. What came as a surprise was on the show he openly identified as being gay, a Christian, and on staff at Hill Song church. Shortly after the airing of that Survivor season, the church removed him from leadership. He didn’t understand why. He had told everyone in leadership on his campus that he was gay and in a relationship, yet they continued to let him lead because of his vocal talent and stage presence. Why had church leadership turned a blind eye to his lifestyle until it came out on national television? What should the church have done differently? Join us this weekend as we continue in our study of 2 Timothy 4 and learn what it means to be a faithful pastor when the church has become a place of entertainment.
On September 11, 2001, American was attacked by terrorists that flew planes into the World Trade Center. Thankfully one of the highjacked planes did not reach its intended target. It crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. The famous last words from that flight were spoken by Todd Beamer as he and the other passengers tried to regain control of the plane. They were, “Let’s Roll.” Those famous last words were later used as the rallying cry of the President to inspire America to fight back against Al-Qaeda. Join us this weekend as we come to the final chapter of 2 Timothy and study Paul’s famous last words to Timothy… Preach the Word!
Adam Hamilton is a prolific author and the pastor of a large United Methodist Church in Leawood, Kansas. He was interviewed on the United Methodist web \site about the question, “Do you have to read the Bible literally?” His answer was that sometimes you read the Bible more literally, while other times you read the Bible less literally. For example, he doesn’t consider Adam and Eve to be literal historical figures. It also doesn’t matter to him if Jonah was literally in the belly of a great fish. He believes much of the Old Testament is just an archetypal story. That is a story where we see ourselves, not a record of historical truth. While he believes the New Testament is more historically reliable than the Old Testament, he doesn’t believe it is completely true and can always be trusted. Adam Hamilton’s view of the Bible as sacred story instead of factual history is sweeping across America. Should the Bible be read as nothing more than a story that doesn’t need to connect with historical events? If we were to ask the Bible what it says about itself, how would it tell us to read it and understand it? Join us as we answer the question, “Can I trust my Bible?”
Today it is hard to know what to believe. A recent Gallup pole revealed seven out of ten Americans do not trust the major news networks. The media is seen as a political manipulation machine instead a source of unvarnished truth. Even more prevalent than the deception of today’s media is the religious deception around us. Satan is working hard to draw people away from Jesus. How can we be a strong Christian that is faithful to the end of our life and avoid being deceived? Join me as Paul shows us three pillars for a strong Christian life.
Alwyn Cashe is an American hero from the Iraq War. After his Bradley Fighting Vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb, even though he escaped with minimal injuries, he went back to the burning vehicle seven times to pull his unconscious men to safety before they were consumed by the flames. As a result of his heroic efforts, he died from burns that covered most of his body. All of those burns he received because he risked his life to pull his men to safety. Alwyn is a true American hero. He cared more about saving the lives of others than his own. As Christians, we also need heroes we can admire. We need to know the stories of Christian heroes of the past so we can learn from the example of their lives. Join us as we learn how to follow Christian heroes of the past and how to be one in the present.
Each week our phone rings with a number we do not recognize. It is usually a robo-caller or a scammer claiming they want to sell us an obscure product, such as an extended warranty on our car. The growth of the Internet has led to exponential growth in the scam artist industry. Through the Internet people reach across the ocean and attempt to steal our money and identity. Learning how to protect ourselves from these scoundrels is an essential part of life in the modern world. Scam artists are not just after our wallet. Some are after our soul. Join us as we learn how to avoid getting spiritually scammed and led astray.
Easter comes every spring. It was placed on the calendar in the spring so the new life rising out of the earth after a cold and dead winter would be an annual reminder of Jesus rising to life after death for us. While Easter is a wonderful reminder of the empty tomb, how does the resurrection of Jesus change the way we live the rest of the year? In this study we learn how Jesus' resurrection changes the way we live every day.
We live in a politically divided time. Accusations of election fraud are still on the news. Executive orders and sweeping political changes are on the horizon. The evening news fixates on the political issues of our day telling us our problems would be solved if we could overthrow the people in power. Not much has changed since the days of Jesus. At that time the Jews were convinced their source of trouble was the Romans that were in political power over them. They desperately wanted Jesus to help them overthrow the Romans, and if he did, they were convinced their problems would go away. As we study the Triumphal Entry, we discover how easy it is to follow Jesus for the wrong reasons and to look to Jesus for the wrong solutions.
In popular conversation we frequently hear about the importance of loving ourselves. People are told to love themselves more. They are told they won’t be able to love another person until they learn to love themselves. We are told we need to learn to love ourselves to succeed in life. While psychologists have beat the self-love drum since the 1960’s, the Bible has a different way of looking at this subject. A focus on loving ourselves spells the death of a relationship with God and with other people. Join me as we learn the danger of self love and neglecting to love our neighbor as ourself.
The news is filled with conflict. It is one story after another of evil, corruption, and fighting. It is no surprise when bitterness and disputes creep into the church. How are we to handle distracting arguments? What should we do when Christians hurt us or say evil things about us behind our back? In this message, we see what the Bible teaches us about how we can be most useful to Christ and his kingdom when there is conflict in the church.
Every good sports team has a deep bench. The team needs players that can step into crucial positions in a moment’s notice. Sometimes bench athletes train just as hard as the starting lineup but see no playing time. What is important is that they are ready to go the moment the coach needs them. As Christians, our life is similar to a second-string athlete. We need to be prepared and ready to play for coach Jesus whenever he needs to call us off the bench. Join me as we learn how to be ready to play an important roles in changing lives.
The Internet gives us access to thousands of Bible teachers around the world. The pandemic forced us to stay home and worship online. For many that was a chance to shop around. It was a chance to experience some of the best communicators in the nation. How do we evaluate them? While they have the applause of the crowds, how do you know if they have the applause of God? Join us as we continue our study in 2 Timothy and learn how to tell the difference between a good pastor and bad one.
Last week Tom Brady and the Buccaneers celebrated another Super Bowl victory. While Tom and the players on his team are skilled at football, a Super Bowl victory doesn’t come without hard work and sacrifice. The reward of a Super Bowl championship makes all the sacrifice worth it. As Christians, when we share the gospel, we will be met with resistance by a world that is opposed to Christ and His kingdom. The good news is God promises to reward those who faithfully share the Good News. Join us this weekend as we learn why the reward of sharing the gospel is always worth the sacrifice.
This past week, one of our nations top athletes announced his retirement. His name is Matt Fraser. For the last five years he is the world champion of the CrossFit games. For half a decade he held the title of the fittest man on the planet. What will Matt do in retirement? Like other famous CrossFit athletes, he will spend his time sharing his secrets of physical fitness. As we continue in 2 Timothy, we find Paul sharing his secrets of spiritual fitness. Join us as we learn how to develop spiritual strength for tough times.
One of a soldier’s highest honors is to stand guard at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. If you have visited Arlington National Cemetery, you know how seriously each sentinel takes his duty. The tomb of the Unknown Soldier has been guarded 24 hours a day, 7 days a week since 1937. No matter the weather the sentinels guard the tomb. Even in September 2003 during Hurricane Isabel, the sentinels kept guard. This week we look at an honor greater than guarding the Unknown Soldier’s tomb. We have the honor of guarding the gospel message. Nothing is more precious. Nothing is more valuable. Nothing is worth standing for more than the honor of speaking the truth of what God has done for us through Jesus. Join me as we learn how to guard the true gospel and to avoid being pressured into believing a false one.
Chick-Fil-A is the most popular restaurant chain in America. Unfortunately there are times when city councils and universities forbid the chain from opening a restaurant in their community because of their Christian beliefs and practices. It is not just Chick-Fil-A that pays a price for identifying themselves with Jesus. Each of us will experience shame and embarrassment when we talk about Jesus in public. How do we find the courage to speak for Jesus when we are shamed for Him? Join me as we learn how the Apostle Paul prepared Timothy to suffer for Jesus in a world where you could lose your life if you spoke about Him.
In 1960, James Rodgers was executed by firing squad for the murder of a local coal miner. As was the custom, before his death the state offered to grant one final request. He requested a bullet proof vest! The final words of someone’s life reveal what is important to them. In Rodger’s case, he wanted to live. 2 Timothy is the final letter of Paul’s life. In this short book he teaches us what was important to him, that is being faithful to Christ to the end life. Join us as we learn more about faithfulness to Christ over the long-haul.
For the last 40 years, Gallup surveyed Americans about their belief in the Bible. In 2017, for the first time in the Gallup’s history, more Americans believed the Bible was a book of fables, legends, and moral principles recorded by man (26%) than believed the Bible is the Word of God and relevant to everyday life (24%). More Americans see the Bible as irrelevant than prior generations! Is reading the Bible a waste of time and energy? What happens when we neglect reading the Bible? What does God promise will happen when we take time to read the Bible? This weekend, we study Psalm 19. Join me as we learn why Bible reading is essential for our joy and life.
The Gospel of Mark ends with odd verses. Modern translations have a disclaimer letting us know Mark's final verses do not appear in the oldest copies of Mark's gospel. How did these verses end up at the end of this book? How do we know Mark didn't write them? If we can't trust that part of the Bible, how do we know we can trust the rest of our Bible? Join me as we use Mark's final verses to launch into the fascinating world of text criticism. We will learn how God worked to make one of the oldest books in the world the most accurate book of ancient history. Don't miss this study as we learn why we can trust this book!
Christmas is about worship! In Matthew's Christmas story, we see three different people worship Jesus. The way they worship Jesus tells how they value Jesus. In the same way, the way we worship Jesus reveals the truth about the way we feel about Him. Join the CrossWinds Church Spirit Lake campus as we celebrate Jesus' birth by giving Jesus our best in worship!
NOTE: When researching for this sermon, I asked Google the distance between Babylon and Jerusalem. Google coughed up an answer of 1,679 miles. That is the distance I used in the sermon. That is wrong! The distance is 679 miles! The web site google referenced had a "1" in front of the number! Oops! The point I was making is still valid. It is a long distance to travel to see Jesus. This error is in the audio and video. I corrected the error in the manuscript. The moral of the story is… DOUBLE CHECK GOOGLE!
Our family placed presents under the tree before Christmas Eve. The week before Christmas meant a pile of presents for all to see. As an only child, I was thrilled that most had my name on them! It felt like I hit the jackpot! Christmas morning was different. I learned all the presents were not the same. Many of them were needed but less than thrilling. They were packages of socks, underwear, and a new shirt for church. That was not what a young boy was looking for on Christmas morning. Thankfully all present were not that way. Some were exactly what I wanted. They were gifts like a remote controlled car or a shooting gallery. That is what made Christmas morning exciting for a boy. In a similar way, this message may look like it is just another ordinary message. It is just another present under the tree. As we explore Romans 6, we will see this messages is much more than we expect. It is a gift we desperately want and need. It is the gift of victory over sin! Join me in learning how we can have victory over the power of sin in our life. Together, let's unwrap the gift of a changed life.
What was the most shocking moment of your life? Maybe it was the sudden death of a spouse. Maybe it was the unexpected loss of a job. Shocking surprises don't have to be negative. Sometime they are positive, like winning the lottery. As the Gospel of Mark draws to a close, we find the most shocking and unexpected surprise in the history fo the world, the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Join us as we learn why the resurrection is a historical fact we can trust, not fake news fiction intended to deceive.
When was the last time you saw a miracle? For most of us, we have never seen an honest-to-goodness biblical style miracle where a hand was restored, food was created out of thin air, or the dead were raised to life. It is easy to wonder if God is at work in our world or if we are left to fate and chance. As we study the burial of Jesus, we see another way God is at work in the world besides the miraculous. It is called providence. Join us as we learn how God is direct our future and guides our world through the miracle or providence.
The "Great American Eclipse" of August 21, 2017 is now history. April 8, 2024 is the next total solar eclipse. It will darken a 115 mile wide section of America from Texas to Maine. When Jesus died on the cross, thick darkness covered the land. Was that just a solar eclipse? If it wasn't an eclipse, what caused the darkness in Jerusalem for three hours that day? Join us for the answer.
What was the darkest hour of human history? Was it D-Day when thousands of men went to their graves? Was it World War II? The darkest hour of human history involved the death of one man, the man who was God who began sin for us. Join us as we examine the darkness of the Crucifixion as we anticipate the brilliance of the resurrection.
What was it like for Jesus to be accused of things he didn't do? In this study, we examine Jesus' Roman trial before Pilate that led to his execution. We will see how the message of the gospel displays itself in one of Jesus' darkest hours.
This week, Amy Coney Barrett is being grilled by the Senate for potential confirmation to the Supreme Court. It is a time when senators attempt to find anything in her past that would disqualify her for the position. The hope is that she would insure truth and justice in the highest court of our land. As we study Jesus' trial before the Jewish Sanhedrin, the Jewish Supreme Court—a court that was also committed to truth and fairness, we find the ultimate miscarriage in justice to send Jesus to the cross.
We live in politically divided world. As the election approaches, the hatred between political parties heats up. As Christians, how are we to speak about the other party? How are we to act toward them? As we study Judas' betrayal of Jesus, we learn how to live in these divided and hateful days.
Is anyone stressed? Statistics say 77 percent of Americans are expressing physical signs of stress. 73 percent of Americans are expressing psychological signs of stress. One in every two Americans will stay away at night because they are anxious about the future. One interesting stress statistic reported by a dentist in Iowa deals with stress and teeth. During the COVID pandemic, in spite of fewer patients, each day he treats two to five times more cracked teeth. Cracked teeth are a sign of stress because in stressful times we subconsciously grind our teeth during our sleep. What does the Bible say about handling stress? What does the Bible say we should do to live a life a faithful life for Jesus in stress-filled world? Join us as we learn how Jesus teaches us to face our stress.
In 1428, men with shovels walked into the graveyard of Lutterworth Church. They were not digging a hole to make a grave. They were digging a hole to empty a grave. Forty-three years after his burial, John Wycliffe's bones were dug up, burned, and his ashes scattered into river to rid the earth of his remains. What had he done that inspired such hatred almost half a century after his death? His main crime was claiming the bread and the wine in the Lord's Supper are not transformed into the literal body and blood of Christ. For that, he was hated. What happens during the Lord's Supper? Why did Jesus establish it? How should we observe it? What kind of blessing do we receive from it? Join us as we examine how Jesus changed the last Passover into the first Lord's Supper before he went to the cross.
Julius and Ethel Rosenberg are forever etched in American history. Julius worked for the United States government and was given access to top-secret military plans for jets and nuclear weapons. What no-one knew is Julius was also a communist sympathizer and Russian spy. At a time when the United States was the only country on earth to possess nuclear weapons, he shared the United States nuclear secrets with Russia and started the arms race. As a result of betraying his country, both Julius and Ethel were executed. Do you ever feel like the Rosenbergs? Have you betrayed someone? Have you betrayed God and broken your promises to Him, turned you back on Him and been unfaithful to Him? How does Jesus treat those who betray Him? Join us as we learn how Jesus handles betrayers like you and me.
William Miller, a rural New York farmer and baptist lay preacher, became popular in the 1800's when he claimed to know the date of Jesus' return. Based on his understanding of Daniel 8:14, he claimed Jesus would return October 22, 1844. What is breathing is the number of people who believed him. Estimates range from 50,000 to 500,000 people lived in hope waiting for Christ's return on that fateful day. Some who followed him, in an expression of their full-devotion, sold everything they owned in preparation Christ's return. The aftermath of William Millers false teaching became to be known as the "Great Disappointment". Can we predict the return of Christ? What must to take place before Christ's return? As we continue our study in Mark we find those answers and more as we study Jesus and the end of the world.
Harold Camping is famous for being a false prophet. On billboards around the country, he told the world Jesus was coming back on May 21, 2011. As we all know, he was dead wrong. As Jesus leaves Jerusalem for the final time, he predicts Jerusalem's destruction. Unlike Harold Camping, he was right. This provides further proof that Jesus is God, because only God know the future.
Most pastors do not want to talk about money. Nobody wants to sound like a rabid televangelist wearing an expensive suit grinning with a plastic smile and too much hairspray. While many pastors shy away from the topic of money, God doesn't. There are over 800 references to money in the Bible. Twenty-five percent of everything Jesus taught related to money. How we use the money God entrusts in our hands is one of the clearest indications of the true state of our true spiritual life. Join us as we learn the truth about money and the role it plays in our life with God.
The Indy 500 is the largest sporting venue in the world. It has a seating capacity over 235,000. Add infield seating capacity, and they can handle over 400,000 people. While everyone loves a good race, the only way you can place in a race is you need to finish the race. Blowing an engine or crashing into a wall leaves you with nothing. The Christian life is like the Indy 500. What matters more than starting the Christian life is enduring to the end and finishing the Christian life. As Paul begins to wind up his letter to the Philippians, he gives them five hurdles they need to conquer if they are going to stand firm in Christ for the long haul. They are the same challenges we face if we want to be faithful to Jesus until the end of our days. Join us as we learn how to stand strong for Christ until we finish the race of life.
One of the challenges in America is the rioting in our cities. If a crowd has a thousand, it is easy to think they are all rioting for the same reason, and with the same passion. In truth, many rioters are in protests because they are following their friends. They have not thought through the issues. People around us are strongly influential on us. As Paul continues teaching about spiritual maturity, he instructs us about the importance of finding and following Godly examples in our life. He also tells us about the importance of avoiding the ungodly examples in our life so we are not drawn away from Christ. We are strongly influence either for Christ or away from Christ by those we keep around us.
Usain Bolt is considered the best sprinter in the world. An eight-time Olympic gold medalist, Bolt is the only sprinter to win Olympic 100 and 200 meter titles in three consecutive Olympics. What is the secret of his success? What can we learn from him about the Christian life? In this study, we learn the importance of not just being saved by faith in Jesus but working hard to pursue becoming more like Jesus. We are to pursue knowing Jesus with the focus and intensity of a sprinter heading for the finish. Join us as we learn seven principles of spiritual maturity everyone needs to know.
It surprises some people to know the Bible uses bad words. When the Bible uses bad words, it uses them to describe bad things, so the words are a fitting description. In these verses, the Apostle Paul, who is usually a joyous person, uses strong words against anyone that tries to lead us away from simple trust in Jesus to be saved from our sin. Paul gives a refresher course on what it means to be a Christian and what sets simple faith in Jesus apart from every other religion in the world.
It is said the most powerful form of teaching is what is caught, not what is taught. Seeing how people live is more important than hearing what people say. In Philippians 2, Paul taught us about humility as a principle. He also taught us about humility by Jesus, the ultimate example. The problem with Jesus is the humility in his life feels unattainable. Wouldn't it be nice if we could see what Christ-like humility in the life of ordinary people looks like in everyday life? That is what we have in these verses. Paul shows us what God-honoring humility looks like in the life of real people like you and me, Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus.
Where does spiritual maturity come from? Is spiritual maturity found in hard work, study, sacrifice and the pain of turning away from sin or is it about ending all of our effort and simply relying on God to change us? Is spiritual maturity something we do or something God does in us? Join us as we learn where how spiritual maturity comes from in the Christian life. We will also learn how spiritual maturity changes our attitude.
On May 25, 2020, George Floyd was arrested for using a fake $20 bill. The arresting police officers abused their position of authority. One placed his knee on George's neck taking his life. An outraged community protested. Unfortunately, some of those protests turned violent as police were attacked, buildings were burned, and stores were looted. This rioting spread across the country and even around the world. As a result was that the racial divide between blacks and white was widened, not brought together. There is now more anger and hatred, not less. What does the Bible say is the path to unity in our broken world? The path to unity is not through rioting, it is through humility instead of hatred. In these amazing verses, we see how Jesus is the model of humility that we are to follow. It was his humility that restored our relationship with God. It was his humility that led him to the position of highest honor, not to shame.
In seminary, I have a number of Korean friends. Spending time with them, I learned they take church very seriously. They can also have strong opinions on the way church should be done. As a result, Korean churches are know for splitting. One statistic I read claims the average Korean church splits every eight years because of turmoil. Not all churches are that way. Some churches manage to weather storms of conflict and come out stronger on the other side. How do that do it? In this message, we learn the difference between churches that divide and churches that survive.
Remember elementary school. What happened when the teach left the room? In about 20 seconds people were misbehaving. The same thing happened in high school when a teacher didn't show up for class and it was just students in the room. Things fell into chaos. Paul was the founding pastor of the church in Philippi. He was gone a long time. While he was gone, the church was misbehaving. While they believed the Christian faith, they were not living out their Christian life. Their faith and their life were out-of-sync. In this passage, Paul talks about what it means to live as citizens of God's kingdom where Jesus reigns in our life.
In 1993, while fishing St. Mary's Glacier, Bill Jeracki had a boulder crush his leg. Alone in the wilderness, without a jacket or communication equipment, with a snow storm bearing down upon him, he had to make a frightening choice to survive. Using his shirt as a tourniquet, he amputated his leg using his fishing knife. He then crab-walked to his truck and drove himself to the hospital. People will do almost anything to avoid death. Each of us is innately terrified by it. What if we could peer behind death's door and find out what lies on the other side? If we could be certain death wasn't terrifying, wouldn't that change the way we live? Join us as we peek behind death's door and discover why Christians have nothing to fear because Jesus has made death better than life.
As the pandemic continues, it appears more damage is being done to people's lives by social distancing than by the virus. Graduating seniors don't get to enjoy open house parties. Large wedding are reduced to a bride, groom, parents and a pastor. Businesses are shut down and struggling to survive. A virus has stopped everything. The good news is that there is one thing this virus can't stop. That is the gospel. It is when Christians are most constrained that the gospel grows best. Join us as we discover the unstoppable life-transforming power of the gospel.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, our nation struggles as they are stuck at home. While phone calls and Zoom video chat help us stay connected, we are still lonely. Nothing can replace face to face conversation. More people are struggling with loneliness than the virus. Loneliness is not exclusive to the pandemic. Even before the COVID-19, 40 percent of Americans considered themselves lonely. Social media relationships are up, but real relationships are down. How do we solve the problem of loneliness? Where can we find deep and satisfying relationships? Join us as the Apostle Paul introduces us to a different kind of relationship called gospel partnerships. These are relationships than deeper and more fulfilling than anything ordinary friendships can offer.
We live in a world committed to happiness, that comes from circumstances. As we begin the book of Philippians, we find a book about joy. Joy comes form our relationship with Jesus in spite of our circumstances. Join us as we learn how the joy we have in Christ gives us hope in tough situations and how God uses that joy to spread the gospel and grow the church.
Since the first COVID-19 death on February 29 of this year, 24,000 Americans have died. While this may sound like an astronomical number, in the same period of time, over 353,000 Americans died of other causes. At this time, the average American is 15 times more likely to die of a car accident, cancer, falling out of bed or some other random form of death than COVID-19. This reminds us that even if we wash our hands, cover our face with a bandana while in public and avoid the virus, all we can do is delay our death. We can not avoid death. It finds us at an alarming rate. The good news of Easter is for those who love Jesus, he transforms death. A Christian's death is not something to fear. It is something to celebrate as they are brought into the presence of God. Join us as we see how the resurrection changes everything about death… and life!
This week, President Trump told the nation that social distancing will remain in place until the end of the month. While everyone is thankful for a government that protects its citizens, the social isolation and lack of employment is a heavy burden on the heart. At times like this, it is easy to grumble, whine, and complain. When we turn to God's Word on this topic, we learn that grumbling is dangerous. It is a serious sin. It is not to be part of the Christian life. Join us as we we learn what God says about how to handle tough times without a grumbling heart.
As we continue in the COVID-19 pandemic, the borders between states are closing. Minnesota has a shelter-at-home order. The National Guard is called out in a number of states. Our nation's anxiety increases by the hour. As jobs are lost and income dwindles, how can we follow Christ well in these chaotic days? Join us as we see what the apostle Paul tells us about standing for Christ when times are tough.
This past week, our life changed. The COVID-19 pandemic shut down our nation and our economy. As a nation, we face the possibility of multitudes losing their physical life while our nation loses economic life. As anxiety overwhelms us, how should we face these uncertain times? Join us as the Word of God shows us where to find peace in our uncertain world.
Some church traditions have their church leaders wear a collar or preach in an ornate robe. Other church traditions request parishioners address church leaders using a term of respect such as "Father," "Priest," or "Pastor." Special clothing and titles are intended to visually identify the spiritually mature among us, When we look at the Gospel of Mark, we see a different measure of spiritual maturity. It is faith and generosity. Join us as we discover what genuine love for God looks like.
Everyone will eventually answer the question, "Who is Jesus?" To many, he was nothing more than a good teacher. Some hate Jesus. Others love Jesus. As we continue in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus takes the religious leaders of Judaism to the Old Testament where he proves to them where his authority is found. He is much more than just a man. He is the man that is God.
The web site "Record Setter" has a unique way of setting world records. They allow contestants to video tape themselves attempting to set world records. If they beat the world record in a category, they moved to the top of the category as a new record holder. In preparation for this message, I checked the "I love you" category on the "Record Setter" web site. Currently the world record for saying, "I love you" the most times in 30 seconds is held by a youth pastor! He told his wife "I love you" 69 times in only 30 seconds. While someone can set a record saying those words, it is much harder to be a recorder setter when it comes to living out those words and showing love. In this message, we explore the greatest commandments. Both of them call us to not just say the word "love" but to try and be a record setter in how we show it.
On November 14, 2004, 6-year-old Alex Malarkey was with his father as they drove home in rural Ohio. When his father made a left turn, their car collided with oncoming traffic. The impact of the crash detached Alex's skull from his spinal cord. Alex lived but he awoke from a coma two months later as a quadriplegic. When he awoke, he began telling his parents about visiting heaven, seeing Jesus and angels that intervened in the car accident to save his father's life. Tyndale House published a book about Alex's trip to heaven claiming it was a true story. It sold over a million copies. Unfortunately Alex later admitted that he made everything up to get attention. Millions of people were deceived by his fictional stories about life after death. Is there a way we can know what lives beyond the grave? Can we know with certainty that there is life after death? Join us as we discover the certainty and joys of the resurrection.
Michael Bowman of Oregon has refused to pay his taxes since 1999. He cashes his work check and keeps his bank account low in order to keep the government from garnishing his wages. Why does he refuse to pay the taxes he owes? He claims it is his opposition to abortion. He doesn't want his tax dollars to fund the taking of human life. His words before the court were, "If a woman has a right to choose, so do I." Is Michael Bowman right? Do Christians have a right to refuse payment of their taxes to protest the evil in our government? Join us as we find what the Bible says about this important question.
Every day we are flooded with information. Demands on our life hit us through texts, social media, email, snail mail, and a constant stream of advertising on everything we see. Wouldn't it be nice if we could cut through the informational chaos and focus on the important things we need? The good news is God has simplified things. There is only one authority we need to follow. The words of Jesus and his apostles are the one thing we need to know. Join us as we learn how God has simplified the informational chaos we all face and made Jesus the only thing we need.
All of us conform to peer pressure. We wear the clothes we wear because they are in style. We purchase the latest phones and gadgets because our friends are using them. While everyone is shaped by the people around us, sometimes cultural pressure leads us away from truth. In this study, we see Jesus as the ultimate authority in the world and our lives. He is the authority we need to follow. We also see how the leaders in society are twisted by the desire for popularity into half-truths and deceit.
Have you ever despaired to pray because it feels like your prayers don't make a difference? We know prayer is the right thing to do, but why doesn't God answer our prayers more favorable? In this message Jesus gives us a lesson on how we can pray prayers that make a difference.
When Cindy and I were first married, I tried my hand at gardening. I planted tomatoes and looked forward to a juicy harvest in the fall. I was amazed at how big the plants grew, but in the fall, the tomatoes were small and few. No-one told me the importance of pruning the plants so all the plant's energy would not go into producing leaves instead of growing fruit. This week, we discover the temple and judaism had become nothing but leaves. They looked great on the outside but were not producing spiritual fruit for God. As a result, God decided to taken them away. Join us as we learn the importance of living a life that is more than leaves.
A 2015 Gallop poll revealed 75 percent of Americans identify themselves as Christians. If that were true, don't you think our country would be different? Don't you think the comments we read in social media would be kinder? That Gallop poll revealed many people want to casually associate with Jesus but in truth far less are interested in following Jesus. Join us as we learn the dangers of being a casual fan of Jesus instead of a follower as we study the Triumphal Entry.
If you could ask Jesus for anything, what would it be? Would you ask to be famous and popular? Would you ask to be beautiful or strong? Even if we asked for those things, how do we know Jesus would want to give us those things? As we come to the gospel of Mark, we find one thing we can ask for from Jesus that we know we will always say, "Yes!"
Each year we hear of people that miss Christmas with their families. Some are overseas serving in the military. Others are stuck in airports because of weather or flight delays. While some miss Christmas for obvious reasons, others miss Christmas in more subtle ways. Join us as we learn how some of the famous Christmas characters from the first Christmas story missed Jesus' birth and how we can miss it as well.
The book of Hebrews tells us that what God has done for us through Jesus is greater than anything he did in the past. Jesus is so great, God can not improve what he has already done for us through Jesus in the future. How does that relate to the Old Testament sacrificial system? Join us as we learn how Jesus changed sacrifices for sin and the good news of how he changed it.
In C.S. Lewis' novel, Prince Caspian, there is a famous scene where Lucy rushes to Aslan the lion, falls between his front paws and buries her face in his mane. Aslan the lion represents Jesus. When Lucy is resting in his mane, she says these famous words. "Your bigger!", says Lucy. Aslan says, "That is because you are older, little one… every year you grow, you will find me bigger." C.S. Lewis' point is the more we grow in Christ, the bigger Christ becomes. In the first message of this Christmas series, we study the opening verses of the book of Hebrews to help us see that Jesus is greater and bigger than we can comprehend.
Washington grows egos better than Iowa grows corn. Most politicians are not humble public servants but men and women laced with pride desiring to wield power and like social media addicts, they dream of headlining the news. Is climbing over people the path to true greatness? Is being in power and control the way to know you are significant? In this study, Jesus tells us the path to true greatness.
We often hear we can do anything if we just try hard enough. We know that isn't true. For example, it is impossible to lick our elbows. It is impossible to wiggle one ear. It is impossible to sneeze with our eyes open. There are many things impossible for us to do, but they are not impossible for God to do. In this message we look at how God made us a part of the kingdom of God through Jesus, something that was impossible for us to do for ourselves so God did it for us through Jesus, his Son.
Today we have Disney Land, summer camp, and school sports. We love children. It wasn't always that way. In the ancient world, children were considered a nuisance and bother. In a world without birth control, unwanted children were left in the fields to die of exposure. Into this anti-child world, Jesus came. He came with a different attitude toward children. He loved them. He held them. He was never too busy for them. As we continue our study in the Gospel of Mark, we learn why Christians are to love children, like Jesus loved them. We also learn how unless we become like a child, we will never enter the kingdom of God.
Between 42 to 45 percent of marriage will end in divorce. Divorce touches everyone either in their immediate family or in their extended family. Divorce is so common that it has become something people celebrate instead of hide. Today it is popular to host a divorce party when your marriage is ending. Just as people celebrate the beginning of their marriage with a party, a divorce party is celebrating the end of a marriage with a party. Is the end of a marriage something to celebrate? What does Jesus think about divorce? Join us as we continue our study in the Gospel of Mark and see what Jesus has to say about this painful topic.
Today we often hear about people being radical. There is radical Islam that wants to kill to spread their faith. There are the radical members of the Democratic Party who are pushing for a socialist country. While radical often has a bad connotation, there are times when being radical is appropriate. If you are diagnosed with cancer, it is often better to take a radical approach instead of a casual approach. Just as it is wise to take a radical approach to cancer, Jesus tells we need to take a radical approach to cutting sin out of our life. Join us as we learn the dangers of habitual sin.
Albert Haynesworth was considered one of the top picks in the 2002 NFL Draft. He was drafted first round to the Tennessee Titans. While he had a bright career in front of him, there was a fatal flaw inside of him. That flaw burst onto the public scene in a game between the Tennessee Titans and the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas was winning. Andre Gurode, the Dallas center, was on the ground after a play when Haynesworth attacked him. He tore off his helmet and with cleated shoes stomped on Gurode's face nearly missing his eye but leaving him with deep cuts on his face that required 30 stitches. After the game, when Haynesworth was asked why he attacked the Dallas center he said, "I am a prideful guy. I hate to lose." That was the beginning of Haynesworth's decline in the NFL. He eventually became known as the worst free-agent draft in NFL history. This man was an amazing athletic talent, but pride destroyed his life. Pride isn't just deadly for football players. It is especially deadly for Christians. Join me as we find out why.
Today we usually hear stories of bad fathers. We hear stories of fathers neglecting their children and using their children for their own selfish gain. As we continue our study in the Gospel of Mark, we meet a great father. We meet a dad who tirelessly gave of himself to caring for his sick son, his only child. This dad frequently risked his life to save his son's life. As part of this father's tireless commitment to care for his sick boy, he tracked down Jesus' disciples and begging them to cure his son. Join us as we learn what the disciples did, and what we can easily do, that shuts down the strength of Jesus working in our lives.
Do you remember learning to swim? I learned to swim as a young child in a pool. The scary part of the pool was the deep end where I couldn't touch bottom. Taking a swim in the deep end was petrifying. The only way I would swim in the deep end was if an adult was with me. They could help me. If an adult was with me, I knew it would be ok. In a similar way, Jesus just told the crowds what it would take to be his disciple. Everyone who is a disciple of Jesus needs to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow him. That is scary. Those who follow Jesus need to be willing to give up their life! That is scarier than swimming in the deep end of the pool! Wouldn't it be nice it there was a way Jesus could help them so they knew that even if they lost everything for Jesus, it would be ok? As we come to the transfiguration, that is exactly what Jesus does.
If someone was to ask you what they needed to do to become a Christian, what would you say? Across the country pastors are inviting people to become Christians, but how do we know they are giving the right invitation? In this message, we look at the original gospel invitation given us by Jesus. Surprisingly, most of today's gospel invitations do not look anything like the original one given us by Jesus.
In the 1300's, Italian poet wrote his famous work called The Divine Comedy. His poet described a trip to Paradise through Hell and Hades. He described hell as an inverted cone with nine levels of torment, the worst torments taking place on a frozen lake and administered by the devil himself. Is this an accurate description of Hell? How do we separate fantasy from reality? In this message, we explore Hell using only the Bible as our guide as we learn to love Jesus more as we get a better understanding of the eternity Jesus saved us from experiencing.
Most of us are saving for retirement. In this parable, Jesus teaches us a better way to plan and save for the future. This short first-person sermon was delivered at the CrossWinds Church picnic.
In 2004, the first Escape Room opened in Boston. Since then, they have spread like wild fire across the country and around the globe. Escape room come in themes. Some have a space theme. Others have a prison theme while others have a pirate theme. The goal of the escape room is to work with your friends to solve puzzles and crack codes and escape the room. While escape rooms are a recent cultural crazy, they have been popular for years in the church. There is one people have tired to escape from for years, that is hell. In this message, we evaluate the different ways people have tried to escape an eternity in the Lake of Fire to see if they work.
President Trumps Presidential campaign and the Russians. They issued 2,800 subpoenas, 500 search warrants, and interview over 500 witnesses while having an unlimited budget and resources. Putting aside your personal conclusions on the outcome of the investigation, imagine what it would be like if you were a subject in the investigation and had everything in your life exposed? While we may not be the focus of Robert Mueller's investigation, one day people will be investigated and exposed to a much great degree by Christ. Join us as we learn about Christ's final judgment and how to prepare for that great day.
The idea of God sending our good, kind, loving people to hell for eternity simply because they haven't trusted in Jesus feels repulsive. Hell for everyone who doesn't turn to Christ is considered the most difficult part of the Christian faith for people to understand. How can God be so ruthless? In this message, we discover why people we consider good end up in hell.
"I just don't believe the Bible any more." In front of me was a student that used to attend our youth group. When he went to Christian college, his professors spent time most of their time showing him all the places they felt the Bible couldn't be trusted, and gave him little evidence for why the Bible is right and can be trusted. In this message, we look at what the Bible says about itself. We learn why we can trust the Bible and make it the foundation for truth in our life.
Rejection of Jesus comes in many forms. There is outright rejection that we can see in the Pharisees. They were open enemies of Jesus. Rejection of Jesus also comes in subtler forms. At this point in the gospel of Mark, the disciples were teetering on the edge of practical unbelief in Jesus not because they openly rejected him but because they were too familiar with him. Join us as we learn the danger of practical unbelief in the lives of people like you and me.
Life is hard. It is filled with pain. When we face hard times, knowing someone genuinely cares and will go out of their way to help is extremely important. As we continue our study in the Gospel of Mark, we see that Jesus is full of compassion toward people who suffer, like you and me.
One of the most frustrating problems with employees is when they don't complete a job. It is also frustrating when an employee completes a job but does not accomplish good work. In this message, we examine the work ethic of Jesus' miracles. We will learn he was famous for doing all things well, even his miracles.
When we see people in the news that are far from God, it is easy to think they are too far for God to reach. Maybe it is their background they come from or the past life they lived that causes us to write them off and see that as too far from God's amazing grace. As we continue our way in Mark, we meet a woman who looks like she is too far from God because of her background. She ends up being the first one in the gospel to recognize Jesus for who he is and because of her great faith, Jesus casts a demon out of her daughter. What matters is not the background we come from but that they humbly seek God's mercy through Jesus, like this woman.
How often do you allow your mind to think about something that is sinful but feel there is nothing wrong by entertaining yourself with that sin because you haven't actually committed the act? As long as there is a separation between what we think and do, we feel we are ok. After all, we let ourselves be entertained on television and in the movies by watching murder and adultery. If we can watch it on the screen, what is wrong with thinking about it in our minds? Jesus feels very differently on this subject. The separation between our physical and mental world is not that distant. How can we stop thinking about sin? How can we have a heart that loves God and longs to do what is right? Join us as we learn why the mind matters and how God changes our heart.
Fiddler on the Roof is one of the best-loved musicals of all time. It also features some of the best-loved songs. The opening song of the musical is called "Tradition", and the family members one by one sing out the role they play in the traditional Jewish family, but on every side tradition is being threatened. While Fiddler on the Roof is fiction, the power of tradition is not. Jesus lived at a time when tradition was valued and it took on authority on par with the Bible. Today, we also have traditions that we treat with great importance. Join us as we learn about our traditions and how they can lead us away from following Jesus.
Many who live on the coast enjoy surfing the waves. Many of us forget Jesus was also a surfer, but he didn't need a board! As we continue our study in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus reveals more of his glory and love for the apostles as he comes to their rescue walking on top of the waves in a storm.
Beside the resurrection, there is only one miracle recorded in all four gospels. That is the feeding of the five thousand. It was so momentous, that afterwards the people wanted to make him king. Join us as we learn how God desires to do some of his finest works through us, not apart from us.
In the Gospel of Mark, there is only one narrative that is not about Jesus. It is the story of the death of John the Baptist. As Jesus told us there was no prophet greater than John. The story of his death is a vivid illustration of the kind of suffering all faithful disciples will face. It is also an amazing case study on the consequences of sexual sin.
Half-way through Jesus' three years of ministry, he send out his apostles on a short-term mission trip as part of their training. The sending out of Jesus' apostles is filled with instructions describing what faithful ministry would look like for them, and what it still looks like today.
In earlier passaged of the Gospel of Mark, when Jesus was in Capernaum, he was wildly popular. Only twenty miles away, when Jesus comes to his home town, he is rejected and ridiculed. In this study we learn what to expect from people hardened in unbelief against Christ and what are the consequences of living in unbelief in our life.
Jesus has the power to calm storms and authority to cast out demons at his word. With all this power, how much does he care about you and me? In the story of Jairus and the sick woman, we get a glimpse into the compassion of Jesus.
How far can someone be from Jesus and still have their life redeemed by Jesus? This week, we see how Jesus can take a ruined life and use it for his glory.
When was the last time life fell apart? If it hasn't fallen apart yet, just wait. It will. In this message, we learn how Jesus cares for those he loves in the storms of life.
After Jesus finished the Parable of the Soils, he gives a collection of short parables describing the way the kingdom of God works. These short parables help us understand the way life works in God's family.
Many of us are afraid to tell our friends about Jesus. Some of our friends mock our interest in Christ. Other friends express some interest, but soon fall away. In the parable of the sower, Jesus teaches us what to expect when we share the good news of Jesus with our friends and neighbors and why so many will reject God's good news.
We live in a world that is lonely. Family is not as close as they once were. Many people are looking for friendship and someone who cares. As we continue in Mark, Jesus introduces those who love and follow him to a new family, the family of God.
Many of us live under pressure. All day we are bombarded by texts, emails, and phone calls that demand out attention. Jesus understands a demanding schedule. As we continue in the Mark, we get a glimpse into the kind of pressure Jesus faced on a daily basis and why he chose twelve ordinary men to help him.
As we continue our study in the Gospel of Mark, we find Jesus claiming to be Lord of the Sabbath. This was such an outrageous claim that it led to the religious leaders deciding to eliminate him. Join us as we discover the power of Jesus claim to be Lord of the Sabbath and what this authority means for his identity.
Each Christmas we give and receive gifts. Many don't realize God also gave us a personalized gift. Join us as we discover our gift, why God gave it, and the benefit that comes from using it.
When it comes to our relationship with Jesus, it is easy to think most of those blessings will be ours in eternity, not today. As we continue our study in Ephesians we learn how we can have more joy from the gift of Jesus today, not just in the future.
What is the best Christmas you ever received? Was it a car? A favorite toy when you were a child? Was it the gift of your family being together? As we continue our study in Ephesians, we find why Jesus is the all-time best Christmas gift.
The trees, lights, shopping and festivities of the holiday season make it hard to remember the reason we celebrate, the baby in the manger. As we prepare to remember the birth of our savior, we are looking at selected passages in the book of Ephesians to reminded us how blessed we are through God the Father's gift of His Son.
One of the popular bumper stickers today says, "Coexist." The purpose of the bumper sticker is to encourage all religions to just work together because they are just different ways of worshiping the same God. Is that true? According to Jesus, the good news Jesus proclaimed can not coexist but it insists on being the exclusive way to be forgiven of our sin and know God.
When was the last time you shook your head in disgust as the newscaster read the profile of a criminal on the evening news? When we hear those stories, we look forward to people getting what they deserve. What we forget is that Jesus loves sinners, even the most heinous ones. As we continue our way through the Gospel of Mark, we find Jesus choosing a heinous tax collector that repented of his sins to be part of his inner circle.
What is the most important thing the Christian faith offers the world? Some think it is morality because Christians desire to live ethical lives. Some think the most important thing Christianity brought to the world is love because Christians love one another and even love their enemies. Some think the most important thing Christians offer the world is social care. It is true that Christians are behind the formation of hospital, orphanages, and care for the poor. One thing Christianity offers that is more important than any of these is forgiveness for our sin against God. Jesus offers it completely, fully and freely by the authority of his word. Join us as we learn how Jesus offers forgiveness to you.
Leprosy was one of the most feared diseases in the ancient world. The bodily disfiguration and social loss was devastating. As Jesus continues his miraculous healings, we find Jesus not only heals a leper but he takes one the isolation and shame he experienced. This is an amazing reminder what Jesus does in love for us. He forgives our sin and he takes on the isolation and shame that is ours because of sin.
Does God still heal? Some television preachers claim the ability to heal supernaturally with just a touch. Should we believe them? Do they have the ability to heal like Jesus? As we continue our study in the book of Mark we look at Jesus' healing ability and how it differs from gifts of healing today.
When Jesus began his ministry he taught in the synagogue at Capernaum. Unexpectedly a demon possessed man burst out screaming in fear. Join us as we learn what this passage teaches us about under cover demon possession and influence as well as Jesus' authority.
When it comes to following Jesus, since it is by faith, it is the easiest thing to do. As we see Jesus calling his disciples, we also find that following Jesus is the hardest thing to do in your life because it means placing Jesus first.
When was the last time your life fell apart? As we continue our study in Mark's gospel, we learn why God occasionally directs his people into tough times and the good he plans to do in us through them.
The best way to tell people about Jesus is not what you would. Instead of telling people the good news about Jesus, we need to begin with the bad news of our sin. As the Gospel of Mark opens, we meet John the Baptist telling people about their sin to prepare their hearts to hear the good news of Jesus.
The way to understand a book in the Bible is to understand its background and its author. As we begin our study of the Gospel of Mark, we meet Mark the book and Mark the person. We learn how God loves to use ordinary people in extraordinary ways to advance Christ's kingdom.
What happens when you visit the Full Gospel Church of Seoul, South Korea? Three people greet you at the door. One of them becomes your personal host for the service helping you find your place and sitting with you. Your host will take you to the church bookstore after the service and insist on buying gifts for your children, then they offer to take you to lunch. One of the reasons this 850,000 member church has growth to staggering proportions is the intentionality they give to hospitality. In this study, we learn God's vision for hospitality in the church and why it is important.
In 1851, an English missionary named Allen Gardiner was shipwrecked. He and his shipmates landed on a small uninhabited island off the coast of South America. Over the next six months each of them died of starvation. As far as we know, Allen was the last one to die. As a Christian, he spent time in the word of God every day until he died. The last entry in the journal that was found beside his dead body had his reflections on Psalm 34:10. In this entry, he summarized his thoughts on this verse by essentially saying, "I am overwhelmed by the goodness of God." How could a dying man be overwhelmed by God's goodness? In this final chapter of Habakkuk, we discover how to be overwhelmed by the goodness of God even when the world around us is falling apart.
For a month our nation was captivated by the sudden disappearance of Mollie Tibbetts, a University of Iowa student, After a month of pursuing leads, Cristhian Rivera was charged with her murder after he led investigators to her body in a field that was covered with corn stalks. While her family grieves her death, we are grateful for the law enforcement officers who worked tirelessly to solve her murder and begin the process of a measure of justice being served. Sadly, unlike Mollie, many crimes are not solved. Murders get away with killing. Thieves get away with stealing. Where is God when we face injustice? In Habakkuk we learn that God is on his throne and he is handling out justice, not just in eternity but many times he orchestrates this world to bring a measure of justice in this life. Nobody gets away with anything.
Fifty-three percent of professing Christians claim they do not struggle with coveting. Yet coveting is one of the most subtle sins. It is easy to commit because it exists one in our thoughts. Join us as we learn how to replace coveting with contentment in our thought life through our knowledge of God's good plans for us through Jesus.
When he finally turned himself into police, the amount he stole was $64.8 billion dollars. Bernie Madoff pulled off the largest financial frauds in U.S. history and the largest Ponzi scheme in world history. How did he do it? It was based on his ability to lie. He was such a good liar that almost 5,000 people entrusted their savings into his hands. While Bernie pulled off one of the largest lies in world history that damaged the US economy, we are inundated with hundreds of smaller lies every day, which seek to damage our history. Join us as we learn the source of lies and God's plan to restore truth.
Only 1 in 10 Christians believe they have broken the eighth commandment. Stealing is more than cold-hearted thievery. It can be done in much subtler ways, especially at work. Join us as we learn what God says about being a thief.
Pornography is thirty percent of the traffic on the Internet. Over forty percent of those who are married admit to having either a literal or emotional affair even though they are married. Clearly sex in America is out of control and the family is under attack. When God gave this commandment, he gave it to protect the family and for our good. Join us as we discover how to enjoy the blessing of fidelity and avoid the trap of seduction.
The Ten Commandments are hard to keep. The seventh commandment, which warns us about adultery, according to Jesus is violated whenever we lust. Every one of us has broken this command. The tenth commandment, which warns us about coveting our neighbors stuff, is a commandment that magazines and junk mail encourage us to break every day. The sixth commandment, which warns us against murder, is the one command most of us are confident we haven't broken. When we look at the command a little closer, we find it is actually the one command we break more than any other. Join us as we discover God's vision for the sanctity of life.
We live in a time that glorifies rebellion, especially against parents. Good luck finding a teen band that sings, "Have you helped your parents lately?" Good luck finding a teenage magazine that encourages you to help with chores around the house. Teen rebellion is glorified while honoring parents is vilified. God calls us to swim against the current on this one. The Bible promises that fighting against parents takes away life while honoring parents is the key to blessing in life, not just in your teen years but even through your adult years. Join us as we learn the importance of honoring the God-ordained authority figures in our lives.
How many of us put too much on our plate at an all-you-can-eat buffet? Most of us pile our plates full. That doesn't just happen at a buffet. It also happens with our schedules in life. We try to do too much and end up feeling overwhelmed. Do you ever wish you could take a break? Thankfully, you can. As a gift, God gave us one day each week as a day to rest so we can be refreshed physically and spiritually. God commands us to take a break. Join us as we learn why God gave us the gift and command of the Sabbath.
It was January 8, 1697 at 2:00 in the afternoon. Thomas Aikenhead was led to the gallows on the road between Edinburgh and Leith. The rope was put around his neck and the hangman kicked the ladder from underneath his feet. The 20-year-old boy's body was suspended in the air until dead. What was his crime? Persistent use of the Lord's name in vain. At one time, speaking of God disrespectfully could lead to a death sentence. Today, very few speak of God with reverence. How we speak of God is not inconsequential. It is the third commandment. Join us as we learn why God is concerned for His name.
There is a dramatic difference between and old Catholic Church and a Protestant church. Catholic Churches are often ornate, filled with color, beautiful paintings and stain glass picturing scenes in the Bible. Protestant churches are rather plain. It looks like they fired the architected before he could do something creative. Why is there a stark different? The answer isn't found in the church budget. It is found in the second commandment. Join as we find out why.

In 1993, the Church of Scotland debated over a proposal to adopt the stance that salvation was found in Jesus Christ alone. The resolution failed 400 to 300. This is because there is so much cultural pressure to believe in more than one God and more than one way to God. The first commandment tells us this is not true. Our God is a jealous God who wants us to pour out our affections only to Him and His Son. Join us as we learn why God doesn't tolerate rivals.
In 2003, the media was focused on the Ten Commandment judge. Roy Moore refused to comply with a lawsuit brought by the ACLU to have a large stone copy of the Ten Commandments from the state judiciary in Alabama. No matter what you think about the appropriateness of the presence of the Ten Commandments in public buildings, what isn't debatable is the Ten Commandments being the basis for most of our judicial and legal system. In this message, we are introduced to the Ten Commandments and learn why God gave them.
After Jesus, the two of the biggest decisions we will make in our life is what we do for work and who we will marry. In this wrap up to our study on discovering God's will, we take these two questions and learn to think Biblically and wisely about approaching these important decisions.
Sometimes God's will is difficult to find. In difficult situations, it is helpful to change the question. Instead of asking, "What is God's will?", what is a better question that can help us determine what God wants us to do?
Chuck Swindoll tells the story of a man driving through Washington DC wanting to become a missionary. His car stalled in front of the Philippine embassy. He felt that was a sign from God this was the country God wanted him to go. As Christians, how do we discern God's will? Should we look for signs and coincidences? In this message, we learn how God reveals for 95% of the choices we face every day.
Easter is one of the best parts of the Christian calendar. While Jesus' resurrection is good news, for many, it is news that is hard to believe. We live in a world of smartphones, computers and the Internet. Someone rising from the dead sounds like a theme from the latest Marvel Comic movie, not something you can base your life upon. In this message, we examine 10 reasons why we can be sure Jesus rose from the dead and how the proof of the resurrection changes everyday living.
Jesus died one of the most barbaric deaths invented by man. In this message, we explore the physical horrors of Jesus' death plus the personal horrors faced by Jesus when he became sin to die for us. We conclude by looking at the greatness of what Jesus achieved when he conquered Satan, sin and death.
As a rule of thumb, God honors those who honor him. What should we do when God doesn't follow his rule? How do we handle times in life when we follow Christ but find ourselves suffering?
The average Christian give 3 percent of his income to the church and one-tenth of one percent of his income on missions. More money is spent in th United States on the care and feeding of pets than is given to churches. Is it important to put something in the offering plate? How does our giving to God impact life in this world? As we continue or study of our study in Malachi, we learn the importance of honoring God with our wealth.
On February 14, 2018, Nikolas Cruz stepped into Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Using an assault rifle, he massacred 14 children. If God could have stopped this massacre, why didn't he do something? Why does he let good people suffer while those who are evil often succeed in their plans? As we continue our study in Malachi, God tells us where we can go to find the God of justice.
For the first time in our nations history the majority of children born to women under age 30 are born out of wedlock. Forty percent of child will go to sleep tonight without a father. Marriage in America is in disarray. God desires for our marriages to begin and end well, especially for his people. Join us as we hear God's words on dating and marriage so we can begin and finish our marriages well.
It doesn't take much to be a pastor. Certificates of ordination are available online for a nominal fee. Self-proclaimed teachers may garner applause but what does God feel about them? What is God looking for in a good spiritual leader? In this message we learn the blessing and dangers of being a man or women of God.
Today, there is a growing frustration with celebrities, the media and politicians. Our frustration doesn't just come from their dishonesty, fabricated stories and political spin. Our frustrations come from the way people treat one another. No matter how important the office someone holds, rarely are they treated with basic respect. While we are quick point fingers at our politicians and our media when it comes to lacking honor, we are not guiltless. There is a lack of honor many Christians show but it is toward God. Join us as we discover how we can dishonor God and learn the long-term consequences of living that way.
Where is God? That question came from the mouth of a Christian living in a refugee camp in Erbil, Iraq. He and his family ran for their lives as ISIS overran their homeland. Overcrowding in his refugee camp turned it into a viper's pit of criminal activity. His wife and children are not safe. Where is God when Christians languish in dark and hopeless conditions? These are the same questions God's people asked in Malachi's day. Join us as we begin answering the question of what we should do in hard times when we don't feel God's love.
How do Christians restore broken friendships? How does the gospel change the way we try to put broken relationships together? Join us as we see how the way Christian forgiveness is different.
We live in a revenge culture. Movies like Rambo and Braveheart glorify getting even after we are hurt. Forgiveness is considered weakness, yet he Bible tells us forgiveness is the only way forward. As Christians, we alone have the power to forgive like Jesus because we know what it means to be completely forgiven by Jesus. Join us as we study what forgiveness looks like in real life between two of Paul's friends, Onesimus and Philemon.
In our previous studies, we saw how Jesus changes our marriage, our parenting and our work. As Paul finishes his letter he shows us three additional ways Jesus changes everyday living. He changes our prayer, our ordinary choices and the way we speak to others.
What changed when Jesus took on flesh? What did he add to his abilities that as God he didn't have before? Join us on Christmas Eve as we learn of how Jesus took on flesh to gain sympathetic resonance with the weaknesses and temptations we face in our life so he can help us in our time of need.
We have potential existence before our birth but Micah 5:2 tells us Jesus had actual existence before his birth, he existed in eternity past. What was Jesus doing before his birth? How was our savior involved with the world before Bethlehem? Join us as we go behind the scenes and learn the little known story of Christ before the manger.
Every home has conflict between parents and children. Just as Jesus changes our character and our marriage, he also changes the way we parent. Discover the way Jesus changes a family.
Just as our hearts need the new life Jesus brings, so do our marriages. They are also tainted by sin. Join us in learning how Jesus transforms our marriage from hardship to joy.
How do Christians handle conflict differently than other people? In this message, we learn how Jesus changes the way we handle conflict.
Does God care about our thought life? It is easy to think we can separate the actions of our life from the thoughts of our mind. In reality, our fantasies are only one step removed from our realities. In this study, we learn all Christian living begins on the battlefield of the mind with Christian thinking.
Where do you find your sense of self-worth? For most of us, it is in our work. For stay-at-home mom's, their identity is usually found in being a mother. If you are in high school, your identity is often found in your sport or the instrument you plan in the band. The problem is, when what we do is taken away from us, it crushes our understanding of who we are. In Colossians, Paul shows us how our identity doesn't come from what we do but what God has done for us through Jesus. This is the key to overcoming our depression and sagging self-worth.
Many have tried to push the gospel out of existence. In 1949, when the communists took over China, there were 1 million Christians. In spite being forced to operate in secret, the church in China has grown to 60 million Christians. The good news of Jesus continues to make progress against powerful opposition. As we continue our study in Colossians, Paul tells us God's plan to spread the good news of Jesus around the world.
Jesus asked his disciples the most important question in the history of the world. Who do you say I am? Today, there is no shortage of answers. Jehovah's Witnesses claim Jesus is the archangel Michael and the first created being. Mormons say he is the half-brother of Lucifer and we can become like him. Islam claims his is a good prophet, but inferior to Mohammed. Hindus claim he is a holy man. In this study we learn what the Bible says is the true identity of Jesus and why understanding his true identity changes your life.
How do you know if someone is a Christian? How do you grow as a Christians? How can we leads others to become Christians? In the opening verses of Paul's letter to the church in Colossae, he answers these crucial questions for knowing Jesus.
Welcome to the book of Colossians! There is probably no more Christ-exalting book in the Bible. Join us as we learn the background of the book and how Christ changes everything about our identity.
As Christians, how does Jesus change the way we live? As we launch into fall ministry, we look at three ways Christ's love compels us to live for him instead of ourselves this year.
During this series the congregation submitted and voted for the top questions they have on life after death. For the last two weeks of the series, I answered the questions.
—How can I desire heaven if I know I won't be married to my spouse?
—Will there be animals in heaven?
—Who is the antichrist?
—What is the mark of the beast?
—What is the meaning of 666?
—How do I deal with people who say they can communicate with the dead like psychics and mediums?
—Does the nation of Israel have a special destiny?
During this series the congregation submitted and voted for the top questions they have on life after death. For the last two weeks of the series, I answered the questions.
—Can loved ones see us in heaven?
—Does it matter if I am cremated or buried?
—Will Christians who commit suicide be in heaven?
—Is there an age of accountability below which someone automatically goes to heaven?
—Should I trust near-death experiences?
—How can I desire heaven if I know I won't be married to my spouse?
What do you think heaven will be like? Many of us picture an eternity floating around like ghosts. the Bible tells us something different. Ultimately heaven will be transformed to be earthy as heaven and earth combine together as one and the dwelling place of God is with man.
Is coming to Christ when someone is young no better than a death-bed conversion when they are old? In this message we look at our earthly choices after receiving Christ make an eternal difference.
Last week, North Korea and the United States were on the bring of war as Kin Jung Un threatened to launch a first strike attack against Guam. The evening news reminds us our world is infected with violence and hatred. Will there ever be peace of earth? In this study of the Millennium, we learn how Jesus brings more than peace to our life. He will brings peace to the world.
Healthcare in America spirals out of control. The need for hospitals and doctors to relieve our diseases outpaces our cost to pay them. There is coming a time when all doctors and hospitals will be out of business. Discover when Christians will get a better body that will never be sick or afflicted by pain.
When your family is reading your eulogy, where are you? What do we experience after death? Using the Bible as our guide we glimpse behind the curtain of death and discover what everyone experiences after they take their last breath.
Do you come from a messy family? Is your family scared by a divorce or an unexpected pregnancy? When a family is broken, it is easy to feel God's plans for that family are ruined. As we finish the book of Ruth, we see how God takes messy family situations and uses them as part of his good plan to bring more glory to his name.
Have you ever faced a time when everything is falling apart? Corporate cutbacks leave you unemployed. An unexpected accident takes away a child you love. It feels like the world has come completely unglued. Where is God in this mess? The book of Ruth shows us that in the mess of our sin God is still at work to do undeserved good to his people in the most unexpected way. As Christians, no matter what happens, we do not lose hope.
If you won the lottery, what would you do with it? How much of it would you save? How much would you give away? How much would you spend? As Paul closes his letter to Timothy, he instructs the wealthy in Ephesus how to handle their money for God's glory. While we haven't won the lottery, like the wealthy in Ephesus, we have more than enough. We don't know how much should be enjoyed, given away or saved. Paul's final words help guide us in wisely using our wealth.
What is a good pastor? Is it his use of humor? Is it the way he programs Sunday services? As Paul closes his letter to Timothy and the church in Ephesus, he charges Timothy to pastor the church of Ephesus well. He details what it will take to him to be a good pastor. What we learn is not just what it takes to be a good pastor but what it takes for anyone in the church leading a ministry to do it well for God's honor and glory.
We live in an affluent culture where we are bombarded by pressure to by the latest and the greatest. Advertisers spend a startling amount of money endeavoring to create a need in us to buy their stuff. While having money and the resources to purchase some of the latest technology is not wrong, that burning desire within us where we try to raise our self-worth by raising our net-work can get us into deep spiritual trouble. Join us as we discover the hidden danger of materialism and loving money.
What is the best way to witness at work? Should we use tracts? How much should we talk about Jesus? The Apostle Paul teaches us that witnessing at work begins with attitude and ethic while at work.
When President Trump was running for office, he was invited on the Jimmy Fallon show. At the end of the interview, Jimmy asked if he could put his hand in candidate Trump's perfect hair and mess it up. Commentators from both sides of the aisle and later Jimmy Fallon himself regretted his actions. He showed a lack of respect for what would become one of the most powerful men in the world, the President of the United States. As Christians, we are not just to show respect to our political leaders but a congregation is to also show respect to their church leaders. Join us as we learn importance of honoring leaders in the church.
Two of the hardest times in a woman's life is when a younger woman discovers she is a single mother either through the death, desertion or divorce from her husband. For older women, one of the hardest times they face is when they are left alone after the death of their husband after their children are moved out of the house and have lives of their own. Join us as we see how to turn those two difficult challenges into positive future that brings glory to Jesus.
Do you feel lonely? Estimates say 1 in every 5 people in the United States struggle with it. Loneliness is particularly prevalent in the elderly. One study in Britain discovered that half a million people over 60 go for an entire week without seeing anyone. A million over the age of 60 only see someone once every 5 or 6 days. The research is clear. Many of us struggle with loneliness but it is rampant among the elderly. Join us as we discover God's answer to loneliness.
If you were looking for a good pastor, what would you look for? Is a good pastor just someone that makes you laugh with his jokes and amazes you with his care? In this passage, Paul shows Timothy what it looks like for him to serve as a good pastor in the church of Ephesus, in spite of his youth. In the process, we learn how to look for and find a good shepherd for our souls.
Timex surveyed Americans and found that 73 percent exercise one or more times per week. Up to 29 percent of Americans exercise between 30 to 60 minutes multiple times a week. More Americans understand the benefits of exercise and eating right. Just like physical fitness, spiritual fitness is important for our life with Christ. Join us as we look at spiritual fitness and how to develop an exercise plan to live a fruitful Christian life.
As we focus on our CrossWinds church emphasis of Generous Living, this week we take a look at the parable of the Good Samaritan and discover that generous love for other is essential if we have experienced the generous love of Jesus.
When God gives you a better car than you expected or you find yourself with a nicer home than you planned, do you feel guilty? Do you wonder if you are enjoying too much pleasure and not living with a wartime spiritual mindset like a good follower of Christ? In this study we learn why God is more glorified when we enjoy the gifts he provides rather than abstain.
People travel on weekends more frequently than in the past. With the advent of the Internet, anyone can turn into some of the best preachers and worship teams in the nation right from their smart phone. With ease of access to these successful ministries, why spend the time to get involved in a local church? What does the local church offer than podcasting and streaming can not? Join us as we discover the answer.
The early church talks about two kinds of leaders in the church. They are overseers/elders and deacons. Who are deacons? What do they do? Why are they important? Join us as we look into this important but neglected church office.
The quality of a church's leaders is seen by the quality of the church they lead. Quality church leaders don't just make a great church, but the sin of church leaders is the fastest way to sink a church. Join us as we learn the essential qualities church leaders should strive to develop and possess.
1 Timothy 2:11-15 are some of the most disagreed upon verses in the book of 1 Timothy. Paul explicitly says women are not to be in a state of authority over men in the church. What does Paul mean when he says this? Why would he say something so sexist? What does this have to do with the spread of the gospel? Join us as we learn what Paul means by his words and why they are crucial to follow.
In the church, there are way our life can bring honor to Jesus through our prayer and there are ways we can take that honor away through the way we live. Join us as we learn how to bring more honor to Jesus through our life.
Is there a time in life when we are beyond hope? Is there a time when our life is ruined beyond repair? In this study, we learn that no matter what we have done, there is always hope and a future through Jesus. When it comes to hope for the future what matters is not the size of our sin but what we do with Jesus, our savior.
What is the latest popular Christian book you read? Was it The Four Blood Moons? Was it Heaven is For Real by Todd Burpo? While these types of books are engaging, they lead us toward speculation instead of Jesus. In the opening verses of Paul's letter to Timothy, he warns Timothy—and us—about the danger of becoming captivated by theological fantasies and being distracted from Jesus.
Before we jump into 1 Timothy, join us as we take some time to meet Timothy, the church he pastored and the problems he faced.
As we conclude the book of Genesis, the final chapter closes the lives of Jacob and Joseph. As we look at their final days, we learn what it means to live our life with our faith in Jesus.
As President Obama spends his final days in office the news pundits are discussing the legacy he will leave behind. All of us will leave a legacy for our children and the generations that follow. In Genesis 49, as Jacob prepares to die, he blesses his sons and tells them of the legacy they will leave. As we study this chapter we learn the importance of repentance and humility to leave behind a legacy worth following.
One of the hardest things to do is find time to read the Bible. When we read the Bible, we find it is one of the most important things for us to do. Psalm 119 tells us why the Bible is a unique book, how time in the Bible changes our lives and how to get the Bible woven into the fabric of our heart. Join us as we take up and read God's good book.
Why is Christmas important? What is it about the birth of Jesus in a manger that changes everything? Join Pastor Jordan and Pastor Kurt for this brief message on the importance of Immanuel. God is with us.
Before the Christmas story in Matthew 1 is a lengthy genealogy? Why did Matthew begin the story of Jesus with a length section that reads like the phone book? Discover why this genealogy make the Christmas the greatest story ever told for sinners like you and me.
There are times when life gets hard. Sometimes, we can look back and see how God was faithful and he used those hard times for a good thing in our life. As Jacob prepares to die, he look back on life and can see God's faithfulness to him. He encourages his son Joseph, and he encourages us, that God's faithfulness to us will continue.
If you were in charge of the country, how would you lead? What programs would you create? What kind of help would you offer? As we continue our study of Joseph's life, the Bible steps away from the story of the relationship between Joseph and his brothers and looks at how Joseph managed a nation in crisis for 17 years. Along the way, we learn practical insights on how to be a good manager of people entrusted to our care.
Life is tough. It is easy to get frustrated. It is easy to start complaining and see the glass of life as always half empty instead of half full. As we continue the life of story of Joseph, his family comes to Egypt. Join us as we look at the importance of an attitude in the Christian life.
We all love forgiveness we don't deserve and blessings we never expected. As the story of Joseph continues we learn how Joseph's brothers find themselves blessed beyond their wildest dreams because of the faithfulness of the brother they sold into slavery. In a similar way, as Christians, we are also blessed beyond our wildest dreams because of our elder brother Jesus.
Each of us have people in our life that hurt us deeply. Whenever their name comes to mind, our pulse quickens as we remember the pain. How can we move beyond the hurt? How can we learn to let go our desire for revenge? Join us as we discover how Joseph was able to let the pain of his past go.
Nobody likes tests. They are stressful and keep us awake late into the night. While tests aren't fun, they are important. Nobody wants to fly in a plane with a pilot that didn't take a test at flight school. Nobody wants to be operated on by a doctor that never took a test in his medical training. As we continue our study of the life of Joseph, we will see why Joseph spent so much time testing his brothers and what we need to know about the ways God tests us.
Louie Zamperini was a famous Olympian that served in World War II as a bombardier on a B-24 Liberator. When his plan crashed he found himself a POW. He was constantly abused by his captors. After the war, while he came home to a hero's welcome, he couldn't leave behind the pain of his past and it nearly ruined his life. Join us in learning how to leave the pain of your past behind before it ruins your future.
Guilt is an awkward feeling. People do some strange things to make it go away. As we continue the story of Joseph, we see guilt is a tool God uses in our lives to lead us to repentance in our sin against God and others.
Howard Schultz grew up destitute in Brooklyn New York. A football scholarship gave him a college education and his college degree landed him a job at Xerox. it was soon a small coffee chain caught his eye. He was eventually able to convince the chain to hire him as their CEO. In the next few years he turned the 60 small stores into a business worth over a billion dollars. That is the Starbucks story. We all love a rags-to-riches story. Even more than reading one, all us would like to be one. As we continue our study of Joseph, we find him at his rags-to-riches moment. As we study is life, we will learn what qualities God is looking for in our life that may open the door to an unexpected rags-to-riches story of our own.
God sometimes allows us in times of suffering that carry on for a long time. Why doesn't he release us? What good can possibly come from long-term trials? In this message, we learn how God uses long-term suffering as a tool in our life to mature our character and to shape us for the work he calls us to do.
Life doesn't always go as planned. What do we do when our world falls apart? Join us as we follow the story of Joseph and learn how he faced some of the most unexpected situations in his life.
Sometimes we fail God miserably. It isn't long until we are caught in a web of our own sin where it feels impossible to break free. Sometimes we are far from God for years. Will God ever take us back after our miserable failings? As we study the life of Judah—the brother of Joseph, we see how far away from God a person can walk and still be restored by God's grace.
Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Why is suicide so common? People lose hope. It doesn't take long for a financial nightmare to snowball. Life is hard and we will have times when we see no hope for the future. As we begin our study in the life of Joseph, we find why Christians always have hope, no matter the darkness of their future.
When the Titanic hit an iceberg, there were 2,224 on board. 712 were in the lifeboats, most of whom were women and children. Why did so many men willingly go to their icy death? They knew it was their role to protect and serve women and children. In this second message of on biblical masculinity and femininity, we learn how our gender roles impact our daily life in marriage, church and the rest of life.
When we sin in a big way or fail Jesus again and again, how does he fail about us? While others condemn, berate and humiliate us, what does Jesus do? Join myself and Pastor Jordan Gowing at the 2016 CrossWinds family reunion in Arnold's Park as we look at the story of the woman caught in adultery in John 8.
Sometimes we do things that are a waste of time. When all our hard work is finished, there is not much to say for all our effort. Discover what is one of the most worthwhile investments you can make with your life.
Some choices in life are critical. As we study the genealogy of Esau, we learn two critical choices in his life that set his descendants up for disaster. This chapter wants us to learn from Esau so we can avoid the same mistakes he made.
On the back side of great moments in our walk with God, we are susceptible to sluggishness and spiritual lows. It is easy to become complacent and drift into a life that doesn't worship God. This happened to Jacob and it can easily happen to us. In those times, God allows us to experience the fruits of our sin to snap us out of our spiritual stupor. Those hard times are the tools he uses to call us to renewal in him.
Isn't partial obedience better then no obedience when it comes to obeying God? Isn't close enough good enough? In this chapter we see the consequences of Jacob's partial obedience and how his family suffered when he didn't pay attention to obeying God's Word. In a similar way, giving casual attention to obeying God can lead to unintended disaster in our lives as well.
What do you do when a marriage breaks up? What can we do to try and put a broken relationship back together? In this message we look at the restoration of some of the most bitter enemies—Jacob and Esau, and see what we can learn from their restored relationship that we can apply to our broken relationships.
This past week Mohammed Ali died. He was known as the greatest fighters in history. His most famous fight was known as "The Fight Of The Century" against Joe Frazier in Madison Square Garden. Frazier won in 15 rounds via unanimous decision. In life we face some fights that change us. In this chapter, Jacob faced one of them as he wrestled with Jesus until morning. Amazingly, Jacob won by losing. Join us in discovering how losing some of the greatest fights in our life is the key to winning.
Warren Buffett is considered one of the most successful men in business. Many people turn to him to learn business success. While Warren has helpful advice, what does the Bible say is behind a successful business. Join us as we learn the answer.
After the Supreme Court's ruling to legalize gay marriage, Nathan Collier of Montana applied for a marriage license for his second wife. He noted Chief Justice John Roberts dissenting vote on the legalization of gay marriage which pointed out polygamous relationships can make the same argument for their legalization as homosexual relationships. Are polygamous marriages a man's dream? Do they result in more happiness or greater frustration? In this study we follow the marriage of Jacob to four women and see God's grace to one of the Bible's most dysfunctional families.
General Hospital is the longest running American soap opera. It first aired in 1963. Its remained incredibly popular because it kept viewers on the edge of their seats with risqué dating relationships,marital infidelities and love triangles. Women looking for intrigue or relational mystery tuned in to follow the over-the-top relationships of the Quartermaines and the Spencers. This kind of salivating drama is not just found on daytime television. It happened in the Bible. As an amazing demonstration of God's sovereignty, Genesis shows us how God uses our relational messes as part of his master plan to shape us into the image of Christ.
In 1971 Led Zeppelin released the song Stairway to Heaven. It rocked to success and is still ranked as one of the 500 greatest songs of all-time. VH1 considers it the third greatest song of all-time. Stairway to Heaven is a song about a constant search for meaning in a world of ambiguity. It is a message of no universal truth. Ironically, the Bible tells us there is a real stairway to heaven. God revealed it to Jacob in Genesis 28. It is not a man-made path up where we climb to God. It is a God-made path where God he reaches down to us. As Jesus says in John 1:51, I am the stairway to heaven.
When a mom in Murray, Utah found her 4th-grade daughter bullying another girl about her clothes she came up with a particularly apt form of punishment. She decided to send her daughter to school in ugly outfits. After experiencing two days of her friends picking on her nerdy clothes, the mother knew she made her point. Sin has consequences. As we study Isaac's dysfunctional family, we learn the unexpected consequences of sin in his family's life. Sin never pays.
Hollywood is famous for their sequels. There are seven rocky movies. There will soon be ten Star Wars movies. Everyone loves a good sequel. In Genesis 26, we find Isaac's life is a sequel of his father Abraham. He faces many of the same tests, temptations and conflicts as well as enjoys the same blessings. Isaac is only the first of a long line of men and women that live by faith. We are part of that line today. Join us as we learn to walk by faith as we face the same challenges as those who came before us.
In 1771 the king of Sweden died of digestion problems after consuming a meal of lobster, caviar, sauerkraut, smoked herring, champagne and 14 servings of his favorite dessert. He is the king remembered for a bad ending as he literally ate himself to death. In Genesis 25, we look at the final days of Abraham and how the memory of his death reminds us we can trust in God’s promises.
In 1970, 36 percent of Americans were single. Today 50.2 percent are single. People aren't getting married. it is easier to live together, sleep together and break up when things get difficult. Sex used to be reserved for marriage. Soon it became for those who were dating. Eventually it was for friends—with benefits. Craigslist and Tinder made anonymous sex possible so people don't even need to know one another. Where did it lead? Today, 40 percent of children go to bed without a father. A third of all children are born to unwed mothers. Those are the results of dating and marriage American-style. Clearly, it is not working. In Genesis 24, as we study the marriage of Isaac and Rebekah. We study what marriage looks like God-style. We learn the right choices we need to make and the guidance God promises to provide that will make dating and marriage a success.
It was a closed solid bronze casket plated with 14-karat gold that was lined with blue velvet. The memorial service was so large it was organized by a concert promoter who gave away 17,500 free ticket to 1.2 million applicants. There were 3,000 police officers on duty to keep order at a cost of $1.4 million dollars. It was the largest security effort in Los Angeles since the 1984 Olympics. It was the funeral of Michael Jackson. Most of us will have a much smaller funeral. What do we need to know about funerals? What choices do we need to make today to have a good one? Join us as we learn about funerals as we study the death of Sarah, Abraham's wife.
NT Wright—a prominent Anglican theologian, talks about his friend, Marcus Borg. NT believes Marcus is a Christian even though he doesn't believe in the bodily resurrection of Jesus. Is it possible to be a Christian without believing in the literal resurrection? In this study we learn how a Christ that didn't rise destroys our faith. A Jesus that did rise changes our lives.
Only hours after receiving the prestigious Crufts Rosette award for good behavior at a dog show, Eddie, an Akita, lunged at a nearby woman sinking his teeth into her knee cap and hand leaving her with serious injuries. His disobedience led to a costly lawsuit for his owners. While obedience can lead to honor, disobedience leads to disaster. As we continue our study of Genesis 22 we look at the blessing of obeying God’s word from the life of Abraham, especially when it is a hard to do.
One of the worst parts of school are the tests. The hardest test to pass is the final exam. In Genesis 22 Abraham faces his final exam in the school of faith. Just like Abraham, God is growing our faith and testing us to bring us to maturity. In this chapter we learn how to prepare for the tests and trials of faith we will have in our life and how to pass with flying colors.
The election season is in full swing. The candidates for president are making promises of what they will do for us if elected to office. Unfortunately, most of us don't believe them. Politicians have become synonymous with dishonesty. Bill Clinton promised to lower taxes for the middle class, he didn't. Franklin Roosevelt ran for president on the pledge he would balance the budget. While in office the national debt ballooned. Is there anybody we can trust to keep their word? In this message we learn God is always true. It doesn't matter how long it takes or how great the odds, we can rest assured that God will come through on every promise he made in his word.
After seven months of sobriety, while dealing with a stressful time in the office, she rinsed her mouth with Scope after brushing her teeth. Instead of spitting it out, the sudden rush of alcohol was so exhilarating that she swallowed it. That began Vicki's relapse into alcoholism that continued for months, not with traditional booze but by swallowing her mouthwash after brushing her teeth. The triggers that can lapse us into our old sinful habits come from the most unexpected places and are hard to avoid. As we follow the story of Abraham, we find he struggled with relapsing into persistent sin when he ran across his sin trigger. In this message we learn where to find hope when we struggle with relapsing into persistent sin.
Pennsylvania police say John Forehand signed up for Facebook to track a daughter he hadn’t seen in ten years. They say he was interested in a different kind of touching reunion as he sexually propositioned his 13-year-old girl. Police say he arrived fully prepared for what he thought would be a sexual encounter but what turned out to be his arrest by police. In Genesis 19, we find a similar demented scenario. Lot was incestuously raped by his own daughters so they would become pregnant and bear his children. What led Lot to such parental failure that he fathered his own grandchildren? In this study we will look at questions every father should be asking to raise their daughters to love Jesus and marry well.
Jessa Duggar, the 22 year old reality star of the TLC series 19 Kids & Counting, took to social media with an unpopular post. She warned her fans about God’s judgment. She warned that many justify their lifestyle by believing in a loving God who doesn’t judge. She cautioned that God will not hold back judgment forever. The hours of our time on earth are ticking away. She especially warned those living in fornication, adultery and sexual sin that those who practice these sins are the very kind of people that will face hell. While her post was shocking and unpopular, it was true. In Genesis 19, we find a sample of God’s judgment for sexual sin plus his undeserved kindness to one man and his family in spite of their sin.
John and Francis Canning had an unexpected guest at their wedding in England at Manchester Town Hall. As they stood in disbelief, Queen Elizabeth appeared, shook their hands and congratulated them on their marriage. You never know who will show up for dinner. In Genesis 18, Jesus—a guest more infamous than the Queen mother, shows up to have lunch with Abraham and Sarah. Like an encouraging meal with an old friend, Jesus encourages Abraham, Sarah and us that no matter the obstacles we face, he is more than capable of overcoming them.
The wife of Robert McQuilken, the former President of Columbia college and seminary, was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimers. At the time, his career as a college and seminary president and sought after speaker was thriving. What should he do? How could he balance the two loves of his life? For a while he tried to maintain two commitments. By 1990 he knew a choice must to be made. He made a choice that few man have the courage to do. He walked away from his thriving public career to be the care taker of his wife until she passed into the hands of Jesus in 2003. What empowered Dr. McQuilken to make such a bold decision? Covenant. He made a covenant promise in his wedding to take care of her for better or worse, richer or for poorer, sickness and in health until death do they part. Robert understood that the covenant love God has for him is the same covenant love he promised to have for her. Join us as we learn about God's rock solid covenant of love and how it enables us to have that same kind of covenant love towards our spouse.
The driver of a Porsche 911 in San Francisco's Marina district found his impatience leading to one of life's most embarrassing moments. Tired of waiting in traffic in a construction zone, he attempted to take a short cut over what turned out to be wet cement. Construction workers spent hours trying to gently extract him and his ruined car from their cement cocoon. To make matters worse, the consequences of his impatience were put on YouTube. Worse than foolish impatience in traffic that ruins a car is impatience with God that can ruin a life. Join us as we learn the danger of impatience with God.
Martin Luther is famous as a reformer and church leader. He is also remembered for a less flattering trait—doubt. At times doubts over God's character led Luther to intense times of depression where he wrote, "For more than a week I was close to the gates of death and hell. I trembled in all my members. Christ was wholly lost. I was shaken by desperation and blasphemy of God." It is comforting to know that even a man of Martin Luther's stature can experience times of doubt over how God can keep his word. In Genesis 15 Abram struggled with doubt when God appeared to have forgotten to keep his promises. In our study we learn how to face times of doubt in God's plans for our life.
Macaulay Culkin became famous as Kevin Mcallister in the widely popular “Home Alone” movie of 1990. His amazing success as an actor led to disaster in his personal life. In 1995, just as Macauley was hitting adolescence, allegations surfaced that his father was mismanaging his fortune. A nasty custody battle ensued as his greedy parents fought for control of the child and his future. If that won’t destroy a kid, what will? What followed were a series of drug arrests, escape from society and a fall from stardom. Success is hard to handle. It can ruin anyone. In Genesis 14 we learn how to handle success and let it make God bigger instead of ourselves.
Dawn Meikle of Florida was charged with assault and battery after she attacked her husband because he kept "passing gas" in bed. She eventually kicked him out of bed because he wouldn't stop. When she let him back in the bed, he continued fluttering the sheets. A family fight followed which ended up with her locking herself in the bathroom and pepper spraying her husband to keep him away. Dawn was arrested for assault and taken to jail. In Genesis 13 we learn a better way to solve those tough family fights.
This year 100 million American's will travel to be with family over the Christmas holiday. Countless trees will be lit and cookies made. When you strip away the tinsel, trees and toys, why is it important to celebrate Christmas? In this Christmas Eve message we learn why we can celebrate the birth of Christ with even more joy and enthusiasm than the shepherds on that first Christmas night.
Are you in debt? Americans carry more debt for daily living today than 12 years ago. The average American household in 2015 has $129,579 in total debt with $15,355 of that on credit card. This debt doesn't just come from uncontrolled spending. The cost of daily life is rising faster than salaries. In the last 12 years the average income rose 21 percent while medical costs increased 51 percent and the cost of food 37 percent. it is hard to stay out of debt! While Leviticus doesn't teach us how to eliminate the debt on our credit card, it tell us how to face a much more important debt; the debt of our sin to God. In our study of the guilt offering we learn how to find freedom from the debt of sin.
Is there any way to avoid the common cold? Doctors tell us there is only one fool-proof way to not get sick. We have to die. Cold viruses are everywhere. There is nothing we can do to avoid them. In the same way, no matter how much we desire to live a holy life, sin is everywhere and we can't avoid it. In this study we learn how they took care of unavoidable sin in the Old Testament and why we are so thankful to Christ for coming and dealing with sin in a completely different way.
When was the last time you went to a party? When was the last time you ate steak, chips, dip, salsa, hot wings and Doritos with friends because you had something to celebrate? In Leviticus 3 we learn the importance of taking the time to celebrate God's goodness.
Thanksgiving is one of the best times of the year. It is always good to remember why we are thankful. In the Old Testament, the grain offering was a regular time for Israel to remember who provided their daily bread. God doesn't just provide what we need to survive physically, at Christmas he gave us what we need to survive spiritually. Jesus.
The book of Leviticus talks about sacrifices we no longer offer, a priesthood that no longer exists and practices that we can't relate. What good is it for Christians and what does it mean for Christmas? In this exciting series we examine the five offerings in the first seven chapters of Leviticus and see how they are point to Christ and what he was born to accomplish. In the first sacrifice, the burnt offering, we find the importance of a costly perfect substitute to die in our place to bring us into a relationship with God.
What should you do after you made a serious mistake? What steps should you take after you have blown it big time? In Genesis 12:10 we meet Abraham as he faces his first trial in life and he makes a royal mess. Join us as we learn about repentance, forgiveness, second chances and going back to where it all began.
life. Why do nations have different languages? Why don't we have one world government, language and leader? Genesis has the answer to these questions. Join us as we discover why there is cultural diversity.
The best part of playground kickball happens when you kick the ball out of bounds. You had a chance for a do-over, another chance to kick the ball. All of us wish life was a little more like kickball. We wish we had a second chance to do some things over. After destroying the earth God graciously gave Noah and his family a do-over on life. Unfortunately, they went right back into the sin. Join us as we learn about God's grace that gives us do-overs and what to so when we fail again.
Most children learned this story growing up. Some of us even played with the Fisher Price toy set when we were kids. It is Noah and the Ark. It was a story we learned as children but it isn't a story for children. It is a true story of the most global cataclysmic disaster to hit the planet. As a result millions of people died a gruesome death…. all because of sin. Join us as we learn the story of God's awesome judgment is not just thing of the past but each of us will face it in the future. The only way to escape that judgment is through the ark of Jesus.
A 1991 article in the Chicago Tribune told how a Texas mother was so intent on her 13 year old daughter making the cheerleading squad that she hired a hitman to kill the mother of her daughters competition. Detectives discovered she originally planned a double murder of the daughter and the mother but the double murder turned out to be too expensive so she opted for a single murder of the mother for a cheap $2,500. All this to secure her 13 year old daughter's spot on the cheerleading squad. How to people become so evil and cold-hearted? As we continue our way through Genesis we learn how sin slowly takes control of each of our lives and drags us into a descent of increasing levels of wickedness. Jesus is our line of hope from God to break free.
Something has gone incredibly wrong. The police are never unemployed. The army is always growing. Funeral directors are in a recession proof business. Hospitals and doctors are always in demand. The world is not becoming a better place to live. People steal and kill. Our lives are ravaged by cancer, sickness and broken relationships. Everything in us tells us this isn't the way God created life to be. Genesis 3 tells us what went wrong.
In Marvels latest movie, Age of Ultron, Tony Stark creates life by putting Artificial Intelligence in the Ultron project. Ultron comes to life and tries to destroy the world. In Genesis 2, we discover how God created our life and how he feels about us even after we rebelled against him and tried to take over his world.
In this message we examine some common questions about homosexuality. 1. If homosexuality is wrong, why doesn't the Bible talk about it more?
-
Doesn't the Bible only refer to violent and abusive same-sex relationships?
-
Why would God give people homosexual desires and not want them fulfilled?
-
Will practicing homosexuals go to heaven because Jesus forgives their sin?
-
What should I know about the legalization of same-sex marriage?
-
Where can I find hope in my struggle with sexual sin?
Neil Degrasse Tyson, closes his famous hit series, Cosmos with these words. "Nobody knows how life got started… The only shame is to pretend we have all the answers. Maybe someone watching this will be the first to solve the mystery of how life on earth began." When we look at Genesis 1, we don't have to solve a mystery about life's beginnings. God gives us the answer. Find out why it is the only answer that still satisfied the heart and mind 4,000 years after it was given.
Genesis means origins. The book of Genesis is a book about origins. It tells us about the origin of the universe, the origin of life, the origin of marriage, the origins of evil, the origin of language and the origin of God's plan to save us from our sin. As we prepare to study the book that describes the origins of almost everything, what should we think about this book? Is it a collection of myths with moral lessons or is it historical fact? What should we think about the six days of creation? Are they figurative for long periods of time or six literal days? Join us as we orientate ourselves to this foundational book.
Bruce Jenner was the all-American male. He won the decathlon in the 1976 Montreal Olympics. He was considered for the role of Superman and James Bond. It looked like he had everything a man could want—until he began taking on a softer appearance. On April 24, 2015 he came out of the closet with Diane Sawyer. He revealed that he was transsexual and was for all intents and purposes a woman. How does God look at those struggling with gender dysphoria? Is surgery the answer? How should the church address the Bruce Jenner's in their neighborhood? Join us in finding the answers.
On June 16, 2015, the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage making it the law of the land. Many Christians are not supportive of this decision. When asked to explain why it is wrong, most Christians are frustrated. They don't have good biblical answers. If they point to the prohibition against homosexuality in Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13, they are told the obscure laws in that book shouldn't be obeyed. Doesn't Leviticus prohibit lots of things, like eating shellfish (I like shrimp and lobster!) or wearing clothing woven of different fabrics (My shirt is a cotton-polyester blend). If we ignore Leviticus on some things, shouldn't we ignore that obscure Old Testament book on all things? Isn't the Bible's big idea to be loving and accepting of all people like Jesus? If that is true, why are Christians opposed to loving same-sex relationships? In this message, we look at all seven biblical passages on homosexuality. We also examine Mark Achtimeier, the author of The Bibles Yes to Same-Sex Marriage: An Evangelical's Change of Heart, response to them. Join us as we examine the Bible on this important topic. Be prepared to give your answer.
In the last 20 years, the life of young single adults changed dramatically. At one time it was a virtue to keep your purity. Today it is considered a liability. We live in a hook-up and break-up world where casual sex is the norm. Under so much cultural pressure even the most devout Christian singles find themselves giving in to the sexual pressure. What does the Bible say? How far is too far before the wedding night? Is it up to us to pray about it and decide for ourselves? In this study we will discover why we are sexual and how a single Christians can honor Jesus in their dating.