It’s sad, but true: in our modern, “enlightened” culture, we no longer repent of our sins. Instead, we’ve learned to manage them. We do this, knowing full well that God is not fooled. Yet, we do it anyway. This deception produces bitter fruit.
We’re far from being the inherently good people our culture says we are. In fact, apart from certain restraints, we’re capable of unspeakable evil. In this message we take another step in our journey of self-discovery, a journey in which we’re finding out why we do what we do.
Many people are deluded, seeing themselves as they want to, not as they are. One cause of this can be refusing to listen to the honest critiques of others. In this message we find lessons from the book of James on self-perception and on what it means to hear correctly.
Many ask why seemingly good people turn bad. How can someone turn violent after a lifetime of apparent normalcy? The answer lies in understanding our fundamental human nature. It’s not easy, but it is possible, if you’re willing to face the truth.
People accept the fact that two plus two has one right answer. But only one way to God? Say that, and you’re ignored at best, hated at worst. The claim of Jesus to be the exclusive path to eternal life forces a decision: do I believe my culture, or do I believe Jesus?
Political correctness is a formidable force, and when it comes to the Christian faith, it’s out in full strength. In this message we learn how to witness for Christ at a time when people tolerate everything but the truth, and even deny that truth exists.
If you were near death in a hospital, you’d want the truth about your condition. Mere opinions wouldn’t cut it. Finding out the truth about our spiritual condition and its remedy has to be our number one priority. In this message we learn more about why Jesus is the only road that leads to God.
Jesus said, “Everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. If the Son sets you free, you shall be free indeed.” That’s great news! Freedom is more than avoiding jail. Freedom is living without the shackles of sin.
“Greater love hath no man, than a man lay down his life for his friends.” That’s what Jesus said, and that’s what He did. There is no greater love than the love of God through His Son, and that’s the greatest Christmas gift one could receive this year.
With joyful carols filling the air, the Christmas season is upon us. Economy experts say the season is pivotal for retailers, and during this time of year many get caught up in the materialistic desires of our culture. It’s sad that so much darkness is around us, but that’s why we look to Jesus as our source of light.
Most people like the lights, the decorations and the gifts of Christmas. But why do believers celebrate Christmas? We may enjoy lights and gifts, but we celebrate because Jesus renounced the glories of heaven to fulfill the Father’s will. He became a man and died for a sinful human race.
When light comes, darkness scatters. The brightness of Jesus made clear the blackness of sin, and those who encountered Him either repented or rebelled. This was prophesied by an old man in the Temple at Jerusalem.
Over two thousand years ago Jesus was born in a small country in the Middle East. That birth became the turning point between BC and AD. But another child was born first, a forerunner of Jesus, whose name was John.
Most of us really like to eat. But there are times in a Christian’s life when eating should be the last thing on the agenda. In this message we set aside a big meal and remind ourselves about Christ’s teaching on the benefits of fasting.
When marriages break up, many couples have prenuptial agreements to divvy up their possessions. Few take seriously the covenants they enter into. Let’s go back to basics, and why marriage, in God’s eyes, is a lifetime deal, come what may.
In the drama of redemption, the Old Testament is a grand prologue. In the New Testament, the great transaction takes place. Jesus gives his life not far from where Abraham almost offered Isaac. No playwright could dream of a story so wonderful.
If you want a big-picture view of the whole Bible, you’ve come to the right place. We’re exploring The Drama of Redemption, getting a quick overview from Genesis to Revelation. Join us today as more of the Old Testament will fly past us, so listen carefully.
The Apostle Paul wrote the ultimate essay on love. After you master 1 Corinthians 13, you’ll know what real love is, and isn’t. Here are more details on God’s view of love—the kind He shows us, and the kind we’re to show to others.
In the body of Christ, the strong help the weak, and the healthy help the ailing. Today we learn about some practical ways we can support each other in times of need.
As members of the body of Christ we have a mission to fulfill, and a disciplined use of our resources is key to getting God’s work done. Let’s look at how to determine our priorities, and then, how to live by them.
In the body of Christ there is great diversity. Mature Christians enjoy the gifts of every member of the body, since each believer has a unique contribution to make to the growth of the kingdom of Christ on earth.
Christians are blessed to be a part of an invisible assembly—the body of Christ that transcends denominational barriers. It is so vital that we understand the body of Christ and our part in it.
If people aren’t serving where God wants them to serve in the local church, the whole ministry is shortchanged. What are spiritual gifts, and why is it so vital that we find out how God has gifted us?
The COVID-19 blame game has not helped. Pointing the political finger does not bring back the lives of those lost. But what if global death and destruction is only beginning? What if our present distress is only a foretaste? In this message we take a frank look at the biblical future for fallen humanity, and what we as believers must learn if we’re to be victorious in this dark time.
As COVID-19 has raged, people are desperate to return to normalcy. Some see dark forces manipulating the population. Others are resigned to face a disease for which there is currently no cure. What can we learn from natural disasters when, and if, COVID-19 finally passes over us?
It’s comforting to ask God for help in times of trouble. But what if God is the One who sent the trouble you’re going through? What do you ask of a God who brings destruction? It’s important to set the record straight on the “why” of plagues like COVID-19.
Lockdowns, economic chaos, sickness, and death—COVID-19 has changed us all forever. Agendas are flying as the press and politicians maneuver for advantage. The ultimate question: what is God saying to us through a deadly pandemic? In this message we open our hearts and minds to find out.
To an outsider, hearing people speaking in unknown languages no doubt raises more questions than it does answers. So Paul argued for clear teaching in known dialects. In this message we receive more teaching on a controversial gift.
Some feel that the gift of tongues is crucial evidence of the presence of the Holy Spirit. Others say that modern tongues do not form words in any known language. In this message, Erwin Lutzer begins a careful study in First Corinthians 14, a study you won’t want to miss.
Our motivation for service in the body of Christ, and for serving our marriage partners, must be found in what the Bible calls love—a love that comes from God. Only then can we endure life’s tough times, and remain faithful to our commitments to the people in our lives.
The local church you attend is but one small part of an enormous worldwide assembly that will be fully gathered in eternity. Until then, we live and serve others where we are, knowing that our life now only foreshadows what lies ahead.
The body of Christ involves being part of a local fellowship. In this message we’ll turn to First Corinthians chapter 12 to learn what the local church is all about, and how to find out where we fit.
In the body of Christ, everyone has a gift with which to serve others. Knowing what that gift is, and putting it to work, are keys to satisfaction and joy. As each believer does his or her part, the result is a marvelous harmony. In this message we learn to unwrap and use our spiritual gift.
Many Christians miss out on the great adventure of finding their place in the body of Christ and learning how to serve in the power of the Holy Spirit. In this message we want to ignite in you a passion for the church you attend and renew your excitement in being used by God.
In the Garden of Eden, the serpent beguiled Eve. Likewise, satanic substitutes for God often look very good. Although popular, the teachings of the occult are the doctrines of demons. As believers, it’s vital for us to understand what the Bible calls “sound doctrine.”
Our culture is into occult phenomena like never before. Whether by internet, TV, movies, or music, the occult is underscoring more and more of our culture’s values. In this message we learn what this should mean to the committed Christian.
A commercial once said: “You only go around once in life. Grab all the gusto you can.” This advice, of course, is foolish. In this message, we hear a challenge to a pleasure-mad culture that’s infecting the church: a challenge to reach for the real pleasures God offers.
God designed sex for a covenant marriage relationship, not for a succession of one-night stands. In this message we confront the allure of sexual affairs, which poison our souls and undermine our ability to make commitments. How can we be free from this sin?
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave some pointed teaching on morality, telling those in lust to pluck out their eyes. Jesus was showing the seriousness of sin. In this message, we investigate Matthew chapter five, and find some tough love from the Son of God.
Like quicksand, alcohol draws in its victims until they can no longer free themselves. The temptation to drink is best handled by never taking that first sip. In this message we learn why it’s almost impossible to say, “I’m quitting tomorrow.”
Alcohol is the tolerated drug, and alcohol abuse is costing our society billions in lost productivity, lost relationships, and lost lives. Too many Christians misuse what they feel is their freedom to drink by drinking one too many. In this message we learn the unvarnished truth about alcoholism.
People who watch lottery winners on TV often think their number will come up someday. So, they keep buying a few more tickets. However, gambling is a shortcut, bypassing honest labor. And for a Christian, it violates all God stands for.
From lottery tickets to riverboats, gambling spells big trouble. It takes money from those who can least afford it, those hoping for a “big break.” Some say they would never gamble. Yet the lure of fast cash leads many Christians into serious trouble.
Most of us have too much stuff. In our greed we look at our neighbors, note their possessions, and say, “I need everything they have.” Greed is insidious, and unless it’s put to death, it will choke the life out of a Christian.
Greed says, “I want more.” Greed is the first of the seven secret snares that Pastor Lutzer is exposing. It lies like a serpent within our souls, and it wants to destroy us. In this message we learn how to break the power of greed in our life.
Satan tries to derail our walk with God. He appeals to natural desires and gets us to fulfill them in destructive ways. In this message we learn more about a war from which there’s no escape until heaven, and we learn how a Christian can best defeat temptation.
Why is it that some kids want to leave home and experience what the world has to offer? Often, they end up in ruins, wishing they’d never left. In this message we look at one prodigal son who left, and never returned. His name was Absalom.
God’s desire is that our giving be cheerful, not driven by a sense that we’re in trouble if we don’t give. He wants our hearts first, and only then our open pocketbooks. Let’s learn about giving from Paul’s admonition to the church at Corinth.
Farmers know it’s pretty simple: no seeds, no plants. No plants, no vegetables. No vegetables, no harvest. They know all about the laws of sowing and reaping, laws God set in motion a long time ago. In this message we’ll explore what Paul wrote about this to the church at Corinth.
