Christ 2R Culture Podcast

This week, President Trump met with the leader of South Africa. He showed him a video of black South Africans calling for the death of white farmers. It was racial conflict at its worst. Conflict fills the news and our homes. The last place we want conflict is the church. Join us as we learn how God creates unity but we are to maintain it.

When trials come, we long to escape them. We see them as holding us back. The Bible has a different picture. God's word tells us how God uses trials to build us up, not tear us down. In this study, we also look at how to be persecuted for Jesus and handle it well.

Have we developed a myopic vision of the gospel that can't see Jesus beyond our community? For Mission Sunday, we explore God's vision for reaching the nations with the good news of Jesus. We also examine the book of Philippians to move beyond traditional mission support into gospel partnerships.

The first 300 years of church history saw ten major persecutions against Christians. In many parts of the world, physical suffering still comes with following Jesus. Today, Satan prefers to attack the ego instead of the body. Join us as we learn why we should expect suffering and how to handle it well.

At Easter, Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. What is the big deal? How does Jesus' resurrection from the dead change everyday life? Join us to find out the answer.

Christians gather to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus. Why is Jesus' death good news for us? What did it accomplish that we could not have done? Join us as we examine Jesus' death and what in love He accomplished for us.

How does God treat us when we have failed miserably? In Acts 3, Peter tells us how Jesus came not to cross out our sins but to wipe them away. Join us as we learn how to have a fresh start in life.

Today, there is a longing to get back to the basics. People are cooking with cast iron instead of Tephlon. They are looking for organically grown produce. While progress is good, there is a place for getting back to the basics, the way God created things to be. The same is true in the church. In the busyness of the modern church, it is good for us to make sure we haven't forgotten the basics of the church, the way God created it to be. Join us as we look at the basics of the early church.

How do we tell people about Jesus? What are the most important things for us to say and for others to know? In this passage, Peter preached the first sermon about Jesus. He gives us a template to follow when telling others about Jesus.

What are the most important birthdays in the world? The birth of Jesus would be the most important, but right behind it is the birth of the church. In this study, we examine the coming of the Holy Spirit and if we should expect to speak foreign languages through the power of the Holy Spirit today.

How do we make tough decisions in a complex world? As we learn more about the church's birth, we see how Jesus leads His church from heaven when His people face tough decisions on earth. These verses help all of us learn to make right decisions in difficult times.

Acts is the story of how the risen Lord Jesus worked through His apostles to reach the world with the good news of Jesus. How did Jesus prepare the apostles for this awesome task? Join us as we learn how Jesus equips us to reach people with Jesus.

Acts is the story of how the church went from a handful of believers hiding in Jerusalem to conquering the world in 30 years. It is the story of how God uses ordinary people to reach the world and save lives. Join us as we learn how God takes our weak witness and transforms it to reach people and save lives.

When I ignore offering, does it matter? Does my giving to God affect the king of income God gives me? When I see something on the Internet and dive deep into something my eyes shouldn't see. Does it matter? After all, it is private. Things in my private life don't impact my public life… or do they? Join us as we look at Haggai and learn why obedience matters to God.

Does God care when the rich take advantage of the poor? Does God care when those in positions of power abuse the people under them? In Amos, God tells us how he feels about economic inequality and societal injustice.

What is the danger of spiritual apathy? What is the danger of treating God casually? How can we recognize spiritual apathy in our lives? The book of Malachi is a window into the pitfalls of what happens when we merely go through the spiritual motions of life.

Are you a detailed planner and organizer? Are you filled with self-discipline? No matter how much we think we are in control of our lives, an unexpected sickness or tragic car accident reminds us that we are in far less control than we think. Nahum is a book that reminds us that no matter how powerful evil people or nations become, God is still in control, and will carry out justice against them.

Today, we act like everyone is going to heaven. We talk about God's love, but what about God's anger. Does have God have enemies where he is committed to their destruction? If he does, what does it take for God to be committed to saving us, not destroying us?

What should we do about those who refuse to work? How does the Bible tell us to handle those who prefer to live on handouts instead of work? Join us as we explore the relationship between idleness, the Bible, and sin.

When it comes to work, is it something you avoid or enjoy? Join us to find out how Jesus changes the way we work.

People have a demanding list of qualities they want in a pastor. He needs to be funny, engaging, hip, and cool. But what does the Bible say people should expect from a pastor? Even more important, what should a pastor expect from his people? Join us as we look at the support every pastor needs from his people to lead an effective church.

What does the Bible say about Christians and sin? Is it possible for a Christian to fall out of grace? Can a significant sin send a Christian to hell after they believe? Does persistent sin nullify the grace of God? Join us as we find the answer.

How bad will the world get before Jesus returns? What events will take place? When we hear of predictions about Jesus' return, how do we know if they are true? As we continue our study about the Antichrist, Paul gives us the details we need to be prepared for Jesus' return and how to avoid being deceived as that day gets closer.

In my freshman year of college, I met a great friend. Later that year, he would join me on the college wrestling team. He was a great guy who loved Jesus. One thing that was different about him is that after reading a book on end-times prophecy, he was convinced Jesus would return within the year. At Christmas, he left college to give the few short months before Jesus' return to sharing the good news of Jesus with those who needed to hear. When I was a junior, he returned to college as a disillusioned Christian. When will Jesus return? What things need to take place before Jesus returns? In this study, we look at some of the hardest verses in Paul's writings about the time of Jesus' return.

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?”