
Running to Win - 15 Minute Edition
1,137 episodes — Page 5 of 23
Playing By The Rules – Part 2 of 3
Humanity is proficient at theft. We have devised many ingenious means to hide and obscure our habit of stealing. In this message, Pastor Lutzer acknowledges how we can steal by what we win and what we keep. What if unpaid loans and gambling are both unchecked forms of stealing? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
Playing By The Rules – Part 1 of 3
Stealing of any kind violates the Ten Commandments. It's time we stopped relying on money more than on God. In this message, Pastor Lutzer points out the first of four ways we break the eighth commandment: by what we take and what we do. Stealing is wrong, regardless of its scale. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
Living With Your Passions – Part 3 of 3
Television and movies normalize all kinds of sensuality. But God's message is one of sexual restraint—explicitly prohibiting adultery in the Ten Commandments. In this message, Pastor Lutzer describes Jesus' vivid imagery of cutting off hands and plucking out eyes. Despite any temporary pain, such radical measures against sexual sin pay off in the end. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
Living With Your Passions – Part 2 of 3
We all have a deep desire for intimacy, but this good desire has been tainted by sin. God calls us to honor Him with our sexuality, both physically and mentally. In this message from Matthew 5, Pastor Lutzer highlights the consequences adulterous relationships and the benefits of severing them. We must deal with sexual sin drastically. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
Living With Your Passions – Part 1 of 3
Sex, in its proper place, is a great gift. But passions out of control dishonor God and are destructive. In this message, Pastor Lutzer explores two reasons why God gave the seventh commandment: "You shall not commit adultery." What should we do in a world that enflames our desires? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
Honor Your Father And Your Mother – Part 3 of 3
God has entrusted parents with the authority to nurture and raise their children. But families can also be sources of deep wounds and destructive behavior. In this message, Pastor Lutzer shows how Jesus Himself emphasizes the importance of honoring our parents. But what hope does God give if our parents have scarred us? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
Honor Your Father And Your Mother – Part 2 of 3
In our society, authority and age are not highly esteemed. So, whether we're teenagers or adult children, how do we honor our parents? In this message from Matthew 15, Pastor Lutzer demonstrates how we can honor our parents with our attitude and our attention. There's never a season of life where we can't honor them. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
Honor Your Father And Your Mother – Part 1 of 3
The Bible has a plan for the family. Amid fragmented homes, God commands that we honor our parents. In this message from Ephesians 6, Pastor Lutzer explains how children are called to obey their father and mother. Isn't it amazing how God's design cultivates stable homes and loving families? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
The Value Of Life – Part 3 of 3
Life is a miracle; no one has been able to create a single, reproducing cell of life. Yet life is too cheap in our world today. In this message, Pastor Lutzer demonstrates how we can commit murder in God's eyes just by our mouth or by neglect. Yet God says that human life is valuable because He gives it. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
The Value Of Life – Part 2 of 3
We don't always act out what we think. We may be glad no one can hear the murderous thoughts in our hearts. In this message, Pastor Lutzer explores further ways we can commit murder in God's eyes, particularly in our hearts. When we harbor bitterness and vengeance, what does it say about our faith? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
The Value Of Life – Part 1 of 3
Murder is all too common in our news and entertainment. While we typically view murder as the intentional killing of another person, the Bible expands this definition. In this message, Pastor Lutzer examines three ways we can take life with our own hands: killing an enemy, a fetus, or even ourselves. God's commands value and protect human life. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
What Sunday Should Mean To You – Part 3 of 3
Christians are no longer under law but under grace. So, what does the Sabbath have to do with us as New Testament believers? In this message, Pastor Lutzer offers three decisive conclusions about the practice of a day of rest and reflection. Let's spend our Sabbath rejoicing at God's grace in our lives. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
What Sunday Should Mean To You – Part 2 of 3
or many, Sunday is just another day to shop, work, or be on the move. But God has ordained for us to practice Sabbath. In this message, Pastor Lutzer discusses Jesus' own relationship to the Sabbath and the controversies surrounding Him. But for New Testament believers, do the Scriptures reflect the shift from Sabbath to Sundays? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
What Sunday Should Mean To You – Part 1 of 3
God doesn't need to rest. Yet He modeled the pattern of Sabbath from the dawn of creation. In this message, Pastor Lutzer highlights two essential physical and spiritual aspects of the Sabbath day. Work is a gift, but the fourth commandment to keep the Sabbath is a tremendous blessing as well. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
The Misuse Of God's Name – Part 3 of 3
Some think cursing and swearing are like a release valve for anger. But such behavior actually magnifies the problem. In this message from Matthew 12, Pastor Lutzer shows us how Jesus identifies the root of the problem—and the solution—of wrong speech. It's time we considered the consequences of slandering God's name. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
The Misuse Of God's Name – Part 2 of 3
When someone sues for slander, we might be fined for defaming a good name. People, whether unknowingly or defiantly, far too often demean the one true God. In this message from 2 Samuel 12, Pastor Lutzer describes how a careless life takes God's name in vain. How does God respond to a life inconsistent with His name? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
The Misuse Of God's Name – Part 1 of 3
God's name is to be protected and proclaimed. Christians know that God's name is holy, and is not to be misused by swearing, cursing, or improper oath-taking. In this message, Pastor Lutzer defines two ways we can defame God's name: through careless oaths and careless speech. Are we upholding God's reputation? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
Ensnared By Images – Part 3 of 3
Many assume that God might overlook sin or refrain from sending anyone to hell. But does the Bible support this view of God? In this message from Psalm 50, Pastor Lutzer explores questions about physical representations of God and our internal conceptions of Him. Let's examine how the Bible defines idolatry. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
Ensnared By Images – Part 2 of 3
God will not tolerate the worship of images. But does that include crosses, crucifixes, or icons—items many people find deeply meaningful? In this message from Exodus 20, Pastor Lutzer warns us against worshiping God in a way He hasn't prescribed. Distorted worship shows where our true allegiance lies. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
Ensnared By Images – Part 1 of 3
God prohibits making images to represent Him. Yet people even today give worship to a wide array of idols, carvings, pictures, and icons. In this message, Pastor Lutzer provides the first of three Scriptural reasons why we should not use objects in worship. How might physical objects distort our concept of God? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
In Competition With God – Part 3 of 3
If we were tested on what we truly worship, what would our priorities reveal about how we spend our time and whom we seek to please? God allows no competition. In this message, Pastor Lutzer emphasizes three key points about our worship and ultimate allegiance. God will not tolerate any rivals from the gods of today's society. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
In Competition With God – Part 2 of 3
We were created to be worshipers. But God makes it clear He will not accept any rivals for our hearts. In this message from Psalm 115, Pastor Lutzer shows how idolatry is a tremendous insult to God. Every person has a god, but the question is, "Whom do you serve?" This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
In Competition With God – Part 1 of 3
Nothing, not even a good thing, should take the place of God in our lives. God alone is worthy of honor and praise. In this message, Pastor Lutzer shares the first of three reasons why God gave us the first commandment: His very nature. Is God's exclusive jealousy or pursuit of glory the same as that of humans? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
Thunder From Sinai – Part 3 of 3
God's Law reveals our true condition. All we can do is cast ourselves on God's grace. In this message from Hebrews 12, Pastor Lutzer contrasts Mount Sinai where God gave the law with Mount Zion, where He gives grace. Only God's grace can bridge the gap between God's presence and sinners. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
Thunder From Sinai – Part 2 of 3
God's character never changes. The commandments He gave to Moses define His nature, and His expectations of our behavior. In this message, Pastor Lutzer demonstrates how God's law reveals our incredible sinfulness. What if we finally see what we are like in His presence? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
Thunder From Sinai – Part 1 of 3
God gave Moses the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. More than just rules, God's law reveals the beauty of God's nature—and exposes our own sinful nature. In this message, Pastor Lutzer explores why God gave us His law. What if we could see God's holiness and our brokenness with absolute clarity? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
Developing A Support System – Part 3 of 3
There's no easy fix for those who feel empty. That's why we need models today of people who bear fruit even when drought comes. In this message from Jeremiah 17, Pastor Lutzer shares three opportunities to thrive in the middle of a drought. God can change our inner world, filling our emptiness with living water. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
Developing A Support System – Part 2 of 3
When times are good, it's easy to rely on ourselves. But when calamity strikes, we need a support system. In this message from Jeremiah 17, Pastor Lutzer shows three resources we have in drought times: God's Word, God's presence, and God's people. Are we connecting with fellow believers so that we can all bear fruit together? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
Developing A Support System – Part 1 of 3
There comes a time in the decline of a nation when God will no longer delay judgment—that's when true suffering begins. To endure times of hardship, we need to have a support system in place. In this message, Pastor Lutzer offers guidance from Jeremiah, who saw times like ours coming. How should believers live when the really hard times come? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
Faith At The Breaking Point – Part 4 of 4
Throughout Christian history, we have many examples of people who did not love their lives more than they loved Jesus. We shouldn't either. In this message, Pastor Lutzer offers a prayer to renounce fear—even fear of persecution. Do we have the same victorious faith that has sustained martyrs throughout history? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
Faith At The Breaking Point – Part 3 of 4
Every believer faces the ultimate question of what they would sacrifice rather than deny their faith. During the Great Tribulation, Satan's rage will come against God's people. In this message, Pastor Lutzer explains how Tribulation believers will have the strength to stand against Satan's opposition. The devil will try to win—but he can't. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
Faith At The Breaking Point – Part 2 of 4
Under the antichrist, there will be one world religion and economy. During that Great Tribulation, there will be Christians who refuse to worship the antichrist—and be martyred because of it. In this message from Revelation 13, Pastor Lutzer helps us understand the comprehensive authority of antichrist. So, how will those saints overcome? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
Faith At The Breaking Point – Part 1 of 4
What would it take for us to deny our faith? Scripture foretells a future global persecution under the antichrist, like what many Christians face in parts of the Muslim world today. In this message, Pastor Lutzer examines how believers might endure the ultimate test of faith when facing death. God has given us spiritual resources to sustain us. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
Preparing For The Day Of Calamity – Part 3 of 3
To trust in riches is to trust in a vapor that passes away. What if our money is of no value on that final day of judgment? In this message from the book of James, Pastor Lutzer identifies key takeaways about wealth, knowing the Judge stands at the door. Everything we possess belongs to God and could be reclaimed by Him at any moment. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
Preparing For The Day Of Calamity – Part 2 of 3
The ultimate day of calamity will come when we're standing before God and watching all we've achieved – status or wealth – go up in smoke. But believers have no need to fear that day. In this message, Pastor Lutzer analyzes more warnings about wealth. How sure are we that the Lord is going to come? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
Preparing For The Day Of Calamity – Part 1 of 3
Our relationship with money reveals our true spiritual condition. One day, all that gives us security, including our money, will vanish. In this message from the book of James, Pastor Lutzer unveils the first of five dangers surrounding wealth. What would change in our financial decisions if we truly believed it's all from God? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
The Desert, The Devil, And You – Part 4 of 4
We need to know what's really going on in the spirit world and in our lives. Satan is out to devour us. In this message, Pastor Lutzer explains how Satan works as "the splitter," separating us from God, each other, and our true identity in Christ. How do we counteract the devil? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
The Desert, The Devil, And You – Part 3 of 4
Sometimes, we are tempted to take the easy way out of a trial, even if it's not God's way. Jesus Himself was offered all the kingdoms of the world if only He would worship Satan. In this message, Pastor Lutzer explains how Satan accuses and attacks us when we face difficult circumstances. Will we stand firm on God's Word? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
The Desert, The Devil, And You – Part 2 of 4
The devil will use people, events, guilt, or even the Word of God to bring out the worst in us. But God has given us an arsenal to use against Satan. In this message, Pastor Lutzer accounts for the diverse temptations Satan will attack us with. How can we be like Jesus and pass the test? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
The Desert, The Devil, And You – Part 1 of 4
The devil wants to split us from the fabric of God's love—making us believe God doesn't keep His promises. But Jesus fought off Satan by using the Word of God. In this message from Matthew 4, Pastor Lutzer reveals the underlying purposes of temptation—purposes of both the devil and God. Temptation is the crucible of faith. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
Empty Stomachs, Empty Arms – Part 3 of 3
What are God's purposes when life brings unexpected loss and bitter disappointment? Through Naomi and Ruth, God worked to accomplish His plan through future generations. In this message, Pastor Lutzer unveils how Ruth's story connects to Jesus' genealogy. Imagine seeing our current heartaches as part of God's redemptive storyline! This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
Empty Stomachs, Empty Arms – Part 2 of 3
Family and community mean much more when tough times come. The book of Ruth reveals how God works through relationships, bringing redemption through unlikely people. In this message, Pastor Lutzer considers two lessons for us about the value of family and community. In the day of calamity, we can't isolate. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
Empty Stomachs, Empty Arms – Part 1 of 3
Economic hardship reveals our deepest values and priorities. In the book of Ruth, a famine drives Naomi's family to Moab. In this message, Pastor Lutzer explores how God uses financial downturns and personal tragedies to teach us the true value of family and faith. Could God be working even in our most bitter circumstances? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
Trusting God When The Wells Are Dry – Part 4 of 4
When our burdens are too heavy, our faith is often tested to its limits. Abraham, despite God's promises, faltered during a famine, choosing deception. In this message, Pastor Lutzer shows how to surrender and fully trust God. Even through trials, God is working to develop our character. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
Trusting God When The Wells Are Dry – Part 3 of 4
When tough times come—and they are coming—God shakes us up to make sure we remember who our real provider is. He can sustain us through adversity. In this message, Pastor Lutzer provides the first of three principles to hang onto when our crisis comes. But how does God respond if we don't hang on? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
Trusting God When The Wells Are Dry – Part 2 of 4
In life's hardest moments, do we trust God or resort to our own solutions? Abraham, despite initially following God's call, ended up deceiving Pharaoh about his wife's identity. In this message, Pastor Lutzer examines the devastating consequences of Abraham's faithless choices. The ramifications still impact our world today. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
Trusting God When The Wells Are Dry – Part 1 of 4
When God wants to deepen our spiritual maturity, He sometimes takes away all the comforts we're used to. It's possible for God to lead His people into a famine. In this message from Genesis 12, Pastor Lutzer explores the life of a man who experienced an unexpected famine: Abraham. Where do we turn when hardship hits? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
We Have No Map For This Territory – Part 4 of 4
When God chooses to judge a nation, He has several methods at His disposal. One of them is economic collapse. In this message from Jeremiah 5, Pastor Lutzer demonstrates three lessons about judgment: it's unavoidable, it's nationwide, and yet it's a great opportunity. We were created for this moment. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
We Have No Map For This Territory – Part 3 of 4
Secularism, apostasy, and moral corruption define our era. Just as God judged ancient Israel for idolatry, we shouldn't be surprised if He declares "Enough is enough" for our nation. In this message from Jeremiah 5, Pastor Lutzer shows why God judges a nation for their false prophets. So, how do we spot false prophecy and teaching? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.
We Have No Map For This Territory – Part 2 of 4
Calamities and judgments from God may be unavoidable. Wherever we live, we were born in this day and age to prove God's faithfulness in the midst of a nation that is under judgment. In this message, Pastor Lutzer describes three types of judgments: moral, economic, and religious. How does God really judge a nation? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.