Running to Win - 25 Minute Edition

The story of the Reformation is a story of conflict, marked by riots, bloody insurrections, Christians killing each other, and the death of royalty. But the gospel was being heard once again. In this message, Pastor Lutzer captures the impetus of the Presbyterian church in Scotland. Let's have the same fervor, with love, that the Reformers had for the Gospel. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

Once a galley slave, John Knox brought the Word of God to Scotland. What's the historical context and growth of the Reformation in Scotland? In this message, Pastor Lutzer describes three reasons to highlight these events. God uses imperfect saints, and John Knox was a perfect example of imperfect. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

When the tides of Reformation hit the shores of the British Isles, Henry VIII saw his chance to take control of the church of England. But the Protestant movement flourished in England due to the faithfulness of martyrs. In this message, Pastor Lutzer introduces us to three men burned at the stake. How did the Anglican church begin in England? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

Anglicanism came about in an unusual manner. In order to support his immorality, King Henry VIII separated the Church of England from Rome. In this message, Pastor Lutzer introduces to you a most remarkably evil, and yet unique, king as well as his six wives. If doctrines were not at the forefront of Henry's reasons, why did he break with Rome? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

It's one thing to die as a believer at the hands of pagans. It's quite another to die because fellow Christians don't like your doctrines or ways of running the church. In this message, Pastor Lutzer responds to questions about the Anabaptists. These people believed there was something that was worth dying for. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

Reformation divisions arose quickly. By forsaking practices like infant baptism, the Anabaptists were branded as rebels, to be martyred by the hundreds. In this message, Pastor Lutzer identifies the three streams of Anabaptism: Mennonites, Hutterites, and Amish. The movement still shapes our view of the relationship between church and state. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

The church during the Reformation was tangled in local politics with disputes arising about infant baptism. Christians executed other Christians as heretics. In this message, Pastor Lutzer explains the relationship between infant baptism and the church and state. Why did this movement spread so quickly? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

While Jesus prayed that all His disciples might be united, this was not always the case as the Reformation developed. Luther had his own take, and Zwingli had his. In this message, Pastor Lutzer exposes the Reformers' differences and its relevance for us. Amid our differences, what should we as Christians be about? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

The Reformation spread quickly. Both Martin Luther and Ulrich Zwingli rejected papal authority, the mass, and indulgences. In this message, Pastor Lutzer summarizes the debate between Luther and Zwingli about the relationship between church and state and the nature of the Lord's Supper. There was a dark side to what happened during these years of reform. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

All of us leave a legacy when we're gone. John Calvin left a legacy, even of restricting freedom of religion. In this message, Pastor Lutzer answers questions about Calvin and the teaching about predestination, the tension between God's sovereignty and human responsibility. What can we learn from Calvin today? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

Nothing less than an act of God can extricate us from false beliefs. Before John Calvin's conversion, he was devoted to the superstitions of the papacy. In this message, Pastor Lutzer overviews Calvin's experience of grace and his biblical precedent for predestination. Why did this teaching spread all over Europe? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

The term "Protestant" comes from "protest." One man who learned much from Martin Luther's writings was John Calvin, a young, brilliant theologian and author. In this message, Pastor Lutzer helps us understand the doctrinal and political environment in Geneva during John Calvin's day. Where did Protestantism get its beginning? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

What is the measure of a man? Many people overplay Martin Luther's positive contributions and overlook any negatives. In this message, Pastor Lutzer offers an evenhanded evaluation of Luther's life, teaching, and accomplishments. Despite Luther's flaws, he was greatly used by God. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

Martin Luther escaped almost certain death after his testimony at the Diet of Worms. While hiding in the Wartburg castle, he translated the New Testament into the common German language. In this message, Pastor Lutzer unwraps this landmark accomplishment. Why was the Luther translation so significant? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

The Reformation upset centuries of accumulated religious tradition. The church in Martin Luther's day was resistant to change, going after him with a vengeance. In this message, Pastor Lutzer paints a picture of Luther's trial at the Diet of Worms. Martin Luther is known for his Ninety-Five Theses, but he also planted the seeds for religious freedom. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

Who gave up all he knew about religion, to break free from centuries of confusion about the Gospel? Martin Luther. In this message, Pastor Lutzer reveals the historical background of Luther's ninety-five theses, answering questions about the Reformation and the doctrines of the faith. Let's uncover the treasures of the Gospel. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

Many people these days have no sense of their own sin. But in the 1500's, Martin Luther had an acute sense of his own unrighteousness. In this message from Romans, Pastor Lutzer describes how the righteousness of Christ can be credited to us. If salvation is from God, what do we contribute? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

At key moments in time, men arise who are destined to change the tides of history. In the sixteenth century, the traditions of the church had become corrupted. In this message, Pastor Lutzer introduces us to Martin Luther, who gave himself without reservation to all the rigorous practices of monastic life. Would he find relief from his guilt and despair? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

The corruption of the Roman Catholic Church was spreading. The efforts of John Wycliff, Jan Hus, Erasmus, and Savonarola laid crucial groundwork for a major breakaway yet to come. In this message, Pastor Lutzer draws two lessons from the early Reformers. These men prepared the way for the Gospel to be unearthed from Medieval traditions. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

The Reformation had many heroes. The early Reformers opposed church corruption, provided a new edition of the Greek, and opposed rampant sensuality. In this message, we meet Jan Hus, Erasmus, and Savonarola. For defying the church of their day, they would pay for it dearly. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

The Roman Catholic Church of the Middle Ages had veered way off course into corruption and doctrinal error. Before Luther, God was already raising up men to speak the truth. In this message, Pastor Lutzer introduces us to John Wycliffe. By making the Bible available to the common man, a much wider and more drastic reform would soon take place. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

Our world is suffering, and much of it can be traced to an absence of integrity. We need to instill in ourselves and our children the importance of a sound character—of integrity. In this message, we mark five characteristics of a person of integrity. What does it take to honor our friendships and speak the truth even when it hurts us? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

It's in great demand, but in short supply. People of integrity are honest and forthright, and they have the reputations to prove it. In this message from Psalm 15, we define integrity through five descriptions of our lives and hearts. How do we discern a true person of integrity? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

Differences of opinion exist concerning many topics in Christian circles. Paul helps us navigate these disputable matters. In this message from Romans 14, we see three timeless principles of judging other Christian's behavior in the household of God. Should we refrain from passing judgment on others or exercising personal freedom? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

There are some topics that are either right or wrong. But in between are some matters of debate, issues of conscience in which Christians have legitimate disagreements. In this message from Romans 14, we learn how to correct and rebuke fellow Christians' conduct. How can we define and recognize legalistic correction? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

Although astrologists or psychics might seem harmless, our task is to discern the danger. Many people don't realize the occultic roots or assume the "fantasies" won't affect us. In this message, we arrive at five principles to rightly discern occultic and demonic practices. We cannot give an inch of ground to Satan. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

Occult influence is very real, enshrined in modern philosophies and media. God says we must abstain and abhor every practice that seeks hidden power and knowledge. In this message from Deuteronomy 18, we identity some of the doorways of the occult. Why is it that Christians aren't afraid of these things in our generation? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

Physical appearance is over-valued in our culture. Imagine the incredible freedom of accepting ourselves the way God made us. In this message, we recognize three propositions to develop a biblical philosophy of the body. Can we accept our body's features as the wise and good choice of God? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

How beautiful do we have to be to be happy? Self-loathing and a distorted view of self is damaging to people, especially the next generation. In this message, we learn four implications from our bodies being created by God. We must declare war on this idea that you are valuable based on your appearance. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

At no time in history has entertainment culture invaded the church more than it has today. Addictions and media consumption can drive a wedge between us and God. In this message, Pastor Lutzer provides five suggestions to be discerning and intentional. What are practical steps we can take to lead ourselves and our families? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

How much media and entertainment should we let into our homes? We might try to deny our overconsumption or be unsure of what to do. In this message, we follow three tests for the media we allow into our hearts. We must intentional, or entertainment will become detrimental to our spiritual growth. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

Where is the power of God most evident? Those with discernment know that the power of the Gospel far outweighs the power seen in miracles, signs, and wonders. In this message, we observe two implications of biblical miracles. As Pastor Lutzer says, "At the end of the day it's up to God and we submit to His will." This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

Miracles seem to happen often, and almost everybody wants one. Yet is it possible that these so-called miracles could really be a form of demonic deception? In this message from Matthew 7, we glean five principles of how God works true miracles. Let's heed the Bible's warnings against false miracle workers. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

Modern-day false prophets promise blessings without repentance, and prosperity for all who send a gift. Beware of false prophets, who are outwardly like lambs but inwardly they are wolves. In this message, we expose four characteristics of false teaching and prophets. Will we pass the test of only following those who preach Christ and Him crucified? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

Television and the internet sell what people want to buy. Believers must discern and separate truth from error when listening to any religious teaching on screens. In this message, we're introduced to false prophets and teachers in the Old Testament. What are the characteristics of false prophets? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

A false gospel might be taught and believed widely. But there is no room for error or mere opinion when our souls are at stake. In this message from Galatians 1, Pastor Lutzer delineates five necessary truths to understand the essentials of the Gospel. How can Christians know what to affirm and what to deny? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

In the marketplace of religious ideas, packaging and marketing often carry more weight than biblical truth. Sadly, sound doctrine is in short supply. In this message, we call out two false principles of biblical interpretation which are used widely. Is it better to be divided by truth or united in error? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

People who attempt to stay in the realm of neutrality oftentimes have the strongest opinions and judgments. Jesus taught us to not judge a small splinter in someone else's eye without first removing the large wood beam from our own eye. In this message, we continue exploring principles of biblical judgment. Are we checking our own eyes? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

Jesus did not prohibit judging. In fact, the Scriptures command us to expose error. In our day, error is often mixed with truth, so wise believers must be discerning. In this message from Matthew 7, we glean five important principles on judging properly. What does it take to judge with humility? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

Many Christians choose the same movies, music, or versions of "the good life" as the world does. How can we be a distinct witness in a time when everyone has their own intuitions and perceptions? In this message, we listen to two ways Jesus prayed for the church's unity and sanctification. We must be distinct from the world. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

Everyone acts and believes as they please, with hedonism and mysticism thriving. More than ever, the church must love our neighbors and be united. In this message, we detect three ways post-modern thinking about truth has affected the church. If we don't judge and exercise discernment, judgment may fall on our own heads. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

In an age of cynicism, oftentimes the Gospel lacks credibility which is often reinforced by the way Christians live. How do we ensure our consciences are clear before God? In this message, we draw three biblical principles about servanthood and suffering. When many would seek self-gratification, we become servants. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

Everybody likes servants as long as they don't have to be servants. In Paul's trials, his triumphs, and his testimony, he mirrored Jesus' servanthood. In this message from 2 Corinthians 6, we review what Paul has been through to show his credibility. Ready for a paradigm shift? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

There are times to feast, holiday times, and times of celebration. But in the plan of God, there are also times to fast. In this message from Joel 2, we identify four results in our hearts from fasting and prayer. Do we know the inner resources and spiritual nourishment needed to walk with God in every season? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

The concept of fasting is strange in a culture where we eat so much. But the rigors of fasting can cleanse, heal, and discipline our bodies. In this message from Joel 1, we discover the benefits of fasting and prayer for both the body and the soul. What if fasting actually deepened our walk with God? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

Money always tests God's people. The love of money can turn our hearts away from God. In this message, we notice three changes which must take place to be free of the love of money: a change of heart, of ownership, and of perspective. Change only happens when we give our selfishness away. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

A Christian's values are made evident through their giving. The love of money affects both the rich and the poor. In this message from 1 Timothy 6, we stress three dangerous results to our hearts from the love of money. Whether we have little or much, we must be good stewards of all that God's given us. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

Does meditation suggest an Eastern mystic in a lotus position? Biblically, meditation on the Word of God grants us inner resources to face whatever comes our way. In this message, we ponder three ways to meditate: analyze, memorize, and personalize. As we meditate on God's Word, we are transformed. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

The world may be filled with chaos and difficulty, but a heart stayed on God's Word can overcome. Joshua meditated on the Law as he prepared to lead the nation of Israel into Canaan. In this message, we see how meditation on God's law prepared His people for battle. Can we have true inner peace today? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

Some believe the purpose of life is to work, earn money, and retire. Why is it that God is oftentimes not the center of our lives? In this message, we meet the Samaritan woman who was forever changed as she learned the true meaning of worship. There is no other purpose to life. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.