Running to Win - 25 Minute Edition

With all the chaos in the world, what is God's real agenda? Some believe the local church is obsolete, so they think lightly of any involvement or role in the church. In this message, Pastor Lutzer leads us on an inspection tour of God's building. Let's look at what God is doing and how we fit into His eternal plan. 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.

We are born self-seeking and prejudiced. The Bible says the reason we are alienated and fragmented is because of sin. In this message from Ephesians 2, Pastor Lutzer celebrates how Jesus came and tore down the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles. But what about when Christians don't get along? 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 could bind together diverse races and ethnic groups? Because Jesus reconciled us to one another, we can find a humble unity at the foot of the cross. In this message, Pastor Lutzer describes five degrees of separation for Gentiles without God. If Christ died to make us one body, our challenge is to live out this unity. 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.

Because grace is so amazing, it can be difficult to accept. As humans, we evaluate others by comparison. In this message, Pastor Lutzer notices two kinds of people who think they don't need God's grace. We all need the grace of God—because apart from Him we would all be lost. 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.

We are in dire need of God's grace. We're not merely sick; we require a resurrection from God because we can't fix ourselves. In this message, Pastor Lutzer establishes our condition before grace rescued us. Through Christ, God has shed grace on us in abundance—so He can save anyone, even "big sinners." 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.

Most of us pray for immediate concerns. But Paul taught the Ephesians to pray with a view to God's big picture. In this message, Pastor Lutzer makes two life-changing observations about praying in God's will. Even in times of difficulty or betrayal, Jesus is above it all, fully aware of our need. 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.

Is it possible to have real confidence when we pray? In Ephesians 1, Paul leads us to pray for wisdom, illumination, and enlightenment. In this message, Pastor Lutzer teaches how to pray in the center of God's will. Though we often fret and worry, all things are under His care and control. 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 sure can we be that our heavenly home is secure? Though we face distractions, temptations, and worries, God has firmly established a sign of ownership on His children. In this message from Ephesians 1, Pastor Lutzer affirms the certainty of our future blessing in Christ. When we belong to God, our future is guaranteed. 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 of us question our value, whether we really matter. The sealing of the Holy Spirit communicates our identity and purpose as God's children. In this message from Ephesians 1, Pastor Lutzer unveils three signs of the Spirit's sealing. In Him, we discover our value in God's sight, and our security in His love. 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 devastation of sin left us without hope before a just God. Incredibly, Christ was willing to die to buy us pardon. In this message, Pastor Lutzer exposes three reasons people have difficulty accepting God's forgiveness. Let us live in the freedom that Christ has purchased for 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.

Jesus lavished redemption on us by His grace. He has dispensed grace which covers every part of the sins we have committed. In this message from Ephesians 1, Pastor Lutzer considers the meaning, the means, and the measure of a sinner's redemption. Is it ever too late for our sins to be forgiven? 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.

Is it arrogant to believe God has chosen us to be saved? If God has chosen us for salvation as a free gift, then we are obligated to the Giver for all of eternity. In this message, Pastor Lutzer gives us three humbling implications of God's choosing us. God's grace binds us to Him forever. 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.

Before creation, God planned everything. He chose us, adopted us, and graced us for His glory, according to the mystery of God's purposes in salvation. In this message from Ephesians, Pastor Lutzer explains three blessings God has poured out upon His children. Does God predetermine the "elect," those who will be saved? 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 feel Christians are too heavenly-minded. While we do not know all that God may bring into our lives, Christ is above everything. In this message from Ephesians 1, Pastor Lutzer unveils five descriptions of the heavenlies. Let's put the earth's conflicts into perspective. 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 is full of so much evil and pain. Is Jesus detached from it all or is He still ruling? In this message from Ephesians, Pastor Lutzer discusses Jesus' throne, a place of blessing and power, signifying the resources that we have for earthly battles. We can live heavenly lives in earthly bodies. 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 will we look like in eternity after our broken bodies are restored? Believers are promised a glorious, incorruptible body. In this message, Pastor Lutzer discusses three matters we should not minimize as we prepare for that day. One day, we will become like Jesus with a heavenly body like His. 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 curse of the fall has affected the fabric of this Earth, and even our bodies wear out. We long for restoration and glorification. In this message from Romans 8, Pastor Lutzer shows us the extent to which God went to redeem us. Are we eager for all God is preparing for us in glory? 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.

Believers may doubt their salvation in times of depression or persecution. But Jesus made it clear that no one can ever take us out of His hand. In this message, Pastor Lutzer considers what truly holds the believer secure in God's hands. But what about believers who are living like 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.

Can God lose those who are saved through faith in Jesus? Many Christians debate the issue of eternal security. In this message, Pastor Lutzer considers the words of Jesus about His role as the Good Shepherd, and the security He brings. Those who are His sheep are truly in the hands of a Good Shepherd. 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.

If we're honest about our background and what we've done, we know that we've sinned terribly. A holy God once spoke from a mountain in Sinai, saying "stay away." In this message, Pastor Lutzer illustrates Jesus' unique advocacy on our behalf. Does it really make a difference that Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father? 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.

For the Christian, life is often hard. But we can be glad that Jesus stands before the Father as our intercessor, praying for His own that we might be able to persevere. In this message from Hebrews, Pastor Lutzer gives us four characteristics of Jesus' advocacy for us. Jesus physically left Earth, but He didn't abandon 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.

Christians are the representatives of Jesus Christ on earth. Attempting to live the Christian life alone deprives us of the help and admonition we need every day. In this message, Pastor Lutzer shows three strengths of the church. While God dwells in each of us, there is no substitute for gathering together in worship. 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.

We all need someone to smile on us, wanting to be with us. In Christ, we were created to belong, reconciled to God and each other. In this message from 1 Corinthians 13, Pastor Lutzer explains three characteristics of the body of Christ, the church. Because of redemption, we don't have to be alone. 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 may not know the implications of their adoption by God. This adoption confers the rights of sonship on all who believe. In this message, Pastor Lutzer portrays the role of the Father, the Spirit, and the Son in our spiritual adoption. Whatever we face today, God has already welcomed us into an eternal family. 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.

From before the foundation of the Earth, God chose to adopt us as His sons and daughters. We have no idea all that God has prepared for us. In this message, Pastor Lutzer highlights the status all Christians have. When we believe in Christ, we enter into all the benefits of our adoption. 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 Bible tells believers to "walk in the Spirit." When we are filled with the Spirit, we enjoy the fruit He brings. In this message, Pastor Lutzer describes three distinctives of Christians filled with the Spirit. The people of the world can't receive the Spirit, so what makes Christians different? 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 of the gifts God gives His children might seem intangible. But the Father sends a Helper who personally indwells all believers, the Holy Spirit. In this message from John 14, Pastor Lutzer explores four ministries of the Holy Spirit to Christians learning to yield to Him. How do we begin to get the benefits of the Spirit? 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.

We don't always wake up in the morning with a heart for God. What if our failures, guilt, and shortcomings overwhelm us? In this message, Pastor Lutzer gives us four characteristics of the gift of Christ's righteousness granted to believers. In Christ, there's nothing we can do to make Him love us more or less. 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 standard God sets for us to gain eternal life is unreachable: perfection. Only His righteousness is perfect. In this message from Romans 3, Pastor Lutzer gets to the basic truth about our condition, falling short of God's glory. But God credits Christ's righteousness to us that we may stand before Him without guilt or shame. 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.

Believers can be sure that no event in their lives can take place outside of God's knowledge and plan. But does God predetermine who's to be saved? In this message, Pastor Lutzer points to two realities occurring at salvation, uncovering what predestination means biblically. We are incredibly valuable in God's sight—and that's a gift from Him. 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.

Salvation is more than just a ticket to heaven when we die. From before creation, God predestined Christians to redemption and salvation. In this message, Pastor Lutzer notes two facts in Ephesians 1 about God choosing people unto life. Since we don't deserve His grace, is God's choosing of us arbitrary? 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 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.