Running to Win - 25 Minute Edition

One choice can cloud the conscience. To save his skin, Abraham bent the truth, telling Egypt's Pharaoh that his wife was his sister. He tried to out-maneuver the Egyptians rather than trust in God. In this message, we identify four lessons at the junction of trusting or backsliding. God beckons us to return with a clear conscience to fellowship with Him. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-217-9337.

Can we trust God to take care of us? Abraham was chosen by God to leave the comforts of Ur, going a land he had never seen. Along the way, he came face to face with a test of faith which involved his own wife. In this message, we discover the pitfalls of backsliding—turning from God to go our own way. Backsliding always has more burdens than blessings. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-217-9337.

The losses, challenges, and heartaches God brings reveal we were made for another world. God gave Abraham unconditional promises—personally, nationally, even universally—but not all of them were fulfilled in this life. In this message, we find three lessons from Abraham's first steps of faith that prepare us to trust God with our own journey. Are you living and longing for eternity? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-217-9337.

Our spiritual journey is not based on how much faith we possess but rather upon the One in whom we trust. God called Abraham out of Ur of the Chaldees, promising to make of him a great nation. In this message, we investigate the background, family, and false gods that Abraham left. He faced a lifelong journey of trust in God. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-217-9337.

Why would anyone rejoice in circumstances that are depressing, painful, or seemingly impossible? Jesus knew that the disciples would be tested in ways they could not imagine after He went to the cross. That's why He spent His final night revealing what would happen. In this message, we join the fearful disciples and gain understanding from our Lord. You and I can read the last page; the war will be won. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

When circumstances bring sorrow to our hearts, we often feel helpless. But our story isn't done yet. While many gladly anticipated Jesus' death, His disciples were saddened when Jesus predicted the cross. In this message, we receive the same encouragement for us which Jesus offered His disciples. By reading the "last page" of our story, we see God's ability to turn sorrow into joy. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

Many people are not interested in Christianity at all. They are totally turned off by some Christians. In fact, it's impossible for anyone to come to Christ apart from the Holy Spirit drawing them. In this message, we discuss our vital relationship with the Holy Spirit. Are you resisting or cooperating with the Spirit's promptings? Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

We all grow up believing lies about ourselves and about God. There's one sin, one standard, and one danger that we must all face. In this message, we discover how the Spirit of God uncovers the truth and exposes the lies we might believe. Even today, He's working in and through believers to convict the world of sin and reveal the truth. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

We might hope for smooth relationships, jobs, or social lives. But Christians can expect to be misunderstood for their faith in Jesus Christ. In this message, we hear Christ's instructions on how to handle misunderstanding or hatred when it comes our way. How can we stand against the world's system while loving the world's people? Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

We all have experienced naysayers or even outright enemies. But for believers, we can expect to be persecuted because of our relationship to Christ. The better the world understands Christ, the more they will hate Him. In this message, we face the reactions as well as the reasons Christians face persecution. How should we respond when we're attacked for believing in Jesus? Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

Every one of us wants to be truly known—and still fully loved. We all desire those kinds of human friendships. But the One who lives this best is Jesus. In this message from the Upper Room, we learn three facts from Jesus: the badge, the reward, and the result of friendship. Let's learn how to find such a friend in Jesus and to be that kind of friend. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

We all need true friends, even those of us who feel burned or guarded in our relationships. Jesus told us how love is manifested—that a man lay down his life for his friends. In this message, we find three facts from Jesus about friendship and sacrifice. Is this the kind of love manifested in our own lives? Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

We are frequently presented with competing perspectives about Jesus. Some think of Him as a teacher or a revolutionary, avoiding Him as they go on with their lives. In this message, we glimpse the true characteristics of this Jesus from the apostle John's vision in Revelation. Are you prepared to meet the real Jesus, the Keeper of the keys? Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

After Jesus had died, two disciples walked away from Jerusalem thinking all their hopes had died with Him—until a mysterious stranger met them on the road. Their hearts were strangely captivated by the conversation. At dinner, they found themselves face to face with the One they loved. When we face troubles, we can know that Jesus has not left us. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

The pain and disappointment had hit home. When Jesus died, His disciples' dreams died. Their best-laid plans were in ruins. Was it best to move on and forget those three wonderful years with Christ? In this message, we learn how the resurrected Jesus revived their dreams, and how He can revive ours. Our living hope is stronger than our shattered dreams. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

What do you want your epitaph to say? We all want to live a good life and contribute to others. For believers, we don't measure the fruitfulness of our lives based on worldly success. In this message, we explore the portrait of the believer's relationship to Jesus as a branch connected to the vine. Let's discover the lasting fruit of abiding in Christ. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

Jesus offers us His enduring power. His disciples were common people of the land, who could understand His metaphor of fruit-bearing for the spiritual life. In this message, we discover the first of three portraits from the vineyard. The resulting fruit is sweet to the Father, who tends His garden carefully to grow the harvest. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

Despite our health issues, broken relationships, or uncertain financial futures, Jesus' peace brings stability and hope. On His last night before the cross, Jesus said that all who believe in Him can have His peace. In this message, we consider what it means to receive His peace through complete surrender. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

Peace seems elusive in a world more hectic than ever and more hostile to Christ. But Jesus offers His peace to those who believe in Him. In this message, we find three dimensions of the Lord's peace: with God, with each other, and for ourselves personally. How could Jesus speak about such peace knowing his betrayal and crucifixion were approaching? Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

In lonely apartments, in times of crisis, or in times of need, the Holy Spirit is with us. The presence and the power of the Spirit is promised to all who believe in Jesus. Will we receive Him today in His fullness? In this message, we'll cultivate a sensitivity to the Spirit by faith. As Christians, we are never alone. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

Children need love, acceptance, and security but many of us have felt abandoned. When Jesus discussed his own departure from earth, He promised to send the Holy Spirit to provide spiritual strength for each child of God. In this message, we explore the ministries of the Spirit that Jesus did and continues to do. Jesus hasn't left us alone. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

In the Upper Room, Jesus seems to say that whatever we request, we can have. What are the conditions for answered prayer? Is it based on how fully we believe? In this message, we examine Jesus' teaching on prayer—in His name and for the glory of God. The answer you await may be on its way. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

In the Upper Room, Jesus said that those who would believe in Him would do greater works than He did. At first glance, that appears impossible. What works could be greater than His? With a believing heart and by His Spirit, His believers can reach the world with His Word. Let's contemplate this astounding promise. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

Have you experienced crippling fear? Our everyday problems—sickness, financial distress, or vocational challenges—often intensify our anxiety. In this message, we reflect on Jesus' promise of heaven to his troubled followers. If we keep our eyes fixed on what Jesus is preparing for those who love Him, we can make it to the finish line. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

Anxiety isn't something we can turn off—it has a way of controlling our thoughts. But in our storm of anxious thoughts, Jesus' promise of heaven fixes our eyes on the shore. In this message, we focus on our eternal destination, reunion, and entrance to heaven: Jesus Himself. What are you focusing on today? Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

We all must examine our hearts and find out what really motivates us. Judas shows us how far away we can fall from Christ, even though, to all observers, we seem to be children of God. In this message, we'll give our attention to three life-changing lessons that we dare not forget as we look at the life of Judas. Only grace draws us to Christ, changes our motivations, and keeps us in the love of God. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

The gate to hell is right next to the gate that leads to heaven. How did Judas, who followed Christ for three years, not go through the gate to heaven? Judas' covetous heart, determined will, and deceitful mind led him to the wrong door. Then when Judas had the chance, he rejected God's grace. Is it possible that we could be so near, and yet so far, just like Judas? Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

Is God really willing to forgive? No Christian can get through a single day without the need to confess sins. That's why Jesus washed the disciples' dusty feet: to show we need daily cleansing. Let's cover some practical issues on keeping short accounts with God and helping others be cleansed. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

We need to come to Christ for cleansing every day. The One who washed the disciples' feet is the only One who can wash our hearts. In this message, we discover the first of five life-changing questions: Who needs to be cleansed? How can we be cleansed? What is the purpose of cleansing? From the Upper Room, let's discover the cleansing on offer from Jesus. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

What if our vocations and work could reflect Jesus Himself? Jesus turned the world on its head when He stooped to wash the disciples' feet. Superiors don't serve inferiors, do they? In the kingdom of God, they do. For us to live like Jesus, we must practice servant leadership. Let's look at three life-changing lessons that transform our mindset and bring meaning to our service. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

We may appreciate those who serve, but few of us want to be servants. Let's chart a new course—becoming like Christ, the ultimate Servant. Jesus knew that His time had come, so he got down on His knees and washed dirty feet. In this message, we'll find three facts upon which Jesus' service was based. Through Jesus' act of service, He showed us the path to greatness. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

Jesus taught us to not worry. Yet many of us worry all the time. This causes stress and erodes our spiritual power. Are you in need of a new outlook, or re-directed focus? In this message, we'll rejoice in three principles to help us to overcome worry. Jesus invites us to seek first His kingdom and let Him handle our daily needs. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

Anxiety, tension, and stress are normal today. In a stimulated, fear-saturated culture, we long for relief. There's a way to settle our anxious hearts. In this message from Matthew 6, we'll find peace in our storms with three reasons why we shouldn't worry. Jesus reveals the heart of our Heavenly Father in life-transforming ways. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

Are we willing to stand alone, knowing that God stands with us? Daniel was alone in warning the Babylonian king of his pending destruction. That night, Belshazzar's feast began with revelry and ended with his death In this message, let's explore Daniel's three indictments against Belshazzar. We'll be challenged to live for Christ in a world that's lost its way. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

The judgment of God may be long in coming, but it can come with a vengeance. As the Babylonian Empire partied, Daniel stood before the king and read the handwriting on the wall. The pride, blasphemy, and idolatry of Babylon could be overlooked no longer; God would destroy them that very evening. In this message, we face what God is doing here in America, and how God deals with nations. We must be willing to speak about God's judgment with compassion and conviction. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

During persecution, some believers are spared while others go through torture and death. Do you ever wonder why God doesn't deliver all His people? For three exiles in Babylon, their immediate well-being was less important to them than honoring the one true God. In this message, we'll nail down three lessons for Christians living in America. God's purposes will prevail, even amid persecution. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

Every day, cultural and civil pressure mount on the Christian faith. How should believers react? For Israelites in ancient Babylon, there was no freedom of religion. In this message from Daniel 3, we'll explore the context of a true story of courage. How could three men say, "Throw us into the fire, but we'll not deny God whether we are delivered or not?" Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

When authorities tell us to do one thing, and the Bible tells us to do the opposite, what do we do? Whenever possible, we should be in the culture, just like Daniel and his friends in Babylon who worked for the king who had destroyed their homeland. But sometimes, we must resolve to take a stand and draw a line in the sand. In this message, we'll contemplate biblical principles when we face conflicts of conscience. Let's prepare to face any consequences from a hostile world. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

Christians in America are rapidly becoming like Daniel and his friends in Babylon: out of sync with their pagan environment. How do we reconcile what we believe with what we have to do to live in such a culture? In this message, we'll identify three different ways we can respond to a pagan culture. Before we look at how Daniel stood against the culture, let's find out how he participated in the culture. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

Christians are no longer the dominant cultural force in America. How do we live with lasting peace amid a pagan culture? In this message, we'll find three vital lessons God gave exiled Israel to live in His peace—seeking the shalom of the city. Whatever job or situation we're in where we're the minority, we can be encouraged to remain faithful. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

Should Christians separate themselves from the prevailing culture or engage it with enthusiasm? The surprising answer comes from God's instructions to captive Judah living in Babylon. Under the judgment of God, thousands were taken into Babylonian exile, where they dwelled in a pagan society. In this message, we'll find five instructions God has for His people in Jeremiah 29. We could do well to live by these instructions in today's culture. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

Do we weep for our nation's destruction? Jesus looked on Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, weeping over the destruction He knew would come from the Romans. Centuries earlier, the prophet Jeremiah wept when the city was destroyed. In this message, we'll ponder lessons from a city under God's direct judgment. Even in the midst of destruction, God's steadfast love will never fail us. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

When the judgment of God falls, the things we hold dear are often laid to waste. The city of Jerusalem with its temple was sacked and looted by invading armies, acting under God's ultimate plan. In this message, we'll see how the book of Lamentations exposes Jeremiah's heart as he looks at this devastated city. Through the grief, we'll discover what God holds dear. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

We far too easily gloss over the terrifying nature of God. When Jeremiah proclaimed the coming judgment of God, his fellow Israelites paid him no heed. What will we do today? In this message, we explore further lessons of both warning and encouragement for the people of God in a nation under judgment. Let's point people to a greater country, to another city, whose builder and maker is God. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

When nation-wide events seem out of control, we need clear perspective as the people of God. Israel couldn't see God's purposes in allowing their nation to be invaded. Just as they were taken into captivity, America may soon feel that same wrath. In this message, we'll begin an examination of Israel's history and nine lessons we must take from the fall of a nation long ago. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

A lump of clay has no clue what its potter intends to make out of it. Jeremiah chapter 18 tells how God views Israel: as clay on His wheel. In this message, we'll consider two life-transforming lessons for us as a nation and even as individuals. We need a right view of ourselves and a right view of God. Then life can begin to make sense. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

Many people think they're masters of their own destiny. But God sees His people as clay on a potter's wheel. Since He's the potter, He controls their destiny. In this message, we're going to capture four images from God's metaphor of the potter's house. Let's learn to see ourselves accurately—as vessels God shapes according to His purposes. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

Many people would like greater wealth and health but are led to believe they don't have enough faith. How can we identify true prophets in these important matters of faith? False prophets draw their false messages from a variety of sources, rather than God's self-revelation. In this message, we take home three words of hope to discern those sources, and determine whether what you're hearing is from God, or from somewhere else. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

Just like the false prophets of Jeremiah's day, contemporary teachers paint God to be whatever they want and people as supposedly "good." They diminish God's holiness, exaggerate their goodness, and hide their real motives. In this message, we learn how to recognize these false teachers and discern their heretical teaching. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

When God judges His people, His question is clear: "Don't you see how serious your sin is? Turn to me." Great deception took hold in ancient Israel, leading to idolatry and judgment. The same deception infects our thinking today. In this message, Pastor Lutzer identifies four crossroads where America chose the wrong direction, calling darkness "light," Let's discover why we can hope in God despite the direction of our nation's morality and spiritual state. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)