Running to Win - 25 Minute Edition

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)

Misconceptions about God have consequences. God isn't endlessly tolerant, putting up with any attitude or behavior. God had Babylon take Israel captive after Israel had endlessly deceived itself through idolatry. But neither does He impulsively condemn. We as Christians offer His hope, forgiveness, and help today. In this message, we'll isolate four lies about a nation's sins. What is it about our concept of God that needs adjustment? Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

What will it take for us to give up today's idols of sports, business, relationships, and fame to return to God? In Jeremiah's day, Israel forsook God—the fountain of living water—for idols, which were like broken cisterns that hold no water. In this message, we'll unveil three characteristics of idolatry so we can avoid the self-deception of our own idolatry. God has called us, in this cultural moment, to be satisfied in Him. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

What does faithfulness look like in a nation that is under judgment? After Israel's long disobedience, God orchestrated for Babylon to take them into captivity. They became a minority in a pagan land, just like Christians are fast becoming a minority in America. In this first message from the series "The Church In Babylon," we'll look at the uniqueness of Jeremiah's calling and how the church can be faithful in "exile." Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

No one who stands against God will ultimately win. God's plan for the devil involves unlimited torment in a lake of fire that will never go out. In this message, we'll identify five characteristics of hell, prepared for the devil and his angels. Let's take a sobering look at the ultimate punishment for rebellion against a holy God. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

The ravages of Satan show up across time. But the devil's doom is certain. He's on death row, howling until he meets his destiny in the lake of fire. In this message from Revelation, we're assured of the devil's demise in three decisive stages. Let's take an encouraging look at the end of the Accuser, Satan. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

In a culture that elevates self-determination and actualization, why should we submit to God? The devil can do a lot of damage when believers give way to a spirit of self-will. In this message, we'll learn from a true story of divisiveness in church and demonic oppression. Pastor Lutzer exhorts Christians to die to self-rule 1.) in Christ, 2.) by a choice, and 3.) by faith. Otherwise, much damage can be done to the cause of Christ. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

Many Christians have given the devil a foothold in their lives, and the result is tragic. In this message, we find parallels between us and Satan, specifically regarding "self-will". By God's grace, we can put an ax to the very root of this self-will. Believers who are burdened by satanic influence need not remain in bondage. There is hope in Jesus' name. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

The Bible says Satan is like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But he can't get in unless the door is open. In this message, we conclude an overview of ten doors where Satan harasses us. Pastor Lutzer offers five truths to overcome the enemy's attacks and not allow any foothold. We can walk in the light by putting on the full armor of God and completely submitting to Him. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

Some think ghosts are merely "ectoplasmic energy." Other's fear ghosts constantly. Let's learn the facts about haunted houses, ghosts, familiar spirits, and other forms of demonic influence, and why Christians must shun them all like the plague. In this message, we'll clarify the three stages of demonic control or enslavement. When we begin to identify the doors that Satan uses to get a foothold into our lives, we can boldly stand in Christ. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

Satan wants us to think he has godlike powers. But God wants us to see that Satan is on a short leash. Satan cannot trip us up unless God gives permission. In this message, we'll learn how to submit to God, rely on the Spirit, and stand when the enemy hammers us. The conflict in the heavenlies is not between equal powers of light and darkness. Our God remains sovereign over the devil. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

Many of us feel that God doesn't love us or that He's alienated from us. Although Satan is a defeated foe, he's "out on bail" for now, trying to destroy each of us. Understanding his tactics is crucial. In this message, we'll receive pastoral counsel through five truths when we face spiritual attack. If we belong to God, we are not under the curse of Satan. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

We all deserve to be eternally separated from God in the lake of fire, prepared for Satan and his angels. But God sent Jesus to die on the cross in our place to redeem us. In this message, we'll celebrate five ways in which the cross defeated Satan, crushing his head. Through the cross, God not only silenced Satan but also reconciled us back to himself, securing our decisive victory and redemption. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

Does Satan seem to have the upper hand personally or nationally? Satan attempted to stop Jesus in multiple ways by killing Him as a baby, corrupting Him in the desert temptation, or inciting Judas' betrayal. But the devil couldn't hinder Jesus' plan of redemption. In this message, we'll see from both Zechariah and Colossians that the serpent's doom was made certain by the sacrifice of a suffering Savior. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

What does the Bible say about good versus evil? Since the original sin in the Garden of Eden, Satan has tried to blot out the seed of God's promised Redeemer. In this message, we'll study three instances throughout Scripture where Satan has clashed with God. As we assess the far-reaching consequences of our fall, we also learn that God, from the beginning, had in mind a way to redeem us. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

What does the Bible say about good versus evil? Since the original sin in the Garden of Eden, Satan has tried to blot out the seed of God's promised Redeemer. In this message, we'll study three instances throughout Scripture where Satan has clashed with God. As we assess the far-reaching consequences of our fall, we also learn that God, from the beginning, had in mind a way to redeem us. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

One key difference between God and Satan is that God always speaks truth, while Satan always lies. Once Adam and Eve believed the lie and rebelled against God, there was nothing they could do. All of us since birth have been contaminated with sin. But God offers the hope of deliverance even in the destructive aftermath of sin. What's the truth that can deliver us? Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

Lies can be appealing when we don't believe the consequences are dangerous. Satan deceived Adam and Eve into eating the forbidden fruit, with catastrophic results. Because of this tendency to rebel against God, people have created many false religions. In this message, we catch a glimpse into how Satan's mind operates, thinks, and strategizes to catch us in his traps. False religions can seem appealing until God's truth exposes their deadly lies. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

Every one of us belongs to one kingdom or another. Since Satan's infamous start in the Garden of Eden, he's been blinding the minds of unbelievers and targeting believers through lies and intimidation. In this message, we'll discover five limitations from God that guarantee the devil's doom. How does God deal with Satan's rebellion—and ours? Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

You have an unseen adversary. He's called the devil, the prince of darkness—with weapons of lies and deceit. He was a prominent angel in God's creation whose role was to deliver the praise of the angelic choir to God. What caused his fall from this prestigious position? In this message, you'll study Lucifer's five "I wills," spoken in pride. You can stand firm against spiritual attack by understanding God's sovereignty over Satan. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)