Running to Win - 25 Minute Edition

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)

Have you ever wondered if you possess saving faith? Faith in Christ is the non-negotiable factor that transfers people from darkness to light and changes their destiny from hell to heaven. In the conclusion to this series of messages, Pastor Lutzer makes it personal from his parent's journey as well as his own story of lacking assurance of salvation. Are the results of saving faith at work in your own life? Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

Why do genuine Christians sometimes still have doubts? There are those who should be free from doubting their salvation, but there are also those who should examine if they are in the faith. In this message, you'll identify five reasons people doubt their salvation. When you understand why you have doubts about your salvation, you can overcome them through faith in Christ alone. Take a good look at your doubts today and don't brush them aside. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

The accusations you hear don't have to have the last word. God's love for you isn't fickle. In the courtroom of guilt and shame, Christians can stand confidently against their accuser, Satan. The defending attorney, Jesus, is your Advocate. In this message, you'll deepen your assurance of salvation based on three pillars from Scripture. When you're uncertain of your standing with God, don't speak for yourself—look to Jesus. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

What are you building your life upon—in this life and the next? Some believe you can't be sure of your eternal destiny. But this is the certainty you need to make all the trials of life bearable, even meaningful. In this message, you'll build three pillars on the bedrock doctrine of eternal security. From Romans 8, you'll see how your security doesn't lie in anything you do, but in God. You can count on it. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

The day someone is born again looks different for everyone, but your natural spiritual condition is hopeless without God. Whatever stage you're in spiritually—the midnight of confusion, the twilight of conviction, or the sunshine of confession—it's God who grants new life. In this message, you'll conclude an exploration of the characteristics of regeneration. Your testimony of being born again will bring glory to God. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

No amount of effort will take you an inch in heaven's direction. It takes a work of God to bring you to eternal life. Jesus told Nicodemus, a religious leader, that you must be "born again" to see the kingdom of God. In this message, you'll look at the first of three characteristics of regeneration. God does a miracle within you so that you are reborn as a member of the heavenly family. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

Your regrets feel like an irreparable, muddy mess. Sin colors everything. It'll take an intervention from God to make it right. In this message, you'll identify the qualities of the righteousness in Christ that assure you of your standing with God. This unchangeable, permanent, and infinite righteousness is based on the believer's union with Christ. There's cleansing, like a blanket of white snow, for those who finally give up self-righteousness and believe in Him alone. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

How can you know that you're right with God? Jesus, the only sinless human, became sin to bring you to God. In this message, you'll explore the truth a 16th-century German monk, Martin Luther, found so vital: righteousness that comes only by faith. You'll discover five characteristics of the righteousness of God in 2 Corinthians that will bless your soul and take you all the way to heaven when you believe on Jesus. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

For people bent on working for everything in their life, God's grace is very difficult to accept. Two kinds of people struggle with this: 1. those who feel they're too unworthy because of their great sin and 2. those who feel they have a good shot at heaven because of their religious deeds. In this message, you'll apply the characteristics of God's grace to your life. Whether you tend towards despair or pride, no one earns God's favor based on their merit. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

Most Christians know the hymn "Amazing Grace" – even non-believers know it. Yet so few of us truly understand why grace is so amazing. Let's begin looking at the 5 characteristics of God's saving grace in Ephesians 2. Though no one is worthy, God gives this gift freely to those who believe on His Son. God's grace is more than sufficient to save not only a "good" person, but the most wicked and vilest of sinners. Now that's amazing! Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

How do you avoid self-deception in your relationship with God? Many try to gain heaven through their own efforts. They think that if their good deeds outweigh their bad, they'll make it. Let's take another look at those who are shocked they won't enter the Kingdom of Heaven. You'll hear three explanations ofhow anyone could be self-deceived. You're invited to come to the only One qualified to save you: Jesus. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

Sincerity is great, but it's not enough, especially when it comes to this all-important matter: the salvation of your soul. In this message, you'll identify three false paths on the broad way that many people go: the paths of achieving good things, finding God mystically in yourself, or trusting sacramental rituals. But in Matthew 7, Jesus makes an astounding contrast between the false paths and the true path to God. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

Do you wonder what good can come out of your ruined dreams? Behind every turn in your life, God's hand can be seen. In this final message on Joseph's life, you'll ponder crucial implications from this truth: God is increasing the eternal joy of the saints even amid the world's evil. God is working all His good purposes together. If your life seems haphazard, be encouraged that God is in control. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

Are you striving to accomplish a dream that seems impossible? Much of the anxiety can dissolve when you realize that God directs all things towards an appointed end in His world. If you are God's child, you can trust His providence. In this message, you'll explore the scope of God's providence in Joseph's life, so you're equipped to remain joyful, committed, and free from anxiety. God's providence reminds you of His purposes at work in your troubled past, for your future, and even in evil. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

Does reconciliation feel impossible after your dreams have been crushed by relational sin? The story of Joseph in Egypt is very dramatic—a former slave rises to power only to judge the brothers who sold him into slavery years before. God's gracious plan was unfolding to save two nations. In this message, let's sketch the portrait of Joseph's final visit with his brothers. Once you step into true reconciliation, you begin to dream with God again. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

Have you ever thought, "Where does God factor in all my unfulfilled dreams?" You're not alone. Joseph's dream seemed destroyed—until the day he sees his brothers for the first time since they sold him into slavery. In this message, you'll begin to sketch three portraits of Joseph's painful encounters with his brothers. You'll see how a divinely-directed famine brought Joseph and his brothers together—physically and relationally. No matter what you've been through, God is still with you, and He has bigger dreams for you than you could ever imagine. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

How do you remain confident in God's plan for your life? The Almighty unveiled a dream for Joseph that he never could have foreseen. One minute, Joseph was in jail. The next, he became vice-regent of Egypt. But he kept it all in perspective: he knew that God was working out a perfect plan. Whatever injustices or setbacks you face, you can learn to submit yourself to God's kindness. Only God, who sees the future, knows what dream is best for you. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

Have you ever felt forgotten when your dreams are dashed? Between Joseph and his dream lay injustice and false imprisonment. In fact, he faced powerful temptation because of his important position, his vulnerability, and his distance from home. Yet even when he felt forgotten, he didn't sin against the One who never forgets: God. If you're His child, God doesn't abandon you. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

Is the dream you have for your life farther away than ever? Although Joseph had a dream of ruling his brothers, he ended up in slavery. Twenty-two years after he was sold into slavery, Joseph has a choice when his dream is resurrected. In this message from Genesis 37, you'll find 4 lessons from Joseph's experience that bring hope and healing for those whose dreams are crushed. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)

You are surrounded by people with shattered dreams. Life isn't easy, especially when others sin against you. In this message, you'll meet Joseph, whose dream was born amid a dysfunctional family in Genesis. It seemed everyone in his family was conspiring against him. In this introduction, you'll consider whether a dream is from God and what He can do with your broken dreams. Click here to listen (Duration 25:02)