Christ 2r Culture Podcast

When it comes to work, is it something you avoid or enjoy? Join us to find out how Jesus changes the way we work.

People have a demanding list of qualities they want in a pastor. He needs to be funny, engaging, hip, and cool. But what does the Bible say people should expect from a pastor? Even more important, what should a pastor expect from his people? Join us as we look at the support every pastor needs from his people to lead an effective church.

What does the Bible say about Christians and sin? Is it possible for a Christian to fall out of grace? Can a significant sin send a Christian to hell after they believe? Does persistent sin nullify the grace of God? Join us as we find the answer.

How bad will the world get before Jesus returns? What events will take place? When we hear of predictions about Jesus’ return, how do we know if they are true? As we continue our study about the Antichrist, Paul gives us the details we need to be prepared for Jesus’ return and how to avoid being deceived as that day gets closer.

In my freshman year of college, I met a great friend. Later that year, he would join me on the college wrestling team. He was a great guy who loved Jesus. One thing that was different about him is that after reading a book on end-times prophecy, he was convinced Jesus would return within the year. At Christmas, he left college to give the few short months before Jesus’ return to sharing the good news of Jesus with those who needed to hear. When I was a junior, he returned to college as a disillusioned Christian. When will Jesus return? What things need to take place before Jesus returns? In this study, we look at some of the hardest verses in Paul’s writings about the time of Jesus’ return.

During World War II, the United States used remote islands in the South Pacific as part of their supply routes. The natives on the islands, who had never experienced modern civilization, were fascinated with the lighters that could instantly make fire, jeeps that could drive, and heavy equipment that could push down trees. When World War II ended, the Americans and their stuff disappeared as fast as it came. Since the Americans and their stuff came from the sky, many natives assumed they were gods and began worshipping them when they left. They prayed that the gods would return from the sky and bring them more stuff. While we find this amusing, that is the way many of us pray. We ask God to bring us more stuff. In 2 Thessalonians, we see how Paul prayed for the Thessalonians and what are the right things to ask God for.

In 2003, Governor George Ryan set free 160 inmates on death row. Among the criminals he set free was a couple who murdered a pregnant woman, killed her two children, and cut the baby out of her womb. His personal opposition to the death penalty and unilateral decision to abuse his power and set horrifying criminals on death row free left victims’ families outraged that there was no justice for their loved ones. As we continue our study in 2 Thessalonians, we find that this won’t happen with Jesus and that he will carry out just judgment when he returns.

Where are the biggest church buildings in the world located? They are not in America but in Nigeria. The Hand of God Cathedral is under construction. It will hold 120,000 people. The second-largest church building in the world is also under construction in Nigeria. It is known as the Ark and will hold 109,000. The third-largest church building in the world is completed. It is known as the Glory Dome and holds 100,000. You guessed it. It is also in Nigeria. Joel Ostein’s massive Lakewood church is the thirteenth largest church building in the world holding a mere 16,000. Are these the kind of churches that impressed the apostle Paul? Not according to 2 Thessalonians. Join us as we see the kind of church Paul boasted about and how we can become one.

We live in a conflict-saturated world. Nations are at war. Crime decimates our cities. The evening news features the ugly battle for the next election. While many lean into conflict, others seem to avoid most of it. How do they do that? When ancient Hebrews prepared their sons for leadership positions, they had them study the book of Proverbs to teach them how to work with people skillfully. In this study, we will learn what Proverbs teaches us about how to avoid conflict and successfully work with those different from us.

Outside of sleeping, we spend most of our lives working. Work gives us an identity and a purpose. God created us to work, but one of the ways sin influences our lives is by inducing us to be lazy instead of productive. Join us as we look at how laziness shows up in our lives and the payoff for diligence.

In our world, parents have an urgent job to prepare their children for life. After sharing the gospel, what should parents teach their children? In this message, we look through some of the lessons Solomon thought were essential to teach his son in the book of Proverbs so we can teach them to our children, too.

Today, many churches follow the social gospel and Critical Race Theory. Others ordain women pastors. Some no longer believe in the existence of hell. In this message, we share how CrossWinds Church relates to modern culture and the EFCA’s response to issues such as wokism, Critical Race Theory, Christian Nationalism, Egalitarianism, and other cultural trends.

At CrossWinds Church, our fourth core value is Family. Parents, not the church, are the most powerful voices for the gospel in children's lives. We are a church that helps parents teach their children about Jesus.

At CrossWinds Church, our second core value is Community. Relationships in the church are important. The way we love one another is one of the ways we reach our community with Jesus.

At CrossWinds Church, our first core value is the Bible. Join us to learn why we trust the Bible, how we teach the Bible, and why we love the Bible.

How important is a Christian’s attitude? We watch negative news. We work with whining people. It is easy to develop a negative attitude. God’s will is different. As Christians, we are to stand out because of the joy in our lives and the thankfulness of our words. Join us as we learn how to worship Jesus in our attitude.

What is God’s will in the church? Join us as we examine what Paul says about God's will for pastors and people and our responsibilities to one another.

How will the world end? Will it be due to climate change? Will it be from war in the Middle East? As Christians, what signs tell us the end is near? As we continue our study in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, we look at the end of the world and what the Bible says about Christians predicting and preparing for its arrival.

When a Christian dies, where do they go? When Jesus returns, what happens to a Christian’s body? Will the dead miss out on the glorious return of Jesus? These are some of the important questions Paul answers for the Thessalonians and us.

Harold Camping of Family Radio predicted that Christ’s return and the world’s end would occur in May 2011. In no surprise, he was wrong. In his enthusiasm for Christ’s return, he provoked people into selling their property, giving him millions of dollars, and making other foolish decisions. In spite of putting up over 5,000 billboards, his preoccupation with Christ’s return did more harm for the cause of Christ than good. How should we prepare for Christ’s return? If Jesus was to return in the next 5 years, what should we do today? In this study, we find the answer.