Christ 2r Culture Podcast

What are the most important birthdays in the world? The birth of Jesus would be the most important, but right behind it is the birth of the church. In this study, we examine the coming of the Holy Spirit and if we should expect to speak foreign languages through the power of the Holy Spirit today.

How do we make tough decisions in a complex world? As we learn more about the church’s birth, we see how Jesus leads His church from heaven when His people face tough decisions on earth. These verses help all of us learn to make right decisions in difficult times.

Acts is the story of how the risen Lord Jesus worked through His apostles to reach the world with the good news of Jesus. How did Jesus prepare the apostles for this awesome task? Join us as we learn how Jesus equips us to reach people with Jesus.

Acts is the story of how the church went from a handful of believers hiding in Jerusalem to conquering the world in 30 years. It is the story of how God uses ordinary people to reach the world and save lives. Join us as we learn how God takes our weak witness and transforms it to reach people and save lives.

When I ignore offering, does it matter? Does my giving to God affect the king of income God gives me? When I see something on the Internet and dive deep into something my eyes shouldn't see. Does it matter? After all, it is private. Things in my private life don't impact my public life… or do they? Join us as we look at Haggai and learn why obedience matters to God.

Does God care when the rich take advantage of the poor? Does God care when those in positions of power abuse the people under them? In Amos, God tells us how he feels about economic inequality and societal injustice.

What is the danger of spiritual apathy? What is the danger of treating God casually? How can we recognize spiritual apathy in our lives? The book of Malachi is a window into the pitfalls of what happens when we merely go through the spiritual motions of life.

Are you a detailed planner and organizer? Are you filled with self-discipline? No matter how much we think we are in control of our lives, an unexpected sickness or tragic car accident reminds us that we are in far less control than we think. Nahum is a book that reminds us that no matter how powerful evil people or nations become, God is still in control, and will carry out justice against them.

Today, we act like everyone is going to heaven. We talk about God's love, but what about God's anger. Does have God have enemies where he is committed to their destruction? If he does, what does it take for God to be committed to saving us, not destroying us?

What should we do about those who refuse to work? How does the Bible tell us to handle those who prefer to live on handouts instead of work? Join us as we explore the relationship between idleness, the Bible, and sin.

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.