What really happened at the birth of Christ? Join us as we follow Mary, Joseph, Jesus and the Shepherds to find God's love in the most unexpected places to the most unexpected people.

Luke 2:1-14 - The Birth Of Christ - What Do I Need To Know About God's Love? - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Luke 2:1-14 - The Birth Of Christ - What Do I Need To Know About God's Love? - Manuscript - PDF

Tags: Jesus, Love, Christmas

When the wheels fall off of life, what went wrong? Has God lost control? Is God punishing us for our sin? In this message we learn what is wrong with the prosperity gospel and why suffering is evidence of God's love.

Luke 1:57-66 - Zechariah - What Do I Need To Know About God's Discipline? - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Luke 1:57-66 - Zechariah - What Do I Need To Know About God's Discipline? - Manuscript - PDF
Luke 1:57-66 - Zechariah - What Do I Need To Know About God's Discipline? - Sermon Handout - PDF
Luke 1:57-66 - Zechariah - What Do I Need To Know About God's Discipline? - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

Tags: Discipline, Consequences, Holiness, Purity, Sin, Suffering, Christmas

Everything is going on the Internet. We bank on the Internet, take classes on the Internet, shop on the Internet and stay in contact with our friends through social networking. Why not attend church on the Internet? In this Christmas message we learn the pitfalls of Internet church.

Luke 1:39-56 - Mary and Elizabeth - Why Do I Need Christian Friends? - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Luke 1:39-56 - Mary and Elizabeth - Why Do I Need Christian Friends? - Manuscript - PDF
Luke 1:39-56 - Mary and Elizabeth - Why Do I Need Christian Friends? - Sermon Handout - PDF
Luke 1:39-56 - Mary and Elizabeth - Why Do I Need Christian Friends? - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

Tags: Friendships, Community, Church, Christmas, Livestreaming Church

What should we do when life takes an unexpected turn for the worse? How should we think about God when life falls apart? Join us as we learn how to handle unexpected life-changing circumstances.

Luke 1:26-38 - Mary - What Should I Do When God Changes My Plans? - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Luke 1:26-38 - Mary - What Should I Do When God Changes My Plans? - Manuscript - PDF
Luke 1:26-38 - Mary - What Should I Do When God Changes My Plans? - Sermon Handout - PDF
Luke 1:26-38 - Mary - What Should I Do When God Changes My Plans? - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

Tags: Mary, Trials, Christmas

Have I become spiritually stiff? Many of us have followed Christ for years but we haven’t seen any extraordinary answers to our prayers. Zechariah teaches us the danger of developing a heart of unbelief.

Luke 1:5-25 - Zechariah - Do I Believe God Answers Prayer? - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Luke 1:5-25 - Zechariah - Do I Believe God Answers Prayer? - Manuscript - PDF
Luke 1:5-25 - Zechariah - Do I Believe God Answers Prayer? - Sermon Handout - PDF

Tags: Prayer, Christmas

Women’s cosmetics and clothing is a multi-billion dollar business. Every woman wants to look sharp and be noticed. Unfortunately, many women ignore essential parts of their beauty. What are they? Join us to discover the Bible’s beauty secrets.

1 Peter 3:1-6 - Ancient Beauty For The Modern Woman - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
1 Peter 3:1-6 - Ancient Beauty For The Modern Woman - Manuscript - PDF
1 Peter 3:1-6 - Ancient Beauty For The Modern Woman - Sermon Handout - PDF
1 Peter 3:1-6 - Ancient Beauty For The Modern Woman - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX
1 Peter 3:1-6 - Ancient Beauty For The Modern Woman - Life Group Work Sheets - PDF

Tags: Woman, Beauty, Relationships, Love, Lust, Marriage

What should we do when we suffer for no apparent reason? Do you take someone to court? Do you take matters into your hands? Do you have a right to give people a piece of your mind? Unfair suffering can create deep seat anger. Join us to learn what God wants us to do.

1 Peter 2:18-25 - How Do I Handle Undeserved Suffering? - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
1 Peter 2:18-25 - How Do I Handle Undeserved Suffering? - Manuscript - PDF
1 Peter 2:18-25 - How Do I Handle Undeserved Suffering? - Sermon Handout - PDF
1 Peter 2:18-25 - How Do I Handle Undeserved Suffering? - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

Tags: Suffering, Judgment, Slavery, Work

Opportunities for lust are everywhere. It is the airbrushed woman on the poster at the local Subway holding a Diet Coke. It is in the local gym. Bikinis are at the beach and sunbathers are on the boat. Most movies feature models in bed. Our web browser has advertisement with enticements to lust. Hard-core and soft-core porn is only a mouse click away. What does the Bible say about the passions of the flesh, dangers of lust? Join us as we discover how lust destroys a man’s masculinity.

1 Peter 2:11-12 - The Trial Of Lust - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
1 Peter 2:11-12 - The Trial Of Lust - Manuscript - PDF
1 Peter 2:11-12 - The Trial Of Lust - Sermon Handout - PDF
1 Peter 2:11-12 - The Trial Of Lust - Life Group Work Sheets - PDF

Tags: Lust, Sex, Selfishness, Fornication, Pornography, Marriage, Men, Serving

Christians will suffer. It is part of what it means to be in the family of God. Why does God allow his children to suffer? What good comes from our suffering? In this message we learn why we want to be part of the suffering church.

1 Peter 2:4-10 - Why I Want To Be Part Of The Suffering Church - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
1 Peter 2:4-10 - Why I Want To Be Part Of The Suffering Church - Manuscript - PDF
1 Peter 2:4-10 - Why I Want To Be Part Of The Suffering Church - Sermon Handout - PDF
1 Peter 2:4-10 - Why I Want To Be Part Of The Suffering Church - Life Group Work Sheets - PDF

Tags: Suffering, Christ, Christ's Kingdom, Church, Eternal Rewards

As Christians, we don’t fit in our culture. Peter calls us exiles living in a foreign land. Where do we fit? Where do we find belonging, family and love? We find it in the church. Join us in exploring the transforming power of the Word of God to see how it creates intense love between the people of God.

1 Peter 1:22-2:3 - The Word Of God Creates Love Between The People Of God - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
1 Peter 1:22-2:3 - The Word Of God Creates Love Between The People Of God - Manuscript - PDF
1 Peter 1:22-2:3 - The Word Of God Creates Love Between The People Of God - Sermon Handout - PDF

Tags: Love, Community, Church, Bible, Words, Inerrancy

The Christian life is hard. Our culture tells us happiness is found in what we own. The Internet and television baits us with sensual seductions. We face constant distractions that appeal to our sinful nature. How can we live a sin-free lifestyle when we are drowning in a sin-filled world. Join us as Peter teaches us how to live in the world without becoming just like the world.

1 Peter 1:3-13-20 - Sin-Free Living In A Sin-Filled World - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
1 Peter 1:3-13-20 - Sin-Free Living In A Sin-Filled World - Manuscript - PDF
1 Peter 1:3-13-20 - Sin-Free Living In A Sin-Filled World - Sermon Handout - PDF

Tags: Sin, Freedom from Sin, Purity, Rewards, Eternal Rewards

An increasing number of professors in Christian colleges tell their students the Bible can’t be trusted. They tell students that the biblical writers occasionally missed what God was saying or that God is now saying or doing something new. They believe God was behind the concepts in the Bible but not actual words. Is this true? Can I trust the Bible? In this message, we find hope when facing the hard times of biblical doubt.

1 Peter 1:3-10-12 - Can I Trust the Bible? - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
1 Peter 1:3-10-12 - Can I Trust the Bible? - Manuscript - PDF
1 Peter 1:3-10-12 - Can I Trust the Bible? - Sermon Handout - PDF
1 Peter 1:3-10-12 - Can I Trust the Bible? - Life Group Work Sheets - PDF

Tags: Bible, Inerrancy, Jesus

When life falls apart, how do we make it through? As Christians, what help does God offer in hard times? In the opening verses of 1 Peter we find 10 life-changing truths to hold us together when everything else is falling apart.

1 Peter 1:3-9 - Ten Truths Every Christian Needs To Remember When Life Falls Apart - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
1 Peter 1:3-9 - Ten Truths Every Christian Needs To Remember When Life Falls Apart - Manuscript - PDF
1 Peter 1:3-9 - Ten Truths Every Christian Needs To Remember When Life Falls Apart - Sermon Handout - PDF
1 Peter 1:3-9 - Ten Truths Every Christian Needs To Remember When Life Falls Apart - Life Group Work Sheets - PDF

Tags: Trials, heaven, Rewards, Faith, Jesus, Grace, Holiness, Joy

Are you overwhelmed by your schedule? Has your pace turned you into somebody that is irritable and stressed around your family? In this message Jesus teaches us some things are not worth our best effort. They are worth doing simply.

Luke 10:38-42 - When One Dish Is Enough - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Luke 10:38-42 - When One Dish Is Enough - Manuscript - PDF

Tags: Mary, Martha, Simplicity, Hospitality, Serving

As Christians, we all fail Jesus... sometimes we fail miserably. When we fail Jesus in a big way, is their hope for the future? Does God write us off? As we begin this series, we will look at the life of Peter and what we can learn about recovering from massive spiritual failures.

1 Peter 1:1-2 - Introduction to 1 Peter - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
1 Peter 1:1-2 - Introduction to 1 Peter - Manuscript - PDF
1 Peter 1:1-2 - Introduction to 1 Peter - Sermon Handout - PDF
1 Peter 1:1-2 - Introduction to 1 Peter - Life Group Work Sheets - PDF

Tags: Culture, Failure, Repentance, Remorse, Election, Foreknowledge

Approximately ten years ago, Christian Smith -- a sociologist from the University of North Carolina -- surveyed 3,000 teenagers to find what they believed about their faith. They learned that most young adults were not traditional Christians. They had believed a close counterfeit to Christianity he called Moralistic Therapeutic Deism. What is MTD? Why have so many Christians bought it? What makes it dangerous? Join us as we discover the answer.

Cultural Christianity - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Cultural Christianity - Manuscript - PDF
Cultural Christianity - Sermon Handout - PDF

Tags: Culture

What do Michael Jackson, Prince, Nelson Mandela and Dwight Eisenhower have in common? They are all former or active Jehovah's Witnesses. This door-to-door evangelizing group has grown from 96,000 in 1940 to over 7 million today. What does this group believe? Why don't they celebrate birthdays, take blood transfusions or salute the flag? Join us as we learn the rest of their story.

Jehovah’s Witnesses - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Jehovah’s Witnesses - Manuscript - PDF
Jehovah’s Witnesses - Sermon Handout - PDF
Jehovah’s Witnesses - Quick Facts Sheet - PDF

Tags: Jehovah's Witnesses

Mitt Romney was a potential candidate for president in the 2008 Republican National Convention. His business success and moral values made him a naturally appealing option. Many Americans questioned his religious beliefs. Mitt Romney is a Mormon. Is Mormonism was just another branch of the Christian church or is it something completely different? Join us as we go behind the scene to learn the little-known story about Mormon church, its colorful history and unique beliefs.

Mormonism - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Mormonism - Manuscript - PDF
Mormonism - Sermon Handout - PDF
Mormonism - Quick Facts Sheet - PDF

Tags: Mormonism

We can not turn on the news without hearing about radical Islam. ISIS is seeking to unite Syria and Iraq in a caliphate. Radical Islam is behind the 9/11 attacks and the bombing of the US embassy in Libya. What does radical Islam believe? How is it different from peaceful Islam? Is it a threat to America?

Radical Islam - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Radical Islam - Manuscript - PDF
Radical Islam - Sermon Handout - PDF

Answers to Your Questions on Islam

• What does the Quran say about the role of women?
• How does Ishmael relate to Islam?
• Why is it commonly said Islam is a religion of peace when there is so much in the Quran that says otherwise?
• How many Muslims live in the Lakes Area?
• What is the connection between Muslim faith and culture?
• Do Muslims believe they don't have free will or that everything they do has been predicted?
• How do the contradictions in the Bible compare to the contradictions in the Quran?

Tags: Radical Islam, Islam, Muslims

Islam is the second largest religion in the world, with over 1.6 billion adherents. But what do Muslims believe? Join us at CrossWinds Church in Spencer as we explore the beliefs of Islam and how they ultimately fall short of the good news of the gospel of Jesus. I was out of town so Jordan Gowing, my Spencer campus pastor, delivered the message.

Islam - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Islam - Manuscript - PDF
Islam - Quick Facts Sheet - PDF

Tags: Islam, Muslims

Do you ever wonder about other religions? If you could examine what they believe, would you still choose Jesus? In this series we examine the major religions and cults of the world and compare them to the Bible. Join us as we travel to the other side of the world to examine Hinduism and Buddhism, the beliefs of 2 billion people.

Hinduism and Buddhism - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Hinduism and Buddhism - Manuscript - PDF
Hinduism and Buddhism - Sermon Handout - PDF
Hinduism and Buddhism - Quick Facts Sheet - PDF

Tags: Buddhism, Hinduism, Atheism

Does prayer make a difference? How important is reading our Bible? In our final message in Ephesians, we learn the importance of these practices to knowing God.

Ephesians 6:18-23 -- Why Are Bible Reading And Prayer Important? - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Ephesians 6:10-17 -- Why Are Bible Reading And Prayer Important? - Manuscript - PDF
Ephesians 6:10-17 -- Why Are Bible Reading And Prayer Important? - Sermon Handout - PDF

Tags: Bible, Bible Study, Prayer

On May 24, 2014 Elliott Rogers, a University of Santa Barbara student, began his killing spree. He killed his roommate, innocent girls and pedestrians he shot from his car while driving around town before taking his own life. How could so much death come from a young man? The media told us he was in need of medication. Was it just medication? Was there something more? Was there something unseen, a dark sinister force compelling him towards evil? Join us as we learn about spiritual warfare, how demons tempt and attack and how to find victory over demonic attack through Jesus. Was there something dark influencing Elliott? After this message,... you decide.

Ephesians 6:10-17 -- Spiritual Warfare - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Ephesians 6:10-17 -- Spiritual Warfare - Manuscript - PDF
Ephesians 6:10-17 -- Spiritual Warfare - Sermon Handout - PDF
Ephesians 6:10-17 -- Spiritual Warfare - Life Group Work Sheet - PDF

Tags: Spiritual Warfare, Demons, Satan

How does Christ change the way I work? Christian employees and employers are different. What does that look like? Join us as we discover how Christ changes the way we work.

Ephesians 6:5-9 -- How Does Jesus Change The Way I Work? - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Ephesians 6:5-9 -- How Does Jesus Change The Way I Work? - Manuscript - PDF
Ephesians 6:5-9 -- How Does Jesus Change The Way I Work? - Sermon Handout - PDF
Ephesians 6:5-9 -- How Does Jesus Change The Way I Work? - Life Group Work Sheet - PDF

Tags: Work, Slavery

How does Christ change the way parents treat their children? How does Christ change the way a teenager matures out of the home? How does Christ change the way adult children care for their aging parents? Join us as we find how Christ transforms the home.

Ephesians 6:1-4 -- Ancient Wisdom For The Modern Family - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Ephesians 6:1-4 -- Ancient Wisdom For The Modern Family - Manuscript - PDF
Ephesians 6:1-4 -- Ancient Wisdom For The Modern Family - Sermon Handout - PDF
Ephesians 6:1-4 -- Ancient Wisdom For The Modern Family - Life Group Work Sheet - PDF

Tags: Parenting, Children, Home

What does it take for a man to be a great husband? Does he need to be rich? Should he be tall, dark and handsome? Does he need to come from a good family? The New Testament is clear there is one essential thing a man must do to succeed as a husband. Join me to discover the answer.

Ephesians 5:25-22 -- What Does It Take For A Man To Be A Great Husband? - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Ephesians 5:25-22 -- What Does It Take For A Man To Be A Great Husband? - Manuscript - PDF
Ephesians 5:25-22 -- What Does It Take For A Man To Be A Great Husband? - Sermon Handout - PDF
Ephesians 5:25-22 -- What Does It Take For A Man To Be A Great Husband? - Life Group Work Sheet - PDF

Tags: Husband, Marriage, Wife

What does it take for a woman to be a great wife? Does she need to be a good cook? How important are her looks? Are poise and manners essential? In every New Testament passage on marriage says there is one essential thing a woman needs to have to succeed as a wife. If you discover this secret, it will change your marriage.

Ephesians 5:21-24 -- What Does It Take For A Woman To Be A Great Wife? - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Ephesians 5:21-24 -- What Does It Take For A Woman To Be A Great Wife? - Manuscript - PDF
Ephesians 5:21-24 -- What Does It Take For A Woman To Be A Great Wife? - Sermon Handout - PDF
Ephesians 5:21-24 -- What Does It Take For A Woman To Be A Great Wife? - Life Group Work Sheet - PDF

Tags: Woman, Wife, Marriage, Submission, Cohabitating, Serving, Intimacy

Why do some Christians live a more impactful life than others? What does it take to make a difference rather than simply exist? Discover the questions we should be asking ourself to make a difference.

Ephesians 5:15-21 -- High Impact Living - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Ephesians 5:15-21 -- High Impact Living - Manuscript - PDF
Ephesians 5:15-21 -- High Impact Living - Sermon Handout - PDF
Ephesians 5:15-21 -- High Impact Living - Life Group Work Sheet - PDF

Tags: Wisdom, Foolishness, Time

Why does God insist of a Christian lifestyle that is different? One reason is because he freed us from the power and penalty of sin. Another reason is because the purity of our lives is a reflection of the purity of Jesus. In this message, we learn there is another reason. God's plan is to use our lifestyle to reach those around us for Jesus.

Ephesians 5:7-14 -- The Light Of My Life Makes A Difference - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Ephesians 5:7-14 -- The Light Of My Life Makes A Difference - Manuscript - PDF
Ephesians 5:7-14 -- The Light Of My Life Makes A Difference - Sermon Handout - PDF
Ephesians 5:7-14 -- The Light Of My Life Makes A Difference - Life Group Work Sheet - PDF

Tags: Character, Choices, Light, Life

Are you suffering from information overload? Do you have trouble keeping up with your email, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, snail mail and texts? Like the information overlaid around us, the Bible can feel overwhelming. In this message, we simplify the Bible and learn what is the most important things we need to know.

Easter 2014 -- What Are The Most Important Things I Need To Know? - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Easter 2014 -- What Are The Most Important Things I Need To Know? - Manuscript - PDF
Easter 2014 -- What Are The Most Important Things I Need To Know? - Sermon Handout - PDF

Tags: Easter, Resurrection

Is there anything wrong with homosexuality? How far is too far before marriage? What is the biggest danger at the mall? How can my sexuality and money be transformed from a great blessing to a tragic curse? Learn how to handle our sexuality and our money in a way that honors Jesus.

Ephesians 5:1-7 -- Sex and Money - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Ephesians 5:1-7 -- Sex and Money - Manuscript - PDF
Ephesians 5:1-7 -- Sex and Money - Sermon Handout - PDF
Ephesians 5:1-7 -- Sex and Money - Life Group Work Sheet - PDF

Tags: Sex, Money, Language, Tongue, Words, Purity

When was the last time you got angry? Did you yell at your kids this week? Did you lose your temper with your wife? While everyone gets angry, the Bible tells us Christians handle our conflict in a way that is different from the rest of the world. In this message, we learn what that looks like.

Ephesians 4:25-32 -- Christians and Conflict - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Ephesians 4:25-32 -- Christians and Conflict - Manuscript - PDF
Ephesians 4:25-32 -- Christians and Conflict - Sermon Handout - PDF
Ephesians 4:25-32 -- Christians and Conflict - Life Group Work Sheet - PDF

Tags: Conflict, Arguments, Fighting, Anger

Why do we keep sinning? We have come to Christ. We have trusted in Christ? Why do we keep finding ourselves ensnared by sin and living ineffective and unproductive lives? In this message, we learn what sin does to our life and how God instructs us to break free from its control.

Ephesians 4:17-24 -- How Do I Stop Sinning? - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Ephesians 4:17-24 -- How Do I Stop Sinning? - Manuscript - PDF
Ephesians 4:17-24 -- How Do I Stop Sinning? - Sermon Handout - PDF
Ephesians 4:17-24 -- How Do I Stop Sinning? - Life Group Work Sheet - PDF

Tags: Sin, Sanctification, Purity, Holiness

Life is busy. The kids take our time, work demands more hours. When we come to church, it feels so good to sit, relax and take it all in. The problem is that our resting may be stifling our love for Jesus and our brothers and sister through Jesus. Find out why everyone should insist that they serve in their church.

Ephesians 4:7-16 -- When Everybody Does Their Part - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Ephesians 4:7-16 -- When Everybody Does Their Part - Manuscript - PDF
Ephesians 4:7-16 -- When Everybody Does Their Part - Sermon Handout - PDF
Ephesians 4:7-16 -- When Everybody Does Their Part - Life Group Work Sheet - PDF

Tags: Leadership, Serving, Spiritual Gifts, Church

For many of us, character isn't that important. We want the cheapest product on the shelf. It doesn't matter to us if a company used child labor to keep their costs down. Nobody cares if a company pollutes the atmosphere, as long as their product is cheap. While we don't care about character, God does. In this message, we find out how Jesus changes our character by changing the way we treat others.

Ephesians 4:1-6 -- From Grace to Gratitude to Glory - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Ephesians 4:1-6 -- From Grace to Gratitude to Glory - Manuscript - PDF
Ephesians 4:1-6 -- From Grace to Gratitude to Glory - Sermon Handout - PDF
Ephesians 4:1-6 -- From Grace to Gratitude to Glory - Life Group Work Sheet - PDF

Tags: Gratitude, God's glory, Life

When you think of spiritual maturity, what comes to mind? For most of us spiritual maturity means Bible knowledge. You know the spiritually mature people because they win the Bible trivia games. In reality, many Bible trivia champions are spiritual toddlers. There is something missing from their life. What is it? Join us to discover what you may be missing.

Ephesians 3:14-21 -- Rethinking Spiritual Maturity - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Ephesians 3:14-21 -- Rethinking Spiritual Maturity - Manuscript - PDF
Ephesians 3:14-21 -- Rethinking Spiritual Maturity - Sermon Handout - PDF
Ephesians 3:14-21 -- Rethinking Spiritual Maturity - Life Group Work Sheet - PDF

Tags: Spiritual Maturity

We are entering a busy season at CrossWinds. We have a new name, a new web site, and a new campus is about to launch. Leaders are moving from Spirit Lake to Spencer helping to get the campus off the ground. This gives us expected holes on our ministry teams. It is a time where everyone needs to work extra hard and long hours. Is it worth it? In Ephesians 3, we find out.

Ephesians 3:1-13 -- Ministry is Worth the Sacrifice - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Ephesians 3:1-13 -- Ministry is Worth the Sacrifice - Manuscript - PDF
Ephesians 3:1-13 -- Ministry is Worth the Sacrifice - Sermon Handout - PDF
Ephesians 3:1-13 -- Ministry is Worth the Sacrifice - Life Group Work Sheet - PDF

Tags: Ministry, Church Leadership, Sacrifice, Church

After the holiday, you find fitness advertisements reminding you to get in shape. They always feature someone who tried the advertised weight loss plan and they feature a before and after photo. In this passage, Paul gives us a before and after photo of what we were like with and without Jesus.

Ephesians 2:11-22 -- Jesus Gave Me a Family - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Ephesians 2:11-22 -- Jesus Gave Me a Family - Manuscript - PDF
Ephesians 2:11-22 -- Jesus Gave Me a Family - Sermon Handout - PDF
Ephesians 2:11-22 -- Jesus Gave Me a Family - Life Group Work Sheet - PDF

Tags: Family, Forgiveness, Church Conflict

My daughter loves gymnastics. One of her favorite moves is the splits. It hurts to see her legs stretched in opposite directions. In Ephesians 2, Paul forces us into the spiritual splits by stretching our mind to understand the darkness of our sin and the magnificence of our blessing through Christ. Stretching is good for us, but it can hurt. In the same way, the spiritual splits are tough on us while they are good for us.

Ephesians 2:1-10 -- But God... - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Ephesians 2:1-10 -- But God... - Manuscript - PDF
Ephesians 2:1-10 -- But God... - Sermon Handout - PDF
Ephesians 2:1-10 -- But God... - Life Group Work Sheet - PDF

Tags: Sovereignty

We all have special people in our life, people we care about with all of our heart. They are our children, our spouse and our life-long friends. How should you pray for them? Is the success of their business their schooling and marriage the most important thing to pray for? In these opening verses of Ephesians, Paul prays for some of his life-long friends. From his prayer, how to pray for those we love.

Ephesians 1:15-23 -- How Should I Pray For People I Love? - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Ephesians 1:15-23 -- How Should I Pray For People I Love? - Manuscript - PDF
Ephesians 1:15-23 -- How Should I Pray For People I Love? - Sermon Handout - PDF
Ephesians 1:15-23 -- How Should I Pray For People I Love? - Life Group Work Sheet - PDF

Tags: Prayer, Friendships, Love

It is easy to see what is wrong in life. The family overslept so the kids are late for school. The car wouldn't start so the budget faces an unexpected repair. While it is easy to see what is wrong, in the introduction to Ephesians, Paul helps us see what is right and how blessed we are by God through Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 1:1-14 -- I Am Blessed! - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Ephesians 1:1-14 -- I Am Blessed! - Manuscript - PDF
Ephesians 1:1-14 -- I Am Blessed! - Sermon Handout - PDF
Ephesians 1:1-14 -- I Am Blessed! - Life Group Work Sheet - PDF

Tags: Predestination, Election, Free Will, Sovereignty

America is drifting from its Christian heritage. We are rapidly approaching a post-Christian era in America. Is there any hope for our country? if there is hope, where is ti found? Before we study the book of Ephesians, we take the time to learn about the city of Ephesus and how the church came to the city. The story we find is the encouragement we need in our post-Christian era.

Ephesians - Introduction and Overview - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Ephesians - Introduction and Overview - Manuscript - PDF
Ephesians - Introduction and Overview - Sermon Handout - PDF
Ephesians - Introduction and Overview - Life Group Work Sheet - PDF