Christ 2R Culture - Enhanced

John on Jesus - John the Baptizer

Sun, 13 May 2012 18:04:51 -0500

One of the best ways to introduce somebody is through a mutual friend. John the Baptist was a well-know figure of the ancient world. In this message, we learn John the Baptist's opinion of Jesus and why Jesus said about him "among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist."

Get Connected - Don't Neglect Your Gift

Sun, 06 May 2012 14:11:53 -0500

If you were supernaturally gifted by God, would you ignore that gift? The busyness and distractions of life keep many supernatural gifts unused. In this message, discover why you don't want to neglect your gift.

John on Jesus - Jesus, The Word

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 19:42:00 -0500

How can we tell people about Jesus in a way they can understand? In this message, John talks about Jesus in a way that gets everyone's attention. Along the way, we snuff out an ancient heretic.

John on Jesus - Meet John

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:59:15 -0500

Before we begin our study in the Gospel of John, we take a week to meet John. We find he is not too different from any of us. He is a man who made mistakes. He is a man with character flaws. He is a man who failed Jesus multiple times. Most importantly, he is a man who loved Jesus, because Jesus kept loving him.

Solomon on Sex - Love That Never Dies

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 14:34:56 -0500

As we wrap up the book, Solomon and his bride escape for their vacation in the country. In their time away, the Shulammite feels close enough to tell him how deeply she loves him. We discover why she is a woman with such passionate love for her husband.

Solomon on Sex - Marital Sabbath

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 16:11:29 -0500

Did you know a romantic vacation with your spouse is biblical? Holidays help us spend times of refreshment with our extended family. Sunday worship helps us spend times of refreshment with God. We also need times of refreshment with our spouse. Those special marital days won't find their way into our calendar unless we put them there. Join the Shulammite as she entices Solomon to spend a rejuvenating weekend away at a bed-n-breakfast in the country.

Solomon on Sex - The One Thing I Can Change Is Me

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 19:19:13 -0500

Has your marriage deteriorated? What can we do when marriage becomes routine? This week, in what is the most erotically charged passage in the Bible, Solomon's wife turns up the heat. Discover how she reignites her husband's marital passion when she realized, "The one thing I can change is me."

Solomon on Sex - Recovering from a Marital Wipeout

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 14:57:00 -0500

In marriage, conflict will happen. How will you recover from it? What do you need to say to your spouse to help heal relational damage? In this message, we learn how Solomon and his bride recover from their marital wipeout.

Solomon on Sex - Sin in the Bedroom

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 13:57:00 -0500

Honeymoons don't last. It doesn't take long for the crushing pressure of laundry, car payments, a mortgage and work responsibilities to suck the life out of marriage. When love is lacking during the day, that frustration spills into the marriage bed at night. This week, we find Solomon and his bride in their first marital spat. We discover what sin is behind most of the sexual frustrations couples have in their bedroom.

Solomon on Sex - Good Sex God's Way

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 21:54:40 -0600

In 1992, John Gray made a ton of money from his book, Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus. Overnight he was proclaimed an instant expert on male and female differences. His book touched a chord in our culture. Men and women are wired by God to approach life differently. One of the places this is most clearly seen is in marital intimacy. At this point in the book, Solomon and his bride will finally enjoy the wedding night. We learn they approach that night differently and what makes for good sex, God's way.

Solomon on Sex - Why Have A Wedding?

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 15:04:20 -0600

Weddings are on the decline. Cohabitating is on the rise. In 1960, less than half-million couples lived together. Today, it is more than 4.3 million. It seems clear. Most relationships don't work. Why not take your relationship for a test drive before you commit to it for life. In this text, we look at the ancient wedding ceremony and learn why God wants us to marry and begin their marriage with a great wedding.

Solomon on Sex - Avoiding Marital Disaster

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 14:18:26 -0600

Have you experienced a recurring nightmare? Solomon's bride-to-be is having one. She senses a marital disaster just beyond their wedding night. In this message, we discover the importance of reigning in your negative marital thoughts. Learn how a Christ-centered thought life can save your marriage.

Solomon on Sex - Dating and Relating

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 13:50:20 -0600

Are there biblical guidelines for dating? In this message, the Shulamite gives us the details of a date she enjoyed with Solomon. From this snapshot, we discover practical qualities to look for in a mate, guidelines for dating and little things to watch for that can make a big difference in a marriage.

Solomon on Sex - Rekindle Your Romance

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 14:48:59 -0600

Do you remember feeling lovesick? Do you remember when your heart skipped a beat because you were in the presence of someone you loved? We assume lovesickness is a temporary condition that couples outgrow once their relationship is established. Research tells us the reason couple are cured of lovesickness is because the romance of their relationship goes away. In this message, we take lessons from Solomon and his bride on how to rekindle the romance so our heart skips a beat like it once did.

Solomon on Sex - Kill Em With Compliments

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:51:09 -0600

Every marriage faces times of distress. What will help you make it through? A marriage filled with compliments is one of the secrets to longevity. In this message we learn how to compliment our spouse not just through what we say, but what we do.

Solomon on Sex - Give Me a Kiss

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 15:00:49 -0600

Has your marriage grown dull? What keeps a marriage sizzling with excitement? In the first few verses of the Song of Solomon, we learn how to fan the flames of attraction. Is your marriage routine? Spend some time to learn the secrets of how to make your marriage sizzle.

Solomon on Sex - God, Sex and Culture

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 16:13:09 -0600

When you think about the topic of sex, what comes to mind? Is it something dirty? Is it something from which to protect yourself and our children? Since this topic is so volatile, before we study the Song of Solomon, we are taking a week to learn how both the culture and the church have twisted our understanding of sex. We cap the study off with a God centered picture of how to express our sexual identity.

Single and Searching - How to Find Mister or Misses Right

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 12:51:40 -0600

Are you single and searching for Mister or Misses Right? After deciding for Christ, who you choose to marry is the most significant choice of your life. What should you look for? How do you know if the person you are dating is the right one for you? What are the red flags that warn of a stormy marriage? In this message we learn The Questions of Compatibility. They are the questions we need to ask before any relationship becomes serious.

Christmas from the Psalms - Psalm 110 - The Rest of the Christmas Story

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 20:21:57 -0600

Psalm 110 is the most quoted Psalm from the Old Testament in the New. It is also the most quoted chapter from the Old Testament in the New. Psalm 110 vets 1 is quoted 24 times. This Psalm was central to the New Testament writers understand of who Jesus is and what he came to do. Unlike we often consider Jesus, it is not a Psalm about Christ's humility but his authority. It is not primarily about his first coming but about his second, when he will crush, destroy and butcher his enemies. It is the rest of the Christmas story we never hear.

Christmas from the Psalms - Psalm 2 - Immediate and Unconditional Surrender

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 16:54:24 -0600

We are told to invite Jesus into our hearts. The decision to invite Jesus into our hearts sounds like deciding on having cream or sugar in our coffee. It is far too self orientated. According to Psalm 2, Jesus doesn't ask for us to invite him in, he commands us to repent of our sin. He and flee to him as the only shield that can protect us from God's white hot wrath. We are commanded to immediately and unconditionally surrender to Christ's rulership in our life or face Christ's terrifying wrath when he returns.

Christmas from the Psalms - Psalm 45 - Who is Jesus?

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 16:27:05 -0600

At Christmas, we celebrate Jesus as a baby in a manger. Is he something more? Muslims claim Jesus is one of Allah's holiest prophets. Jehovah's Witnesses claim Jesus is Michael the Archangel. Mormons tell us Jesus is the elder brother of the fallen angel Lucifer. A Christian Scientist will tell you Jesus is a man who lived out the divine ideal. Who is Jesus? Psalm 45 explains who Jesus is and who we are because of him.

Christmas from the Psalms - Psalm 14 - God Came to Save Fools

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 14:57:44 -0600

Jodie Foster, an outspoken atheist, has said, "How could you ask me to believe in God when there's absolutely no evidence that I can see?" Why is it that some people can see no evidence for God in creation while many of us see it so clear? In this message, we discover who we are apart from God's mercy and the supernatural difference God makes in us when he calls us to himself.

James - The Healing Power of Confession and Prayer

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 17:12:12 -0600

Were you part of a church where relationships became uncomfortable? You were there to worship Jesus but there was tension between you and others in the congregation? Because we are sinful, we will always wound one another. There is no way to avoid it. What are we to do about it? How do we restore the church to a place of relational health? In our final teaching from James, we find out the secret to making a church last.

James - The Prayer of Faith that Bring Healing - Pt 2

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 16:16:48 -0500

Do you know someone for whom great prayers of healing were assembled, yet they died? In these verses, it seems as if prayers by the elders for healing should never fail. Is that what James is saying? When our prayers for healing are not answered, shouldn't that cause us to question God, the Bible and our faith? Discover what James is telling us in these perplexing verses on healing.

James - The Prayer of Faith that Brings Healing - Pt 1

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 13:44:50 -0500

Were you ever admitted to the hospital as a patient? Life as a hospital patient can be incredibly embarrassing. It begins with the gown. They were obviously designed by someone who never wore one. While the hospital humbles us, it also makes us realize how fragile life is. It teaches us to turn to our true hope; Jesus our savior and healer. In this message, we discover the role prayer plays in healing and unexpected ways God answers our prayers.

James - A Theology of Swearing

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 16:32:40 -0500

When you hit your finger with a hammer, what do you say? When you celebrate because your Iowa Hawk-eyes scored a touch down, what comes out of your mouth? We hear swearing every day. What does God think about it? What role should it play in our life? Is there a time it is acceptable?

James - Patience in a Trial

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 10:13:35 -0500

Are you going through a trial? If we are not in one, we are sure to experience one. How do you make it through when trials are long and hard? In this text, James tells us where to find hope when we can't imagine a bright future.

James - What Rich People Need to Hear

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:08:19 -0500

Is there anything wrong with the American Dream? Who doesn't to retire in luxury? In this challenging passage, James give us a different way to look at our riches. While it is not wrong to be rich, it is spiritually dangerous. Riches bring a false sense of comfort and identity. Our desire to hoard them rather than use them increases our guilt before God. In strong language, James teaches us how to avoid being destroyed by the wealth we possess.

James - God of my iPhone

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 19:46:23 -0500

In this last message of the third section of James, we learn how pride taints our thinking. We plan our days and our lives with pride, rather than submitting ourselves to God's plans for us. As we refine our skills, we see ourselves as the secret to our success. When it comes to our choices, if nobody will notice, we are quick to cut the corners. Where do these attitudes come from? James tells us these are all subtle ways pride seeps into our think and, unless repented of, shuts of the flow of God's grace into our lives.

James - Slander

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 15:56:19 -0500

Walk through the checkout line at Walmart. The covers of magazines trumpet the dirty laundry of celebrities. Someone is getting divorced. Another was caught drunk at a party. While a newspapers can be sued if they print an untrue story, they are not charged with a crime if they destroy a reputation with the truth. After all, that is considered news. According to James, repeating unhelpful information is a crime, even if it is true. In this message, James helps us see why the reason we repeat unhelpful information about others is because of the pride in our own hearts.

James - The Ten Commandments of james

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 11:32:42 -0500

How much pride is in your life? Most of us picture ourselves as more humble than we really are. For God's grace to be operative in our hearts, James tells us to cultivate humility. What does humility look like? What steps can we take to become more humble? Giving us ten brief commands, James tells us how to develop humility in our life. Best of all, he ends with a promise from God that we can rest in when we travel down that difficult path.

James - He Gives More Grace

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 11:35:14 -0500

What happens when we fail God, not just once, but again and again. Is there a time when God says enough is enough? Is there a limit to the grace God is willing to extend for the continual sin in our lives? In this message, we discover the depth of God's forgiveness. The one thing that is necessary to receive it and the one thing that can stop it from flowing into our lives.

James - Spiritual Adultery

Sun, 28 Aug 2011 14:39:36 -0500

I have performed a few weddings. I have yet to meet a bride that is not concerned about her wedding day. Some women join a gym to get into shape for their wedding night; others go on a crash diet. When it comes to the atmosphere, ceremony and dress; the bride is involved with everything. She wants that day to be perfect. Truth be told, while a fiancé wants his bride to look her best, one thing that can ruin the wedding more than anything else is a bride's infidelity before her wedding night. Nothing can fan the flames of white hot jealousy more than a two-timing bride. In James 4:4, we discover God can have those same jealous feelings over us. Join me in discovering how we can get God that angry?

James - What's Wrong with a Good Church Fight?

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 08:33:00 -0500

You would expect the church to be a place where the peace of Christ reigns in the heart. Unfortunately, that is often far from the truth. The church has become known as a battlefield of wills. What should we do when our church changes in a way we didn't expect? How should we respond when we don't like what our church has become. In this message, James gives us godly wisdom on how to navigate church conflict.

James - Saving Faith Changes My Thinking

Sun, 14 Aug 2011 22:17:44 -0500

James taught us there is something called Fake Faith. It is a counterfeit faith in Jesus that will not save in the end. The way you can tell the difference between saving faith and fake faith is that only saving faith changes our lives. Saving faith doesn't just prompt us to acts of mercy and compassion but it even changes the way we think. It gives us a different set of values, a whole new understanding of what is foolish and what is wise.

James - Weapon of Mass Destruction

Sun, 07 Aug 2011 17:14:36 -0500

What is the most destructive part of the body? The fist. The foot. It is the little piece of flesh behind our teeth called the tongue. When we were little we learned that sticks and stones can break our bones but words will never hurt us. Unfortunately, that is far from the truth. Our words, like fire, can spread and cause incalculable amounts of damage . In this message, James challenges us to get our mouth under control. If we can get our tongue under control, the rest of our life will fall in line.

James - The Real Deal

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 11:35:40 -0500

Can you put your hand in a fire that will not burn? Is it possible to separate fire from heat? According to James, the two are so closely connected they can not be divided. It is the same when it comes to our faith in Christ and the texture of our lives. There is an inseparable connection between the two. Join us as we discover what saving faith looks like in action.

James - Fake Faith

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 18:19:01 -0500

Did you make a commitment to Christ as a child in summer camp? Millions are led to believe their eternity in heaven is secure if they can point to a day when they believed. Is it true that those who are not saved are simply those who haven't believed in Jesus? James disagrees. While we are saved by faith alone, James reminds us, saving faith is never alone. It will always be accompanied by works. There are millions who think their eternity is secure and they are good with God because at one time they placed their faith in Jesus. Unfortunately, they will spend an eternity apart from him because their faith turned out to be fake. What does fake faith look like? What is the crucial difference between faith that saves and faith that doesn't? Join us as we learn the important difference.

James - The Perils of Partiality

Sun, 03 Jul 2011 18:06:02 -0500

Playing favorites is part of life. It is easier to talk to an old friend than to make a new one. If you are young, it is convenient to ignore those who are old. It is always more fun to hang out with someone who is rich than befriend those in financial quicksand. Last week, we learned that partiality is more than just bad manners, it is sin and foolishness. This week, James takes us a step deeper as we learn how favoritism can lead to devastating eternal consequences.

James - The Folly of Favoritism

Sun, 26 Jun 2011 15:10:55 -0500

We all have our favorite sports team. Some of us are fans of Iowa, others are fans of Iowa State. Playing favorites on the field is one this but playing favorites in the church is a different matter. In our culture, we celebrate, beauty, wealth and athletic skills. We fawn over the successful and ignore the rest. According to James, favoritism may be part of our culture but it is must not be part of the church. In God's eyes, it is nothing less that sin.

James - Real Religion

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 08:22:18 -0500

What qualifies someone for heaven? If you have been around Faith Church for a while, the answer should be obvious. It is faith in Jesus Christ, our savior, who died in our place for our sins. In this passage, James throws a Christian curve ball. While we are saved by faith alone, faith is never alone. It always gives evidence of its presence in our lives. What is that evidence? Join us as we discover what real religion looks like.

James - Do Something!

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 16:20:15 -0500

When was the last time you looked in a mirror? For most of us, it wasn't more than a few hours ago. There is another kind of mirror that gives us an even truer picture. It is the mirror of God's Word. Instead of showing us what we look like on the outside, it reveals the truth about what is on our inside. In this message, learn to look good on the outside and inside of your life.

James - Anger in My Trial

Sun, 29 May 2011 23:03:57 -0500

What makes you angry? When was the last time you raised your voice? In the trials of life, it is hard to keep our temper under control.. How important is our attitude in a trial? In this message, James gives us honest answers about how we should handle life's difficult moments.

James - God is Good

Mon, 09 May 2011 18:34:25 -0500

We know to expect trials in our Christian life. But what are we to do when they seem to go on forever? Eventually, we start to doubt God's purposes for us. We doubt God's love for us. Sometimes we even doubt God's existence. In this last message of the James - Trials and Testing mini-series, we learn how to make it through the long and difficult trials Christians face. We learn why God allows us to face deep and dark challenges when he loves us so much.

James - Sin in Slow Motion

Sun, 01 May 2011 17:43:33 -0500

My favorite part of football is the slow motion replay. When you slow things down, you can see the athleticism of the players and disputable calls become clear. James takes the temptations we face, he slows them down to show us how they work, frame by frame, so we can develop a ready defense against them. Do you find yourself giving in to temptation all the time? Are their particular temptations you have lost control over in your life? Join Dr. Trucksess as we learn how to discover a strategy to beat the temptation we face in life.

James - the Blame Game

Sun, 10 Apr 2011 15:02:20 -0500

Whose fault is it anyway? When things don't go the way we expect, we are quick to blame someone or something else for our problems. Unfortunately, when we blame others, we eliminate the possibility of a change. In this message, we learn how the Blame Game is played and how to get out of it. What will it take to end the Blame Game? What will it take to avoid falling to the temptations we face every day? Join Pastor Kurt as we discover answers to these questions.

James - The Trial of Money

Sun, 03 Apr 2011 21:07:00 -0500

In these tough economic times, money is harder to come by. Struggling to make the ends meet leads to discouragement. Lack of money is one of the most difficult trials we will face. How are we to get through it? James give us practical words of advice as we face discouragement in our time of financial need.

James - Get Wisdom

Sun, 20 Mar 2011 18:51:36 -0500

Last week, we learned that God always has a purpose in our trials; to bring us to spiritual maturity. Like a good pastor, James knows we need more than just the purpose of our trials to make it through, we need practical help. God promises to give it! Learn how God helps us through our trials to turn them into brighter tomorrows.

James - There is Joy in My Trial

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 10:53:30 -0500

Why is life so hard? I thought God loved us? It feels like life became tougher after I came to Jesus. These are questions that, like ghosts, haunt our minds when life is tough. While the trials of life are never easy, James gives us solid answers about why God allows them to come into our life and how we can grow in them. There is a ray of light even in our darkest moments.

Reasons to Believe - Evidence in Faith - Tom Tribelhron

Sun, 27 Feb 2011 22:00:24 -0600

What role does evidence play in our faith? Shouldn't we just be able to believe without any proof. In this special message, Dr. Tom Tribelhorn, author of "My Professor Says the Bible is a Myth" explains the importance of evidence in the faith equation.

Reasons to Believe - Personal Reasons

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 19:07:40 -0600

Imagine traveling with your family on summer vacation, your GPS mistakenly guided you through a gang infested area of Los Angeles. You hit a pothole, bursting your tire, leaving you stranded in the worst part of town. While examining your tire, six young men emerge from a nearby building and strut their way in your direction. Your adrenaline begins pumping as you try to imagine ways to protect your wife and children. You could be beaten or even killed in the next few moments. How would things change if you knew those young men just left a Bible study? At the end of the day, while there are many logical reasons to believe the Bible, the most powerful reasons is the Bible's ability to change our lives. In this study, we learn how the Bible goes about changing us and learn a practical strategy to let the Bible do its work in our lives.

Reasons to Believe - Providential Reasons

Sun, 13 Feb 2011 13:33:36 -0600

ave you read The Da Vinci Code? It is currently the best selling novel of the twenty-first century. While the book is fiction, it claims that descriptions of all artwork, architecture and documents in the book are accurate. Dan Brown even suggests there were over 80 alternate gospels which were suppressed from the general public by church councils. It is only in recent years they were re-discovered and we can learn the true identity of Jesus. Is that true? While the book is fiction, how much of it is based on historical facts? Were there many alternative gospels that were barred from the public? How did the books in our Bible come to be collected together? In this message we will learn the answer. Along the way, we will discover big difference between the way Catholics and Protestants answer this question. This message is what you need to separate the facts and fiction in The Da Vinci Code.

Reasons to Believe - Scientific Reasons

Sun, 06 Feb 2011 19:14:03 -0600

The cover story for the July 29, 2002 issue of U.S. News and World Report was titled, "The New Reality of Evolution: Where we came from and where we are going." The article went on to say evolution is no longer considered a theory but it is accepted as a fundamental fact of biology; that science has confirmed virtually all of Darwin's postulates; the only evidence against evolution is the general publics unwillingness to believe it. Is evolution an established scientific fact or is their data proponents of evolution conveniently ignore? This message enters into the creation-evolution debate and shows some of the little known problems with Darwin's theory. Interacting directly with high school biology text books, we discover problems with evolution in the fields of geology, biology and mathematics .

Reasons to Believe - Christological Reasons

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 18:03:27 -0600

Which stories in the Bible feel too spectacular to be true? Was Jonah really in the belly of a great fish for three days? Was there a literal world-wide flood that only Noah and his family survived? Did God create a literal Adam and Eve or is that a spiritual story and we actually evolved? Surprisingly, Jesus teaches us how we should understand these and many other Old Testament stories. Join Pastor Kurt as we learn that if we can trust Jesus to be our savior, we can trust Jesus to be our teacher about this book

Reasons to Believe - Prophetic Reasons

Sun, 23 Jan 2011 14:41:31 -0600

Walking through the checkout line at Wal-Mart, you can't help but read them; they are the tabloids. Using bold headlines to catch your eye, they are magazines with predictions about the future. Do any of their claims come true? Statistics tell us the predictions of the tabloids are wrong over 92% of the time, but many keep reading them in hopes they might be right. The Bible also has contains bold prophecies, but its acceptable margin of error is zero. What has the Bible prophesied about the future that took place? What does this prophesy teach us about God, the author of the book? Join Pastor Kurt as we learn Prophetic Reasons We Can Trust The Bible.

Reasons to Believe - Historical Reasons

Sun, 16 Jan 2011 15:24:03 -0600

In Already Gone, a study of American 20 year olds who grew up in the church, Ken Hamm and Britt Beemer reveal the startling truth that church kids are more likely to reject their Bible and develop an anti-church bias than young adults who have no church background whatsoever. What is causing this mass rejection of the faith? One reason is the rapid erosion of confidence in Bible history in our colleges and universities. As young adults are forced to reclassified their Bible history as fantasy because of historical facts, their faith is also reclassified as a farce. Is it true that archeology is proving the Bible is wrong? In this study we learn the facts behind our Old and New Testament Bible history that our young adults need to know. We discover the blatant bias of the academic world against biblical truth. Capturing fresh research, this study reveals earth-shattering new evidence that is turning the archaeological world on its head and why many scholars are now forced to admit the Bible was right all along.

Reasons to Believe - Logical Reasons

Sun, 09 Jan 2011 14:08:16 -0600

In our postmodern world, consensus is more important than opinion. What most people believe is considered the truth. For centuries the Bible was considered the Word of God by popular opinion. Today, it popular culture believes the Bible is based on fantasy more than factual reality. In this first message of the series, Pastor Kurt examines the logical implications of what the Bible claims for itself and the impossibility of considering the Bible a good book mixed with errors.

Christmas from Revelation - The Lamb and the Dragon

Sun, 26 Dec 2010 19:04:13 -0600

While Christ defeated Satan two-thousand years ago, a glance at the world around us leaves us with any but confidence in Satan's defeat. Through one of the most controversial chapters, in one of the most controversial books of the Bible, be refreshed by a glimpse into the unseen spiritual world where things are different than they appear.

Christmas Eve - King Jesus

Fri, 24 Dec 2010 19:00:57 -0600

The Bible frequently calls Jesus a king. He was called king at his birth, the plaque across the top of his cross called him a king, in Revelation it says he will return as the king of kings. Kings change things for better or worse for many people. Did Jesus change anything in his three years of ministry or was his life nothing more than another interesting fact of history? Join Dr. Trucksess Christmas Eve at the SAMI Center in Spirit Lake, IA as we discover the difference Jesus made in history.

Christmas from Revelation - The Lamb and the Nations

Sun, 19 Dec 2010 15:03:18 -0600

Nobody likes suffering. It separates us from life's pleasures. Suffering frequently looks like nothing more than purposeless agony. There is suffering that is purposeful. Christ can transform our suffering into something that is redemptive. He can transform our suffering into something so powerful that it can reach even the most pagan nations with the gospel. How does he do this? Join Dr. Trucksess for a look at The Lamb and the Nations.

Christmas from Revelation - The Triumph of the Lamb

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 10:21:45 -0600

Why do we hang off the edge of our seats at a football game and sing at the top of our lungs with our favorite bands? We were created by God to be passionate about things that are worth it. That desire was given to us for more than watching sports and music. God gave us these emotions to be passionate about Jesus, the ultimate hero, who won the ultimate victory. Join Pastor Kurt as we cheer The Triumph of the Lamb.

Doctrine - Response and Destiny

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 21:23:08 -0600

In this final message, we wrap up the series by looking at how the Bible says God will wrap up the world. It may not be what you thought. Even though the sins of a Christian are forgiven through Christ, that does not mean their lives will escape serious review. The deeds of our life are always the basis for judgment. Join Dr. Trucksess as we learn how our choices will impact our eternity even if we are forgiven.

Doctrine - Christ's Return

Sun, 14 Nov 2010 16:12:36 -0600

What happens after we die? Do we reincarnate? Do we go to purgatory to burn off our sin? Does everybody go to Heaven, no matter how we lived? Do we sit on a cloud and play a harp? In this message, you will learn the biblical truth what happens to us after death. You will also learn, through an overview of the book of Revelation, about the expanding kingdom of Christ as His rule is extended over all of creation in upon His return.

Doctrine - Christian Living

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 10:34:15 -0600

Pastors and Christian counselors are approached every week by people with problems. Some are struggling with an alcohol addiction, men are struggling with internet pornography, women are struggling with materialism. While everyone needs help, the real issue for these problems is much deeper. Most of our struggles come from worshiping the wrong thing! When we worship Christ, most of our problems fade away. Join Dr. Trucksess as we learn how what we worship determines how we live.

Doctrine - The Church

Sun, 31 Oct 2010 13:57:23 -0500

The church has changed. At one time it involved robes, hymnals, creeds and confession. Today it is jeans and a T-shirt. The pastor may sit on a stool and avoid a pulpit completely. Some are even defining the church more loosely and nothing more than "community and a conversation." Others have opened internet campuses and are experimenting with virtual church. Where do we draw the line? Join Dr. Trucksess as we discover the essence of "the church."

Doctrine - The Holy Spirit

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 11:52:11 -0500

Have you been alone with absolutely no one to talk with, nobody to help you and no one who cares? Loneliness is terrifying. Does God want us to feel that way? The Bible tells us it is not God's plan for us to feel isolation but God sent the Holy Spirit to be with us. Who is the Holy Spirit? How is his presence felt? What in our life hinders him from working in powerful ways? Join Dr. Trucksess as we discover the mysterious work of the Holy Spirit.

Doctrine - Jesus Christ's Work - Pt. 1

Sun, 17 Oct 2010 17:55:26 -0500

Who was Jesus Christ? Was he a good moral teacher? What he an example for us to follow in times of suffering? The Bible tells us he is much more. Christ is our penal substitutionary atonement. What is penal substitutionary atonement and why must Jesus be the penal substitutionary atonement for us? Join Dr. Trucksess to find out.

Doctrine - Jesus Christ's Person

Sun, 17 Oct 2010 17:21:07 -0500

For those of you who are parents, do you remember when you held your first-born child? For first-time parents, the feeling of holding their new born is a combination of humbling and amazing. A new-born is about as fragile and dependent as a human being can be. Each year at Christmas, we celebrate Jesus' birth but it is hard to comprehend that the creator of the world poured combined fused himself with humanity in the womb of Mary. Join Dr. Trucksess in unpacking the identity of Jesus and learn how it changes the way we face suffering.

Doctrine - The Human Condition

Sun, 03 Oct 2010 16:51:43 -0500

Have you noticed something is terribly wrong in the world? The good news is in short supply. There is suffering, death, sickness, evil and loss just below the surface everywhere. People are popping Prozac like Tic Tacs to deal with it. Isn't life supposed to be better than this? What has gone wrong? Join Dr. Trucksess as we get a panoramic view of what sin does to life and find the only hope for its pain.

Doctrine - The Bible

Sun, 26 Sep 2010 15:06:25 -0500

We love to speak and be spoken to. Facebook, Twitter, iTunes and cable TV remind us of our insatiable desire for communication. Wouldn't it be nice if God would speak? Thankfully, we are not left to speculation about God but we have revelation from God. God has spoken to us through the Bible. Join Dr. Trucksess to discover how the Bible is God's Words to us today.

Doctrine - God

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 13:44:33 -0500

The latest hi-tech gadgets are about communication... cell phones, texting, blogging, the internet and email. Everybody wants to be connected. Why do we have a burning desire for relationship? It is because we are created in the image of God. Join Dr. Trucksess as we learn why the character of God creates the need for intimacy within us.

Heaven - The Hope of Heaven

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 14:30:00 -0500

We spent a whole summer on Heaven. I am sure some of you wish we spent less time on heavenly realities and more time helping with earthly troubles. Surprisingly, the study of Heaven is a great help on earth. Join Dr. Trucksess as we learn the practical ways God changed us through this study.

Heaven - MORE Questions About Heaven

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 15:46:23 -0500

Last week I answered questions from the "Build Your Own Sermon" card. This week we continue answering your questions about heaven.
• Should I trust near-death experiences?
• Will Christians who commit suicide go to heaven?
• Who are the 144,000 of Revelation?
• After death, is there another chance to be saved?
• Will we sleep in our resurrection bodies?
• Will we work in heaven?
• Will there be oceans on the New Earth?

Heaven - Questions About Heaven

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:29:34 -0500

Earlier in the summer I circulated a "Build your own sermon" card. I wanted to know your questions about heaven that were not answered in this series. You have great questions! Join Pastor Kurt as he answers questions about: purgatory, soul sleep, marriage in heaven, animals in the new creation and the food we will eat in eternity.

Heaven - Overcoming Grief - Comfort for those left behind

Sun, 08 Aug 2010 18:04:47 -0500

This summer, we are studying what happens after we die. Today, we are pausing our series and looking at where to find comfort for those left behind. In a clear, and unsettling message, Dr. Trucksess looks at where Christians rest their soul when they lose someone they love.

Heaven - What About Those Who Can't Believe

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 07:56:24 -0500

For the last few weeks, we took a survey. I wanted to know the real-life questions people have about heaven. The most frequently asked questions were about those who can't believe. What happens to them? What happens to people who lived in a foreign land so they never heard of Jesus? What happens to those who die in infancy and were never old enough to believe. Join Dr. Trucksess in discovering the answer to the questions many are asking.

Heaven - Eternal Reward - How my earthly choices make a lasting difference

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 11:25:42 -0500

As a Christian, our sins are completely forgiven by Christ. The Bible tells us we will not pass into judgment or be condemned. Does this mean it doesn't matter how we live? Will our sins return to haunt us? An ignored topic of the Bible is the doctrine of Eternal Rewards. God promises to reward us for how we live and we can lose reward for the willful sins we commit. Believe it or not, there is a way to insure we can have greater joy in heaven.

Heaven - The Millennium - What on earth is it

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 08:26:06 -0500

How will the end times unfold? Does Christ return and everything happens at once or is there an intermediary kingdom on earth? Join Dr. Trucksess as we learn how the return of Christ unfolds and what may be some of the mistaken assumptions we have about how it takes place.

Heaven - Hell, Why Eternal Conscious Punishment Is Not Enough

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 22:04:36 -0500

This is a sermon you probably will not be able to listen to. The unvarnished truth about hell is more than most people can handle. Can you handle it? Listen to the end and find discover what happens to those who die without Christ and the incredible mercy we receive through Christ.

Heaven - Anybody Want A New Body?

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 18:00:35 -0500

When you look in the mirror, do you like what you see? How many women do you know who go out of the house without makeup? Everybody wishes for a better body. What if I told you that God promises to give you one? Discover the amazing new body that will be ours through Christ.

Heaven - The New Jerusalem

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 22:52:06 -0500

What is the main attraction on the New Heavens and Earth? It is the New Jerusalem. The Bible gives us a visitor's guide to help us imagine it in Revelation 21-22. Join Dr. Trucksess as we explore highlights of our eternal home.

Heaven - When Heaven Gets Better

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 13:06:55 -0500

Did you know there is a time when heaven will get better? There is a time when heaven and earth will be combined forever! Join Dr. Trucksess in learning about our final home with God.

Heaven - One Minute After You Die

Sun, 30 May 2010 20:08:40 -0500

When you go to a funeral, there is a body in the casket but where did the person go? What happens to us one minute after we die? Join Dr. Trucksess as we watch the answer to this question unfold through Scripture.

Heaven - Why Study Heaven?

Sun, 16 May 2010 21:39:35 -0500

A recent Harris poll revealed that 82% of Americans believe in heaven and 63% of Americans think they will go there when they die. While many people are interested in heaven, the same Harris poll revealed that most know little about it. Join Dr. Trucksess as we discover the importance of studying heaven.

Hebrews, the Lessons to Remember

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 16:41:50 -0500

After 19 months and 52 messages, our study of Hebrews draws to a close. In this final message Pastor Kurt looks back and reviews eight lessons we will always remember.

Hebrews 13:15-25 - Time for Sacrifice and Praise!

Sun, 18 Apr 2010 16:01:32 -0500

The Jews sacrificed animals for sin. The pagans in the first century sacrificed animals to appease their Gods. Christians in the first century were accused of atheism because they didn't have a sacrifice. Is it true? Do Christians no longer sacrifice in worship? Join Dr. Trucksess as we discover the joy of Christ honoring sacrifices.

Hebrews 13:7, 17-18 - Why I don't like democracy

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 16:55:15 -0500

Democracy is as American as apple pie and Chevrolet. While it is a way to govern a country, it is a lousy way to lead a church. Join Dr. Trucksess as he teaches on church leadership and the responsibilities of spiritual leaders to the people they lead.

Easter 2010 - The Centurion's Story

Sun, 04 Apr 2010 18:09:30 -0500

What would an eyewitness account of the crucifixion and resurrection be like? Sit in on these pivotal days in history through hearing the Centurion's story.

Hebrews 13:5-6 - It is not what I have, it is who I have

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 15:28:56 -0500

With the rising cost of health care and the uncertainty of a government health program, we are a country worried about our financial future. Join Dr. Trucksess to examining God's promises for believers facing an uncertain financial future.

Hebrews 13:8-14 - The Breakfast of Champions

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 16:40:53 -0500

Everyone experiences moments of great failure. What should we do on mornings we wake up filled with guilt and shame? Join Dr. Trucksess as we discover how to make it through those hours of darkness.

Hebrews 13:4 - Marriage - Hold It High, Keep It Holy

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 15:34:25 -0500

Christians have the reputation for sexual prudery. Is that description fair? Join Dr. Trucksess as we discover how to express our sexuality to the glory to God.

Hebrews 13:1-3 - Feels Like Family

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 15:30:28 -0600

Thousands of people travel to India to be hugged by a woman called, "The Hugging Saint." Why do people travel half-way around the world to be hugged by this Hindu woman? They are desperate to be loved! Join Dr. Trucksess in learning how God gives Christians a supernatural capacity to love others that is beyond anything else found in this world.

Hebrews 12:25-29 - The Message You Don't Want To Miss

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:42:13 -0600

We live in an age of information overload. We discard volumes of information each week just to survive. Unfortunately, we occasionally discard important information as we de-clutter our lives. Join Dr. Trucksess as we discover one message we don't want to miss.

Hebrews 12:12-24 - Mt. Zion , a climb worth the view

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 16:06:09 -0600

When was the last time disrespect irritated you? People don't respect our president, children don't respect their parents. Disrespect is everywhere. Where does disrespect come from and how do we change it? Join Dr. Trucksess as we learn how a proper respect for who God is and what he has done changes everything.

Hebrews 12:12-17 - Failing God's Discipline

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:15:46 -0600

Every Christian is or will experience God's discipline. While we know all of God's discipline is for our good, if we don't handle it properly, it can putrefy us rather than purify us. Join Dr. Trucksess as we learn how to avoid the Spiral of Spiritual Failure.

Hebrews 12:4-11 - Understanding the God's Discipline

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 16:34:45 -0600

Why is my life full of problems? I thought coming to Christ would straighten things out but my life is more complicated. Join Dr. Trucksess as we learn to understand the Lord's discipline.

Hebrews 12:2-3 - The Joy of Jesus

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:39:26 -0600

This last week, Iowa stunned George Tech in the Orange Bowl. This made them the best Iowa football team since 1960. An amazing team takes years to build. What kept them training through their hardest moments? The dream of a trophy. Today there are masses of Christians competing in the Christian life that have no idea what awaits them at the finish line. Join Dr. Trucksess as we learn the great motivation to live for Jesus with all our heart.

Hebrews 12:1 - Don't Give Up!

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 12:49:44 -0600

People are throwing in the towel at record levels. They are throwing in the towel on their marriage and at their job. It seems like nobody can keep a commitment all the way to the end. I want to be different. How about you? What will it take to make it all the way to the end with Jesus? Join Dr. Trucksess as we learn how to not give up.

Ordinary Christmas - I was born in a small town

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 14:23:43 -0600

What makes someone great? A 4.0 GPA? A full-ride scholarship to college? An impressive financial portfolio when you retire. Join Dr. Trucksess as he explores the greatness in the eyes of God.

Ordinary Christmas - God is my travel agent

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 15:38:42 -0600

How does life unfold? Is life a matter or fate? When we win at the casino, is it a matter of luck? According to the Bible, fate and luck do not exist. Life unfolds as a matter of God's providence. Ignorance of how providence works is one of life's greatest miseries but understanding it is leads to great happiness. If you are miserable, it might be because you don't understand providence! Join Dr. Trucksess as he explains how God's providence comforts Christians in life's difficulties.

Ordinary Christmas - Jesus had a soccer mom

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 20:29:50 -0600

Marilyn Manson said, "I don't like Christmas. When I see nativity scenes, I like to replace the baby Jesus with a boiled ham". There are strong opinions about the virgin birth of Jesus. Was Jesus born of a virgin? If he wasn't born of a virgin, how would it change our faith. Join Dr. Trucksess as we learn about the virgin Mary.

Christ - The focus of all saving faith

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 21:22:51 -0600

In an interview in the Chicago Sun-Times, President Obama gave his opinions about eternal reality.

“The difficult thing about any religion, including Christianity, is that at some level there is a call to evangelize and proselytize. There’s the belief, certainly in some quarters, that if people haven’t embraced Jesus Christ as their personal savior, they’re going to hell. Obama doesn’t believe he, or anyone else, will go to hell."

Is President Obama right? Is Hell a figment of the imagination? Is Jesus Christ just one of many ways? A growing number of Christians have become uncomfortable with claims long considered an essential part of the Christian faith.

Join Dr. Trucksess as he asks three important questions that will change the way we think about Christ, the gospel and missions.

39 - Hebrews - Why does God let me suffer?

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:31:10 -0600

Dr. Seth Asser fixed his gaze on row after row of small headstones not far from the end of the Oregon trail. "The sad part", he said, "is that so many of these children didn't have to die. All they needed was basic medical care." What would keep a parent from giving basic care to their child? These parents all believed in faith healing. As row after row of small headstones testify. Their faith was not enough. What can we expect from our faith? Does faith mean God will always come to our rescue? Join Dr. Trucksess in answer the question, "Why does God let me suffer?"

37 - Hebrews - Transforming Faith

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 14:28:02 -0500

In his 1931 book, "The Epic of America", James Adams coined the phrase "The American Dream". It is the dream that each one of us can live a better, richer and happier life. As adopted brothers and sisters of Jesus, is the American Dream the dream we should live for? Join Dr. Trucksess as we discover how faith transforms our life to live for things better than the American Dream can offer.

35 - Hebrews - Why is it all about faith?

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 14:41:02 -0500

Facebook is revolutionizing relationships. Why is it so popular? We were created by God for relationships but the deepest and most satisfying relationship we were created for can not be found on Facebook. We were created to connect with God. Join Dr. Trucksess as we explore how faith connects us to our Lord and Savior.

34 - Hebrews - What does faith look like?

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 18:47:51 -0500

In the church, you hear the word "faith" all the time. It is a nice thing to talk about but what does it look like in real life? Join Dr. Trucksess as he examines faith in action for two Old Testament heroes, Abel and Enoch.

33 - Hebrews - Faith Is...

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 22:11:45 -0500

Every day we live by faith. We trust our mechanic to fix our car, we trust the lady we buy coffee from in the morning. Live involves placing faith in people we have never met. Just as our earthly life involves faith in people, the only way to live our spiritual life is to place our faith in God. Join Dr. Trucksess as we learn a pocket size definition of what faith is and how to live by it.

32 - Hebrews - The Joy of Losing

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 17:01:33 -0500

The victims of hurricane Ike lost it all. For many costal residents returned to find their home and earthly possessions washed out to sea. While all of will not experience a hurricane, each of us will experience seasons of disaster. How do we handle loss and accept it joyfully? Join Dr. Trucksess as we discover the joy of losing.

31 - Hebrews - One Breath Away

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 16:47:08 -0500

What happens to Christians after they die? Do Christians spend eternity in heaven? According to the Bible, Christians do not spent eternity in heaven as they are now experiencing it. Join Dr. Trucksess to discover the amazing world that is just one breath away.

30 - Hebrews - Apostasy - Podcast

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 16:37:53 -0500

Christians always struggle with sin. Struggling with sin is different from tolerating sin and cherishing it in our spiritual lives. Dr. Trucksess walks us through one of the most sobering passages in the Bible on the dangers of deliberately harboiring sin in our Christian life.