Man in the Mirror

One Man's Journey Out of Addiction

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:24:27 GMT

Here's Nate's personal message to us...

"Have you ever fought a lonely battle against besetting sin? Have you tried accountability, with disappointing results? In this eye-opening study, Nate integrates biblical principles with his own experience in recovery from addiction, sharing insights that have proven to be liberating for thousands of Christian men."

No Man Left Behind!

Fri, 10 May 2013 04:19:03 GMT

The Big Idea: Your system is perfectly designed to produce the results you are getting.

We've made a strong case for why disciple-making is God's designated way to release the power of His Gospel on every problem facing our men, marriages, families, churches, workplaces, and communities. We've explored, "What is a disciple, and how do you make one?" We've even established that making disciples is a moral issue! So our final question will be, "Is there a way to pull everything we've learned together and bring it to life?" The answer is a resounding, "Yes!" Join us for an overview of a proven model you can use to build an effective disciple-making ministry to your men. It's going to be a great day!

The Staggering Simplicity of Living for Christ

Fri, 03 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: A man will feel most happy, most alive, & most useful once he learns how to do what disciples do: abide, love, & serve.

A disciple is not only called to live “in” Christ, equipped to live “like” Christ, but also sent to live “for” Christ. Once a man fills up in his relationship with Jesus, he will not rest until he responds. It’s inevitable. But how should he respond? That’s what we’re going to explore in this lesson!

oin us and be reminded of the staggering simplicity of how men can live for Christ. Learn how you can release men from the shackles of feeling like they have to perform. You can help men release—and sustain—the power of the Gospel in every direction and detail of their lives!

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

Thank you for using the Man in the Mirror Online Videos. Every week thousands of leaders like you download these videos and use them to encourage, equip, inspire, reach and disciple men. Please consider helping support this valuable resource. Donate or Purchase a recommended resource. Blessings- The Man in the Mirror Team

Guaranteed Ways to Build the Men Around You

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: Equipping is simply bringing men together around Christ and watching Him change the way they think and what they do.

What Christian man hasn't wondered, "Could I disciple other men?" Many men in our Bible study are already doing just that. Many more are eager to get started and just need a bit more information and a nudge. Others are still relatively new disciples themselves.

This is the second of three messages in which I'm going to teach you how to make disciples. Making disciples includes calling people to live "in" Christ, equipping people to live "like" Christ, and sending people to live "for" Christ. This message is about equipping.

Equipping is so much easier than you may think. Equipping men is not about us changing men. Instead, equipping is about bringing men into contact with the living Christ and His Word and simply watching as Jesus changes the way men think and what they do. There's a little more to it, obviously, and we'll dive right in. You'll walk out ready to start your own group!

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

Guaranteed Ideas to Reach the Men Around You

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: The bar for evangelism is quite low. Evangelism is simply taking someone as far as they want to go toward Jesus.

Over the next three messages I’m going to teach you how to make disciples. Making disciples includes calling people to live “in” Christ, equipping people to live “like” Christ, and sending people to live “for” Christ. First up, calling, which is winning men to Christ.

Evangelism…the very word sounds terrifying, intrusive, and maybe “none of my business.” But in the lesson you will learn evangelism is so much easier than it sounds. You will take away specific, proven, practical ideas you can execute immediately without fear.

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

The Next Ten Years

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: Making disciples is God’s designated way to release the power of the Gospel on every problem facing our city.

Ten years from now, what do you want to look back on and say, “I was part of that?” Michael Harrington who runs Salem Radio News which airs on 2000 radio stations recently told me, “I’ve been doing Christian news for a long time and I listen carefully to what leaders are talking about. Based on what I’ve been hearing, I would say the problem with men and the church is now a top five issue.” Hugh O. Maclellan, one of America’s leading Christian philanthropists recently affirmed, “The greatest need we have in America is to reach our men.”

The timing is right. There is a fresh movement of men’s discipleship sweeping across America. In rural Pennsylvania, a Man in the Mirror Area Director called on 40 churches to interest them in men’s discipleship training. Twenty of those churches are sending 60 men. Join us as we talk about the current situation, what Jesus wants for this city, and a plan you can execute.

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

A Fresh Movement Among the Men of Our City

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The BIG IDEA: A city of disciples must first be a city of disciple-makers.

When God looks at our city, what do you think He sees? What is His agenda for this place? And, where do you and I fit in? We are certainly not the first ones to dream big dreams for our community - not by a long shot. Instead, we stand on the shoulders of legions of men and women who went before us and labored faithfully for the Gospel in this place. Yet in many ways, the work has just begun - we'll talk about how so. And, what is our responsibility to those who have gone before us? What does the Master need from us for there to be a fresh movement of God among the men of our city?

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

Intentional Spiritual Intimacy in Marriage

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Guest Speaker: Sam Ingrassia

Most Christian husbands struggle to find a consistent way to connect spiritually with their wife. We know we need to have spiritual influence in marriage, but the path is often elusive; haphazard at best.

If you are a Christian husband, ask God to prepare your heart for what could be His 'revelation at the appointed time'.

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

The Battle for Men’s Souls

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: Anything less than a plan to disciple every willing man is a catastrophic moral failure.

The "men problem" has become a crisis that is virtually out of control. The collateral damage among families is staggering. Men under 40 are especially vulnerable to an alien worldview that is gutting the institutions of marriage and family. Our government agencies, social sector organizations, and businesses are overrun trying to cope with the downstream damage of an increasingly fatherless, angry, and dysfunctional generation. Behind virtually every human tragedy you will find the failure of a man.

I love the church, but we have a "men problem" because we have a "church problem." The mission of the church, of course, is to make disciples. However, the vast majority of churches have almost no plan to disciple their men. (My apologies if your church is the exception). As a result, churches have not been able to cope with the changing climate among men. Can you think of ANYONE other than the church who can save our men and their families?

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

Nehemiah and His Not So Crazy Dream

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: A servant isn’t thinking, “What do I want?” He’s asking, “What does the Master need?”

There are two ways to go. The first is to get bogged down insisting you know best, trying to control the situation, exerting your will, trying to get your own way, and coming out on top. Filled with small ambitions, petty grievances, and easily hurt feelings, this is the way of the common man.

The other way is the way of the servant. It is to deny yourself, come humbly to the foot of the Cross, surrender your life, fully consider the gravity of your times, and fit into the larger perspective of what God is doing in the world.

Join us as we explore what made the second way work for Nehemiah.

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

Do You Know What God Expects From You?

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: What is my agenda? What is God’s agenda? Are we working on the same agenda?

You have an agenda that animates you—a plan, goal, career, mission, vision, or a set of priorities. It’s why you get out of bed in the morning. God has an agenda too. It’s why He gets you out of bed in the morning. What if you’re not working on the same agenda?

Some men have a lot of guilt that they never do enough for God—or feel like they’ve missed His calling. If that’s you, God doesn’t want you to have to walk on eggshells. This lesson will give you the confidence you need to be content. But a lot of other men are way too complacent. If every Christian man was faithfully executing his calling, shouldn’t we have made more progress?

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

What Happens When Boys Climb Trees

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: Nothing is more rewarding than to go out on a limb for Jesus

When Jesus was “passing through” a village, He was never really just passing through. He was always adjusting His plans. That’s because Jesus loves to love the people that others love to hate. In this week’s text, we’ll meet a man like that. His name was Zacchaeus, and was he ever in for a big surprise!

Find out why Jesus adjusted His plans, what He did, and how we can join Him on His mission.

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

When the Pain Is Too Much To Bear

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: Suffering compels us to seek the mercy that success makes us think we don’t need.

How much pain can you tolerate? When we as men have painful circumstances, most of us try to double-down with self-reliance, determination, and grit. But what can you do when the pain just gets to be too much? What can you do when you have nowhere to turn?

In this message and discussion, we’re going to drill down on a blind man whose painful situation was so hopeless that he had nowhere to turn. We’ll look at what he did that you can do today. We’ll also look at how people tried to keep him from Jesus then, and how that still happens today. And we’ll see what Jesus did for him that you can ask Him to do for you.

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

How To Do Something Great For God

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: A man can make a real contribution once he gets over wanting to be a somebody.

Virtually every morning I wake up with a joyful ache to do something great for God. I’ll bet you do too. Yet I’m amazed at how easily an unselfish desire to serve God can morph into selfish ambition—wanting to “be somebody,” make a name for myself, or be more respected or successful than “so and so.” Can you relate?

The disciples also wanted to do something great for God. But in this week’s story, two of the Lord’s three closest friends go off the rails—just like us! Come see how Jesus helped them get back on track, and see how it applies to you right now.

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

Why Are We Still Talking About Jesus?

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: My worst day with Jesus has been infinitely better than my best day without Him.

We've been in the series "Hanging Out With Jesus" for over five years now! We've taken our time and carefully worked through 70% of the four gospels in chronological order. So why are we still talking about Jesus? That's because Jesus is like a bottomless cup of coffee. This week's text, especially, reveals how Jesus is the magnificent window through which the whole Bible story unfolds.

Do you want/need some motivation to focus more on Jesus? Let Jesus Himself inspire you to want more, more, more of Him!

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

Why SHOULD I Go To Church?

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: Church was made for you, and you were made for the church.

Have you ever woken up on a Sunday and thought, “I really don’t feel like going to church today.”? We all have. And when we talk to guys about why they don’t attend church, many say it’s boring or irrelevant.

So, why should you go to church? Is there really a value to going into a large room once a week, staring at the back of the person’s head in front of you, standing and sitting on cue, and listening to a 30 minute lecture?

Church is about way more than that. Come join us as we talk about what the Bible has to say about church, and find out why you were made for the church, and the church was made for you.

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

How to Lead While Following Jesus

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: Being a good leader is not primarily dependent on your ability to lead but on your ability to follow Jesus.

What kind of leader will you be in 2013? You are influencing others – your family, your work place, your friends, your neighbors, or in your church. What kind of difference will you make? And what keys do we need to remember to lead well?

Last week we talked about what leadership is and why it is important. This week, we are going to look at Jesus’ radical paradigm for leadership. In a world that exalts celebrity and says “look out for number one,” how do you practically apply Jesus’ vision for true leadership?

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

What is Leadership and Why Does it Matter?

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: Leadership is lovingly influencing people to pursue God’s vision.

Every man has a leadership influence on someone. And every man is affected by the leadership of others. So today, just starting a new year, all of us are feeling the impact of the leadership crisis that we see in America.

Too many dads have abandoned their kids, even if they are still at home. Too many husbands have chosen the safe and easy road over the path of loving sacrifice and service. Too many businessmen, politicians, and celebrities are looking for short-term advantage over long-term impact.

What is leadership and why does it matter? We’ll see how God has woven the design of leadership into the very fabric of society. We’ll look at the negative impact of poor leaders, but most importantly, we’ll help you understand your role as a leader and how you can be the man God is calling you to be.

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

“That’s Not Fair!” The Grumbles Then and Now

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: Groan, but don't grumble. You just never know what God is doing.

Bill was passed over for a promotion when his company hired an outsider instead. He thought, After all I’ve sacrificed for this organization, and this is how they treat me! Scott has given 100% to serve his church. But instead of being selected as a deacon, the congregation elected a newer member. He complained to his wife, “It’s just not fair.”

The apostle Peter must have had similar thoughts when he asked Jesus, “What will we get for leaving everything to follow you?” Jesus responded by telling a parable about employees who resented their employer for his generosity to other employees who appeared to be less deserving. Join us as we learn how to process life’s seemingly unfair situations God’s way. It’s going to be a great day!

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

Does Jesus Really Want You To Sell Everything?

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: Is anything standing between you and a complete surrender to follow Jesus?

Jesus told a young man who asked how to inherit eternal life that he should sell all his possessions and then follow Him. What’s up with that?

When the young man went away sad, Jesus told his disciples, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God!”

What does Jesus mean by all this? And how does it apply to you today? Join us and settle your understanding of this story as we “uncomplicate” it together. It’s going to be a great day!

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

Why Not Just Get a Divorce?

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: The Bible permits divorce for adultery or desertion, but prefers reconciliation.

If we put men’s marriage problems in one stack and all their other problems in a second stack, the marriage problem alone is bigger than all of men’s other problems combined.

Moses permitted divorce because of hard hearts but, as usual, Jesus always has a higher standard than the Old Testament law—whether adultery, murder, treatment of enemies or, as we will learn, divorce.

Here’s your takeaway: you’ll gain a clear biblical understanding of divorce, you’ll be challenged to consider the practical as well as spiritual implications of divorce, and you’ll be encouraged with a few practical ideas to strengthen your present or future marriage.

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

For “Those People” Who Look Down on Others

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

“Those arrogant crooks on Wall Street. I’m sure glad I’m not like them.” “Those self-serving politicians. I’m sure glad I’m not like them.” “Those lazy homeless people. I’m sure glad I’m not like them.” “Those inner city gangbangers. I’m sure glad I’m not like them.”

It’s okay to think we’re special to God, because we are. But what’s not okay is to think we’re special in comparison to others. Any looking down our noses at people, or any pitying people not as “good” as we are - is pride. Join us and learn the ironically common fate of proud and humble men.

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

How The Gospel Changes Everything

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: The gospel changes everything, because it really changes us. Often, people who say they are Christians do things that are way out of line with what they say they believe. That’s certainly true of me. I find myself reacting in anger, seduced by temptation, or misaligning my priorities. Then one day I come to my senses and wonder, “How in the world did I get here?” If you’re like me you need to know that Jesus is looking for more than dressing up our behaviors and making us “nice” men. He really does want to change everything from the inside out. But how can we actually experience this total transformation? What does Jesus do, and what do we need to do? We’ll use an intuitive diagram to help you understand how the gospel really works in everyday life (see www.cravinggrace.org for more information). Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab. Thank you for using the Man in the Mirror Online Videos. Every week thousands of leaders like you download these videos and use them to encourage, equip, inspire, reach and disciple men. Please consider helping support this valuable resource. Donate or Purchase a recommended resource. Blessings- The Man in the Mirror Team

Praying For the Burden of a Weight Too Big To Bear

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: It’s not, “I guess the only thing I can do is pray,” but “the thing I can do is pray.”

If you're like me, you have a major burden weighing on your heart that just feels too big to bear. Perhaps no one knows but you. Maybe it's your family. Maybe it's your work. Maybe it's your finances. Maybe it's your health.

You've prayed and prayed and prayed, but nothing seems to change. And, frankly, you've grown weary of it all. So why bother to keep putting a good face on it? Why not just give up? Join us as Jesus offers words of comfort, encouragement, and instruction to all of us who carry the weight of burden too big to bear.

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

Is It Okay To Be An Average Christian?

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: To sustain our passion we need a Gospel that makes sense of the life we have, not the life we wish we had.

I get it. The Christian life is love, joy, peace, purpose, contentment, significance, and so much more. Yet at the same time, this life is also temptations, trials, sorrows, sufferings, setbacks, and so much more. Question for you: Do you think it’s possible for you to stay amped up and rejoice all the time? Or is it okay for you to be more of an average Christian? What is a realistic set of expectations for today’s Christian man? Join us as we delve into these questions.

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

Why WWJD is the Wrong Question

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: What Jesus has already done is much more important than what Jesus would do.

Do you ever feel that doing your best is simply not good enough? Maybe you've got a relationship that just doesn't seem to work. Or perhaps your job just isn't turning out like you'd hoped. And just when you think you've done everything you were supposed to do, you find yourself in a deeper hole.

Jesus has a better way than doing our best or even doing what He would do. It's a path that leads to true transformation from the inside out.

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

Thank you for using the Man in the Mirror Online Videos. Every week thousands of leaders like you download these videos and use them to encourage, equip, inspire, reach and disciple men. Please consider helping support this valuable resource. Donate or Purchase a recommended resource. Blessings- The Man in the Mirror Team

What Makes This One Leper So Important To Us?

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: The Secret of a Praising, Grateful Heart: My first thought in every good situation is, “I’m getting what I don’t deserve.”

Ten men with very serious problems asked Jesus to have mercy on them, and He did. He healed all ten of them. But only one came back to say thank you and give God glory. What prompted the Holy Spirit to include this story in the Bible? What makes this one leper so important that he warrants scriptural status? And what is the question this story puts to us today? Let's find out!

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

What We Learn About Jesus By Watching Lazarus Die

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: A miracle is God’s way of making it easy for you to believe.

If we did not have the story of the death and resurrection of Lazarus, we would miss three important insights into Jesus: the humanity of His emotions, the lengths to which He will go to make His point, and how very differently He sees our suffering than we do. Join us for a deep dive into one of the Bible's most deeply moving stories, and we'll make sense of how this important miracle relates to you.

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

Make Yourself Too Small To Fail

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: Make yourself too small to fail

How are we supposed to “be joyful always and give thanks in everything” when people are saying hurtful things to and about us, disrespecting us, speaking harshly, losing their tempers, lying to and about us, cheating us, stealing from us, betraying our confidence, gossiping, and even trying to make us stumble?

The answer may surprise you. Join us as Jesus reveals how you can stand strong and do your duty when others are sinning against you.

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

Your Place in the Body of Christ

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: I am the body of Christ. You are the body of Christ. Together, we are the body of Christ.

Even though John is a believer, he stays on the fringe because he doesn't feel comfortable around Christians. His father consistently told him, "You're no good." He's convinced if people really knew him, they would feel the same way. So rather than risk rejection, he keeps to himself.

Brian, also a believer, doesn't like the idea of being committed to a church because, as he says, "I just don't like to feel tied down. I like my freedom." What he really likes is to always be in control. So he also sticks to the fringe.

On the other hand, Scott doesn't have any use for either John or Brian because they won't step up. He has written them both off as losers.

Is there a right or wrong way to look at this situation? Join us as we delve into Paul's famous teaching on the body of Christ - and the mindset that goes along with it.

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

Determining Your Spiritual Gifts

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Special Note: The "Determining Your Spiritual Gifts" worksheet can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

The Big Idea: Every believer has at least one spiritual gift.

The first time our own Jim Seibert heard that I would be teaching about spiritual gifts, he had no idea what to expect. He said, "I thought Pat was going to be handing out presents!"

From that session Jim learned that he had gifts in service and evangelism. Later, he was able to lead his son to Jesus three days before he died of AIDS. And Jim led three other boys with AIDS to Jesus too. "After knowing Jesus, nothing has changed my life as much as knowing my spiritual gifts."

With the help of the handouts, learn your spiritual gifts. If you already know yours, you can help some of the other men think through their gifts.

The Transcript file and the "Determining Your Spiritual Gifts" worksheet can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

Your Calling Story

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: Until you have not only a “faith” story but also a “discipleship” story and a “calling” story, you don’t have the whole story.

Steve noticed that James - a usually upbeat co-worker - looked down, so he asked sincerely, "Hey, what's up?" After listening for ten minutes to a sad story about how this man's marriage was on the rocks, Steve offered to pray for him and then invited him to our Bible study. Next, Steve called on a customer and persuaded him to purchase a week's worth of radio advertising on the station Steve works for. That evening he played board games with his children after dinner, and then read them a bedtime story before tucking them in.

Everything Steve did that day was part of his calling. On one hand, our callings are as big as our God, vocation, family, church, community, and the world. But callings unfold on a human scale, moment by moment, one interaction at a time. Come and find out how God has gifted you to serve Him, what He is calling you to do, and leave with an actionable plan to take your calling to the next level.

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

Your Discipleship Story

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: Until you have not only a “faith” story but also a “discipleship” story and a “calling” story, you don’t have the whole story.

America is overwhelming born-again--around 40%. Every surrendered Christian finds that bewildering. How is it possible that so many believe when so much is wrong? Short version: Until you have not only "a faith story," but also "a discipleship story" and "a calling story," you don't have the whole story. That's why so many Christians are stuck on first.

Join us as we explain what a discipleship story looks like, why it's important to have one, and the common denominators of a discipleship story that will empower you to stand your ground.

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

Your Faith Story

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: Adam failed. Jesus nailed. Grace prevailed.

EVERY person you encounter in traffic, at a store, waiting your table, at work, in your neighborhood, or at a family gathering is a child of God created in His image. Many of those people already have eternal life in Jesus, but most do not. Some have rejected Christ because they've misunderstood the gospel, while others are sure they're saved because they too have misunderstood the gospel.

We have a high calling from Christ himself to engage every one of those people about their salvation. How does that happen in practice? Join us and be equipped to share your own faith story - perhaps with more confidence and gentleness than ever before! Your story is how God is changing the world!

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

Your Life Story Has Three Parts

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: Every man needs a faith story, a discipleship story, and a calling story.

God has a powerful vision for your life! But to fully embrace that vision, you first have to know what it is! God is writing your life story in three parts. Until you have all three parts, you won't know the whole story. Come and find out what this is all about. You'll take away a fresh biblical perspective to evaluate your life and engage those around you.

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

The Secret of How Paul Sustained His Passion

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: The secret of sustaining your passion is to never get over grace.

How often do you feel like you simply can’t go on, it’s too hard, that you’re just not cut out for this? We ALL feel that way from time to time, don’t we? Even the famous apostle Paul felt that way. It’s what you do next that counts.

In Paul we find a man whose passion for Christ was severely tested but never failed. In this lesson, we’ll probe until we find the secret of how Paul was able to sustain his passion. And in the process, you’ll be empowered to better sustain your own passion too.

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

How Asa Won His Battle

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: So closely identify everything you do with God that for men to prevail against you they must first prevail against Him.

You've kept your head down. You've persevered. You've tried to do what is good, right, and pleases God. You've increasingly put away sinful habits and behaviors. You've sought God. You've been faithful. And you felt like God was leading you. But now, suddenly, everything seems like it's falling apart. Did you hear God wrong - or not at all? How could that be? And what's going to happen to you now?

That's exactly what King Asa went through. He was a godly man, but at the height of his prosperity, calamity struck. A vast army came out to destroy him. Join us and find out how Asa responded and how God delivered him.

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

"Forged to be Free"

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: LIFE is a GIFT to ENJOY; an ADVENTURE to EMBRACE

Did you know you were absolutely "born to be wild"? But first you were "Forged to be free". We were orignally created to be in this incredible relationship with the most awesome being in the universe on this perfect planet with perfect people - we were born to be free! We were born to have a relationship with GOD.

What is your definition of life? Your definition affects all aspects of your life. Listen as Dr. Pete Alwinson discusses the meaning of life and, more specifically, YOUR life!

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

Gideon: "You want me to do what?"

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: You can do anything God wants you to do.

Do you have a burden that you doubt you can do anything about? If so, you're not alone. Meet Gideon. When God called Gideon to save Israel, he was incredulous! He just couldn't believe God would really use such an ordinary man for such an extraordinary task. But he did! In this lesson we'll find out why, and we'll also see how patiently God deals with our doubts and fears.

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

Nehemiah: How God Uses Heartbreaks and Burdens to Direct Us

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: Never refuse a burden. That’s how God is redeeming the world.

What is your burden—the thing that is breaking your heart? It could be your family. Maybe you feel stuck in a job you hate. Maybe you ache for your church to disciple men. Perhaps the breakdown in the public square weighs heavy on your mind. Or maybe you feel the gravity of spiritual decay in our culture.

God gave Nehemiah a burden - a burden that broke his heart. But then something beautiful happened! Find out what it was and see how God wants to use your burden to redeem some broken part of our world.

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

How Daniel Became Daniel

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: Never compromise. Trust God completely. Always give God glory.

Every now and then you meet a Christian who exudes a powerful confidence. And if you're like me, you wonder, "What does he have, and where can I get some of that?"

No Bible character fits that description more than Daniel. He's a perfect case study in uncompromising integrity, absolute trust in God, and always giving God the glory. In this lesson we're going to learn the secret of a powerful life! We'll find out where his confidence came from. And we'll lay down tracks for each of us to have powerful confidence in God.

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

How Suffering Revealed the True Character of Job

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: There is comfort in suffering because there is purpose for suffering.

A teenager swerves to miss an oncoming car, slams into a tree, and spends the rest of his life in a wheelchair. A young man in debt learns his spending sprees are linked to the manic-depressive disorder with which he must learn to cope. Daily headaches prompt a man to squirrel pain pills in his coat pockets, his glove compartment, his desk, his briefcase, as well as keeping a stockpile at home.

Suffering makes up such a large part of our lives. No one, however, ever suffered more than Job. In this lesson we're going to see why suffering is a required part of God's plan. We get to watch Job go from "it couldn't get any worse" to "it couldn't get any better."

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

How Did Jeremiah Become Jeremiah?

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: God calls us to be faithful, not to produce a particular outcome.

He was reluctant to serve God, afraid of what might happen, and wept when it did. He was angered by his mistreatment, yet never wavered on the truth, and boiled with passion for his work. God never allowed him to experience the love of and for a wife and children. He failed miserably in his mission and watched in horror as his country collapsed in defeat. Yet he still found it in himself to speak hopeful words of encouragement to the same people who ignored his message.

Jeremiah became himself by taking a wild emotional roller coaster ride. But it would be a mistake to think you and I won't have just as many ups and downs. So join us as we explore the obstacles Jeremiah faced and how he overcame them. What did Jeremiah face that you will face? What central idea kept him focused? It's the same idea that can keep each of us focused through all our ups and downs.

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

Parched

Fri, 29 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: God is the Sovereign Lord. He can breathe life into dead bodies. Yours (and mine) included.

Have you ever gone through a time of spiritual "dryness?" Are you going through one right now? Every man does. For some, that feeling of needing a drink that the world can't provide leads them toward God. Others have known great success in the cause of the gospel, yet find themselves wondering if God really cares about them...or if He even exists.

Ezekiel found himself in a "valley of dry bones" and learned about God's power and sovereignty. During the times when God's Spirit feels distant, there is an opportunity to learn about His nature.

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

What Can We Learn From Solomon About Meaning?

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: It’s all about the heart. Above all else, guard your heart.

He had more wisdom, wealth, and fame than any man in history. Today the leaders of NATO, the United Nations, and the G8 nations would all come to humbly seek his counsel. He was richer than Carlos Slim, Warren Buffett, and Bill Gates put together. No man was ever more blessed by God than Solomon.

The Bible says, "King Solomon, however..." You know it can't be good! And it isn't. Solomon had been fully devoted to God, but then he lost his way. Solomon made it his life mission to pursue every possible avenue to find meaning apart from God. He ended up hating his life. God doesn't want that to happen to you. In this lesson, we'll look at his findings, conclusions, and a key insight into how a man becomes his true self.

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

How Did David Become David?

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT

NOTE: We experienced some audio interference at approx. 20 minutes into the message. We apologize for inconvenience.

The Big Idea: It’s all about the heart. Above all else, guard your heart.

David was the Jack Bauer of the Bible--a courageous warrior who saved the world, but with some stunning lapses in judgment. His family had more heartaches than the Kennedys.

The Bible is the authorized "tell all" biography of David's life. In him, we see all the good a man can do as an image of God, and all the bad a man can do as a product of the Fall. Join us as we look at the keys to understanding David and apply what we learn.

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

How Did Joseph Become Joseph?

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: Nothing that happens to us by human decision can ever happen apart from the will of God.

Nothing is more painful than feeling like you’ve been abandoned by God. You pray and you pray and you pray, but nothing changes. In fact, things often get worse, not better. Who hasn’t thought, If God loves me He’s got a funny way of showing it. Certainly Joseph, sold like an animal by his brothers, must have felt that way.

You may feel like you’re in a dead-end marriage, stuck in a job that’s going nowhere, haven’t spoken to family members for so long that you’re embarrassed about it, suffer with a deformity or long-term illness, or have been upside down financially for so long that you’ve lost hope. If so, God has a very personal, hopeful, and liberating message for you.

Join us and learn the missing truth that empowered Joseph to complete the journey to become the man God created him to be.

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

How Did Peter Become Peter?

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: Don’t ever say, “I could never do that,” because then you never will.

Once upon a time, you and I were happily going about the business of building a life for ourselves. But then something happened. Jesus Christ happened. He invaded us. Bit by bit, Jesus is conquering large tracts of enemy-held territory. He is changing us into a new creation. The life of Peter shows us a vivid picture of how one man became that new creation.

The words “Peter” and “bold” go together. Peter did some things that astonish us. But what was Peter like in the beginning? How did Peter become Peter? Join us as we take a deep dive into his life. We’ll find out how Peter became himself. And in the process, we’ll take a giant step toward understanding how we, too, can become ourselves.

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

How Did Abraham Become Himself?

Fri, 25 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: A man becomes himself by believing God in the face of unbelievable circumstances.

We each know there is "another" man inside us who desperately wants to get
out -- a "new creation" made in the image of God. We see occasional glimpses of him, but we want more. How does that happen, and why is it so hard?

"The Man Who Became Himself" series will help you experience spiritual breakthroughs in key areas. I'm going to show you how to release the power of God in every possible direction! There's absolutely no reason why you can't fully realize all the God-given potential of your manhood.

First up: Who wouldn't like to have the unwavering faith of Abraham? How did that happen? How did Abraham become Abraham? What lessons can we take away from his life that will release the power of God in our lives?

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.

God Doesn’t Care If You Have a Lot of Money

Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Idea: Money won’t keep you out of heaven any more than poverty will get you in.

Does God care if you have a lot of money? Not really. Some of the wealthiest men who've ever lived were His men: Abraham, Jacob, David and Solomon. Money is not evil. Money is morally neutral, like a handgun. In the hands of a cop, a gun is an instrument of justice; in the hands of a criminal, an instrument of evil.

What God does care about is how money love twists our understanding of the gospel. There's a lot of bad theology out there! In this lesson, we're going to explore the parable of Lazarus and the rich man. But, as we'll see, this is not primarily a parable about money and possessions, or the rich against the poor. Instead, it clearly shows us what God really cares about and why. Find out how God wants you to connect the dots between His gospel, you and money.

Transcript file can be downloaded from the "Transcript" tab.