922 Ministries - The CORE & St. Peter Lutheran

This message explores the biblical evidence for Jesus' dual nature, from the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary to the worship of the wise men, revealing how Scripture consistently presents Jesus as fully divine and fully human in one person.Learn about the incarnation - how Jesus added humanity to His divinity without ceasing to be God. Understand why this theological truth isn't just academic knowledge but has practical implications for your daily struggles, prayers, and relationship with God. Explore how Jesus' humanity means He understands your pain, while His divinity means He has power to help.This Christmas message examines three ways people celebrate the season: without Christ, with surface-level acknowledgment, or through deep meditation on the incarnation. Discover practical ways to go deeper this Christmas through Scripture reading, listening to classic carols with new understanding, and reflecting on both natures of Christ.Perfect for anyone seeking to move beyond knowing about Jesus to truly knowing Him personally. Whether you're new to faith or looking to deepen your understanding, this message provides biblical foundation for comprehending the greatest mystery in human history - God becoming man while remaining God.Topics covered include the virgin birth, biblical prophecy fulfillment, the significance of Emmanuel, how Jesus' dual nature enables salvation, practical application for prayer and daily struggles, and transformative ways to celebrate Christmas with deeper meaning. Ideal for Christmas preparation, theological study, or anyone questioning who Jesus really is.

Many people spend Christmas chasing a feeling - the perfect atmosphere created by music, decorations, movies, and traditions. But what happens when nostalgia replaces repentance? What happens when cozy feelings replace Christ? Ask yourself: Is it still Christmas for you without the music? Without the presents? Without the familiar traditions? If your answer is no, you might be chasing a mood rather than the Messiah. This Christmas season, challenge yourself to chase the Messiah rather than just a mood. Instead of getting caught up in creating the perfect Christmas atmosphere, focus on encountering the God who took on flesh to change your life forever. Remember, we have an eternal God who took on flesh for eternity, never to be separated from His humanity. He loves you enough to come to earth because you couldn't go up to Him. He died in your place so you can have complete forgiveness, and He understands every struggle you face. This is the gospel we must keep in Christmas - not just a baby in a manger, but the King on the throne who came to change your world forever.

Discover the life-changing secret to true contentment that our consumer culture doesn't want you to know. Learn why Black Friday deals, perfect family gatherings, and material possessions will never satisfy the deep hunger within your soul. This powerful message reveals the biblical truth about contentment that the Apostle Paul learned during his most challenging circumstances. Find out why consuming won't fill you, family won't complete you, and how to stop treating contentment like a recipe that requires the right ingredients. Explore Paul's prison letter to the Philippians where he shares the secret to remaining satisfied whether facing abundance or need. Understand how Christ becomes your ultimate source of strength and satisfaction, transforming your perspective on money, relationships, and life's challenges. Learn practical steps to shift from constantly seeking more to finding deep satisfaction in what you already have. Discover how true contentment creates a generous heart and impacts your relationships with others. This message includes inspiring stories of people who found contentment during history's darkest times, including a pastor who wrote hymns of gratitude while conducting thousands of funerals during a plague. Perfect for anyone struggling with comparison, materialism, financial stress, or feeling like nothing is ever enough.

This comprehensive guide covers biblical evangelism methods that work in today's culture, including how to start spiritual conversations, invite people to church, and share the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Discover the three essential tools every believer needs: investing in others through extraordinary hospitality and generosity, inviting people to experience Jesus firsthand, and direct evangelism when sharing the gospel message. The SALT method provides a simple framework for transitioning from everyday conversations to meaningful spiritual discussions about faith, salvation, and eternal life. Perfect for Christians who want to learn effective witnessing techniques, overcome evangelism fears, and make disciples in their communities. Topics include Christian apologetics, gospel presentation, church invitation strategies, and practical ways to let your light shine in a dark world. Whether you're new to faith sharing or looking to improve your evangelism skills, these biblical principles will help you confidently share the good news of Jesus Christ. Learn how to navigate spiritual conversations naturally, manage expectations when witnessing, and plant seeds that may grow for years to come. Essential viewing for pastors, church leaders, small group members, and any Christian serious about fulfilling the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations.

Learn practical evangelism techniques that any believer can use to share their faith naturally and confidently. This biblical approach to gospel sharing breaks down witnessing into three manageable steps that don't require special training or theological expertise. Discover how to notice people who need the gospel in everyday situations, extend simple invitations to church and faith conversations, and share your personal testimony about hope in Jesus Christ. Perfect for Christians who feel overwhelmed about evangelism or don't know where to start with sharing their faith. Based on biblical examples from Acts 8 and John 1, this practical guide shows how ordinary believers can be effective witnesses for Christ. Learn simple responses to common life struggles that naturally point people toward the gospel message. Includes tips for rehearsing your testimony, recognizing gospel opportunities in daily conversations, and approaching evangelism with confidence rather than pressure. Whether you're a new Christian or have been a believer for years, these evangelism strategies will help you become a more effective witness in your workplace, neighborhood, and family relationships. Discover how to make gospel conversations natural and authentic while staying focused on sharing hope rather than proving knowledge. Essential viewing for anyone wanting to fulfill the Great Commission and share the good news of Jesus Christ with those around them.

Why do so many Christians feel unqualified to share their faith? This message explores the surprising truth about evangelism and witnessing that every believer needs to hear. Discover how God uses ordinary people with messy stories to spread extraordinary news about Jesus Christ.Learn from biblical examples like the Samaritan woman at the well, who despite having five failed marriages became one of history's first evangelists. Explore how shepherds, tax collectors, and unschooled fishermen were chosen by God to announce the gospel message. This teaching addresses common fears about evangelism including social anxiety, lack of biblical knowledge, fear of rejection, and feeling unworthy.Find out why being a witness is different from being a lawyer, and how your personal story and relationships are more powerful tools for sharing faith than perfect theology. Understand how your struggles and imperfections actually demonstrate God's mercy and grace to others who need hope.This practical message on Christian evangelism, witnessing, and sharing faith will encourage believers who feel inadequate or unprepared to talk about Jesus. Perfect for anyone struggling with evangelism anxiety, fear of witnessing, or feeling unqualified to share the gospel message.Topics covered include overcoming evangelism fears, biblical examples of unlikely evangelists, the difference between being a witness versus having all the answers, and how God uses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. Whether you're a new Christian or have been following Jesus for years, this message will transform how you view your role in sharing the good news of salvation.

Discover how an unlikely woman became one of history's most effective evangelists and what her story teaches us about sharing faith today. This message explores the powerful account of the Samaritan woman at the well from John chapter 4, revealing how God uses ordinary people to share extraordinary news about Jesus Christ.Learn why every Christian is called to evangelism, not just pastors or trained professionals. Explore the three major lies Satan uses to prevent believers from sharing their faith: feeling not smart enough, not skilled enough, or not good enough. Discover biblical truths that counter these deceptions and empower authentic witness.Key topics covered include Christian evangelism, sharing faith naturally, overcoming fear of witnessing, biblical evangelism examples, personal testimony power, and practical faith sharing strategies. Whether you're an introvert or extrovert, new believer or mature Christian, this message shows how God can use your unique story and relationships to impact others for Christ.The Samaritan woman's transformation from social outcast to effective evangelist demonstrates that God doesn't call the qualified - He qualifies the called. Her simple approach of asking questions and sharing personal experience proves that relationship-based evangelism is more powerful than perfect theology or polished presentations.Discover practical steps for becoming the evangelist God has called you to be, including prayer strategies for non-believing friends and family, natural conversation starters about faith, and ways to use your existing relationships for kingdom impact. Learn how the early church grew exponentially through ordinary believers sharing with their networks, and how the same principle applies today.This encouraging message will help you overcome evangelism anxiety, embrace your identity as a witness, and take practical steps toward sharing the hope of Jesus Christ with those around you. Perfect for anyone who has ever wondered if God really means them when it comes to evangelism.

This message explores the Great Commission, the necessity of verbal witness, and the life-changing power of the gospel message. Learn why Jesus commanded evangelism throughout Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke, John 17, and Acts, making it a fundamental part of following Christ, not optional extra-credit Christianity. Understand why people cannot discover salvation through conscience alone and need someone to tell them the good news, as explained in Romans 10. Explore how the gospel - meaning good news in Greek - provides unconditional love, forgiveness, hope beyond death, and purpose in suffering that transforms every life challenge. Address common evangelism obstacles including fear, lack of training, and feeling unqualified to share faith. Discover practical steps for overcoming evangelism anxiety, starting spiritual conversations, and trusting the Holy Spirit to work through your witness. Perfect for Christians struggling with sharing their faith, new believers wanting to evangelize, church members seeking evangelism training, and anyone wanting to understand biblical reasons for witnessing. Learn how ordinary people with extraordinary stories of grace can effectively share the gospel message. Includes reflection questions for personal application and practical tips for beginning evangelistic conversations. Whether you're an introvert, new to faith, or feel unqualified, discover how God uses unlikely evangelists throughout history to spread the good news of Jesus Christ.

Understanding why Christians should evangelize and share the gospel with urgency. This message explores the biblical foundation for evangelism through Jesus' Great Commission and the powerful parable of the rich man and Lazarus. Discover why many Christians feel intimidated by sharing their faith and how to overcome those fears by understanding the eternal consequences at stake. Learn about the reality of heaven and hell from Jesus' own words, and why the gospel message is truly good news worth sharing. The parable reveals important truths about eternal destinations, the permanence of death's consequences, and the desperate desire of those in hell for others to be warned. Explore common misconceptions about salvation, including why good works and moral behavior aren't enough without faith in Jesus Christ. This biblical teaching emphasizes that evangelism is simply speaking while God does the transformative work in people's hearts. Perfect for Christians who want to grow in their understanding of sharing faith, overcoming evangelism anxiety, and recognizing the power of the gospel message. Topics covered include the Great Commission, eternal life, salvation through faith, biblical parables, heaven and hell, Christian witnessing, and practical steps for sharing faith with family and friends. Whether you're new to faith sharing or looking to renew your passion for evangelism, this message provides biblical motivation and practical encouragement for fulfilling the Great Commission in your daily life.

Can Christians drink alcohol and smoke marijuana? This biblical analysis explores what Scripture actually teaches about substance use for believers. Many Christians wonder about alcohol consumption, especially since Jesus himself drank wine and performed his first miracle turning water into wine. The Bible warns against alcohol abuse, not use, providing three key principles for Christian drinking: legality, mental alertness, and love for others. When these conditions are met, believers can consume alcohol while maintaining full mental clarity and honoring God. However, marijuana presents different biblical challenges. THC affects brain receptors, impairing memory, attention, and motivation - directly contradicting Scripture's call for believers to be alert and sober-minded. Unlike alcohol, marijuana's recreational purpose is specifically to compromise mental alertness, making it incompatible with biblical standards for Christian living. This comprehensive biblical perspective addresses common questions about substance use, providing practical guidance for believers navigating these complex cultural issues. Topics covered include Jesus and wine, biblical principles for alcohol consumption, marijuana's effects on mental alertness, medical marijuana considerations, and God's grace for those struggling with substance use. Whether you're seeking clarity on Christian freedom, biblical sobriety, or substance use guidelines, this biblical analysis provides scriptural answers for modern believers facing these challenging decisions in contemporary culture.

Can Christians drink alcohol or use marijuana? This biblical examination provides clear guidance on these controversial lifestyle questions facing modern believers. Discover what Scripture actually says about alcohol consumption, why the Bible doesn't forbid drinking but condemns drunkenness, and how to apply the master versus slave principle to substance use. Learn about Jesus turning water into wine, Paul's advice about medicinal wine, and biblical warnings about intoxication and addiction.Explore the differences between recreational and medicinal marijuana use from a Christian perspective, including legal considerations and biblical principles about sobriety. Understand why recreational marijuana conflicts with Scripture's teachings on clear thinking and submission to authorities, while medicinal use may be permissible under proper supervision.This comprehensive biblical analysis addresses conscience issues, causing others to stumble, legal concerns, and the deeper spiritual needs behind substance use. Discover how the gospel provides lasting satisfaction through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit's fruits, offering true peace and comfort that substances cannot deliver.Key topics covered include biblical alcohol guidelines, Christian freedom and responsibility, marijuana legality and ethics, addiction and spiritual bondage, finding fulfillment in Christ, Holy Spirit versus substance dependence, and practical application for daily Christian living. Perfect for believers seeking scriptural wisdom on controversial lifestyle choices, church leaders addressing congregation questions, and anyone wanting to understand biblical perspectives on modern substance use issues.

Christian parents face one of the most challenging decisions in raising children: choosing between public school, Christian school, or homeschooling. This comprehensive guide explores biblical principles for making educational decisions that honor God while preparing children for life. With students spending 16,000 hours in classrooms from kindergarten through graduation, the educational environment significantly impacts spiritual development and worldview formation.Discover three essential biblical principles that should guide every Christian family's educational choices. Learn how to navigate the tension between being set apart from worldly values while remaining engaged with non-believers for evangelism opportunities. Understand the unique challenges and benefits of both public and Christian education, including how to address secular worldviews that contradict biblical truth and how to avoid the isolation that can come with Christian education.This practical teaching addresses common concerns Christian parents face, including how to protect children from harmful influences while preparing them to defend their faith in a secular world. Find out why intentional discipleship at home matters more than the educational setting, and learn specific strategies for making faith formation a daily priority in family life.Whether you're considering public school, Christian school, or homeschooling, this message provides biblical wisdom for raising children who love Jesus and impact their world. Topics covered include defending biblical truth in secular environments, maintaining evangelistic relationships with non-believers, creating gospel-centered homes, and practical steps for daily discipleship. Perfect for Christian parents, church leaders, and anyone involved in children's ministry or Christian education. Learn how to be faithful stewards of your educational choices while ensuring your home remains a place where the Gospel gets the last word. Discover why both educational paths have potential pitfalls and how intentional parenting can address specific challenges while maximizing benefits.

This message explores whether Christian students can attend non-Christian schools and what factors truly influence children's spiritual development. Learn about the four key influences that shape young people's faith journey: parental modeling, Christian mentors, meaningful service, and peer relationships. Discover research-based insights from studies involving over 3,000 young people about faith retention rates across different educational settings. Understanding biblical parenting principles from Deuteronomy 6, Proverbs 22, and Ephesians 6 for raising children in grace rather than works-righteousness. Explore the benefits and challenges of public schools, Christian schools, and homeschooling from a biblical worldview. Find practical guidance for Christian parents making educational decisions while keeping the gospel central in their children's lives. Learn why strong parental influence matters more than school choice and how to build a foundation that helps children thrive spiritually regardless of educational setting. Discover the importance of Christian mentors during teenage years and how meaningful service develops ownership in faith communities. Get biblical answers about faith formation, discipleship, and preparing children to be salt and light in the world. Perfect for Christian parents, grandparents, educators, and church leaders seeking wisdom about educational choices and spiritual formation of the next generation.

Can Christians participate in war and military service? This comprehensive biblical analysis explores one of the most challenging questions facing believers today. With global conflicts escalating and military tensions at historic highs, understanding the Christian perspective on war, military service, and faith has never been more important.Discover the three main Christian approaches to warfare: pacifism, crusade mentality, and just war theory. Learn how Scripture addresses the role of government, the nature of God's justice and love, and the biblical principles that guide believers through complex moral decisions about military service and warfare.This in-depth study examines key biblical passages including Romans 13, Matthew 5, John 18, and James 4 to understand God's perspective on war, government authority, and Christian responsibility. Explore the historical development of just war theory and its criteria for evaluating when military action might be morally justified from a Christian worldview.Whether you're a military member, military family, or simply seeking to understand how faith intersects with questions of war and peace, this biblical perspective provides thoughtful analysis of Scripture's teaching on these difficult topics. Learn about the root causes of war in human sinfulness, God's establishment of government authority, and how Christians can honor military service while maintaining biblical convictions.Key topics covered include: Christian pacifism vs just war theory, biblical view of government authority, moral criteria for warfare, supporting military families, prayer for service members, Old Testament vs New Testament perspectives on war, Jesus' teaching on violence and peace, Romans 13 and government authority, moral decision-making for Christians, faith and military service, biblical ethics and warfare, Christian response to global conflict, and practical application of biblical principles to modern military questions.This biblical teaching helps believers navigate the tension between following Jesus' call to love enemies while recognizing government's God-given authority to protect citizens and maintain justice. Perfect for military chaplains, service members, military families, pastors, and anyone seeking to understand how Christian faith applies to questions of war, peace, and military service in today's world.

Can Christians serve in the military? This age-old question challenges believers who must balance Jesus' command to love enemies with living in a world where military force is sometimes necessary for protection and peace. This biblical perspective explores the relationship between Christian faith and military service, examining why wars exist and what role believers can play.The root cause of all conflict isn't found in advanced weapons or political systems but in the sinful human heart. The same tendencies that make us fight over parking spots or coffee orders create conditions for larger wars between nations. Understanding this helps us see why God established government and military authority as tools to maintain order and protect innocent people from evil.Scripture provides clear examples of faithful soldiers, including the Roman centurion commended by Jesus and Cornelius, described as devout and God-fearing while serving in the military. John the Baptist didn't tell soldiers to abandon their service but to serve with integrity. These biblical precedents suggest military service can be compatible with Christian faith when conducted with proper motives.Throughout church history, Christians have taken three main positions on war: holy wars, pacifism, and just war theory. Most believers today accept that Christians may participate in just wars - conflicts fought for protection and restoration rather than conquest or revenge. However, war becomes unjust when motivated by ambition, power, or profit, or when it targets civilians and ignores mercy.The key principle is that a Christian's ultimate loyalty must be to Christ rather than country. When earthly orders conflict with God's commands, believers must be prepared to obey God rather than man, even at personal cost. This may require becoming a conscientious objector or resisting unjust authority, as demonstrated by heroes like Dietrich Bonhoeffer.For veterans and active military personnel struggling with questions about their service, the gospel offers complete forgiveness and peace. Whatever burden of conscience exists was carried by Jesus on the cross, covering all the complex moral situations soldiers face.While earthly conflicts continue, the most important battle has already been won through Christ's victory over sin, death, and the devil. His resurrection provides hope that true peace will ultimately come not through military might but when the Prince of Peace returns. Until then, Christians can support those who serve justly while maintaining their witness and working toward peace.This biblical examination helps believers understand how to balance patriotism with ultimate loyalty to Christ, support military personnel while pursuing peace, and find hope in Christ's ultimate victory over all conflict.

Discover how Christians can navigate the complex intersection of faith and politics in today's divided world. This comprehensive guide explores biblical principles for political engagement, addressing common questions about Christian citizenship, government authority, and political disagreements within the church. Learn about dual citizenship as believers in both God's eternal kingdom and earthly nations, and understand when Scripture calls for submission to governing authorities versus obedience to God above human commands. Explore key biblical principles that should inform Christian political thinking, including protecting human life, supporting biblical marriage and family, and caring for vulnerable populations. Find practical wisdom for handling political disagreements with fellow believers while maintaining church unity. Discover how to avoid political echo chambers and engage graciously with Christians who hold different political views. This message provides essential guidance for believers seeking to be salt and light in their political engagement while keeping Christ as their ultimate hope.

Navigating faith and politics as a Christian can feel overwhelming, especially when political tensions run high and believers struggle with how their faith should influence their voting decisions. This comprehensive guide explores the biblical perspective on government, citizenship, and political engagement for followers of Jesus Christ. Discover what the Bible actually says about government's role and God's expectations for political leaders. Learn why Scripture emphasizes justice over religious promotion, and how even non-Christian leaders can fulfill God's purposes when they protect the innocent and punish wrongdoing. Explore biblical examples from Acts showing how pagan officials protected early Christians through just governance.Understand the four key biblical commands for Christian citizens: obeying laws, praying for leaders, showing respect in disagreement, and speaking truth when necessary. These principles apply whether you lean conservative or liberal, Republican or Democrat.This teaching addresses the challenging question of whether Christians can vote for either major political party. Learn why believers can support Democratic candidates while speaking against abortion injustice, and why Christians can vote Republican while refusing to excuse hatred or immoral behavior. Discover the dangers of partisan blindness that excuses sin in your preferred party while magnifying flaws in the opposition.Explore practical applications for Christian political engagement, including how to consume political media without becoming snarky or dismissive, how to pray for leaders you disagree with, and how to maintain consistent moral standards regardless of party affiliation. Learn to engage political discussions with Christ-like character rather than partisan defensiveness.This biblical approach to politics emphasizes our ultimate citizenship in heaven, which should free us from political anxiety while motivating gracious engagement. Whether you're conservative, liberal, or somewhere in between, discover how to let your identity as a citizen of God's kingdom shape your earthly political involvement.Perfect for Christians struggling with political decisions, church leaders addressing political tensions, or anyone seeking a biblical framework for faithful citizenship. Learn to be distinctly different from secular political engagement through humility, respect, and consistent moral standards that point others toward the ultimate King who rules with perfect justice and boundless grace.

Can Christians date or marry non-Christians? This comprehensive biblical analysis explores one of the most common relationship questions facing believers today. Discover what the Old Testament and New Testament teach about interfaith relationships, dating outside your faith, and Christian marriage principles.Learn about the three typical outcomes when Christians enter relationships with non-believers: spiritual compromise, ongoing tension, or evangelistic opportunity. Understand the difference between Old Testament prohibitions and New Testament principles, including the real meaning behind being unequally yoked and what it means to marry only in the Lord.This message examines biblical examples like King Solomon's downfall through interfaith marriage and provides practical wisdom for navigating modern Christian dating. Whether you're single, dating, or married, discover how to prioritize your relationship with Jesus Christ while making wise relationship decisions.

Should Christians date or marry non-believers? This comprehensive guide explores what the Bible says about interfaith relationships and mixed marriages. Discover God's original design for marriage as a reflection of Christ's relationship with the church and why this matters for Christian dating.Learn the key differences between Old Testament and New Testament teachings on marrying unbelievers. The Old Testament clearly warned against mixed marriages, using examples like Solomon whose wives turned his heart from God. The New Testament takes a more nuanced approach, emphasizing making decisions in the Lord while not explicitly forbidding such relationships.Explore the three common outcomes of mixed marriages: drift (believer moves away from faith), rift (growing tension between spouses), or gift (both come to faith). Get practical advice for Christians already in mixed marriages, including how to love unconditionally, invite gently to faith, and share positively about your relationship with God.This biblical perspective addresses common questions about being unequally yoked, dating non-Christians, interfaith marriage challenges, and how to navigate relationship decisions as a believer. Whether you're single, dating, or married to a non-believer, discover how to align your relationships with God's design while understanding His heart of love and protection behind biblical relationship guidance.

Statistics show that thriving churches have more than twice the percentage of serving members compared to stagnant ones. This message explores why service isn't just about filling volunteer slots—it's essential spiritual exercise that transforms both individuals and communities.Journey through the inspiring biblical account of Nehemiah, who coordinated the seemingly impossible task of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls in just 52 days. Learn how this ancient story provides a perfect model for modern church ministry, where everyone contributes their unique gifts to build God's Kingdom. From priests to perfume makers, politicians to daughters helping their fathers—each person simply worked on the section directly in front of them.Understand why your specific talents and abilities matter in God's grand design. Whether you're gifted with children, hospitality, music, technology, or countless other skills, your contribution is an irreplaceable piece of the whole. Explore the dangers of service imbalance in churches where less than 25% of members actively participate, creating burnout and instability.This message offers practical guidance for discovering your place of service and taking your first steps toward making a difference. Learn how your seemingly small contribution, when combined with others, creates something beautiful that points people to Jesus—the one who takes away our disgrace and offers eternal life.