Crosswinds Church in Plainfield Illinois is dedicated to teaching, living and connecting people with Jesus. Pastors John Stillman and Ken Schultz lead preaching for Crosswinds Church and regularly distribute audio content via this channel. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds Copyright 2008 Crosswinds Church Plainfield, IL en-us Sun, 25 Jul 2010 13:19:00 -0500 info@xwindschurch.org Thu, 22 Jul 2010 11:11:31 -0500 FeedForAll v2.0 (2.0.2.9) http://www.feedforall.com Crosswinds Church: Sermon Audio Channel Crosswinds Church in Plainfield is dedicated to teaching, living and connecting people with Jesus. Pastors John Stillman and Ken Schultz lead preaching for Crosswinds Church and regularly distributes audio content via this channel. Pastors: John Stillman and Ken Schultz Crosswinds Church info@xwindschurch.org Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman http://www.xwindschurch.org/Pics/feeds/podcast-audio.png http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds Crosswinds Church: Sermon Audio Channel 141 141 Some think that repentance is just for "big" sins or big sinners, or something that happens only once in a believer’s life. In this message, Pastor John begins a series of messages from Matthew’s gospel that will help us unlock the blessings of the Kingdom. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feed/20100718.mp3 41ADE149-FCF6-4704-A662-29BEE810CAC9 Sun, 18 Jul 2010 11:10:44 -0500 Keys to the Kingdom: Preparing for the King - Matthew 3:1-12 Some think that repentance is just for "big" sins or big sinners, or something that happens only once in a believer’s life. In this message, Pastor John begins a series of messages from Matthew’s gospel that will help us unlock the blessings of the Kingdom. 44:23 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman 1 Peter was written to Christians scattered like seeds in the world. As we live out our lives wherever God places us, Peter shares three legacies that belong to Christians who have been born of the imperishable seed of the gospel. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20100711.mp3 6D0482DD-AD0A-4771-B92B-26941C188719 Sun, 11 Jul 2010 11:10:43 -0500 Seeds of Hope: Legacy Lives - 1 Peter 1 1 Peter was written to Christians scattered like seeds in the world. As we live out our lives wherever God places us, Peter shares three legacies that belong to Christians who have been born of the imperishable seed of the gospel. 41:26 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman As we finish up our time in our current building and prepare to begin a new phase in our history as Crosswinds, Pastor John focuses today’s message on reasons to be hopeful no matter where we are located as a congregation. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20100704.mp3 67DF89A5-1D45-469E-B68F-910F8200B0FF Sun, 4 Jul 2010 11:10:42 -0500 Seeds of Hope: Legacy Churches - 1 Peter 1:23-25; Acts 11:19-26 As we finish up our time in our current building and prepare to begin a new phase in our history as Crosswinds, Pastor John focuses today’s message on reasons to be hopeful no matter where we are located as a congregation. 18:55 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman As we finish up our time in our current building and prepare to begin a new phase in our history as Crosswinds, Pastor John focuses today’s message on reasons to be hopeful no matter where we are located as a congregation. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20100627.mp3 50F7C479-4597-44FA-8142-0B1AEC78F86E Sun, 27 Jun 2010 11:10:41 -0500 Seeds of Hope - 1 Corinthians 3:5-11 As we finish up our time in our current building and prepare to begin a new phase in our history as Crosswinds, Pastor John focuses today’s message on reasons to be hopeful no matter where we are located as a congregation. 41:07 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Ephesians is all about God’s eternal plan to build a new society. The letter closes with a warning to be on the lookout for the enemy who wants to trip up God’s children, and some encouraging words on how to stand firm. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20100620.mp3 8B05FFA5-14F5-42E4-ADF4-29F9A5AA0CF1 Sun, 20 Jun 2010 20:28:46 -0500 God the Builder: Standing Your Ground - Ephesians 6:10-20 Ephesians is all about God’s eternal plan to build a new society. The letter closes with a warning to be on the lookout for the enemy who wants to trip up God’s children, and some encouraging words on how to stand firm. 40:57 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman After addressing husbands and wives, Paul’s next topic is parenting that is influenced by the gospel (notice the order: marriage and then children). In this message, Pastor John talks to "Pastor Dad," giving Biblical advice on how to establish boundaries and guidelines so your sons and daughters can receive God’s blessings. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20100613.mp3 D618211E-952B-4AB6-BE27-1565620847AA Sun, 13 Jun 2010 20:27:28 -0500 God the Builder: Rebuilding the Family II - Ephesians 6:1-4 After addressing husbands and wives, Paul’s next topic is parenting that is influenced by the gospel (notice the order: marriage and then children). In this message, Pastor John talks to "Pastor Dad," giving Biblical advice on how to establish boundaries and guidelines so your sons and daughters can receive God’s blessings. 45:29 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman As we have been studying Ephesians, we’ve seen that the gospel creates a new society. In today message, Pastor John shares how that new society brings reformation into the most intimate parts of the old society and provides the foundation of a healthy marriage. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20100606.mp3 AF5CD512-8220-42C0-BFBE-28D393D68309 Sun, 6 Jun 2010 16:45:59 -0500 God the Builder: Rebuilding the Family - Ephesians 5:22-33 As we have been studying Ephesians, we’ve seen that the gospel creates a new society. In today message, Pastor John shares how that new society brings reformation into the most intimate parts of the old society and provides the foundation of a healthy marriage. 45:21 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman In today’s message Deceptive Light and Defeating Darkness we learn from Jesus that as we grow in our faith we need to be careful not to be deceived by false Light and we need to tell people how we were set free from darkness. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20100530.mp3 34BBB784-6B30-44C6-8CD9-024E13AD9A2A Sun, 30 May 2010 14:12:51 -0500 Good Soldiers: Deceptive Light & Defeating Darkness - John 9 In today’s message Deceptive Light and Defeating Darkness we learn from Jesus that as we grow in our faith we need to be careful not to be deceived by false Light and we need to tell people how we were set free from darkness. 49:40 Ken Schultz Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no Ken Schultz In today’s message 'Saved To Serve' Pastor Ken reminds us that we are called ministry. He shares with us one of Paul’s last letter 2 Timothy 2 which teaches us to get our strength from God’s grace and to be reliable and pass on our faith to other reliable men and women who will also teach others through God’s word. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20100523.mp3 9A60296D-1DB6-4707-90D3-511EE85CA97B Sun, 23 May 2010 13:12:16 -0500 Good Soldiers: Saved to Serve - 2 Timothy 2 In today’s message 'Saved To Serve' Pastor Ken reminds us that we are called ministry. He shares with us one of Paul’s last letter 2 Timothy 2 which teaches us to get our strength from God’s grace and to be reliable and pass on our faith to other reliable men and women who will also teach others through God’s word. 49:28 Ken Schultz Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no Ken Schultz The victorious Christian life involves leaving behind an old way of life marked by spiritual ignorance and sin, and walking in new life "created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." In this message, Pastor John explores the truth of the gospel in Jesus how He gives us victory over the "old man" that lives in each one of us. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20100509.mp3 F94A5344-747A-441C-950C-18D7EF40F21B Sun, 9 May 2010 08:52:14 -0500 God the Builder: Retooling for Purity - Ephesians 4:17-5:6 The victorious Christian life involves leaving behind an old way of life marked by spiritual ignorance and sin, and walking in new life "created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." In this message, Pastor John explores the truth of the gospel in Jesus how He gives us victory over the "old man" that lives in each one of us. 41:07 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Christians are called to belong to Jesus. But too many Christians neglect their connection to the body of Christ, or highlight their differences with other believers - and that promotes disunity. In this message, Pastor John shares what Scripture says about the source of unity and God’s purpose for diversity. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20100502.mp3 C8FE36D5-D461-4FF3-B536-30043770D290 Sun, 2 May 2010 10:10:30 -0500 God the Builder: Retooling for Growth - Ephesians 4:1-16 Christians are called to belong to Jesus. But too many Christians neglect their connection to the body of Christ, or highlight their differences with other believers - and that promotes disunity. In this message, Pastor John shares what Scripture says about the source of unity and God’s purpose for diversity. 43:12 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Paul begins Ephesians with a focus on God’s will and eternal plan to bless us with adoption and an inheritance as His children. As Paul explains who God is, we are led to bless and worship the God who blessed us first. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20100411.mp3 818B9434-DF1B-498F-ACE5-F40E0E5E2A6E Sun, 11 Apr 2010 11:27:58 -0500 God the Builder: Rethinking Worship - Ephesians 1:1-14 Paul begins Ephesians with a focus on God’s will and eternal plan to bless us with adoption and an inheritance as His children. As Paul explains who God is, we are led to bless and worship the God who blessed us first. 40:19 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman What is life all about? Where are we headed? If you knew the future, wouldn’t it change the way you live today? In this last chapter of Daniel’s prophecy, Daniel seeks to understand at a personal level what the outcome of everything will be. In this message, Pastor John explains what Daniel is told will happen, and how Jesus’ resurrection gives Christians hope. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20100404.mp3 D4F4F90D-BAFA-455B-9910-9FB83C1770D6 Sun, 4 Apr 2010 22:16:12 -0500 Future History: Your Future Will Soon Be History - Daniel 12 What is life all about? Where are we headed? If you knew the future, wouldn’t it change the way you live today? In this last chapter of Daniel’s prophecy, Daniel seeks to understand at a personal level what the outcome of everything will be. In this message, Pastor John explains what Daniel is told will happen, and how Jesus’ resurrection gives Christians hope. 39:14 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman King Jesus rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to shouts of praise and honor. In today’s message, Pastor John will explain how King Jesus loves us enough to accept us as is, and loves us too much to leave us as is. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20100328.mp3 42D447D8-C2D0-4BFC-B896-631236578C15 Sun, 28 Mar 2010 16:30:10 -0500 Future History: King Jesus - Luke 19:29-40 King Jesus rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to shouts of praise and honor. In today’s message, Pastor John will explain how King Jesus loves us enough to accept us as is, and loves us too much to leave us as is. 39:05 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Scripture says that a time of great tribulation is coming to the world. In this part of Daniel’s prophecy, he encourages us to live with urgency and help people understand Jesus. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20100321.mp3 ACEB3391-83C1-40C1-9B40-AC3B451A67BD Sun, 21 Mar 2010 10:02:52 -0500 Future History: Tribulation - pt. ii - Daniel 11 Scripture says that a time of great tribulation is coming to the world. In this part of Daniel’s prophecy, he encourages us to live with urgency and help people understand Jesus. 31:52 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman We live in times that exhibit many of the signs Jesus said would exist before His return. Sometimes we personally feel the pain of tribulation. In this message, Pastor John shares three things you need to understand in order to stay in God’s will and survive tribulation. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20100314.mp3 58DE0E4E-DCFC-4217-909D-177BB9CE963A Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:52:35 -0500 Future History: Tribulation - Daniel 10 We live in times that exhibit many of the signs Jesus said would exist before His return. Sometimes we personally feel the pain of tribulation. In this message, Pastor John shares three things you need to understand in order to stay in God’s will and survive tribulation. 44:49 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Daniel is an account of visions that God gave to men like Nebuchadnezzar and Daniel. What’s important to keep in mind, though, is that Christianity is not primarily a vision-religion, but a book-religion. In this message, Pastor John talks about how we are blessed as "people of the book." http://www.xwindchurch.org/feeds/20100307.mp3 1B38583A-C543-4F99-A901-9FB0C25DBAA5 Sun, 7 Mar 2010 09:38:33 -0600 Future History: The People of the Book - Daniel 9 Daniel is an account of visions that God gave to men like Nebuchadnezzar and Daniel. What’s important to keep in mind, though, is that Christianity is not primarily a vision-religion, but a book-religion. In this message, Pastor John talks about how we are blessed as "people of the book." 43:16 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman History provides many examples of winners who really end up losing. In this message, Pastor John shares how we are better served by humility. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20100228.mp3 FA133483-9809-4C27-A3D0-493315BDB788 Sun, 28 Feb 2010 10:36:27 -0600 Future History: More Than Conquerors - Daniel 8 History provides many examples of winners who really end up losing. In this message, Pastor John shares how we are better served by humility. 42:11 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Daniel 7 begins a detailed prophetic view of human history from heaven’s perspective. In this message, Pastor John shows how Jesus’ authority over the powers of evil can give us hope when Satan wants to wear out the saints of God. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20100221.mp3 07EB6F71-DB16-4471-B84D-D8EB66523721 Sun, 21 Feb 2010 15:02:36 -0600 Future History: The Powers of Good and Evil: Past, Present, and Future - Daniel 7 Daniel 7 begins a detailed prophetic view of human history from heaven’s perspective. In this message, Pastor John shows how Jesus’ authority over the powers of evil can give us hope when Satan wants to wear out the saints of God. 44:38 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Daniel 6 highlights a truth that Jesus taught - that Christians will be hated for the sake of the gospel. But there is a more powerful companion truth that we are loved for the sake of the gospel. In this message, Pastor John shows how the habit of prayer gives us hope to cling to when we are hated. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20100214.mp3 D298DD50-041C-48D9-91EF-39E2AB473498 Sun, 14 Feb 2010 08:31:25 -0600 Future History: Hated and Loved for the Sake of the Gospel - Daniel 6 Daniel 6 highlights a truth that Jesus taught - that Christians will be hated for the sake of the gospel. But there is a more powerful companion truth that we are loved for the sake of the gospel. In this message, Pastor John shows how the habit of prayer gives us hope to cling to when we are hated. 39:14 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman God is a patient parent - more patient than any person on earth. But his patience will not last forever. 2 Peter 3:9-10 says, "God is patient, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come." In this message, Pastor John shares how we should learn a lesson about fate from a playboy king. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20100207.mp3 D21B314A-4EFE-4257-A4B9-953C96B71643 Sun, 7 Feb 2010 17:04:36 -0600 Future History: The Fate of the Union, Part 2 - Daniel 5 God is a patient parent - more patient than any person on earth. But his patience will not last forever. 2 Peter 3:9-10 says, "God is patient, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come." In this message, Pastor John shares how we should learn a lesson about fate from a playboy king. 45:24 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman In Daniel 4, Nebuchadnezzar gets a clear vision of his pride that literally brings him to his knees. In this message Pastor John shares three attitudes of pride that God wants us to see and correct in our own lives. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20100131.mp3 0D504D30-C16A-4EF1-97A9-85A8EAF3D03C Sun, 31 Jan 2010 11:55:19 -0600 Future History: The Fate of the Union, Part 1 - Daniel 4 In Daniel 4, Nebuchadnezzar gets a clear vision of his pride that literally brings him to his knees. In this message Pastor John shares three attitudes of pride that God wants us to see and correct in our own lives. 40:35 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Scripture says that in the end times the antichrist will attempt to establish a world-wide religion as a sign of his control. The same thing happened in Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylon in the 6th century B.C. In this message, Pastor John shares how the gospel has the power to save us from life’s trials. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20100124.mp3 1AA81587-DCD1-4163-BA2B-62725CE833C0 Sun, 24 Jan 2010 09:06:09 -0600 Future History: Tough Choices in Tough Times - Daniel 3 Scripture says that in the end times the antichrist will attempt to establish a world-wide religion as a sign of his control. The same thing happened in Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylon in the 6th century B.C. In this message, Pastor John shares how the gospel has the power to save us from life’s trials. 36:43 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Sometimes, it may feel like your very life depends on hearing from the Lord. This was the situation that Daniel faced when the king demanded to know the meaning of his dream of the future kingdoms of the world. In this message, Pastor John shares how prayer is our way of communicating with the ruler of history and the revealer of mysteries. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20100117.mp3 AEC3C5C9-CB63-4EB1-919C-AB1D97ED1DEE Sun, 17 Jan 2010 12:41:12 -0600 Future History: Help! I need to hear from you, God! - Daniel 2 Sometimes, it may feel like your very life depends on hearing from the Lord. This was the situation that Daniel faced when the king demanded to know the meaning of his dream of the future kingdoms of the world. In this message, Pastor John shares how prayer is our way of communicating with the ruler of history and the revealer of mysteries. 46:08 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman This time every year, there are a host of predictions of what the coming year will be like. This time of year also sees us making a number of resolutions about how we will live and change our lives in the coming year. This is what Daniel is all about - there are predictions of the future and there is resolve to live in a way that honors God in light of those predictions. In this message, Pastor John shares how, as a teenager, Daniel chose to live with character not just because of what God had done in the past, but because of what he knew God was going to do in the future. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20100110.mp3 3CBA5547-95DA-4E87-ACC8-1B410C3F9EA3 Sun, 10 Jan 2010 09:40:04 -0600 Future History: Welcome to Your Future! - Daniel 1 This time every year, there are a host of predictions of what the coming year will be like. This time of year also sees us making a number of resolutions about how we will live and change our lives in the coming year. This is what Daniel is all about - there are predictions of the future and there is resolve to live in a way that honors God in light of those predictions. In this message, Pastor John shares how, as a teenager, Daniel chose to live with character not just because of what God had done in the past, but because of what he knew God was going to do in the future. 45:02 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman In this week’s message "No Junk for Jesus," Pastor Ken encourages the Church to give the best themselves to God in 2010. We are to pour out our lives for the one who poured our His life for us. That worshiping at Jesus feet is our primary Joy and what gives us the strength to Love our neighbors. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20100103.mp3 43F16D94-0EA2-4DD9-8CFE-AB333A1CBDDD Sun, 3 Jan 2010 12:15:21 -0600 No Junk For Jesus - Matthew 26:6-15 In this week’s message "No Junk for Jesus," Pastor Ken encourages the Church to give the best themselves to God in 2010. We are to pour out our lives for the one who poured our His life for us. That worshiping at Jesus feet is our primary Joy and what gives us the strength to Love our neighbors. 39:29 Ken Schultz Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no Ken Schultz Do you believe God is grumpy and ready to whack you instantly when you do wrong? That is not the God of the bible. The God we serve is patient and loving. He is slow to anger and quick to bless. This message by Pastor Ken is from Luke chapter 15 which tells of God who is searching to restore that which is lost and is lavish with love towards his sons and daughters that rebel and repent. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20091227.mp3 FE53ADBC-9088-416C-86DA-5CBC425BA586 Sun, 27 Dec 2009 12:15:20 -0600 Prodigal - Luke 15:11-31 Do you believe God is grumpy and ready to whack you instantly when you do wrong? That is not the God of the bible. The God we serve is patient and loving. He is slow to anger and quick to bless. This message by Pastor Ken is from Luke chapter 15 which tells of God who is searching to restore that which is lost and is lavish with love towards his sons and daughters that rebel and repent. 31:06 Ken Schultz Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no Ken Schultz Christmas is a day or two away from the normal grind and activities, but after the tree has been taken down and the lights are turned off, what will you have? In this message, Pastor John shares how coming home for Christmas is not a one-day-a-year holiday, but a lifetime experience of God’s presence. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20091220.mp3 670A8A21-E8B1-4F6D-A624-FDC2DB4BC299 Sun, 20 Dec 2009 15:26:29 -0600 An Ancient Holiday for Today's World: I'll be home for Christmas - Matthew 2:13-15,19-23 Christmas is a day or two away from the normal grind and activities, but after the tree has been taken down and the lights are turned off, what will you have? In this message, Pastor John shares how coming home for Christmas is not a one-day-a-year holiday, but a lifetime experience of God’s presence. 39:24 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Suffering is a common, everyday kind of condition, but one that seems even more acute at Christmas when we’re supposed to be having happy times, parties, fun, and family. In this message, Pastor John shares how suffering is connected to Christmas and how Jesus is our Christmas Comforter. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20091213.mp3 ECE8B944-7023-4076-AAD9-C74C1246582B Sun, 13 Dec 2009 10:44:34 -0600 An Ancient Holiday for Today's World: Christmas Comforter - Matthew 2:7-8; 13-18 Suffering is a common, everyday kind of condition, but one that seems even more acute at Christmas when we’re supposed to be having happy times, parties, fun, and family. In this message, Pastor John shares how suffering is connected to Christmas and how Jesus is our Christmas Comforter. 39:16 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman The wise men came looking for the Prince of Peace in Bethlehem. In this message, Pastor John shares how we can move from bedlam to Bethlehem through worshiping Jesus. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20091206.mp3 54A6FC0C-611D-47B1-AA47-0FE008077771 Sun, 6 Dec 2009 13:28:54 -0600 An Ancient Holiday for Today's World: From Bedlam to Bethlehem - Matthew 2:1-12 The wise men came looking for the Prince of Peace in Bethlehem. In this message, Pastor John shares how we can move from bedlam to Bethlehem through worshiping Jesus. 43:54 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman The virgin birth of Jesus has been challenged by skeptics as preposterous - a fairy tale. But as we work to understand the significance of the incarnation, we discover its relevance for giving us the courage we need to have Jesus in our life. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20091129.mp3 A0164B7B-108D-495D-A0EA-9CA99DA88FFE Sun, 29 Nov 2009 16:42:12 -0600 An Ancient Holiday for Today's World: Snow White Christmas - Matthew 1:18-25 The virgin birth of Jesus has been challenged by skeptics as preposterous - a fairy tale. But as we work to understand the significance of the incarnation, we discover its relevance for giving us the courage we need to have Jesus in our life. 31:06 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman We say that Christmas is for giving gifts to our friends and family. In this message, Pastor John shares the best gift we can ever get and give. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20091122.mp3 7259E700-15A0-4DB7-BCAC-17882BFA16A8 Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:55:50 -0600 An Ancient Holiday for Today's World: Christmas is Forgiving - Matthew 1:21 We say that Christmas is for giving gifts to our friends and family. In this message, Pastor John shares the best gift we can ever get and give. 40:05 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Joseph had a dream of getting married, having children, setting up a successful business, and being a faithful follower of the Lord. But his dreams were shattered with the news of Mary’s pregnancy. We have images of what’s perfect, but those dreams are sometimes shattered by bad news or unmet expectations. In this message, Pastor John shares how when things don’t work out like we had planned, that’s when we learn that God has new and better plans for us. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20091115.mp3 5AEC6EAA-8CE5-40F3-8D83-7DB11F73D8EF Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:05:01 -0600 An Ancient Holiday for Today's World: Sugar Plums and Shattered Dreams - Matthew 1:18-25 Joseph had a dream of getting married, having children, setting up a successful business, and being a faithful follower of the Lord. But his dreams were shattered with the news of Mary’s pregnancy. We have images of what’s perfect, but those dreams are sometimes shattered by bad news or unmet expectations. In this message, Pastor John shares how when things don’t work out like we had planned, that’s when we learn that God has new and better plans for us. 45:45 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Christmas is an ancient holiday, dating back to even before Jesus’ birth. It goes back to Garden of Eden when God promised our first parents that He would provide a deliverer who would defeat sin, death, and the power of the devil. In this message, Pastor John shares how the gospel is declared in Jesus’ genealogy. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20091108.mp3 F8DFD277-5524-4428-90F2-A9720582BEFF Sun, 8 Nov 2009 13:24:44 -0600 An Ancient Holiday for Today's World: Christmas is for Little People - Matthew 1:1-17 Christmas is an ancient holiday, dating back to even before Jesus’ birth. It goes back to Garden of Eden when God promised our first parents that He would provide a deliverer who would defeat sin, death, and the power of the devil. In this message, Pastor John shares how the gospel is declared in Jesus’ genealogy. 39:40 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Times of economic meltdown are a good time to evaluate our giving to ministry and the poor. In this message, Pastor John shares a comprehensive strategy for generosity in times of economic scarcity that leads to joy. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20091025.mp3 FA2D7990-7896-4508-8792-9BC6A41B8A40 Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:57:11 -0500 Surviving the Meltdown: Generosity in Scarcity - Habakkuk 3:17-18; Deuteronomy 26:1-11 Times of economic meltdown are a good time to evaluate our giving to ministry and the poor. In this message, Pastor John shares a comprehensive strategy for generosity in times of economic scarcity that leads to joy. 34:38 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Babylonian-like culture is filled with pride and idolatry that bring destruction, blaming, and shame. In this message, Pastor John shows how Jesus is filled with glory and provides comfort by completely removing our shame. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20091018.mp3 587FA4BC-1170-42CE-AF73-8A3AFDE7F5A6 Sun, 18 Oct 2009 08:44:36 -0500 Surviving the Meltdown: The Culture of Pride - Habakkuk 2:5-20 Babylonian-like culture is filled with pride and idolatry that bring destruction, blaming, and shame. In this message, Pastor John shows how Jesus is filled with glory and provides comfort by completely removing our shame. 39:13 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman One of the hardest things about going through evil times and difficulty is the waiting. The pain is deepened by the uncertainty of not knowing when it will be over. From this portion of Scripture, we can discover four skills for waiting on the Lord. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20091011.mp3 6779B420-7C64-4E5B-AC10-B062DDCB4FE4 Sun, 11 Oct 2009 23:05:27 -0500 Surviving the Meltdown: Waiting and living by faith - Habakkuk 2:1-4 One of the hardest things about going through evil times and difficulty is the waiting. The pain is deepened by the uncertainty of not knowing when it will be over. From this portion of Scripture, we can discover four skills for waiting on the Lord. 35:30 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Scripture is filled with stories of political, economic, environmental, and social meltdown. In this message, Pastor John introduces the prophet Habakkuk and how we can survive when it seems that God is doing nothing. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20091004.mp3 4EEC3059-E245-4B48-AA4B-1E8F3880888A Sun, 4 Oct 2009 21:48:04 -0500 Surviving the Meltdown: Why does God do nothing? - Habakkuk 1:1-2:1 Scripture is filled with stories of political, economic, environmental, and social meltdown. In this message, Pastor John introduces the prophet Habakkuk and how we can survive when it seems that God is doing nothing. 38:01 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman This week’s message is from Luke Chapter 18. Pastor Ken teaches the elements for success in the growth in the early church. The topic is evangelism and the secret is relationships. That the church must not isolate from the world but bring to the world the holy presence of God that live in the believer. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20090927.mp3 214E7EBE-A21A-4982-A85F-F80E7BD32764 Sun, 27 Sep 2009 12:11:20 -0500 Essential Elements for Growth: "Evangelism" - Acts 2:42; Luke 18 This week’s message is from Luke Chapter 18. Pastor Ken teaches the elements for success in the growth in the early church. The topic is evangelism and the secret is relationships. That the church must not isolate from the world but bring to the world the holy presence of God that live in the believer. 37:37 Ken Schultz Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no Ken Schultz Who are you? Pastor Ken shares how you can discover who your really are in this ever changing world by remembering who God created you to be. Instead of trying to find yourself in you own "I"dentity we are to find ourselves in the "We" which is in fellowship with the trinity and God’s people who reflect His image. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20090920.mp3 3481A4A9-C21F-4195-9B4B-8F0036A8C55F Sun, 20 Sep 2009 09:57:57 -0500 Essential Elements for Growth: "Fellowship" - Acts 2:42 Who are you? Pastor Ken shares how you can discover who your really are in this ever changing world by remembering who God created you to be. Instead of trying to find yourself in you own "I"dentity we are to find ourselves in the "We" which is in fellowship with the trinity and God’s people who reflect His image. 44:11 Ken Schultz Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no Ken Schultz In this second message on the essential elements for growth, Pastor John talks about how ministry within a small group breaks down the barriers that get in the way of growth. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20090913.mp3 0364D4BF-1FEE-4CC8-AD69-38A1B5920730 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 08:03:40 -0500 Essential Elements for Growth: "Ministry" - Acts 2:42 In this second message on the essential elements for growth, Pastor John talks about how ministry within a small group breaks down the barriers that get in the way of growth. 41:12 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman God’s will is for every one of us to grow and mature as a Christian, to become like Jesus. Likewise, God’s will is for our church to grow - both numerically and spiritually. In this message, Pastor John shows how small groups meeting together to study Scripture can break down two common barriers to growth. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20090906.mp3 8710577A-C8E4-4289-A423-283CB0D676B7 Sun, 6 Sep 2009 11:26:50 -0500 Essential Elements for Growth: "Scripture" - Acts 2:42 God’s will is for every one of us to grow and mature as a Christian, to become like Jesus. Likewise, God’s will is for our church to grow - both numerically and spiritually. In this message, Pastor John shows how small groups meeting together to study Scripture can break down two common barriers to growth. 44:13 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman No child on the home team should be a bench warmer. In this last message on the Home Team Advantage, Pastor John teaches about how to prepare our kids for the game of life. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20090830.mp3 949C8BE7-14C7-41AB-AE97-103F5C0E010F Sun, 30 Aug 2009 07:45:55 -0500 the Home Team Advantage: Put me in, Coach! - Proverbs 22:6; 2 Timothy 1:5,12 No child on the home team should be a bench warmer. In this last message on the Home Team Advantage, Pastor John teaches about how to prepare our kids for the game of life. 43:20 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman There are going to be fights, disagreements, disappointments, and discouragements in your family life. In this message, Pastor John teaches how to handle them so that you end up staying together as a family. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20090923.mp3 1EF5CC6B-122A-4F70-820B-02ED3C6731BD Sun, 23 Aug 2009 11:07:19 -0500 the Home Team Advantage: Home is Where the Heart Is - Genesis 4:1-16 There are going to be fights, disagreements, disappointments, and discouragements in your family life. In this message, Pastor John teaches how to handle them so that you end up staying together as a family. 44:20 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Health care reform is a huge debate and crisis for many people in our country right now, but a more persistent social crisis is the spiritual health of our homes and children. In this message, Pastor John teaches on God’s prescription for a healthy home. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feed/20090816.mp3 73321A07-BECF-43F5-B0F9-94501AFF7AE6 Sun, 16 Aug 2009 10:18:43 -0500 the Home Team Advantage: No Place Like Home - Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Health care reform is a huge debate and crisis for many people in our country right now, but a more persistent social crisis is the spiritual health of our homes and children. In this message, Pastor John teaches on God’s prescription for a healthy home. 45:24 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman God gives parents the responsibility and privilege of being the first ones to introduce Him to their children through worship. In this message, Pastor John talks about the joy of parenting in the pew. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20090809.mp3 EEA3578F-C657-4689-8AE6-DEEF28192C69 Sun, 9 Aug 2009 18:33:15 -0500 the Home Team Advantage: Parenting in the Pew - Nehemiah 8:1-10 God gives parents the responsibility and privilege of being the first ones to introduce Him to their children through worship. In this message, Pastor John talks about the joy of parenting in the pew. 42:48 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Scripture commands joyful singing as an act of worship over 200 times. In this message, Pastor John teaches where our joy and gladness come from. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20090802.mp3 C793FD71-8A39-46BD-86C7-7844D07CBF50 Sun, 2 Aug 2009 09:11:38 -0500 the Home Team Advantage: Joy for All People! - Psalm 100 Scripture commands joyful singing as an act of worship over 200 times. In this message, Pastor John teaches where our joy and gladness come from. 37:46 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman The book of Acts begins with Jesus commissioning disciples to spread the gospel to the "ends of the earth." It ends with the gospel in Rome, the capital of the empire. In this final message on Acts, Pastor John teaches that it’s not "mission accomplished," but the mission we continue. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20090726.mp3 7A7E0733-B5B0-485F-8AD9-3F8400BFEAFF Sun, 26 Jul 2009 10:49:34 -0500 Lifer: "We're on a mission from God!" - Acts 28 The book of Acts begins with Jesus commissioning disciples to spread the gospel to the "ends of the earth." It ends with the gospel in Rome, the capital of the empire. In this final message on Acts, Pastor John teaches that it’s not "mission accomplished," but the mission we continue. 47:24 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman These days, you may be in a tight spot financially, with your health, or in a family relationship. In this message, Pastor John looks at three ways God helps us navigate our way out of a tight spot. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20090719.mp3 F1211C23-69A7-46CC-B633-247FF21EFB01 Sun, 19 Jul 2009 10:09:05 -0500 Lifer: We're in a tight spot! - Acts 27; Philippians 4:11-13,19 These days, you may be in a tight spot financially, with your health, or in a family relationship. In this message, Pastor John looks at three ways God helps us navigate our way out of a tight spot. 44:30 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Jesus and religion are often confused as being one and the same."All religions teach basically the same thing," people say. But if you take Jesus out of religion, you’re left with the mess of Christ-less religion. In this message, Pastor John looks at why we preach the gospel. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20090712.mp3 539CFF4A-59A3-40D8-91A1-2DE96A844BBA Sun, 12 Jul 2009 21:45:10 -0500 Lifer: Dead Man Walking - Acts 26; Philippians 3:1-16 Jesus and religion are often confused as being one and the same."All religions teach basically the same thing," people say. But if you take Jesus out of religion, you’re left with the mess of Christ-less religion. In this message, Pastor John looks at why we preach the gospel. 42:07 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Paul knew his rights and responsibilities as a Roman citizen and as a Christian. In this message, Pastor John looks at six spheres of government that affect us all so we can understand Godly government and live carefully and humbly under His authority. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20090705.mp3 B1E42C5A-E5C7-4C20-8EDD-A0F19413D520 Sun, 5 Jul 2009 17:25:26 -0500 Lifer: An Appeal for Godly Government - Acts 25, Genesis 1-12, 1 Timothy 2:1-4 Paul knew his rights and responsibilities as a Roman citizen and as a Christian. In this message, Pastor John looks at six spheres of government that affect us all so we can understand Godly government and live carefully and humbly under His authority. 43:49 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman In many areas of morality, ethics, behavior, sin - the differences between Christians and non-Christians is virtually indistinguishable. And yet, God calls us to "Be holy, as I am holy." In this message, Pastor John looks at how we can live obedient lives and take holiness seriously. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20090628.mp3 3E10E189-60AE-4F8D-832E-D06A41A67359 Sun, 28 Jun 2009 09:38:48 -0500 Lifer: Breaking the Bonds of Disobedience - Acts 24; Philippians 2:12-13 In many areas of morality, ethics, behavior, sin - the differences between Christians and non-Christians is virtually indistinguishable. And yet, God calls us to "Be holy, as I am holy." In this message, Pastor John looks at how we can live obedient lives and take holiness seriously. 37:01 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Pride is a prison that keeps many people from truly enjoying God’s blessings. In this message, Pastor John covers three steps to help us break from pride to humility. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20090621.mp3 5026F227-A610-4189-A718-86F2878F8611 Sun, 21 Jun 2009 10:39:05 -0500 Lifer: Escaping the Prison of Pride - Acts 23; Philippians 2:3-11 Pride is a prison that keeps many people from truly enjoying God’s blessings. In this message, Pastor John covers three steps to help us break from pride to humility. 43:44 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman As Christians, we sometimes shrink back from taking a stand for truth, witnessing for the faith, or being obedient to Scripture because we don’t want to be labeled as fanatics or extremists. In this message, Pastor John talks about how we can gain control over our fears through our identification in Jesus. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20090614.mp3 E80727D4-F146-41E5-9797-559DC26E6637 Sun, 14 Jun 2009 22:31:34 -0500 Lifer: A Curious Case of Mistaken Identity As Christians, we sometimes shrink back from taking a stand for truth, witnessing for the faith, or being obedient to Scripture because we don’t want to be labeled as fanatics or extremists. In this message, Pastor John talks about how we can gain control over our fears through our identification in Jesus. 40:44 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman We’ve all had people misunderstand our motives or actions. We’ve been falsely accused of doing wrong. Maybe you’re going through a financial hardship through no fault of your own. In this message, Pastor John describes how we can survive being wrongfully accused. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20090607.mp3 FAECA0F4-3F96-48CA-AE1F-66A95CF09593 Sun, 7 Jun 2009 21:32:31 -0500 Lifer: Guilty Until Proven Innocent We’ve all had people misunderstand our motives or actions. We’ve been falsely accused of doing wrong. Maybe you’re going through a financial hardship through no fault of your own. In this message, Pastor John describes how we can survive being wrongfully accused. 50:03 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Join us in June and July as we learn life lessons from a prisoner for the Lord. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/LiferPromo.mpg F1742807-359D-4BA9-8DDE-DFC66303EC5A Mon, 1 Jun 2009 21:51:09 -0500 Lifer: Introduction Join us in June and July as we learn life lessons from a prisoner for the Lord. 2:04 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman In a world where everything is changing so rapidly one thing we can count on is God’s love. God’s love is not conditional it is instead constant. We are to learn to love constantly to be more like His son who love people no matter what the circumstances of their lives were. While he did not have acceptance for sin he did love and accept the sinner! http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20090524.mp3 21A987DF-1A82-46D0-91C8-BDB65904D8FD Sun, 24 May 2009 22:42:59 -0500 40 Days of Love:The Secret of Lasting Love - Selected Scriptures In a world where everything is changing so rapidly one thing we can count on is God’s love. God’s love is not conditional it is instead constant. We are to learn to love constantly to be more like His son who love people no matter what the circumstances of their lives were. While he did not have acceptance for sin he did love and accept the sinner! 30:00 Ken Schultz Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no Ken Schultz The Incredible Hulk made anger and rage heroic. Countless little boys (and little girls) and grown boys have "hulked out" and felt powerful. But it’s a false, self-destructive power. In this message, Pastor John describes a more powerful and effective way to manage anger. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20090517.mp3 2D54E8D7-6E35-44EF-ACAA-B13E15183BF6 Sun, 17 May 2009 18:37:11 -0500 40 Days of Love:Love is not Easily Angered - James 1:19-20 The Incredible Hulk made anger and rage heroic. Countless little boys (and little girls) and grown boys have "hulked out" and felt powerful. But it’s a false, self-destructive power. In this message, Pastor John describes a more powerful and effective way to manage anger. 36:30 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Forgiveness is something that we all learn and experience very early in life. Children learn to forgive playground friends, parents forgive children (and children need to forgive parents). In this fourth message on love, Pastor John talks about the value of love that lets it go. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20090510.mp3 CC3AB1AC-31E8-457E-A58B-BE98AC926DB2 Sun, 10 May 2009 13:55:19 -0500 40 Days of Love:Love Lets It Go - Selected Scriptures Forgiveness is something that we all learn and experience very early in life. Children learn to forgive playground friends, parents forgive children (and children need to forgive parents). In this fourth message on love, Pastor John talks about the value of love that lets it go. 40:49 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman In today’s message from the Series 40 Days of Love Pastor Ken shares insights on how to speak truth lovingly. To love people with our speak we need to learn to use honest words, careful words, sincere words, and building words. Our words can either destroy or create and need to be bridled by the power of the Holy Spirit. Speaking the truth in a loving way is hard but we do not grow and others do not grow until we learn to communicate honestly and lovingly. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20090503.mp3 09243D0F-382A-459F-94DE-E8BF766EA43E Sun, 3 May 2009 11:31:34 -0500 40 Days of Love:Love With Your Words - Various Scriptures In today’s message from the Series 40 Days of Love Pastor Ken shares insights on how to speak truth lovingly. To love people with our speak we need to learn to use honest words, careful words, sincere words, and building words. Our words can either destroy or create and need to be bridled by the power of the Holy Spirit. Speaking the truth in a loving way is hard but we do not grow and others do not grow until we learn to communicate honestly and lovingly. 39:17 Ken Schultz Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no Ken Schultz Jesus wants you and me to be experts at love. In this message, Pastor John explores three ways that we can imitate Jesus as expert lovers of others. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20090426.mp3 8556C28A-2DF3-44AC-A3AE-94145DCC4ED6 Sun, 26 Apr 2009 11:38:03 -0500 40 Days of Love:Loving Like Jesus Loves Me - Various Scriptures Jesus wants you and me to be experts at love. In this message, Pastor John explores three ways that we can imitate Jesus as expert lovers of others. 46:18 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman God put you here on earth to do two things: to learn to love Him and to learn to love other people. In this message, Pastor John shares three reasons why love matters most. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20090419.mp3 922E1F01-B775-4790-863B-0DB53881952E Sun, 19 Apr 2009 22:12:36 -0500 40 Days of Love:Love Matters Most - 1 John 3:16-20 God put you here on earth to do two things: to learn to love Him and to learn to love other people. In this message, Pastor John shares three reasons why love matters most. 39:11 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no On Easter morning, Jesus rose from death. What does that mean for us? In this message, Pastor John looks at what Jesus has taken away and what He gives right now to those who trust in Him. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20090412.mp3 EE1A4A1F-5202-47C5-A93A-B9093622BCF2 Sun, 12 Apr 2009 11:12:32 -0500 Re:do - Selected Scriptures On Easter morning, Jesus rose from death. What does that mean for us? In this message, Pastor John looks at what Jesus has taken away and what He gives right now to those who trust in Him. 35:11 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman How should we remember-honor-memorialize Jesus? In this message, Pastor John looks at the first Lord’s Supper (Communion) and remembers that Jesus has rescued us from Satan, sin, and death. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20090405.mp3 CB9B313A-C4BA-4EEC-A8B2-68F7F4C7103D Sun, 5 Apr 2009 21:40:56 -0500 Re:member - Luke 22:1-34 How should we remember-honor-memorialize Jesus? In this message, Pastor John looks at the first Lord’s Supper (Communion) and remembers that Jesus has rescued us from Satan, sin, and death. 39:11 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman You and I were created for relationship with God and each other. Our attempts to fix our broken relationship with God through good deeds can sometimes cause us to feel frustrated. In this message, Pastor John shows how re-creating what we were made for isn’t from what we DO, but what Jesus has DONE. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20090329.mp3 63C8D7B2-70FC-4ECB-BD54-F9A150A5D6D9 Sun, 29 Mar 2009 22:15:43 -0500 Re:create Luke 10:38-42 You and I were created for relationship with God and each other. Our attempts to fix our broken relationship with God through good deeds can sometimes cause us to feel frustrated. In this message, Pastor John shows how re-creating what we were made for isn’t from what we DO, but what Jesus has DONE. 34:22 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman One of the things that often gets in the way of our success in mission - or even getting out there in the first place - is our rules. We have our rules about church, religion, who we’re willing to hang out with - and in the course of one Saturday-afternoon dinner, Jesus breaks our man-made rules that get in the way of mission. In this message, Pastor John shows that the gospel is all about God breaking into our humanity and system of rules that keep people from hearing the gospel and breaking free from the bondage of sin. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20090322.mp3 747F78EC-68B7-4A42-967E-05D29201589D Sun, 22 Mar 2009 20:57:55 -0500 Re:mission - Luke 14:1-14 One of the things that often gets in the way of our success in mission - or even getting out there in the first place - is our rules. We have our rules about church, religion, who we’re willing to hang out with - and in the course of one Saturday-afternoon dinner, Jesus breaks our man-made rules that get in the way of mission. In this message, Pastor John shows that the gospel is all about God breaking into our humanity and system of rules that keep people from hearing the gospel and breaking free from the bondage of sin. 34:32 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman It seems that the confusion about faith has become so profound, that confusion about faith is considered more acceptable than certainty. In this series of messages, Pastor John explores the question, "What is faith really all about?" In this message, we recall that Jesus calls us to trust and service. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20090315.mp3 4A7E7391-5997-49DC-839F-FBE482589CB1 Sun, 15 Mar 2009 09:11:13 -0500 Re:call - Luke 5:1-11 It seems that the confusion about faith has become so profound, that confusion about faith is considered more acceptable than certainty. In this series of messages, Pastor John explores the question, "What is faith really all about?" In this message, we recall that Jesus calls us to trust and service. 41:24 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman One man living of Godly character living out his faith in his community can transform it. That is the call Paul gives to his faithful servant Titus and to us. In today message we are encouraged to live out the character qualities of the disciples in love and never forget what Jesus has saved us from the life of a Cretan serving the god of his own flesh. Remembering the Cretan in us will help us never lose compassion for those who are drowning in their own folly and put us in the place of humility before our King. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20090308.mp3 F8540877-2030-45AE-8496-9EFB36904D1B Sun, 8 Mar 2009 20:13:02 -0500 Remember the Cretans One man living of Godly character living out his faith in his community can transform it. That is the call Paul gives to his faithful servant Titus and to us. In today message we are encouraged to live out the character qualities of the disciples in love and never forget what Jesus has saved us from the life of a Cretan serving the god of his own flesh. Remembering the Cretan in us will help us never lose compassion for those who are drowning in their own folly and put us in the place of humility before our King. 30:28 Ken Schultz Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no Ken Schultz We all know that we only have just so much time on this earth. We sometimes ask, When will I die? but a more relevant question is, How am I living? In this last "About Face" message, Pastor John explains that living as a martyr means living as a witness to the fact that your life is going to extend beyond your earthly existence. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20090301.mp3 FBD93FA2-5CF5-4213-AE97-4DA6D5BF6C72 Sun, 1 Mar 2009 10:30:30 -0600 Driven - "How To Be A Martyr" Acts 21:1-20 We all know that we only have just so much time on this earth. We sometimes ask, When will I die? but a more relevant question is, How am I living? In this last "About Face" message, Pastor John explains that living as a martyr means living as a witness to the fact that your life is going to extend beyond your earthly existence. 41:14 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Mentoring is a push in the right direction, a help up the ladder, the more experienced helping the less experienced succeed. In this message, Pastor John talks about the need for mentoring relationships. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20090222.mp3 70E2B0F4-AC43-40FF-BB68-8CBDAE1CFAE9 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 10:30:29 -0600 Driven - "How to Be A Mentor" Acts 20 Mentoring is a push in the right direction, a help up the ladder, the more experienced helping the less experienced succeed. In this message, Pastor John talks about the need for mentoring relationships. 44:30 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman To some, being spiritual means dedicated to your religion. Or it can mean meditation, mysticism, or not connected with the here and now. In this message, Pastor John http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20090215.mp3 B5AB6656-9D98-4C7B-B3E1-CDCDDC2C27CA Sun, 15 Feb 2009 19:28:59 -0600 Driven - "How to Be Spiritual" Acts 19 To some, being spiritual means dedicated to your religion. Or it can mean meditation, mysticism, or not connected with the here and now. In this message, Pastor John 41:24 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman These are tough economic times: job losses, declining portfolios, and dropping home values. In this message from 2 Corinthians 8-9, Pastor John makes some observations on how to find financial grace through giving, even in the hardest economic times. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20090208.mp3 04985E0F-DFF6-4394-956F-4F96F80DD609 Sun, 8 Feb 2009 11:52:20 -0600 Driven - "How To Be A Giver" 2 Corinthians 8-9 These are tough economic times: job losses, declining portfolios, and dropping home values. In this message from 2 Corinthians 8-9, Pastor John makes some observations on how to find financial grace through giving, even in the hardest economic times. 42:51 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman All of us are influencers at one level or another. Influence is about more than just using the right words. It’s about recognizing and practicing some vital behaviors. In this message, Pastor John looks at the life of Paul to discover some keys to influence. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20090201.mp3 72B0719E-1EA5-48AB-93FA-90CB2391AFB2 Sun, 1 Feb 2009 16:57:53 -0600 Driven - "How to be an Influencer" Acts 18 All of us are influencers at one level or another. Influence is about more than just using the right words. It’s about recognizing and practicing some vital behaviors. In this message, Pastor John looks at the life of Paul to discover some keys to influence. 38:19 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman There’s no doubt that we live in a pluralistic culture. Plurality is a fact of our increasingly mobile society, and technology which shortens the time and distance between cultures. What we need to learn is how to respond to the ideology of pluralism - that faith is private, or that different religions are not a matter of truth vs. falsehood, but of different perceptions of the same truth. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20090125.mp3 015F7E37-DBFD-48DA-9B15-BDFDCE0B67FC Sun, 25 Jan 2009 08:52:25 -0600 Driven - "Opening the Door to Mission" Acts 17:16-34 There’s no doubt that we live in a pluralistic culture. Plurality is a fact of our increasingly mobile society, and technology which shortens the time and distance between cultures. What we need to learn is how to respond to the ideology of pluralism - that faith is private, or that different religions are not a matter of truth vs. falsehood, but of different perceptions of the same truth. 41:42 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Do you want to be more loving? The Bible is not for information, but for transformation, and in reading Scripture, we can become transformed into people who are more loving and less loveless. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20090118.mp3 41C8EE7E-AF00-4777-A40A-FEDF50C9086D Sun, 18 Jan 2009 08:52:24 -0600 Driven - "Opening the Door to Love" Acts 17:1-15 Do you want to be more loving? The Bible is not for information, but for transformation, and in reading Scripture, we can become transformed into people who are more loving and less loveless. 39:15 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman God opens the door to freedom and true worship. In this message, Pastor John shows how one man’s imprisonment led to another man’s freedom - and how we can all find freedom by calling on Jesus’ name http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20090111.mp3 C4C6ADE6-75FC-42CA-A357-8382D49320AD Sun, 11 Jan 2009 10:12:33 -0600 Driven - "Opening the Door to Freedom" Acts 16:16-40 God opens the door to freedom and true worship. In this message, Pastor John shows how one man’s imprisonment led to another man’s freedom - and how we can all find freedom by calling on Jesus’ name 40:14 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Chances are, you are over committed, and it’s time for you and I to sort out our commitments. You will be more effective in life being fully committed to a few good things, rather than half-committed to a dozen. In today’s message, Pastor John talks about how God opens the door to a new mission in life. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20090104.mp3 42B3D334-765D-4563-BF5B-1809E15CA1F7 Sun, 4 Jan 2009 15:12:07 -0600 Driven - "Opening the Door to Something New" Acts 16:6-15 Chances are, you are over committed, and it’s time for you and I to sort out our commitments. You will be more effective in life being fully committed to a few good things, rather than half-committed to a dozen. In today’s message, Pastor John talks about how God opens the door to a new mission in life. 40:28 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman As we face a new year what is going to make this year extraordinary? Is it losing weight? Making more money? Having more friends? Jesus has a new command that if obeyed could make this and extraordinary year. It is to "Love one another." Obeying with command will revive our church, your relationship with God, bring rival to others in our community. While breathing makes one physically alive. Loving makes one spiritually alive. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20081228.mp3 AF1AABB0-DFF2-486D-B9B3-1B25D4538638 Sun, 28 Dec 2008 18:13:11 -0600 A New Year to Love - Various Scriptures As we face a new year what is going to make this year extraordinary? Is it losing weight? Making more money? Having more friends? Jesus has a new command that if obeyed could make this and extraordinary year. It is to "Love one another." Obeying with command will revive our church, your relationship with God, bring rival to others in our community. While breathing makes one physically alive. Loving makes one spiritually alive. 30:25 Ken Schultz Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no Ken Schultz As we look at the Christmas story and experience our own Christmas in 2008, we recognize that Christmas has a lot to do with sharing. Today we’re going to get a little more personally involved in the sharing process, by sharing ourselves. In the angel’s announcement to Mary about the birth of Jesus, we can learn about the proper reasons for sharing ourselves through service. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20081214.mp3 291B6B01-159F-484B-A135-0EC50440F5CD Sun, 14 Dec 2008 15:16:47 -0600 Sharing Christmas - "Sharing Yourself" Luke 1:26-38 As we look at the Christmas story and experience our own Christmas in 2008, we recognize that Christmas has a lot to do with sharing. Today we’re going to get a little more personally involved in the sharing process, by sharing ourselves. In the angel’s announcement to Mary about the birth of Jesus, we can learn about the proper reasons for sharing ourselves through service. 38:13 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Christmas is about sharing. We share time, meals, and gifts with family, friends, and co-workers. Ultimately, Christmas is about our heavenly Father sharing/sending/giving His Son to be our Savior. And then we are called by Jesus to share/send/give the gospel message to others. Today, Pastor John encourages us to take those first baby steps towards sharing and receiving, and increasing our joy in Christmas. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20081207.mp3 F8220E20-BAE6-467F-BB96-83F673ECEA82 Sun, 7 Dec 2008 11:45:20 -0600 Sharing Christmas - "The First Steps to Sharing" Luke 1:5-25, 39-44 Christmas is about sharing. We share time, meals, and gifts with family, friends, and co-workers. Ultimately, Christmas is about our heavenly Father sharing/sending/giving His Son to be our Savior. And then we are called by Jesus to share/send/give the gospel message to others. Today, Pastor John encourages us to take those first baby steps towards sharing and receiving, and increasing our joy in Christmas. 37:20 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Are you full? Contentment is something that is often very absent in our modern lives and yet is the key to lasting joy. You can know true contentment and peace today in the person of Jesus Christ. This message in Philippians 4:11-13 the Apostle share what he has learned about the secret of contentment. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20081130.mp3 4C8938BD-F418-4618-ABF3-F671C74A72EE Sun, 30 Nov 2008 11:37:47 -0600 Sharing Christmas - "Are You Full?" Philippians 4:11-13 Are you full? Contentment is something that is often very absent in our modern lives and yet is the key to lasting joy. You can know true contentment and peace today in the person of Jesus Christ. This message in Philippians 4:11-13 the Apostle share what he has learned about the secret of contentment. 28:11 Ken Schultz Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no Ken Schultz When we experience healing, how do we know that it’s because of a work of God, and not simply science, luck, or good genes? In this message, Pastor John covers what the Bible says about healing and then offers some practical tips on how we can be involved in the healing process. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20081123.mp3 E6EE4045-82FF-4246-ABCE-61F4E2DCFDB2 Sun, 23 Nov 2008 12:26:20 -0600 Alpha Series - "Does God Heal Today?" Various Scriptures When we experience healing, how do we know that it’s because of a work of God, and not simply science, luck, or good genes? In this message, Pastor John covers what the Bible says about healing and then offers some practical tips on how we can be involved in the healing process. 40:22 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Evil and temptation are a part of life, but we don’t need to be controlled by them. To overcome temptation, you need to pause and recognize 1) that there’s more at stake than what you think and 2) that your heavenly Father can be trusted. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20081116.mp3 E1C945A9-AE5D-4A05-B541-B320502C76EA Sun, 16 Nov 2008 11:31:55 -0600 Alpha Series - "How Can I Resist Evil?" Ephesians 6:12, James 1:14-15, Matthew 4:1-4 Evil and temptation are a part of life, but we don’t need to be controlled by them. To overcome temptation, you need to pause and recognize 1) that there’s more at stake than what you think and 2) that your heavenly Father can be trusted. 37:55 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman We all have decisions to make - marriage choices, parenting choices, career choices, ministry choices. In this message, Pastor John talks about how God guides us so that we can be our best for Him. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20081109.mp3 B7C5140A-773E-4847-8B07-7124C8B79EDD Sun, 9 Nov 2008 10:40:35 -0600 Alpha Series - "How Does God Guide Us?" Acts 16:6-10 We all have decisions to make - marriage choices, parenting choices, career choices, ministry choices. In this message, Pastor John talks about how God guides us so that we can be our best for Him. 41:13 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Prayer is the most predominant of all spiritual exercises that people participate in. But many feel a level of dissatisfaction with their prayer lives. In teaching on prayer, Jesus simplifies prayer by inviting us to address God just like you would a dad. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20081026.mp3 FF85D555-3F0F-4957-A3B8-199E29CAF98F Sun, 26 Oct 2008 08:57:44 -0500 Alpha Series - "Why and How Should I Pray?" Matthew 6:5-13 Prayer is the most predominant of all spiritual exercises that people participate in. But many feel a level of dissatisfaction with their prayer lives. In teaching on prayer, Jesus simplifies prayer by inviting us to address God just like you would a dad. 37:07 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman While some think of faith as a step into the unknown, Christianity is actually a step out of the dark into the light, where things are more clearly visible. However, there are times when we face doubts and uncertainty. In this message, Pastor John turns to the eye-witness testimony of the apostle John about Jesus to strengthen our faith. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20081019.mp3 B99A5270-2C66-4870-A6BB-985BABEBC12C Sun, 19 Oct 2008 22:57:14 -0500 Alpha Series - "How Can I Be Sure Of My Faith?" 1 John While some think of faith as a step into the unknown, Christianity is actually a step out of the dark into the light, where things are more clearly visible. However, there are times when we face doubts and uncertainty. In this message, Pastor John turns to the eye-witness testimony of the apostle John about Jesus to strengthen our faith. 38:55 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Jesus' death has been mocked and misunderstood, but for billions of Christians, Jesus' crucifixion means that we have been reconciled to a holy God. In today's message, Pastor John talks about Why did Jesus die? http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20081012.mp3 A3A6A05C-5B93-443A-9F14-D7A9E7115BF9 Sun, 12 Oct 2008 11:29:38 -0500 Alpha Series - "Why Did Jesus Die?" Various Scriptures Jesus' death has been mocked and misunderstood, but for billions of Christians, Jesus' crucifixion means that we have been reconciled to a holy God. In today's message, Pastor John talks about Why did Jesus die? 39:43 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Jesus has been believed on by presidents, kings, queens, and emperors. Poets, artists, musicians, and actors have believed. Jesus has been believed to be the God of the universe by a long string of scientists, lawyers and doctors; grandmothers and thieves. Who is Jesus? In this message, Pastor John gives 10 reasons why we should believe that Jesus was and is God, and what we should do about it. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20081005.mp3 26A34CDC-06D5-4582-A490-83C09ECF8D09 Sun, 5 Oct 2008 12:15:34 -0500 Alpha Series - "Who is Jesus?" Various Scriptures Jesus has been believed on by presidents, kings, queens, and emperors. Poets, artists, musicians, and actors have believed. Jesus has been believed to be the God of the universe by a long string of scientists, lawyers and doctors; grandmothers and thieves. Who is Jesus? In this message, Pastor John gives 10 reasons why we should believe that Jesus was and is God, and what we should do about it. 35:03 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Is there more to life than this? The answer Jesus gives is a confident, "Yes. Trust me, there is more to life than this. Yes, because I am going to prepare the place for you that is beyond this world." But, should we believe him? In this message, Pastor John covers four reasons why we should trust Jesus when He says there is more to life than this. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20080928.mp3 5B6D5A1B-8868-4163-9B49-F3FC211FA5CA Sun, 28 Sep 2008 17:10:16 -0500 Alpha Series - "Answering Life's Most Important Questions" Is there more to life than this? The answer Jesus gives is a confident, "Yes. Trust me, there is more to life than this. Yes, because I am going to prepare the place for you that is beyond this world." But, should we believe him? In this message, Pastor John covers four reasons why we should trust Jesus when He says there is more to life than this. 37:20 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Are the worries of life stressing you out? In today’s message we see that worry comes from the unmet needs in our lives or the possibility of our needs not being met in the future. In Matthew Chapter 6 Jesus help us sort out the priorities of life and helps us discover what our needs truly are. Our modern life produces all kind of stress but Jesus gave us the answers 2000 years ago for peace. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20080921.mp3 D35868F5-ACDA-48AB-975B-A4A3614C70DE Sun, 21 Sep 2008 21:27:07 -0500 The Stop Signs of Jesus: "Stressing Out" Matthew 6:25-34 Are the worries of life stressing you out? In today’s message we see that worry comes from the unmet needs in our lives or the possibility of our needs not being met in the future. In Matthew Chapter 6 Jesus help us sort out the priorities of life and helps us discover what our needs truly are. Our modern life produces all kind of stress but Jesus gave us the answers 2000 years ago for peace. 37:23 Ken Schultz Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no Ken Schultz Jesus says do not "Judge." And while most of us agree we do not like to be judged by others we tend to "judge" others. In this message we explore four reasons why Jesus asks us to stop judging our neighbors and how by doing so we will be blessed.. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20080914.mp3 BEE93685-52A3-4BA1-BB87-F3363AA983D6 Sun, 14 Sep 2008 12:35:48 -0500 The Stop Signs of Jesus: "Judging Others" Luke 6:37-42 Jesus says do not "Judge." And while most of us agree we do not like to be judged by others we tend to "judge" others. In this message we explore four reasons why Jesus asks us to stop judging our neighbors and how by doing so we will be blessed.. 31:05 Ken Schultz Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no Ken Schultz Parents have an important role in working with God to make their God-honoring dreams a reality in their children’s lives. Dreams to pass on someone genuine, gifted, faithful, and respected, to the world. In today’s message, Pastor John shares some observations about parenting that will help make your parenting dreams come true. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20080907.mp3 220E45D6-9922-4448-A28C-9B4C9D26EEF5 Sun, 7 Sep 2008 12:52:52 -0500 Driven - "How To Make Your Parenting Dreams Come True" - Acts 16 1:5; I Timothy Parents have an important role in working with God to make their God-honoring dreams a reality in their children’s lives. Dreams to pass on someone genuine, gifted, faithful, and respected, to the world. In today’s message, Pastor John shares some observations about parenting that will help make your parenting dreams come true. 30:20 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Parent Child Dedication http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20080907-Child-Dedication.mp3 BB2F5000-CAD6-4271-ABD6-647018759184 Sun, 7 Sep 2008 12:52:53 -0500 Parent Child Dedication Parent Child Dedication 20:00 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Christianity is a "conventional" faith in the sense that there are orthodox beliefs - such as salvation by faith through grace apart from works - that line up with Scripture. And conventional in the sense that, just like a convention is a gathering of people, Christianity involves people who gather and share life together. In this message, Pastor John discusses a practical approach to Christianity that honors Jesus and other Christians. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20080831.mp3 4A5722DC-80E3-4BE8-871D-C6F7205B38BE Sun, 31 Aug 2008 09:13:26 -0500 Driven - "Conventional Christianity" Acts 15 Christianity is a "conventional" faith in the sense that there are orthodox beliefs - such as salvation by faith through grace apart from works - that line up with Scripture. And conventional in the sense that, just like a convention is a gathering of people, Christianity involves people who gather and share life together. In this message, Pastor John discusses a practical approach to Christianity that honors Jesus and other Christians. 39:22 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman The Christian faith is based on God’s unmerited grace shown to sinners. In this message, Pastor John explores the doctrines of saving grace, common grace, and preserving grace that are crucial for all believers to understand. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20080824.mp3 7BD17306-9F8F-44EE-97F6-32F5091B6A43 Sun, 24 Aug 2008 15:38:47 -0500 Driven - "Grace Alone" Acts 14 The Christian faith is based on God’s unmerited grace shown to sinners. In this message, Pastor John explores the doctrines of saving grace, common grace, and preserving grace that are crucial for all believers to understand. 33:29 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman The Word of God is a thread woven through the story of Acts 13. It is revealed, proclaimed, heard, some try to block it or are jealous of it (for no good reason), it spreads, and it is honored and glorified. How will you respond to it? http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20080817.mp3 67BA0716-124A-4057-8B10-8006BD4B597D Sun, 17 Aug 2008 17:36:00 -0500 Driven - "Tuning in to the WORD" Acts 13 The Word of God is a thread woven through the story of Acts 13. It is revealed, proclaimed, heard, some try to block it or are jealous of it (for no good reason), it spreads, and it is honored and glorified. How will you respond to it? 34:54 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Acts 12 is a strong warning against pride, and also a comfort to the church that God takes care of those who humble themselves and call out to him in prayer. In this message, Pastor John explores why pride is so distasteful, and what we can do to hedge against pride in our own lives. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20080810.mp3 4643DA72-7791-44B1-B5B9-2D8645518BE6 Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:17:29 -0500 Driven - "Pride and Parasites" Acts 12 Acts 12 is a strong warning against pride, and also a comfort to the church that God takes care of those who humble themselves and call out to him in prayer. In this message, Pastor John explores why pride is so distasteful, and what we can do to hedge against pride in our own lives. 36:20 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no Our goal as Christians should be to reach people with the gospel and bring them out of what Augustine called the "City of Man" and work with God to turn them into residents of the "City of God." In today’s message, Pastor John will review three characteristics of the City within the city that will enable us reach the city with the gospel. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20080803.mp3 61DA221D-518F-4CEC-A5AC-EE6352E6B68A Sun, 3 Aug 2008 09:24:45 -0500 Driven - "The City within the City" Acts 11:1-30 Our goal as Christians should be to reach people with the gospel and bring them out of what Augustine called the "City of Man" and work with God to turn them into residents of the "City of God." In today’s message, Pastor John will review three characteristics of the City within the city that will enable us reach the city with the gospel. 36:51 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman In a pile of what looks like junk to us, God provides something valuable and redeemable and worth going after. In today’s message, Pastor John replays Peter’s sermon to Cornelius’ household that no one needs to be unacceptable to God. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20080727.mp3 A19AF0E1-8ECA-46C5-BDFC-253FA6DB12F5 Sun, 27 Jul 2008 09:24:44 -0500 Driven - "Jesus don't make no junk!" Acts 10:9-48 In a pile of what looks like junk to us, God provides something valuable and redeemable and worth going after. In today’s message, Pastor John replays Peter’s sermon to Cornelius’ household that no one needs to be unacceptable to God. 37:23 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman The premise on which the church operated in the 1st century - and today - is sharing the good news of forgiveness of sin through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, which results in people who are liberated from sin and filled with joy, who then turn around and do good. Good news breeds good deeds. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20080720.mp3 971161EE-8C22-4905-BCD5-05143F8D6C8B Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:37:41 -0500 Driven - "Good News Breeds Good Deeds" Acts 9:32-10:8 The premise on which the church operated in the 1st century - and today - is sharing the good news of forgiveness of sin through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, which results in people who are liberated from sin and filled with joy, who then turn around and do good. Good news breeds good deeds. 44:11 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman The conversion of Saul of Tarsus is one of the most well documented conversions in all of Scripture. On the Damascus Road, Saul was transformed from a persecutor of the church to a promoter of the gospel. In Saul’s conversion we see a demonstration of the patience and power of Jesus that is given as an example to each of us to encourage us in our faith and witness. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20080713.mp3 E47410C4-6115-46F9-B2AC-5955495AE993 Sun, 13 Jul 2008 11:59:37 -0500 Driven - "Amazing Grace that Saved a Wretch like me" Acts 9:1-19 The conversion of Saul of Tarsus is one of the most well documented conversions in all of Scripture. On the Damascus Road, Saul was transformed from a persecutor of the church to a promoter of the gospel. In Saul’s conversion we see a demonstration of the patience and power of Jesus that is given as an example to each of us to encourage us in our faith and witness. 34:32 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Being a witness for Jesus is both a responsibility (because Jesus commanded it, Matthew 28:18-20) and a joy (because the Bible commends it, Philemon 1:6). This message concludes a look at several case studies in evangelism and the Christian’s call to POINT to Jesus wherever we may find ourselves. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20080706.mp3 C7289297-3C32-4A7D-8C75-E605DCD92071 Sun, 6 Jul 2008 11:59:36 -0500 Driven - "POINTing to Jesus, Part II" Acts 8:26-40 Being a witness for Jesus is both a responsibility (because Jesus commanded it, Matthew 28:18-20) and a joy (because the Bible commends it, Philemon 1:6). This message concludes a look at several case studies in evangelism and the Christian’s call to POINT to Jesus wherever we may find ourselves. 40:29 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Being a witness for Jesus is both a responsibility (because Jesus commanded it, Matthew 28:18-20) and a joy (because the Bible commends it, Philemon 1:6). This week and next we’re going to be looking at the process of evangelism and the Christian’s call to share our faith wherever we may find ourselves using five "points" to POINTing to Jesus. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20080629.mp3 775C3BD6-363B-48D7-A8C2-93B112F7E453 Sun, 29 Jun 2008 10:13:02 -0500 Driven - "POINTing to Jesus, Part 1" Acts 8:1-25 Being a witness for Jesus is both a responsibility (because Jesus commanded it, Matthew 28:18-20) and a joy (because the Bible commends it, Philemon 1:6). This week and next we’re going to be looking at the process of evangelism and the Christian’s call to share our faith wherever we may find ourselves using five "points" to POINTing to Jesus. 35:23 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman What do you do when the foundations are knocked out from underneath you? The three primary foundations of life in the 21st century are Health, Relationships, and Resources. In reality, these foundations can be very flimsy and easily knocked down. In this message, Pastor John shows how Jesus is the solid foundation that everyone needs. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20080622.mp3 D0F07131-6F2E-4E7F-805D-6C1600EF591A Sun, 22 Jun 2008 09:27:08 -0500 Driven - "What do you do when the foundations are knocked out from underneath you?" Acts 7 What do you do when the foundations are knocked out from underneath you? The three primary foundations of life in the 21st century are Health, Relationships, and Resources. In reality, these foundations can be very flimsy and easily knocked down. In this message, Pastor John shows how Jesus is the solid foundation that everyone needs. 36:15 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Part of Luke’s purpose in writing Acts was to record the growth of the church as, through the Holy Spirit, Jesus continued the ministry He began. The growth of the church - any church - is for the glory of God. It isn’t pastors, programs, or practices that cause a church to grow - it is the Holy Spirit that causes growth as He draws people to Jesus. But, we must cooperate with the Holy Spirit for growth to happen. With that in mind, this passage provides us with three observations about the building of the church. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20080615.mp3 8E71D930-0F08-498A-8D3C-A6AF27B7E58A Sun, 15 Jun 2008 08:59:32 -0500 Driven - "A Few Good Men (and Women)" Acts 6 Part of Luke’s purpose in writing Acts was to record the growth of the church as, through the Holy Spirit, Jesus continued the ministry He began. The growth of the church - any church - is for the glory of God. It isn’t pastors, programs, or practices that cause a church to grow - it is the Holy Spirit that causes growth as He draws people to Jesus. But, we must cooperate with the Holy Spirit for growth to happen. With that in mind, this passage provides us with three observations about the building of the church. 39:48 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman How do people know that you love Jesus? Perhaps you’ve heard of or seen a bumper sticker, "Honk if you love Jesus!" Anybody can honk, right? So, what are the indicators of your love for the Lord? How do you know if He is at work in your life? Does everyone that makes a noise and a ruckus, love Jesus? http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20080608.mp3 C6BCC267-2D6E-411A-8999-444A88322B2F Sun, 8 Jun 2008 20:57:16 -0500 Driven - "Honk if you love Jesus" Acts 5:12-42 How do people know that you love Jesus? Perhaps you’ve heard of or seen a bumper sticker, "Honk if you love Jesus!" Anybody can honk, right? So, what are the indicators of your love for the Lord? How do you know if He is at work in your life? Does everyone that makes a noise and a ruckus, love Jesus? 36:43 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Some people are very skilled at "playing church," putting on a certain face and speaking through a mask of hypocrisy. Corruption and corrupt ideas can easily worm their way into the church. Passages like this teach us that God is a holy God whose purpose in grace is to eliminate our corruption. The church is not to be a breeding ground for corruption, deceit, and hypocrisy. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20080601.mp3 B1799787-BEA2-454C-84B7-E8521E9DAFFF Sun, 1 Jun 2008 16:09:59 -0500 Driven - "Playing Church" Acts 4:32-5:11 Some people are very skilled at "playing church," putting on a certain face and speaking through a mask of hypocrisy. Corruption and corrupt ideas can easily worm their way into the church. Passages like this teach us that God is a holy God whose purpose in grace is to eliminate our corruption. The church is not to be a breeding ground for corruption, deceit, and hypocrisy. 37:53 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Charges levied against Christianity are that it is exclusive, restrictive, and irrelevant. If it weren’t for the resurrection, those charges might be true (1 Co 15:17). But the resurrection changes everything. It has a profound effect on how we should view Jesus Christ and huge implications for the world. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20080518.mp3 ED2F69C5-00AC-416A-A4B7-4EBDAF9FA76B Sun, 18 May 2008 08:57:05 -0500 Driven - "The Relevance of the Resurrection" Acts 4:1-37 Charges levied against Christianity are that it is exclusive, restrictive, and irrelevant. If it weren’t for the resurrection, those charges might be true (1 Co 15:17). But the resurrection changes everything. It has a profound effect on how we should view Jesus Christ and huge implications for the world. 39:03 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman We have a picture in our mind of what the perfect life is like. But that isn’t always the case. When the imperfect family observes the "perfect" family, they wonder, What must it be like? In our text today, Luke shares a story to illustrate that only by walking with Jesus can things truly be perfect. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20080511.mp3 62E065F0-9ACF-4F6E-B711-86B1D4B4B56A Sun, 11 May 2008 10:14:23 -0500 Driven - "Walking with Jesus" Acts 3:1-26 We have a picture in our mind of what the perfect life is like. But that isn’t always the case. When the imperfect family observes the "perfect" family, they wonder, What must it be like? In our text today, Luke shares a story to illustrate that only by walking with Jesus can things truly be perfect. 38:04 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Over the last decade, there’s been a lot of interest in the subject of how early Christians worshiped and did "church" as new (and older) generations of Christians feel the pull to get back to their "roots" as followers of Jesus. The reality is that there is no prescription of an entire Christian worship service in Scripture, although both Paul (1 Corinthians 14) and Luke (Acts 2:42-47) provide descriptions of Christian worship. Today we’re looking at Luke’s description of the lifestyle and worship practices of the early church. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20080504.mp3 AC7CF5AC-9D87-4E0C-A543-AC231436172B Sun, 4 May 2008 14:56:45 -0500 Driven - "How We Worship" Acts 2:42-47 Over the last decade, there’s been a lot of interest in the subject of how early Christians worshiped and did "church" as new (and older) generations of Christians feel the pull to get back to their "roots" as followers of Jesus. The reality is that there is no prescription of an entire Christian worship service in Scripture, although both Paul (1 Corinthians 14) and Luke (Acts 2:42-47) provide descriptions of Christian worship. Today we’re looking at Luke’s description of the lifestyle and worship practices of the early church. 40:53 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Before Jesus ascended back to His Father in heaven, He gave His disciples these instructions: "Do not leave the city, but wait for the gift that my Father has promised." What do you do during times when God says, "Wait." In this section of Acts, we see the church waiting and preparing for God to act in a powerful way. There are some important lessons that we as a church can learn about prayer, unity, and courage. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20080420.mp3 66E7FB05-0CDD-48C4-B440-4FCAE6DDAA21 Sun, 20 Apr 2008 11:14:59 -0500 Driven - "Things are looking up!" Acts 1:10-26 Before Jesus ascended back to His Father in heaven, He gave His disciples these instructions: "Do not leave the city, but wait for the gift that my Father has promised." What do you do during times when God says, "Wait." In this section of Acts, we see the church waiting and preparing for God to act in a powerful way. There are some important lessons that we as a church can learn about prayer, unity, and courage. 44:20 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman As a church we are called to be "driven" by two things.   1) Glorifying Jesus through worship and obedience. 2) Ministering to others and proclaiming the gospel.   Throughout the book of Acts, there are people driven by just these two things who are immensely satisfied and joyful. What drives you? What is the mission of your life?  The direction of New Testament Christians is simultaneously vertical (as the church glorifies and obeys Jesus) and horizontal (as we minister to others under the guidance of the Holy Spirit). http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20080413.mp3 5EBF20A1-E996-46C3-AA7E-80467222A941 Sun, 13 Apr 2008 15:05:31 -0500 Driven - "What drives you?" Acts 1:1-9 As a church we are called to be "driven" by two things.   1) Glorifying Jesus through worship and obedience. 2) Ministering to others and proclaiming the gospel.   Throughout the book of Acts, there are people driven by just these two things who are immensely satisfied and joyful. What drives you? What is the mission of your life?  The direction of New Testament Christians is simultaneously vertical (as the church glorifies and obeys Jesus) and horizontal (as we minister to others under the guidance of the Holy Spirit). 41:48 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Jesus teaches his disciples about humility and conflict resolutions within the family of God. Jesus also teaches about how we should display the Godly character of forgiveness in our lives towards those that have hurt us. Being unforgiving hardens our hearts, but through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross we can learn how to forgive others. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20080406.mp3 F0AE4474-B595-409B-AB24-884F821F0960 Sun, 6 Apr 2008 09:30:03 -0500 Ground Breaking Jesus "Seeds of Conflict" - Matthew 18 Jesus teaches his disciples about humility and conflict resolutions within the family of God. Jesus also teaches about how we should display the Godly character of forgiveness in our lives towards those that have hurt us. Being unforgiving hardens our hearts, but through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross we can learn how to forgive others. 35:00 Ken Schultz Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no Ken Schultz Jesus’ teaching is ground breaking. Often we think of ground breaking ideas as something new, but things that are truly ground breaking are things that bring change that is so dramatic that everything is new. Jesus is the same today, yesterday and tomorrow. Yet when he and his teachings penetrate the depths of our hearts, everything is made new. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20080330.mp3 77542211-2992-422B-B385-41B15678C581 Sun, 30 Mar 2008 09:30:02 -0500 Ground Breaking Jesus - Mark 4: 1-20 Jesus’ teaching is ground breaking. Often we think of ground breaking ideas as something new, but things that are truly ground breaking are things that bring change that is so dramatic that everything is new. Jesus is the same today, yesterday and tomorrow. Yet when he and his teachings penetrate the depths of our hearts, everything is made new. 35:00 Ken Schultz Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no Ken Schultz John’s gospel contains seven "I AM" statements from Jesus. These were deliberate claims to divinity that Jesus made during His ministry. He echoed the words that He spoke to Moses at the burning bush when He said, "I AM who I AM." He is the self-existent, eternal, and living God. Today we see a clear demonstration that Jesus is the source of life. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20080323.mp3 4E322DC2-415F-4D9E-8381-2C1B77EF4541 Sun, 23 Mar 2008 08:28:16 -0500 The I AM Legend Pt. ii - "Resurrection" John 11 John’s gospel contains seven "I AM" statements from Jesus. These were deliberate claims to divinity that Jesus made during His ministry. He echoed the words that He spoke to Moses at the burning bush when He said, "I AM who I AM." He is the self-existent, eternal, and living God. Today we see a clear demonstration that Jesus is the source of life. 35:00 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Throughout the Scriptures, God is revealed as the self-existent I AM. Unlike you and me, God’s existence doesn’t depend upon anyone or anything. He simply is. In his encounter with Jesus at the burning bush, Moses personally experienced the great and legendary I AM. If you have not yet encountered the living God, He calls and invites you to know Him today. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20080316.mp3 6E0DAE24-FAA5-4909-80A0-C8EF13DA13BF Sun, 16 Mar 2008 08:28:15 -0500 The I AM Legend Pt. i - "Deliverer" - Exodus 3: 1-15 Throughout the Scriptures, God is revealed as the self-existent I AM. Unlike you and me, God’s existence doesn’t depend upon anyone or anything. He simply is. In his encounter with Jesus at the burning bush, Moses personally experienced the great and legendary I AM. If you have not yet encountered the living God, He calls and invites you to know Him today. 35:00 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman The final chapters of Esther are a wrap-up to the story, but they are not unimportant because they tell us why this story was written down. It was written so that the readers would remember why they celebrate the festival called Purim. It was written so that people would remember that God delivers His people. It was written because they dared not forget the past. And neither do we. When we forget our sinful past and God’s salvation, we run the risk of missing the rest that Jesus came to give. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20080309.mp3 06651117-1A5C-4695-90EF-A10A933B1613 Sun, 9 Mar 2008 08:28:14 -0500 Standing Out in a Blend in World Pt. vi - "Rest" - Esther 8: 1-10:3 The final chapters of Esther are a wrap-up to the story, but they are not unimportant because they tell us why this story was written down. It was written so that the readers would remember why they celebrate the festival called Purim. It was written so that people would remember that God delivers His people. It was written because they dared not forget the past. And neither do we. When we forget our sinful past and God’s salvation, we run the risk of missing the rest that Jesus came to give. 35:00 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman As a rule, standing out in a world that calls us to blend-in to its value system is a good thing - except in the case of pride. Pride is an internal attitude of the heart that is focused on self -my needs, my hurts, my successes. Pride always, always, always will be reversed (see Job 20:6-7, Psalm 138:6, Proverbs 16:18, and Isaiah 42:8). In fact, like Haman, a great reversal awaits each and every one of us. It’s only a matter of whether the reversal is voluntary or forced. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20080302.mp3 29115E91-4004-40F6-BAAD-A79E9C45498B Sun, 2 Mar 2008 10:41:54 -0500 Standing Out in a Blend in World Pt. v - "The Great Reversal" - Esther 5: 9-7:10 As a rule, standing out in a world that calls us to blend-in to its value system is a good thing - except in the case of pride. Pride is an internal attitude of the heart that is focused on self -my needs, my hurts, my successes. Pride always, always, always will be reversed (see Job 20:6-7, Psalm 138:6, Proverbs 16:18, and Isaiah 42:8). In fact, like Haman, a great reversal awaits each and every one of us. It’s only a matter of whether the reversal is voluntary or forced. 35:00 John Stillman Jesus,Church,Crosswinds,Sermon,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Do you stand out as a person of influence? Do you believe that God has put you on earth to accomplish something? Is your heart burdened to make a difference or solve some problem? The truth is: we all are influencers in one way or another. Parents influence children. Sales people influence customers. Students influence their peers. But being an effective influencer is more than just being a persuasive speaker. It involves a process of steps and actions that are providentially initiated, guided, and planned by God. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20080224.mp3 C500AF7F-033C-4610-80F6-4765EF4DFC4E Sun, 24 Feb 2008 08:18:50 -0500 Standing Out in a Blend in World Pt. iv - "Influencer" - Esther 4: 1-5:8 Do you stand out as a person of influence? Do you believe that God has put you on earth to accomplish something? Is your heart burdened to make a difference or solve some problem? The truth is: we all are influencers in one way or another. Parents influence children. Sales people influence customers. Students influence their peers. But being an effective influencer is more than just being a persuasive speaker. It involves a process of steps and actions that are providentially initiated, guided, and planned by God. 35:00 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman The focus of this chapter is on the hostility shown against God and His people, and how God responds. In this instance, the hostility manifests itself in the pride, attention-seeking, and vengeful attitude of Haman. In the middle of this, God shows His providence in controlling the roll of the dice that sets the date for the massacre of the Jews. As we face hate and attack, we are encouraged to wait patiently on God’s justice by demonstrating mercy. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20080217.mp3 21FD802E-BEC1-4A7A-93F7-033EB5CA5A1B Sun, 17 Feb 2008 08:18:49 -0500 Standing Out in a Blend in World Pt. iii - "The Role of the Dice" Esther 3 The focus of this chapter is on the hostility shown against God and His people, and how God responds. In this instance, the hostility manifests itself in the pride, attention-seeking, and vengeful attitude of Haman. In the middle of this, God shows His providence in controlling the roll of the dice that sets the date for the massacre of the Jews. As we face hate and attack, we are encouraged to wait patiently on God’s justice by demonstrating mercy. 35:00 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Do you ever feel like a number, like just another cog in the machine, a nameless face in the crowd? Esther had a pretty face, but no one cared much what her name was. She was just one of 400 girls taken by force to be part of the empire’s machine-like process to find a new queen. She stood out from the crowd, but it wasn’t because of her beauty. Ultimately, it was God’s favor that made Esther stand out in her blend-in world. Remember that next time you’re feeling lost in the crowd. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20080210.mp3 28FB4B1E-4524-4B6D-A30E-61089D0E0983 Sun, 10 Feb 2008 08:14:04 -0500 Standing Out in a Blend in World Pt. ii - "Miss Persian Idol" - Esther 2 Do you ever feel like a number, like just another cog in the machine, a nameless face in the crowd? Esther had a pretty face, but no one cared much what her name was. She was just one of 400 girls taken by force to be part of the empire’s machine-like process to find a new queen. She stood out from the crowd, but it wasn’t because of her beauty. Ultimately, it was God’s favor that made Esther stand out in her blend-in world. Remember that next time you’re feeling lost in the crowd. 35:00 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman There are a lot of pressures to blend-in with society, to fit in, just "do as you’re told," and avoid making waves. The opening chapter of the story of Esther tell us that Esther, Mordecai, and their fellow displaced Jews lived in the same kind of culture. It was a culture that applied extreme pressure to fit in and feared the disruption caused by anyone who attempted to stand out. God’s people need to know that His kingdom surpasses every earthly empire and don’t need to be afraid to stand out. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20080203.mp3 F7365FB9-59E9-4750-ACA0-FC37A1642016 Sun, 3 Feb 2008 08:14:03 -0500 Standing Out in a Blend in World Pt. I - "Hammered" - Esther 1 There are a lot of pressures to blend-in with society, to fit in, just "do as you’re told," and avoid making waves. The opening chapter of the story of Esther tell us that Esther, Mordecai, and their fellow displaced Jews lived in the same kind of culture. It was a culture that applied extreme pressure to fit in and feared the disruption caused by anyone who attempted to stand out. God’s people need to know that His kingdom surpasses every earthly empire and don’t need to be afraid to stand out. 35:00 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Nearly three-quarters of the churches in America are either plateaued or in decline. And this year, 3,500 churches will close their doors for good. Among growing churches, many report no conversion growth, meaning that their growth comes merely by Christians switching their membership to churches with better programs, more comfortable facilities, and greater opportunities to blend in with the crowd. In the conclusion to his letter to the church at Colossae, Paul encourages an outward focus through prayer, purpose, and people. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20080127.mp3 27AB1C5B-40B2-41D7-81AF-EEF73C13A13A Sun, 27 Jan 2008 14:29:37 -0500 The Kingdom in the World - Colossians 4: 2-18 Nearly three-quarters of the churches in America are either plateaued or in decline. And this year, 3,500 churches will close their doors for good. Among growing churches, many report no conversion growth, meaning that their growth comes merely by Christians switching their membership to churches with better programs, more comfortable facilities, and greater opportunities to blend in with the crowd. In the conclusion to his letter to the church at Colossae, Paul encourages an outward focus through prayer, purpose, and people. 35:00 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman We live in a gritty, dirty, dark world. Colossians 1:13 says that in Jesus God has defeated the dominions of darkness and brought us into Jesus’ kingdom of light. The problem is that we still live in a dark world. How do we overcome the darkness? Better yet, how do we keep from being overcome by the darkness? The solution is not religion. It’s not spiritualism or mysticism. It’s not moralism or rules. Those are solutions that come out of a world that is already in darkness. We need a solution that comes from above, not below. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20080120.mp3 225857F7-6BDA-4671-A36D-E0820B7913F0 Sun, 20 Jan 2008 14:29:36 -0500 Living in the Kingdom of Light - Colossians 3: 1-4:1 We live in a gritty, dirty, dark world. Colossians 1:13 says that in Jesus God has defeated the dominions of darkness and brought us into Jesus’ kingdom of light. The problem is that we still live in a dark world. How do we overcome the darkness? Better yet, how do we keep from being overcome by the darkness? The solution is not religion. It’s not spiritualism or mysticism. It’s not moralism or rules. Those are solutions that come out of a world that is already in darkness. We need a solution that comes from above, not below. 35:00 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Today’s message touches on a great area of darkness for many. Spiritual confusion. What is God expecting of me? How can I live a pure life, and avoid sin? How do I overcome my sinful nature? How can I live in a way that pleases God? And here’s the biggie: how can I get off the treadmill of trying to please other people? The anxiety of living a performance-based life just to please others is overwhelming. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20080113.mp3 1B430BD3-08D0-45AA-AD45-6C8239E6F4D2 Sun, 13 Jan 2008 14:29:35 -0500 Get off that treadmill! - Colossians 2: 6-3:4 Today’s message touches on a great area of darkness for many. Spiritual confusion. What is God expecting of me? How can I live a pure life, and avoid sin? How do I overcome my sinful nature? How can I live in a way that pleases God? And here’s the biggie: how can I get off the treadmill of trying to please other people? The anxiety of living a performance-based life just to please others is overwhelming. 35:00 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Did you make any New Year’s resolutions? Millions of us did. Resolutions to lose weight, quit smoking, change a personality trait, develop a good habit, be a happier person, go deeper spiritually. Resolutions and decisions to change are usually driven by a sense that something is wrong and needs to be fixed. Resolutions often come out of pain and suffering. In this section of Paul’s letter to the Christians at Colossae, he shares how he has resolved to suffer for the cause of the gospel so that everyone could know the mysterious, revolutionary joy of "Christ in you, the hope of glory." http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20080106.mp3 13CE2866-1FDD-40F9-84C5-D8D8972B6EAF Sun, 6 Jan 2008 14:29:34 -0500 Resolution/Revolution - Colossians 1: 24-2:5 Did you make any New Year’s resolutions? Millions of us did. Resolutions to lose weight, quit smoking, change a personality trait, develop a good habit, be a happier person, go deeper spiritually. Resolutions and decisions to change are usually driven by a sense that something is wrong and needs to be fixed. Resolutions often come out of pain and suffering. In this section of Paul’s letter to the Christians at Colossae, he shares how he has resolved to suffer for the cause of the gospel so that everyone could know the mysterious, revolutionary joy of "Christ in you, the hope of glory." 35:00 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman We are like a computer and the software we are using is a system call SARX 6.66. SARX, in the Greek, is the word used for our flesh. Paul uses it in Galatians 5 to mean our sensuous nature of man, "the animal nature" that is apart from the will of God. It is the nature to which we are physically born. And it is a nature that separates us from God. But there is another operating system called Spirit 7.77. It is life by the spirit of God and it is the code that can change our lives. So let’s reboot to the new operating system. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20071230.mp3 2C04875C-BEFA-496D-9736-F8D207D70750 Sun, 30 Dec 2007 09:27:03 -0500 Resolution or Radical Reboot - Galatians 5 We are like a computer and the software we are using is a system call SARX 6.66. SARX, in the Greek, is the word used for our flesh. Paul uses it in Galatians 5 to mean our sensuous nature of man, "the animal nature" that is apart from the will of God. It is the nature to which we are physically born. And it is a nature that separates us from God. But there is another operating system called Spirit 7.77. It is life by the spirit of God and it is the code that can change our lives. So let’s reboot to the new operating system. 35:00 Ken Schultz Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no Ken Schultz Joseph was a righteous man, an esteemed member of Israel’s tzadiqim. Faced with the choice between his reputation and obeying God, Joseph learned that Christmas came with a cost. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20071224.mp3 87F05C13-767C-4950-B011-CF19D2965371 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 14:29:33 -0500 The Cost of Christmas - Matthew 1: 18-25 Joseph was a righteous man, an esteemed member of Israel’s tzadiqim. Faced with the choice between his reputation and obeying God, Joseph learned that Christmas came with a cost. 20:00 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman There are all sorts of images of who Jesus is. Someone has said that God created man in his own image, and man returned the favor. What is your image/concept of this baby who was born in a stable in Bethlehem? Jesus asked His disciple that question once. "What about you? Who do you say that I am?" (Mt 16:15) This is the most crucial question we face. No other religious, spiritual, or philosophical influencer ever said, "You’re opinion of me will affect your eternal destiny." It’s all about Jesus. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20071223.mp3 F168464B-8916-4784-850D-F76E7424BA72 Sun, 23 Dec 2007 14:29:32 -0500 It's all about Jesus! - Colossians 1: 15-23 There are all sorts of images of who Jesus is. Someone has said that God created man in his own image, and man returned the favor. What is your image/concept of this baby who was born in a stable in Bethlehem? Jesus asked His disciple that question once. "What about you? Who do you say that I am?" (Mt 16:15) This is the most crucial question we face. No other religious, spiritual, or philosophical influencer ever said, "You’re opinion of me will affect your eternal destiny." It’s all about Jesus. 35:00 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Becoming a Christian can be like coming downstairs on Christmas morning and seeing a beautifully decorated tree stuffed with presents under its branches. You’ve already received eternal life and know that you will receive many other good gifts from God. But how disappointing would it be if, as you opened those presents, you found that all the packages were empty? For many of us, daily Christian living seems empty because there is no sense of God’s presence in our lives. We long to please God and live in a way that honors Jesus, but how can we when we don’t understand His will? In these verses, we learn how we can enjoy God’s perfectly pleasing presence! http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20071216.mp3 DD6C5711-6FE2-4839-A540-4633E16E6D1E Sun, 16 Dec 2007 14:29:31 -0500 Perfectly Pleasing Presence - Colossians 1: 9-14 Becoming a Christian can be like coming downstairs on Christmas morning and seeing a beautifully decorated tree stuffed with presents under its branches. You’ve already received eternal life and know that you will receive many other good gifts from God. But how disappointing would it be if, as you opened those presents, you found that all the packages were empty? For many of us, daily Christian living seems empty because there is no sense of God’s presence in our lives. We long to please God and live in a way that honors Jesus, but how can we when we don’t understand His will? In these verses, we learn how we can enjoy God’s perfectly pleasing presence! 35:00 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman At Christmas, we sometimes become aware of how small and broken down things are in our lives. Financial resources may seem small. Our decorations may look small compared to the neighbors. Our heart might feel small when we don’t have the feelings of good-will or generosity towards others, or a closeness to God that we know we ought to have. Paul’s letter to the new church in the small town of Colossae reminds us that God’s good news of the gospel comes to small places and fills them with joy! http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20071209.mp3 901FB854-CFF6-4107-8A11-70CED858DBAD Sun, 9 Dec 2007 14:20:06 -0500 Filled with Hope - Colossians 1: 1-8 At Christmas, we sometimes become aware of how small and broken down things are in our lives. Financial resources may seem small. Our decorations may look small compared to the neighbors. Our heart might feel small when we don’t have the feelings of good-will or generosity towards others, or a closeness to God that we know we ought to have. Paul’s letter to the new church in the small town of Colossae reminds us that God’s good news of the gospel comes to small places and fills them with joy! 35:00 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Time is one of the most precious resources that we have, and yet it is one of the most neglected areas of management. Most people live with little or no margin in their time. As we pursue Godly priorities, He will lead us into a place of margin. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20071202.mp3 07D58662-EBFE-4D43-9692-2F925C2C70BB Sun, 2 Dec 2007 14:20:05 -0500 Downtime - Selected Scriptures Time is one of the most precious resources that we have, and yet it is one of the most neglected areas of management. Most people live with little or no margin in their time. As we pursue Godly priorities, He will lead us into a place of margin. 35:00 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Today we’re going to look at finances, and specifically, how to find financial margin. The closer you live to the limit of what you make, the less margin you will have and the more tension you feel. We weren’t meant to live on 100% of what we make. God, in His wisdom and love, intends for us to have margin. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20071125.mp3 20452902-D2B9-4031-B86E-B7F2A7074CA8 Sun, 25 Nov 2007 14:20:04 -0500 Finding Financial Margin - 2 Corinthians 8-9 Today we’re going to look at finances, and specifically, how to find financial margin. The closer you live to the limit of what you make, the less margin you will have and the more tension you feel. We weren’t meant to live on 100% of what we make. God, in His wisdom and love, intends for us to have margin. 40:00 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman This message is called the Holiday Survival Kit, but it is really a message about surviving in the places you are most spiritually attacked. We find this kit in chapter 6 in the book of Ephesians. As we all look to go over the river and through the woods to Grandma‘s house, we can be on a march into a spiritual battlefield. The good news is the battle has been won! The bad news, many of us are still being picked off by snipers unnecessarily. We have something stronger than Kevlar to protect us, but often we take it off at home. And home is where we need it most. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20071118.mp3 D5A1F7F2-574B-41C5-AA9B-64AC34A3F567 Sun, 18 Nov 2007 14:20:03 -0500 Holiday Survival Kit - Ephesians 6: 10-18 This message is called the Holiday Survival Kit, but it is really a message about surviving in the places you are most spiritually attacked. We find this kit in chapter 6 in the book of Ephesians. As we all look to go over the river and through the woods to Grandma‘s house, we can be on a march into a spiritual battlefield. The good news is the battle has been won! The bad news, many of us are still being picked off by snipers unnecessarily. We have something stronger than Kevlar to protect us, but often we take it off at home. And home is where we need it most. 35:00 Ken Schultz Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no Ken Schultz Poor management of our time and resources costs you and I personally. This is why Jesus devoted one-fourth of His parables to how we manage our belongings - our money, our abilities, and our time. Two management experiences that we usually don’t find enjoyable are going to work and giving away our hard-earned money. By following the guidance of Scripture, you can learn how to make money, give it away, and enjoy both. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20071111.mp3 FDBC2E21-EDAA-48B5-ACF9-0F6116952E22 Sun, 11 Nov 2007 14:20:02 -0500 Making money, giving it away, and enjoying both - pt. i - 1 Timothy 6: 17; Selected Scriptures Poor management of our time and resources costs you and I personally. This is why Jesus devoted one-fourth of His parables to how we manage our belongings - our money, our abilities, and our time. Two management experiences that we usually don’t find enjoyable are going to work and giving away our hard-earned money. By following the guidance of Scripture, you can learn how to make money, give it away, and enjoy both. 35:00 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman For the next few weeks we’re going to be talking about why and how to properly manage or use the resources that God has given to each of us. Dictionaries define stewardship as "a personal responsibility for taking care of another person’s property or financial affairs." Today, we’ll look at our most important belonging of all - God’s calling to belong to Jesus. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20071104.mp3 5448FBE1-D3ED-434C-8033-26FFBE38161A Sun, 4 Nov 2007 14:20:01 -0500 We Belong to Jesus - Romans 1:6; Selected Scriptures For the next few weeks we’re going to be talking about why and how to properly manage or use the resources that God has given to each of us. Dictionaries define stewardship as "a personal responsibility for taking care of another person’s property or financial affairs." Today, we’ll look at our most important belonging of all - God’s calling to belong to Jesus. 35:00 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Today, we’re concluding our look at the Seasons of Life by considering the last phase, age 60 and up. Many have a negative view of old age and do what they can to avoid any appearance of age. But the Bible presents a positive view of what it means to be old. At the same time, Psalm 90 teaches that our days on earth need to be lived with wisdom that comes from an understanding of God’s eternal plan. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20071028.mp3 1F6F6CFF-86BB-47E3-B3EE-7E925D0C01A2 Sun, 28 Oct 2007 14:10:35 -0500 Seasons of Life - pt. iv (Old Age) - Psalm 90 Today, we’re concluding our look at the Seasons of Life by considering the last phase, age 60 and up. Many have a negative view of old age and do what they can to avoid any appearance of age. But the Bible presents a positive view of what it means to be old. At the same time, Psalm 90 teaches that our days on earth need to be lived with wisdom that comes from an understanding of God’s eternal plan. 35:00 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Today, we’re looking at the season of life from 40 to 59 years-old. It’s during middle-age that many choose to place a new focus on their health. This is wise, but our spiritual health is even more important than physical health. The examination may be uncomfortable, but Jesus, the Great Physician, provides us any healing that we need. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20071021.mp3 70A71E00-23E3-438C-BCDE-D1F9D2D7397D Sun, 21 Oct 2007 14:10:34 -0500 Seasons of Life - pt. iii (The Middle-Age Years) - 3 John Today, we’re looking at the season of life from 40 to 59 years-old. It’s during middle-age that many choose to place a new focus on their health. This is wise, but our spiritual health is even more important than physical health. The examination may be uncomfortable, but Jesus, the Great Physician, provides us any healing that we need. 35:00 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Today, we’re looking at the season of life from 20 to 39 years-old. It’s in the twenty-something years that God wants us to open our eyes to the resources that He has blessed us with. The "life lesson" of this stage of life is that our treasure, talents, and time are resources to be invested. Jesus challenged a man in his twenties to invest where the need was greatest - his own soul. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20071014.mp3 1AA63C37-6A61-4EEE-B008-D51F25EA6282 Sun, 14 Oct 2007 14:10:33 -0500 Seasons of Life - pt. ii (Young Adult Life) - Mark 10: 17-31 Today, we’re looking at the season of life from 20 to 39 years-old. It’s in the twenty-something years that God wants us to open our eyes to the resources that He has blessed us with. The "life lesson" of this stage of life is that our treasure, talents, and time are resources to be invested. Jesus challenged a man in his twenties to invest where the need was greatest - his own soul. 35:00 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Ecclesiastes 3:1 says "there is a season for every activity under heaven." Just like spring makes way for summer and fall is nature’s way of preparing the world for winter, the teenage years are just a preparation time for young adulthood, and the physical and mental changes of middle-age are just part of getting ready for old-age. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20071007.mp3 B555E84B-1A09-47CC-995B-E72F12CEA824 Sun, 7 Oct 2007 14:04:41 -0500 Seasons of Life - pt. i (The Teen Years) - Daniel 1 Ecclesiastes 3:1 says "there is a season for every activity under heaven." Just like spring makes way for summer and fall is nature’s way of preparing the world for winter, the teenage years are just a preparation time for young adulthood, and the physical and mental changes of middle-age are just part of getting ready for old-age. 35:00 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Our focus last week was on restoring our worship to right side-up through a relationship with Jesus. It’s only through Jesus and a faith-based relationship with Him that we can worship God properly. Today we’re going to look at corporate worship - why we should worship together, what worshiping together does, and how we should do it. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20070930.mp3 2BEB9674-C070-403F-A111-F6042E5B46B6 Sun, 30 Sep 2007 14:04:40 -0500 Worship and Witness - 1 Corinthians 14: 20-25; Acts 2: 1-39 Our focus last week was on restoring our worship to right side-up through a relationship with Jesus. It’s only through Jesus and a faith-based relationship with Him that we can worship God properly. Today we’re going to look at corporate worship - why we should worship together, what worshiping together does, and how we should do it. 35:00 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman When we talk about worship, most people think of it as a space-time event - something that happens in a particular place - a church - and at a particular time - say, between 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. on Sundays. Is this what God had in mind when He said, "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy"? http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20070923.mp3 D123FE47-7088-4C68-9F3F-A0143A0ABDFA Sun, 23 Sep 2007 14:04:39 -0500 24 - Selected Scriptures When we talk about worship, most people think of it as a space-time event - something that happens in a particular place - a church - and at a particular time - say, between 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. on Sundays. Is this what God had in mind when He said, "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy"? 35:00 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Painful thoughts are not unusual for a Christian to have. The emptiness of unanswered prayer, pain that you can’t describe or that you’re afraid to share, loneliness. That feeling like you’re going to have to quit the Journey, that you can’t make it to the finish line. How do you keep going then? How do you find endurance to finish the journey when you feel alone or worn out or are running hurt? http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20070916.mp3 D2841BEF-F460-4F55-841F-9036789CE328 Sun, 16 Sep 2007 14:04:38 -0500 Endurance for the Journey - 1 Corinthians 9: 24-27 Painful thoughts are not unusual for a Christian to have. The emptiness of unanswered prayer, pain that you can’t describe or that you’re afraid to share, loneliness. That feeling like you’re going to have to quit the Journey, that you can’t make it to the finish line. How do you keep going then? How do you find endurance to finish the journey when you feel alone or worn out or are running hurt? 35:00 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman If Heaven is our destination and heaven is spending eternity with God, then the journey is about enjoying Him along the way. Unfortunately, many of us get excited about the destination of heaven. We have our ticket bought for us and simply sit at the station waiting for our heavenly destination. But if that is the case, we have missed the true purpose of this life. We have missed the joy and we might even have missed the journey because we are asleep at the station. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20070909.mp3 9890E03F-6C3C-4697-99F5-8F42CCBBF562 Sun, 9 Sep 2007 14:04:37 -0500 Enjoying the Journey - Selected Scriptures If Heaven is our destination and heaven is spending eternity with God, then the journey is about enjoying Him along the way. Unfortunately, many of us get excited about the destination of heaven. We have our ticket bought for us and simply sit at the station waiting for our heavenly destination. But if that is the case, we have missed the true purpose of this life. We have missed the joy and we might even have missed the journey because we are asleep at the station. 25:00 Ken Schultz Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no Ken Schultz For the next three weeks we’re going to be thinking about how and why to embark on a spiritual Journey with Jesus, how to enjoy the Journey, and how to develop endurance for the Journey. In Luke 15, Jesus told three parables to drive home the point that "lost people matter to God." http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20070902.mp3 B800245E-1BA7-4CB1-82B1-26D28DA82F9C Sun, 2 Sep 2007 14:04:36 -0500 Taking the First Steps Home - Luke 15 For the next three weeks we’re going to be thinking about how and why to embark on a spiritual Journey with Jesus, how to enjoy the Journey, and how to develop endurance for the Journey. In Luke 15, Jesus told three parables to drive home the point that "lost people matter to God." 35:00 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman The purpose of the Bible is to record how God is working out His redemptive plan through human history. God graciously called Abram into a covenant relationship to show that salvation is about God’s blessing rather than man’s effort. During times of confusion, doubt, and uncertainty, we can have confidence that God is at work. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20070826.mp3 121D66F3-90B0-4D3B-A244-2C37A37B2AD0 Sun, 26 Aug 2007 13:55:27 -0500 God at Work - Genesis 11: 27-12:8 The purpose of the Bible is to record how God is working out His redemptive plan through human history. God graciously called Abram into a covenant relationship to show that salvation is about God’s blessing rather than man’s effort. During times of confusion, doubt, and uncertainty, we can have confidence that God is at work. 35:00 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman There is a law of unexpected consequences. You’ve probably experienced it. You face a problem and endure it for a while. Eventually it comes to a point where you have to make a plan to get out of the problem. You rely on your experience and wisdom. Maybe get some advice. Maybe you even prayed. You execute your plan. But along the way, there are unexpected consequences to your plan. Abraham also experienced the law of unexpected consequences when he found himself off track in Egypt. Today we’ll learn some important lessons to help us get back on track. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20070819.mp3 48E66331-6E76-45DE-B3ED-31C0AD4FAFCA Sun, 19 Aug 2007 13:55:26 -0500 Getting Back on Track - Genesis 12: 10-20 There is a law of unexpected consequences. You’ve probably experienced it. You face a problem and endure it for a while. Eventually it comes to a point where you have to make a plan to get out of the problem. You rely on your experience and wisdom. Maybe get some advice. Maybe you even prayed. You execute your plan. But along the way, there are unexpected consequences to your plan. Abraham also experienced the law of unexpected consequences when he found himself off track in Egypt. Today we’ll learn some important lessons to help us get back on track. 35:00 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Abraham’s nephew Lot was a lot of trouble! But that did not keep Abraham from loving him. Abraham was learning that God was calling him into a covenant relationship to imitate God’s character of love to the world around him. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20070812.mp3 34396DFB-ABD6-4CB5-9504-2C16F397FF1D Sun, 12 Aug 2007 13:55:25 -0500 Quit Touching Your Sister - Genesis 13-14, 18: 16-33 Abraham’s nephew Lot was a lot of trouble! But that did not keep Abraham from loving him. Abraham was learning that God was calling him into a covenant relationship to imitate God’s character of love to the world around him. 35:00 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman In the test over Abraham’s son Isaac, God is asking, Which is more important to you Me or the blessings I have promised? In the end, Abraham was commended as God’s friend because his faith and his actions were working together. (James 2:22) True faith will always show itself by your obedient actions. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20070805.mp3 DF7D51B1-955D-4E7B-8053-F95B08CB6EEA Sun, 5 Aug 2007 13:55:24 -0500 Click It or Ticket! - Genesis 22: 1-18 In the test over Abraham’s son Isaac, God is asking, Which is more important to you Me or the blessings I have promised? In the end, Abraham was commended as God’s friend because his faith and his actions were working together. (James 2:22) True faith will always show itself by your obedient actions. 35:00 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman For the next several weeks we’re going to concentrate on where our church is going and some things that are vitally important if we are going to get there. We need to keep the faith, live obediently, and maintain unity if we are going to stay true to our calling and enjoy God’s blessings. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20070729.mp3 74926630-4D29-4476-B712-A55A94EE58DD Sun, 29 Jul 2007 13:55:23 -0500 Objects in Mirror are Closer Than They Appear - Hebrews 11: 1-12:3 For the next several weeks we’re going to concentrate on where our church is going and some things that are vitally important if we are going to get there. We need to keep the faith, live obediently, and maintain unity if we are going to stay true to our calling and enjoy God’s blessings. 35:00 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Society has many views , speculations, and doubts on what the after-life will be like. God’s word gives us some images of things in heaven that we can be sure of. The most frequent illustration of heaven is that of a large, festive banquet. At the beginning of eternity, there is a large feast called the wedding supper of the Lamb. (Re 19:9) The invitations have been mailed, the guests are making their RSVPs, and the table is being set. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20070722.mp3 3A9301AB-1B7E-4A27-B832-ABBBA030167F Sun, 22 Jul 2007 13:47:28 -0500 Heaven and Hell, pt. ii - John 14: 1-3/Selected Scriptures Society has many views , speculations, and doubts on what the after-life will be like. God’s word gives us some images of things in heaven that we can be sure of. The most frequent illustration of heaven is that of a large, festive banquet. At the beginning of eternity, there is a large feast called the wedding supper of the Lamb. (Re 19:9) The invitations have been mailed, the guests are making their RSVPs, and the table is being set. 35:00 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Culture has many views and speculations on what the after-life will be like. What does the Bible teach about heaven and hell? In the first part of this series, we will look at what the Bible teaches about hell. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20070715.mp3 8BF00653-C734-4290-B50C-04949C78F113 Sun, 15 Jul 2007 13:47:27 -0500 Heaven and Hell, pt. i - Selected Scriptures/Luke 16: 19 - 33 Culture has many views and speculations on what the after-life will be like. What does the Bible teach about heaven and hell? In the first part of this series, we will look at what the Bible teaches about hell. 35:00 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Imagine that once upon a time, there were men and only men living on the planet Mars. Two planets over, on Venus, there were only women. One day, the men looked through their telescopes and spotted the women on Venus and it awakened feelings they had never known. As time went on, the Martians and Venusians decided to settle on Earth and everything worked great for a while. Then trouble crept in - tension in their relationships, mainly because of selective amnesia. The men and women forgot that they came from two different planets and were wired differently. Today, we learn how to survive the invasion from Mars! http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20070708.mp3 DC24EE23-7307-4271-BDF6-48A0EA0E27EA Sun, 8 Jul 2007 13:47:26 -0500 Invasion from Mars! - Genesis 2: 18 - 25 Imagine that once upon a time, there were men and only men living on the planet Mars. Two planets over, on Venus, there were only women. One day, the men looked through their telescopes and spotted the women on Venus and it awakened feelings they had never known. As time went on, the Martians and Venusians decided to settle on Earth and everything worked great for a while. Then trouble crept in - tension in their relationships, mainly because of selective amnesia. The men and women forgot that they came from two different planets and were wired differently. Today, we learn how to survive the invasion from Mars! 35:00 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman In the perfect world of Eden, God made and wired men to be protectors, providers, and cultivators. Sometimes that wiring gets messed up. It may be a short-circuit brought on by bad nurturing or by circumstances, but ultimately it comes from a man’s decision to live his life differently than how God made him. Today, we’re going to look at the sad situation of men gone wild. We will look at how men usually deface the image of God in them, the consequences of this defacement, and how we can restore the image. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20070701.mp3 2BB91E57-0249-4B7E-8339-C277A3902E6B Sun, 1 Jul 2007 13:42:18 -0500 Men Gone Wild - Proverbs In the perfect world of Eden, God made and wired men to be protectors, providers, and cultivators. Sometimes that wiring gets messed up. It may be a short-circuit brought on by bad nurturing or by circumstances, but ultimately it comes from a man’s decision to live his life differently than how God made him. Today, we’re going to look at the sad situation of men gone wild. We will look at how men usually deface the image of God in them, the consequences of this defacement, and how we can restore the image. 35:00 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman There’s something that stirs in a man when he watches William Wallace, Aragorn, Maximus, "Dirty Harry" Callahan, Luke Skywalker, or Rocky Balboa do their stuff. It’s what John Eldredge describes as a man’s deep-down desire for "a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue." What stirs within us is the memory of battles and adventures and rescues that we have lived out. Or what stirs within us is a thirst for what we wish we were like. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20070624.mp3 167E42BE-FAEF-42DD-AA2A-044C82EE2A46 Sun, 24 Jun 2007 14:03:05 -0500 Developing a Brave Heart - Selected Scriptures There’s something that stirs in a man when he watches William Wallace, Aragorn, Maximus, "Dirty Harry" Callahan, Luke Skywalker, or Rocky Balboa do their stuff. It’s what John Eldredge describes as a man’s deep-down desire for "a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue." What stirs within us is the memory of battles and adventures and rescues that we have lived out. Or what stirs within us is a thirst for what we wish we were like. 35:00 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman Differences between men and women are often explained by saying, It’s a guy thing. As we look into God’s word, we’ll see that there really is a guy thing. Men and women are both bearers of the image of God equal and unique. But while culture tries to dull the differences between men and women out of fear, the solution is to understand Biblical masculinity and learn to use it in the right way. http://www.xwindschurch.org/feeds/20070617.mp3 B60A4D3C-33F3-4820-B2DA-B68676D3E379 Sun, 17 Jun 2007 13:37:10 -0500 Getting in Touch with Our Masculine Side - Genesis 1 - 2 Differences between men and women are often explained by saying, It’s a guy thing. As we look into God’s word, we’ll see that there really is a guy thing. Men and women are both bearers of the image of God equal and unique. But while culture tries to dull the differences between men and women out of fear, the solution is to understand Biblical masculinity and learn to use it in the right way. 35:00 John Stillman Jesus,God,Gospel,Crosswinds,Church,Plainfield,Stillman,Schultz no no John Stillman