Audio Messages & Sermon Series - Crosswinds, Plainfield, IL

This message explores how the Israelites' worship of the golden calf reveals that idolatry is ultimately a heart issue, not merely an external action. It challenges believers to examine what truly holds first place in their lives, reminding us that worship is about loving and surrendering our whole lives to God rather than simply participating in religious activities.

In this message we are invited to reframe what “budget” means in the life of a follower of Jesus Christ: it’s not just about money, but about giving of our time, talents, priorities and resources in such a way that follows His economy. We are challenged to count the cost, allocate wisely, and trust that when we surrender, God supplies more than we think.

The world defines greatness through power, status, and personal achievement, but Jesus flips this concept by demonstrating that true greatness is found in servanthood and humility.

A healthy community, a people willing to serve, and training are what make disciples in our church. Disciples are eager to learn with a desire to teach. They are everyday people committed to serving our Lord and encouraging others to also follow the Gospel.

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.

Is artificial intelligence evil? That is the question Pastor Ken took on Sunday — and his answer was not a tech lecture. It was a walk through Matthew 15, where religious leaders confronted Jesus over something that looked scandalous on the surface: his disciples eating bread with unwashed hands. Jesus flipped the argument upside down. It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth (Matthew 15:11). Mark 7:20-23 says it even more bluntly — evil comes from within, out of the heart.

The scripture is Philippians 4:14-23 — Paul's closing words to a church that had supported him while he sat in prison. On the surface, it sounds like a polite "thanks for the cash." But Paul does something remarkable with it. He borrows the language of a business ledger ("credited to your account," "paid in full," "well supplied") and turns it into a picture of friendship. These believers weren't patrons buying influence, and Paul wasn't a client on the payroll. They were partners in the gospel.

In Philippians 4:1–3, Paul urges believers to stand firm in the Lord and calls Euodia and Syntyche to agree in Him, teaching us that Christian unity is more important than winning every argument. Unity does not mean agreeing on everything, but choosing love, humility, forgiveness and the mission of the gospel over personal opinions and the need to be right.