Athens - Meet The Unknown God

Anger and Grace

We live in an angry world — from social media pile-ons to air rage to screaming parents on the sidelines of youth sports. In this message from our Seven Deadly Sins series, we learn that anger itself isn't always sinful. But most of the time, we handle our anger the wrong way. We have sinful outbursts. We yell, scream, raise our voice, or assume the worst about people instead of the best. The answer isn't suppressing our anger — it's God's grace. Drawing on the parable of the unmerciful servant, we see that because we've been forgiven an incalculable debt by God, we're called to extend that same forgiveness to others. Rather than repaying evil for evil, Christians are called to charity in place of hostility, trusting God as the just judge rather than trying to settle the score ourselves. God promises the more grace we extend to those who hurt us, the more grace he will extend to us.

Pride and Humility

Pride and humility aren't just personal struggles—they're universal spiritual laws that govern how God's kingdom actually works. In this message, we trace the principle of how those who exalt themselves are humbled and those who humble themselves are exalted. We look at Satan's rebellion, humanity's fall, and Jesus's stunning reversal. The God of the universe didn't grasp for glory. He emptied Himself. He served. He went to a cross. And then? He was exalted to the highest place in existence. That same law works in our lives right now. When we humble ourselves before God, when we serve others sacrificially, when we stop trying to lift ourselves up—that's when God lifts us. Real greatness isn't about being impressive. It's about wearing the apron of a servant.

Sloth

What is the sin of sloth? How can we rid our lives of it? Join us this Sunday at CrossWinds Church in Spirit Lake as we consider what the Bible has to say about this "deadly sin."

Ephesus And The Riot

A riot with 25,000 screaming people. A mob chanting the same seven words for two hours straight. What caused all this chaos?... The gospel was winning! So many people in Ephesus left their idols for Jesus that the silversmiths were going out of business. They were so desperate to stop the gospel that they started a riot. But here's what's remarkable: when the dust settled, nobody could find a single thing the Christians had done against others in the city. The Christians were not known for the evils they protested against, but the good news and good works of Jesus that they were for, and that transformed the city. In this message, discover the strategy that turned the occult capital of the ancient world upside down—and why it's still the most powerful way to change a community today.

Ephesus And Exorcism

When a demon has a foothold in a life, do exorcisms work? Seven brothers found out the hard way when they tried to use Jesus' name like a lucky charm in their exorcism — and ended up beaten and stripped naked. Journey to Ephesus, the witchcraft capital of the Roman world, and discover the only power that always sends demons running.