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(Mar/Apr 90) The Bible And Civil Law
Shows how God intended government to function in protecting the rights of law-abiding citizens while fairly punishing criminals in accordance with the seriousness of their crimes. It sets forth how and why there were no jails as we know them necessary in a godly society and how He provided for both restitution for victims and rehabilitation of criminals.

(Mar/Apr 91) Where He Leads Me, I Will Follow
Shows how the lordship of Jesus Christ in a Christian's personal life is his key to functioning in the Body of Christ and interacting profitably with other believers. When you know Jesus as Lord, you can learn from other Christians without making anyone else Lord in your life, and you can help others by following the path Jesus Christ blazed.

(May/Jun 91) The Joy Of Giving
Shows what the Old Testament tithe was, to whom it applied, how it worked and what was the heart behind giving in the Old Testament. The teaching then shows how the work of Jesus Christ completely nullified the necessity of tithing for the Church, and how today each Christian is to give cheerfully to his brethren in the Lord whatever he purposes in his heart.

(Sep/Oct 91) The Ministry Of Angels to Believers
Shows what angels are and that one of their basic functions is to help believers by providing protection and direction. Though a Christian has many supernatural enemies, he has more than twice as many supernatural friends, who can, when appropriate, come into concretion and look just like human beings.

(Nov/Dec 91) Everything You Wanted To Know About Fear, But Were Afraid To Ask
Suggests a biblical and practical definition of fear and shows that not all fear is to be feared, nor is a force that inexorably brings upon what you fear. The teaching categorizes fear as healthy or unhealthy and shows that the "fear" of God is very healthy because it results in obedience to Him, which is beneficial to you. Also shows how fear plays a large part in keeping people in religious bondage.

(Jan/Feb 92) Jesus Christ And You
Have you ever interrupted a vision from God? Peter did. This teaching very humorously and poignantly chronicles the apostle Peter's relationship with Jesus Christ, showing how each Christian can closely identify with Peter. The same Lord who looked on Peter's heart, not his human weaknesses, will work with you to help you grow in faith and in the quality of your service to Him.

(Mar/Apr 92) The Kingdom Of God: Paradise Regained
This teaching shows that Paradise, not "heaven," is the ultimate destination for all those who ever believed on the Lord Jesus Christ. It shows that "the kingdom of God" is one of a number of synonymous phrases that refer primarily to the Millennial reign of Jesus Christ, as it foreshadows the new earth, which is Paradise regained, the anti-type of Genesis 1 and 2. This teaching will significantly crystallize what is for most Christians a very vague hope of what happens after the gathering together (or "Rapture") of the Church. It gives some of the biblical details of life in the new age to come. thereby helping you persevere in faith in this life.

(Sep/Oct 92) Grace Unto Works: The Christian's Rewards
This teaching begins by examining salvation by grace through faith (the new birth) as the only firm foundation for a Christian's subsequent works of service to the Lord. It shows that God's great grace includes even the Christian's future rewards for utilizing his God-given gift of holy spirit in this life. The more a Christian understands God's grace and love, the more diligently he will work to serve Him. The hope of reward is a biblically sound motivation for Christian service.

(Nov/Dec 92) A New Race For A New Age
This teaching focuses squarely on the most important issue in the whole Bible: Who is Jesus Christ? It shows why He is called a "seed" in the first verse that ever mentions Him and how it is He who will produce a new "Master Race" for the new age He will bring to pass.

(Jan/Feb 93) The "The Sons of God" Of Genesis Six
This teaching explains one of the first Satanic attacks on mankind to stop the promised "seed" of Genesis 3:15 from being born. Both prior to the Flood of Noah's time, and afterward, certain evil spirits violated a prohibition of God, took on human form and mated with women. These are the spirits currently "in prison." The result was genetic aberration called the Nephilim, which means "fallen ones." The truth regarding this subject is the key to understanding why God sent the Flood, and why He was so insistent that the people of Israel in Joshua's time kill every single living Canaanite, etc. Both of these things were completely consistent with God's nature of love and righteousness. It also shows that no matter how big the enemy, e.g., Goliath, (one of the Nephilim), a believer can triumph with the power of God.

(Mar/Apr 93) The Interpretation Of Tongues
This teaching shows that each person who believes in Jesus Christ as Lord receives from Him the gift of holy spirit, the very nature of God. Like a Swiss Army knife with a number of possible functions, the gift of holy spirit has nine manifestations, or ways it can be utilized. One of these manifestations is speaking in tongues, and another is the interpretation of tongues. Never does God's Word call either of these "gifts," but rather "manifestations" of the one gift of holy spirit. The teaching explains why speaking in tongues is praise, worship and thanksgiving directed to God, and that thus the interpretation of tongues must, of course, be the same thing. The teaching concludes by showing you how developing a "praise vocabulary" makes you more adept at excelling in edifying the Body of Christ by speaking in tongues and interpreting in a Christian fellowship.

(May/Jun 93) Crazy About God
This teaching addresses the fundamental motivation in a Christian's life his love for God. It shows that one's love for God is the key to obeying Him, intimately knowing Him and His Son Jesus Christ and maximizing one's spiritual potential. it the discusses how to grow (not "fall") in love with God and Jesus Christ. A pivotal point made in this teaching is that your love for God is directly proportional to your understanding of God's love for you, Another is that in order to know and love God, one must first know and love Jesus Christ, who alone makes known His Father. The teaching shows how one's relationship with Jesus Christ is the key to his relationship with others in the Body of Christ. It also encourages you to develop "iron-sharpening-iron" relationships with other Christians, your brethren in Christ, in order to fully develop your spiritual potential in serving the Lord.

(Jul/Aug 93) Eat Drink and Remember
This teaching sets forth one of the most practical keys given in the Bible as to how to maintain one's fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ. It examines the comparison between eating and drinking physical food and "eating" and "drinking" spiritual food. It shows how the record in John 6 clearly lays the groundwork to understand what Jesus meant at "the last supper" when He told His disciples to remember Him whenever they ate or drank. It shows how the early Church did this regularly at mealtimes, rather than in a special ceremony. This teaching is a winner You'll eat it up!

(Sep/Oct 93) Let Us Pray
Certainly one of the most fundamental issues in Scripture is prayer. This teaching shows what prayer is and also sets forth the benefits of our prayer-for God, for ourselves, for our brethren in the Body of Christ and for those yet to believe in Him. It then centers on Jesus Christ as the example of how to pray, by looking at His prayer life as well as His teachings about prayer. The teaching show how the fallacy that "God is totally in control of everything" greatly dilutes a christian's prayer life, and shows that our prayers are, in fact, a catalyst for change, thereby making us part of "His-story."

(Nov/Dec 93) Let Us Praise
Throughout the Bible, God commands His people to praise Him. Why? This teaching suggests an answer to that question. It focuses on praise, worship and thanksgiving toward God as fundamental to a Christian's emotional, mental and spiritual health. It shows how praise helps to "pull down strongholds," both in our own minds and in the realm of spiritual warfare. It shows how praise can lead to a life full of joy by helping a Christian focus on 6od and the Lord Jesus Christ rather than on negative circumstances or his own human weaknesses. Praise God!

(Jan/Feb 94) Truthing It
This teaching shows that the goal of each Christian should be to know Jesus Christ and be conformed to His image, that is, to be like Him. To do so we must know, and then live, the truth, especially in regard to relationships. A Christian must not only know who Jesus Christ is, but also who he is in Christ. Knowing your identity as a son of God is the key to acting like who you are. In this teaching you will see that the biblical formula for successful Christian living is Be-Do-Have. "Religion" twists this into Do-Have-Be, which leads to a life of frustration in trying to walk with God.

(Mar/Apr 94) A Biblical View Of Our Emotions
Many Christians are taught to ignore their emotions, or else categorize them as either "good" or "bad." From the biblical perspective, however, all emotions are valid, but they must be evaluated on the basis of their intensity, duration and appropriateness. Where "religion" often leads people into bondage, denial and inappropriate emotional responses, the truth of God's Word sets us free to follow the example of our Savior and honestly and openly experience the full range of godly human emotions. This teaching will help you face your feelings and still govern your actions by the Word of God, which is exactly how Jesus Christ lived.

(May/Jun 94) Entrusting Yourself to God
This teaching asks you as a Christian to consider the depth to which the sin nature you inherited from the first Adam has infected your life. At the same time, it assures you from Scripture that the divine nature of the last Adam (Jesus Christ) gives you the ability to overcome whatever "giants" you may find in the "promised land" of your heart. It shows you how to recognize and deal with the ways in which your inherent human selfishness corrupts your ability to give and receive love. It will help you recognize and remove the "beam" from your own eye so you can help your brother remove the "speck" in his eye.

(Jul/Aug 94) The Art Of Forgiveness
This teaching contains information you can utilize for the rest of your life, because we live in a fallen world where sin plagues even the most mature Christian. Biblical forgiveness (not compromise) is an integral part of true love, and it is indispensable for spiritual, mental, emotional and physical health. You will see from Scripture that the key to you extending forgiveness (and thus the heart of Christ) to someone who wrongs you is your understanding of God's forgiveness of you in Christ. The teaching shows what forgiveness is, why we need to learn this art and how to practice it.

(Sep/Oct 94) The Manifestation Of Prophecy
Biblically, prophecy is speaking for God, energized by His holy spirit. In the Old Testament, prophesying was basically confined to those with the God-given office of a prophet, upon whom God had placed His spirit. Men such as Nathan spoke for God to give people direction, correction and information about God's will for their lives. Since the Day of Pentecost, everyone who believes in Jesus Christ as Lord receives the gift of holy spirit, and with it the ability to prophesy. Several times in I Corinthians 14, God encourages all Christians to speak for Him via prophecy to edify, exhort and comfort their brethren. The same specific, personal guidance from a loving heavenly Father is available today just as it has always been. This teaching gives the Scriptural basis for personal prophecy today, a way by which the power of God can deeply touch His people.

(Nov/Dec 94) In Defense Of Obligation
Christian ethics, and how our present culture is straying from this standard. Because God commands, man has moral duties, which he ignores to his own peril. The concept of a moral ladder is described, which helps a person climb out of rebellion to be able to do the will of God with joy from the heart, which is the goal. Obligation and duty stand at the threshold of temptation and obedience, and alert us to an opportunity to act, consistent with our commitments and promises.

(Jan/Feb 95) Living Between The Grave And The Glory
The thesis of this teaching is that only with the proper perspective of the past and the future can we truly maximize our spiritual potential in the present. The quality of our Christian lives (and our love) is directly proportional to how vivid is our faith in what Christ accomplished at the Cross, and our hope of what he will do at His Coming. Each of these elements is elaborated upon in relation to practical Christian living in a fallen world.

(Mar/Apr 95) The Last Week Of Christ's Life
Here is a masterful exposition of what the Word of God actually says about one of the most critical weeks in "His-story." Tradition has greatly distorted much of the beautiful truth about the events leading up to and including our Savior's death and resurrection, and this teaching should greatly enhance your love for the written Word of God in all its perfection. It should also increase your love for the Living Word, the Lord Jesus Christ.

(May/Jun 95) Nurturing Our Children
Taught by a doctor and his wife who are living in the crucible of raising four children, this teaching is full of very practical wisdom for parents. As a Father, God knows all about parenting, and His Word contains all the basic truth necessary about this critical-beyond-description aspect of life. Much of this truth is set forth in a humorous and down-to-earth manner.

(Jul/Aug 95) Stretching For The Lord
Did you know there are stretching exercises in the Bible, and that stretching one's faith is directly parallel to stretching one's muscles? This is perhaps one of the most applicable teachings you have ever heard, and is presented with much humor designed to make the key points stay with you. God will ask you to stretch, and thus be uncomfortable, but if you simply obey Him, you will become more flexible and strong in your faith.

(Sep/Oct 95) Justification By Faith
This tape shows that what Martin Luther proclaimed almost 500 years ago is still true. It examines the basic tenet of true Christianity-- that any man who believes in his heart that Jesus Christ is Lord is justified by that faith alone, independent of any good works on his part. Good works should be the fruit of a Christian understanding his salvation, but justification is by faith alone.

(Nov/Dec 95) Saved, Sealed, And Secure In Christ
Focusing on Ephesians, Chapter One, this sequel to Justification By Faith examines the permanence of a Christian's salvation via the new birth. Certain key Greek words and Roman customs in the Church Epistles are clearly expounded to show conclusively from Scripture that the Salvation of each Christian is indeed assured because of the finished work of Jesus Christ.

(Jan/Feb 96) A Biblical View Of Authority
This teaching takes the position that one's attitude toward authority is a vitally important factor in his spiritual growth and relationship with God. Believers are hurt and limited by both rebelliousness and subservience. The teaching provides a biblically balanced view of authority between the extremes of authoritarianism and anarchy, promoting an attitude of responsible submission to godly authority. Domains of this authority are identified, and the concept of authority is related to its companion concepts of responsibility and need.

(Mar/Apr 96) The Role Of Women In The Church
Women have often been excluded from teaching and leadership in the Church by people citing I Timothy 2:11ff, especially the phrase, "I do not permit a woman to teach." This teaching shows that the prevailing "understanding" of those verses is really a misunderstanding. Explaining the Gnostic heresy threatening the Church at that time, the teaching clearly sets forth the truth about this seldom-understood section, showing that the point of it is, in fact, that women should be encouraged to exercise their ministries in the Body of Christ.

(May/Jun 96) The Labyrinth Of The Heart: Passage To The Promised Land
Jeremiah 17:9 tells us that the heart of man is deceitful, and asks, "Who can know it?" For a Christian, the heart also contains great possibilities - a "promised land," if you will. But just as there were "giants" of wickedness in Israel's Promised Land, so each Christian must face and conquer the elements of his own sin nature. Our "Joshua" is the Lord Jesus. He knows the map, (God's Word) the land (our hearts), and the enemy (sin). He can, and will, lead you into the treasures of His love, and lead you out of yourself to bring those treasures to others.

(Jul/Aug 96) The Apostle Paul: Mindset, Martyrdom, And Mercy
This teaching is about how God picked Saul, the "Jew of Jews," to be the apostle (Paul) to the Gentiles. It shows how it took God about 25 years to get through Paul's Jewish skull the complete revelation of "the Mystery" as it is set forth in the book of Ephesians. During that time, Paul's zeal for his own people, Israel, led him into a piety that looked good but was contrary to the will of God. The teaching points out what Paul's going to Jerusalem may have cost the early Church. It then shows how God's grace and mercy abounded in Paul's life, and how after his repentance God blessed him in prison with the revelation of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and the pastoral epistles.

(Sep/Oct 96) The Mystery Revisited
To maximize his individual spiritual potential and to manifest the quality of life that God wants for His children, each Christian must understand the unique revelation that was "hidden" from other ages and generations and first given to the apostle Paul. This teaching on the Great Secret revealed to Paul goes into detail about how knowing "the Secret" is the only way to resolve the many apparent contradictions between the Old Testament and the New Testament. It shows why the Church Epistles are the "meat" of the Word for Christians, and helps you determine what Old Testament revelation is still applicable to you today.

(Nov/Dec 96) There's Work To Be Done
One of the key truths in Scripture is the two elements of redemption: (1) from the bondage of sin and death, and (2) unto the freedom of serving in newness of life. As Christians, we are to work heartily for the Lord Jesus Christ, because it is He who has given us life. Our primary work, however, must be to become one with the Lord whom we serve. We must work "yoked with Him" or we will burn out. Passion for Jesus must be our chief motivation in serving people, and at His appearing He will reward us for our labor of love.

(Jan/Feb 97) Perfecting Holiness In The Fear Of God
Holiness is not a destination, but a lifelong journey. The finished work of Jesus Christ is the starting point for each Christian's journey, and it is also the reason why each of us can become like Him, despite the sin nature that dwells in us. "Holiness" means conformity in thought, word, and deed to the character of God, our Father. It is available for us to achieve this character to a great degree, and we hope this teaching will help you move forward on your own personal path of righteousness.

(Mar/Apr 97) The Ten Commandments
The New Testament teaching that Christians are not "under the Law" has often been misunderstood to the end that the directions given in the Old Testament have not been studied or applied. Although it is true that the Christian is not under the Levitical statutes pertaining to sacrifices, ritual cleansing, etc., the fact is that there are many laws of God written in the Old Testament that believers today need to obey. This teaching explains how the Christian can separate the laws that were "done away" in Christ from the ones still applicable. It gives special attention to the Ten Commandments and how they are to be applied today.

(May/Jun 97) The Purpose Of The Ages
We believe this teaching is one of the most important we have ever done, because it presents an overview of the "administrations" in Scripture from Paradise lost to Paradise regained. We assert that if one does not understand these, the Bible will in large part be a closed book, especially in terms of its practical application to life today. The teaching focuses on the Administration of Grace and the Church of the Body of Christ that began on the day of Pentecost. It shows how Jesus Christ is the golden thread that runs throughout and holds together the royal tapestry of truth, the Word of God. This is a "must hear" teaching.

(Jul/Aug 97) Running For The Prize
What value is there in really working hard for the Lord and striving to obey Him? Why not just get saved and then do what's convenient and comfortable? This teaching clearly sets forth the difference between salvation and the rewards that Christ will give to those believers who have earned them. It also suggests what some of those rewards may be and teaches why the subject of future rewards is so misunderstood in most churches today. We believe it will help to motivate you to more diligently and enthusiastically walk with the Lord Jesus Christ.

(Sep/Oct 97) Good News! Read All About It!
This teaching gives a detailed explanation of "the Gospel of Christ," relating the good news of Christ's victory over the tyrant, sin. It exhorts us to rejoice in the privilege of bearing this "good news" to those who are in need of salvation, and relates the credibility of the Scripture to the effective publishing of this good news. This news remains continually relevant in our ongoing battle against "the sin that dwells in us," enabling us to honestly face our sinful flesh in the light of God's acceptance and justification. This teaching shows how the concept of "good news" can help the believer separate truth from error, because false teachings are clearly not very good news at all.

(Nov/Dec 97) Defeating The Enemy Within
This teaching is for humans only. If you are in that category, the "statement of the problem" is most pertinent: "Something is wrong with me." This teaching shows that the problem is "the sin that dwells in us," and that the only solution on a daily basis is the Savior from sin, Jesus Christ. It biblically demonstrates the necessity for each Christian to recognize this internal enemy and allow his helplessness against it to drive him into the arms of the Lord Jesus. The Bible is the story of two Adams, and each Christian has those two Adams within him. This teaching will help you to be more like the Last Adam, Jesus Christ.

(Jan/Feb 98) Take My Word For It
This is a teaching on the subject of faith, without which, according to Scripture, it is impossible to please God. How so? That's one thing covered in the teaching. You will also learn what faith is, how you can have it and how it can grow in your heart. Whether or not we trust God (have faith) is the bottom line for every Christian no matter how much he matures in the Lord. It is available for you to keep the faith.

(Mar/Apr 98) A Matter Of Life And Death
This teaching encapsulates the material covered in our book titled Is There Death After Life? The issue of what happens to someone when he dies is one that has plagued the human heart since the dawn of man. The stark reality of death itself is so overwhelming to man that throughout the centuries theory upon theory about its aftermath has been propounded. Most of these deny the reality of death, and thus negate the glorious truth of resurrection life available only through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Understanding this truth will help you more greatly appreciate what he did at Calvary.

(May/Jun 98) Why The New Birth Is The Miracle Of Miracles
There is much confusion in Christian circles about all that happens in a person when he is born again. This inspirational teaching identifies and briefly expounds upon 24 biblical terms describing the New Birth and all that occurs in the believer at that one-time event: seed, adoption, inheritance, anointed, baptized, sealed, filled with the holy spirit, etc. In this teaching, these terms are likened to the spokes of a wheel, a powerful tool we use to carry heavy burdens. In the New Birth, God empowers us to carry the burdens of our own lives, as well as of those to whom we minister.

(Jul/Aug 98) What Is Christian Leadership?
You can see by this title that it addresses an issue of indescribable importance to every Christian. This teaching is for anyone aspiring to Christian leadership, as well as for any believers who have been abused by Christian leaders and who are now suspicious of or even negative toward the whole idea of leadership in the Church. We are enthused about what this teaching can do for your relationship with God, the Lord Jesus and your Christian brethren.

(Sep/Oct 98) Let's Not Keep The Secret A Secret
One of the most critical of all biblical subjects to understand is the secret set forth in Ephesians, that the Church of the Body of Christ is distinct from Israel and unique to this current biblical administration. But then how can Jesus speak to Nicodemus in John 3 about being born again, something that applies only to Christians in the Church administration? This teaching resolves that apparent contradiction caused by an error in translation, and shows from the Old Testament exactly what it was that Jesus expected Nicodemus to understand.

(Nov/Dec 98) Sanctification, Sin Nature and True Repentance
"Holiness" has become almost a buzzword among Christians today, and this teaching attempts to bring clarity to the whole subject. The relevant biblical term is "sanctification," which is the act of making holy, and which occurs at the time of the New Birth. But sanctification is also a present process because of the sin nature that continues to dwell in us. The misconception that a Christian no longer has a sin nature is then refuted, which introduces the need for clear teaching on what constitutes true repentance. The fruits of true repentance are then identified, which enables us to know when we have genuinely turned away from sinful habits of belief and practice.

(Jan/Feb 99) Prayer And Fasting
Biblically, the subject of prayer is both inspirational and inexhaustible. Today, in Christian circles, there is much talk about fasting, but what does the Bible really say about it. Is there any biblical command for Christians to "fast," that is, to go without food? Are aware of the places in the King James Version where the translators added the word "fasting" without textural documentation? This teaching sets forth what God says is a true fast. It is both inspirational and informational.
(Mar/Apr 99) When You Come To A Cross Road, Take It

This teaching addresses what may very well be the bottom line of each Christian's life: choosing God's will or his own will. What does it mean to take up your cross? What does it mean to die to self? How can we be motivated to follow in Christ's steps and enter this often painful process? What is a kairos moment? This poignant and provocative teaching will answer these questions and much, much more.

(May/Jun 99) Resisting Idolatry, Temptation and Deception
This tape is a very practical analysis of how idolatry is present in the life of a believer whenever we love and trust anything more than God. It also looks at the temptations of Jesus in terms of the basic ways Satan tempts all of us, and how to counteract each type of deception. His first step is to define our need for us, instead of our allowing the Word of God to do so. The second way is to create urgency for the need to be met immediately, instead of our waiting upon the Lord and worshiping Him. The third way is to tell us that that we can get away with disobeying God without consequences and lure us into unwise actions. But, armed against the lure of these deceptions, we are able to glorify God.

(Jul/Aug 99) Proverbs: Wisdom for All Ages
The Book of Proverbs contains "wisdom for all ages." This includes wisdom for both the young and old, as well as wisdom that is applicable through time. This tape examines some of the structure of Proverbs, and show that the famous section of chapter 31:1-31 is not speaking about a "virtuous woman," but is rather figurative language regarding "women" called "Wisdom and "Folly." It contains much practical advice on how to live a godly life.

(Sep/Oct 99) Discerning Good and Evil
This vitally important subject is given a comprehensive treatment, highlighting the believer's call to "hate evil" and "overcome evil with good." The believer's responsibility to educate his own conscience according to biblical ethical standards is clearly defined and shown to provide the basis for discerning both good and evil. The characteristics of evil and evil people are then gleaned from Scriptures, and these are contrasted to goodness and good people. In the process, it becomes apparent that evil stands in opposition to all that God is. This tape will empower the Christian believer to identify and root out the vestiges and influences of evil thinking and behavior so a more intimate relationship with the holy God and His righteous Son can result.

(Nov/Dec 99) You are the Only You God Has
This tape shows how Greek philosophy has infiltrated Western theology and distorted God's revelation of Himself as a personal, loving Father into little more than an "omnipotent," "omniscient" abstraction. Closely aligned to this is the issue of what kind of "foreknowledge" God has, according to Scripture. This teaching vividly brings to light the reciprocal relationship between the Creator and each "you" who chooses to walk with Him. It magnifies the urgency of individual obedience, and shows why prayer is such a vital tool in changing history from what it would have been.

(Jan/Feb 00)"God Told Me to Do This Teaching," Part 1:Decision Making and the Will of God
This teaching explores the nature of God's interaction with the world, and critiques the traditional view that God micro-manages His creation, even as far as controlling the activities of every molecule. By properly emphasizing the biblical concepts of personal responsibility, accountability and moral freedom, the truth is revealed that God does not "control" His creation but has masterfully created a world in which creatures are free to develop and relate to their environments in various ways. From this perspective of God's nature, evil becomes much more understandable, because it arises from the free choice of free beings outside of God's "control." The teaching then begins to show that a "wisdom model" is supported by scriptural language more than a "the personal guidance model."

(Mar/Apr 00) "God Told Me to Do This Teaching," Part 2: Decision Making and the Will of God
The second part of the teaching demonstrates that the perspective of Scripture is that God holds man accountable to make wise and moral decisions according to His Word, and does not routinely and personally direct the decisions of individuals. Many examples from the Old and New Testaments are cited to show that the language of Scripture highlights human choices and the reasoning processes that support them. The epistles of the Apostle Paul are shown to be "revelation with a human face," because of the many times that Paul reveals his motivations, intentions and goals. This teaching shows that it is the exception rather than the rule for biblical characters to say that "God told them" to do such and such, but the evidence for their being divinely inspired is derived from the godliness of their motivation and the deliverance that results from their actions.

(May/Jun 00) Understanding Prophesy
The manifestation of prophecy is very important to the Church, and that is why Satan has introduced much error and confusion about it to the end that many Christians want nothing to do with it. Prophecy is revelation in that it is what God reveals to someone in order for him to communicate to others. This teaching shows what Scripture says about it and how it is to be used properly.

(Jul/Aug 00) Life is Relationship
This teaching addresses the unbreakable connection between one's relationship with Jesus Christ and God and the relationship with the people in one's life. It shows why the first two commandments cannot be separated: Our love for God can be measured only by how we deal with people. It shows that recognizing our self-helplessness is the first step toward the goal of coming UNTO Christ, touching him and being made whole. In terms of successful human relationships, this is a very piercing, powerful and practical teaching.

(Sep/Oct 00) Christian Leadership: Living in Balance
This teaching takes a practical and insightful look at the leadership principles revealed in Titus 1:9 and Acts Chapter 6, when the apostles faced their first internal crisis. A segment of the Christian community was being neglected as a function of their rapid growth, and strategic delegation was the solution. The application of these principles to the ministry of CES is then explored, and with it the need for others with ministries to be recognized and given responsibility for the work generated by the accurate teaching of God's Word. The concept of balance is then identified as a major component of healthy teaching, which is the essence of true Christian leadership according to Titus 1:9.

(Nov/Dec 00) Ordination
Because Scripture teaches that every Christian has a personal ministry, it does not support the concept of a distinction between a "clergy" and a "laity". Is there any purpose served, then, by an "ordination" of a Christian leader to set him apart for special recognition? As a beginning work on the subject, this teaching identifies the three "c's" that are prerequisite to biblical ordination: calling, character and commitment. The idea is also considered that some callings are more public than others, and therefore invite a public recognition by the Body of Christ. It is made clear that, biblically speaking, ordination or ordination prophecies by a group of elders are primarily for public recognition and confirmation of those who are already fully functioning in their ministry. This teaching also examines the biblical evidence that ordination may involve some kind of "activation" or "energizing" of a ministry in addition to simply recognizing it.

(Jan/Feb 01) Be Transformed! The Promise of a New Life in Christ
This teaching looks at both the promises and commandments in the New Testament that relate to becoming transformed from the "old man," which is corrupt, to the "new man," which is "created in righteousness and true holiness." Eight distinct stages in this transformation process are identified, and compared to the stages in the biological transformation of a caterpillar to a butterfly. The importance of the mind in this process is discussed, specifically the need to be conscious of our feelings, thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. This teaching also investigates the biblical relationship between God's promises and His commandments, and shows that obedient behavior reveals true faith in God's promises.

***** The teachings below are also available on CD *****

(Mar/Apr 01) Reaching Out with the Love of God or Christianity: The Come as You Are Party
It is easy to see sin and problems in other people's lives, and it seems natural that the best way to help someone is to point out how he could change and be better. However, the wrong kind of "correction" can be counterproductive. Jesus Christ showed us how to reach out with the love of God. He loved both the sinners and the Pharisees who were around him. In so doing, he left us a model to follow and showed that the language of love is universal. He told three parables in Luke 15 that clearly show God's love for all people. This tape covers those parables and some other verses about reproof and correction that we as Christians should heed in order to best love one another as members of the Body of Christ.

(May/Jun 01) Role of Women in the Church - 2
Women have been excluded from teaching and leading in the Christian Church, historically and currently. I Timothy 2:11-15 has been used to support this stance. This teaching clarifies the meaning of these verses by exploring the Gnostic "myths" and "false doctrines," against which Paul was warning Timothy. Also in the teaching are some highlights of noted women in the Bible, and studies of Hebrew and Greek words which have been "watered down" in translation when applied to women. By Sue Carlson

(Jul/Aug 01) Establishing Healthy Boundaries
In this teaching John Schoenheit shows that Jesus Christ had boundaries in his dealings with mankind, and did not attempt to meet every need that people had. It also defines some boundaries in Christian leadership as evidenced by the apostle Paul when compared to the "super-apostles" of Corinth. Then Gary Theisen gives examples of healthy boundaries in the biological realm, in particular desma cells that have semi-permeable membranes that allow good things in but keep bad things out. He also applies this knowledge to marriage, and the way the husband is to love his wife.

(Sep/Oct 01) Overcoming Evil with Good: A Response to the Tragedy of September 11, 2001
Due to the terrorist bombings of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and with the continued threat on Americans worldwide, there has been an increased interest in whether or not what has happened is God's judgment on America and whether it is part of His plan or not. Also, there is confusion about how the United States should respond to the attack and the threats of continued violence. The opinions range from "nuke Afghanistan into a parking lot" to "do not respond at all because it will just result in more terror." This tape examines these issues from the Word of God and shows that God is not responsible in any way for terror or death. It also examines our proper biblical response to evil so that we can have a safe and free society. By John Schoenheit

(Nov/Dec 01) Increasing Faith in God's Provision and Protection
This teaching looks at the 3 P's of faith: trusting in God's presence, His promises, and His power. Psalm 91 and similar verses are examined to show that manifesting God's protection is relative to our obedience and trust in God as our refuge and protector. Three Biblical accounts are explored where believers stood with fearless integrity even when they were in doubt about whether God would deliver them from death. This teaching reminds us that risk cannot be eliminated from life in a fallen world, and even people of great faith died in obedience to God, looking to the Resurrection for the consummation of all of God's promises.

(Jan 02) Four Keys to Evaluating Prophetic Guidance
Prophecy, both personal and corporate, is one of God's provisions for the Church Age, and more and more Christians are embracing prophets and "personal prophecy." With its popularity, however, have come abuses and misunderstandings, and this teaching aims to empower the listener with the keys to evaluating all forms of prophetic guidance. Armed with this knowledge, the Christian need not fear the ministry of a prophet or even false prophets, but can separate truth from error and God's voice from the human element. How to stand responsibly in regard to a prophetic word is also discussed, in order to not bring discredit to God, the ministry of a prophet, or the manifestation of prophecy.

(Feb 02) Ever-Increasing Glory
2 Corinthians 3:13 (NIV) says, regarding Christians, that "we are not like Moses." This teaching shows the difference between Moses' extremely personal and powerful relationship with God and what is now available to each Christian because of the work of Jesus Christ. God could not show Moses the brightness of His glory, but each believer today can look directly into the Son, and reflect his glory to the world. The teaching also looks at the name of God, Yahweh, and how Jesus was named after his Father.

(Mar 02) New CES Board Members: Sharing and Discussion
This tape contains some of the discussion and sharing at the Leadership Team Meeting in September 2001 concerning the issue of the expansion of the CES Board of Directors. The process of consensus that was employed to determine who the new Board members would be is also discussed. Then Gary and Karen Theisen share their hearts to all the CES community. This tape is a must for all who want to better understand the heart of CES and its vision for the future.

(Apr 02) Ordination Ceremony
One year after John Schoenheit's bimonthly tape on ordination, CES held an ordination ceremony at the Leadership Team Meeting in September 2001. This tape captures the heart of Christian leadership, both doctrinally and practically, in the expounding of the Word of God by John Schoenheit, who officiated, and in the hearts of those ordained, who shared what ordination meant to them and then declared their commitment to the body of believers. Prophetic words were spoken over the individuals being ordained in accordance with Scripture. This tape clearly demonstrates what was explained in the September/October 2000 bimonthly tape, that ordination involves public recognition and confirmation of those who are already fully functioning in their ministries.

(May 02) The Joy and Rewards of Sexual Purity
Three dynamic women from the CES community team up to encourage the listeners to remain sexually pure, or to receive God's forgiveness and then make a new commitment to sexual purity. Nancy Berwid speaks of God's design for sexuality to be expressed in marriage, and shares her inspiring testimony about her experience of God restoring her to a place of purity after many years of disobedience to God's Word. Karen Theisen shares from her wealth of experience studying this subject biblically and teaching sexual abstinence to teenagers. Kathy Lunardini, an experienced public health nurse, then shares on sexually transmitted diseases (this part is graphic, and parental discretion is advised). Taken together, these sharings provide a powerful and persuasive package that will help anyone, but especially young people, get on the right track and glorify God with their God-designed bodies.

(Jun 02) Women: Man's View or God's View?
This sequel to The Role of Women in the Church (Mar/Apr '96) and The Role of Women in the Church - 2 (May/Jun '01) clarifies 3 challenging sections of Scripture. First, it explains 1 Corinthians 11:1-16, which is a challenging section of Scripture about headship, men and women, and customs in a worship service. Second, it explains 1 Corinthians 14:33-35, which, as it is commonly translated, seems to indicate that women should not speak in a church service. Thirdly, it delves into the concepts of headship and submission of Ephesians 5:22-33. The teaching closes with an overview of Esther, a captivating woman whose courage saved the Israelites from destruction during their captivity in Persia. This teaching is a powerful encouragement to women who have doubted God's calling because of false interpretations of difficult passages of Scripture. By Sue Carlson

(Jul & Aug 02) Breaking Through to Godliness
This two-part teaching examines the vast difference between religion and godliness, as revealed by the entire scope of the Bible. By looking at many biblical accounts of both religious and godly attitudes, godliness is seen to be a true, vital, and transformational relationship with God and Jesus Christ. Religion, on the other hand, concerns the outward works of faith, such as prayer, prophecy, Bible study, evangelism, church-building, etc.
In practicing these things, we may look good, be "right," and be busy doing the right things (we think), telling ourselves that we are really pursuing God. But we may actually be "in the flesh," with our religious beliefs and practices masking impure motives and desires of an unclean heart. To become godly, we must learn to develop an intense commitment to truth in the inward parts, as David spoke in Psalm 51:1-9. This teaching will encourage personal transformation in Christ by showing how to recognize and break through religious postures of heart. By Mark Graeser.

(Sep 02) Battle of the Minds
This teaching is pertinent to every minute of a Christian's waking hours. It shows from Scripture that we not only live in a war zone (the world), but also we are a war zone, because an internal battle is constantly raging between our ears, as "two minds" are vying for supremacy. Thoughts are the seeds of our words and deeds, and a believer need not succumb to "stinking thinking." A powerful exposition of Romans 7:14-25 clarifies that although a Christian will always have the "sin that dwells within him," he can learn how to live with it so that it does not have him by the throat. Battle of the Minds identifies the strategies and methods of the Enemy, and sets forth godly strategies for success in fruitful Christian living. By John Lynn

(Oct 02) Transformation: Becoming Like Christ
The Bible says that Christians are to be "imitators of God," and live a life of love as Jesus Christ did. Doing so requires us to get rid of anger, bitterness, and evil communication, and to purify our hearts. As many of us have learned, this is much easier said than done. How exactly are we to do it?

This teaching shows what the Word of God says about how to be transformed and become like Jesus Christ. The lynchpin of the teaching is that, as the Body of Christ, Christians are actually participating in the process of redemption, which is still ongoing. The world is still in a fallen state, in need of redemption, and the followers of Christ are now suffering in his stead in the outworking of this redemptive process.

The keys to dealing with the trials and tribulation of life are to recognize that we are suffering as our Lord and Savior did, to rejoice in the privilege we have to participate in his passion, and to know that we will be richly rewarded in Paradise for our labor of love today.

(Nov 02) Leadership Conference Excerpts
This tape is composed of excerpts from the 2002 CES Leadership Team Meeting that will touch your heart and help you see the heart of the ministry as expressed by some of the people who are "making it happen." Mark Graeser opens by telling about a dream he had that sheds light on the transition CES is in right now. Then Gary and Karen Theisen share their hearts about their roles as new Board members, and several members of the Compensation Committee talk about their vision and heart for helping CES grow. Karen Anne Graeser then shares about "dispensing grace," and Nancy Berwid about the "Good News Class." Kathy Lunardini closes out with a rousing exhortation to generous giving and the bountiful results that she has experienced from a renewed commitment to financial giving.

(Dec 02) Shining Like Stars in the Universe - Don't miss this one!
(An entertaining overview of the Administrations showing that each Christian is a "star" for God.)

Recorded before a live New York City audience in what was once the shadow of the twin towers of the World Trade Center, this teaching opens with a dynamic rendition of God's righteous resourcefulness in bringing to pass His purpose of the ages via Jesus Christ. Laying out the indispensably vital understanding of the administrations in Scripture, John then focuses on "the Secret" and shows why Satan is working so hard to keep it a secret from Christians. From Psalm 19 he shows that God put the story of the fall and redemption of mankind in the stars--with the exception of the Secret, and closes by showing that we Christians are the "stars" that make known this most glorious truth that is not manifest in the stellar message.

(Jan 03) Financial Stewardship - God' Heart Concerning Money And Possessions
What is God's heart concerning man's relationship to money and material possessions? If you've ever desired freedom in the area of finances and material possessions, this teaching is for you. Dan Gallagher develops the concept of Stewardship as the biblical balance between the Poverty and Prosperity extremes taught by some Christians. He also looks at the biblical concept of ownership and property rights. This most practical teaching sets forth nine principles of godly financial stewardship by which you can really get a handle on this critical area of life.

(Feb 03) Highlights from the 2002 Teen New Year's Conference
CES is a multifaceted ministry, with people of all ages and from all walks of life contributing to our unity and diversity. This tape contains highlights from Live Out Loud, the Teen New Year's Conference held in December, 2002. We trust that you will be inspired and encouraged as you listen to the hearts of our young people. They speak about many subjects pertinent not only to youth, but to all of us who seek to be more like Christ.

(Mar 03) Healthily Processing Anger
This teaching is about how to deal with our own anger in a healthy manner. It starts by taking a look at the myth that anger is always a sin. Biblically, there are two kinds of anger -- justified (like that which God and Jesus Christ display) and unjustified (like what the Pharisees displayed). Anger is simply an emotion, but how we choose to relate to it determines whether or not it is sin. Ephesians 4:26 is examined to see the "how" of properly processing anger and channeling it into constructive behavior. The teaching also looks at the physiological, psychological, and spiritual prices we pay when we inappropriately deal with our anger. It concludes by showing godly strategies to deal with anger, focusing on Jesus' example of forgiveness ("Father, forgive them for they know not what they do"). By Karen Theisen

We recommend these other CES audio teaching tapes related to this subject: "A Biblical View of Our Emotions, Mar/Apr 94," and "The Art of Forgiveness, Jul/Aug 94" and our seminar "Growing Up in Christ, Part One: The Fruit of the Spirit - Developing the Character of Christ (12 hours with syllabus).

(Apr 03) The Ministry of Reconciliation: Making a Difference
This teaching by John Lynn defines the "ministry of reconciliation" committed to each and every Christian, and shows that it is much more than witnessing to a Buddhist on a bus stop. Drawing the analogy to how white blood cells in the human body go to help an injured part, it shows the healing power of relationships possible in the Body of Christ. Each Christian is called (and equipped) to help others reverse the behavioral effects of our sin nature and be more reconciled to God and to one another. Powerfully dissecting Matthew 18:15-20, it shows that, though it might be painful, godly "confrontation" is totally positive and is the indispensable hallmark of truly intimate relationships.

(Apr 03) The Ministry of Reconciliation: Making a Difference
This teaching by John Lynn defines the "ministry of reconciliation" committed to each and every Christian, and shows that it is much more than witnessing to a Buddhist on a bus stop. Drawing the analogy to how white blood cells in the human body go to help an injured part, it shows the healing power of relationships possible in the Body of Christ. Each Christian is called (and equipped) to help others reverse the behavioral effects of our sin nature and be more reconciled to God and to one another. Powerfully dissecting Matthew 18:15-20, it shows that, though it might be painful, godly "confrontation" is totally positive and is the indispensable hallmark of truly intimate relationships.

(May 03) Women Who Heard the Voice of the Lord & Esther
This tape features two teachings from the 2003 CES Midwest Women's Conference. Karen Anne Graeser presents lessons learned from studying three women in the Bible who heard from the Lord--Anna, Huldah, and Deborah. Each of these women were worshipers, had a strong sense of their own identity, and were committed to serving the Lord and His people. Then Kathy Lunardini makes the record of Esther come alive, highlighting her courage and selfless love for her people as God worked with her to lead Israel to deliverance. Esther risked her life and her royal privileges, using every asset she had in the service of God and His people.

(Jun 03) Growth Begins in Truthfulness and the Power of Brokenness
Ably representing the heart of the 2003 CES Conference on "Cultivating Wholeness," Nancy Berwid and John Lynn share openly about how their spiritual growth was greatly advanced by embracing a lifestyle of truthfulness and brokenness. Nancy models the way honesty can be liberating, and talks about how her self-deceptiveness worked against her healing and recognition of her ongoing need for a Savior. John then shares his struggle of finding the balance of godly self-esteem. He shows how the power of brokenness brings us to wholeness, as getting in touch with our failures and coming to grips with the sin that dwells in us can help us embrace our Savior's success and our righteousness in him.

(Jul 03) Deliverance from People Pleasing
Human beings employ a wide variety of approval-seeking behavior. Seeking primary approval from anyone other than their Creator prevents Christians from realizing their full potential as children of God. This teaching challenges each believer to examine himself in order to uproot "men-pleasing" as an unwanted weed in the garden of his heart. After considering who we seek approval from and what people-pleasing behaviors look like, this teaching suggests a number of fleshly motives and looks at biblical records illustrating both people-pleasing and God-pleasing individuals. Lastly, it takes a biblical look at when it is appropriate to seek to please people, such as in marriage and evangelism.

(Aug 03) Arguing for the Greater Possibility
Mark Graeser explains the transformation of CES from "provider of materials" to "full service Christian organization" as a response to the vision that God and Jesus Christ have for the Church. He identifies four key elements required to see the ministry grow to its potential: freedom, faithfulness, balance, and unity. He likens the right attitude toward achieving the vision to the attitude of Joshua and Caleb in the book of Numbers. Karen Anne Graeser and Jeff Blackburn also share their excitement and vision for the growth of the ministry, elaborating on specific elements of our work.

(Sep 03) Self-Talk & the CES name change
In this most practical teaching given at Family Camp 2003, John Schoenheit shows the scriptural basis for thinking about what we are thinking about and then "talking" to ourselves about it, especially when what we are thinking is contradictory to God's Word and practically detrimental to our lives. Self-awareness based upon the Word of God ingrained in our hearts is essential for fruitful Christian living. Then Mark talks about the decision making process used by the Board of Directors in choosing a new name for the ministry, especially the importance of finding a name that would relate to God's heart and vision for the church.

(Oct 03) Embracing the Father's Vision
Highlights from the 2003 Servant/Leader Conference.

Mark Graeser leads out with an exhortation for God's people to seek to give God and His Son what they want, namely that we be people who worship in spirit and truth. The members of the Youth Council then share their hearts, followed by the members of the Board of Directors. This tape will help you connect with the heart, passion, and commitment of two generations of servant leaders in this community.

(Nov 03) The Heart of Servant Leadership
Highlights from the 2003 Servant/Leader Conference.

After Mark Graeser shares on his vision for the process of recognizing and ordaining elders in our ministry, Nancy Berwid shares poignantly and powerfully on her understanding and experience of the heart of servant leadership. Excerpts of Tom & Susan Resner's ordination ceremony follow, with many insights and principles that guide the Board in the decision to recognize individuals via ordination. Marc and Beverly DeLaBruere and Richard and Lynn VanDenBerghe then relate some of the principles and experiences that have been involved in their building local fellowship communities in their respective areas.

(Dec 03) King of the Mountain
This teaching shows that Jesus Christ is called "god" in the Bible meaning that he is the first and only man who ever perfectly represented his heavenly Father, the one true God, to mankind. In the Hebrew culture, human beings designated by God to represent him in service to His people were called "gods." Following that thread through Scripture, the incredible precision and integrity of God's Word is evident concerning who Jesus Christ is and what he will be and do when he becomes "King of the Mountain" during his Millennial Kingdom.

(Jan 04) State of the Ministry and I Have a Vision
The January 2004 Tape of the Month opens with Mark Graeser, the President of CES (soon to be Spirit & Truth Fellowship International), giving a kind of "State of the Union" message. He shares many ministry highlights from 2003, and sets forth a number of exciting goals, projects, programs, and events for 2004. Then Dan Gallagher does a dynamic teaching about the vision it takes for both individual growth in the Lord and the accomplishing of goals and projects as a ministry.

(Feb 04) Healthy Submission
Taught live at the CES Family Camp, this teaching looks at the biblical idea of "submission" and what that really means. Submission is often misunderstood as a hindrance to walking in liberty and self-fulfillment, especially in relation to the command to wives in Ephesians 5 (and elsewhere) to submit to their husbands. This teaching is a step toward greater understanding of God's heart for marriage, but also an exhortation to all in the Body of Christ to show their submission to the Lord Jesus by demonstrating appropriate submission to others in his Body. Each Christian is asked to submit to another as is appropriate under the lordship of Jesus Christ, even a husband to a wife when that is appropriate. This is not intended to be the definitive teaching on marriage, but is a step toward that understanding. It particularly emphasizes the importance of a husband's servant-leadership in his family, encouraging thereby a response of "healthy submission" without coercion or manipulation.

(Mar 04) Let's be real here!
That was the theme of the January 2004 Live Out Loud Teens & Twenties conference, and that's exactly what comes across in these teachings. All of them are done by Spirit & Truth teens and twenties and each of them will drive home the fact that the youth of Spirit & Truth are on fire for the Lord and are passionate about the Word of God and the freedom it brings in so many areas of life. We hope this teaching will give you a better understanding of just how serious the teens and twenties are about upholding the Word of God and living in its truths every day.

(Apr 04) Confessing Your Sin / 7 Keys To Reclaiming Balance
Greg and Linda Rogers team up dynamically to deliver a one-two punch on repentance, recognition of our need for others, and accountability in the Christian life. Linda looks at David's experience in the Bathsheba affair, and the way his brokenness before God without any justification or excuses allowed God's mercy to cover his sin. Greg gives seven practical keys to claiming or reclaiming balance in the Christian life, sharing a powerful incident that taught him that he had been uncomfortable accepting help from others. Together, these teachings will encourage anyone who wants to live honestly before the Lord with a healthy recognition of both our weakness of the flesh and our need to rely on others for help in resisting temptation.

(May 04) What Jesus Christ is Doing For Us Today / What's Up With Our Websites
This is a most inspiring and informative teaching that will likely enhance your relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ as you see from Scripture what he is currently doing for each member of his Body, the Church. As portrayed in God's Word, the exalted Lord Jesus is at the same time both awesome and personal. Although he is now the Lord of the universe, he is still for each Christian the same man we read about in the Gospels, a man of love, grace, mercy, and compassion. As he sets forth Jesus' current ministry, John Schoenheit clarifies some difficult verses in a most enlightening way.

Then Ryan Maher, the Webmaster for our two newest websites, presents a very exciting overview of how we are reaching out with the Word around the world via cyberspace. The statistics are amazing, and the feedback we are receiving is most encouraging.

(Jun 04) Getting the Secret Out: Sharing God's Word Effectively
One of the most rewarding aspects of Christianity is also one of the most challenging for many Christians. And that is "witnessing" to people--sharing the Good News about Jesus Christ and helping others understand the Word of God. Knowing what God's Word says about this, and putting it into practice, is incredibly liberating. Beside that, it helps people receive the gift of everlasting life and earns you rewards in Paradise. In this teaching, Nancy Berwid does a splendid job of setting forth practical keys to effectually speaking the truth in love. It's a winner!

(Jul 04) What is Holiness?
Holiness is not perfectionism, sinlessness, or self-centered religion. We think Oswald Chambers' definition is excellent: "a blazing truthfulness with regard to God's Word, and an amazing tenderness in regard to personal dealing." It has also been described as "the attribute of all attributes" of God, and is therefore indispensable in developing the character of God and Christ in our hearts. The phrase "perfecting holiness in the fear of God" from 2 Corinthians 7:1 is examined, as well as the kinds of behaviors and attitudes that will mirror the inward spiritual perfection and holiness that believers receive when they are sanctified by the gift of holy spirit. By Mark Graeser.

(Aug 04) On To Holiness
God has called His people to be holy, but what does that mean? How does one attain to holiness and live a holy life? This teaching by John Schoenheit gives a definition of holiness, and then gives practical steps to holy living. The right motivation is a big key. John explains holiness, and makes the point that holiness is not legalism, but rather obedience to God's Word. The teaching focuses on building a holy heart, and then gives steps on how to do that and move forward to holiness.

(Sep 04) The Importance of Speaking in Tongues
Speaking in tongues is a subject of great interest among Christians, and many do so. However, many of those who do understand that God wants us to speak in tongues have not been sufficiently taught as to why it is so vital. Thus, they do it only sporadically. In contrast, the Apostle Paul, who is set forth as an example of what a Christian can be, wrote to the Church at Corinth that he spoke in tongues more than their
entire church put together.

This teaching is primarily for people who already speak in tongues, and is an exhortation to do so as much as possible. It does not teach how to speak in tongues, but goes into detail as to why we should, setting forth the benefits and blessings of utilizing this magnificent manifestation of the spirit. By John Schoenheit.

(Oct 04) Trust: The Foundation of All Godly Relationship
Faith is a vital topic in Christian circles, and is apparently something almost everyone wishes he had more of. Faith is basically "trust," and this teaching breaks down the subject of trust by providing a practical exploration of its four components: character, competency, consistency, and cohesion. Starting with the first relationship He had with mankind, God has woven trust into the very fabric of all relationship, and we must understand its role in order to develop healthy and godly relationships.

This teaching will prompt you to examine yourself and consider the following questions: Are you generally a trusting or a distrusting person? Have you ever trusted when you shouldn't have or not trusted when you should have? Do you have relationships that you would like to see improve but are not sure where the problem is? Do you want to increase your trust in God, or have you ever considered whether God should trust you? Trust us, this teaching by Dan Gallagher will bless you.

(Nov 04) Blessing of Unity and Connectedness
Many Christians see the idea of structured social connections, joining organizations, and the like, as a risky proposition that can cause heartache and a loss of autonomy. This teaching argues from Scripture, logic, and sociological research that the real risk is to not have enough social connection, including organizational involvement, and that this risk actually extends to physical and emotional health.

The common objections to belonging to a religious organization are answered, and a strong connection is made between the English definitions of "organization," "organism," etc., and the language of the Church Epistles. For those who have doubts about the wisdom of Christians organizing their efforts to further the truth of God's Word around the world, this teaching will both challenge and reassure. By Mark Graeser.

(Dec 04) Love is Giving
Love. We think about it, talk about it, and sing about it, but do we really understand it? Biblical love, that is, genuine godly love, is not the love portrayed in many movies and songs. This teaching shows what true love is and how it is expressed. It looks at some Greek words showing the various aspects of love: agape, phileo, eros, and storge, and examines the difference between "love" and "like." Once we understand the biblical meaning of love, we can understand and apply such biblical directives as "love your enemies." By John Schoenheit.

(Jan 05) What is True Discipleship?
In one of the clearest, most concise teachings on discipleship you'll ever hear, Gary Theisen addresses the head, heart, and hands of the discipleship process. Because the Greek word "disciple" essentially means "learner," discipling is a process of educating and training believers to help them be more like Christ. Jesus is the Master, but we all need to be mentored by others who demonstrate mature faith and practice in the Lord, and we also need to be mentoring others in what we have learned. This teaching identifies a six-step biblical pattern for the delegation of authority that gives structure to the process of moving from new follower to mature and empowered disciple who acts in Christ's stead. Discussed in detail are the two aspects of discipleship--personal disciplines, and faithful doing for others.

(Feb 05) Discipling As a Body Working Together
Karen Theisen examines the role of the whole Body of Christ in the discipling process, highlighting the interaction of the "gift ministries" listed in Ephesians 4:11. The Apostle Paul is featured as a discipler who also needed discipling in the record of his fateful decision to go to Jerusalem, and the many ways that the Lord worked via the Body of Christ are identified. Mark Graeser then adds some more insight into the Ephesians 4 passage showing that all the ministries share the same goals: empowerment of the saints for the work of the ministry and raising them up to full maturity in Christ. This can only happen if the ministries are able to work together to provide the whole ministry of Christ, and this is set forth as a large part of the vision of Spirit & Truth Fellowship International.

(Mar 05) Highlights from Live Out Loud (Part 1)
This month's tape/CD features exciting excerpts from teachings at our 2005 Live Out Loud Teens & Twenties Conference in Augusta, MI. Here's the lineup: Billy Darr (What God Has Given Us), Kathy Lunardini (How to Stay Fired Up), Nate Graeser (Will You Answer the Call?), and Josh Anderson (Release from Bondage).

(Apr 05) Highlights of Live Out Loud - Part 2
This second tape/CD in the two-part set includes two powerful teachings from the 2005 Live Out Loud Teens & Twenties Conference that are sure to speak to your heart: John Schoenheit (Resolutions) and Ryan Maher (What Can You Give?).

(May 05) Slave to Sin - No More! And Open Your Heart
Have you ever felt like you were the only one who struggles with sin?

Well, you are not alone. In the first of this month's double-barreled presentation, Kathy Lunardini reveals some of her personal struggles with sin and how she decided to no longer ignore it and thereby allow it to continue to have mastery over her. Kathy is very open and honest about her past denial of the sinful addictions in her life. This teaching is extremely practical and encouraging for anyone who no longer wants to be a "Slave to Sin."

Then Travis Williams from the Home Office shares on "Opening Your Heart," something he has had a great deal of difficulty doing since he lost his dear grandmother. Hear his heartfelt sharing on how he is overcoming the difficult situations life throws at us and what it takes to challenge ourselves to be all that the Lord has called us to be in this fallen world. Both of these teachings were recorded live at our West Coast conference on "Cultivating Wholeness."

(Jun 05) Failing Forward
There are many ways to be a winner, but there is really only one way to be a loser--to fail and then not look beyond the failure. This teaching examines the lives of some biblical characters who learned to "fail forward," establishing the biblical perspective we must adopt in order to turn the defeats of life into stepping-stones towards success. One of the greatest problems people have with failure is that they are too quick to judge isolated situations in their lives and label themselves as failures. This teaching powerfully identifies and explodes many myths we have been taught about failure, and provides practical steps we can all utilize as we learn to fail forward. This is a "must have" tape full of encouragement and tips for those who are stuck or feeling defeated in any area of their life, relationships, or walk with God.

(Jul 05) An Overview of the Sacred Secret
For ages and generations God kept a sacred secret so huge, and so wonderful, that had Satan known it he would not have crucified Jesus Christ. Today, in the Age of Grace, God has made known that secret to anyone who cares to read the Church Epistles carefully and understand what is written there. God has revealed that the "sacred secret" makes known God's wisdom and is for our glory.. In fact, it is so glorious that Scripture says that in comparison to the Sacred Secret, the Law had "no glory." It involves the New Birth, permanent salvation, and the indwelling of holy spirit, which is sealed in each believer and guarantees him or her a glorious future in a body that is like Christ's glorious body.. It also involves the One Body of Christ, equality among believers, and identification with Christ. This tape is a "must" for anyone wanting to know what he or she has in Christ today.

(Aug & Sep 05) Building Faith and Godliness Through Adversity
Many Christians are hindered in their spiritual growth because they are not taught a balanced perspective on handling adversity. This two-part teaching encourages us to have a healthy attitude toward adversity by identifying many ways that we are strengthened by dealing with it wisely. As physical exercise requires resistance to be fruitful, so godliness is developed by facing adversity with faith and patience. From Scripture, four sources of adversity are identified, as well as three main responses to it. The believer is given tools to help him be discerning about the sources of adversity and thus respond appropriately.

This teaching can change your life by preparing your heart to maintain a joyful perspective despite whatever hardships you might face. It asserts that adversity is the necessary consequence of sin's entrance into the world, affecting believers and unbelievers alike. Everyone will face adversity, which may nor may not be related to our choices or actions, or God or the Devil being involved. Among other things, learning to handle adversity well results in purification of our motives, strengthening of our faith in God's deliverance, and freedom from the bondage of needing to be comfortable. By Mark Graeser.

(Oct 05) The Benefits of "Thanks-Living"
This tape provides a powerful new perspective on the subject of thankfulness. We know that we are to be thankful but have you ever considered the benefits flowing from an "attitude of gratitude"? Not only are there many benefits, there are many negative consequences when we don't live this way.

This is a two-part teaching by Dan Gallagher and John Schoenheit. Dan's teaching establishes from the Word of God the psychosomatic (mind-body) relationship, demonstrating how negative emotions and thoughts powerfully affect the body, and how thankful thoughts are the antidote prescribed for us by God. Dan also shows the clear connection between thankfulness and joy. John follows by exhibiting that God commands us to be thankful and illustrating that it is something that does not come naturally because we live in a fallen world and beset by many things that can make us un-thankful. You'll be thankful you heard this wonderful teaching.

(Nov 05) Job: The Righteous Sufferer
Since the Fall of Adam and Eve, every person on earth has endured pain and suffering in his life. Some of this is due to Satan and his demons, some to the fallen nature of the world, some to the sin of others, and some is due to our own sin and ignorance. The great lesson of the book of Job is that despite the condition of our life at the moment, we can still worship God. The book of Job shows that God is not the cause of our problems, and that He deserves our praise and worship no matter what hardship we are going through.

Job also comforts us by showing us that there is such a thing as a righteous sufferer, one who does not deserve to suffer but is suffering nevertheless. Job's friends believed that people did not suffer unless they deserved it, and openly vilified him. Job refuted their belief, and was vindicated by God, who said "…to Eliphaz the Temanite, 'My wrath is kindled against you and against your two friends, because you have not spoken of Me what is right as My servant Job has" (Job 42:7b). In spite of the lesson of Job, many religious people still believe the same thing Job's "friends" believed. Nevertheless, the book of Job is clear that people suffer without deserving it.

This teaching by John Schoenheit gives an overview of the book of Job, with a detailed explanation of the first few chapters, and highlights throughout the rest of the book.

(Dec 05) The Anatomy of Temptation and Sin: Basic Training in Righteousness
Too often Christians feel shame in being tempted, as if temptation were a sin, and therefore avoid talking about it or asking for help. But the Bible clearly indicates that temptation is to be expected and openly talked about, highlighting the need for believers to be in accountable relationships with others. Being aware of the elements of temptation and sin bolsters believers' ability to live righteous and godly lives and helps them avoid the destructive effects of sinful behaviors.
Paying particular attention to the concepts of need, desire, lust, intent, and opportunity, this teaching will engender a greater awareness of temptation and sin, as well as provide more resources to effectively resist them. Although we are freed in Christ from its legal penalty, sin will always be a practical issue in our lives as long as we live in this world, and learning to deal with it successfully is crucial to our spiritual growth.

(Jan 06) Live Out Loud 2006, Part One
This month features the youth of our fellowship community, with teachings recorded live at the 2006 Live Out Loud Teens & Twenties Conference. We think you will find their zeal and enthusiasm for God's Word encouraging as well as contagious. The theme for the conference was "Culture Exposed; God's Plan Revealed," and although we couldn't put all the teachers on this tape, we think the three we have chosen will bless you. You will hear: Ryan Maher ("Gossip"), Matthew Johnson ("Whom or What Do You Worship?"), and Colin Stark ("Courage").

(Feb 06) Live Out Loud 2006, Part Two
This is Part Two of teachings from the 2006 Live Out Loud Teens & Twenties Conference. The three teachers (with the titles of their teachings) are: Shawn Mercer ("The Failure of Idols"), Natalie Lawrence ("Lilies in a World of Thorns"), and Kristen Burke ("Spiritual Success vs. Worldly Success").

(Mar 06) The Balance of Truth and Love: Valuing Right Doctrine and Right Relationships
Knowing what the Bible says, and believing it, is indispensable for healthy living. However, too many Christians who know a lot of the Bible relate to that knowledge in such a way that instead of their knowledge helping them become more like Christ, that is, more loving, kind, and compassionate toward others, the "truth" that they know causes them to separate from others. They find it difficult to be in meaningful relationships with others who do not believe like they do.

This teaching shows that Jesus had both truth and a deep love for others-and the sinners, prostitutes, and tax collectors felt his love and wanted to be around him. Right doctrine did not separate Jesus Christ from sinners and those in the wrong, so why should we be different? This teaching sets forth some keys about how to enter into relationships with those who do not believe as you do.

(Apr 06) Finding Freedom and Transformation by Overcoming Attachments and Addictions
As we grow up in Christ, we must learn to identify and interrupt unhealthy attachments to things, ideas, people, emotions, etc. that interfere with our ability to love God completely and our neighbor as ourselves. Jesus often addresses the idea of attachment, whether to riches, religious ideas, relationships, or any other thing that might hinder wholehearted devotion to God.

Attachments are at the root of addictions and idolatry, so it is imperative that we deal with whatever we might have in our lives that limits our freedom to love and be loved. This teaching discusses the two aspects of attachments: attraction and aversion, and shows from a survey of the Bible that the idea of "attachments" is very biblical. Eight page handout included. By Mark Graeser

(May 06) Healing: God's Gift of Mercy and Grace
In Christianity today there are many questions surrounding the subject of physical healing. Have you ever asked, "Is healing available today, and if so what provisions, if any, has God made for our healing?" Or, "What are the factors that affect healing, what role does faith play, and why don't we see more healing in the Church today." How about, "Why are there so many different ways that healings occur in the bible," or, "What must I do to receive the healing I need?"

In this teaching, Dan Gallagher answers these questions, and more, by providing key insights and foundational understandings that affect every Christian's ability to receive the healing that God desires for them. Understanding the material presented will provide you with a solid doctrinal understanding of healing, resulting in an increase in your faith and the faith of those to whom you minister. Learn that healing is not "prescriptive," and that there is an interrelation among physical, emotional, spiritual, and moral healing. If healing is something you desire for your self or others, this is a teaching you will not want to miss.

(Jun 06) Understanding Healing in its Biblical Context
In light of the vast amount of sickness in the world today, everyone realizes how wonderful it is to be healthy, but for many people physical healing continues to be a misunderstood subject, with much confusion about who gets healed and why.

This teaching focuses on three areas of the biblical culture that relate to healing: (1) the prevailing patron-client social relationship in the New Testament; (2) the idiom that helps explain 1 Peter 2:24 ("by his wounds you have been healed"); (3) the "Lord's Supper," (aka the "communion" service), which is sometimes thought to be a kind of healing ceremony. Understanding these things helps us better understand how those in the biblical culture related to healing, and how we too can best take advantage of God's goodness in this category.

(Jul 06) A New Perspective on the Manifestations of the Holy Spirit
God is the heavenly Father of each Christian, and He encourages us to talk with Him. Furthermore, every Christian should expect God to reply with information and direction, which are known biblically as "a message and knowledge" and "a message of wisdom" (1 Cor. 12:8). Furthermore, every Christian is encouraged to speak in tongues, interpret, and prophesy (1 Cor. 14:1-5). Yet, 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 contains confusing wording, a quick reading of which makes it seem like Christians can manifest only one of the nine manifestations. This teaching explains the manifestations of the spirit, confirms from Scripture that each person can manifest all of them, and explains why 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 uses the phrase "to one...to another," which has caused confusion in the Church.

(Aug 06) The Three C's of a Healthy Community
There seems to be no shortage of churches that a person can choose to attend, but what are some of the characteristics we should find present in a healthy faith community? In this teaching, Nate Graeser passionately identifies the three C's of Connectedness, Community, and Commitment that he has found to be vital in the many churches he has visited in his travels. He explores the meaning of a healthy community and what it takes to create and foster it. This teaching is a must for anyone who aspires to coordinate or participate in a successful church or home fellowship.

(Sep 06) The Conditional Nature of Prophecy
Prophecy is one of the powerful manifestations of the gift of holy spirit, and is evidenced throughout Scripture, beginning in Genesis. Although prophecies have been spoken and written for years, this vital manifestation is often misunderstood. Many Christians do not know that most prophecies are conditional in nature, even if they are not spoken as such. Though spoken as if a future event will absolutely happen, prophecy is often a warning, pointing to what will happen if people do not change. We see these truths as this teaching examines the record in Jeremiah 18, in which God sends Jeremiah to a potter's house with a word from God to Israel. It then gives examples from Scripture that show the conditional nature of prophecy.

(Oct 06) Finding Freedom by Facing Your Fear
This teaching, the first of two parts, distinguishes between healthy fear and unhealthy fear. Healthy fear should be encouraged and nurtured, and is related to reality -- staying tuned in to our environment and what might be an actual danger. Healthy fear comes from the perception of reality, where as unhealthy fear comes from memory or imagination. Wrong teaching on fear makes it harder to admit that we are afraid, which makes it harder to be healed of it.

The importance of facing fear and not denying it is emphasized, and how dealing with our fears honestly can go a long way to building our faith an freedom. If the fear of death is behind all manner of bandages (Heb. 2:15), so the facing and overcoming of unhealthy fears can be a great source of freedom. This teaching also includes an overview of the biblical evidence for how fear is a foundation for many other sins and problems in our lives.

(Nov 06) Finding Freedom by Exploring, Embracing, and Responding to Your Fears
This teaching is part two of a two part series that continues the examination of a healthy way to view unhealthy fear -- not denying it but seeing it as an opportunity to build faith by exploring what is underneath our fears. Two very basic fears are asserted, each related to the fear of death -- the fear of insignificance (the death of meaning) and the fear of being alone (the death of relationship).

Finding the root of our fear can really help us identify areas where we need to shore up our faith. Embracing our fear means to not reject our fears or deny them, but accept that we are going to have them, and learn to live our lives according to our faith and our commitments and not according to our feelings. Courage is not the absence of fear, but acting in the face of it. Jesus Christ is the perfect antidote to fear, because he gives our lives ultimate meaning and is present with us so that we are never alone nor forsaken.

(Dec 06) The Powerful Witness of Grace
This teaching lays out the simplicity of witnessing to others about Jesus Christ. "It is the grace of God that is the most persuasive, appealing, and joyful thing to talk about with others about. It is also the easiest way to set Christianity apart from the other world religions, which all emphasize various forms of works to achieve righteousness. But the problem with works is that there are never enough to get the job done. Works-based faith systems become a spiritual "black hole" that discourage and defeat people because of perfectionism and feelings of inadequacy.

Seeing grace as "God being for us," and therefore always doing His best for us, helps us to touch the universal need that all human beings have for acceptance and love. This teaching will show you how winning grace is, and make you more effective in sharing your faith with others in a way that will excite you and the others you talk to.

(Jan 07) Keys to Godly Communication
This very practical teaching will empower you with the understanding you need to communicate better with others, especially in times of conflict. When in conflict we always need to ask ourselves if we are really obeying God's Word; this teaching will illuminate the many verses on this important topic. Keys to better communication emerge for staying connected and reconciling relationships. As God has a big stake in good communication as a part of loving one another, so the Devil has an investment in disrupting communication as a part of his plan to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).

Our Communication Agreement is explained and expounded, with a strong exhortation to the people in our community to live according to these principles. Giving grace and the benefit of the doubt, and seeking to understand more than to be understood are just two important keys to better communication. This teaching can change your life and greatly improve your relationships, whether in conflict or not.

(Feb 07) Jesus Christ Our Approach Offering
Even a casual reading of the Old Testament indicates that God did not seem very accessible to the believers living then. This became very clear once the Tabernacle was built in the weeks after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. Although it gave people a place to worship God, it also clearly kept them apart from Him. High curtains separated the people even from the courtyard where offerings were burned to God. Only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies, where God dwelled between the cherubim, and even he got to go in only one day a year.

He took so much incense that even if the place was well lighted (which it certainly was not) he could not see anything anyway. When the Israelites did come to God, they were to bring an offering, which the Hebrew text of Leviticus calls "an approach offering." One of the great works of Jesus Christ was to remove all the distance between God and the people and give each believer welcome access into the very presence of God. This teaching goes into some detail on the setup and operation of the Tabernacle, explains the offerings in Leviticus, and then expounds important verses in the book of Hebrews that pertain to the work of Christ.

(Mar 07) The Passover: A Sacrifice of Grace
The New Testament tells us that Jesus Christ is our Passover lamb. What should that mean to us as Christians today? What was the Passover, and how do we make it applicable in our lives? This tape by John Schoenheit goes into the book of Exodus and covers some of the more important verses referring to the Passover celebration, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the death of the firstborn of Egypt, and why Israel had to put blood on their door posts. It also shows how the Passover foreshadowed Jesus Christ, and how we can learn from his sacrifice and live sacrificial lives ourselves.

(Apr 07) A Community of Grace: Five Steps on the Path of Grace
God tells us that we are to use the gifts of grace we have received from Him to serve one another (1 Pet. 4:10). In this teaching, Dan Gallagher explores the concept of a community of grace, that is, a community where there is great favor, excessive kindness, and goodwill toward others. He identifies five steps we must take to become people of grace who can thus make up a community of grace. We trust you will find it inspiring, and possibly even self-convicting, as Dan explores the five steps of tying the tongue, controlling our thoughts (specifically toward others), practicing forgiveness, pursuing humility, and living love. God tells us that we are not to receive His grace in vain (2 Cor. 6:1), and this teaching will give you practical steps toward becoming a person of