Year 2007
Year 2006
Year 2005
Year 2004
Year 2003

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December 2004: Decoding the Da Vinci Code

Were Jesus and Mary Magdalene married? Did the church create the divinity of Jesus? Did a pagan Roman emperor decide which books made it into the Bible? These are just a few of the questions raised in the best-selling book, "The Da Vinci Code." 

How can you tell the truth from fiction? Join us at Crossroads as we evaluate the claims and review the historical evidence. Whether you have read the book or are just interested in learning more about the history behind Christianity, you won't want to miss the next Quest Bible Study at Crossroads.

The discussion will be led by Pastor Mike Borgwardt. Pastor Mike serves Living Hope in Shakopee, Minn., but several folks at Crossroads know him simply as the guitarist from the legendary college band, "The Raggedy Androids."

November 2004:

Variations of the “Seven Deadly Sins” appear in many different cultures and religions. The list that became most influential in the Christian church was introduced in the sixth century, but it is still talked about today. 

This month’s Bible study will provide an overview on the history and meaning of each of the sins, while taking a deeper look at what has been considered the most deadly sin on the list: pride. 

We’ll explore the relevancy of the list by today’s standards and address modern complications i.e., Isn't pride a good thing when we're proud of our country? Isn't a lack of pride, low self-esteem, a bad thing because it causes people to make self-destructive choices?

Steven Pagels will lead our study. Pastor Pagels has been the outreach pastor at St. John's in Wauwatosa, Wis., since he graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 1999. To put himself through school, Pastor Pagels worked a variety of jobs, including driving a Zamboni.

October 2004:

"God hath given you one face, and you make yourselves another.” – William Shakespeare

October’s Bible study is entitled “Masks,” but it won’t include any tips for Halloween costumes. Instead, we’ll explore the different masks that Christians sometimes wear. If you have struggled with being a Christian in a secular world, this study will offer practical advice on how to discard the masks we hide behind and find the power to change.

“Masks” will be led by Al Schleusener who is pastor at Hope Lutheran, a mission church in Oconomowoc, Wis. Prior to becoming a minister, Pastor Al had a career as a chef at several upscale restaurants in Minnesota.

September 2004:

This month's Bible study will be led by John Parlow, senior pastor at St. Mark in De Pere, Wis. Many churches look to St. Mark as a model for growth because of the congregation's success at reaching out to today's generation.

St. Mark continues to empower people as they discover their gifts and then passionately use these gifts in Kingdom work. Over 72% of adults at St. Mark are involved in some ministry other than worship. 

Pastor Parlow will lead us in an interactive study on Christian leadership that works! 

August 2004:

Christians have very different viewpoints about homosexuality. The Episcopal Church ordained an openly gay man as an archbishop. The Boy Scouts banned gay troop leaders. The Chicago Archdiocese said that gay catholics may receive communion as long as they don't make a political statement by wearing a rainbow-colored sash.

During this month's Bible study, you'll have an opportunity to discuss these issues, get answers to tough questions and learn what the Bible says about homosexuality.

This month's discussion will be led by Mark Jeske, a pastor with more than 20 years of urban outreach experience. Pastor Jeske serves St. Marcus, an inner-city church in Milwaukee. He also delivers the weekly message for a Christian broadcast ministry called "Time of Grace." You can check out TOG at http://www.timeofgrace.org.

July 2004:

Have you ever found yourself trying to defend your beliefs to another Christian? Regardless of whether the topic was baptism, creation, or perhaps something that one of you read in The DaVinci Code or Left Behind series, each of you believed that the Bible proved your point. But how can you be sure that you’ve got the correct interpretation?

July’s Bible study will give you the basic tools for interpreting the Bible. We will then put those tools to use in interpreting one of the most misunderstood sections of the Bible – Revelation 20 – which deals with Jesus’ thousand-year reign.

This month's discussion will be led by John Borgwardt, pastor at Living Word in Waukesha, Wis.

June 2004:

This month’s topic will be the "non-insular" church from I Cor. 9:18-27. Paul's example challenges us to take risks in ministry by using our freedoms to be slaves to others for the sake of the gospel. Dr. Peter Fraser will use film clips to lead a discussion on what this means for our individual lives.

Dr. Fraser is professor of English and chair of the department of modern languages at Wisconsin Lutheran College, Milwaukee, Wis. He has written two books and several articles on Christian film and modern culture. Dr. Fraser was our featured speaker last December.

May 2004:

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing…If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (John 15:5-7, Today’s New International Version)

What does Jesus mean when he says, “ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you”? 

Certainly, Jesus is not a genie in a bottle or a full-service answering agency, but have you ever wondered if he’s getting your messages? Ever wonder if he’s got caller I.D.? Does it sometimes feel that fervent prayer doesn’t seem to change anything?

And what about God’s sovereign will? If everything happens according to a divine plan, can prayer really move mountains?

John Parlow, pastor at St. Mark in Green Bay, Wis., will address these questions at our May Bible study. If you have additional questions about prayer, feel free to post them on this Evite or bring them with you when we meet. For more information about Pastor Parlow or St. Mark, check out http://www.stmark-depere.org.

April 2004:

Remember a time when you faced difficulty. Maybe it was the death of a loved one, the breakup of a relationship or hard times at work. Did you find yourself wondering, “Why?”

When tragedy strikes, it’s not uncommon for people to ask “Why?” Certainly after the 911 attack many searched for answers.

During this month's Bible study, we will address the question, “If God knows all things, why do bad things happen?”

The discussion will be led by Mark Braun, associate professor of theology at Wisconsin Lutheran College, Milwaukee, Wis. Last July, Dr. Braun presented “When is War Justified: Augustine's Just War Theory.”

March 2004:

Jesus called us to be in the world but not of the world, which is a challenging position to occupy. Christians have been sometimes so much in it, that they're of it and wordly. Or, they can be so much not of it that they're otherworldly.

Come discuss the challenges and opportunities you face each day, and meet other Chicagoans who share your values and interests.

“Being in the world not of it” will be led by Tim Gauger. Pastor Gauger serves Christ Our Savior Church in Rockford, Mich.

February 2004:

Remember a time when you faced difficulty. Maybe it was the death of a loved one, the breakup of a relationship or hard times at work. Did you find yourself wondering, “Why?”

When tragedy strikes, it’s not uncommon for people to ask “Why?” Certainly after the 911 attack many searched for answers.

During this month's Bible study, we will address the question, “If God knows all things, why do bad things happen?”

The discussion will be led by Mark Braun, who is back by popular demand. Last July, Dr. Braun presented “When is War Justified: Augustine's Just War Theory.”

Dr. Braun is associate professor of theology at Wisconsin Lutheran College, Milwaukee, Wis. 


January 2004:

Many of our New Year's resolutions focus on improving relationships with those close to us – parents, children, friends, significant others. But what about our relationship with God? Could we resolve to deepen our relationship with him?

Pastor Mike Borgwardt will lead us in a discussion about spiritual disciplines that have deep roots in the Bible and the early church -- and are attracting renewed interest today. Learn why thousands of young Christians are adopting these ancient practices and how you can transform your life through a spiritual resolution.

Pastor Borgwardt serves Living Hope in Shakopee, Minnesota, but several folks at Crossroads know him simply as the guitarist from the illustrious college band, "The Raggedy Androids."