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December 2005

When C. S. Lewis published The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe he produced much more than a perennially best-selling fantasy novel. He created the best-known Christian allegory of the past century. This December, the story will be released as a major motion picture. Whether or not you plan to see the movie or have read the book, you might be surprised at the layers of meaning in Lewis’ stories of Narnia, and how relevant their lessons can be – even (perhaps especially) for adults. Please join us as we explore the Christian subtext of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

November 2005

One of the highest American virtues is the act of acquiring – the more the better. But is this truly a virtue? Jesus tells us that people's lives are not measured by how much they've managed to accumulate. Join us as we let the Bible guide us through a discussion on what makes life truly worth living.

October 2005

As we mature as disciples of Jesus Christ, we should expect that our prayers will take on a deeper character as well. But what if your prayer life has become repetitious and rote? What if it is generally self-centered, rather than God-centered? What if you are still praying the “Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep” prayer? In our next Quest Bible study, we will consider some paths we can take to deeper conversation with God. Join us for "Prayer Pathways."

September 2005

“Ask, and it will be given to you…” (Matthew 7:7) “Prayer… is powerful and effective…” (James 5:16) “You do not have because you do not ask…” (James 4:2)

These statements are simple, straightforward and amazing. You would think that people who believe what the Bible says about prayer would be praying all the time. Are you?

Join us for our next Quest Bible Study as we review God’s promises regarding prayer, discuss the barriers that keep us from praying, and consider some ideas that might help you make prayer a more natural and regular part of your life.

August 2005

Statistics tell us that more people have migraine headaches on Sunday night than any other night, and the rate of heart attacks and heart attack-like symptoms are very high in the early Monday hours. Other indicators of work-related stress include irritability, anxiety, fatigue and neglected relationships. Does this sound way too familiar? 

It might surprise you to learn that the Bible has much to say about the "modern" affliction of occupational stress. On Monday, Aug. 1, get off the treadmill long enough to join us for our next Quest study, Faith@Work.

The study will be led by Pastor Mike, who began serving as Crossroads' first pastor in July.

July 2005

“It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up …” (Ephesians 4:11-12)

Each of us is blessed with natural skills and abilities, including spiritual gifts that can benefit the “body of Christ.” If these gifts are opened and put to use, the entire body benefits. But, if they’re never opened, it’s like leaving an unwrapped present under the Christmas tree.

On Monday, July 11, Pastor Mike will lead an interactive discussion on “Opening Our Spiritual Gifts.” Pastor Mike will review what the Bible says about spiritual gifts. He’ll also provide tools that will help us identify our gifts and understand how to open them to benefit others.

June 2005

On Oct. 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his famous 95 Theses to the Castle Church door in Wittenberg. He wanted to have a debate concerning the sale of indulgences in the Church of Rome. The desired debate would never take place as the powers that be moved quickly to silence their renegade German monk.

But Luther would get his chance the next spring when he was invited to debate at a meeting of Augustinian monks in Heidelberg, Germany. It was during the course of this debate that Luther unveiled what many scholars have described as the underpinning of his theological approach: the theology of the cross. Luther may well have summarized his approach with the words of our Lord through the prophet Isaiah: "'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the Lord" (55:8).

In this study we will discover the profound impact that the theology of the cross has on a Christian's entire worldview, not only in our relationship to our Savior God but also in our relationships with one another.

"The Theology of the Cross: Luther and the Heidelberg Disputation of 1518" will be led by Pastor Peter Prange. Pastor Prange serves Jerusalem Lutheran Church in Morton Grove.

May 2005

The book of Revelation’s imagery and language can be challenging to understand, but there is a blessing promised to those who read it and to those who hear it and take it to heart. Pastor Mark Jeske will present an easy-to-follow road map through the book and help you discover the great treasures that God has placed there for you. Find the wisdom, comfort, and encouragement that will make this one of your favorite books in the Bible. 

Pastor Jeske serves St. Marcus 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.

April 2005

How do we know which career door to enter, which person to love, which house to buy? We are all familiar with the spiritual principles and moral rules that God gives us in Scripture, but what about all those choices life offers us that don't categorize easily? 

How do we find the wisdom to choose well each and every day?

Scripture offers us answers to the great dilemmas of moral choice that face us constantly. During our next Quest, we will explore these answers through the subject: "Biblical Wisdom – What Is It and How Do We Find It?"

Dr. Peter Fraser will lead the study. Previously, Dr. Fraser led “The ‘Non-insular’ Church” and “The Christian Answer to Modern Despair.”

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. 

March 2005

Harvard professor Robert Putnam recently wrote “Bowling Alone,” a book about the collapse of American community. In the book he describes how Americans once bowled in leagues, usually after work – but no longer. Putnam suggests that this seemingly small phenomenon symbolizes a significant social change.

Inspired by Prof. Putnam’s central thesis, Pastor Randy Hunter will lead us in a study that explores the tension between Jesus’ command to love one another and the cultural reality that we don’t even know each other. Pastor Hunter serves St. Andrew near Madison, Wis.

February 2005

On Monday, Feb. 7, Pastor Nathan Cordes will lead an interactive discussion on love. Pastor Cordes serves St. Matthew in Niles, Ill.

January 2005

We all want happy, healthy relationships with family, friends and co-workers, but conflict is inevitable. You can either let conflict drag you down or you can use it to strengthen your relationships. Join us Monday, Jan. 10, for our next Quest study, “Understanding and Dealing with Conflict in Relationships.” You’ll learn more about yourself and how you can make choices today that will lead to a more fulfilling future.

This month’s discussion will be led by Paul Kelm, pastor of discipleship at St. Mark in Green Bay, Wis. Pastor Kelm previously led “Fulfilling Your/God’s Purpose” at Quest.