New Music Monday - I Am They, Danny Gokey, new artist Evan Craft, and more

new to our rotation

Promises - I Am They

“You keep all Your promises to me
Every word You're speaking
My heart is believing
Standing in a future victory
All my hope in You, Lord
Because You always keep Your
Keep Your promises
Yes and amen to eternity
You keep all Your promises
You keep all Your promises to me”

Be Alright - Evan Craft ft. Danny Gokey

“Y todo va a estar bien
Everything will be all right
The whole world's in His hands
Your whole world's in His hands
In the darkness and the trials
He's faithful and He is true
The whole world's in His hands
Y todo va a estar bien (everything)”

the 180remix countdown - saturdays at 9:00pm

Like You - Aaron Cole

“'Cause if I'm gonna be more of anything
I just wanna be more like You
If I'm gonna be more of anything
I just wanna be more like You
If I'm givin' my all to anything
I'm givin' my all to You
If I'm gonna be more of anything
I just wanna be more like, more like You”

How Can I Explain the Gospel to My Friends? (The Romans Road Method)

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There are many possible ways to explain the Gospel. The entire Bible is meant to point people to Christ and it uses a variety of different ways. The best method to use depends on the person and the situation. However, one of the easiest and most straightforward methods is called the Romans Road.

Romans Road breaks the Gospel down into five different points. Then it uses verses from the book of Romans to teach each point.

Let’s take a look:

1) What does sin look like in our lives? Is it possible that people can be good enough and can get into Heaven on their own?

Romans 3:23 (ESV)- For everyone has sinned;  we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 

Romans 3:10 (ESV)- As the Scriptures say,  “No one is righteous—not even one.

Romans 5:12 (ESV)- When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death,  so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. 

Lesson Learned: Everyone has sin in their lives. It doesn’t matter how good you think you are, everyone is guilty of sin.

2) What are the consequences of sin in our lives?

Romans 6:23a (ESV)- For the wages of sin is death…

Lesson Learned: Any and all sin has the consequence of death.

3) “Am I too bad to be saved then? Is there any hope for me?”

Romans 6:23b (ESV)- For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. 

Romans 5:8 (ESV)- But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

Lesson Learned: Even though we are all guilty sinners--God loves us. Jesus died on the cross to save us because of that love.

4) “If salvation is too big of a task for us; how can I be saved?”

Romans 10:9-10 (ESV)- And that message is the very message about faith that we preach:  If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.

Romans 10:13 (ESV)- ...for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

Lesson Learned: We need help from God. Because of Jesus’ death on our behalf, all we have to do is believe in Him, trusting His death as the payment for our sins--and we will be saved!

5) “I’ve believed, did God accept me?”

Romans 10:11-13 (ESV)- As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. For  “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.” 

Romans 5:1 (ESV)- Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith,  we have peace with God  because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.

Romans 8:1 (ESV)- So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 

Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)- And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love.  Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Lesson Learned: God says belief equals salvation. So if you’ve believed Jesus paid for your sins, then you are saved and nothing can take that salvation away. 

In Closing:

If you’ve taken someone through the Roman’s Road and they would like to accept Jesus as their Savior, you can lead them in prayer. Let them know that the prayer isn’t what gets people into Heaven; only faith in Jesus gets people there. But, praying is how we communicate with God and it is a big part in having a relationship with Him, so it’s a great way to declare your faith. 

Here’s an example of a prayer you can lead them in:

Dear God, I am so sorry that I have messed up and sinned. I know I deserve punishment and that Jesus took that punishment for me. I know that I need your forgiveness and your help. I am putting my faith in Jesus and His payment for my sins. Thank you for forgiving me and for wanting a relationship with me. In Jesus name, Amen

Finally, you can let them know that since they have accepted Jesus’ payment for their sins, they are adopted as a son/daughter of God. He promises they are on their way to Heaven and that there is nothing in Heaven or on the Earth which can separate them from Him and His love. 

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This series of blog posts titled, “Holding on to Reason”, is named after Amanda’s favorite C.S. Lewis quote: “Faith is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted, in spite of your changing moods.”

Click here for more things written by Amanda Hovseth.

What's New at Cross Reference Library - New novels by Karen Kingsbury

In Take Two by Karen Kingsbury, filmmakers Chase Ryan and Keith Ellison have completed their first feature film, and Hollywood is buzzing with the news. In the wake of that excitement, the producers acquire rights to a novel that has all the ingredients they want for their next project. At the same time they cross paths with a well-connected player who introduces them to the right people, and suddenly every studio in town wants to talk to Chase and Keith. The producers’ dreams are on the verge of coming true, but Chase’s marriage is strained and Keith’s daughter — Andi Ellison — is making questionable choices in her quest for stardom. The producers are gaining respect and are on the verge of truly changing culture through the power of film — but is the change worth the cost?

In Take Three by Karen Kingsbury, Chase Ryan and Keith Ellison set out to change the world with their films—and they are finally seeing their dreams come true. The dedicated producers are deep in negotiations with America’s top young movie star to play the lead in their next inspirational movie. But life takes a sudden turn for Chase, removing him from Jeremiah Productions permanently. In the process, Keith brings on one of the Baxter family members and the moviemaking continues. At the same time, a crisis hits Keith’s daughter, Andi, and Keith feels helpless to respond. Devastated by the consequences of her wrong actions, Andi ventures out on her own and decides on a course of action that could destroy her. Meanwhile, Bailey Flanigan is caught up in her own drama with Cody Coleman. A Campus Crusade retreat gives them time alone along the shores of Lake Monroe and lets them face a possibility they’ve avoided for years. Will Keith keep the passion he had at the start of his filmmaking—and will there be enough passion left over for his hurting daughter? Or has their quest to change American culture become nothing more than a quest for fame?

In Take Four by Karen Kingsbury, after Chase Ryan returns to his family and a job in his hometown, filmmakers Keith Ellison and Dayne Matthews finally ink a deal to have the nation's top young actor star in their current film. But at the same time, the actor takes a very public fall that threatens his reputation among his fan base. Meanwhile, healing happens for Andi Ellison in her relationship with God, her family, and those she loves, but is it too late? The new producers find they must truly act as missionaries in order to help save the film, their families, and the young movie star. Breakthroughs take place that the public will never know about, as the possibility of saving the world through film is finally a very real possibility.

Cole Blake, son of Landon and Ashley Baxter Blake, is months away from going off to college and taking the first steps towards his dream—a career in medicine. But as he starts his final semester of high school he meets Elise, a mysterious new girl who captures his attention—and heart—from day one. Elise has her heart set on mending her wild ways and rediscovering the good girl she used to be. But not long after the semester starts, she discovers she’s pregnant. Eighteen and alone, she shares her secret with Cole. Undaunted by the news, and in love for the first time in his life, Cole is determined to support Elise—even if it means skipping college, marrying her, and raising another man’s baby. When Elise decides to place her baby up for adoption, she is matched with Aaron and Lucy Williams, who moved to Bloomington, Indiana to escape seven painful years of infertility. But as Elise’s due date draws near, she becomes focused on one truth: she has two weeks to change her mind about the adoption. With Cole keeping vigil and Lucy and Aaron waiting to welcome their new baby, Elise makes an unexpected decision—one that changes everyone’s plans. Tender and deeply moving, Two Weeks by Karen Kingsbury is a story about love, faith, and what it really means to be a family.

Growing up in a comfortable home, Mary Catherine wanted for nothing. Though she loves her wealthy parents, their lifestyle never appealed to her. Instead, Mary Catherine pursues meaning through charity work, giving away a part of herself but never giving away her heart. Mary Catherine lives in Los Angeles with her roommate, Sami, and volunteers at a local youth center with coach Tyler Ames and LA Dodger Marcus Dillinger. Despite Mary Catherine’s intention to stay single, she finds herself drawing close to Marcus, and their budding romance offers an exciting life she never dreamed of. That is, until she receives devastating news from her doctor. News that alters her future and forces her to make a rash decision. Inspirational and moving, Chasing Sunsets by Karen Kingsbury is the story of one woman’s deep longings of the soul and the sacrifices she’s willing to make in search of healing.

Cross Reference Library is located at 209 East 15th Street in Scottsbluff, NE,
and is open Monday through Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm.

New Music Monday - Tony Garmon, Alabaster Grace, Tauren Wells and more

new to our rotation

Rock Under My Feet - Tony Garmon

“So hallelujah, the Lord has saved me
And with His love now I am complete
Cuz Jesus took me by hand, lifted me out of the sand
And He put a rock under my feet”

Heal Our Land - Alabaster Grace

“If Your people will humble themselves,
If Your people will pray.
If Your people will humble themselves,
If Your people will pray.
Then You will hear in heaven.
You will hear in heaven.
Father, You will hear in heaven and heal our land.”

the 180remix countdown - saturdays at 9:00pm

Millionaire (Good Like That) - Tauren Wells ft. Kirk Franklin

“God is good like that
Yeah, He's good like that (God is so good)
My God is good like that
He's good (hey)”

the stronghold - saturdays at 10:30pm

What I’ve Become - Seventh Day Slumber

“Running from the pain
God, am I too late?
Oh, come and open up my eyes
I give it all to You tonight
Starting to wither
Make me whole again
These chains have kept me here too long
I'm coming home where I belong”

What's New at Cross Reference Library - Drama, Thrills, Adventure, and Self Help for Men

As war rips through the heart of Holland, childhood friends Josie van Rees and Eliese Linden partner with a few daring citizens to rescue Eliese’s son and hundreds of other Jewish children. But amid their resistance work, Josie and Eliese’s dangerous secrets could derail their friendship and mission. When the enemy finds these women, only one will escape. Seventy five years later, Ava Drake begins to suspect that her great-grandfather William Kingston was not the World War II hero he claimed to be. Her work as director of the prestigious Kingston Family Foundation leads her to Landon West’s Ugandan coffee plantation, and Ava and Landon soon discover a connection between their families. As Landon’s great-grandmother shares the broken pieces of her story, Ava must confront the greatest loss in her own life - and powerful members of the Kingston family who will do anything to keep the truth buried. Illuminating the story and strength of these women, award-winning author Melanie Dobson transports readers through time and place, from World War II Holland to contemporary Uganda, in the rich and inspiring Memories of Glass.

Marcus Ryker has spent his entire career studying killers. One thing he knows for sure: a peace summit is the ultimate stage for an assassination. President Andrew Clarke is determined to announce his historic peace plan from the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. But when senior American officials who support the plan begin violently dying, Clarke orders Ryker and his team of CIA operatives to hunt down those responsible and bring the killing spree to an end. When the Palestinians denounce the American plan, the Saudis signal they may be ready to forge a historic treaty with Israel. Could the Saudi king’s support be the missing ingredient that will lead to peace at long last? Ryker soon uncovers a chilling plot to kill the American president. A well-resourced international alliance is dead set against the peace plan. They will stop at nothing to strike a blow against the Americans and seize leadership of the Muslim world. With all eyes on Jerusalem and the president in the crosshairs, it’s up to Ryker to eliminate the terrible evil that’s been set in motion. The fate of the region depends on his success in The Jerusalem Assassin by Joel C. Rosenberg.

In Mark Cahill’s novel Paradise, Josh expects to find paradise as he sets out for a relaxing trip to Hawaii to join three of his old friends from college. But what if their week in paradise is interrupted in a way that few of us can imagine? Take an unforgettable journey with Josh and his friends as they experience far more than they bargained for on their Hawaiian vacation turned adventure of a lifetime. Will Josh and his friends pick the right paradise? Will you?

Every boy has dreams of the man he will become - exploring the world, fighting the enemy, and being dangerous for good. He imagines himself as the hero, the expert, the one others look up to. Then somewhere along the way, the lies of the enemy knock him down, his dreams are shattered, and he loses his purpose as the enemy attempts to rob him of his true identity. In The Roar Within, world class hunter, adventurer, and popular speaker Brent Henderson takes men on a journey to some of the most dangerous and deadly places on earth. Along the way, he helps each man discover that the most powerful force in the universe can be found in his spirit, where God resides. He shows men how to recover what’s been lost by answering their biggest questions: Who am I really? Where does my value come from? Am I enough?

Cross Reference Library is located at 209 East 15th Street in Scottsbluff, NE,
and is open Monday through Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm.

New Music Monday - Jordan Feliz, Verses and new band After Grace

new to our rotation

Next To Me (Acoustic Version) - Jordan Feliz

“I get this feeling in my spirit way down low
I hear it calling like a compass in my soul
Saying child, come on back now
You've been gone too long
Let Me lead you back where you belong”

Unseen - After Grace

“I know there's a glory that awaits
Where everything I hold will pass away
I will trade this temporary pain for eternity
Even when my vision fades
And I can't tell the darkness from the day
I don't need my sight to walk by faith
'Cause I beliеve, in the unseen”

the weekly worship countdown - fridays at 2:00pm

Thankful - Verses

“I'm thankful I'm thankful, yes I am
You've been so good that I'll say it again
Oh I'm thankful I'm thankful, yes I am
You've been so good that I'll say it again
I'm thankful, yes I'm thankful
I gotta say I'm thankful
You've been so good that I'll say it again
I'm thankful, yes I'm thankful
You've been so good that I'll say it again”

Does the Devil Rule Hell?

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In Greek Mythology Hades is the god of the dead and he rules over the underworld. In Roman Mythology his name is Pluto. And somewhere along the way people have taken these myths and applied them to the Biblical Devil. 

Now when people think of Satan they picture a pitchfork wielding, horned, red, god-like being sitting on a throne in the pit of Hell, controlling the flames which surround him. They imagine him sneering maniacally as he finds new ways to entertain himself by torturing the poor souls whom he has claimed as his own.

But is this actually how the Bible describes Satan? Does the Devil really rule Hell?

Well the Bible does actually answer this specific question in the book of Revelation:

Revelation 20:10: And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever. (ESV)

The Devil doesn’t get to rule over Hell in the afterlife. Instead, it is a place of torment and punishment for him as well.

The Hades of Greek Mythology may be of comparable power to Zeus, along with a myriad of other gods. But in the Bible God is the only being who is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-present. The Devil is simply a created being whose power does not even come close to God’s power. At some point Satan used his own God-given free-will to act in defiance of God and--in the end--he will be punished for it. In fact, the Bible even says that the lake of fire was prepared specifically for that purpose:

Mathew 25:41 Then he (God) will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’ (ESV)

The widespread idea that the Devil rules over Hell is just one example of how some cultural perceptions about what the Bible teaches could be terribly misguided. It is important to read through the Bible, yourself. This way you can know for certain what it does or doesn’t say and no one will be able to lead you astray. 

2 Timothy 2:15: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (KJV)

2 Timothy 3:16-17: All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. (ESV)

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This series of blog posts titled, “Holding on to Reason”, is named after Amanda’s favorite C.S. Lewis quote: “Faith is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted, in spite of your changing moods.”

Click here for more things written by Amanda Hovseth.

What's New at Cross Reference Library - How to raise kids, and books for youth

Every one of us has tremendous power to either build others up or tear them down through the words we speak every day, and nowhere is this more evident than in our families. Are you being purposeful in how you use the power of your words to speak encouragement, strength, and love - breathing life into the heart of your children? Or are careless words having a negative impact on both your kids and your family legacy? Matt and Lisa Jacobson want you to discover the powerful ways you can build your children up in love with the words that you choose to say every day--words that every child needs to hear. 100 Words of Affirmation Your Son Needs To Hear and 100 Words of Affirmation Your Daughter Needs To Hear offer you one hundred phrases to say to your son or daughter that deeply encourage, affirm, and inspire. Start speaking these words into their lives and watch your children - and your relationship with them - transform before your eyes.

The Prince and Friends by Susan Schaneman: The prince wasn’t allowed outside the castle much. After his mother had passed away the prince and his father grew very close in his seven years. His father knew it was time for the prince to have some adventures and meet some friends. New friends. Well, new friends for the young prince anyway. Friends who were characters of sort, but loyal and loving. Friends who had been waiting for him! The prince would become friends first with his most beloved groundhog-like buddy George. Then he meets Cindy, the neighbor girl and her beautiful horse, Lucy. There is Master Lo Lo, master fairy of the forest. Fred the king frog, a delightful large jolly frog down by the river and Princess Pamalea who was so warm and glowing. She could make the most amazing glass fireballs! They laughed and loved along the way. They shared adventures nearly every day. From fishing to horseback riding to having mud fights and more, the prince learned a lot about his friends and the special gifts they each possess. Even in a very sad time, the prince learned how friends are able to come together and know that they would have each other’s backs, until the very end.

Want children who are patient, kind, humble, thankful, and respectful? Who have a good work ethic, strong character, and a healthy self-image? Who succeed in all areas of life - personally, professionally, and relationally - to the best of their ability? You can’t force your kids to be grateful for everything you do, but you can raise successful, responsible kids who grow into adults you can be proud of. With his signature wit and wisdom, international parenting expert Dr. Kevin Leman reveals eight no-nonsense strategies that build on the foundations of character, good behavior, respect, discipline, and a winning attitude. It is possible to raise a successful child in a “whatever” generation - 8 Secrets to Raising Successful Kids makes it simple.

Time is on the move. It is galloping by at an amazing speed. What is really important in life as the seconds tick by? Are the shocking events happening around the globe getting your full and complete attention? Life is a vapor that vanishes right before your eyes. What if you are looking at life from the wrong angle? What if you are actually looking at life from the wrong side? If you are making such a fatal error, wouldn’t you want to know that before you take your last breath? The Last Ride by Mark Cahill is reminding you that history is rushing towards its final conclusion. The finish line is in sight. Your days are winding down. Do you need a strong wake up call? Are you ready to meet the King? Are you getting others ready for Judgement Day? The hour is late, and it is just about time for the last ride!

Cross Reference Library is located at 209 East 15th Street in Scottsbluff, NE,
and is open Monday through Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm.

New Music Monday - Jonathan Traylor, Elevation Worship, new band The Rock Music, and more

new to our rotation

You Get The Glory - Jonathan Traylor

“You get the glory from this
You get the glory from this
No matter what I have to go through in this world
As long as You get the glory from it”

All Around - The Rock Music ft. Steele Croswhite

“Your love is all around, all around, all around
Your love is all around, all around, around us now”

the top 25 contemporary christian countdown - saturdays at 6:00pm

Rattle! - Elevation Worship

“This is the sound of dry bones rattling
This is the praise make a dead man walk again
Open the grave, I'm coming out
I'm gonna live, gonna live again
This is the sound of dry bones rattling”

the 180remix countdown - saturdays at 9:00pm

Won’t Run Out - LZ7

“You said why would you lose your soul?
Give it all just to gain the world?
I’m lookin for a love that won’t run out
No it won’t run out
Love that won’t run out
No it won’t run out”

What's New at Cross Reference Library - Raising sons and new novels from Ashley Clark

In The Dress Shop on King Street by Ashley Clark, Harper Dupree has pinned all her hopes on a future in fashion design. But when it comes crashing down around her, she returns home to Fairhope, Alabama, and to Millie, the woman who first taught her how to sew. As Harper rethinks her own future, long-hidden secrets about Millie’s past are brought to light. In 1946, Millie Middleton - the daughter of an Italian man and a Black woman - boarded a train and left Charleston to keep half of her heritage hidden. She carried with her two heirloom buttons and the dream of owning a dress store. She never expected to meet a charming train jumper who changed her life forever… and led her yet again to a heartbreaking choice about which heritage would define her future. Now, together, Harper and Millie return to Charleston to find the man who may hold the answers they seek… and a chance at the dress shop they’ve both dreamed of. But it’s not until all appears lost that they see the unexpected ways to mend what’s frayed between the seams.

In Paint and Nectar by Ashley Clark, a spark is forming between Eliza, a talented watercolorist, and William, a charming young man with a secret that could ruin her career. Their families forbid their romance because of a long-standing feud over missing heirloom silver. Still, Eliza and William’s passion grows despite the barriers, causing William to deeply regret the secret he’s keeping… but setting things right will come at a cost. In present day Charleston, a mysterious benefactor gifts Lucy Legare an old house, along with all the secrets it holds - including enigmatic letters about an antique silver heirloom. Declan Pinckney, whom Lucy’s been avoiding since their disastrous first date, is set on buying her house for his family’s development company. As Lucy uncovers secrets about the house, its garden, and the silver, she becomes more determined than ever to preserve the historic Charleston property, not only for history’s sake but also for her own.

Dads today are often overwhelmed with both the responsibility and the complexity of raising sons in this challenging culture. At the same time, self-initiation is killing our young men. Without strong mentors, boys are walking alone into a wilderness of conflicting messages about who they should be as men. It’s no wonder that our sons are confused about what the world expects from them and what they should expect of themselves. The Intentional Father is a helpful antidote. This concise book is filled with practical steps to help men raise sons of consequence - young men who know what they believe, know who they are, and will stand up against the negative cultural trends of our day. Jon Tyson lays out a clear path for fathers and sons that includes specific activities, rites of passage, and significant “marking moments” that can be customized to fit any family. It’s not enough to hope our sons will become good men. We need them to be good at being men. This book shows fathers, grandfathers, and other male mentors how to lead the way.

Cross Reference Library is located at 209 East 15th Street in Scottsbluff, NE,
and is open Monday through Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm.