Crossroads Church - North Campus: Recent Episodes
Crossroads Church
As we near the conclusion of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he ends with where all who call on the name of Jesus will end: resurrection. Sharing the truest truth and the moment that changes everything, Paul gives us words to live by as we follow after Jesus.
As we conclude this section of 1 Corinthians on Spiritual gifts and how we gather, we will summarize where we go from here. As people sent on mission, gifted by the Spirit and united in Jesus, we will ask, “What is our part in our community and beyond?”
On any given Sunday, churches across the globe are gathering with the people of God to worship. And while the style of music, clothes we wear, languages we speak, and order of service may look different, there are often more similarities than we give credit to. In this final passage in the “How we gather” section, Paul reminds us of what matters when we come together and how we are to do so.
When it comes to conversations in church about prophecy and speaking in tongues, it can get weird fast. But Paul, in writing to the Corinthian church, reminds us of the beauty and importance of these gifts as well as the proper use of them. This Sunday, we will seek to better pursue the gifts of prophecy and tongues, and remember that the aim of all gifts is God’s glory.
Love is a word that is overused, abused, misunderstood, underutilized, and thrown around casually in our day. Paul, in writing to the Corinthian church, seeks to show them the most excellent way. The way of love. So what does this most excellent way look like, and how do we begin to live in such a way? Join us this Sunday as we seek to live the most excellent way.
Paul reminds us that it is good to desire spiritual gifts and it is good to use the gifts we have been given. This Sunday, we will ask ourselves how we best discover our spiritual gifts and what it looks like to eagerly desire them.
Have you ever been given a gift that was best shared with others? Paul continues to talk about Spiritual gifts and, in particular, the gifts we have been given are not meant to glorify the gifted, but the giver. And the gifts we have been given are meant to be used for the glory of God and the good of others. The question before us is what gifts have we been given, and what is our part in the body of believers?
We are often quick to see the giftedness of others, while missing the gifts we have been given. In Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church in chapter 12, he reminds them that all who follow Jesus are empowered by the same Spirit. And that means if you are a follower of Jesus, you are empowered by the Spirit. On Sunday, we looked at what that means and what that can look like.
A meal meant to unify was causing division. Symbols of humility and sacrifice were being used to separate. As Paul walks us through the beauty of the why we take communion, he invites us to examine our own posture, heart, and humility.
As we move into the fourth major section of 1 Corinthians, Paul will address how we gather as the church. This conversation begins with a commendation, followed by a conversation on the cultural implications of head coverings that has much more to do with the posture of our hearts than the state of our heads.
G.K. Beale states, “What people revere they resemble either to their ruin or restoration.” What we love shapes our lives, our priorities, and patterns. So what happens when we are chasing the wrong things? This morning, we will look together to recognize and remove the idols of our lives, replacing them with the One we were made to revere.
We have heard the phrase “imitation is the highest form of flattery,” but when it comes to following Jesus, it is also the best practice. When learning something new, it is always helpful to have someone who can show you how to do it. The same is true of our faith. Following Jesus means a lifetime of seeking to live, love, and act as He did while pointing others to do the same. So where do we begin? Join us this morning as we look at 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1
We’ve been given many blessings from God, but we often turn them into the source of our identity and joy rather than from the God who gave them. In 1 Corinthians 10:1-22, Paul gives believers a stark warning to worship the giver, not the gifts, and that our complete devotion is meant for the one true God.
We are continuing in our study of 1 Corinthians, picking up in chapter 9. In a conversation about the things that have a hold on our hearts and how we can live free from them, Paul uses his own life as an example. Laying down his own life for others, Paul helps us to better understand the right use of our rights as we follow in the way of Jesus.
We live in a world where self-sufficiency and freedom to live as we please are sought-after commodities. Our drive for autonomy can become an unforeseen enemy and an idol. As we step back into Paul’s letter to the Corinthians in chapter 8, he reminds us that our actions speak loudly and can help or hinder those around us.
We all have had moments in life we wish we could have back. We have said words to someone we wish we hadn’t, we have treated someone unkindly, and at times, we sense there is something more to life than what we are experiencing. So, what do you do with this? We look to the one who has come to save. We recognize that the reality of the resurrection changes everything. All of us have fallen short, missed the mark, and need rescue, and Easter Sunday reminds us that Jesus saves.
Why did Jesus die? Our sins demand death. On Good Friday, we remember that Jesus, in His great love, died the death we deserved (1 Pet. 2:24), sacrificing Himself once and for all so that all who believe in Him may have life in Him.
Stepping into Palm Sunday, we will look at a moment in Jesus’ life where those around Him are disappointed and disoriented. Events have not met expectations, and hope has been broken by present pain. A place we all will experience at some point. But Jesus speaks to the pain with a promise of resurrection and a promise of life.
We are often told not to judge a book by its cover, and yet we do it all the time. We judge people based off external actions and impressions, and at times allow this to motivate our own actions as well. But here Paul reminds us, we have been bought with a price, we have been set free, and there is nothing we can do, no image we can create, no action that can earn us what we have already been given.
What are the Biblical grounds for divorce? How are we to heal from divorce? What does the Bible say about divorce? In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul gives instructions on how we are to walk through such moments as we follow in the way of Jesus.
Where is your refuge? Is it in your successes, accomplishments, or your ability to overcome an obstacle? Psalm 16 reminds us that our refuge is only found in the Lord, and in Him we can delight.
Those who are single can often feel as though the church has much to say about families, but not much to offer those who are not married or raising kids. As the number of people who are single is on the rise in our country, Paul has much to say to those who are single and the gift that it can be. Whether you are single or not, Paul has something here for all of us to payattention to.
Sex in the context of marriage is a good thing. But like most good things, we can distort them and turn them into a bad thing. We can make sex about our own satisfaction and selfishness, a means to an end. Paul has much to say about how we are to approach sex within marriage.
"Sex and what we do with our bodies is no big deal, right?" At least that is what we are often told. The problem with this is that it isn't true. Sex, and what we do with our bodies, is a big deal. Our bodies and our choices are designed and created to bring glory to God. So, why does this matter, and what can it look like in our lives?
We are jumping into 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. Have you ever had this thought: “Well, at least I am not as bad as that person!” If you have, you are not alone. As Paul continues his letter to the Corinthians, he lists characteristics we are to avoid. The problem with this list is that we are all on there somewhere; the good news is, we don’t have to stay there.
In a day and age where everyone is quick to disagree and divide, how are we to live as followers of Jesus? Disagreements are inevitable within the church, but how we handle them speaks volumes about what we believe and who we believe in. We'll look at 1 Corinthians 6:1-8 this morning to gain wisdom on how to navigate these challenges.
Today, we are looking at 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 and how it is easy to look at the world around us and feel discouraged. We see people taking advantage of others, harming themselves, and chasing after things that can never fully satisfy. So what happens when this isn’t just in the world around us, but this way of life enters the church? How are we to respond, and how are we to live in the world but not of the world?
Studying through 1 Corinthians, we are entering a section of the letter that addresses sex and our bodies, looking at how God has designed each of us with a purpose that the world, or our flesh, often distorts. But in everything, the Lord extends His mercy, grace, and love to all who come to Him, creating a way of restoration and redemption.
What would it look like to prioritize prayer in your life? In todays sermons, we look at a moment where Jesus expresses deep frustration and disappointment with people’s approach to God. Behind His frustration is an invitation to transformation and relationship, rather than transaction and regulations. We will look to discover what it means that God’s house is a house of prayer and what it looks like to cultivate a life of prayer.
Today's sermon is a little different as we take time to share with one another ways we can praise the Lord for what He has done in 2025!
Jesus has come that we may find light and life in Him, where there is darkness; the light of Jesus overcomes. Where there is despair, the hope of Jesus overcomes. Where do you need to let His light shine? Where do you need to invite Jesus into your life? What could the next year look like if you allow His light to shine?
Jesus moved into the neighborhood and dwelt among humanity. In Jesus, we see the way forward, we see the embodiment of both Grace and Truth, and we see an invitation to know God, be known by Him, and live as He lived in the light of Jesus.
God, in His great love, sent Jesus to shine light on everyone. But not all find life in the Light; some seek the shadows, some seek their own way, but to all who believe, they become children of the light. We were made to shine in the Light, even in the midst of darkness.
John the Baptizer was rough, grizzled, unkept, and uncouth. His message was straight and to the point. Things are broken, we are broken, but one is coming who would fix all things, change all things. John was not the light, but he was a witness to the light, and reflected the light who had come. We, too, are called into the Light and invited to bear witness to the Light, which shines in the darkness.
Each Christmas, whether we call it nostalgia, or simple an ache for more, we long for meaning, for home, for peace, for light and life. Christmas reminds us that Jesus, Immanuel, God with us has come and in Him we find light and life, to cast away darkness and despair in which we find hope.
In a world that is so often divided over everything, how do we stand for truth with courage and conviction? How do we disagree with kindness without out Compromise? Our study of the first section of Corinthians culminates in learning how to disagree well.
The company you keep can pull you up or pull you down. In the same way you can pull others up, or pull them down. So who are you surrounding yourself with, and who are you chasing after Jesus alongside? The company you keep matters.
Power and influence have a way of turning in on themselves. Paul is reminding the Church in Corinth and us, that whatever power or influence we have been given we are to use it to serve others for the good of the Kingdom.
Many people travel the world to visit sacred places. Paul is reminding the church in Corinth, that God no longer dwells in a house of stone but in the very flesh and bone of His church, us. This is a radical truth that changes everything
We live in a culture that fosters division. Even in the church we see countless denominations and churches that refuse to cooperate with one another. What causes this division, and why are we so quick to divide and when should we divide? Paul invites to build on the only foundation that will last?
If you hold up a blue lens, you will see all of the world with a shade of blue. Paul reminds us that the ultimate lens through which we are to look at all of life is Jesus. This is not only the way of wisdom, but the way of life.
In a culture known for its sages and people who were considered wise, Paul calls the church in Corinth to be fools for Jesus. Does this mean an abandonment of our brains, or is there something deeper Paul is calling us to? In our day people keep a tight watch on their image and how they are perceived, but Paul is calling us to the wisest way that may look foolish to the world around us.
We are all following someone, and who we follow shapes who we are becoming. Paul reminds us that it is easy to get lost in the myriad of voices clamoring for our attention, but ultimately it is Jesus we must pay attention to.
While much has changed since Paul wrote his letter to the church in Corinth, we will discover that much has also stayed the same. Paul writes to a fractured church that is asking many of the same questions we have today. As we begin this letter, we take a lay of the land, and follow along as Paul instructs the church of Corinth and us in how the Gospel changes everything.
As we look to the year ahead, we will outline where we are going in our studies and our church and how we can embody what it means to be courageous and kind - one of our church values - as we make much of Jesus, together.
EVERYDAY DISCIPLES S1:E9
Following the way of Jesus in everything, everywhere, every day. “And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” - Mark 1:17
SHOW NOTES
Welcome back to the Everyday Disciples podcast, where we discuss what it means to follow the way of Jesus in everything, everywhere, every day. This month, we are talking about what it means to be good stewards or our time, our talent, and our treasures. Today, our host Andrew is joined by Co-host Ruth and our guest, K2 Nelson, as we talk about the importance of our stories.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO SHARE OUR FAITH
Looking at the story of the man who was delivered from being possessed by a legion of demons in Mark 5:1-20. We see that this man was turned away by Jesus and given a calling to tell his friends of how much the Lord had done for him. We are called to share our faith and point to our hope in Jesus. This man knew what Jesus had done for him and had a story to share. We all have a story to share about what Jesus has done in our lives and for us.
HOW CAN WE SHARE OUR FAITH
We have all experienced something good: a meal, a book, a cup of coffee that we wanted to share with others, almost to the point where we couldn't stop. We can apply that same love to sharing something good, to how we share about Jesus, our savior and provider.
See 1 Peter 3:15-16 and Matthew 28:18-20. We are simply called to share what God has done for us.
PRACTICE
- WRITE OUT YOUR STORY: Write out your story. Use these prompts to help you think through your story: What has the Lord done for me?How has the Lord had mercy on me? What has been your experience following Jesus, and why would you want others to know Him?How can someone follow Jesus?
- SHARE YOUR STORY: Take time to share your story with someone you know or someone you don’t.
- PRAY: Pray that God would give you the opportunity to share the hope you have in Jesus with someone.
Sharing your story or engaging in evangelism does not have to be scary. It can simply involve sharing a meal with others, talking about something you’ve seen God do recently, or pointing the conversation toward Jesus when given the opportunity. Writing out your story, or at least part of it, helps remind you of what God has done and keeps it fresh in your mind so that you can share it with those around you.
RESOURCES
Jimmy Scroggins: The “3 Circles” Evangelism Method
Jeff Vanderstelt: "Gospel Fluency" & " Saturate"
Jerram Barrs: "Learning Evangelism From Jesus"
The recognition of our mortality comes for us all. Death comes for us all. But how are we to face death? How can we make sense of death? The preacher reminds us that even though death is chasing us, we can still truly live.
Health, wealth, happiness, success, stuff, standing, comfort. What we prioritize shapes our lives. The Preacher ends with a simple truth: Fear God and keep his commandments; this is the chief end of Humanity, but how can we do this? And what does it look like to find meaning in the midst of life?
In an unpredictable world, how can we find steadiness with sensibility? The Preacher of Ecclesiastes reminds us to take no moment for granted and to live with prudence.
Pay attention to who you listen to. Many people are given a microphone and a platform these days, but is what they are saying worth paying attention to? The Preacher reminds us of the abundance of fools and folly in our world and the importance of walking with the wise.
EVERYDAY DISCIPLES S1:E8 | Stewardship
Welcome to the Everyday Disciples podcast, where we discuss what it means to follow the way of Jesus in everything, everywhere, every day. This month, we are talking about what it means to be good stewards of our time, talent, and treasures. Andrew West sits down with Ruth Farinha and Joel Winger for today's discussion.
SHOW NOTES
WE ARE EVERYDAY DISCIPLES
As a reminder of what these conversations are about, at Crossroads, one of our values is that we are everyday disciples. That means our relationship with God is intended to shape every part of our lives. There is no separation between the mundane and the spiritual. Our life with God isn't confined to a moment on Sunday morning; it is to be lived every moment and in every setting. So over the course of this season, we are walking through 8 practices. Today, we are talking about the practice of stewardship. How do we steward our time, talent, and treasure?
Matthew 6:21 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
WHAT IS STEWARDSHIP
According to Ben Patterson, "A steward is someone entrusted with another’s wealth or property and charged with the responsibility of managing it in the owner’s best interest."
The parable of the talents: Matthew 25:14-30
STEWARDING TIME
Ephesians 5:15-16 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.
James 4:14 14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.
STEWARDING TALENTS
1 Corinthians 12:1-11 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit. 4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
STEWARDING TREASURE
Matthew 6:24 No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Romans 14:7-8 For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord.
PRACTICE
- WHAT ARE YOU HOLDING TIGHT TO?
As you bring your finances, possessions, gifting, and time before the Lord, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you what area has an unhealthy hold on your heart. - TIME, TALENT, TREASURE
This month, take an inventory of your time, your talent, and your treasure. Ask God to guide you in one of these areas where you can begin giving 1% more.
BOOK & LISTENING RECOMMENDATIONS:
TIME:
The Common Rule: Habits of Purpose for an Age of Distraction by Justin Whitmel Earley
Do More Better by Tim Challies
TALENT:
The Holy Spirit: An Introduction (Short Studies in Systematic Theology) by Fred Sanders Practicing the Power: Welcoming the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in Your Life by Sam Storms
Understanding Spiritual Gifts by Sam Storms
Walking in step with the Holy Spirit | Everyday Disciples - S1:E2
TREASURE:
Money, Possesions, Eternity by Randy Alcorn
We live in a sound bite culture where the perception of wisdom is pursued. But what does it mean to be wise in the ways of the Lord, and how do we pursue wisdom as a means to an end and not an end in and of itself?
How much is enough? Just a little more. The pursuit of wealth can become all-consuming, and in the end, what do you get to take with you?
Checking the boxes with the right actions, the right words, and religious activity with the wrong aim will leave you empty. The Preacher (the author of Ecclesiastes) once again reminds us of what matters when it come to our connection with our Creator.
We all like a movie where the bad guys lose and the good guys win. The Preacher (the author of Ecclesiastes) reminds us that in this world, good does not always win, people are taken advantage of, and justice does not always prevail. So why try?
EVERYDAY DISCIPLES S1:E7
Following the way of Jesus in everything, everywhere, every day. "And Jesus said to them, 'Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.'” - Mark 1:17
Welcome back to the Everyday Disciples podcast, where we discuss what it means to follow the way of Jesus in everything, everywhere, every day. This month, we are talking about what it means to selflessly serve.
SHOW NOTES
SERVICE BEGINS WITH HUMILITY:
Philippians 2:3-4 reminds us, “but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” In humility, with lowliness of mind, elevate the significance of those around. It was C.S. Lewis who said, “True humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less.” So give people weight and meaning, do not ignore them. Look to the interests of those around you. If you wanted to begin to see an improvement in your relationships, whether it be friendships, marriage, parenting, or with your parents. Begin to give those in your life weight, and don’t always make it about you.
WHAT IS OUR EXAMPLE OF SERVICE:
Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said, “When Jesus calls a man, he bids him come and die.” To follow Jesus is not to seek your own greatness. It is to die to yourself that you may truly live in Him. The example of our Lord is to serve and give our lives away. On the night that Jesus was betrayed, when He gathered his disciples, the task that was reserved for the last and the least, He took upon Himself and washed their feet. When there was an uproar over this, Jesus explained His actions, and in explaining his actions, he made it clear that we are to follow in His way of serving.
PRACTICE FOR THE MONTH:
Serve. Ask God to help you die to yourself daily so that you may serve those around you and do something for someone with no expectation of return.
Everyday Disciples is a production of Crossroads Church located in Grass Valley, California.
In Ecclesiastes 3, we encounter one of the most well-known passages in scripture that poetically encapsulates the ebb and flow of life. It speaks to us of the natural rhythms that God has ordained: there is a 'time for everything,' from birth to death, planting to uprooting, mourning to dancing.
This passage reminds us that our experiences, both joyful and challenging, are woven into the divine tapestry of time. God has placed eternity in our hearts, yet we are limited in understanding the full scope of God's plan. This paradox invites us to lean into our faith, recognizing that while our time on earth is finite, we are part of an eternal design.
We must be present in our current season, trusting God's sovereignty and finding joy in every moment as we strive to do good and glorify God.
Ryan Duffy walks us through Ecclesiastes 2 and the fleetingness of life and all its pleasures.
Solomon writes that he held tight to folly, and it led him nowhere good. Solomon was considered one of the wisest men in the Bible, yet he points out that the amount of wisdom you have doesn't matter because whether you are wise or foolish, you will still die.
While this message feels a bit existential, we can learn some good lessons from it and the trials, joy, and difficulties we face today.
We hear the message from culture: "If you just have a little more of this or that, you'll be happy." But Solomon, the man with extensive wealth, and who enjoyed earthly pleasure in every form, has written Ecclesiastes to show us that "the good life" we chase won't be found until we live surrendered to God, His plans, and in relationship with Him.
That is where the good life is found, it's not in possessions, it's in who we find our value, meaning, and purpose in life - God, and only God.
What is the meaning of life? A question we have all asked or will ask at some point. In a world full of contradictions: joy and sorrow, love and apathy, hate and mercy, ordinary and extraordinary, the author of Ecclesiastes invites us in as he wanders the streets searching for meaning.
Power has a way of corrupting all who come in contact with it. But the way of Jesus points us to use our influence and power for others. Peter reminds us that we do not have to guess what this looks like, one only needs to look at the example of our Great Shepherd.
In this life, you will suffer. It is not a matter of if, but when. As overwhelming as this can be, Peter reminds us that suffering is not strange to the way of Jesus, and we should not be surprised. Taking an honest look at suffering, Peter points us to its sanctifying effects and where we can find strength to endure.
EVERYDAY DISCIPLES S1:E6
Following the way of Jesus in everything, everywhere, every day.
"And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” - Mark 1:17
Welcome back to the Everyday Disciples podcast, where we discuss what it means to follow the way of Jesus in everything, everywhere, every day. This month, we are talking with Lynsey Kornoelje and Grayson Kessenich about what it means to worship: everywhere in everything.
SHOW NOTES
WHAT IS WORSHIP?
Our English word for worship is derived from the word “worthship,” literally meaning to ascribe worth to something. When we think of it this way, we realize that we all worship something. There are things that we give our time, talent, and treasure to all the time.
WHAT IS BIBLICAL WORSHIP?
We see early on in Scripture that God makes a covenant with His people, making it clear that we are to have no one we put before Him. And so we ascribe worth, love, awe, wonder, and fear to God and God alone. (Exodus 20)
Worship encompasses a full-bodied experience—praise, sacrifice, bowing, shouting, singing, and more. James K.A. Smith, author of You Are What You Love, states, “Worship that restores us is worship that restories us”.
Richard Foster encapsulates worship as the “Human response to the divine initiative.” Donald Whitney says, “Worship is focusing on and responding to God.” My attempt to define worship is “a response of awe and love to the revelation of God.” Worship is designed to be biblically formed, God centered, and Gospel shaped.
PRACTICES FOR THE MONTH
- BEGIN WHERE YOU ARE
As you go about your day, begin with worship. Pause and thank God for the breath in your lungs. Think through your previous day and call out the moments where you saw God’s goodness. Practice praising God. - TRY A NEW PRAISE PRACTICE
Listen to only worship music, keep a praise log of three things a day you can praise God for, try a different posture of praise, and read classic Hymns. - WRITE A PSALM OF PRAISE
Write a psalm, a poem, or a testimony of praise.
Everyday Disciples is a production of Crossroads Church located in Grass Valley, California.
The scripture calls us to arm ourselves with the same way of thinking as Jesus, ceasing from sin and living for God's will rather than human passions. This shift requires us to step out of our comfort zones and spectator mentalities, putting our faith into action even when it means facing opposition or ridicule. The passage reminds us that the end of all things is near, urging us to be self-controlled, sober-minded, and earnest in our love for one another. As we reflect on this, we're invited to consider how our lives might change if we truly lived with an awareness of Christ's imminent return. Are we using our God-given gifts to serve others and glorify Him? This message encourages us to move beyond casual Christianity and into a deeper, more committed relationship with Jesus, one that's willing to suffer for His name and stand firm in faith.
We have all heard the phrase, “two wrongs don’t make a right.” So, how do we respond with a reasoned hope in the face of adversity? How can our actions align with our beliefs, and what does it look like to tell a better story with our lives? Peter once again acts as our guide as he points us to be ready with a reasoned hope.
When someone cuts you off on the road, how do you respond? When your boss seems to single you out unfairly, what do you do? When decisions are made that you disagree with, what are your options? This Sunday, we will once again look at the words of the Apostle Peter as he guides us in the way of hope in all of life: our families, our careers, our country, and beyond.
EVERYDAY DISCIPLES S1:E5
Following the way of Jesus in everything, everywhere, every day. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” - Mark 1:17
Welcome to the Everyday Disciples podcast, where we discuss what it means to follow Jesus's example in everything, everywhere, and every day. This month, we are talking with Steve Dang about what it means to be connected in community.
SHOW NOTES
WHAT IS COMMUNITY?
The working definition we are going off of for community is: following in the way of Jesus together.
We see community as disciples of Jesus following in the way of Jesus together. “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” Acts 2:42
WHERE CAN WE START?
- Who are people already in your life that you can be intentional about pursuing and doing life together?
- Be the friend you wish you had.
- Build trust by giving trust.
- Communicate what you are counting on someone for.
- Keep Jesus at the center.
PRACTICES FOR THE MONTH:
- START WHERE YOU ARE. - Invest in the friendships and connections you already have
- SHARE A MEAL/COFFEE AND YOUR STORY WITH SOMEONE
- FIND A WAY TO SERVE ALONGSIDE OTHERS
RESOURCES:
“One Another” Passages - https://tpcc.secure2.agroup.com/files/uploads/59OneAnothers.pdf
Everyday Disciples is a production of Crossroads Church located in Grass Valley, California.
The strength and depth of a tree’s roots keep it secure and grounded. When the wind and rain come, the roots help the tree maintain strength and stability. But what keeps you secure and grounded? What are you currently rooting yourself in? Peter once again guides us to the deep roots of the story we find ourselves in.
When people ask you about yourself, what do you say? How do you define who you are? As Peter continues to guide us toward hope, he reminds us that the hope we have in Jesus shapes and defines who we are and how we live. But what does this look like?
Is there something you are looking forward to right now? Do you ever find yourself thinking of that moment in the midst of a bad day? Like every student looking forward to summer, sometimes we borrow hope from the future to help us through the hard times of today. In these verses, Peter reminds us of the future hope that we have in Jesus, which provides present strength for today.
As we step into the letter of 1 Peter, we take a lay of the land in both Peter’s day and ours. This survey leaves us with the question: What would it look like to live in a settled hope, in an unsettled world?
Jesus met two very disillusioned disciples on the road to Emmaus. As we walk this road toward resurrection, we will encounter our own questions, disappointments, and disillusionments, discovering the reality of the only one who has come to bring us life - Jesus. Sometimes the road doesn't look the way we expected, but Jesus is there the whole way.
A criminal at death’s door finds salvation in a willing savior while serving his death sentence. The man on the cross takes on death, that in Him we may have life.
WELCOME
Welcome to the Everyday Disciples podcast, where we discuss what it means to follow the way of Jesus in everything, everywhere, every day. This month, we are talking about what it means to be purposeful in prayer.
WHAT IS PRAYER
Our English word prayer derives from the Latin word precarious, which is fitting since we tend to most often pray in the precarious moments of life. But it is not just the precarious moments that cause us to pray. It is also those moments of wonder and awe that move us toward our Creator.
A FEW FORMS OF PRAYER
- Liturgical - Wrote prayers such as scripture or written prayers passed through generations.
- Intercession - Praying on behalf of another person or for another person.
- Tongues/Praying in the Spirit - A gift of the Holy Spirit that we are directed has a time and place to be used (1 Cor.14:27).
- Worship (music or otherwise) - Adoration, confession, supplication, thanksgiving.
- Prophetic - Praying out what the Lord is speaking to you for someone else or people groups.
WHAT WAS JESUS PATTERN OF PRAYER?
Jesus modeled patterns and practices of prayer by prioritizing it in his life:
- At His baptism, He was praying (Luke 3:21-22)
- In the midst of popularity, He would withdraw and pray (Luke 5:16)
- Before major decisions, he would prayer, like when calling the disciples. (Luke 6:12)
- In times with his disciples, He prayed. (Luke 9:18)
- He would take close disciples away with Him to pray (Luke 9:28)
- Before Jesus was betrayed, He was praying (Luke 22:39-41)
- As Jesus was praying, His disciples asked Him to teach them to pray. (Luke 11:1)
RWHERE TO START
“Pray as you can, not as you can’t” - Dom Chapman
PRAY THE LORDS PRAYER - Matthew 6:9-13
PRAY THROUGH A PSALM
JOURNAL YOUR PRAYERS
PRACTICES FOR THE MONTH:
-
SET A TIME AND A PLACE TO PRAY
-
TRY A NEW PRAYER PRACTICE:
Pray Scripture, Pray with others, Meditative Prayer, Read a book of prayers, Write your prayers, use Lectio 365 guided prayer, etc.
- MID-DAY PRAYER
Pause in the middle of your day and prayer through the Lord’s prayer.
Matthew 6:9-13
RESOURCES:
Praying the Bible by Donald Whitney
Prayer: Finding the Hearts Home by Richard Foster
How to Pray: A Simple Guide for Normal People by Pete Grieg
Pray Like Monks Live Like Fools by Tyler Staton
A Praying Life by Paul E. Miller
Old Paths New Power by Daniel Henderson
Every Moment Holy Volume I, II, III by Douglas Kaine McKelvey
With by Skye Jethani
Teaching on Luke 23, Andrew West walks us through Jesus's crucifixion. The debt that Jesus paid for all humanity came at a great cost.
Andrew West walks us through Luke 22:63-23:25, where we will see what happened during Jesus' captivity preceding his death.
From Genesis, we know that God made humanity in His image, yet we have done so much to mar that gift. Many have found themselves wondering, "Is God real? Does God care?" and so many other accusatory questions, thereby putting God on trial. In this section of scripture, we will see that as Jesus faced His accusers, he showed His faithfulness in the midst of humanity's fickleness.
Being denied by a friend is gut-wrenching, but imagine how often people deny Jesus.
We live in a world where identifying or being associated with Jesus comes with a cost. But we all have a decision to make: Will I be willing to count the cost, or will I deny Jesus?
Ryan walked us through 3 main questions to consider in our walk with Jesus:
- Are you willing to be identified with Jesus?
- Is Jesus focusing on you in the way He focused on Peter?
- Is your story mainly defined by your failures?
Peter was a strong believer in Jesus; he was willing to fight for Jesus' life and told Him he would die for Him. But there was a moment, this moment when Peter had to decide if he was simply a believer or a follower of Jesus. A follower's life is marked with obedience and faith, meaning things won't be easy or comfortable, but it will be worth it. Jesus knew Peter's personality when he told him, "Come follow me", and He knew Peter would deny Him. Nonetheless, God had an incredible plan for Peter's life after this moment of denial.
No matter where you are, what your failures are, or what you struggle with now, Jesus still says, "Come follow me, " just like He did for Peter.
There is a reason Judas and the crowd came to arrest Jesus at night; they didn’t want anyone to see their actions. Even in the midst of this dark moment, Jesus speaks to the shadows, casting light into the darkness. How can we be a people that brings light to the shadows of our lives?
This message is taught from using the passage of Luke 22:47-53.
EVERYDAY DISCIPLES S1:E3
Following the way of Jesus in everything, everywhere, every day. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” - Mark 1:17
SHOW NOTES
Welcome to the Everyday Disciples podcast, where we talk about what it means to follow the way of Jesus in everything, everywhere, every day. This month, we are talking about what it means to be steeped in Scripture.
WHAT IS THE BIBLE?
We believe the Bible to be the inspired and only infallible and authoritative Word of God. We believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament as being verbally and completely inerrant in the original writings and of supreme and final authority in faith and life. We believe that God has not added to, deleted from, or altered the canon of the Bible with subsequent writings and revelations. [2 Timothy 3:15-17, 2 Peter 1:21]
The Bible is a unified story that leads us to Jesus. It is unique in that it is historical and divine, meaning it was written by real people at real points in History over a 1000-year period by over 40 authors in 3 different languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek). But most importantly, it is the Word of God.
5 WAYS TO INTERACT WITH SCRIPTURE
Hear the word
Read the word
Study the word
Memorize the word
Meditate on the word
H.E.A.R. The Word
When we read through Scripture, we want to go at a pace that allows it to read us. Below is a simple acronym that will help guide our time as we read Scripture and seek to live it out. Each day, we will follow the pattern of HEAR.
H - Highlight
Read through the passage for the day. As you read, pay attention to what stands out. Maybe highlight or underline a word or phrase that catches your attention.
E – Examine it
Examine what the passage has to teach you. Study words and their root meaning, and/or study the context of the passage. Pay attention to the Holy Spirit’s prompting as you read and press into what you can learn from scripture.
A – Apply it
Ask yourself how you might apply what you have read to your day and ask the Holy Spirit what you should take away from the passage. Write down what you want to apply, or make note of it some other way.
R – Respond in prayer
Close your time by using scripture and what you have read to lead your prayer time. Invite the Lord to continue speaking to you through the day on what you’ve studied.
PRACTICES FOR THE MONTH:
-
BEGIN EACH DAY WITH SCRIPTURE
Start every day with the Word. Scripture before your phone, TV, or emails. Scripture before everything. If you are unsure where to start, we have a Bible reading plan here: Crossroads Bible Reading Plan 2025 -
READ A WHOLE BOOK IN ONE SITTING
We have become a culture of soundbites and short attention spans. Many of the letters of the New Testament were written to be read aloud in one sitting. At some point, this month, read or listen to an entire book straight through. See the attached graphic to help you choose. -
MEMORIZE SCRIPTURE
Over this next month, memorize two passages of scripture. Psalm 1:1-2, Romans 15:13
RESOURCES:
Books:
How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Fee and Stuart
The Visual Guide to the Bible by Tim Challies
How We Got the Bible by Neil R. Lightfoot
The Cannon of Scripture by F.F. Bruce ESV Study Bible (articles on how we got the books we got)
Websites:
https://bibleproject.com/ Videos, podcasts, articles, and classes to help you better understand the Bible.
https://enduringword.com/ A whole commentary on the Bible by David Gutzik
https://www.blueletterbible.org/ A free bible study tool
Apps
Youversion Free bible app
ESV Bible Free bible app with available add-ons
Dwell Audio bible (subscription-based)
Everyday Disciples is a production of Crossroads Church located in Grass Valley, California.
When despair deepens and anxiety attacks, where do you turn? In the midst of blood, betrayal, conflict, and crisis, Jesus seeks a quiet place of prayer to battle. As the enemy closes in, Jesus draws closer to God, showing us the way forward. In this sermon, Andrew takes us through Luke 22:35-46 and the anguish and struggle Jesus faced as he looked ahead at what he knew had to happen. We can identify and relate to Jesus' emotions, but also learn from him and how he sought God in the midst of the pain.
Looking at Luke 22:24-34, Andrew West walks us through another one of the final moments of Jesus’ life. Jesus, once again reminds the disciples, and us, where true greatness is found. It is not in being served but in serving others. But what does this look like in our own lives? What does it really look like to be a servant leader? How do we practice wholehearted humility? What does it look to humbly come before the greatness of the Lord?
Have you ever had a mountaintop experience in life? What about a desert wasteland life experience? When we walk with God, both life experiences and everything in between will happen. Yet, no matter what season, experience, trial, or joy we are facing, God will always meet us in those places and strengthen us for that day and the days ahead. Tomorrow, we will take a break from our study through Luke to look at the mountain and valley experiences of many notable people in the Bible.Dane Foster teaches about the Highs and Lows of life and how to be intentional to walk every step with the Lord.
What is the best meal you have ever had? What made it great? So often, it is not just the food but those you enjoy the meal with who add to the experience. As Jesus' final moments approach, He shares the Passover meal with His disciples. In a moment that will never be forgotten, the Passover meal is brought to life in the body and blood of Jesus, a practice we continue today every time we come to the table of communion.Andrew West | Luke 22:7-23
EVERYDAY DISCIPLES PODCAST SHOW NOTES: S1:E2
Welcome to the Everyday Disciples podcast, where we talk about what it means to follow the way of Jesus in everything, everywhere, every day. This month, we are talking about what it means to walk in step with the Spirit.
WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT?
We believe there is only one God, eternally existent in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Each distinct from the Other, and Each is fully God, yet They are perfectly harmonized in Their Triune Being. [Genesis 1:1, Deuteronomy 6:4, Matthew 28:19, John 10:30, 1 Corinthians 8:6]
THE WORK OF HOLY SPIRIT
We believe in the threefold work of the Holy Spirit: that He seeks out and brings the lost to salvation, that He sanctifies the believer, and that He baptizes the believer into the body of Christ, giving spiritual gifts to the Christian for service. We believe in the continuance of gifts as found in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. We believe that the Holy Spirit is our Comforter, Teacher, and guarantee of our inheritance. [John 14:26; 16:7-11, Acts 1:8, Romans 8:1-11, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Galatians 5:22, Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:4-5]
PRACTICES FOR THE MONTH:
Over the next month, we encourage you to practice intentionally walking in the Spirit. We will engage in three practices together. These are tools, not rules. The aim of these practices is to grow in our ability to discern the Holy Spirit’s promptings and leading in our lives. Perfect action is not the aim - drawing closer to Jesus is.
- THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
Read through and pray through Galatians 5:22-23. As you reflect on the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control), pay attention to which attribute the Spirit is inviting you to lean into over this next month.
Do a word study on the attribute you are focusing on. To do this, simply use a concordance (often found in the back of your bible or of a study bible), or use a search engine tool online like blueletterbible.org where you can search for a word throughout scripture.
2. PAY ATTENTION TO THE PROMPTING OF THE SPIRIT
Begin each day with a posture of availability to the Holy Spirit. Simply ask the Holy Spirit to help you hear and pay attention to His leading and to give you the courage to follow where He leads. Keep a running journal of the Spirit’s leading through the days and weeks as you practice walking in the Spirit.
3. SPIRITUAL GIFTS
Read through Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Ephesians 4:11-16, 1 Peter 4:10-11. As you read through these passages, make a list of the gifts that you see listed. Seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance and invite other trusted people in your life to begin discerning what gift/gifts the Lord has given you.
RESOURCES:
The Holy Spirit: An Introduction (Short Studies in Systematic Theology) by Fred Sanders
Practicing the Power: Welcoming the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in Your Life by Sam Storms
Understanding Spiritual Gifts by Sam Storms
Everyday Disciples is a production of Crossroads Church located in Grass Valley, California.
Wounds from a friend run deep. In this message on Luke 22:1-6, Pastor Dane walks us through the story of Judas - the well-known betrayer of Jesus. With a closer look at the character and patterns we see shared about Judas in Scripture, we can see where the stem of his betrayal could have come from and how we each get the choice to either be content with Jesus, or covet what we think we can get without him.
When everything is falling apart around you, where do you turn for stability and strength? Jesus continues to speak to the end of all things, speaking to the turbulent times ahead while reminding us to stay alert and fixed on Him, for our redemption draws near.
When we turn on the news to wars, natural disasters, unrest, and evil actions, we can find ourselves wondering, “Is this the end?” Is everything about to implode, and how are we to respond? With His own end in sight, Jesus speaks to the end of all things, warning those listening and calling them to something greater. This Sunday, we will look at both Jesus’ warnings and what it means to endure as witnesses to the end.
"In a noisy world, quiet obedience often goes unnoticed. Yet, Jesus reminds us that nothing escapes the eyes of the One who matters most. Our sacrifices reveal what and who we value most and where we choose to be all in."
Looking for anything to stump Jesus, in Luke 20:27-44, another group of religious leaders asks Jesus a tough question about the resurrection. While this question may seem out of place to us, Jesus’ response points us to the truth that the reality of the resurrection changes everything.
EVERYDAY DISCIPLES S1:E1
Everyday Disciples, where we prioritize Following the way of Jesus in everything, everywhere, every day.
And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” - Mark 1:17
SHOW NOTES
Welcome to the Everyday Disciples podcast, where we discuss what it means to follow Jesus in everything, everywhere, every day. At Crossroads, one of our values is being everyday disciples.
Being Everyday Disciples means our relationship with God is intended to shape every part of our lives. There is no separation between the mundane and the spiritual. Our life with God isn't confined to a moment on Sunday morning; it is to be lived every moment and in every setting. [If you’d like to dive into this concept further, these passages are a good starting point: Matthew 5:13-16; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 3:13; Psalm 145:2; Luke 9:23; Daniel 12:3 Philippians 2:14-16]
In this first season, we will explore 8 habits and practices that help us to better follow in the way of Jesus. Along the way, we will take questions from you - our listeners - about the things you are thinking through, facing, or wrestling with and bring those into our conversations.
In this first episode, we are asking: Who are you following? What does it mean to follow Jesus? and where do we start?
Over the next month, we encourage you to practice intentionally orienting your days to pay attention to God's presence. We will engage in three practices together. These are tools not rules. The aim of these practices is to intentionally aim our days toward Jesus. Perfect action is not the aim, drawing closer to Jesus is.
PRACTICES FOR THE MONTH:
- TAKE AN AUDIT OF WHO YOU ARE FOLLOWING
Who are the voices, the authors, the thinkers, the people you are giving weight to in your life? Are they drawing you closer to God or pulling you away?
- BEGIN YOUR DAY WITH SCRIPTURE
Scripture before your phone, news, or anything else. Let the first voice of your day be the word of God.
- END YOUR DAY WITH REFLECTION
Take a few minutes (even as you are falling asleep) to simply ask these three questions:
- God, where did I see you move today?
- God, what do you want me to pay attention to (good/bad) from my day?
- God, what do I need to release to you right now?
(Feel free to make the language your own. Again, the aim is to end your day with God)
RESOURCES:
The Bible - If you need a place to start go to one of the biographies of Jesus written by Matthew, Mark, Luke or John.
Crossroadslive.com/jesus
Saturate by Jeff Vanderstelt
Life with Jesus by Tim Chester
Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer
Rendered and Restored | Luke 20:19-26
In a conversation meant to stir controversy, Jesus reminds us of the importance of our family resemblance. In this sermon, we will examine why this matters and what it means to us today.
Pastor: Andrew West
In this study of Luke 20:9-18, Jesus tells the story of a vineyard. In this story, we are reminded of what happens when we build off of false foundations and how we can find life in the firm foundation of Jesus.
As we join with believers across the globe, we celebrate that the light has come to a dark and dreary world. Jesus, Immanuel, God. is. with. Us. This statement is as true today as it was then. We do not walk alone. The very creator of our being has come that we may have life in Him, through Him, and with Him.
Love is one of the most overused words in English. We love ice cream, we love that sweater, we love the weather, we love all things Christmas. But what is love? The fullest expression of love has come in Jesus. Sent to save us from all our sorrows, sin, and shame. He loves us, and because of this love, we are able to love. God is love. And God is with us.
As we hurry about our days on to the next thing and the next thing, we can feel an inner turmoil that never seems to rest. We have an unfinished project, a full schedule, another meeting, unanswered messages, but even if we were to catch up, there is still something that aches within us. Peace. Not just the absence of strife and conflict but wholeness. Shalom. Jesus has come, and because of this, peace is possible because God is with us.
In a season that is marked and marketed for joy, our present circumstances may not always leave us in a joyful state. So how can we count it all joy, even in our brokenness, even when this time of year re of minds us of what is missing? True joy is impossible apart from Jesus, but joy unshakeable is possible because God is with us.
Hope is a hard word. It is dangerous and disappointing all at the same time. So often, we find ourselves hoping for something different but settling for more of the same. But Christmas reminds us that we have a living hope. God is with us. And this hope allows us to endure.
As we jump into Luke 20 we see some combative Pharisees. As Jesus has finally arrived in Jerusalem, the preverbal countdown has begun to his crucifixion, and in this passage, we see his authority questioned.
The temple was meant to be a place of worship and prayer. In Jesus day, many had turned visiting the temple into something like walking through the souvenir stands at an amusement park. In this moment we see Jesus angry with those who are making it hard for others to worship, and turning their relationship with God into a consumer religion.
There are moments in all of our lives that we look back on and wish we had handled differently, said nothing, said something, or wished we could do it over again. Jesus weeps as He looks at Jerusalem and wishes people had paid attention. As we unpack this passage, we will pay attention to the opportunity before us.
Jesus enters Jerusalem and is greeted as a King. Only a short time later, He will be crucified as a criminal. His triumphal entry reminds us to pay attention to our fickle hearts and to be unhindered in our praise.
Money is something we all deal with and reveals a lot about what we value. Jesus tells a story that reminds us to lean into what we have been entrusted with and to use all we have for the glory of God and the good of others. He has given us good gifts to enjoy and use, not hoard and hide.
So often, we allow small obstacles to become our excuse for not pursuing Jesus. Changing our vantage point can change our perspective and our lives. In this passage, we learn the importance of climbing the tree, and we see Jesus' love for the lost on full display.
There are certain things in our lives that we can grow blind to. It is amazing how accustomed we can become to our wrong actions, excusing them or even denying them. In this passage, we see a man acknowledging his deep need for Jesus, and what we see is God’s mercy on display.
Is the Bible just a book, or is it more? Many question its relevance today and whether it can be trusted. As we walk with Jesus and continue toward Jerusalem, He tells His disciples along the way that He will die in Jerusalem, but death will not be the end. So, what does this conversation have to do with whether or not the Bible can be trusted? We will look at how not only Jesus foretold His death and resurrection, but Scripture spoke of this long before Jesus came to save us.
Jesus made it clear that He came to serve, not to be served. Each of us has been uniquely gifted by God, and as we follow Him, we are called to use those gifts for the glory of God and the good of others. How do we become a church that is known for giving ourselves away?
We don’t always realize the war that is being waged for our hearts. There are so many things vying for our attention and our affection. As Jesus nears Jerusalem he encounters a wealthy man who asks how he can inherit eternal life. Jesus encourages the man to use his wealth for others, but that only reveals the hold this mans wealth has on his heart. What are the things that have a hold on your heart?
Jesus once again flips the script and tells his disciples that we must receive the Kingdom of God like a child. In a time where children were often overlooked, Jesus not only calls out their inherent value, but invites us to see the Kingdom through their eyes.
Someone once said, there are two things you can count on. 1. There is a God 2. You are not Him. In this parable of Jesus reminds us of a proper posture before God, and a proper posture toward others.
Jesus tells the story of a women who refused to take no for an answer in her pursuit of justice. Relentlessly pleading her case until the judge tired of her requests and gave in. Jesus uses this story to point us to prayer, relentless, persistent prayer. What does this look like for us today?
We all know someone who is preparing for the end of the world by stockpiling food, supplies, and building a shelter. In this passage Jesus tells us what we should be prepping for when He comes. This is just for future reference but it should shape how we live today.
Stories abound of obnoxious customers, demanding people, and an overall attitude of entitlement. When we recognize what a gift life truly is, it allows us to shift our attitude to one of gratitude.
Jesus continues his story telling with a stark tale that points to our ability to be unaware not only to the needs around us, but to that which matters most in our lives.
Laws impact our lives everyday. Some we see as suggestions, others we see as a little more rigid. Jesus reminds the Pharisees that the law was meant for life, and the implications of following the ways of God are many. Using marriage as a example, Jesus strikes to the heart of the matter.
Jesus calls us into a life of faith. But what does that mean? We can often believe God conceptually but live practically as though we don’t believe. Drawing from recent lessons in Luke’s gospel, we will explore what it might look like if someone truly believes what they hear from the commands and claims of Jesus.
We are often consumed with the thoughts and emotions of the day, or the month or even the year, but God thinks in terms of generations. The lives we lead will have an impact on multiple generations, for better or worse, so it's wise to keep the long view as we journey through the years.
Money matters. Jesus has a lot to say about money, and in this parable He reminds us that how we steward money matters. Drawing from previous themes we see that what we treasure reveals what we worship.
So many run from God not realizing He is watching the horizon for their return. In one of Jesus most famous stories, He shows us the heart of the Father.
Jesus is always questioned about the company He kept. It was always a collection of people at the fringe, people who others sought to avoid. But Jesus reminds us that He is the good shepherd who has come to seek the lost, He has come to save sinners like you and me, and He rejoices over the rescue of everyone one.
Every HGTV show that remodels homes always hits a snag. Before you begin a project it is always important to count the cost. Jesus makes it clear to those who would follow Him that it would cost them all they have, but following Jesus is worth everything.
When we have the chance to bring life, why would we stand by and do nothing? In this miraculous moment, Jesus reminds those listening and us that the Kingdom of God is a Kingdom of life.
Jesus makes His way to Jerusalem, knowing what awaits Him there. As He is warned that His life is in danger, Jesus laments for those who are lost. As we listen in, what can we learn from Jesus and His lament for the lost?
What is the good way? Jesus makes it clear that many will seek it, but not all will find it. So how do walk the good way, how do walk in the way of Jesus?
Many dream of making a big impact on the world around them, but we often overlook the small actions that sow big seeds. Jesus, in talking about the Kingdom of God, reminds us that it is ever-growing and signs of the Kingdom are everywhere.
Jesus heals a woman who was afflicted by pain and suffering for 18 years. Jesus enables the woman to straighten herself, and in the process, the Pharisees seek to straighten Jesus out for healing on the Sabbath. Missing the moment, their rigidity causes them to miss the reason to rejoice in front of them.
Many recognize the need for change in our lives, but we rarely have an urgency. Jesus speaks of the brevity of life while also reminding us that true change is possible in Him.
One does not have to look far to find division all around us. So why would Jesus highlight that following Him will bring division? Why does He encourage us to pay attention to the times? And why is he giving legal advice to settle up with an accuser before going before the judge? As always Jesus is looking beyond the surface symptom, to the root and what is shaping our hearts.
How we live when no one is looking matters. It reveals who we really are and what we really believe. Jesus reminds his disciples to be ready for the return of the Lord at any moment. To live each day as though the Lord may return. To live each day with our eyes fixed on Him.
Jesus is not afraid to talk about anything, including money. How we steward our resources is a good barometer of who we are. The Kingdom of God is generous, and following Jesus should shape the way we spend, give, and share our resources. What we have, we have been given, so how do we live a life that is rich toward God?
So often we live for the applause, approval, or affirmation of others. This can limit our willingness to follow Jesus with all of who we are because we are afraid of how people will respond when we do. Jesus reminds us that we live for an audience of one. When we acknowledge Him, He sees us, cares for us, and is with us.
Warning signs are made for a reason. They are meant to catch your attention from dangerous conditions that affect us all. As Jesus speaks with the Pharisees, He reminds them and us of the dangers of doing good works just to be seen as good, of pointing out the flaws of others to make ourselves feel better, and saying one thing while living another.
The longer you stay in the dark, the more your eyes adjust to the shadows. Jesus reminds us that what our eyes take in matters. Are we focusing on things of the dark or on the light? What we consume consumes us to be lights for His good, we must fix our eyes on the true light of the world.
It is not uncommon to break a habit by running to another habit. Jesus reminds us that when He comes into our lives and breaks the power of the enemy, that will not stop the enemy from coming back stronger against us. We must pay attention to what we are paying attention to and allow the Spirit of God to fill us.
A divided kingdom will not stand, and neither will a divided heart. As Jesus is again questioned for doing the miraculous, He reminds those around Him that the Kingdom of God is at hand. To follow Jesus is to follow Him fully, not half-heartedly.
Often prayer can be viewed as a chore or a last resort. Jesus tells a story that highlights the necessity and opportunity to bring our prayers before a loving Father. When we remember who God is, it changes both our posture and persistence in prayer.
How do you pray? The answer to this question is one that has the potential to change lives because to pray is to change. One of Jesus’ disciples approached Him and said, “Lord, teach us to pray…” What followed is one of Jesus' most famous teachings and a practice that keeps our lives centered on God.
Busy is a word often worn like a badge of honor. But often, we allow ourselves to be “busy” with things that don’t matter. When Jesus came to visit his friends, one friend spent all day distracted with a good thing but missed the greatest. Another friend spent her time at the feet of Jesus. Jesus reminded them and us that one thing is necessary.
We find ourselves in the space between the coming of Jesus and the return of Jesus. In light of this, how are we to live today? As we close out another year, reflecting on what has been, we look toward the horizon of a new year, while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, always being ready for His return.
In a weary and broken world, hope has come. Immanuel, God with us, breaks through the dark of despair, bringing the dawning light of His unending Kingdom. We join with the angles and all creation as a weary world rejoices as Earth receives her King.
The promised Messiah had come at last, but Jesus also promised to come again. His coming is a day we long for, His forever Kingdom established. His perfect peace realized. The restoration of all things accomplished. This hope leads us to the prayer: Maranatha, come, Lord Jesus, come!
The coming of Immanuel, God with us, not only gave validity to our human experience but was necessary to defeat sin and death. God is His great love, sent Jesus to restore that which was broken. Announcing His Kingdom reign, Jesus promised to return after His death, restoring, renewing, and resurrecting for all eternity those who have placed their hope in Him. The return of Jesus gives us hopethat this momentary darkness will give way to the dawn of His everlasting light.
The light has come, and the darkness has not overcome it. From the beginning, the great adversary has sought to destroy the work of God. That first Christmas caused a rumbling in the Kingdoms of the world. King Herod, always grasping at power, would go to great lengths to keep it. Evil does not welcome good. Darkness flees from the light. We see this battle continuing even today. So what did Jesus first coming to mean for the powers of the world, and what does His second coming tobring?
In a quiet town, the King of Kings would come and dwell among us. For centuries, the people of God had waited for this moment. Waiting is a central theme to this season we find ourselves in. But often, in our waiting, we can become discouraged by what we see around us, by our own experiences. While Jesus has come, we await His return, holding on to the promise of a living hope, of a risen and coming King.
The story of the good Samaritan is one of the most well-known stories of Jesus. In our familiarity, we can forget just how radical this story is. We all have people we would love to walk by, but we cannot ignore the way of the Kingdom and Jesus call to love your neighbor as yourself.
The 72 return after seeing incredible things, but Jesus reminds them that the most incredible thing is that their names are written in the Book of life. God in His kindness has revealed Himself through His son, and we must never forget the wonder of the gospel and what it means for us as individuals and as a community.
Jesus sends out the 72 as the mission continues to grow. Jesus reminds them and us that the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. The disciples are sent into the world, but they are not of the world, they are ambassadors of the Kingdom. They are to go where they are sent, even into hostile environments, and this is our call still today, the question is, will we answer it?
As people begin to follow Jesus, He reminds them of the cost. There is no halfway with Jesus, it is all or nothing, and what we must remember is that He alone is worth it.
The work of Jesus cannot be contained or restrained, but not all will welcome the Kingdom. Jesus reminds the disciples and us that we are to stand firm in our faith with courage, while not forgetting His loving kindness and mercy.
No one wants to be overlooked. As the disciples argued about who was the greatest, Jesus reset their expectations and reminded them of what true greatness requires.
Unable to heal a man’s son, the disciples watch as Jesus does what they could not. Even in this moment when all eyes are on Jesus, Jesus chooses to speak to His disciples not of the life He is bringing, but of the opposition that is coming His way.
Our days are filled with many voices vying for our attention, but which matters most? Taking Peter, James, and John up a mountain to pray, Jesus talks with some unexpected guest all while He appears to glow in the dark. The significance of this moment pulls on threads of the Human story throughout Scripture and points to the voice we need to listen to above all others.
Over the last few weeks, we have been looking at our 5 core values that shape who we are as a church and who we aspire to be. We have been seeking Jesus' Kingdom to come, His will be done in the foothills as in heaven. This week we look at all God is calling us to as a church as we ask what it means for us to live this out as we make much of Jesus individually, as a church family, and across the globe
This week we will look at what it means that we are in and not of the world. As a church, we are not building a monument, but we are a part of a movement. We will also look at what it means that we are courageous and kind. These two ideas often seem to run contrary to each other, but we desire to be a church that is courageous in our faith and kind in how we live that out.
Continuing in our look at our 5 values, we will look at what it means that we are everyday disciples and we are intentional. Always learning as we follow Jesus, there is no division between the sacred and the mundane. We also recognize our need to say no to some things so we can say yes to the right things.
Crossroads Church exists to make much of Jesus. In all we do we aim to be Jesus-centered, Biblically rooted, and Spirit-led. These three pillars are expressed in 5 values that we will unpack over the next 3 weeks. We will begin with the value that we are family.
As questions continue to swirl as to just who Jesus is, Peter in a moment of great clarity, sees that Jesus truly is the Messiah. But on the heels of this revelation Jesus did proclaim triumph, but rather He proclaims His own death.
A crowd of hungry people had ventured out to see Jesus. When the time to eat came the disciples encouraged Jesus to send the people home, instead Jesus tells the disciples to ring the dinner bell and feed the people. With nothing but five loaves and two fish Jesus blessed the meal and every is fed in abundance. Reminding the disciples and us, that Jesus provides.
As the disciples followed Jesus, they were being trained for more than just observing Jesus, they were being trained to do the things He does. Having witnessed Jesus proclaim the Kingdom with words and action, now Jesus sends the 12 disciples out to do the same.
A desperate woman who had struggled for years grabs hold of Jesus as a final attempt to get well… and it works. We watch as Jesus heals and restores life bringing peace where once there was none, bringing wholeness where once brokenness reigned.
There are people in our lives that we are tempted to give up, but with Jesus, the impossible is always possible. Encountering a man who had roamed literal graveyards possessed by a demon, Jesus set Him free. But not only did He set the man free, Jesus sent the man on a mission; to declare how much God had done for him.
Fear can be crippling, causing us to be unable to see a way forward. As Jesus and the disciples encounter a storm, they quickly forget just who Jesus is, allowing their fears to overtake them. But we also see that when our fear is greatest it is best to run to Jesus.
When you turn on a light switch it lights a darkened room. But you wouldn’t turn on a light only to cover it. Jesus reminds us that He has come to bring light and that all who walk in Him are to shine brightly as well. But what does it mean to shine for Him today?
Everyone loves a good story. Jesus often taught in parables to help make His point. The passage we look at today tells the story of different soils and why the soil of our soul matters.
Overwhelmed with gratitude a woman wipes the feet of Jesus with her tears and hair. Instead of recognizing the beauty of this moment, many felt the scandal of it. Instead of withdrawing from the situation, Jesus leans in with all those around Him, reminding them the one who has been forgiven much, loves much.
Although it is five letters, doubt can often be treated like a four-letter word. Doubt is normal and when we doubt we must learn where to direct our doubts. John the Baptist finds himself in prison and wondering if Jesus is really the “One?” So, John sends his friends to the source, Jesus himself, and they ask Jesus, “are you the one?” How Jesus responds speaks to just who He is and why that matters to us today.
In a moment of death, Jesus brings life as the people continue to be amazed. Jesus overcomes a seemingly impossible situation while displaying both his power and compassion.
Jesus spoke of the Kingdom, and now He beings to show what His rule and reign look like. A man’s daughter is ill and comes to Jesus for help. While the man displays great faith, Jesus speaks healing.
Knowing the right thing and doing the right thing are two different things. Jesus calls us to not only know who He is, but build our life on the foundation of following Him. Following Jesus gives us a foundation that does not shift even when things around us do.
Have you ever had a day where nothing seemed to be going right, and then one small thing happens and you lose your mind? No matter how hard we try to mask what is going on in our hearts, it will show up. What we root ourselves in determines the fruit of our lives. Rooting ourselves in the wrong things will lead to wrong fruit.
It is hard not to compare our actions and our lives to others. We fall into this trap all the time feeling like we are never measuring up or that others are never measuring up to our standards. But this is a dangerous way to live that leads to bitterness, resentment, and judgment of others. The truth is we all live well below the standard we were meant to, and yet by the grace of God, there is another way possible.
We live in a world divided and people have drawn hard lines. You have lines, spoken or unspoken you have drawn. So how do you love those outside the lines? How do you love with no expectations? What does it look like to be merciful as God is merciful?
We all have people who test our limits. People who raise our blood pressure, frustrate us, and are not interested in our well-being. So what does it look like to love someone whose love will not be returned? How do you treat others as you wish others would treat you, not as they do?
What if everything you were running after wasn’t worth chasing? Jesus began with blessing and turns to woe. Warning us about what truly matters and warning us that we are in danger of distracting ourselves to death.
The betrayal, the trials, the crucifixion, and the tomb all remind us that by His wounds we are healed. As we reflect on the events of Good Friday we remember he meets us in our hurts, our failures, our pain, and he alone brings healing.
As Jesus enters Jerusalem the crowds swell and the people cheer. Days later the cheering turns to jeering and the week would end with Jesus on the Cross. Many who encountered Jesus heard his words but did not understand, they saw him without seeing him, they were stirred but their lives were not shaken to core. How do we keep from missing Jesus, allowing him to shake us and shape us?
When Jesus came back from a night of prayer he chose 12 ordinary men to change the world. These 12 would be enlisted by Jesus to proclaim the Kingdom of God. While we might expect the Son of God to enlist the extraordinary, we should find hope in His call to the ordinary.
Rest is something we all long for but often feel we never have enough of. In Jesus’ day, the Sabbath was weekly time to rest, but for some this routine had become just that, routine and ritual. Jesus pushes on the idea of Sabbath and in so doing reminds us He offers a better rest.
Jesus disciples did not act like other Rabbi’s pupils. The reason for this is that Jesus was and is not like other Rabbi’s.
With Jesus there are no “chance” encounters, their are no accidental run ins, and there are not happen stances callings. Deemed an enemy of his people, Matthew, would have been convinced that Jesus could not possibly be talking to him, and yet Jesus calls Matthew and in doing so Jesus makes it clear that the Kingdom is for everyone who changes direction to follow Him.
A group of fierce friends brought a paralyzed man before Jesus in the most unorthodox of ways. After breaking down barriers, social norms, and even a roof, these friends bring that man to Jesus. In turn Jesus brings renovation to the mans life. But as is often the case with Jesus, the results far exceed our own expectations.
Unclean. A word that would cause people to alter course quickly. The unclean were to be avoided because to assocciate with them would make you unclean. But when Jesus encountered the unclean He did not alter course He altered lives, including how we view the unclean, the outcast, the untouchable. Jesus’ humanity reminds us of the image we bear and validates our own human experience. But when the unclean encounters Jesus, it does not change Jesus, rather changes the unclean. This is good news for everyone.
After a long morning of fishing and no success, the last thing Peter wanted to do was cast out his nets again. But as Jesus got in Peter’s boats, it was clear, Peter’s plans were about to change. Because Jesus asked him to push out again, he did it. And Peter would not stop casting nets the rest of his life, although what he was aiming to catch would be very different.
As Jesus made His way throughout Galilee the report about Him began to grow and spread. He wasn’t just teaching with authority, He was living with authority. In the span of a view verses Jesus cast out a demon, heals his mother in law, and leaves town as the crowds grow. There was a purpose and intention to His actions and life the speaks to a clarity of mission that most of us miss. Rightly ordering our hearts will lead to a rightly ordered life.
As Jesus entered his hometown synagogue, expectations were rising. Reading from scripture, He Invited all those present to experience the hope of HIs Kingdom, and yet they refused to believe. Freedom was in front of them, but instead they chose the chains of what they knew. Jesus has come that we may have life, why do we continue to choose death?
In our moments of weakness, where do we find strength? When you are filled with doubts, where do you look for truth? As Jesus is led into the desert for forty days He is confronted by lies of the enemies. But in these moment He shows us how to combat lies and He begins a show a new way forward for all of Humanity.
Who are you? This a question that seems simple but can often haunt us. People are quick to tell us who we are or who we should be, but whose voice matters most. The beginning of Jesus was marked by a clear declaration of who He was and is. Luke also reminds us that this good news is not just for some, but Jesus has come for all.
Many of us have found the road of life to be a little bumpier than we hoped. And for many of us, we have made things more complicated and harder than necessary because we have forgotten what is most important. Before Jesus was to burst on the scene John the Baptist was called to prepare the way. To make straight the paths that were crooked, to level the hurdles so that those of his day may better see Jesus for who He really was and is. The words of John ring true for us today, reminding us to ready our hearts to see the King.
An old man, who lived a faithful and devout life, waiting for the comfort of his people to come. Why the days of his life were growing dim, the light he awaited grew bright. The light had come and everything would change. The man who long awaited the blessing of God on his people would now bless the savior of the world
Far from a palace, in the quiet of the fields, shepherds were tending their flocks. When the night came alive around them. Good news of great joy for all people, a message just as much for the shepherds as it is for us today. Good news of great joy, Jesus has come!
We find a pair of panicked parents looking for a lost son. After 3 days of searching, they finally find him sitting among the teachers, eagerly learning, asking questions, and lingering at the temple. The boy, Jesus, just wanted to be in His Father’s house. Where do we eagerly desire to be? And how can we begin to foster and practice an intentional rhythm of being with the Father?
Filled with the Spirit, Zechariah lets forth a poem of praise. His son would help prepare the way for the coming Messiah. And this messiah would bring light to those who sit in darkness. This is the good news of Jesus’ incarnation, that light has come and it shines forth even in the gloom of despair.
God is on the move and not only that He is moving into the neighborhood. This move toward humanity marks a coming shift as God’s Kingdom will not look like the Kingdom of man. But this is good news for those who feel lost or less than.
Mary was not expecting the visitor she received, nor the message that would be brought, but even in this her faith in God fueled her peace. Mary proves to be an example to us of what it means to say yes to God even when we do not fully understand.
Zechariah and Elizabeth had experience in losing hope. They had no children and assumed those days were long gone. For many in Israel, hopes of a savior seemed just as lost. God had been so quiet and yet in the midst of silence would come a rumble of unexpected hope. Luke’s account of Jesus’ life begins with the unexpected and the quiet beginnings of hope would begin to stir once again.
Questions to think through:
How do we remember and celebrate past events?
How does the end of Esther complete the arc of reversal in the entire account?
What are the rhythms of remembering for us today?
Questions to think through:
What do we learn about God in this passage?
How do we answer those who see these moments as the actions of an angry and violent God?
Why is this such a pivotal moment in the Hebrew Scriptures?
We have all heard the phrase, pride comes before the fall, and yet we are still surprised when the fall comes. When we become blind to our faults, our faults seem to find us. If we consume the wrong things, they end up consuming us. This is the lesson that Haman would learn too late. The very power he was pursuing, would end up consuming him.
All the plans were coming into place and yet one sleepless night would change everything. It can often seem as though God is absent, quiet, or just missing from the world around us, but He is always there and He is always working. On a night when King Ahasuerus could not settle his mind and sleep, Haman would be humbled.
Three days after her conversation with Mordecai, Queen Esther finds her way into the court of the King. While she had made a decision, action would still be required and this action could lead to death. Esther would eventually share a meal with the King and Haman. But we soon find that a place at the table is not enough for Haman, he wants more. Haman’s pride would be his undoing, and in his life, we have much to learn.
There are defining moments in our lives where we know the decision before us has vast ramifications. This is where we find Esther. All has been culminating to this moment. The girl with two names will have to decide who she really is and in whom she will trust. While our circumstances may not rival Esther’s, we are all faced with a defining moment to decide who we are and in whom we will trust.
History has a funny way of appearing in the present. Past actions have a way of showing up in ways we do not expect. Things that are not dealt with don’t disappear, they only tend to grow. In this section of Esther, we are introduced to Haman, a man who would seek to destroy all the Jewish people in the Persian empire. His bent toward destruction had deep roots of death that were never dealt with. A reminder to us that sin has deep roots that must be rooted out. But how do we deal with these roots and resist evil?
Compromising our standards, our values, and our faith, is not something we ever intentionally set out to do. Living a life that is uncompromising is especially hard when you seem to be swimming upstream. Mordecai and Esther were exiles raised in a foreign land, with foreign gods, and a foreign faith. To live as people of faith in exile, is to be in the world but not of the world. But how do we live like this? The call is to be a creative minority for the Kingdom.
As we enter into the story of Esther we enter into a kingdom of excess. We see a palace pursuing power, pleasure, and opulence. To push against this way of life had significant consequences but to live this way of life was to forfeit true significance. As we set the stage for all that is to come we will discover that this kingdom is not too far removed from the world we are in today.
When trouble comes, where do we turn? When our hearts ache, to whom do we look? When our thoughts betray us, where do we find peace? A divided mind often plagues us in times of distress. In this Psalm, David reminds us to unite our hearts to fear God’s name.
There is a theme throughout Scripture that reminds us that we are not home. So how do we live as sojourners? David who spent a great deal of his life uncertain of where he would sleep but certain of what God had spoken over him, sings our way forward. How do we live well in a land that is not home? How do we live well in a place where evil thrives? We live with our eyes fixed on the Lord, certain of our future in Him.
Often our prayer life matches our desperation. But what happens when God answers our prayers? What happens when God proves Himself faithful again? In Psalm 30 we see the habit David had formed throughout his life, in the good and in the bad to praise God, to acknowledge when our mourning is turned to dancing.
David was no stranger to sheep. He knew what it took to guide them, care for them, and keep them safe. So when he sings of the ultimate shepherd we should all take comfort. For leads us, He guides, He protects us, He corrects us, and He blesses us. Through the valley of darkness or in the presence of our enemies, we are not alone.
In a moment where David feels the weight of the world against him, and even God feels absent, David sings to the Lord. Words that would be spoken by Jesus in His own moment of darkness, this Psalm does not just speak to the bleakness of life, it reminds us that the end of all things has already been secured for all has been overcome, for our King has done it.
As Jesus stepped onto the shores of the country of the Gerasene’s he was greeted by a man afflicted and lost. This moment leads us to where once again death is met by life, dark is overcome by light, and the old makes way for the new. As storied people we love to see heroes overcome villains, the meek defeat the mighty, and the broken be restored. We are all storytellers, and each of our lives tells a story, the question is what story are you telling?
Jesus once said, “for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” The order of this is so important. What we treasure shapes our hearts. It is not our heart that shapes our treasure. If you want to begin to discover what you treasure there are 3 things that can guide you. Time, talent, and treasure. How we steward our time, talent, and treasure will show us what we truly treasure.
When Jesus took a towel and began washing the feet of his disciples, he wasn’t just making a point, he was modeling what a lifestyle of service looks like. Throughout his ministry, Jesus poured out his life for others and calls us to do the same.
When the Devil was tempting Jesus, he took Jesus to a high place and said “All this I will give to you if you will fall down and worship me.” At the heart of this proposition was the question, “who are you going to worship?” A question we are still being asked to this day. We often see worship as something that takes place only in church, but we are capable of worship everywhere in everything. So, the question remains, “who are you going to worship?”
When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness His response was steeped in Scripture. The word was written on His heart and lived in His life. But to know the Word and live the Word we need to spend time in the Word and with the Word. We need to read scripture and allow scripture to read us, not just seeking information but transformation. The question before us is what does this look like and where do we begin?
The letter to the Colossians makes it clear; Jesus is supreme, sufficient, preeminent, and over all things. Writing to a church that was facing distorted and false teaching, Paul seeks to set the record straight about who Jesus is, why He is sufficient over any other human philosophy, and what that means for how we should live in every aspect of our lives. Paul helps this young church discover what it means to believe in Jesus and what it looks like to follow Him. What Paul was proclaiming to them is for us as well. When we understand who Jesus is, it changes every aspect of life. All things: In Him, With Him, and For Him.
The letter to the Colossians makes it clear; Jesus is supreme, sufficient, preeminent, and over all things. Writing to a church that was facing distorted and false teaching, Paul seeks to set the record straight about who Jesus is, why He is sufficient over any other human philosophy, and what that means for how we should live in every aspect of our lives. Paul helps this young church discover what it means to believe in Jesus and what it looks like to follow Him. What Paul was proclaiming to them is for us as well. When we understand who Jesus is, it changes every aspect of life. All things: In Him, With Him, and For Him.
The letter to the Colossians makes it clear; Jesus is supreme, sufficient, preeminent, and over all things. Writing to a church that was facing distorted and false teaching, Paul seeks to set the record straight about who Jesus is, why He is sufficient over any other human philosophy, and what that means for how we should live in every aspect of our lives. Paul helps this young church discover what it means to believe in Jesus and what it looks like to follow Him. What Paul was proclaiming to them is for us as well. When we understand who Jesus is, it changes every aspect of life. All things: In Him, With Him, and For Him.
The letter to the Colossians makes it clear; Jesus is supreme, sufficient, preeminent, and over all things. Writing to a church that was facing distorted and false teaching, Paul seeks to set the record straight about who Jesus is, why He is sufficient over any other human philosophy, and what that means for how we should live in every aspect of our lives. Paul helps this young church discover what it means to believe in Jesus and what it looks like to follow Him. What Paul was proclaiming to them is for us as well. When we understand who Jesus is, it changes every aspect of life. All things: In Him, With Him, and For Him.
The letter to the Colossians makes it clear; Jesus is supreme, sufficient, preeminent, and over all things. Writing to a church that was facing distorted and false teaching, Paul seeks to set the record straight about who Jesus is, why He is sufficient over any other human philosophy, and what that means for how we should live in every aspect of our lives. Paul helps this young church discover what it means to believe in Jesus and what it looks like to follow Him. What Paul was proclaiming to them is for us as well. When we understand who Jesus is, it changes every aspect of life. All things: In Him, With Him, and For Him.
The letter to the Colossians makes it clear; Jesus is supreme, sufficient, preeminent, and over all things. Writing to a church that was facing distorted and false teaching, Paul seeks to set the record straight about who Jesus is, why He is sufficient over any other human philosophy, and what that means for how we should live in every aspect of our lives. Paul helps this young church discover what it means to believe in Jesus and what it looks like to follow Him. What Paul was proclaiming to them is for us as well. When we understand who Jesus is, it changes every aspect of life. All things: In Him, With Him, and For Him.
Paul is writing to a church that is distracted by playing in the shadows; spoken and unspoken rules, rituals, and ways of life that run contrary to the way of Jesus. A shadow points to a greater substance, Paul reminds the church and us, that Jesus is the substance and the reality.
The letter to the Colossians makes it clear; Jesus is supreme, sufficient, preeminent, and over all things. Writing to a church that was facing distorted and false teaching, Paul seeks to set the record straight about who Jesus is, why He is sufficient over any other human philosophy, and what that means for how we should live in every aspect of our lives. Paul helps this young church discover what it means to believe in Jesus and what it looks like to follow Him. What Paul was proclaiming to them is for us as well. When we understand who Jesus is, it changes every aspect of life. All things: In Him, With Him, and For Him.
The letter to the Colossians makes it clear; Jesus is supreme, sufficient, preeminent, and over all things. Writing to a church that was facing distorted and false teaching, Paul seeks to set the record straight about who Jesus is, why He is sufficient over any other human philosophy, and what that means for how we should live in every aspect of our lives. Paul helps this young church discover what it means to believe in Jesus and what it looks like to follow Him. What Paul was proclaiming to them is for us as well. When we understand who Jesus is, it changes every aspect of life. All things: In Him, With Him, and For Him.
Hardship, sorrow, and suffering are all a part of the human experience. As Paul is writing this letter from prison, he reminds his readers that our hope is not in ourselves but rather the good news is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Through Jesus, we are able to rejoice even in suffering and to see our sorrows used to point others to the hope we have in Him.
In the section known as the hymn of Jesus or the Song of Jesus, Paul speaks to who Jesus is. Paul also reminds us that when we have a right understanding of Jesus we better understand who we are in Him.
When a light switch is flipped, it exposes the dark and brings about new possibilities. Paul speaks to the transforming power of being transferred from the domain of darkness into the Kingdom of light. His prayer is that not only would we know this, but that we would live this, experience this, and bear the fruit of this.
The letter to the Colossians makes it clear; Jesus is supreme, sufficient, preeminent, and over all things. Writing to a church that was facing distorted and false teaching, Paul seeks to set the record straight about who Jesus is, why He is sufficient over any other human philosophy, and what that means for how we should live in every aspect of our lives. As we enter in this short but profound letter we walk through the doorway of grace and peace that Paul so often begins his letters with.
The story of Christmas captures our attention every Advent season. Jesus’ birth marks a glorious moment in history. But the story of Christmas is not an isolated event. The story begins at creation and points to new creation. And the beauty of Advent reminds us that from the beginning, in our failure, through our process, to new life, God has always been present with us.
The story of Christmas captures our attention every Advent season. Jesus’ birth marks a glorious moment in history. But the story of Christmas is not an isolated event. The story begins at creation and points to new creation. And the beauty of Advent reminds us that from the beginning, in our failure, through our process, to new life, God has always been present with us.
The story of Christmas captures our attention every Advent season. Jesus’ birth marks a glorious moment in history. But the story of Christmas is not an isolated event. The story begins at creation and points to new creation. And the beauty of Advent reminds us that from the beginning, in our failure, through our process, to new life, God has always been present with us.
The story of Christmas captures our attention every Advent season. Jesus’ birth marks a glorious moment in history. But the story of Christmas is not an isolated event. The story begins at creation and points to new creation. And the beauty of Advent reminds us that from the beginning, in our failure, through our process, to new life, God has always been present with us.
The themes of doubt and despair find expression in the questions of the prophet Habakkuk. Standing as an advocate between humanity and God, Habakkuk gives voices to some of the questions that we are afraid to even whisper in the dark. But God is not afraid of these questions, He is not afraid of our past, present, or future. Instead, we are encouraged to embrace a hope that is lived in faith in Him.
The themes of doubt and despair find expression in the questions of the prophet Habakkuk. Standing as an advocate between humanity and God, Habakkuk gives voices to some of the questions that we are afraid to even whisper in the dark. But God is not afraid of these questions, He is not afraid of our past, present, or future. Instead, we are encouraged to embrace a hope that is lived in faith in Him.
The themes of doubt and despair find expression in the questions of the prophet Habakkuk. Standing as an advocate between humanity and God, Habakkuk gives voices to some of the questions that we are afraid to even whisper in the dark. But God is not afraid of these questions, He is not afraid of our past, present, or future. Instead, we are encouraged to embrace a hope that is lived in faith in Him.
The themes of doubt and despair find expression in the questions of the prophet Habakkuk. Standing as an advocate between humanity and God, Habakkuk gives voices to some of the questions that we are afraid to even whisper in the dark. But God is not afraid of these questions, He is not afraid of our past, present, or future. Instead, we are encouraged to embrace a hope that is lived in faith in Him.
The themes of doubt and despair find expression in the questions of the prophet Habakkuk. Standing as an advocate between humanity and God, Habakkuk gives voices to some of the questions that we are afraid to even whisper in the dark. But God is not afraid of these questions, He is not afraid of our past, present, or future. Instead, we are encouraged to embrace a hope that is lived in faith in Him.
The themes of doubt and despair find expression in the questions of the prophet Habakkuk. Standing as an advocate between humanity and God, Habakkuk gives voices to some of the questions that we are afraid to even whisper in the dark. But God is not afraid of these questions, He is not afraid of our past, present, or future. Instead, we are encouraged to embrace a hope that is lived in faith in Him.
A question that has long haunted humanity is the existence of evil. As Habukkuk turns to question the Lord again, he cannot understand why the wicked prosper, why evil bears fruit. In Habakkuk’s questions we find our questions and in turn, embrace a God who confronts evil and who one day overcome all evil once and for all.
Paul address the hostile crowd in Jerusalem by once again sharing his story. We each have a story to tell, and Paul continues to tell his story with God as the main character. May we tell our stories to the glory of God and that more may know the goodness of Him.
As Paul finds himself in more and more danger wherever he goes, he heads back to Jerusalem, ready to face prison or even death. This would be the beginning of a series of trials that would mark the final steps of Paul's journey as he reaches to the end of the Earth, as he makes his way to Rome. Obstinate in the face of opposition, Paul continues to make much of Jesus whatever the cost may be.
As Paul finds himself in more and more danger wherever he goes, he heads back to Jerusalem, ready to face prison or even death. This would be the beginning of a series of trials that would mark the final steps of Paul's journey as he reaches to the end of the Earth, as he makes his way to Rome. Obstinate in the face of opposition, Paul continues to make much of Jesus whatever the cost may be.
Paul moves on from Ephesus to encourage other churches. Along the way he preaches and teaches wherever he finds himself. One such sermon proved deadly as a young man both fell asleep and fell out a window.
In Ephesus the gospel proves to be disruptive to the old way of life. The whole city is brought to a boiling point for fear of their economy, idolatry, and way of life coming to an end. The Gospel upends everything and confronts the idols of our hearts.
In this radical encounter we are reminded that our battle is not just against flesh and blood. As one author would say we should aim to be known in Heaven and famous in hell. The Sons of Sceva sought the power of Jesus without knowing Him, and in turn were over run by an evil spirit. This Spirt knew Jesus, and knew Paul, would the enemy have any reason to know us? Or do we live in such a way that we are not a threat.
In Ephesus, Paul has back to back encounters with people who have experienced the baptism of John, but have yet to step into the fullness of what Jesus has accomplished on our behalf. In each case the truth is made known and the Spirit of God moves. There are so many who know pieces of truth, but who have yet to embrace the fullness of all the Jesus has to offer.
As Paul continues his journey, he comes to Corinth. In Corinth he works as a tentmaker while continuing to proclaim the good news. In Corinth Paul faces much the same, acceptance, rejection, opposition. But in the midst of this he receives a word from God, a reminder that Paul is not alone, nor has never been a lone. A reminder each of us would do well to remember. Our relationship with God is not simply doing things for Him, but being with Him as well.
Paul shows us what it means to exegete our culture and point people to the hope we all in need in the gospel. Paul shows us the importance of paying attention to how the culture around us is seeking to disciple us, and how we must be ready with the answer for the hope we have in Jesus. As we celebrate Mothers day, we recognize that Paul’s call to pay attention to the world around us, is a call on moms to exegete the culture well, to point their kids to Jesus.
Paul reasoned with those in Thessalonica, by walking through the Scriptures. In Berea, they are met by a people eager to hear the word and to examine the scriptures. Strong faith does not have to be an unreasoned or unthoughtful faith. We are told to love the Lord with our heart, soul, strength, and mind. In a day where false information is plentiful, it is important for us to be thoughtful and reasoned in our pursuit of truth.
Paul and Silas find themselves in jail, and what do they do to keep themselves occupied? Well, sing of course! And when the doors open, do you flee or stay to proclaim the good news to your jailer? The gospel upends what is normal, what is our priorities, and shows us how those who follow Jesus can be freer in a prison, than the people that put them there.
In this passage we see a community divided and then united by the work of the Spirit and for the cause of Christ. But even in this seminal moment, we are left with a reminder that it takes work to be united, and even under the banner of Jesus, disagreements will come. So how do we have them well?
The early church was growing, but this growth wasn't without painful, even deadly opposition. Following Jesus in a fallen world often leads us through seasons of pain and suffering. What can we learn from the early church so that we can have the same confidence and peace we see in Acts?
Antioch is where we first see those who are following in the way of Jesus called Christians. To bear the name Christian is to be a devoted follower of Jesus above all else, and the same is just as true today as it was then. The question before us is, are we rightly ordering our lives to put Jesus above all else, or are we letting our religious, political, or vocational labels take precedence over bearing the name of Jesus?
As Saul begins to proclaim the goodness of Jesus, he faces challenges both outside the church and within. Many outside the church are frustrated at Saul’s change, and many inside the church are hesitant to believe that Saul truly believed. But Barnabas was willing to build the bridge trust, not just trusting the good news, but living it as well.
As the Kingdom continues to move, Peter would be used to heal many. A paralyzed man would find movement again, and a woman who died would find life. The miraculous was a signpost not to the sign but to the one who made the miracle possible.
In a powerful act of grace, the very one who was pursuing the church to put an end to it was being pursued by God. Saul, an enemy of the church, would become an unexpected ally as Jesus would call Saul to be His own. In this passage, we are reminded that the reach of Christ is greater than we can imagine. God's grace is for all and can transform anyone!
Philip was a part of a great work in Samaria, and yet God had something else for him to do. As Philip was obedient, even when it didn’t make sense, God was able to do something special. Seeing his obedience is a challenge and an encouragement to us that we would faithfully obey the voice of God.
As the early church scatters, Philip finds himself in Samaria, a place where no good Jew would ever be. Philip would not hesitate to preach Christ, and as a result, great joy would come to the city. In an unexpected place with unexpected people, the joy of the Lord would burst through. We see the gospel is for the World, and the banner of Jesus can be raised over anyone who would turn to him.
Living for God isn't in just the big moments, such as Stephen's death in Acts. In fact, it's the little moments of life that make a big moment possible. How do we follow God with our whole lives, regardless of the size of the moment and regardless of cost?
As the early community of believers grew, so did the needs. When there is a need, it is all too easy to assume someone else will step up to meet it. But in Acts, we see the beauty of a unified church diversified in its gifts, reaching farther together. The question for us is, how can we actively play a part in serving one another?
The Word, community, service, discipleship, prayer. The early church practiced loving God through the Word and by loving one another in community. As we look to this next year, we will continue to be a place that exists to make much of Jesus by loving God and growing in our relationship with Him through His word and time with Him, as well as loving one another in community, serving one another, and coming alongside others in discipleship to point them in the way of Jesus.
In a year where so much seems lost, we close by holding onto a thread of hope. Much like a lifeless stump seems to have run its course, the story of Scripture reminds us that dry bones don’t always stay dead, and death does not always have the last word. As we hold to the thread of hope in Jesus, we trust in him to bring new life.
Waiting rooms are never designed to be a destination, but a space of transition. Maybe that is why we never quite feel at home in them. In the book of Ezra, we encounter the Israelites in exile. They had been waiting to return home, and now the chance had come. Journeying to Israel was a group of people who had come to restore and rebuild. One of those listed among them was Zerubbabel. Listed in the lineage of Jesus,
A thread of hope. Our world is marked by the unknown, despair, failure, and brokenness. But that isn't the end of the story. Into this brokenness, God has woven a thread of hope. This thread winds through the Scriptures and through our lives, leading us to Jesus. Join us as we follow God's thread of hope to Jesus the Messiah!
A thread of hope. Our world is marked by the unknown, despair, failure, and brokenness. But that isn't the end of the story. Into this brokenness, God has woven a thread of hope. This thread winds through the Scriptures and through our lives, leading us to Jesus.
Join us as we follow God's thread of hope to Jesus the Messiah!
When we say yes to one thing, it often means saying no to something else. But what are the things that are most important to say yes to? Peter continued to preach even when he was asked to stop, and it confused and frustrated the religious leaders of his day. Peter reminds us of what happens when we say yes to God, and how we must prioritize our yes to Him in all things. We do this even when that is inconvenient, even when it has a cost. Saying yes to Him is saying yes to life in Him.
A thread of hope. Our world is marked by the unknown, despair, failure, and brokenness. But that isn't the end of the story. Into this brokenness, God has woven a thread of hope. This thread winds through the Scriptures and through our lives, leading us to Jesus.
We often imagine the early church as some sort of utopia, but what we discover is something different, something more like us. The book of Acts shows people failed and struggled as we do today. The passage today challenges us to make it our aim to pursue God with a transformed heart!
This portion of Acts shows the early church prioritized prayer and prayed with boldness. What does it mean for us to be a people of bold prayer and what does this look like in practice today?
This week we'll see how Peter and John cannot help but live and speak in such a way as to make much of Jesus in all situations. Even if it should cost them their lives, it is worth the risk so that more may know Jesus. What about us? How have we been transformed?
"What I have, I give to you freely." As we look at Acts 3, we see that Peter knew what it meant to receive the mercy of God. In return, he was quick to extend that same gift to others. We should never lose our wonder of what God has done in our lives, and let us never seek to hoard His grace, mercy, and forgiveness, for He will never run out.
Acts 2:42-47 encapsulates the beauty and simplicity of the early church. They lived life together, they were united in Christ and lived for the glory of God. What can we learn from this, and what would it look like for us to engage in life together in Christ today?
Accused of drinking wine too early in the morning, Peter refutes this accusation by proclaiming what is really happening. Good news is available to all, God is on the move, Jesus is alive, forgiveness is possible, and the Spirit has come. Peter bore witness to the good news and 3,000 were added to their number. What are our lives witness’ too?
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