Crosswords: Recent Episodes
Crosspoint Baptist Church
Does God love the church or Israel more? Why are the prophets in Revelation 11 killing people if they are a grace from God. Did the original gospel writers believe that Jesus would return in their lifetime? Is it ever ok to intentionally deceive someone?
What are some good Biblical questions to ask? How do I deal with doubts? What happens when I’m struggling to believe something in the Bible?
How do we know we really have the words of Jesus in the gospels? How do we reconcile the seemingly genocidal God of the OT and the loving Jesus of the NT? Why didn’t Adam “surely die” the day he ate of the fruit?
Why don’t we see miracles performed today? Should I attend the wedding of my child’s same-sex wedding ceremony? Based on Mark 16:16 do I need to be baptized in order to be saved?
Where was Jesus after He died and before He rose. Is it right to celebrate Jesus’ torture and death on Easter? Was the resurrection necessary? Do we know where Jesus’ tomb was?
Do people get saved during the tribulation? Will there be tears in heaven? Who is the person running away with only a linen cloth in Mark’s gospel? And a special announcement for the church!
Are Malachi and Jesus in contention with one another when it comes to divorce? How is it ok that the OT speaks about how harshly to beat slaves? Will God really not listen to me if I won’t forgive a brother?
Is some sin worse than others? Does God want people to repent or has He made some for destruction? Are there dinosaurs in the Bible?
How do I know when to leave a dead church? Who was able to see the kingdom before they died? What is the abomination of desolation?
Do children suffer for the sins of their parents? If people can just go to another church after being under church discipline, does church discipline even work? How do I pray fervently when things are going well in my life?
Why does Rev 21 say that cowards will have their part in the lake of fire? Can you explain what Paul meant when he wrote of the circumcision of the heart? Are we truly in the “last days?”
Are the churches in Rev 2-3 literal or are they pointing to periods of time in church history? Will I really perform greater works than Jesus? Will some not taste death?
Who are the seven spirits in Revelation 1? How do I avoid becoming a Pharisee? Has Jesus always been called “Son” for all of eternity?
If man was to continue sinning, what was the point of the flood? Is there significance to the name changes in the NT disciples? What was the meaning of the parable of the fig tree that didn’t bear fruit?
Had it really never rained before the blood? Are you sure demons aren’t attracted to humans? Why do we sin if God created us for worship and service.
Where did everyone come from that potentially wanted to kill Cain? In light of Luke 12 should we enjoy the fruits of our labor? How much time working is too much time?
Can you explain the three categories of sin the Bible uses? Is hell really in the Old Testament? If I feel painful memories about someone that hurt me, have I really forgiven them?
Did Jesus really experience temptations like us? When should a woman step in to lead in the household? Why does God allow evil so He can show His grace, but that would be wrong for me?
After a long summer break we’re back! What does it mean to be a royal priesthood? Can we make an argument for God’s existence from the Bible since it already assumes His existence? When was heaven and hell created?
If we have a new nature, why do we still struggle with sin? What does it mean to put up with one another as it is referenced in Col 3? Does God have feelings?
This week we focus on the continued discussion of female pastors within the SBC and what happened at this year’s convention.
First, a quick update on what to expect during this year’s SBC Convention. What do I do when my kids ask specifics about sex? Can I be judgmental as long as I’m not hypocritical?
What is the Biblical definition of the heart? Why can’t a spouse complete me? Should I really be telling my young kids about sexual anatomy?
How do you help someone change their appetite to desire God more? Do you ever warn people about the terrors of hell in your evangelism? If work is good, why do we get burnt out, and what really is burn out?
How can I help my child be a leader when they are a follower? How does wanting people to like us lead to catastrophe? Could Jesus have die in another universe where there is another earth?
When we go to heaven will we immediately have new bodies? How do we discuss mistakes with our teen kids without rubbing it in their faces? Can you talk about the American revolution in the light of a Biblical perspective on just war theory?
Some questions about the introduction to Colossians as well as a discussion about raising teens.
As a gentile how should I feel about the Jewish people’s rejection of Jesus? If I’m supposed to focus on the heart as a parent, how should I feel about my kids getting exposed to evil things? How do I repent of bad parenting with my kids?
Questions about Daniel and also, what do I do if I’ve already “screwed up” my testimony with my kids?
Is Dan 10:6 an angel or Jesus? Why couldn’t Jesus be made king in John 6:15? How do we defend against the world’s claim that the Bible is out of step with current child psychology?
How could Jesus be angry when he overturned the tables and not sin? Is it possible to have a toddler that really doesn’t go through tantrums? How exactly did Jesus learn obedience according to Hebrews?
Wouldn’t my prayer life be better if I experienced miracles like in the Old Testament? Does God change His mind? Could you explain the 144,000 in Revelation 7?
What’s the current day equivalent to wearing sackcloth and ashes? What does it mean to perish without the law? Is a “rules-based” approach to parenting always bad?
At what point does sexual sin doom a relationship? If I’m a Christian and I’m forgiven, why should I still ask for forgiveness? What is joy from a Biblical perspective? Why is the book of Baruch not a legitimate candidate for the canon of Scripture? How do I find time to pray?
Should an engaged couple read Song of Solomon together? Is the primary purpose of sex procreation? Should there be boundaries in the bedroom for Christian married couples?
Listen to this very special episode of Crosswords as we approach the holidays and the end of the year.
What was the significance of the phrase "servant of the living God” in Daniel 6? Is it a victory for Satan when a human soul is sent to hell? What does the Bible say about when a child can come to faith in Jesus?
Is the whole seeker sensitive movement a problem? Whose hand was in Daniel 5? Who are the wise men in Daniel? Can a Christian be permitted to not vote?
Why wasn’t Daniel thrown into the fiery furnace? Was King Nebuchadnezzar saved according to Daniel 4? How does God love to show mercy while also hating sin?
Should I be worried about God waking me up in times of plenty? What is the lesser kingdom in Daniel 2? How is love greater than being a martyr? How can I better understand the book of Revelation?
Why is the book of Daniel not called Belteshazzar? Do all men have the ability to lead in their homes regardless of personality? What does it mean to “test” our faith as it is referenced in 2 Cor?
Why can’t we follow Daniel’s character? Is it possible to have a healthy fear for my children’s salvation?
Feeling frustrated at traffic and other drivers can’t be a sin, right? Did God create the Holy Spirit?
Is lust just a sin that men struggle with? How do I abide in Christ? Why does God seem to favor some people in the Bible, and not others?
What did Jesus mean when he implied that there was just cause for hating your brother? Can Jesus be my co-pilot? Can the Bible be an idol in our lives?
What should we make of the new docuseries on Amazon depicting Christian fundamentalists and homeschooling? How do we distinguish between the desire to do missions work overseas vs locally?
This week we recap what happened at the conference and what it means for Crosspoint and other Southern Baptist churches.
What is the Southern Baptist Convention? And what is expected this upcoming week in terms of important issues?
How should Christians think about revenge in comparison to the Biblical idea of God avenging? How do we identify someone who is curious about the gospel only for the sake of having an intellectual conversation? How do we prepare for the storms of life?
Is the Bible adequate to support the claim of Jesus’ resurrection? How do we reflect the proper disgust we should have about sexual sin without showing hate toward sinners? How do we respect our feelings while not being led by them?
How should we think about traditional gender roles? How should Christians think about the recent school shooting in Tennessee?
Explain what you mean by “mystical” when you speak about some denominations celebrating the Lord’s Supper? How can we compassionately address the issue of an LGBTQ individual discarding their sexual identity for Christ? What is going on in Asbury with the so-called “revival” happening? How should we think about the movie “Jesus Revolution?”
Why is Jesus not impressed with the quantity of my worship? How should I think about dressing for my boyfriend? How do I get more comfortable talking to folks who are homosexual?
Does Luke 19:38 show us that Jesus proclaimed He was God? Is the church the New Testament version of a temple? Are those who doubt miracles like the faithfulness Sadducees?
Can Jesus be your Savior, but not your Lord? When should you just walk away from a theological debate? In the parable of the minas what is being said of the master when the servant accuses him of collecting what he did not deposit? How do we faithfully speak to a lost world without being caustic?
Is sickness ever a result of sin? How do relationships turn idolatrous? How do you prepare your family for Christmas Pastor Sam?
What if I can’t repent “enough?” What is the “great gain” Jesus speaks about in reference to following Him? If God is sovereign and political leaders are becoming increasingly corrupt, do politics even matter?
Should we tell unbelievers to Pray? How do I confess all my sins? Can I truly forgive without forgetting? Should I forgive those who don’t ask for forgiveness?
Should you explain yourself when you ask for forgiveness? How excited should we be at church? How interested should I be in end times prophecy?
How can I escape the culture of “self” in America? Do women in abusive relationships need truth or grace? Should men teach Bible studies written by women authors?
What does it really mean for God’s Word not to return void? Should Christians ever be fixated on alcohol? How do I grow in patience?
How am I supposed to use EVERYthing that I own for God’s glory? Can Christians do yoga? How can God love terrible people?
Special guest Jamie Harvey joins us on our fourth part of a mini-series entitled “Choosing Life.” Jamie is a civics and history teacher who is joining us to help make better sense of the legal aspects of the recent Roe v Wade decision.
Special guest Davis Jaspers joins us on our third part of a mini-series entitled “Choosing Life.” Jasper was adopted as a child and shares his experiences, and how they influenced his views on adoption, abortion, and his general worldview.
Special guests Krista & Macy Myers join us on our second part of a mini-series entitled “Choosing Life. What would you do if you were told that your baby would possibly be born with a life-altering disability? Would you choose to still give birth to that child?
Special guest Ruth Wells joins us on our first part of a mini-series entitled “Choosing Life.” Why are people so angry about the Roe v Wade ruling? When babies die, do they go to heaven?
If God is love, how are only a few people through history actually saved? What are we to make of Rick Warren and the controversy of hiring female pastors?
Should we be accused of manipulating people when we share Christ during a tragedy? Why is Israel depicted as a fig tree in Jesus’ parable in Luke 13? How do we tell unbelievers that God is patient, and yet they need to repent NOW?
Was Jesus looking forward to God’s judgment on man according to our passage on Sunday? In our passage it also said that Jesus was distressed about the cross - Was this worry or anxiety? Are we really any more holy than the Old Testament saints because we have the Holy Spirit?
As Christians how should we think about the shootings that occurred in the past 2 weeks? Does Luke 12:35-48 really specifically address Pastors? In light of the warning Jesus gives to unfaithful servants and Pastors in our passage, can you speak about the scandal going on in the Southern Baptist Convention right now?
Are we supposed to get ourselves “pumped up” for the Lord? What is a “spirit of fear” according to 2 Tim 1? Should I ever be angry at evil-doers?
How much should other people’s comments affect my mood? If I’m obeying God’s revealed will, can I just do whatever I want and say that I’m in the will of God? What is the point of praying if I can’t change God’s mind?
Am I really supposed to not ask God to be rich or poor? Should Christians invest and pursue financial planning in light of the fact that money is not going to matter in heaven? Do I really have the potential to be truly evil in man’s eyes?
Was the crucifixion the only possible explanation for Jesus’ death described by the prophets? Was it a miracle when the disciples took the colt for Jesus on Palm Sunday? How should Christians respond to political adversaries who criticize conservative views on welfare and caring for others?
Could you explain humanism and whether it is a world-wide philosophy, or just separate to the U.S.? What did Jesus mean when he said to “give alms” in Luke 11? Why is there so little about the rapture in Revelation? Can you explain amillenialism?
How does someone fall into more sin by trying to “clean up” their lives? Direction vs Perfection? Should we boycott Disney? How do I speak as a Christian to someone considering transitioning genders?
Can you ever preach about how to have a better marriage without being tagged as “prosperity teaching?” How do I pray boldly expecting God to answer my prayers, and not feeling disappointed when God says ‘no?’ If God can sovereignly call, why do I still struggle with obedience?
How do I deal with the challenges of prayer - tiredness, poor attention, repetition? Do I run from the devil or resist him? Can different cultures identify sin differently?
What’s the difference between scribes, Pharisees, lawyers, etc? How do we know that the Good Samaritan is a parable and not an account? What are we supposed to give up when we follow Christ?
Am I guaranteed to be protected from Satan if I am a Christian? Are widows obligated to remarry? How can I convince my friend that Jesus is worth following if he is on the fence?
What did it mean for Jesus’ face to be “set for the journey to Jerusalem?” Should we ever call for God to “call down fire” (as it were) on evil men? Can you elaborate on the judgment God has reserved for the cities that rejected the disciples? When should we avoid contentious conversations in the church?
What does it mean to do something “in the name of Jesus?” Was Jesus harsh toward the father in Luke 9? How should we think of faith healers and the like in relation to Jesus’ words in Luke 9:50?
Did Jesus really need to become a baby? Can someone deny Christ and still repent? How do you help someone stop deceiving themselves into believing they are saved when they are not saved? How should I think about 2022 New Years Goals as a Christian?
If based on morality, which religion is right? How should we think about the many young people “leaving” the faith? Which rituals should Christians participate in around Christmas?
Is reminding myself of the Scriptures just another form of secular “self-help?” What exactly does it mean to be “dead” according to Ephesians 2? How often do I have to miss church before my kids are affected?
Are some Catholics saved? How should we think about the vaccines mandates many Christians are facing in their workplace?
Is hades the same as eternal hell? How do I help my Christian friends who believe in conspiracy theories? What does it mean to examine myself as a Christian and how often should I do this?
Why was Jesus sleeping on the boat in Luke 8? How do we deal with anxiety as Christians? Have Christians who had sex before marriage doomed their marriage for failure?
What might have happened to the woman who annointed Jesus’ feet with alabaster? Does the Holy Spirit come upon Christians? Are parables meant to hide truth or reveal it? And which soils are saved in Luke 8 Pastor Sam!?
Do you know what God’s impassibility is? If not, don’t worry. Pastor Sam is here to explain it, and why it is relevant to your understanding of God’s character. Is preaching man’s sinfulness and God’s wrath manipulative? How should we think about so-called “oppressed” people groups in contrast to the oppression God speaks about in the Bible?
Why do some people have the idea that God is only wrathful in the OT and Jesus is only gracious in the OT? More discussion about instructing and raising children in a Godly way.
Could Jesus really be tempted if He was sinless? Should we pray for God to take away temptation? Why are some people tempted by one type of sin and not others? What is the flesh?
How do I develop a submissive heart toward God? Did Jesus already have righteousness, or did He actually need to have righteousness? Is there ever an appropriate time to disobey your parents?
How do we apply OT verses such as Jeremiah 29:11 to our lives as Christians? What should we do as we prepare for Easter? And more!
How do I know if I am growing in my faith? What does worldliness look like? How do I prepare for suffering?
How should we think about the Ravi Zacharias scandal? Was Ravi saved? What about people that came to faith under his ministry? Should we listen to or share his teachings? How should I view Christian leaders moving forward? Should I always be suspect about every believer?
This week we have a special edition of Crosswords where we talk about the nuanced topic of believers gathering during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If God knows everything why does He still hold us accountable for our sins and faults? Should we tell non-Christians to be afraid of God? Doesn't God see anything good in the human heart?
How can we trust that anyone knows the “true Jesus?” How do we know the Bible wasn’t altered throughout the ages? Can we justify the crusades and the forcible tactics Christians used to share their faith during that time?
What exactly does it mean that Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the church? Are mundane ministries in the church necessary if they do not directly involve ministering to people? How unified can we be with other people in the universal church? How should Christians think about the pledge of allegiance, or other strictly American issues?
Is the modern church really faithful to the Biblical model laid out in Acts? Can Matthew 4:4 be applied to the proclamation of God’s Word in the church? When we get together with other believers, are we having church?
How do I balance affairs of this world and having a heavenly mindset? How should I think about New Year’s resolutions? What does Biblical peace look like in the life of a believer?
What kinds of movies/media should we be promoting for young people in our church? How can I practice thankfulness if the holidays are a painful time for me? Should I “witness” to my family members while praying over a holiday meal?
How soon should I share the truth of God’s wrath when witnessing to an unsaved coworker? Do Catholics need to be saved? Why was David’s dancing in 2 Samuel despised by his wife Michal?
Are people who are legalistic always hiding a secret sin? How do you discourage legalism as you are raising your children? How can I not be emotionally invested in the election results this week?
How did God speak to Israel in judges 20? Should Christians always cast their vote in presidential elections? Who should Christians vote for in light of the current morality of politicians?
What does it mean to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength? How do you share Biblical sexuality with your homosexual coworker? What if I’m afraid to reveal that I am being abused by someone? What would Crosspoint do for me if they found out I was being abused?
Resources:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0097G05F8/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
https://sermons.faithlife.com/sermons/505542-wednesday-service
https://sermons.faithlife.com/sermons/508551-wednesday-service
What’s the difference between a household idol and a carved image? Is prophesying ever ok for Christians today? What issues should be considered “dividable” as it were in the church?
What’s the difference between praise and worship? Can parents ever forego discipline for grace with their children? Can I get “a word from the Lord” and believe in the sufficiency of the Bible?
What is the difference between the Holy Spirit coming upon someone in the Old Testament, and indwelling believers in the New Testament? Was Jesus tempted as we are tempted by sin? Do we need to be filled by the Holy Spirit over and over again?
How do I avoid the conforming power of the ‘world?’ How did Samson round up all those foxes, and was it right of him to harm those animals? How do I be a parent in a way that shows that God is the hero? Bonus Question: What would you have do if you had been Samson’s friend in order to help him?
What did it mean for the Spirit to come upon Samson? How do we avoid the covetousness Samson portrayed? What do we do to keep our kids from being like Samson?
How do I balance by understanding of God’s holiness and his friendship with me? How do I grow in appreciating God’s holiness? What else did we miss on Sunday?
Have you heard about what’s going on in California with Grace Community Church and the California government? Is Pastor MacArthur doing the right thing? How would you respond if you were in his shoes?
Does unity in the church mean that The Jewish people and Christians are one in the same? How far does interdenominational unity go? Are oaths ever a good thing? How was Hannah's oath any different from Jephthah's?
Can we just be pragmatic when we vote for presidential candidates? Are children a direct reflection of their parents? Can we ever manipulate God when we repent? Was Jephthah’s faith genuine?
What does it really look like to presume upon God’s mercy? Did Jesus become a sinner on the cross? Is it wrong to want to see God demonstrate justice?
Follow-up from last week’s PA mask update. Can a Christian be an honest patriot? Is it God’s will that I go through hardship? Is vigilantism wrong?
Why was Gideon a bad king and yet David and Solomon were approved as kings? How could I make myself into a God unknowingly? Can I disobey the Governor's orders to wear a mask if I feel he is not within his rights?
What’s the right perspective to view the parable of the prodigal son? Does love mean enabling an adult child? How can I be loving and respected as a Father?
Are the imprecatory psalms vengeful? What’s the difference between justice and vengeance? How should I address transgender people?
How do I help an erring Christian? How do I love God’s Word more? Should I pray before every decision I make? Was Gideon’s call for help from Ephraim really a sin? What should Christians think about #BlackLivesMatter?
Why is It right for God to receive all the glory, and not right for me? Should I interpret my dreams in a spiritual sense? Should I be looking at everyday events as signs from God? Also with special guest Kelvin Shelton.
Can I be fearful and faithful at the same time? What do Christians in 2020 struggle with in terms of idols? How do I release the grip of idols in my life?
How do you know if doubt is God telling you not to do something? Should I expect God to intervene in my life and in the world in general? What are Christophanies and are they really in the Bible?
How do I partake in mother’s day if I don’t have a good relationship with my Mom or she is estranged? How do I be a loving mother without getting walked all over? What should I do if I feel unappreciated as a mom?
Is there such a thing as good fear in the Bible? How can I help an anxious friend? How do I know if being disciplined by God?
How do I always remember that God is the One who enables and gives all good things in our lives? How do I truly depend on God in my heart? Can a Christian be too cautious during this time of a global pandemic?
What exactly was a prophetess? Are God’s purposes for women lesser than His purposes for men? What should a wife do if she wants to encourage her husband to lead? Also with special guest Ethan Hulshizer.
What did Jesus mean when he said, “He who loves his life will lose it?” What did it mean for Jesus to be “troubled” prior to his crucifixion? And finally, we have another special guest this week - Melissa Cripe.
Did Ehud lie or commit murder when he killed King Eglon? How do I prepare for the work God has in store for me in the future? Lastly, some encouraging recent events at Crosspoint.
Is COVID-19 a plague as the Bible refers to plagues, and is it indicating that the Lord is coming again? How do I trust that God can protect me, and also prepare for the possibility that He won’t protect me? Lastly, a brand new segment on Crosswords!! This week includes a special guest - Bill Hulshizer.
Unless you’ve been living in a cave, you’ve undoubtedly heard about the coronavirus which has now become a global pandemic. However, we want to help you understand clear facts about this virus which you don’t always get from the media. And perhaps even more important, we want to know how God wants us to think about this health crisis.
What really was the sin Israel committed in the beginning of the book of Judges that caused God to discipline them? What’s the difference between facing temptations and facing trials? Did ademon possessed man really “worship” Jesus in the gospel of Mark?
How long am I supposed to deal with a besetting sin? When I defeat sin, am I doing it in my power or through the Holy Spirit’s power? How long does it take to make restitution after we get saved?
Can we really kill sin completely in our lives? How much can a believer sin before he/she should question their salvation? Was Jesus afraid of the cross?
What does it look like for us to be partially obedient in regard to an area of sin in our lives? Do our choice of leaders say something about us? Do our past victories make us complacent?
Are we being truly obedient if we ask for help with one of God’s commands in our lives? What does God’s discipline in our lives look like?
When should I get into an argument with another Christian about truth? Should I use Old Testament Bible verses to encourage my friends? Does God ever change His mind when we pray? These questions are more this week on crosswords!
Can believers fixate on one doctrine even when they knew it will cause division? What Bible study books should we avoid, and what ones do you recommend? Should we never discuss topics that could be perceived as divisive in group Bible studies?
How is the heart different from the mind? How can I be more excited for the second coming of Jesus when I am waiting to enjoy major milestones in life? What is Biblical meditation?
When and why should we fast as Christians? What should I do if I don’t want to read the Bible?
How do we hear God’s voice? Do the Scriptures teach that Jesus will save everyone? Listen this week as we tackle those questions.