Crosslife Christian Fellowship: Recent Episodes
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We live in a world that often forgets because it's more convenient to forget people than to remember them. The human fear that unites us is that we will be forgotten. Joseph was a man that people intentionally tried to forget. However, where people chose to forget, God never did. God always remembered him.
Maybe you've questioned if God remembers you. Or maybe you feel like God has forgotten you. In Genesis 41:46-52, we examine the power of what it means that God remembers.
What does Jesus’ encounter with Satan teach us about temptations and how we are to overcome them?
Is temptation impacting your life? Do you know how it is?
Temptation has rendered people compromised in their faithfulness to God. And it is such a effective weapon in Satan's attacks against God's people that he keeps going back to it. But where people have failed, Jesus succeeded in overcoming Satan's temptations. What can we learn from Jesus' confrontation with Satan, so that we ourselves can overcome?
As Christians we may think of unity as something that we practice within our local church, and rightly so. However, unity among the church is also important on a global scale. Unfortunately, that unity can often feel limited to an idea rather than practice.
How can Christians exercise its unity globally? How can Christ's church practice its unity around the world?
Acceptance seems to be an epic struggle that we have as human beings. When people are part of the same community or the same group it seems to be the case. Even when the bonds are as profound as those found in Christ, acceptance seems to be a struggle. But for Christians, acceptance of one another isn't merely an idea, but rather a command. So, how are Christians to accept one another?
We look to Romans 15:7-13 to understand the answer to this question.
Relating to others is a constant struggle in life. How are we supposed to go about relating with people? This question is particularly important for Christians because it is at the core of how we are to live the gospel of Jesus Christ. From how Christians relate to other fellow Christians to how Christians are to relate to people outside of the faith, this is the issue addressed Romans. This week, we answer the question, "As Christians, how can we relate to one another so that we have unity that glorifies God?"
Has God's word failed?
Does the rejection of the gospel of Jesus Christ by so many Jews mean that God's word has failed? The Apostle Paul addresses this important question, as the answer has a major impact for anyone who would or does believe in the gospel message. We continue in Part 2 of our study.
Has God's word failed?
Does the rejection of the gospel of Jesus Christ by so many Jews mean that God's word has failed? The Apostle Paul addresses this important question, as the answer has a major impact for anyone who would or does believe in the gospel message.
For gospel believers, our suffering and weakness are used by the Holy Spirit to shape us into the likeness of Christ. But as we experience suffering and weakness, we can feel shaken. Is God really at work in my life? Is God really faithful?
Sometimes our questions can lead us to despair. Are you asking the right questions, so that you are affirmed in the work that the Holy Spirit is doing in your life? What kind of questions should you ask?
In Romans, Paul is making connections for Christians between believing in the gospel and living the gospel. He goes into the what and the how.
No one wants to be in debt—to owe someone else. But in life, for one reason or another, we all end up owing a debt to someone. So, here’s the important lesson that we should all learn: Who you owe a debt to makes a difference—sometimes a huge difference.
In Romans, Paul writes to the church about debt—pointing out their debt. Do you owe the same debt? Do you know what debt you owe?
A new year. Is the new year bringing with it a sense of renewal, a fresh opportunity. Does life feel new or does it feel like more of the same old?
A sense of newness and renewal is important for life and living. So, how do we get a sense of the newness of life?
As one year transitions to the next, these points in time are opportunities for reflection. In fact, reflection is critical for every person's life. Thus, it's time to examine and take time for personal reflection for the life, now and the days to come.
Christmas is the celebration that God came to be with us. But, what does that really mean that God is with us?
We examine the wonder of God's great gift of Himself.
The Apostle Thomas is often referred to as the "Doubter" because of his refusal to believe in the Resurrected Jesus. Even after all that he had witnessed, he still refused to believe. So what does it take to believe?
The transformative event of human history—the one upon which countless people have been redeemed and found indescribable joy—is the setting upon which there is a demonstration of overwhelming sadness.
For Mary the empty tomb is a point of sorrow and grief, not joy.
How can you experience the joy of Christ’s Resurrection?
As human beings, we often only focus upon the outward and therefore miss seeing what lies deeper. There are truths that lie beneath what can simply be seen on the surface. The Truth is meant to be seen if we have eyes to see it.
As Jesus hung on the cross, the scene is quite bleak. And seen only from the most superficial perspective, the truth is hidden. But if we look closer than the true glory of His cross is revealed!
What is the glory of Christ's cross?
"Behold your King!" This is what Pilate tells the to the people. And yet, people struggle to behold Jesus. The people refused to behold Him then, and often now. So, what makes Jesus so difficult to behold?
We turn this week to our continued journey through John's gospel of Jesus in chapter 19, verses 1-16 to find the answer.
Questions. We ask questions to learn truths. But, the truth is, there are truths that questions are also revealing.
Jesus has just endured two interrogations by the Jewish high priests, Annas and Caiaphas. And now, he’s about to endure another round: this time from the Roman governor, Pilate.
But what is it that's revealed as Pilate questions Jesus...as he questions God?
And what can this teach us about our own question that we ask God?
Life is filled with surprises. Things often don’t go the way that we expect.
For Jesus’ disciples, in John 13, the night started off with great anticipation, but by the time that the night was over in John 18:12, one of their own had abandoned them and Jesus was arrested by the Jewish authorities, made possible by the betrayal of that same disciple.
Certainly, for the disciples everything seems like things are going to go from bad to worse, as we continue on beginning with John 18:13, we take a deeper look as Jesus is interrogated by His enemies.
Time & Place is the intersection for when and where important events occur. We remember when and where we were for really important life events. And when we have the opportunity to prepare those occasions in advance, then we choose both a time and location for the sake of sentiment and meaning. Thus, time and place are significant.
For Jesus, as He face the culmination of the reason for His coming into the world, the time and place were set: the Passover, in the garden.
What was the significance of the Jesus' arrest in the garden?
The purpose with which we pray says much about us, what our desires and our preoccupations are. With what purpose do you prayer?
Jesus, in concluding His farewell address to His disciples, prays. By why? What does Jesus' purpose in praying reveal?
This week's passage comes from John 17:1-26.
For what was about to happen, two things that Jesus' disciples needed were peace and courage. Unfortunately, peace and courage are always in short supply, both then or now. They are both so fleeting as experiences. Yet, their presence also have the power to transform how we live and experience life.
So, how do you find true peace and courage?
To find the answer, we turn to John 16:25-33.
During difficult times, people often try to console themselves by saying, “It’s going to get better. You’ll get through this. It’s gonna be all right.”
But how do we know? The truth is that we don’t.
It’s something that we say as human beings to ourselves and others for consolation and encouragement. Sometimes it’s true. It gets better. But other times, it doesn’t get better. And no matter what happens in life, we can be guaranteed that there will be some new boulder on some other day that we’re going to have to push up that hill.
Jesus says to His disciples, "You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy."
How can your present sorrow be turned into joy?
This week we turn to John 16:16-24 to find the answer.
In preparing His disciples for His imminent departure, Jesus reassures them by saying that it is better that He go away, so that the Holy Spirit may come. How is it better?
How is it advantageous for the disciples that Christ go away in favor of the Holy Spirit?
The answer that Jesus gave was relevant for His disciples then, and now. And so, this week we continue on in John 16:1-15.
Having a relationship with Jesus means being unified with Him. This is language that we see stated and repeated constantly throughout the gospel of John. And so, it’s important that we all understand what being unified with Christ means practically in our real-world experience. So...
What does it mean to be unified with Christ in this world?
Who are you? Central to identity is the ability to be identifiable--to be the real deal. What does that look like?
When it comes to being Christ's disciple, "How do you prove your discipleship?"
In John 15:1-17, Jesus addresses this very question, which takes aim at the very core question: "How do you become Christ's disciple?"
Prepared. For all of life's important challenges we all want to be prepared. And the greater the mission and challenge, the more we feel this way. But, how can you possibly undertake a mission when you know that you're not ready for it?
Jesus' disciples are faced with exactly such a problem. Jesus has told them that He will be leaving them. But, He has also left them with a mission to keep.
So, how can Christ's disciples keep the mission that they've been called to?
For as many “hellos” as we experience early on in our lives, “goodbyes” become more common and inevitable as time goes on. It’s like that in life when someone has to go, we feel an empty space created by their absence and it makes us feel unstable.
In the final moments, the final meal, that He’ll share with His disciples before His hour of glory, Jesus emphatically makes the point that He will be leaving them. And even though they don’t fully understand the message, His words leave them unsettled and troubled. After all, the one that all of them have staked their lives and futures on, is telling them that He’s leaving them. And knowing how they are feeling Jesus says to them, “Let not your hearts be troubled.”
How could Jesus’ disciples have courage when Jesus would be leaving them?
Jesus is in His final hours that will lead to His appointment upon the cross. And in these last moments that He has with His disciples, Jesus now shares some final words with them. While still gathered as part of their Passover meal and having sent Judas off to complete his betrayal, Jesus delivers up a command to His disciples that He calls “new.” But is it really new or just an old command that's been "rebranded"?
In John 13:31-38, we see what this command is and whether it's really "new.
Jesus only has a few short hours before He all the events of “His glory” would take place. So, during the Passover meal—the same meal that started by first washing His disciples’ feet—Jesus makes a startling announcement: “one of you will betray me.”
His disciples have not understood the significance of Jesus’ words and actions thus far during this meal. This announcement will be no different. And yet, Jesus makes His declaration, nonetheless. Why?
For what purpose did Jesus announce His betrayal beforehand?
Sometimes there are acts that people perform that make us ask, "why?" Actions that aren't typical but challenge our understanding of what is expected. Jesus does something that fits this description and then some, when He washes His disciples' feet. It's an unusual act and one that left His disciples asking, "Why?"
Why would Jesus wash His disciples’ feet?
For what purpose would Jesus do this?
Throughout His ministry, Jesus speaks of a time that is “at hand”—an hour that is to come but had not yet arrived. And what becomes apparent is that everything that Jesus has done, has been timed in according to that clock—a time set not to this world, but to heaven. Jesus’ earthly life and ministry has been a steady march towards this appointed hour. And now, during the Passover Feast, as people have gathered to worship God, Jesus declares that the time has come. His time had finally come. But all this waiting brings up an important question:
What was Jesus anticipating with the arrival of His appointed time?
Nothing is as emphatic and jarring as death. Death is so final, ripping people out of lives, leaving holes and emptiness. This is especially true when we lose people too early, not from old age but from disease, injustice, or without warning. And in the midst of the grief, it’s not uncommon for people to ask, “God, where were you when all of this was happening?”
In John 11, this very question and crisis is presented when a beloved brother and friend unexpectedly dies. And in the face of such loss that comes to us all, we ask...
Can trusting in Jesus overcome the crisis of death?
John 9, focuses upon a man who was born blind. A man, who had never seen a thing that God had made. A man, faced with a huge disadvantage, especially given the place and time in history during which he lived. And yet, this man with every disadvantage was able to do what so many were not able to do: come to true faith in Jesus.
How could someone born blind successfully see what sighted people could not: Who Jesus really is?
Jesus declares a promise:
“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
So, what is the truth that Jesus is revealing to set people free?
It’s an occasion of true irony, that those that represent Judaism are rejecting the embodied fulfillment of their religion. How does this happen? How do those who are in the best position to identify and embrace God end up completely rejecting Him? How do those who “know” God end up rejecting Jesus?
In the Bible, there is not a lot of time or focus paid to Jesus and His interactions with His family. Therefore, for this reason, the things that are addressed are matter of great significance.
So, what does Jesus teach us about family through His interaction with His brothers?
Everyone loves Jesus’ works, but it’s His words that seem to offend people. In our passage, Jesus gives the most comprehensive explanation yet concerning His identity and mission. And it turns many people away.
What is it about Jesus—His teaching and testimony about Himself—that offends people?
Our passage this week focuses on one of the most powerfully memorable signs in Jesus’ ministry. It is the fifth sign that the Apostle John presents in his account of Jesus Christ: Jesus Walking on Water.
What does this sign reveal about Jesus? What does it mean for you and me?
Jesus is risen! Today, we celebrate that! A glorious conclusion—bringing a joyful and victorious ending to the life and ministry of Jesus.
But after all that, Resurrection can often leave us wondering: Now what?
For as significant as resurrection is upon the faith of every Christian, the amount of attention that Christians often pay it can compare to the ending of many Hollywood movies: short, incomplete, and unsatisfying.
So, on this Resurrection Sunday, as we look to Philippians 3:10-21, it’s appropriate to ask the question:
What is the significance of Christ’s Resurrection?
Palm Sunday. It marks the beginning of the final week of the Lent season, called the Holy Week. This season is the holiest time on the Christian calendar in which we annually mark and remember, as our participation to share with our LORD Jesus, the events that culminate with His death and resurrection.
So, on Palm Sunday we look back to that day, the original Palm Sunday to ask pivotal question, “What is it that makes for peace?”
We all like to get something for nothing. And of course, who doesn't love free food? So, it’s not a surprise that of Jesus’ miracles, His feeding of thousands is often among the most memorable and popular. But this event was so much more than a sign of Jesus' power, but of His identity and an opportunity to test His disciples.
Would you pass the test that Jesus put to His disciples? And what do the results reveal?
How should you relate to God?
God is essentially—in reality—different from us: He is One, but comprised of Three Persons: The Father, The Son, The Holy Spirit. All functioning in perfect unified harmony but with distinct separate functions and roles. That kind of being is completely unfamiliar and foreign to us. So, God is mysterious and confusing in essence and we struggle to relate to him in his unique Persons. Jesus is God, the Son. So, in clarifying himself, Jesus is clarifying for us how we should relate to God.
So, put more specifically, “How should you relate to God, the Son?”
Would you consider yourself a superstitious person?
Perhaps not. Maybe you consider yourself to reasonable or rational. Yet, it is a human tendency to be superstitious--from our sports fanaticism to our keepsakes, to our habits. We all have a greater tendency towards this kind of thinking and action than we might think. And it's this very tendency that can undermine us.
How does being superstitious prevent us from receiving true healing from God? How does it prevent us from becoming well?