Crossroads Church

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 t...

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 w...

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 yourse...

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, r...

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 cul...

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 der...

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...

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...

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 o...