CROSS Podcast

Matt Bennett offers practical advice for those aspiring to serve in missions. He emphasizes the need for humility by submitting your aspirations to church elders, seeking mentorship, and serving locally. Rather than rushing into the field unprepared, he encourages aspiring missionaries to pursue discernment through the local church, develop a strong theological foundation, and gain strategic ministry experience.

The Nicene Creed, formulated at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, is a foundational statement of Christian faith, affirming the Trinity and the full divinity of Christ. It was written to refute the Arian heresy, declaring that the Son is "of the same substance" as the Father. For over 1,700 years, it has united believers across traditions, safeguarded orthodox theology, and provided a clear confession of faith. Today, the creed remains essential for defending biblical doctrine, fostering church unity, and grounding Christians in the unchanging truth of the gospel.

The panelists share how their church, Immanuel Baptist, actively reaches out to refugees and immigrants in their community, driven by a heart for the Great Commission. They describe the challenges of this ministry, such as cultural differences, lack of responsiveness to the gospel, and balancing family life. However, they also share encouraging stories of refugees coming to faith, church members stepping up to serve, and the joy of seeing God work. The panelists advise the audience to find their unique gifts and callings, build relationships, and persevere even when the work is difficult, remembering that the ultimate goal is to see people come to know Christ.

Ayman Ibrahim, born and raised in Egypt, shares his experiences of witnessing Muslims coming to Christ in Egypt, Dubai, and Lebanon. He emphasizes that the time is ripe for Muslim evangelism, as Muslims are questioning their faith more than ever before. He provides practical tips for engaging with Muslims, such as praying for them, being prepared to answer their questions, and building relationships with them. Ibrahim encourages the audience to seize this opportunity and be ambassadors of Christ to the Muslim community.

Horizons International is dedicated to reaching international students and refugees in the U.S., engaging Muslims worldwide, and equipping churches and student groups for ministry among these communities. Jim Rairick urges the audience to take action—get involved, connect with Horizons, and share the gospel with the 830,000 international students from the 10/40 window currently studying in the U.S. He highlights the need to cultivate a culture of evangelism in churches, break down racial and ethnic barriers, and develop sustainable support for international student ministry.

David Platt emphasizes the importance of God's Word over physical needs like oxygen, and encourages the audience to reorient their lives around receiving, remembering, and obeying the Word. He highlights the dangers of the "information age" and how easily we can become distracted by worldly information instead of immersing ourselves in Scripture. Platt provides three practical steps: receiving God's Word humbly and wholeheartedly, remembering it intentionally and continually (through meditation, memorization, and sharing), and obeying it immediately and gladly, as this leads to true blessing and life.

Keri Folmar addresses the issue of anxiety, particularly among college students. She shares practical tips to fight anxiety: 1) Know your God by spending time in His Word; 2) Take your troubles to the Lord in prayer; 3) Give thanks, even in the midst of difficulties; and 4) Surround yourself with people who can remind you to trust God. She emphasizes the importance of rooting oneself in God's sovereignty, love, and the truth of Scripture to overcome anxious thoughts.

Ryan Fullerton encourages the audience to cultivate a consistent prayer life by seeking a quiet, private space, shutting out distractions, and following the Lord's Prayer as a model. He stresses that the goal is not to empty the mind, but to focus on meditating on God's Word, while recognizing that God delights in our imperfect efforts. Fullerton also emphasizes the value of spontaneous prayer throughout the day and encourages using resources like Paul's prayers to be discipled in praying according to God's will.

Marshall Segal addresses four common lies that can hinder Bible reading: that the Bible is irrelevant, hard to understand, unhelpful in times of pain, or won't bring happiness. He refutes these misconceptions by emphasizing the Bible's power to provide wisdom, comfort, understanding, and joy. Segal encourages reading Scripture in community, persevering through tough passages, and engaging with the Word prayerfully, recognizing the spiritual battle against distractions and discouragement.

Ryan Fullerton emphasizes the importance of embracing silence and solitude in a world filled with noise and distraction. He discusses how the modern tendency to avoid silence stems from our inability to confront our guilty consciences, which the world tries to distract us from. Fullerton encourages the audience to listen to their consciences, which can lead them to the gospel and the righteousness of Christ. He also suggests that spending time alone with God, without external stimuli, can strengthen one's faith and provide refuge from the difficulties of the world.

Nina Buser shares her journey as a woman in missions, emphasizing the critical roles women play in reaching unreached people groups. Through her story of serving among tribes in Papua New Guinea, she highlights the necessity of women learning language and culture to disciple and teach other women, who men often cannot access due to cultural barriers. Ultimately, she encourages women to embrace the challenges of missions as a “chance to die” to self and gain eternal treasures in serving Christ.

Church planting among unreached language groups is a biblical model requiring sacrifice, commitment, and a deep understanding of language and culture. Missionaries must endure physical hardship, maintain spiritual health, and be prepared for challenges while establishing local churches that outlast their service. Senders support this work through prayer, practical assistance, and discerning God's call, trusting that the ultimate work is the Lord's.

Brooks Buser presents a condensed yet powerful session on the vital task of Bible translation for unreached language groups. Drawing from his experience as a lead translator, he outlines the essential prerequisites for translation, including a deep knowledge of both the Bible and the local language, as well as the importance of accuracy and meaning in translation. He emphasizes the philosophical foundations of Bible translation, urging participants to focus on guiding church plants through the translation process and to be open to revisions, as well as the incredible privilege of translating God's Word into a new language.

Andrea Green's breakout session focuses on the vital role of language learning in reaching unreached people groups. While languages and cultures are fascinating in themselves, Andrea's passion lies in how mastering a language with excellence brings clarity to the gospel message. She explores how learning another language can open doors for deeper relationships, effective communication, and impactful ministry among those who have yet to hear the good news of Christ.

Tom Schreiner discusses what Christ accomplished on the cross, including justification, sanctification, redemption, salvation, reconciliation, and adoption. Tom emphasizes that these blessings are not based on our own merit, but on Christ's work - we are "justified by faith" and Christ's righteousness is "imputed" to us. Schreiner also addresses the tension between being simultaneously justified yet still struggling with sin as believers.

Dr. Hamilton highlights the importance of understanding the biblical authors' interpretive perspective when studying Scripture. He demonstrates how New Testament writers, like John, rightly interpreted passages such as Isaiah 53 as prophecies of the Messiah's suffering and death. He also examines Isaiah 52 and 53 in detail, presenting the Messiah as the new Adam and the servant of the Lord who would die and rise again for salvation while addressing topics like the Trinity, biblical illiteracy, and Mosaic authorship.

Gloria Furman shares her insights on focused disciple-making, drawing from her personal journey in cross-cultural ministry. With deep conviction, she emphasizes the importance of confidence in the sovereign goodness of God, especially in the face of trials. Furman highlights how God uses suffering to build His church and advance the gospel, offering profound lessons on the role of the local church and the word of God in missions. Her message encourages believers to embrace their identity in Christ and faithfully make disciples, whether at home or abroad.

John Folmar paints a vivid picture of Dubai's transformation from a modest fishing village to a global metropolis fueled by oil wealth. Beneath its glitz and towering skyscrapers lies a unique opportunity for gospel ministry amidst cultural shifts and an influx of foreigners seeking prosperity. In this talk, Folmar explores how believers can navigate this modern context and faithfully proclaim Christ in one of the most dynamic cities in the Middle East.

Churches are messy, but Jonathan Leeman reminds us to see God's grace at work, even amid flaws. Thriving requires faith to love patiently, reflect the gospel, set wise boundaries, and address issues with care. In seasons of decline, we must discern whether to stay and serve or seek a healthier community, always pursuing Christ's vision for His church.

Garrett Kell emphasizes the importance of the local church in helping believers persevere in their faith and avoid apostasy. He cites the book of Hebrews, which warns against falling away from God and exhorts believers to protect, provoke, and submit to one another through pastoral relationships. He stresses that the church is God's antidote to apostasy, calling believers to lock arms, exhort one another daily, stir up love and good works, and obey their leaders who keep watch over their souls.

Mike McKinley discusses the importance of being committed to a local church. He explains that church membership is the biblical way for Christians to express their commitment to a particular congregation, where they can use their spiritual gifts for the common good. McKinley provides three reasons why one should be committed to a local church: 1) Jesus is committed to the church, which is his bride; 2) it is good for one's spiritual well-being, as the church provides pastoral oversight and assurance of salvation; and 3) it is God's plan for one's eternal destiny, as the church is central to His wider plan.

A local church is a people who are created by the Word, who gather around the Word, and who are governed by the Word. The church is founded on the gospel, gathers to hear and obey God's Word, and is to display Christ's wisdom to the world through its life together under Scripture. Ben Lacey encourages believers to find a church that faithfully preaches the gospel, is centered on God's Word, and submits to Christ's lordship, as this is the kind of church Jesus has saved us to be a part of.

Rachel Ware explains that missions agencies are not found in the Bible, but can serve a valuable purpose in supporting local churches as they send missionaries. She encourages listeners to work closely with their local church leadership when discerning a call to missions, and for missions agencies to see their role as "bridesmaids" - coming alongside the church to make the Bride of Christ more beautiful, rather than replacing the church's authority. She also provides guidance on evaluating missions organizations and their relationship to the local church.

Josh Manley addresses the challenging question, "Why reach the nations when there are lost people on my street?" Drawing from Scripture, he highlights the glory of God as the ultimate motivation for missions, emphasizing that God's glory is not being treasured among the nations. Through examples like Adoniram Judson and the Apostle Paul, he challenges listeners to consider the global need for gospel witnesses and the privilege of making Christ known where His glory is not yet seen.

Jenny Manley shared her journey of discerning whether to stay or go overseas for ministry, offering five key questions to guide the decision: 1) What does your theology say about missions? 2) Is there a need, and can you meet it? 3) What guidance are you receiving from others? 4) Do you feel a desire to go? 5) Are you willing to make the necessary sacrifices? Through prayer and wise counsel, Jenny encouraged the audience to thoughtfully consider these questions as they seek God's calling, whether to remain or serve Him abroad.

Jesus models true humanity through his sonship, holiness, and servanthood, showing that our identity is rooted in being children of a loving Father, pursuing Christlike character, and serving God and others. Growing in this identity requires immersion in the body of Christ, where we are shaped and disciplined within a faithful community. The gospel offers a compelling vision of full humanity, calling us to be transformed into the image of Christ through both knowledge and the practice of godly living.

Rosaria Butterfield discusses the importance of modesty for Christian women, emphasizing that it is not an outdated burden but a virtuous and authentic expression of their God-given femininity. She explains that modesty glorifies God, reflects a woman's belief that God's covering is better than her own desire for attention, and demonstrates love for her Christian brothers by not causing them to stumble. Rosaria addresses the influence of worldviews like feminism and transgenderism that reject biblical gender distinctions, and she encourages the audience to pursue modesty through repentance, growth in their relationship with God, and developing friendships with wise, older women.

  Everyone will live forever—either in eternal joy with God or eternal misery apart from Him. Jesus spoke often of hell as a real place of torment, but God's ultimate purpose is to glorify Himself through the everlasting joy of His people. John Piper challenges those who feel called to cross-cultural missions to take their next steps in faith, seek counsel from their local church, and commit to making Christ known among the nations.

  Josh and Jenny Manley, a married couple from Mississippi, left careers in Washington, D.C. to serve at Ras Al-Khaimah Evangelical Church in the UAE. There, they have witnessed people from diverse backgrounds come to faith, trained local leaders, and supported the persecuted church, particularly in Afghanistan. Despite challenges, they encourage young adults to trust God's leading, be patient in their formation, and have a vision for His glory.

Kevin DeYoung argues that the mission of the church should be centered on making disciples rather than transforming nations as political entities. He supports this by examining biblical passages that emphasize God's work in redeeming a people for Himself through the church, not in establishing Christian civilizations. Ultimately, he concludes that the church's focus should be on God's plan to dwell with His redeemed people, rather than on cultural or national transformation.

Brad Buser, co-founder of Radius International, spent over 20 years church planting among unreached people groups, particularly in Papua New Guinea. He shared his journey of being called to missions as a young Christian, the challenges of learning the language and culture, and raising his family in the jungle. Buser emphasized the importance of discipline, commitment, and reliance on prayer in taking the gospel to the unreached. He encouraged the audience to consider dedicating their lives to this work, while acknowledging the cost, and urged those not called to go to become "rope holders" who support missionaries through prayer and giving.

  David Platt explores the wonders of the Holy Spirit in a 50-point sermon, highlighting His life-giving and sustaining work. The Spirit testifies about Jesus, grants new birth, assures our adoption, convicts of sin, and sets believers free from condemnation. He empowers obedience, produces spiritual fruit, and enables bold gospel proclamation, making His presence both awe-inspiring and life-transforming.

As Jesus faces his impending death, he humbly washes his disciples' feet, demonstrating the depth of his love and the true nature of servanthood. This act challenges the disciples' self-centered attitudes and calls them to a life of sacrificial love for God and others. Mez McConnell exhorts the audience to consider how the love of Christ should compel them to go to the "least, the last, and the lost" with the gospel, even if it means forsaking their own dreams and comforts. The ultimate question posed is: "Why are you here?" - is it to pursue your own agenda, or to wholeheartedly serve the one who loved you to the end?

The local church is essential for missions - it is the beginning and end of missions. Missionaries should not operate independently of the local church, but rather be recognized and sent by their church. The church provides accountability, discipleship, and community for new believers, which is crucial, especially for those from non-Christian backgrounds. Missions is about planting and strengthening local churches, not just individual evangelism. Whether the missionary is a man or a woman, the importance of the local church remains the same. The church is God's plan for evangelism and for displaying His manifold wisdom to the world.

Trip Lee emphasizes the importance of the church, stating that it is not optional but essential for following Jesus and holding onto hope. He encourages the audience to hold on to their confession of hope, watch out for one another, and gather together regularly, as these are crucial for persevering in the faith. Trip argues that the church is not a mere "pep rally" but a community that sustains and strengthens believers, and that neglecting the church is a mistake that can have serious consequences for one's spiritual life.

In this panel, John Piper emphasizes God's sustaining grace in keeping believers faithful through prayer, the Word, and corporate worship. He shares his personal journey of relying on God's grace in difficult seasons and urges believers to cultivate habits that keep them rooted in their faith. Piper stresses the urgency of global missions, the centrality of a "big God theology," and the call for the church to embrace risk for the sake of God's glory and the salvation of the unreached.

John Musyimi exposits 1 Kings 10 by introducing the Queen of Sheba's awe of King Solomon as a prelude to highlighting the unmatched glory of King Jesus. He emphasizes the Queen's journey to witness Solomon's wisdom and grandeur, leading to her transformation into a worshiper of Yahweh. Drawing from Matthew 12:42, Musyimi contrasts Solomon's limited magnificence with Jesus' infinite supremacy, declaring Him the ultimate King. The message crescendos with Jesus' eternal dominion, universal fame, and unparalleled wisdom that far outshines even the glory of Solomon.

Holiness is not optional for the Christian life; it is essential, as Hebrews 12 reminds us that "without holiness, no one will see the Lord." This panel explores how the gospel both saves us by grace and calls us to a radical, Spirit-empowered pursuit of holiness that cuts out sin at its root. With insights from Kevin DeYoung, Rosaria Butterfield, and Garrett Kell, the discussion addresses how to live in the tension of being fully justified in Christ while striving for the holiness that reflects Him. Ultimately, it's a call to pursue a life of godliness with joy, knowing that Jesus is worth it.

This message from Luke 18 challenges us with the question: Is Jesus worth it? Through the story of the rich young ruler, we see how Jesus exposes our hearts, calling us to surrender everything for the treasure of knowing and following Him. The ruler's tragic decision to walk away reveals the grip of idols that blind us to Jesus' infinite worth. Will we trust Him, letting go of what the world offers, to embrace the life only He can give?

In this breakout, Rosaria Butterfield discusses the topics of homosexuality, transgenderism, and the Christian response to these issues through the lens of repentance and gospel truth. She challenges common misconceptions and cultural narratives, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and repenting from sin as defined by Scripture, not societal standards. 

In this breakout, David Mathis looks at the profound relationship Jesus had with Scripture, exploring how the fully human and fully divine Jesus came to know and embody the words of God with such authority and depth. This talk is not just about learning Scripture, but living it—highlighting the practices of memorization and meditation as vital to a vibrant Christian life. 

In this episode, David Mathis explores the vital yet often overlooked aspects of pace and pattern in our spiritual lives. Drawing on the life of Jesus, he discusses the transformative power of balancing engagement with retreat, and the significance of taking time to commune with God amidst the busyness of modern life. 

This breakout was given at CROSS CON24. To learn more, visit crosscon.com.

This breakout was given at CROSS CON24. To learn more, visit crosscon.com.

This breakout was given at CROSS CON24. To learn more, visit crosscon.com.

This breakout was given at CROSS CON24. To learn more, visit crosscon.com.

This breakout was given at CROSS CON24. To learn more, visit crosscon.com.

This breakout was given at CROSS CON24. To learn more, visit crosscon.com.

This talk was given at CROSS CON24. To learn more, visit: www.crosscon.com

This was a panel discussion at CROSS CON24. To learn more, visit: www.crosscon.com