Cross Walk

"Who are you to judge me?!" Ever had that one thrown in your face? If you've ever tried to confront, counsel, support, or in any way address someone else's wrongdoing, you've probably heard it. Where does that come from? Well, it's a misquotation of Jesus's words in Matthew 7. In this episode we look at how Paul lays out a similar argument for bearing one another's burdens and thereby fulfilling the "law of Christ."

Ah, the Princess Bride. . . what a classic. Inigo Montoya may have been on to something. . . Many people mistake their freedom and liberty in Christ as an opportunity to do what they want. Anything they want - even flirting with sin. But Paul lays out a very different purpose for this freedom that Jesus died for. We hope you listen in and live in the freedom of Christ for God's glory and other people's good.

"I'm basically a good person, though." "I do this and that, but those aren't so bad. I have good heart."  "I'm a better person than . . . "  Can't tell you how many times we've heard these. The problem with statements like these are that we use to them to justify ourselves and make the case for why we shouldn't face any sort of judgment or accountability for our sins. But the Bible paints a very different picture. . .  Paul spells out that we are guilty before God and can't rely on our own goodness. When we think we're good enough, we end up like modern day Pharisees, placing demands and expectations on people that we ourselves haven't even truly mastered. We pray you're filled with grace and humility as you listen to Galatians Part 4.

I'm not good enough to be a Muslim. . . . or a Jehovah's Witness or Taoist or anything else that requires moralistic behaviors to secure salvation or attainment of good in the afterlife. In this episode we dive into Galatians 3 and Paul's explanation of grace as THE means of salvation and NOT keeping a set of rules (aka the Old Testament Law). It becomes very clear that Paul's understanding of Jesus's work means that no one is justified by the works of the Law but only by grace through faith. We hope you're filled with grace and humility as you listen.

If you're relying on your works, your patterns of behavior, or your "goodness" to make you right with God. . . . you're WRONG. It's time to stop wasting God's grace and truly live in a full understanding of the gospel. In this episode, we tackle Galatians 2 and explore why Paul would say , "then Jesus died for nothing."

Ever thought "your" gospel might be wrong? Whether we like to admit it or not, sometimes we're prone to take in ideas that sound good but simply don't line up with the gospel of Jesus Christ. In this episode, we dive into Paul's letter to the churches in Galatia, where he laid down the charge of following a different gospel. It's a charge that could just as easily apply to churches today. Whether it's so-called "progressive" Christians diluting the gospel of Jesus and mixing it with New Age religions or hyper-fundamentalists living out a "Jesus + works" type of salvation, we can all be a little guilty of preaching the wrong gospel. 

Again, following a shorter format, we're tackling Matthew 22 & 28: the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. We hit what these Scriptures mean for you on a personal level, a related curse from Paul in Corinthians, and then Caleb sticks his neck out to take the conversation to issues we see at times in local churches in our community but also in many "cultural" expressions of Christianity in general. Listen in to Part 3 of Worship and Witness. (Oh, and of course we talk more about The Chosen series. Be sure to go watch it on The Chosen app!)

Welcome to a new format. We decided to tackle some Bible passages surrounding worship & witness - Matthew 22 & Matthew 28. But we wanted to create some more bite size portions instead of packing it all into one big session. In this segment, we discussed the difference in how people respond to "Jesus follower" vs. the word "Christian"; the rise of so many different -isms (socialism, communism, leftism, conservatism, etc.) and how they're warring in our Western culture; and the amazing TV series The Chosen. All this in the context of Matthew 22 & 28. Listen in for Worship & Witness Part 1!

Worship. . . in modern Christian circles it immediately draws to mind hands raised, music, and maybe even concert lighting. But what IS worship, really? In this episode, Caleb and Chuck dive into the biblical meaning of worship and its holistic approach to life. Real worship isn't simply something done on Sundays and compartmentalized away from the rest of life. It's all-consuming of your whole being and inevitably leads to invitations for others to join. So here's an invitation for you. . . join us as we dive into real worship.

If we're honest (which is a good idea), there is a great deal of weak Christianity and a great many weak Christians in America and much of the Western world. Why? What's the problem? Why are we so distracted by the world and caught up in non-beneficial or downright sinful pursuits? Why has the Western world developed such a strong Post-Christian culture in response to modern Christianity? We believe it is not simply the great allure of pleasures and the things of the world, but the distasteful, weak, and even corrupt representations of the way of Jesus that we have given the culture. If we are going to provide the authentic and winsome alternative to modern culture that will truly set people free, then we must pursue the most genuine and authentic manifestation of the way of Jesus. We are convinced that we fail to do so because we are severely lacking in the practice of spiritual disciplines.

OK, so what's up with that title? I don't mean that you might hate God in the way we normally use that word. You may not harbor harsh feelings toward, detest, or be really angry at God (although that's totally possible too). But if you're completely honest, do you love other people and things more than Him? Is there a chance that Jesus really isn't the greatest love and affection in your life? Listen in as Chuck explores Jesus's own statement about hating our families, possessions, and very lives as the cost of real discipleship. Real faith comes at a real cost. Have you considered it yet?

What if all you held dear was ripped away in a single moment? Could you truly still say you were blessed? In today's episode, we address that very question with special guest Robby Massey. Robby truly embodies the perspective that if you have Jesus, you are blessed no matter what. Robby suffered a spinal cord injury when he fell from a tree stand while hunting. He no longer has use of his legs, but that doesn't stop him from doing what he loves, being a devoted husband and father, and proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. If you're feeling like life is beating you down, then this might just be the encouragement and change in perspective you're looking for. Listen in to one of our favorite episodes to date!

We as a culture and many as individuals are suffering from an identity crisis. So much of today's society in Western culture promises a greater sense of purpose, a greater authenticity with your "inner self" if you simply buy in to their ideas and pursue the "real" you. Be the master of your own fate, captain of your own ship, and subordinate of no one. You'll be happy if you'll just "do you." And yet, anxiety, depression, suicide, and substance abuse are higher than ever. With all the theories and ideas surrounding who we are today, it seems like we're more unsure than ever before. Perhaps rather than being liberated by modern thought to be our true selves, we're being robbed of our true identities. Perhaps the sweet sounding ideologies of identity theories are actually bitter poisons? Whether you agree or disagree, you're sure to be intrigued by this one.

We truly didn't know what to title this one! In this episode, we dive into a wide conversation with good friend and pastor, Grant Hasty, about the challenges and strategies of ministering to younger generations that have deep hurts, mistrust, and different ideas/experiences of what family is.     Grant and his family planted a church - beginning in his living room -  in Pine Knot, Kentucky over a decade ago to reach the unchurched and lost people of the community. He brings that experience and wisdom of operating on trust in God to this conversation. We even recorded at his  church, Crossroads Community Baptist Church - "the intersection of faith  and life." And we went all over the place with it. So strap in, and prepare to be challenged!

Addiction . . . . While that word doesn't necessarily carry the same stigma and taboo that it once did, it's still a very real reality that cripples millions in chains. But there is hope. . . . and His name is Jesus. In today's episode, Caleb and Chuck were joined by someone who's walked that road of longterm recovery. Randy Byrge grew up in a good family with good Christian principles. And yet he became trapped in drug addiction for 12 years. But God was rich in mercy toward Randy - even while he was running as far away as fast as he could. Listen closely and maybe have a tissue ready, just in case. You're sure to be touched by another example of how everybody has a problem no one can fix. . . BUT GOD.

In Hitting the Mark - Part 1 (S2 E4), we spoke with Pastor James Roberts about how Paul calls us back to the gospel in Romans 1-8. We explored some of the impacts the gospel should have on followers of Jesus as individuals. In today's episode, we're joined by Pastor Kevin Terry from First Baptist Church of Huntsville, TN to discuss some gospel implications for believers in community with each other. When it comes to working together and finding unity, the gospel forces believers and the congregations they form to ask the question, "What does love require of me?" As you'll hear, sometimes that means giving up some of our preferences and setting aside disputes about what Paul calls "doubtful issues." This is where real faith meets real CHURCH life.

In this episode, special guest Ryan Hoffman joins the conversation with Caleb as Chuck goes behind the scenes to test out some new camera/audio equipment. Ryan shares his story - a story common to many who have grown up in rural parts of the "Bible Belt", USA. You're sure to be moved as he recounts his road to faith in Jesus with its twists and turns, including years of "playing the part" and going through the motions.  Listen in with "ears to hear" as Ryan and Caleb dive into finding salvation through real, life-changing faith.

Paul has written many letters that are recording in the Bible. However, the Book of Romans could potentially be some of Pauls Greatest (In my opinion). Paul start Romans by telling us the good news of Christ! He continues by telling the people of their sin, that Jesus came and died and rose as payment for their sins, then explaining that they are saved by faith in Jesus, and then concludes by giving us some great examples of how to live out that faith in our lives. You could say that The Book Of Romans is an instruction manual for life, but that's not the best part. The best part is how Paul incorporates this into everyones life by using the gospel. Paul had his sights set on Jesus and by utilizing the Gospel he made sure to hit his mark. The only leaves one question for you... Are You Hitting the Mark?

Lets dive into the book of James! James was the half brother of Jesus. You would think that the brother of Jesus would have the most out of anyone to say about Jesus himself, Right? Interestingly enough, James only leaves us with 5 short chapters.  The book of James was directed primarily toward believers and although small, the book packs a punch. James simplifies Christianity for us, he takes out the religious cluster and gives us something tangible, reliable, and easy to follow. The truth is, a Faith that is REAL, is a faith that has no choice but to change us! 

In this series, Chuck and I are going through the books of the Bible. In today's episode, we bring along special guest (Cal Smith) and we dive straight into the book of Philippians where we uncover a great purpose for our life. Paul starts by telling us, "if there is only one take away from this book, let it be this: Live a life worthy of the Gospel of Christ." Paul continues the outline of the book of Philippians by explaining what that means, what does that look like, and where does it leave us in the end! Spoiler Alert... It brings us to a peace above all understanding and a life that is Worthy of Living! So what is a life worthy of the Gospel of Christ? Find out, right now, on todays episode! Thanks for listening!

It's officially a new year! As we all know, with a new year, comes new resolutions. The time of year where we sit down, ponder on how the last year went, and set goals to make the up coming year a better year. Often these resolutions consist of goals like, exercise more, eat better, do more bible studies, grow closer to God, stop doing bad habits, and much much more. However, as fast as we make new goals, they tend to get broken very early on in the year. So How do we set goals that we can achieve? The answer is is in Colossians. We learn that the Holy Spirit lives within Jesus, and that same Holy Spirit that guided and gave Jesus Power, also lives within Us! Instead of asking the question WWJD (What Would Jesus Do) how about we start asking, "What Would I Do If I Was Full Of Jesus?" We weren't meant to live lives constantly trying to pursue the acceptance of God. God has already accepted you as you are! When we ask this question instead of WWJD, it assures that we take ourselves and our own power out of the equation and allows God free roam to rule of life!

We love to be told YES! But what happens when God says NO? When it comes to hard pills to swallow, Caleb & Chuck dive right into one of the biggest problems with the world today. Lots of people profess to know God and his word, but yet somehow he never disagrees with the way they live their life. The Secular and Churched world today have stopped letting God determine their lives and the way they live, and instead started to let their lives determine who they think God is. We have started to let our own wants and needs influence Gods words, Instead of letting Gods words influence us. Join in with us to learn how we can recognize this problem and get back to the God that never changes his Character, his words, his love or his call for obedience. When we live our lives out side the Will of God, He Disagrees.

Deer Hunting, Social Media and Studying the word of God. In a fast paced and busy world its often hard to find the time, focus, and commitment to studying your bible. Catch up on todays podcast to hear our tips and tricks to planning, reading, studying, and experiencing the Bible!

Life is busy! It doesn't matter where your from, or what you do, because life catches up to us all! How do we learn to prioritize what matters in our life? How do we get the most out of everyday? How do we maintain our faith on a daily basis, even during life's busiest Moments? Stay tuned to Find out on todays episode!  Thanks for Listening!!

"Where Real Faith, Meets Real Life"  So what does it mean to have REAL faith? Tune into the Podcast to find out what it means to live out your faith in the real world!

Hey Guys, Welcome to CrossWalk! Real quick just wanted to let everyone know what we are about! Just a couple Guys from a small town that want to share their love for Jesus with the world. We love hunting, fishing, sports, weightlifting, Coffee, and of course Jesus Christ. Through deep conversation with people from the local community, we want to dive into what it means to live out real faith in real life. Stay tuned for all sorts of great content and insights into the World of Faith!