Crossgates Baptist Church Audio Podcast

Sunday Morning Message - "Presence Centered Life"In this message from June 22, Guest Pastor, Bill Elliff jumps continues our series in Exodus. Chapter 33 is a powerful chapter that reminds us of the importance of God's presence in our lives. After Israel's failure with the golden calf, Moses pleads with God not to send them forward unless His presence goes with them. It's a moving picture of grace, mercy, and the deep desire to walk closely with the Lord. Come join us as we explore how God's presence changes everything and why we should never settle for anything less.

Sunday Morning Message - "Battling Idolatry: Lessons from the Golden Calf"In this Father's Day message from June 15, Pastor Kyle reflects on Exodus 32, focusing on the episode of the golden calf. He emphasizes the critical role fathers play, likening it to leadership, where rejecting passivity and leading courageously aligns with God's call. Pastor Kyle discusses the Israelites' impatience that led to idolatry, comparing it to modern forms of idolatry that divert worship from God to other aspects of life. He highlights the consequences of idol worship, the importance of prayer in seeking God's mercy, and the necessity of actively dismantling idols in one's life. The narrative showcases Moses' righteous indignation and intercession for the people, contrasting with Aaron's passivity, and ends with a call for repentance and restoration.Key Takeaways:We are all vulnerable to idolatry, especially during slow seasons or times of waiting.Idolatry often leads to further immorality and sin.Prayer is a powerful tool for intercession and experiencing God's mercy.There is an ongoing war for our worship.The only right response to idols is destruction and repentance.Discussion Questions:The sermon states, "WE'RE ALL ONE SLOW SEASON AWAY FROM MAKING A BUNCH OF BAD DECISIONS." Can you relate to this? Share a time when you were tempted to make poor choices during a period of waiting or uncertainty.How would you define idolatry in today's context? What are some common idols people struggle with in our culture?The pastor quotes Tim Keller: "An idol is anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, anything you seek to give you what only God can give." Reflect on this. Are there any areas in your life where something may be competing with God for your devotion?"IDOLATRY ANYWHERE OPENS THE DOOR TO IMMORALITY EVERYWHERE." How have you seen this play out in your own life or in society?How does Moses' intercessory prayer for the Israelites inspire you? In what ways can we cultivate a more passionate prayer life for others?The message emphasizes that "THERE HAS ALWAYS BEEN AND WILL ALWAYS BE A WAR FOR OUR WORSHIP!" How can we be more intentional about directing our worship towards God in our daily lives?Practical Applications:Take time this week to prayerfully examine your heart for any potential idols. Use the "REPENT/REMOVE/RESTORE" approach mentioned in the sermon to address any issues you identify.Choose one person or situation to intercede for in prayer this week, following Moses' example of passionate intercession.Identify one area of your life where you can be more intentional about worshipping God (e.g., in your work, relationships, or leisure time).For men: Reflect on the call to "REJECT PASSIVITY AND LEAD COURAGEOUSLY." What's one way you can step up and lead with courage in your family, workplace, or community this week?

Sunday Morning Message - "Living Your God-Given Purpose"In this message from June 8, Pastor Kyle continues our Exodus series exploring God's calling of Bezalel to construct the Tabernacle, highlighting how God equips and empowers ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. The Holy Spirit enables us to live out our God-given purpose, bringing His presence into every aspect of our lives and work. This passage reminds us that all work can be holy work when done for God's glory, and that we each have a unique role in building God's kingdom.Key Takeaways:God calls each person by name to fulfill a unique purpose.All work can be holy work when done for God's glory.The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live out their purpose.Working together as God's family helps advance His kingdom.Rest is important and made possible by Christ's finished work.Discussion Questions:Pastor Kyle stated, "God has called each of us to do things no one else can do." How does this statement make you feel? Do you believe this about yourself?Reflect on your current job or primary role. How might God be using your skills and experiences to bring His presence to others?The message emphasized three key aspects of the church's mission: Know His Presence, Belong to His Family, and Live Your Purpose. Which of these do you find most challenging and why?How have you experienced the Holy Spirit's empowerment in your daily life or work? Share an example.Pastor Kyle said, "The Holy Spirit wants to bring God's kingdom through your craft." What might this look like in your specific field or area of expertise?The message ended with a reminder about the importance of rest. How well do you balance work and rest in your life? What changes might you need to make?Practical Applications:This week, intentionally pray each morning to be filled with the Holy Spirit, asking for His guidance and empowerment in your daily tasks.Identify one way you can bring God's presence into your workplace or primary sphere of influence this week. Take time to reflect on your skills and experiences. Write down how God might be using these to fulfill His purposes through you.Practice explaining to someone how your work or primary role can be a way of serving God and others.Evaluate your weekly schedule. Are you making time for both purposeful work and restful Sabbath? Make any necessary adjustments.

Sunday Morning Message - "The Tabernacle - Meeting with God"In this message from June 1, Teaching Pastor, David Jett continues our series in Exodus in chapters 24 through 31 where we're invited to explore the profound concept of meeting with God. The central theme revolves around Exodus 24-31, where God instructs Moses about the tabernacle. But this isn't just about ancient history - it's a vivid picture of God's desire to dwell among us. We learn that meeting God isn't about our religious efforts, but about embracing the privilege He offers. Bro. David challenges our innate tendency to think we can earn our way to God, reminding us that it's God who pursues us. This message encourages us to shift our perspective from trying to climb the mountain to God, to recognizing that Jesus has already come down the mountain to us. It's a call to embrace the reality of God's love and presence in our lives, not through religious rituals, but through a genuine relationship made possible by Christ's sacrifice and the indwelling Holy Spirit.Key Points:God pursues us; we don't pursue HimThe tabernacle and sacrificial system in Exodus were pictures of God's planJesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial systemThe Holy Spirit enables our relationship with GodMeeting with God is a privilege to embrace, not a religious duty to perform

Sunday Morning Message - "Saying Yes to God: The Covenant Confirmed"In this message from May 25, Family Pastor, Brad Randall, explores Exodus 24:1-11, focusing on the covenant God made with the Israelites. We will look into the nature of God's covenant relationships, contrasting them with mere contracts. The message emphasizes God's pursuit of us, His proposal for a relationship, and our response of surrender. God initiates this covenant knowing our imperfections, highlighting His unconditional love and the need for sacrifice to bridge the gap between us and Him.Key Takeaways:God pursues us, even in our lowest moments.A covenant with God is relational, not just contractual.Saying "yes" to God requires our surrender and faithfulness.The New Covenant, established through Jesus' blood, allows us direct access to God's presence.Discussion Questions:The sermon mentions that "God is the one who pursues." How have you experienced God's pursuit in your life?What's the difference between a contract and a covenant? How does this distinction change our understanding of our relationship with God?The Israelites promised, "We will do everything the Lord has commanded. We will obey." What challenges do we face in keeping our promises to God?How does the imagery of blood sacrifice in the Old Covenant help us appreciate Jesus' sacrifice in the New Covenant?The sermon states, "To enter into the Covenant of God is to promise that He will be your only God." What are some modern-day "gods" that compete for our allegiance?Reflect on Jeremiah 31:31-33. How does the New Covenant differ from the Old Covenant? What does it mean to have God's instructions "written on our hearts"?Practical Applications:Covenant Reflection: Take time this week to write down the promises you've made to God. Pray over them, asking for strength to keep your commitments.Pursuit of God: Set aside 10 minutes each day to actively pursue God through prayer, worship, or Bible reading. Journal about how this impacts your relationship with Him.Identifying Idols: List potential "idols" in your life that compete with God for your attention and devotion. Share with a trusted friend or accountability partner for prayer and support.New Covenant Gratitude: Write a thank-you letter to Jesus, expressing your gratitude for His sacrifice that established the New Covenant.

Sunday Morning Message - "The Ten Commandments: God's Blueprint for Freedom"In this Message from May 18, We jump right back into our walk through the book of Exodus in chapter 20, exploring the Ten Commandments. Pastor Kyle Reno reminds us that these aren't just rules, but principles for living in freedom through our relationship with God. While we've all broken these commandments, Jesus fulfilled them perfectly on our behalf! Now, through faith in Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, we can cooperate with God's commands in loving obedience.Key Takeaways:The Ten Commandments are principles of God's kingdom that help us lovingly obey God and rightly relate to people.Jesus fulfilled the commandments perfectly on our behalf, giving us the power through the Holy Spirit to cooperate with them.The first four commandments focus on loving God, while the last six focus on loving people.Our obedience to these commandments impacts future generations.Discussion Questions:The pastor mentioned that "THE GOD WHO SET YOU FREE KNOWS HOW TO KEEP YOU FREE." How does this perspective change your view of the Ten Commandments?Reflect on the first commandment: "You must not have any other god but me." What are some modern-day idols that people, including Christians, struggle with?How does the concept of God being "jealous" over His people impact your understanding of your relationship with Him?Discuss the importance of the Sabbath in our busy lives. How do you currently practice (or struggle to practice) this principle?The sermon touched on how Jesus expanded on some commandments (e.g., murder and adultery). How does this deeper interpretation challenge you?Which of the "love people" commandments do you find most challenging in today's society? Why?The pastor emphasized "COMPARISON KILLS SO KILL COMPARISON." How has comparison affected your life, and what steps can you take to combat it?Practical Applications:Idol Inventory: Take time this week to prayerfully consider if there are any idols in your life. Write them down and create a plan to "break" them.Sabbath Practice: If you don't already, plan a specific time for rest and focusing on God this week. Reflect on how it impacts your week.Truth-Telling Challenge: Make a conscious effort to be completely truthful in all your interactions this week. Note any challenges or benefits you experience.Authority Honoring: Identify an authority figure in your life (parent, boss, government official) and find a specific way to show honor to them this week.Comparison Fast: Choose a day (or more) to avoid social media or other triggers of comparison in your life. Replace that time with gratitude and prayer.

Sunday Morning Message - "The Proverbs 31 Woman"In this special Mother's Day message titled, "The Proverbs 31 Woman", from Sunday, May 11, Pastor Kyle shares the key to understanding Proverbs 31 is recognizing that it's not about being perfect in every area at all times. Instead, it's about the entire impact of a woman's life as she walks with God through different seasons. Women don't have to do it all, all the time. Instead, focus on cooperating with God's grace in each season of life, knowing that over time, these efforts will add up to create a beautiful legacy.Digging Deeper into the Message: The Proverbs 31 Woman - A Life of ImpactKey Takeaways:1. The Proverbs 31 woman represents attributes developed over a lifetime, not all at once.2. Women should never underestimate the cumulative impact of their whole life.3. A Proverbs 31 woman is characterized by strong character, diligence, adaptability, family love, God-sized vision, and deserves honor.Discussion Questions:1. Pastor Kyle mentioned that Proverbs 31 describes a woman's life as a whole, not all at once. How does this perspective change your view of the "ideal" woman described in this passage?2. The sermon emphasized the importance of character. How can we cultivate trustworthiness and integrity in our daily lives?3. Discuss the concept of "embracing the season." How can we be fully present and make the most of our current life stage?4. The Proverbs 31 woman is described as having a God-sized vision for her life. What does this mean to you, and how can we develop this kind of perspective?5. How can we better honor and appreciate the women in our lives, not just on Mother's Day but throughout the year?6. Pastor Kyle mentioned that the Proverbs 31 woman "fears the Lord." How does a strong relationship with God impact other areas of life?Practical Applications:1. This week, identify one area of character you'd like to strengthen. Make a plan to work on it daily.2. Write a note of appreciation to a woman who has positively impacted your life. Be specific about how her actions have made a difference.3. Reflect on your current life season. List three ways you can fully embrace and make the most of it.4. Set aside time for prayer and Bible study to deepen your relationship with God and develop a "God-sized vision" for your life.5. For men: Consider how you can become the kind of man who can find and support a Proverbs 31 woman.6. For women: Reflect on which attributes of the Proverbs 31 woman you most relate to, and which you'd like to develop further.

Sunday Morning Message - "The Bible"In this message from Sunday, April 27, Pastor Kyle continues this mini-series called, "Why We Believe", with a message title, "The Bible". We will focus on the six main reasons we can trust the Bible.

Easter Sunday Morning Message - "Why We Believe in the Resurrection…"In this special message from Easter Sunday, April 20, Pastor Kyle walks us beyond the Easter attire, Easter Eggs and hopefully a killer meal to come. There is a bigger reason for us to celebrate together. The crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ really happened. It's an indisputable historical fact. Let us look together in scripture…

Sunday Morning Message - "Mt. Sinai: Meeting with God on the Mountain"In this message from Palm Sunday, April 13, Pastor Kyle continues a series walking through the book of Exodus in Chapter 19 with a message titled, "Mt. Sinai: Meeting with God on the Mountain". IT TAKES WORK TO BE POSITIONED TO GET A WORD FROM GOD...IF WE'LL KEEP FOLLOWING, GOD WILL KEEP SHOWING HIMSELF FAITHFUL!

Sunday Morning Message - “Winning Life's Battles”In this message from April 6, Teaching Pastor, David Jett, continues our series through Exodus with a message out of chapters 16 & 17 titled, “Winning Life's Battles”. When you fight under the Lord's banner, you fight from victory—not for it.

Sunday Morning Message - "Worship is Right Response!"In this message from March 30, Pastor Kyle continues a series walking through the book of Exodus in Chapter 15 with a message titled, "Worship is Right Response!". Worship is something that we were made to do. It's not a personality type; it's not something you have to work up. Worship is merely rightly responding to who God is, what God has done, is doing, will do.

Sunday Morning Message - "Red Sea Crossing"In this message from March 23, Pastor Kyle continues a series walking through the book of Exodus in Chapter 14 with a message titled, "Red Sea Crossing". God is more concerned in writing a better story than taking us always on a straight what feels like safest course. GOD'S WAY FORWARD WON'T ALWAYS MAKE SENSE TO US.

Sunday Morning Message - "And Here We Go"In this message from March 16, Pastor Kyle continues a series walking through the book of Exodus in Chapters 12-13 with a message titled, "And Here We Go". In response to a long night that brought about the death of all the firstborn in Egypt. Not one household came through unscathed. Pharaoh finally breaks momentarily…let us remember that IN ONE MOMENT GOD CAN MOVE US FROM BONDAGE TO BLESSING!

Sunday Morning Message - The First PassoverIn this message from March 9, Pastor Ben Boyd continues a series walking through the book of Exodus in Chapter 11 with a message titled, "The First Passover". God is fair, God is gracious, however God is also just. Righteousness is the lifeblood we need in order to be in relationship to God. Know Christ as your savior or fear him as your judge.

Sunday Morning Message - "Plagues"In this message from March 2, Pastor Kyle continues a series walking through the book of Exodus in Chapter 7 with a message titled, "Plagues". GOD IS DISPLAYING HIS AUTHORITY OVER ALL SO HIS NAME WILL BE GLORIFIED!

Sunday Morning Message - "From Bad to Worse"In this message from February 23, Pastor Ben Boyd continues a series walking through the book of Exodus in Chapter 5-7 with a message titled, "From Bad to Worse". Obedience to God's call does not mean everything will be easy...God always delivers!

Sunday Morning Message - "Powerful Signs and Other People"In this message from February 16, Pastor Kyle continues a series walking through the book of Exodus in Chapter 4 with a message titled, "Powerful Signs and Other People". EVENTUALLY YOUR DISOBEDIENCE WILL COST YOU AND OTHERS. JUST TAKE……THE NEXT RIGHT STEP!

Sunday Morning Message - "Into His Presence: Part 2"In this message from February 9, Pastor Kyle continues a series walking through the book of Exodus with a message titled, "Into His Presence: Part 2". THE GOD OF THE BIBLE IS KEENLY AWARE AND DEEPLY CARES ABOUT OUR PAIN!

Sunday Morning Message - "Into His Presence: Part 1"In this message from February 2, Pastor Kyle continues a series walking through the book of Exodus with a message titled, "Into His Presence: Part 1". GOD OFTEN USES WHERE WE'VE BEEN TO PREPARE US FOR WHERE WE'RE GOING!

Sunday Morning Message - "Pathway to a God-sized Destiny"In this message from January 26, Teaching Pastor, David Jett continues a series walking through the book of Exodus with a message titled, "Pathway to a God-sized Destiny". You have a God-sized destiny awaiting!

Sunday Morning Message - "Exodus: Setting the Stage"In this message from January 19, Pastor Kyle begins a series walking through the book of Exodus with a message titled, "Setting the Stage". Exodus is so essential to the story of God and the first place where some aspects of our faith come into clarity. Themes like….Redemption, Deliverance, Hope, Listening to God, Experiencing His Presence, Covenant Keeping… Moses inspired by the Holy Spirit intentionally starts with Jacob-Israel to remind the reader of the context of the story.

Sunday Morning Message - "When You...Fast"In this message from January 12, Pastor Kyle concludes a 3-week series called, "When you..." with a message titled, "When You...Fast." Biblical Fasting is setting aside food for the sake of spending more time with God. We will look closer at 5 Good Reasons to Fast.

Sunday Morning Message - "When You…Pray"In this message from January 5, Pastor Kyle continues a 3-week series called, "When you..."Jesus assumes on the other saving faith that we'll become a praying people. Think about that…. Jesus is essentially saying, "When you pray". Because there is no way after all I'm going to accomplish so that you can step into the throne room of grace and mercy that you wouldn't pray.

Sunday Morning Message - "When You…Give"In this message from December 29, Executive Pastor, Ben Boyd, begins a 3-week series called, "When you..."When you give begin with giving yourself to Jesus. When you give be joyful not grinchful. When you give it disarms the power of money. When you give be humble and have the right heart.

Sunday Morning Message - "Spiritual Truths Surrounding Christmas"In this message from December 22, Bro. David continues our special Christmas series - Christmas Clarity, with a message titled, "Spiritual Truths Surrounding Christmas". How can we step beyond the Secular Trappings and Stale Traditions to embrace the Spiritual Truths this Christmas?

Sunday Morning Message - "Christmas Clarity"In this message from December 8, Pastor Kyle begins a special Christmas series - Christmas Clarity. The message focus is around the three reasons Jesus came to earth and four ways for us to respond to what you've received this Christmas.

Sunday Morning Message - "Overcoming Failures and Fulfilling Purpose"In this message from December 1, Teaching Pastor, David Jett continues our Journey through John series in chapter 21. What happens when we blow it? This is the real struggle for ALL believers…we have an internal war that rages between fulfilling God's purposes and the fear of blowing it.

Sunday Morning Message - "John 20 - He's Alive!"In this message from November 24, Pastor Kyle continues our Journey through John series in chapter 20. No principles in the message today again...just the passages of scripture. He's Alive!

Sunday Morning Message - "John 19 - Behold the Man!"In this message from November 17, Pastor Kyle continues our Journey through John series in chapter 19. No principles in the message today...just the passages of scripture. The religious leaders have brought Jesus to Pilate to have him condemned through crucifixion.

Sunday Morning Message - "Living in the Freedom of the Truth"In this message from November 10, Teaching Pastor, David Jett, continues our Journey through John with a message titled, "Living in the Freedom of the Truth". Everyone lives by a version of truth...is my version of truth the Truth?

Sunday Morning Message - "Thankful for God the Holy Spirit"In this message from October 27, Pastor Kyle continues our Journey through John series in chapter 16. Are you thankful for God the Holy Spirit today? He drew us to Christ, He wants to empower us in life. Let's get to know him.

Sunday Morning Message - "Be a Fruit-Bearing Friend"In this message from October 20, Pastor Kyle continues our Journey through John series in chapter 15. 3 WAYS TO BE A FRUIT-BEARING FRIEND: Be SACRIFICIAL - Be INTENTIONAL - Be PRAYERFUL. BE DEPENDENT ON THE HOLY SPIRIT'S HELP IN EVERY SEASON!

Sunday Morning Message - "Being Productive Followers of Jesus"In this message from October 13, Teaching Pastor, David Jett, continues our Journey through John with a message titled, "Being Productive Followers of Jesus". There is a difference between being attached to Jesus and being connected!

Sunday Morning Message - "Experience Peace in Life"In this message from October 6, Pastor Kyle continues our Journey through John series in chapter 14. Two helpful ways to experience peace in life: Pray about Everything and ask the Holy Spirit to produce peace in you Every Day! JESUS PAID THE PRICE FOR US TO BE ABLE TO EXPERIENCE HIS PEACE.

Sunday Morning Message - Sunday of HopeDo you pass the test for having eternal life? In this message from September 29, evangelist Ken Freeman walks through five questions to know for sure that you are in a right relationship with God through true saving faith in Jesus.

Sunday Morning Message - "Our Greatest Need"In this message from September 22, Pastor Kyle continues our Journey through John series in chapter 14. Would you give them the Holy Spirit now...was probably the first thing Jesus asked the Father for on our behalf. JESUS KNEW THE GREATEST NEED OF HIS FOLLOWERS AFTER HIS DEPARTURE WAS THE HELP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT!

Sunday Morning Message - "A Spiritual Relationship"In this message from September 15, Pastor Kyle continues our Journey through John series by picking up a conversation between Jesus and his disciples. We all have a tendency to forget all the times God has made Himself known in our lives...a faith in a God that's not based off physical experience but a spiritual relationship.

Sunday Morning Message - "Finding Hope in Turbulent Times"In this message from September 8, Teaching Pastor, David Jett, continues our Journey through John with a message titled, "Finding Hope in Turbulent Times". You can trust your life on the foundation of God and you can trust your eternity to the certainty of heaven.

Sunday Morning Message - "A Biblical Approach to this Election Cycle"In this message from September 1, Pastor Kyle brings a message entitled, "A Biblical Approach to this Election Cycle". Government is a God-Given institution for the purpose of promoting good and restraining evil and we all have a responsibility in this process.

Sunday Morning Message - "Living Vertically - PART 1"In this message from August 18, Pastor Kyle begins a new mini-series entitled, "Living Vertically". We are reminded that Our God cares for us, loves us, and is coming back for us!

Sunday Morning Message - "Mission & Vision"In this message from August 11, Pastor Kyle shares a message related to the new mission & vision of our church. The Bible is giving us the assurance of hope. The encouragement we need as we wait for all God has in store.

Sunday Morning Message: "50"- Planted with a PurposeIn this special message from August 4, Pastor Kyle shares a message to the church on the day we celebrate 50 years of helping people find hope! We are reminded from scripture that we are all Plated with a Purpose, we all have a Responsibility to Fulfill, and Every Person has a Part!

Sunday Morning Message - "Jesus' Radical Love for You!"In this message from July 28, Teaching Pastor, David Jett, continues our Journey through John with a message titled, "Jesus' Radical Love for You!" This message out of John 13 reminds us that Jesus loves us even though He knows the depth of our sinfulness!

Journey Through John: "Experiencing Kingdom Multiplication"In this message from July 21, Teaching Pastor, David Jett, continues our Journey through John with a message titled, "Experiencing Kingdom Multiplication" This message out of John 12 reminds us that the Principle: In this world, life results in death; In God's Kingdom, death releases life.

Sunday Morning Message - "Extravagant Offering!"In this message from July 14, Pastor Kyle continues our Journey through John with a message titled, "Extravagant Offering!" This message out of John 12 reminds us that our response really matters to Jesus.

Sunday Morning Message - "What God Says Is True!"In this message from July 7, Young Adults Pastor, Adam Morgan, continues our Journey through John with a message titled, "What God says is true!" Speaking truth in the good times is easy. It becomes a declaration in the dark times. The enemy is trying to snatch up what God is trying to accomplish.

Sunday Morning Message - "The Good Shepherd"In this message from June 30, Pastor Kyle continues our Journey Through John series with a message titled, "The Good Shepherd" out of John 10. We have a real enemy, and he has a mission...

Journey Through John: "Breaking Religious Blindness"In this message from June 23, Teaching Pastor, David Jett, continues our Journey Through John series with a message titled, "Breaking Religious Blindness". Religion is the default response in fallen humanity's quest for God.

Sunday Morning Message - Father's Day 2024 - "Pray Your Post"In this special Father's Day message, Pastor Kyle talks about the importance of us all to pray our post and it truly matters how many of us are really praying! If you skip your shift or don't stand your post in prayer, we all suffer.

Sunday Morning Worship: "The Light of the World"In this message from June 9, Associate Pastor of Families, Brad Randall, continues our Journey Through John series with a message titled, "The Light of the World".