Crossroads Church

This week, we dive into one of the most misunderstood and powerful stories in the Bible—Bathsheba. Her story is one of heartbreak, abuse of power, deep loss, and ultimately, redemption. In this raw and hope-filled message, we explore how God meets us in our pain and can bring beauty from even the most broken places in our lives. If you've ever felt stuck in your past or disqualified by your story, this message is for you. God is a Redeemer—and He's not finished with you yet.

In this down-to-earth and inspiring message, Pastor Robert Shingleton walks us through what it really means to live a life of gratitude. From being thankful when things go our way to trusting God even when they don't, we dive into the three levels of thankfulness and how each one can grow our faith. It's a reminder to not take God's blessings for granted, to drop the entitlement mindset, and to appreciate the grace we've been given—especially the kind we didn't earn or deserve. This message challenges us to look beyond surface-level thankfulness and embrace a deeper, soul-level gratitude for salvation and eternal life through Jesus. At the end of the day, every good thing in our lives points back to Him.

When the Word of God was forgotten, one bold woman stepped up. In this episode, we dive into the story of Huldah—a prophetess who spoke truth to power and helped spark revival. Her courage challenges us to reclaim the Bible as our foundation in a world that's drifting from it.

In this sermon, we explore the profound story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, beyond the familiar Christmas narrative. We delve into her journey of surrender, as she faced the life-altering message from the angel Gabriel, challenging her dreams and plans. Together, we reflect on the concept of surrendering our own wills to God's greater purpose, recognizing that true fulfillment comes not from pursuing our own ambitions, but from aligning ourselves with His divine plan. As we examine our own lives, we are encouraged to trust in the Lord wholeheartedly, acknowledging that His ways are higher and more fulfilling than our own. Through Mary's example, we are reminded that living a surrendered life is the path to true satisfaction and purpose.

In this sermon, we journey together through the profound simplicity and depth of the Lord's Prayer, as we explore the intimate relationship Jesus invites us to have with our Heavenly Father. We reflect on the awe-inspiring moments of Jesus' ministry and the disciples' realization of the power of prayer. Through personal stories and biblical insights, we are reminded of the treasures of God's creation and His desire for us to connect with Him as "Our Father." We are challenged to move beyond a superficial faith, embracing a life where we abide in God's presence, allowing His wisdom and love to guide us in every aspect of our lives. As we open our hearts to this divine relationship, we discover a life of purpose, joy, and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the world.

In this Palm Sunday sermon, we journey together into the heart of Holy Week, reflecting on the profound significance of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. As we explore the fulfillment of ancient prophecies, we recognize that Jesus, the Lamb of God, entered the city not just as a historical event but as a pivotal moment in our faith. We are reminded that our praise is not contingent on our circumstances, personality, or preferences, but is a response to the worthiness of God. Through the powerful testimony of a sister in Christ, we learn that praise is a choice rooted in the character of God, even amidst life's deepest trials. As we prepare for Easter, we are called to testify to His faithfulness, letting our lives and voices resound with praise, for everything God created is meant to glorify Him.

In this sermon, we journey together into the remarkable story found in Mark 5, where Jesus encounters a man tormented by a legion of demons. We witness the profound authority of Christ, who, with a single command, liberates the man from his chains and restores him to wholeness. We are reminded that, like this man, our lives are living epistles, read by those around us, and we are called to testify of the great things the Lord has done for us. As we reflect on our own stories of transformation and healing, we are encouraged to share them with others, proclaiming the faithfulness of a God who sees us, loves us, and continues to break down walls to reach us. Together, we celebrate the power of Jesus over darkness and commit to being vessels of His light in a world in need of hope.

In this series conclusion, we journey alongside Abraham and Sarah, exploring how their lives, marked by both faith and failure, reveal the profound truth of God's unwavering promises and redemptive power. As we delve into Genesis 23, we witness the poignant moment of Sarah's passing and Abraham's determination to honor her, reminding us of the sacredness of marriage and the legacy we are called to build together. Through their story, we discover that God doesn't define us by our mistakes but redeems our narratives, transforming our brokenness into blessings. Together, we are encouraged to walk with God, allowing Him to shape our legacies and fulfill His promises in our lives, as He did for Abraham and Sarah.

In this sermon, we journey alongside Abraham as he faces the ultimate test of faith on Mount Moriah, where God asks him to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac. Together, we explore the profound lessons of trust and obedience that emerge when we are called to step beyond our understanding and into the realm of faith. As we delve into the parallels between Isaac's near-sacrifice and Jesus' ultimate sacrifice on the cross, we are reminded of God's unwavering provision and love. Through Abraham's story, we learn that even in our most challenging tests, we can choose to trust in God's character and promises, knowing that He is faithful to provide and fulfill His word. 

Abraham and Sarah, despite their mistakes and doubts, experienced the fulfillment of God's promises. Through their journey, we learn that true faith is not merely believing in God's existence but believing God and His promises. We are reminded that our righteousness is received by faith alone, not through our works, and that God's promises are steadfast and true. In this message, we are encouraged to trust in God's timing, embrace His grace, and to allow the Holy Spirit to guide our lives, producing the fruits of love, joy, peace, and more.

In this week's sermon, we journey alongside Abraham and Sarah, witnessing their repeated struggles and the deep-seated fears that lead them into familiar mistakes. As we reflect on their story, we recognize our own tendencies to fall into spiritual ruts and unhealthy patterns. Yet we are reminded that God remains the true hero, intervening with grace and truth to rescue and restore. We are encouraged that despite our flaws and failures, God's faithfulness never wavers. As we wrestle with our imperfections, we find hope in the transformative power of Jesus, who is the hero of every story, including ours. Together, we are called to walk in His light, embracing His truth and freedom, and trusting in His mercy to guide us through our struggles.

In this week's sermon, we explore the story of Lot and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. We reflect on the dangers of compromising our values to fit into a culture that often stands in opposition to God's design. As we examine Lot's choices and the institutionalized sin of Sodom, we are reminded of the importance of standing firm in our faith and the necessity of God's judgment as an expression of His love. We also confront the challenges of navigating a world where sexual sin seeks to permeate every aspect of society, and we are called to respond with truth, love, and hope.

In this week's sermon, we find ourselves alongside Abraham as he welcomes unexpected visitors—God and two angels. God reaffirms His covenant with both Abraham and Sarah, reminding us that God doesn't just call a man or a woman, he calls families. As we witness Abraham's heartfelt dialogue with God concerning Sodom, we are reminded of the transformative power of prayer and our own potential to cultivate a friendship with God Almighty. We are encouraged to bring our personal struggles and the needs of others before God, trusting in His wisdom and grace to guide us.

In this week's sermon, we journey through Genesis 17, exploring the profound relationship between Abraham and God. Abraham experienced a 13-year silence that mirrors the "dry seasons" we sometimes face in our own spiritual lives. These times are opportunities for God to deepen our faith beyond fleeting emotions. As we witness God reaffirming His covenant with Abraham, changing his name to signify a new identity and purpose, we are reminded that God often calls us to see ourselves as He sees us.

In this sermon, we journey through the story of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar in Genesis 16, learning the profound lesson of trusting in God's promises rather than succumbing to impatience and crafting our own plans. Waiting on God is not a passive act but a powerful spiritual discipline that allows God to work in our lives in ways we may not immediately understand.

Feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges or tempted to settle for less than God's promises? Join us as we explore the story of Abraham in Genesis 15. At 85 and childless, Abraham faced doubt, yet God offered him a powerful promise, symbolized by the stars, reminding him of the blessings to come. This promise extends to us: believing in God unlocks a greater purpose. Discover how faith can transform your perspective and lead you to embrace your "made for more" moments.

Genesis 14 highlights Abraham's growth in faith, courage, and generosity. Abraham evolves from a fearful man who once compromised his wife's safety to a courageous leader who rescues his nephew Lot from captivity. In part 3 of this series, we read about Abraham's deepening relationship with God, which empowers him to act with bravery and generosity, and how we can grow in those same areas.

In this sermon, we explore the life of Abraham, recognizing that like him, we often begin our spiritual journey with stumbles and uncertainties. We see how God's grace intervenes in our failures, restoring us and calling us back to our first love. As we learn from Abraham's need to set healthy boundaries with Lot, we understand the importance of doing the same in our relationships to foster peace and growth. Despite our shortcomings, we are reminded that God continually chooses us, reaffirming His promises and love. We are encouraged to embrace new seasons of growth by returning to the practices that once ignited our passion for God, trusting in His unwavering grace and mercy.

In today's sermon, we begin a new series on the life of Abraham, recognizing him as the father of faith and the enduring blessing he represents for all of us. We are reminded that God's promises often require us to separate from our past, just as Abraham was called to leave his home in Ur, a city immersed in idol worship. Through Abraham's story, we reflect on the impact of our families on our lives and acknowledge our ability to change our "normal" through God's power. We are encouraged to confront and unlearn unhealthy patterns. Finally, we are reassured that while fear can lead us astray, God's mercy and second chances are always available, inviting us to grow through our mistakes.

In this message, we explore the concept of meekness through the example of Jesus Christ. Jesus, while fully God, took on human form and became a servant, demonstrating ultimate meekness. Meekness is not weakness but "strength under control." We examine biblical examples of meekness through Abraham, Joseph, and Moses, who had power but chose humility and restraint. True meekness is revealed when we have the power to retaliate but choose not to. We are encouraged to learn from Jesus' example of meekness, with the promise that by doing so, we will find rest for our souls.

Pastor Dave concludes this series on Philippians by exploring the theme of generosity, highlighting its power in both spiritual and practical terms. We examine Paul's experience in prison and the support he received from the Philippian Church, demonstrating that true generosity often comes from people in need rather than those who are prosperous. God uses people to meet needs and that generosity fosters deeper relationships, combats selfishness, and enriches lives.

Pastor Dave discusses the often-misunderstood verse Philippians 4:13, emphasizing its true context of contentment amidst challenging circumstances, as experienced by Paul in prison. Genuine contentment cannot be found in material wealth or possessions, but rather in a relationship with God. Pastor Dave encourages us in this message to reflect on our journey towards contentment and to cultivate gratitude for our blessings, especially in light of the upcoming holiday season.

Pastor Dave emphasizes the importance of addressing personal conflict as a barrier to experiencing God's peace, referencing Philippians 4:6-7. He reveals how Paul publicly called out two women, Euodia and Syntyche, to encourage reconciliation and highlights that conflict is a normal part of relationships. This message outlines four conflict resolution styles—prize fighters, pretenders, pacifiers, and peacemakers—advocating for a peacemaker approach to restore love and understanding. Ultimately, we're encouraged to utilize prayer, intentional conversations, and a positive thought life to cultivate lasting peace in our relationships.

We continue this study of Philippians by reflecting on Paul's journey and transformation. Despite Paul's dark past as a persecutor of Christians, God chose him for a significant purpose, demonstrating that no one is disqualified from God's calling due to their history. We're encouraged to focus on our future in Christ rather than dwelling on past mistakes, because we are all new creations in Him. Past struggles can be reminders of resilience rather than obstacles.

In this message, we focus on the sufficiency of Jesus Christ in the Gospel, cautioning against the temptation to add human efforts or traditions to His completed work. We highlight the dangers of false teachings, such as legalism and the prosperity gospel, and urge believers to rely solely on faith in Christ for true righteousness and salvation.

In this sermon, Pastor Dave draws from Philippians 2:12-15 to emphasize the importance of allowing the inner work of salvation to manifest outwardly in our lives. The Apostle Paul encourages believers to let the grace within us shine outwardly, transforming our lives and impacting a world in need of light. We also discuss the importance of obedience, the pitfalls of complaining, and the power of a transformed life as a testimony to others.

This was a fantastic message at our Men's Night about protecting the anointing and call of God on your life. Applicable to men and women!

This sermon explores the theme of "Unity Through Humility," as we see in Philippians 2:1-11. True peace and harmony within the Church are cultivated through a humble heart and Pastor Dave contrasts the world's pride with the Kingdom of God, where humility is a treasured virtue. The ultimate example of humility—Jesus Christ—laid down His rights and privileges for the sake of others, showcasing the transformative power of His sacrificial love.

Instead of despairing while imprisoned, Paul views his situation as an opportunity to further the gospel and expresses a profound peace with the potential outcomes of his imprisonment, whether it's freedom or death. Living with an eternal perspective, where "to live is Christ and to die is gain," can transform your life with hope and purpose. This message focuses on surrender, faith, and the promise of resurrection.

In this new series, we explore the unexpected twists and turns of life through the lens of the Apostle Paul's journey in Acts 16 and his letter to the Philippians. Discover how God's sovereignty guides our paths, even when our plans change, and how we can find comfort in seeking and obeying His will. We delve into the concept of sanctification, the ongoing process of becoming more like Jesus, and the assurance that God, who began a good work in us, will complete it. We also reflect on the power of grace, the unity it brings, and how our circumstances, like Paul's chains, can be used for the furtherance of the Gospel. Whether you're facing closed doors or unexpected challenges, be encouraged that God is still working on you.

Merlin Beitzel wraps up this series by sharing how God wants to use our giving to include us in His work, build relationships, increase our faith, and give Him glory.

In this message, our Bible text takes us to a group of people in the Old Testament that needed some bread and through that bread God taught his people to trust Him financially. Often times, we don't realize just how much God wants to be involved in our finances. God wants us to be financially healthy; He wants us to have enough to meet the needs of our family and He even wants us to have more than enough so that we can save for our future and live generous lives.

As we continue to learn to think Biblically about money, today we focus on spending, saving, and practical steps to start handling our finances God's way.

What causes the most stress in your life? What causes the most strife in your family? What do you worry the most about? Money issues are almost always near the top of the list. If you look at the causes of divorce, money fights are a top contributor to husbands and wives ending their marriage. On top of that, nearly half of American families have $500 or less set aside in case of an emergency and the average American family also has $8,600 in ongoing credit card debt. In this series, we ask God to teach us His ways... and how to think Biblically about money.

From time to time we need to be reminded that the lives we spend so much time, money, and energy to build will one day be swallowed up in a life that is eternal... a life that is glorious... a life with our Savior in our Father's house.

In this message, Pastor Brandon teaches us that the fear of the Lord should make its way into our words; if Jesus is the Lord of our lives, then He must be the Lord of our lips.

Where you start in life does not have the right to determine where you finish. You are not a victim of your circumstances - you are not bound by your family of origin or by the letters in your last name. Whatever you've done, there's a Redeemer available to you that can call you out of darkness and into marvelous light. In this message, we learn of a woman who is called out of a life of prostitution and into the royal bloodline of King David.  

Last we started a new series on something the Bible calls the fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord is not necessarily being afraid of God but it is having a proper respect and reverence for Him. God is not a man. God is altogether pure, He is holy, He is perfect - therefore we shouldn't treat Him as common. We shouldn't treat him with a casual attitude. Instead, we need to honor Him, worship Him, and revere him… that's the fear of the Lord. Today, we're going to look at two examples in Scripture. One is negative, but one is a beautiful picture of the proper fear of the Lord.

The fear of man is when the approval of people becomes more important to us than the approval of God. It's when the applause of man becomes what we live for. For some of us, when we think a certain person is pleased with us, all is well in the world… but the moment we sense their displeasure, we fall apart. For some of us, we have become addicted to being liked. It's what powers the world of social media - likes and views and comments. The fear of man can even become so great that we will compromise our own values just so people won't reject us. The Bible calls it a trap and it's a real problem. The love of God is one pillar of truth that will help protect us from the fear of man, but today we learn of another that we see in the life of Joseph: the fear of the Lord. 

Chelsie Manges, the Director of Special Education for Garrett County Public Schools, sits down with Pastor Dave to discuss some resources and options for students with special needs in the area. Some of these resources are also available for private school and homeschool families! For more information, visit gcps.net/special-education.

Many years ago, I was a young man in my 20s and working for a man with a very strong personality. I didn't grow up with a father in the home so this man was really the first male authority figure in my life. As I worked with him, I didn't realize that his strong personality coupled with my need for approval became the perfect recipe for something the Bible calls the fear of man. As a few years passed, I realized something was wrong…

This week, we continue our study on the fear of man.