Crossway Christian Church

Academics, especially in the sciences, are often proclaimed as underpaid servants of the good. They spend their lives in laboratories and offices, working out the mysteries of the universe for the greater good of humanity. But the truth is that they are driven by the same worldly passions as the rest of us, if not more so: fame and recognition are, in many respects, the be-all-end-all of their professions. God, too, is in the fame business. But he seems to go about getting his name known all wrong. He reveals himself to the lowly and the meek, not the kings and great men in power. Yet, in doing so, he shows us his greater glory. As we approach our text, let us see the greatness of God in the fact that: 1. God presides over the mighty 2. God is pleased with the meek 3. God puzzles the masses

Musicals are an odd thing; just when the action gets going, the characters break out in song. For some, stopping the action is hard to stomach and makes little sense. But that stoppage is the purpose – to slow things down and help the audience feel what the characters feel. That is Luke’s point as well; the songs of Mary, Zechariah, and later Simeon stop the action, and bring us into their frame of mind. Today, the focus is on the baby John, as he is already preparing people for the work of Jesus. We, too, are to be prepared for Jesus. Let us see three ways in which John’s birth helps us to be prepared this morning: 1. Prepare in fear of Jesus 2. Prepare for freedom through Jesus 3. Prepare for forgiveness in Jesus

Our God is full of joy and gladness, as it could be translated in 1 Timothy 1:11, we preach the gospel of the “joyful God.” Just so, he also longs for our happiness and joy in all things, whether through good times or bad. Mary has been given a high and lofty task and has taken it on with resolve and faith. But today we hear of her joy in the Lord. As we listen to her, let us rejoice as well! 1. Rejoice in God’s means 2. Rejoice in God’s majesty 3. Rejoice in God’s might 4. Rejoice in God’s mercy 5. Rejoice in God’s memory 6. Rejoice in God’s magnanimity

Our God is full of joy and gladness, as it could be translated in 1 Timothy 1:11, we preach the gospel of the “joyful God.” Just so, he also longs for our happiness and joy in all things, whether through good times or bad. Mary has been given a high and lofty task and has taken it on with resolve and faith. But today we hear of her joy in the Lord. As we listen to her, let us rejoice as well! 1. Rejoice in God’s means 2. Rejoice in God’s majesty 3. Rejoice in God’s might 4. Rejoice in God’s mercy 5. Rejoice in God’s memory 6. Rejoice in God’s magnanimity

The Roman Church has made much of the person of Mary; in many instances too much. They have provided some clarity lately, however, as they have stated that speaking of Mary as a co-Redemptrix with Jesus is never appropriate. Such news is good, even if it doesn’t go far enough. We, however, need to not push too far in the other direction, for Mary and the events surrounding her were not normal by any means. Today, Luke sets out for us the uniqueness of that event. We ought to appreciate that uniqueness through these 5 aspects this morning: 1. Reputation 2. Conception 3. Reception 4. Protection 5. Profession

The Roman Church has made much of the person of Mary; in many instances too much. They have provided some clarity lately, however, as they have stated that speaking of Mary as a co-Redemptrix with Jesus is never appropriate. Such news is good, even if it doesn’t go far enough. We, however, need to not push too far in the other direction, for Mary and the events surrounding her were not normal by any means. Today, Luke sets out for us the uniqueness of that event. We ought to appreciate that uniqueness through these 5 aspects this morning: 1. Reputation 2. Conception 3. Reception 4. Protection 5. Profession

We all make promises in this world and, hopefully, try to keep them. Yet we know that there are hundreds of factors that can keep us from upholding our word, many of which are out of our control. But this is not so with God – his promises are always kept, even if we don’t always recognize them. Today, Luke emphasizes the nature of how God keeps his promises to us, both individually and corporately. As we think through our text today, note: 1. The persistence of his promises 2. The power of his promises 3. The prosperity of his promises

We all make promises in this world and, hopefully, try to keep them. Yet we know that there are hundreds of factors that can keep us from upholding our word, many of which are out of our control. But this is not so with God – his promises are always kept, even if we don’t always recognize them. Today, Luke emphasizes the nature of how God keeps his promises to us, both individually and corporately. As we think through our text today, note: 1. The persistence of his promises 2. The power of his promises 3. The prosperity of his promises

As the World Cup continues here in America, we continually get positive reviews from the many visitors we get here in America. They are surprised at the welcome, and how much differs from the things they have been told. In a real sense, the story they were sold doesn’t match the truth. Luke writes, he tells us, to let Theophilus know that the very opposite is the truth for him. What he has learned is confirmed by the stories of Jesus. Here, in the first verses of his gospel, Luke introduces us to his work. Let us learn about Luke’s: 1. Process 2. Purpose 3. Product

As the World Cup continues here in America, we continually get positive reviews from the many visitors we get here in America. They are surprised at the welcome, and how much differs from the things they have been told. In a real sense, the story they were sold doesn’t match the truth. Luke writes, he tells us, to let Theophilus know that the very opposite is the truth for him. What he has learned is confirmed by the stories of Jesus. Here, in the first verses of his gospel, Luke introduces us to his work. Let us learn about Luke’s: 1. Process 2. Purpose 3. Product

Last week my family and I were down in the mountains of East Tennessee. We were reminded of the beauty and the glory of this world; the mountains are lush and rolling, beautiful demonstrations of God’s kindness. Yet, Peter reminds us this morning that, even with all that beauty, this world is not the world that God desires for us. Peter wants to assure us of the new and yet-coming Kingdom by insisting that God is active in our world. Peter does this by pointing out three things: 1. God sustains the world’s existence 2. God desires the world’s repentance 3. God creates a world of excellence

Last week my family and I were down in the mountains of East Tennessee. We were reminded of the beauty and the glory of this world; the mountains are lush and rolling, beautiful demonstrations of God’s kindness. Yet, Peter reminds us this morning that, even with all that beauty, this world is not the world that God desires for us. Peter wants to assure us of the new and yet-coming Kingdom by insisting that God is active in our world. Peter does this by pointing out three things: 1. God sustains the world’s existence 2. God desires the world’s repentance 3. God creates a world of excellence

Peter continues to exhort his people, and us, to beware false teachers within the church. Their path leads only to destruction, As Peter in the past has exhorted us to pursue the best things, here he contends that such false teachers are to be avoided at all costs. To do this, he paints a bleak picture of them: 1. False teachers are prideful (v10-12) 2. False teachers are perverse (v13-14) 3. False teachers are profit-seekers (v14-16) 4. False teachers will perish (v17-22)

Peter continues to exhort his people, and us, to beware false teachers within the church. Their path leads only to destruction, As Peter in the past has exhorted us to pursue the best things, here he contends that such false teachers are to be avoided at all costs. To do this, he paints a bleak picture of them: 1. False teachers are prideful (v10-12) 2. False teachers are perverse (v13-14) 3. False teachers are profit-seekers (v14-16) 4. False teachers will perish (v17-22)

Jan Hus was unjustly tortured and murdered in 1414 under the authority and decision of the church. Suspected of heresy, he was given a show trial and burned at the stake. Heresy is a great problem in the church, even if the church has not handled it well at times. Peter is not concerned with telling the church precisely how to handle such heretics, but with assuring these Christians that God will deal with them. Our assurance of God’s protection becomes clear as we consider: 1. The error of the deceivers 2. The end of the deceivers 3. Our escape from the deceivers

Jan Hus was unjustly tortured and murdered in 1414 under the authority and decision of the church. Suspected of heresy, he was given a show trial and burned at the stake. Heresy is a great problem in the church, even if the church has not handled it well at times. Peter is not concerned with telling the church precisely how to handle such heretics, but with assuring these Christians that God will deal with them. Our assurance of God’s protection becomes clear as we consider: 1. The error of the deceivers 2. The end of the deceivers 3. Our escape from the deceivers

Our God loves to work through his people. Although he is powerful to do all things on his own, and he needs no instruments, he chooses to do his work through his servants. This is true, not only with his miracles in this world, but also with his word, as he reveals himself through the writing of men. How can believers trust that this word, spoken to us, is true and good? Peter gives us two assurances this morning. You can trust Scripture, because: 1. You can trust Scripture’s witnesses 2. You can trust Scripture’s inspiration

Our God loves to work through his people. Although he is powerful to do all things on his own, and he needs no instruments, he chooses to do his work through his servants. This is true, not only with his miracles in this world, but also with his word, as he reveals himself through the writing of men. How can believers trust that this word, spoken to us, is true and good? Peter gives us two assurances this morning. You can trust Scripture, because: 1. You can trust Scripture’s witnesses 2. You can trust Scripture’s inspiration

We have all had to build and assemble something with complexity. Whether a large piece of furniture, or just a LEGO set, we have looked at the box, read the instructions, and got help when we needed it. Today, Peter asks us to do the same. What he desires that we build, however, is much more important and good than just some Swedish furniture. He wants assurance in Jesus’ people, and today he will tell us precisely how to build it. 1. The picture 2. The instructions 3. The support

We have all had to build and assemble something with complexity. Whether a large piece of furniture, or just a LEGO set, we have looked at the box, read the instructions, and got help when we needed it. Today, Peter asks us to do the same. What he desires that we build, however, is much more important and good than just some Swedish furniture. He wants assurance in Jesus’ people, and today he will tell us precisely how to build it. 1. The picture 2. The instructions 3. The support

Walking on two feet is an exceptionally difficult skill, but a skill that we master with ease at a young age. But running fast, with efficiency, over long distances takes a great deal of work and some wonderful genetics. Likewise, what Paul has called us to do is easy. We uphold the gospel and do good works. Yet, to do it with efficiency, with devotion and perseverance, is exceptionally difficult. But it is what we are called to do. Paul insists on three things this morning for us, and every church, to be a church in good order: 1. We must insist on the gospel 2. We must insist on good works 3. We must insist on unity

Walking on two feet is an exceptionally difficult skill, but a skill that we master with ease at a young age. But running fast, with efficiency, over long distances takes a great deal of work and some wonderful genetics. Likewise, what Paul has called us to do is easy. We uphold the gospel and do good works. Yet, to do it with efficiency, with devotion and perseverance, is exceptionally difficult. But it is what we are called to do. Paul insists on three things this morning for us, and every church, to be a church in good order: 1. We must insist on the gospel 2. We must insist on good works 3. We must insist on unity

Autism, as many know, exists as a spectrum. The numerous characteristics that form the basis of that particular diagnosis can be stronger or weaker in individuals. One such characteristic is the tendency of autistic people to focus intently on certain things with varying intensity. In our text this morning, Paul has called Titus to remind the Cretan believers of the difficult task in front of them, as they relate with grace to the people around them. What will motivate them to act this way, over and against the problems it may cause? A focus on the cross, which would remind all of us that: 1. We are holy 2. We are humble 3. We are hopeful 4. We are heirs

Autism, as many know, exists as a spectrum. The numerous characteristics that form the basis of that particular diagnosis can be stronger or weaker in individuals. One such characteristic is the tendency of autistic people to focus intently on certain things with varying intensity. In our text this morning, Paul has called Titus to remind the Cretan believers of the difficult task in front of them, as they relate with grace to the people around them. What will motivate them to act this way, over and against the problems it may cause? A focus on the cross, which would remind all of us that: 1. We are holy 2. We are humble 3. We are hopeful 4. We are heirs

At Crossway, we care a lot about membership. Part of that care is shown in the detail of the process prospective members must go through, including an elder interview. In that interview, we ask numerous questions, but focus most on one: What is the gospel? Today we get to hear Paul speak about the salvation of the gospel. Let us consider three aspects of it that, while perhaps not surprising, will at the very least be good reminders for us all. 1. The age of salvation 2. The outcome of salvation 3. The purpose of salvation

At Crossway, we care a lot about membership. Part of that care is shown in the detail of the process prospective members must go through, including an elder interview. In that interview, we ask numerous questions, but focus most on one: What is the gospel? Today we get to hear Paul speak about the salvation of the gospel. Let us consider three aspects of it that, while perhaps not surprising, will at the very least be good reminders for us all. 1. The age of salvation 2. The outcome of salvation 3. The purpose of salvation

At Crossway, we strive to be consistent in our proclamation of the gospel: the good news that Jesus has died for our sin, that we might be reconciled to God only by faith in him. Many, in a desire to press the “faith only” portion of our faith, either overlook or deny the call for spiritual change and holiness. Paul doesn’t do that; here, telling Titus to stay himself on sound doctrine, to proclaim the ethical and moral norms of Christian behavior. To that end, Paul insists that: 1. Men are to be masters 2. Women are to be ministers 3. Teachers are to be models 4. Servants are to be meek

At Crossway, we strive to be consistent in our proclamation of the gospel: the good news that Jesus has died for our sin, that we might be reconciled to God only by faith in him. Many, in a desire to press the “faith only” portion of our faith, either overlook or deny the call for spiritual change and holiness. Paul doesn’t do that; here, telling Titus to stay himself on sound doctrine, to proclaim the ethical and moral norms of Christian behavior. To that end, Paul insists that: 1. Men are to be masters 2. Women are to be ministers 3. Teachers are to be models 4. Servants are to be meek

There is an online trend called “gentle” parenting. It stresses empathizing with your child and leans heavily into explanation over demand. As with everything, how it is handled depends on the parent. As it is, “gentle” parenting might be all well and good, but there is a time when sharp rebukes must be given. Paul desires to be gentle with churches, but the church in Crete needs a stronger hand. Today we hear more about the problems that are plaguing the church there, and how Paul desires to deal with them. Let us ask some questions of our text, and see what answers it has for us: 1. Who needs discipline? 2. What must happen in discipline? 3. What is the desired outcome of discipline? 4. What is the guiding principle in discipline?

There is an online trend called “gentle” parenting. It stresses empathizing with your child and leans heavily into explanation over demand. As with everything, how it is handled depends on the parent. As it is, “gentle” parenting might be all well and good, but there is a time when sharp rebukes must be given. Paul desires to be gentle with churches, but the church in Crete needs a stronger hand. Today we hear more about the problems that are plaguing the church there, and how Paul desires to deal with them. Let us ask some questions of our text, and see what answers it has for us: 1. Who needs discipline? 2. What must happen in discipline? 3. What is the desired outcome of discipline? 4. What is the guiding principle in discipline?

The idea of “firstfruits” is lost on many. An agricultural reference, it refers to the offering usually given during the first part of the harvest – but it means much more than that. The firstfruits were not just fruits, but the best of the produce of the land, given to God as an indication that all of it belonged to him, to secure his blessing on the rest of the harvest. When Paul calls Christ the “firstfruits” he has all of this in mind, and likely more. What, then, does this term add to our understanding of Jesus’ resurrection? 1. In his resurrection, Jesus is better 2. In his resurrection, Jesus is new 3. In his resurrection, Jesus is our hope

The idea of “firstfruits” is lost on many. An agricultural reference, it refers to the offering usually given during the first part of the harvest – but it means much more than that. The firstfruits were not just fruits, but the best of the produce of the land, given to God as an indication that all of it belonged to him, to secure his blessing on the rest of the harvest. When Paul calls Christ the “firstfruits” he has all of this in mind, and likely more. What, then, does this term add to our understanding of Jesus’ resurrection? 1. In his resurrection, Jesus is better 2. In his resurrection, Jesus is new 3. In his resurrection, Jesus is our hope

There is a lot that can go wrong on a space shuttle. The margins of engineering are so slim that a tiny, seemingly insignificant mistake can end in tragedy. Elders, likewise, must have even the tiniest detail in their lives worked out the best they can, for many have done great damage to the gospel as the Devil pries at their failures. Thus, the qualifications that Paul lists should be of great importance to us. What should an elder look like? 1. The commitment of an elder 2. The character of an elder 3. The commission of an elder

There is a lot that can go wrong on a space shuttle. The margins of engineering are so slim that a tiny, seemingly insignificant mistake can end in tragedy. Elders, likewise, must have even the tiniest detail in their lives worked out the best they can, for many have done great damage to the gospel as the Devil pries at their failures. Thus, the qualifications that Paul lists should be of great importance to us. What should an elder look like? 1. The commitment of an elder 2. The character of an elder 3. The commission of an elder

There is a separation between the formal proclamation of the word in authority behind the pulpit and the casual conversations that elders might have with people in their everyday lives. We don’t expect that these conversations, filled with jokes, opinions, observations, to imply anything official. Yet, today, we spy in on just such a conversation between Paul and his faithful child in the faith, Titus. Paul wants Titus to continue to strive to put the churches of Crete in good order. But how is he to do that? Let us consider the good order of the church by considering: 1. The agent of good order 2. The aim of good order 3. The assurance of good order

There is a separation between the formal proclamation of the word in authority behind the pulpit and the casual conversations that elders might have with people in their everyday lives. We don’t expect that these conversations, filled with jokes, opinions, observations, to imply anything official. Yet, today, we spy in on just such a conversation between Paul and his faithful child in the faith, Titus. Paul wants Titus to continue to strive to put the churches of Crete in good order. But how is he to do that? Let us consider the good order of the church by considering: 1. The agent of good order 2. The aim of good order 3. The assurance of good order

Throughout his letter, Peter’s aim was to encourage Christians to stand firm; enduring suffering and persecution by giving themselves entirely to God. The death and resurrection of Christ stand as the paradigm for the lives of believers. Just as Christ suffered and then entered into glory, so too his followers will suffer before being exalted. Today we come to the last section of the epistle. In this short list of commands Peter is calling all believers to remember the fundamentals of our faith. Peter is drawing our attention to at least four fundamental attitudes essential for growing in spiritual maturity: 1. Trust 2. Steadfastness 3. Hope 4. Fellowship

Throughout his letter, Peter’s aim was to encourage Christians to stand firm; enduring suffering and persecution by giving themselves entirely to God. The death and resurrection of Christ stand as the paradigm for the lives of believers. Just as Christ suffered and then entered into glory, so too his followers will suffer before being exalted. Today we come to the last section of the epistle. In this short list of commands Peter is calling all believers to remember the fundamentals of our faith. Peter is drawing our attention to at least four fundamental attitudes essential for growing in spiritual maturity: 1. Trust 2. Steadfastness 3. Hope 4. Fellowship

Sermon Audio from Crossway Christian Church

Sermon Audio from Crossway Christian Church

As a dad, I find myself repeating myself all the time. It is not that my kids are slower to learn than others, but simply that repetition is the king of teaching techniques. There is no skill to be learned that isn’t mastered without it. Language, sport, arts – all require repetition. Peter must know this – for the past month he has been banging the drum for us to understand the reality around us. We either suffer for Christ, or we suffer his judgment. Today, let us see how Peter ends his discussion on suffering, by looking at three ways we are NOT to suffer. 1. Suffer without surprised response 2. Suffer without shameful reasons 3. Suffer without sin’s reproach

As a dad, I find myself repeating myself all the time. It is not that my kids are slower to learn than others, but simply that repetition is the king of teaching techniques. There is no skill to be learned that isn’t mastered without it. Language, sport, arts – all require repetition. Peter must know this – for the past month he has been banging the drum for us to understand the reality around us. We either suffer for Christ, or we suffer his judgment. Today, let us see how Peter ends his discussion on suffering, by looking at three ways we are NOT to suffer. 1. Suffer without surprised response 2. Suffer without shameful reasons 3. Suffer without sin’s reproach

The Crusades are often disparaged as one of the pinnacles of human error and religious indecency. I think that such opinions are right, but not for the reasons that most give. As we see today, the church has always been called upon to fight and be a church “militant.” But we are never called upon to take up the sword for the faith, but rather to be willing to suffer under it. Today Peter calls upon us to be armed and ready for the true fight of the faith. 1. Be armed a. Because of time b. Because of judgment c. Because of resurrection 2. Be ready a. Be sober for prayer b. Have love, not grudges c. Be hospitable, not grumbling d. Serve others in Christ

The Crusades are often disparaged as one of the pinnacles of human error and religious indecency. I think that such opinions are right, but not for the reasons that most give. As we see today, the church has always been called upon to fight and be a church “militant.” But we are never called upon to take up the sword for the faith, but rather to be willing to suffer under it. Today Peter calls upon us to be armed and ready for the true fight of the faith. 1. Be armed a. Because of time b. Because of judgment c. Because of resurrection 2. Be ready a. Be sober for prayer b. Have love, not grudges c. Be hospitable, not grumbling d. Serve others in Christ

The Olympics are in full swing. The beauty of them is found in that most of these athletes suffer so much for this, typically, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. They sacrifice time with family, friends; they suffer physical hardships and pressures. But they do it all the same, simply for the opportunity. Peter has called us to much the same fate: sacrifice and suffering. But we do so, not simply for the opportunity, but for the sake of a Savior who has given us a perfect guarantee of redemption. We are called to suffer for Jesus, and Peter gives us three ways to do that this morning: 1. We suffer for Jesus by acting like Jesus 2. We suffer for Jesus by answering for Jesus 3. We suffer for Jesus by aligning with Jesus

The Olympics are in full swing. The beauty of them is found in that most of these athletes suffer so much for this, typically, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. They sacrifice time with family, friends; they suffer physical hardships and pressures. But they do it all the same, simply for the opportunity. Peter has called us to much the same fate: sacrifice and suffering. But we do so, not simply for the opportunity, but for the sake of a Savior who has given us a perfect guarantee of redemption. We are called to suffer for Jesus, and Peter gives us three ways to do that this morning: 1. We suffer for Jesus by acting like Jesus 2. We suffer for Jesus by answering for Jesus 3. We suffer for Jesus by aligning with Jesus

Last week, our text was one that the many Christians, living in a fallen world under fallen governments, struggle to understand and follow. This week is hardly easier. To the outside world, commanding the submission of wives in marriage is unpopular at best, bigoted and misogynistic at worst. Yet many fail to truly hear what Peter is calling for. Let us listen well to him this morning, as Peter talks to us about submission in marriage. 1. A wife’s place 2. A wife’s purpose 3. A wife’s presentation 4. A wife’s pattern 5. A husband’s prayers

Last week, our text was one that the many Christians, living in a fallen world under fallen governments, struggle to understand and follow. This week is hardly easier. To the outside world, commanding the submission of wives in marriage is unpopular at best, bigoted and misogynistic at worst. Yet many fail to truly hear what Peter is calling for. Let us listen well to him this morning, as Peter talks to us about submission in marriage. 1. A wife’s place 2. A wife’s purpose 3. A wife’s presentation 4. A wife’s pattern 5. A husband’s prayers

1 Peter 2:13-25 Americans hate giving up rights, we are a nation defined by them. Patrick Henry cried “Give me liberty or give me death!” and we took it quite to heart. Yet, Peter seems to call us to a different fate. Here Peter calls us, not to stand up for our rights, even less to fight for them, but to lay them down in submission. It is a hard command, and Peter provides no softening for it. We are to submit, in good and bad. What reasons could be provided for such a difficult calling? Peter provides us with three: 1. We submit for the Lord’s sake 2. We submit for the Lord’s favor 3. We submit for the Lord’s example

1 Peter 2:13-25 Americans hate giving up rights, we are a nation defined by them. Patrick Henry cried “Give me liberty or give me death!” and we took it quite to heart. Yet, Peter seems to call us to a different fate. Here Peter calls us, not to stand up for our rights, even less to fight for them, but to lay them down in submission. It is a hard command, and Peter provides no softening for it. We are to submit, in good and bad. What reasons could be provided for such a difficult calling? Peter provides us with three: 1. We submit for the Lord’s sake 2. We submit for the Lord’s favor 3. We submit for the Lord’s example

Introduction Puzzles are not my thing. I know others love them, but I find them difficult and unrewarding. Yet, there are some puzzles that need putting together; some mysteries that need unravelling. Jesus was rejected by the leaders at the time, those who knew Scripture and prophecy the best. Why? Because God was building something wonderful through him: a living and working Temple, made without human hands, to showcase his wonder and excellencies. Peter reminds us of the abiding and true reality of the Temple. Let us then consider today: 1. What the Temple represents 2. What the Temple really is a. We are the stones b. We are the priests c. We are the sacrifice