Crossroads Church

As Paul finds himself in more and more danger wherever he goes, he heads back to Jerusalem, ready to face prison or even death. This would be the beginning of a series of trials that would mark the final steps of Paul's journey as he reaches to the end of the Earth, as he makes his way to Rome. Obstinate in the face of opposition, Paul continues to make much of Jesus whatever the cost may be.

Paul moves on from Ephesus to encourage other churches. Along the way he preaches and teaches wherever he finds himself. One such sermon proved deadly as a young man both fell asleep and fell out a window.

In Ephesus the gospel proves to be disruptive to the old way of life. The whole city is brought to a boiling point for fear of their economy, idolatry, and way of life coming to an end. The Gospel upends everything and confronts the idols of our hearts.

In this radical encounter we are reminded that our battle is not just against flesh and blood. As one author would say we should aim to be known in Heaven and famous in hell. The Sons of Sceva sought the power of Jesus without knowing Him, and in turn were over run by an evil spirit. This Spirt knew Jesus, and knew Paul, would the enemy have any reason to know us? Or do we live in such a way that...

In Ephesus, Paul has back to back encounters with people who have experienced the baptism of John, but have yet to step into the fullness of what Jesus has accomplished on our behalf. In each case the truth is made known and the Spirit of God moves. There are so many who know pieces of truth, but who have yet to embrace the fullness of all the Jesus has to offer.

As Paul continues his journey, he comes to Corinth. In Corinth he works as a tentmaker while continuing to proclaim the good news. In Corinth Paul faces much the same, acceptance, rejection, opposition. But in the midst of this he receives a word from God, a reminder that Paul is not alone, nor has never been a lone. A reminder each of us would do well to remember. Our relationship with God is not...

Paul shows us what it means to exegete our culture and point people to the hope we all in need in the gospel. Paul shows us the importance of paying attention to how the culture around us is seeking to disciple us, and how we must be ready with the answer for the hope we have in Jesus. As we celebrate Mothers day, we recognize that Paul’s call to pay attention to the world around us, is a call on...

Paul reasoned with those in Thessalonica, by walking through the Scriptures. In Berea, they are met by a people eager to hear the word and to examine the scriptures. Strong faith does not have to be an unreasoned or unthoughtful faith. We are told to love the Lord with our heart, soul, strength, and mind. In a day where false information is plentiful, it is important for us to be thoughtful and re...

Paul and Silas find themselves in jail, and what do they do to keep themselves occupied? Well, sing of course! And when the doors open, do you flee or stay to proclaim the good news to your jailer? The gospel upends what is normal, what is our priorities, and shows us how those who follow Jesus can be freer in a prison, than the people that put them there.

In this passage we see a community divided and then united by the work of the Spirit and for the cause of Christ.  But even in this seminal moment, we are left with a reminder that it takes work to be united, and even under the banner of Jesus, disagreements will come.  So how do we have them well? 

The early church was growing, but this growth wasn't without painful, even deadly opposition. Following Jesus in a fallen world often leads us through seasons of pain and suffering. What can we learn from the early church so that we can have the same confidence and peace we see in Acts?

Antioch is where we first see those who are following in the way of Jesus called Christians. To bear the name Christian is to be a devoted follower of Jesus above all else, and the same is just as true today as it was then. The question before us is, are we rightly ordering our lives to put Jesus above all else, or are we letting our religious, political, or vocational labels take precedence over...

As Saul begins to proclaim the goodness of Jesus, he faces challenges both outside the church and within. Many outside the church are frustrated at Saul’s change, and many inside the church are hesitant to believe that Saul truly believed. But Barnabas was willing to build the bridge trust, not just trusting the good news, but living it as well. As the Kingdom continues to move, Peter would be use...

In a powerful act of grace, the very one who was pursuing the church to put an end to it was being pursued by God. Saul, an enemy of the church, would become an unexpected ally as Jesus would call Saul to be His own. In this passage, we are reminded that the reach of Christ is greater than we can imagine. God's grace is for all and can transform anyone!

Philip was a part of a great work in Samaria, and yet God had something else for him to do. As Philip was obedient, even when it didn’t make sense, God was able to do something special. Seeing his obedience is a challenge and an encouragement to us that we would faithfully obey the voice of God.

As the early church scatters, Philip finds himself in Samaria, a place where no good Jew would ever be. Philip would not hesitate to preach Christ, and as a result, great joy would come to the city. In an unexpected place with unexpected people, the joy of the Lord would burst through. We see the gospel is for the World, and the banner of Jesus can be raised over anyone who would turn to him.

Living for God isn't in just the big moments, such as Stephen's death in Acts. In fact, it's the little moments of life that make a big moment possible. How do we follow God with our whole lives, regardless of the size of the moment and regardless of cost?

As the early community of believers grew, so did the needs. When there is a need, it is all too easy to assume someone else will step up to meet it. But in Acts, we see the beauty of a unified church diversified in its gifts, reaching farther together. The question for us is, how can we actively play a part in serving one another?

The Word, community, service, discipleship, prayer. The early church practiced loving God through the Word and by loving one another in community. As we look to this next year, we will continue to be a place that exists to make much of Jesus by loving God and growing in our relationship with Him through His word and time with Him, as well as loving one another in community, serving one another, an...

In a year where so much seems lost, we close by holding onto a thread of hope. Much like a lifeless stump seems to have run its course, the story of Scripture reminds us that dry bones don’t always stay dead, and death does not always have the last word. As we hold to the thread of hope in Jesus, we trust in him to bring new life.