Crosswalk - Calvary Chapel Tri-Cities

What should a Christian do when physical intimacy has broken down in a marriage? In this True Set Free Q&A, Pastor Steve Whinery discusses the biblical responsibilities husbands and wives have toward one another and why marriage cannot thrive when either spouse approaches the relationship primarily from the standpoint of what they want to receive. He encourages couples to look honestly at the...

What do you do when the opposition in front of you looks completely overwhelming? In Joshua 11, Pastor Steve Whinery follows Israel into its greatest military challenge yet. The northern Canaanite kings unite against Joshua with an enormous army, horses, and chariots—advantages Israel simply does not have. Yet after earlier lessons in prayerlessness, Joshua has learned to seek the Lord, and God te...

What does it really mean to take up your cross and follow Jesus? Continuing through Joshua 10, Pastor Steve Whinery uses Israel’s pursuit of its enemies as a picture of the Christian’s battle against the flesh. Scripture doesn’t call believers to manage sin, excuse it, or become comfortable with it. The old nature is to be crucified—put to death rather than continually given another opportunity to...

What does Israel’s victory over five enemy kings teach us about the battles Christians face today? Continuing through Joshua 10, Pastor Steve Whinery first addresses the Book of Jasher and explains why an ancient book being mentioned in Scripture does not automatically make that book Scripture. He then returns to the battle, where Joshua refuses to be distracted by the captured kings and continues...

What would it take for the sun to appear to stand still—and is Joshua the only place Scripture describes extraordinary changes in the heavens? Continuing the study of Joshua 10, Pastor Steve Whinery explores possible physical mechanisms behind Joshua’s long day, including changes in planetary motion and gravitational interactions. He then turns to passages in Habakkuk and Isaiah that describe the...

Could the changing alliances and conflicts in the Middle East be preparing the way for the events described in Ezekiel 38? In this True Set Free Q&A, Pastor Steve Whinery examines Ezekiel’s prophecy of a future coalition coming against Israel and discusses how he sees current relationships involving Iran, Russia, Turkey, Israel, and other nations potentially fitting that prophetic picture. He...

Is there evidence outside the Bible that something unusual happened when Joshua prayed for the sun to stand still? Continuing through Joshua 10, Pastor Steve Whinery examines historical traditions from cultures around the world that describe unusually long days or nights. He also explores ancient calendars, changes in the length of the year, and several astronomical theories that have been propose...

Is Joshua’s claim that the sun stood still hopelessly at odds with science? Continuing through Joshua 10, Pastor Steve Whinery examines one of the Bible’s most challenged miracles. He begins with the everyday language of sunrise and sunset, showing why Joshua describing the sun as standing still is perfectly natural from the perspective of someone standing on the earth. From there, Pastor Steve ex...

What happens when Joshua finally stops acting without prayer and starts asking God for help? In Joshua 10, Pastor Steve Whinery follows the consequences of Israel’s earlier decision to make a covenant with the Gibeonites without first seeking the Lord. When five Amorite kings attack Gibeon, Joshua is bound by his word to come to their defense—but this time, God speaks, Joshua listens, and the Lord...

What keeps us in a relationship with God—our faithfulness or His grace? Continuing through Romans 11, Pastor Steve Whinery looks at Paul’s assurance that God has not abandoned Israel. From Paul’s own conversion to the 7,000 who remained faithful in Elijah’s day, Scripture shows that even in seasons of widespread rebellion, God preserves a remnant. But that remnant exists by grace, not works. Salva...

How do you show grace to a teenager without allowing grace to become an excuse for disrespect and disobedience? In this True Set Free Q&A, Pastor Steve Whinery offers biblical counsel for parents dealing with difficult teenage behavior. He discusses the importance of discipline, honoring father and mother, examining the influences surrounding a teenager, and bringing godly men into a young man...

Has God finished with Israel? As Pastor Steve Whinery begins Romans 11, Paul answers that question emphatically: certainly not. Israel rejected the Messiah, but their rejection is not the end of the story. God has preserved a remnant, and His promises and purposes for His people have not been abandoned. Along the way, Pastor Steve looks at the purpose of the law, the responsibility each person has...

What actually has the power to change someone’s heart? Continuing through Romans 10, Pastor Steve Whinery explains why sharing the gospel is about more than repeating the right phrases or coming up with a compelling presentation. Faith comes through hearing God’s Word, and it is Scripture—not our cleverness—that God uses to open eyes and transform lives. Pastor Steve shares examples from evangelis...

It is possible to hear the Bible over and over—and eventually stop listening. In Romans 10, Pastor Steve Whinery examines Paul’s statement that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Biblical hearing means more than simply being present when Scripture is read. It means listening with an open heart and being willing to respond when God speaks. Pastor Steve warns about the danger of...

How can people believe in Jesus if no one tells them about Him? Continuing through Romans 10, Pastor Steve Whinery looks at the open invitation of the gospel: whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. God has done the work of salvation, but each person must respond to Him in faith. Paul then turns the question toward those who already believe: how will people hear without someone tellin...

How do you know when a doctrinal disagreement is simply a difference between Christians—and when it becomes something dangerous? In this True Set Free Q&A, Pastor Steve Whinery distinguishes between unbelievers who need to be reached, believers who need correction, and false teachers who claim Christ while spreading doctrine that damages the faith of others. He discusses Romans 16 and the impo...

Crosswalk broadcast on October 23rd

What does it actually mean to believe in Jesus? In Romans 10, Pastor Steve Whinery looks at the simplicity of the gospel: confess Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead. Salvation is not something we earn through religion, good works, or trying to impress God. God has already done the work through Christ. But biblical faith is more than knowing facts about Jesus....

Crosswalk broadcast on October 22nd

How can a person be made right with God? Continuing through Romans 10, Pastor Steve Whinery explains why keeping commandments can never produce the righteousness God requires. The law exposes our need for a Savior, and every sacrifice pointed forward to Jesus—the One who fulfilled what we could never accomplish ourselves. Paul then brings the gospel down to its beautiful simplicity: believe in you...

Crosswalk broadcast on October 21st

Is it possible to be sincere about God and still miss what He wants? In Romans 10, Pastor Steve Whinery examines Israel’s zeal for God and the mistake of trying to establish righteousness through religious effort. Knowing Scripture, attending church, or comparing ourselves to people who seem worse than us cannot make us right with God. The difference is not simply between religious and irreligious...

Crosswalk broadcast on October 20th

What do you do when you realize you’ve made a bad decision—but you’ve already given your word? As Joshua 9 continues, Israel discovers that the Gibeonites deceived them into making a covenant. Although the agreement was made without first seeking the Lord, Joshua and the leaders refuse to correct one mistake by committing another. They honor their promise even when keeping it comes at a cost. Past...

Crosswalk broadcast on October 19th