CROSS Conference Podcast

Brooks Buser presents a condensed yet powerful session on the vital task of Bible translation for unreached language groups. Drawing from his experience as a lead translator, he outlines the essential prerequisites for translation, including a deep knowledge of both the Bible and the local language, as well as the importance of accuracy and meaning in translation. He emphasizes the philosophical f...

Andrea Green's breakout session focuses on the vital role of language learning in reaching unreached people groups. While languages and cultures are fascinating in themselves, Andrea's passion lies in how mastering a language with excellence brings clarity to the gospel message. She explores how learning another language can open doors for deeper relationships, effective communication, and impactf...

Tom Schreiner discusses what Christ accomplished on the cross, including justification, sanctification, redemption, salvation, reconciliation, and adoption. Tom emphasizes that these blessings are not based on our own merit, but on Christ's work - we are "justified by faith" and Christ's righteousness is "imputed" to us. Schreiner also addresses the tension between being simultaneously justified y...

Dr. Hamilton highlights the importance of understanding the biblical authors' interpretive perspective when studying Scripture. He demonstrates how New Testament writers, like John, rightly interpreted passages such as Isaiah 53 as prophecies of the Messiah's suffering and death. He also examines Isaiah 52 and 53 in detail, presenting the Messiah as the new Adam and the servant of the Lord who wou...

Gloria Furman shares her insights on focused disciple-making, drawing from her personal journey in cross-cultural ministry. With deep conviction, she emphasizes the importance of confidence in the sovereign goodness of God, especially in the face of trials. Furman highlights how God uses suffering to build His church and advance the gospel, offering profound lessons on the role of the local church...

John Folmar paints a vivid picture of Dubai's transformation from a modest fishing village to a global metropolis fueled by oil wealth. Beneath its glitz and towering skyscrapers lies a unique opportunity for gospel ministry amidst cultural shifts and an influx of foreigners seeking prosperity. In this talk, Folmar explores how believers can navigate this modern context and faithfully proclaim Chr...

Churches are messy, but Jonathan Leeman reminds us to see God's grace at work, even amid flaws. Thriving requires faith to love patiently, reflect the gospel, set wise boundaries, and address issues with care. In seasons of decline, we must discern whether to stay and serve or seek a healthier community, always pursuing Christ's vision for His church.

Garrett Kell emphasizes the importance of the local church in helping believers persevere in their faith and avoid apostasy. He cites the book of Hebrews, which warns against falling away from God and exhorts believers to protect, provoke, and submit to one another through pastoral relationships. He stresses that the church is God's antidote to apostasy, calling believers to lock arms, exhort one...

Mike McKinley discusses the importance of being committed to a local church. He explains that church membership is the biblical way for Christians to express their commitment to a particular congregation, where they can use their spiritual gifts for the common good. McKinley provides three reasons why one should be committed to a local church: 1) Jesus is committed to the church, which is his brid...

A local church is a people who are created by the Word, who gather around the Word, and who are governed by the Word. The church is founded on the gospel, gathers to hear and obey God's Word, and is to display Christ's wisdom to the world through its life together under Scripture. Ben Lacey encourages believers to find a church that faithfully preaches the gospel, is centered on God's Word, and su...

Rachel Ware explains that missions agencies are not found in the Bible, but can serve a valuable purpose in supporting local churches as they send missionaries. She encourages listeners to work closely with their local church leadership when discerning a call to missions, and for missions agencies to see their role as "bridesmaids" - coming alongside the church to make the Bride of Christ more bea...

Josh Manley addresses the challenging question, "Why reach the nations when there are lost people on my street?" Drawing from Scripture, he highlights the glory of God as the ultimate motivation for missions, emphasizing that God's glory is not being treasured among the nations. Through examples like Adoniram Judson and the Apostle Paul, he challenges listeners to consider the global need for gosp...

Jenny Manley shared her journey of discerning whether to stay or go overseas for ministry, offering five key questions to guide the decision: 1) What does your theology say about missions? 2) Is there a need, and can you meet it? 3) What guidance are you receiving from others? 4) Do you feel a desire to go? 5) Are you willing to make the necessary sacrifices? Through prayer and wise counsel, Jenny...

Jesus models true humanity through his sonship, holiness, and servanthood, showing that our identity is rooted in being children of a loving Father, pursuing Christlike character, and serving God and others. Growing in this identity requires immersion in the body of Christ, where we are shaped and disciplined within a faithful community. The gospel offers a compelling vision of full humanity, call...

Rosaria Butterfield discusses the importance of modesty for Christian women, emphasizing that it is not an outdated burden but a virtuous and authentic expression of their God-given femininity. She explains that modesty glorifies God, reflects a woman's belief that God's covering is better than her own desire for attention, and demonstrates love for her Christian brothers by not causing them to st...

  Everyone will live forever—either in eternal joy with God or eternal misery apart from Him. Jesus spoke often of hell as a real place of torment, but God's ultimate purpose is to glorify Himself through the everlasting joy of His people. John Piper challenges those who feel called to cross-cultural missions to take their next steps in faith, seek counsel from their local church, and commit to ma...

  Josh and Jenny Manley, a married couple from Mississippi, left careers in Washington, D.C. to serve at Ras Al-Khaimah Evangelical Church in the UAE. There, they have witnessed people from diverse backgrounds come to faith, trained local leaders, and supported the persecuted church, particularly in Afghanistan. Despite challenges, they encourage young adults to trust God's leading, be patient in...

Kevin DeYoung argues that the mission of the church should be centered on making disciples rather than transforming nations as political entities. He supports this by examining biblical passages that emphasize God's work in redeeming a people for Himself through the church, not in establishing Christian civilizations. Ultimately, he concludes that the church's focus should be on God's plan to dwel...

Brad Buser, co-founder of Radius International, spent over 20 years church planting among unreached people groups, particularly in Papua New Guinea. He shared his journey of being called to missions as a young Christian, the challenges of learning the language and culture, and raising his family in the jungle. Buser emphasized the importance of discipline, commitment, and reliance on prayer in tak...

  David Platt explores the wonders of the Holy Spirit in a 50-point sermon, highlighting His life-giving and sustaining work. The Spirit testifies about Jesus, grants new birth, assures our adoption, convicts of sin, and sets believers free from condemnation. He empowers obedience, produces spiritual fruit, and enables bold gospel proclamation, making His presence both awe-inspiring and life-trans...

As Jesus faces his impending death, he humbly washes his disciples' feet, demonstrating the depth of his love and the true nature of servanthood. This act challenges the disciples' self-centered attitudes and calls them to a life of sacrificial love for God and others. Mez McConnell exhorts the audience to consider how the love of Christ should compel them to go to the "least, the last, and the lo...

The local church is essential for missions - it is the beginning and end of missions. Missionaries should not operate independently of the local church, but rather be recognized and sent by their church. The church provides accountability, discipleship, and community for new believers, which is crucial, especially for those from non-Christian backgrounds. Missions is about planting and strengtheni...

Trip Lee emphasizes the importance of the church, stating that it is not optional but essential for following Jesus and holding onto hope. He encourages the audience to hold on to their confession of hope, watch out for one another, and gather together regularly, as these are crucial for persevering in the faith. Trip argues that the church is not a mere "pep rally" but a community that sustains a...

In this panel, John Piper emphasizes God's sustaining grace in keeping believers faithful through prayer, the Word, and corporate worship. He shares his personal journey of relying on God's grace in difficult seasons and urges believers to cultivate habits that keep them rooted in their faith. Piper stresses the urgency of global missions, the centrality of a "big God theology," and the call for t...

John Musyimi exposits 1 Kings 10 by introducing the Queen of Sheba's awe of King Solomon as a prelude to highlighting the unmatched glory of King Jesus. He emphasizes the Queen's journey to witness Solomon's wisdom and grandeur, leading to her transformation into a worshiper of Yahweh. Drawing from Matthew 12:42, Musyimi contrasts Solomon's limited magnificence with Jesus' infinite supremacy, decl...