Together #forSalem

The question we all ask in some way is… If there is a God what does he think and feel about me? The answer we find has the ability to shape not only our view of God, but how we see others, ourselves, and our place in the world.

How does Jesus’ death and resurrection actually change anything for our lives right now?

At the core of Christianity is the absurd belief that a man actually died and came back to life. But if it’s true, then something even more absurd is true… We also can and will be resurrected from the dead. If that’s true, it can have a profound impact on how we view and live our lives now.

Christianity can seem pretty absurd. In fact, its most central claim is also its most absurd… an ancient Jewish peasant claimed to be God and rose from the dead. But what if it’s true? Does it even matter and can it actually change anything for our lives now? Let’s peel back the layers and take a new look at the absurd core of Christianity.

Consumerism has seeped into almost every aspect of our lives. Almost everyone is trying to get us to consume the product they are selling. But there is an alternative… an alternate community… a community that gives far more than it takes. A community where you can find mutual acceptance, encouragement, and dependability. A community of which you are personally invited to be a vital part.

Consumerism has made life hollow… artificial… disposable… We can't enjoy and live in the “now” because we are always looking for more, newer, or better. This cycle of unsatisfaction affects every part of our lives. Maybe we need something else. Something we can’t consume… but something we can be.

Consumerism doesn’t fulfill its promise of happiness. Instead of being happy, we are overworked, overstressed, in debt, unsettled, and unsatisfied. How can we kill consumerism before it kills us?

We are on a constant quest for more and more only to find our lives and experiences feeling emptier and emptier. It doesn't have to be this way. There is a way out that allows YOU to be part of the solution. But, before we can talk about our role in a solution we have to identify the real problem.

Consider this your... flashback episode. Maybe our So, What About...? series prompted more questions. Check out these episodes in the show notes to see if they scratch your itch.

At a time when our society seems so divided, the Church only seems to add to or even instigate much of the division. But Jesus said unity should be a defining characteristic of those who follow him. What have we missed? Is true unity even possible anymore?

How do we reconcile the God of love and mercy Jesus showed us and the violence God seems to condone and even command in the Jewish Scriptures?

“Why would a good and loving God allow evil and suffering?” is one of the most fundamental questions humans have been asking for millennia. Maybe the answer isn’t as mysterious or complicated as we’ve made it. And maybe it’s better than we ever dared hope.

“Why would a good and loving God allow evil and suffering?” is one of the most fundamental questions humans have been asking for millennia. Maybe the answer isn’t as mysterious or complicated as we’ve made it. And maybe it’s better than we ever dared hope.

Wouldn’t it be great to actually hear God answer our questions about life? What school should I go to? What job should I take? Should I get married? It would make life so much easier if he would just clearly speak to us, wouldn’t it? So why doesn't he? Why doesn't he just tell us what we should do? Well, maybe he offers something better.

To be able to explore our questions about God we have to have a pretty good understanding of who God is. The problem is, we all have our own view and version of God and what he is like. So how can we find a common starting point to not only answer our questions but to truly discover who God really is?

You believe what you believe because you know it’s right, right? But how do you know? We often just assume our beliefs are correct without actually evaluating why we believe them. Maybe it’s time to start asking some bigger questions of our beliefs.

You have questions. We want to walk with you through them. Our series "So, what about...?" 3.0 will launch January 2022. But first... we need your questions! We hope to cover 6 major topics. Hit us with what you got! Email us at info@yourcrosscreek.com or head over to https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/ask

We say we are tired of all of the division around us… but we keep dividing ourselves from each other. Division just seems to be part of our human nature. But Christmas promises peace on earth. Are unity and peace actually possible or is it simply some sentimental longing? The answer is simpler and more powerful than we imagine.

Christmas reminds us that life can be more. There are more than the usual routines we find ourselves mindlessly repeating. In fact, Christmas actually points the way to experiencing the life we long for… the life Jesus offers to everyone.

In our culture, Christmas promises a lot of things… things like peace, hope, joy, and happy memories. But it often seems like those promises go unfulfilled. Maybe those things aren’t found in what Christmas promises, but in what Christmas proves about our true worth.

At some point in your life, you’ve probably prayed. But why do we do it? What’s the point and what good does it do? Let’s find out together why Jesus thought prayer was so important.

At some point in your life, you’ve probably prayed. But why do we do it? What’s the point and what good does it do? Let’s find out together why Jesus thought prayer was so important.

We would all love to be generous and be able to help others in need. So why don’t we? Because we don't plan for it. Intentions are great but true generosity requires planning.

Money can either bring happiness or stress and anxiety… but it has nothing to do with the amount we have. The key is in how we view it and use it.

Money can’t buy happiness, right? Funny thing is, most of us think we might be the exception and try anyway. Only to just become more stressed, anxious, and exhausted. But money actually can make us happy, if we understand true ownership.