CROSS Conference Podcast

Kyle Claunch explores the doctrine of the Trinity and how God can be eternally one God yet three distinct persons. A seminary professor and longtime pastor, Claunch uses Isaiah's throne vision to frame this foundational Christian doctrine. The Trinity isn't merely abstract theology but a doctrine that enhances worship, strengthens discipleship, and increases our capacity to make disciples. Understanding that we serve "one true and living God who exists eternally as three distinct persons" transforms how we approach our faith. Deepen your understanding of the Trinity to strengthen your worship and discipleship of others. Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-5 Topics: Trinity, Christian theology, God's nature, Worship, Discipleship

David Mathis explores why physical exercise matters for Christians in light of God's sovereignty and the gospel. He introduces Adoniram Judson, one of America's most significant figures, who was the nation's first commissioned missionary and spent nearly 40 years in Burma. Judson's life demonstrates how physical health and endurance enabled him to persevere in missionary work and kingdom purpose. Mathis connects the physical discipline of exercise to the broader spiritual realities of God's rule over all things. Steward your physical body as part of your overall commitment to God's purposes in the world. Topics: Christian exercise, Physical health, Missions, Endurance, Stewardship

Andy Davis teaches on Scripture memorization using the Sermon on the Mount as his foundation. He explores the contrast between building on rock versus sand those who hear Jesus' words and practice them versus those who don't. Through the parable of two builders, Davis demonstrates that putting God's Word into practice creates a stable spiritual foundation that withstands life's pressures, while neglecting practice leads to spiritual collapse. Begin memorizing Scripture today as the first step toward building an unshakeable spiritual foundation. Scripture: Matthew 7 Topics: Scripture memorization, Spiritual maturity, God's Word, Discipleship, Foundations

Tilly Dillehay examines how envy corrupts joy in seasons of others' success. Witnessing her sisters' stunning musical talent for the first time as a college sophomore, Dillehay faced a complex emotional moment despite having her own musical aspirations. Envy can masquerade as other emotions, even sisterly admiration, yet it poisons authentic joy in others' gifts. Recognizing and rejecting envy allows believers to celebrate God's diverse grace distributed throughout their community. When tempted toward envy over others' talents or success, deliberately choose rejoicing and gratitude for how God distributes His gifts. Scripture: Exodus 34; Psalm 8; Psalm 19; Isaiah 6; Genesis 2 Topics: Envy, Joy, Comparison, Contentment, Community

Jonathan Leeman contrasts two paradigms for conducting missions work. As President of Nine Marks, Leeman critiques movement-driven missions while advocating for church-centered missions as more biblically grounded. Two dominant paradigms compete within evangelical missions: movement-driven (emphasizing flexibility and speed) and church-centered (emphasizing ecclesiology and accountability). Church-centered missions proves more sustainable and biblically faithful. Evaluate your mission involvement through the lens of church health and accountability rather than movement metrics alone. Topics: Missions, Church, Ecclesiology, Missions Strategy, Ministry Paradigms

Mark Collins explores essential foundational beliefs before going on mission. After 25 years leading West Shanghai Baptist Church in China, Collins recalls his own pivotal moment at age 22 when a speaker mentioned China's long spiritual hunger. Before accepting a cross-cultural call, believers must solidify their foundational theological commitments. Clarity about what you believe regarding Christ, Scripture, the gospel becomes your anchor in challenging contexts. Examine your core convictions about Jesus, Scripture, and the gospel before pursuing any significant ministry calling. Scripture: Romans 3:21-25 Topics: Missions, China, Calling, Theology, Cross-cultural Ministry

Nina Buser shares the spiritual markers of women called to global ministry. A missionary to the Yembiyembi tribe in Papua New Guinea for 13 years, Buser recounts her unlikely journey from a secular, broken home to a cross-cultural calling. Encountering God's holiness and Christ's sufficiency reorients women's entire perspective on identity and purpose. Buser's transformation from disinterest to dedication illustrates how gospel renewal fuels missionary calling. Ask God to reveal His holiness to you and examine what markers of missionary character He's already developing in you. Topics: Women in Missions, Calling, Gospel Transformation, Character, Faith

David Mathis challenges attendees to become agents of godly transformation. Mathis speaks to young believers who sense divine discontent with cultural compromise on campus and online. Being an example involves allowing Scripture rather than the world to shape your speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. When centered on Jesus Christ and rooted in a faithful local church, individual transformation becomes catalytic for community change. Commit to being shaped by God's Word rather than algorithms, and lead others toward real life and biblical sanity. Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:12 Topics: Influence, Example, Discipleship, Cultural Witness, Campus Ministry

Alistair Begg and Jonathan Carswell discuss effective gospel communication. Carswell interviews Begg through prepared questions about sharing Jesus, referencing Begg's well-known "man on the middle cross" teaching. Effective evangelism requires both preparation and authenticity. Learning from experienced communicators like Begg helps believers move beyond awkwardness to natural, compelling gospel witness. Practice articulating your faith clearly and compassionately, drawing from Begg's model of winsome gospel communication. Scripture: John 1:29 Topics: Gospel Sharing, Evangelism, Communication, Witness, Jesus

Rae Reid reflects on the joys and challenges of single missionary service. At 43 and single after nearly 12 years in Southeast Asia with Reaching and Teaching, Reid presents an honest assessment of singleness on the mission field. Marital status should never be an excuse to avoid overseas ministry. Single missionaries face unique considerations and opportunities that deserve thoughtful examination rather than dismissal or romanticization. Evaluate whether singleness is truly an obstacle to your calling, and consider the unique strengths single missionaries bring to cross-cultural ministry. Topics: Singleness, Missions, Calling, Single Missionaries, Ministry

David Platt addresses the perennial question of discovering God's will. Acknowledging that believers constantly wrestle with God's direction for their lives, Platt examines whether Scripture addresses all decisions from mundane choices to major life directions. Many decisions aren't explicitly answered in Scripture, yet believers wonder if God cares about all details. Understanding God's character as infinitely good, wise, and loving provides the foundation for experiencing His will in every circumstance. Trust God's infinite wisdom and goodness as you make daily decisions, seeking His guidance through Scripture and His Spirit. Scripture: Proverbs 3:5; 1 Kings 19; Acts 16 Topics: God's Will, Decision-Making, Guidance, Discernment, Scripture

Isaac and Stephanie Stiles provide biblical guidance on dating practices. With 13 years of marriage and experience counseling students through Across Campus, the Dosses address how dating culture has shifted from public chaperoned courtship to modern hookup culture. Though dating itself has radically changed, Scripture speaks directly to how believers should approach relationships and honor God throughout the dating process. Their practical counsel helps students navigate relationships with biblical integrity. Evaluate your dating practices against biblical standards and seek counsel from godly married couples. Scripture: Proverbs (fear of the Lord); James 1; 2 Corinthians 6:14; 1 Corinthians 7:39 Topics: Dating, Relationships, Purity, Marriage, Biblical Courtship

Brooks Buser examines language as both barrier and key to gospel expansion. Working with Radius International to help missionaries learn language and culture, Buser demonstrates why linguistic skill directly determines gospel effectiveness. Language proficiency separates clear gospel communication from muffled, ineffective witness. Valuing language means valuing the gospel's spread, as words are the vehicles through which faith is communicated across cultures. Commit to learning language with gospel intentionality, whether at home or on the mission field. Scripture: Matthew 28 Topics: Language, Gospel Communication, Missions, Culture, Barriers

Scott Hubbard explains the liberating power of self-forgetfulness. Drawing on insights from C.S. Lewis, Tim Keller, and John Piper, Hubbard presents self-forgetfulness as the pathway to freedom and deep wonder. The healthiest Christians live free from constant self-comparison and internal analysis. Instead of obsessing over psychological categories or how they rank against others, they simply forget about themselves and live fully. Practice self-forgetfulness by redirecting your thoughts away from self-assessment toward others and toward God. Topics: Humility, Self-forgetfulness, Joy, Freedom, Wonder

Shai Linne explores the nature and purpose of the local church. This session addresses the vision to unite passion for both foreign missions and the church, noting that those emphasizing one often neglect the other. The teaching centers on how the church represents Jesus' bride and God's promise to build His church. Understanding the church's nature helps believers align their passion for missions with their commitment to the local body of Christ. Apply this by evaluating your own church involvement and how it connects to your evangelistic and missional calling. Scripture: Matthew 16:18; 1 Peter 2:9; Exodus 19 Topics: Church, Local Body, Missions, God's Bride, Purpose

Afshin Ziafat reveals how to discover and follow God's revealed will through biblical wisdom rather than uncertainty and guesswork. After years fielding questions from college students and young adults desperate to know God's direction about college choices, career paths, and life partners Ziafat dismantles the anxiety-driven approach to discerning God's will. Using relatable cultural references and the foundational truth that God's will is knowable and trustworthy, he provides biblical pathways to confident decision-making. Replace the guessing game with God's proven wisdom for navigating life's major decisions. Scripture: 1 Peter 4; 1 John 3; 2 Peter 3; 1 Timothy 2 Topics: God's will and calling, Decision-making, Biblical guidance, Discernment, Career and life direction

Matthew Bennett identifies and addresses the four major barriers that prevent believers from entering long-term missionary service. Bennett brings urgency and directness to a crucial conversation, drawing from his roles as church elder, theology professor, and missions director to expose real obstacles that derail missionary candidates. With compassion tempered by honesty, he explains how personal sin and poor decision-making can disqualify believers from missionary work, while offering practical guidance for those seeking to avoid these pitfalls. If God is calling you to missions, understand what barriers to prepare for spiritually. Topics: Missions mobilization, Barriers to service, Personal holiness, Obedience and calling, Long-term ministry preparation

Matt Schmucker unpacks the character qualities essential for effective missionary work and strategic kingdom advancement. Drawing from 34 years of experience revitalizing Capitol Hill Baptist Church and founding 9Marks Ministry, Schmucker reveals the economic and strategic realities of modern missions. He challenges the assumption that Western missionaries are always the solution, highlighting how indigenous pastor training often yields greater kingdom impact for significantly lower investment. Reconsider your approach to global gospel advancement through this cost-benefit and cultural-sensitivity lens. Topics: Missionary character, Indigenous leadership development, Strategic missions, Cost-effectiveness, Cross-cultural evangelism

Sam Emadi explores friendship with God as a profound spiritual reality and pathway to deeper intimacy with the Divine. Despite sounding casual, biblical friendship with God represents a revolutionary truth: that believers can move from enmity with God to intimate fellowship through Christ's redemptive work. Emadi guides listeners through cultivating this transformative relationship, balancing God's transcendence with His invitation to know Him personally. Experience how understanding God's character deepens your connection to Him. Scripture: John 15:13; James 2:23; Galatians 4 Topics: Intimacy with God, Christian fellowship, Prayer life, Spiritual growth, God's transcendence

Seth Troutt examines what authentic masculinity looks like and exposes the cultural myth of "toxic masculinity." Through a practical pyramid model, Troutt unpacks the character traits that define genuine manhood, starting with the foundational truth that men are not God. He challenges the prevailing cultural narrative, arguing that what society calls "toxic masculinity" is actually anemic masculinity an absence of true virtue rather than an excess. Learn the biblical framework for male strength, humility, and leadership. Scripture: 1 Peter 3:7; Proverbs 28:7 Topics: Biblical masculinity, Male leadership, Character development, Cultural issues, Discipleship of men

Rosaria Butterfield discusses the biblical design and purpose of women through the lens of her personal transformation journey. In this compelling session, Butterfield shares her remarkable journey from lesbian activist and tenured professor to Christian believer, sparked by patient, loving conversations with a pastor neighbor. She explores how understanding God's design for women—created in His image with inherent dignity and purpose within the biblical pattern of male and female—transformed her worldview. Discover how God's truth about gender and sexuality speaks to deep human longings. Scripture: Genesis 1:27 Topics: Biblical gender roles, Women's purpose, Same-sex attraction, Christian hospitality, Worldview transformation

Ben Lacey interviews Carl Trueman in Q&A format about resolving identity crisis in a technology-saturated world. Trueman provides practical wisdom: think critically about technology dependence—smartphones can dominate entire lives—and while we cannot escape technology, we can reduce screen time and humanize our interactions. The path out of identity chaos involves practical steps to regain human connection and reduce technological mediation of life. Humanizing interactions—even simple conversations—is both an act of kindness and a recovery of authentic personhood. Intentionally reduce your screen time and humanize your daily interactions by engaging in real conversation with those around you. Topics: Identity, Technology, Community, Human connection, Church

Ben Lacey interviews John Piper in conversation about the essential connection between doctrine and devotion. Having covered sin, man, Christ, and God's meticulous sovereignty, they affirm that sound doctrine is not merely intellectual theology but fuel for the heart. Doctrine without devotion produces coldness and pride, while devotion without doctrine leads to drift and deception; believers need both sound doctrine and passionate affection for God. What you think about God determines what you believe, love, pray for, long for, and live for. Let biblical truth about God transform not just your thinking but your affections, prayers, longings, and entire way of life. Topics: Doctrine, Theology, Heart affection, Truth, Spiritual formation

Tilly Dillehay and Jeremy Pierre engage in conversation about self-control and modern struggles with discipline. Survey data reveals alarming statistics: 83% of students struggle with self-discipline, 50% of males struggle with pornography, 55% of females struggle with body image issues, and the vast majority cite social media as a constant hindrance. Self-control is not about deprivation but about refusing lesser pleasures to experience immeasurable eternal joy in God; it's a pathway to greater freedom and deeper satisfaction. The culture's inversion of this truth is one of Satan's most effective deceptions. Say no to lesser digital and bodily pleasures so you can say yes to the incomparable joy of knowing God and living for His purposes. Topics: Self-control, Discipline, Temptation, Social media, Sexual purity

David Platt illustrates God's global purpose through a story of a couple who met at CrossCon two years prior, married within a year, and returned with their newborn to seek God's direction for their lives. He establishes that each person is created by God to enjoy intimate relationship with Him while spreading His glory among all peoples. Every believer is created for dual purposes—intimate knowledge of God and participation in spreading His glory globally. Understanding the world's spiritual landscape through categories of gospel accessibility reveals the scope of God's redemptive plan. Consider how God might use your life to spread His glory among unreached peoples and communities around the world. Topics: Global missions, God's glory, Gospel spread, Unreached peoples, Worship

Trip Lee anchors biblical prayer in the finished work of Christ, emphasizing that access to God comes through Jesus' name alone. He introduces the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) as the most famous sermon in history that inverts worldly values and reveals kingdom citizenship. The Sermon on the Mount fundamentally reorients believers' understanding of what kingdom living looks like, and Matthew 7:7 promises that God's generous response to prayer is available to all who approach Him through Christ. Kingdom citizens live by upside-down values where asking boldly receives answers. Embrace the inverted values of Christ's kingdom and ask God boldly for what you need, knowing He generously responds to those who seek Him. Scripture: Matthew 7:7 Topics: Prayer, Kingdom of God, Christ's sufficiency, Generosity, Sermon on the Mount

Alistair Begg explores God's willingness to answer prayer and provide abundantly through Matthew 7:7-11 and Ephesians 3:14-21. Drawing from the promise that asking yields giving and seeking yields finding, Begg emphasizes that God's generosity far exceeds even good earthly parents' gifts to their children. God's extravagant generosity flows from His nature as a perfect Father who delights to give to His children far beyond their requests or expectations. The invitation to ask, seek, and knock is not a suggestion but an encouragement rooted in God's character and abundance. Approach God confidently in prayer, asking boldly for His provision and presence, trusting His generosity exceeds your greatest hopes. Scripture: Matthew 7:7-11; Ephesians 3:14-21 Topics: Prayer, God's generosity, Faith, Provision, God's abundance

Carl Trueman lectures on the church's role in addressing contemporary identity confusion. The church provides biblical identity rooted in God's truth as an antidote to the cultural chaos surrounding personal identity in modern society. Ground your identity in the church's historic, biblical understanding of personhood rather than cultural narratives. Topics: Church, Identity, Culture, Truth, Community

Shai Linne celebrates the union and joy found in the Trinity and the believer's participation in it. Drawing from Jesus' prayer in John 17:20-26, Linne explores Christ's desire that believers experience the same oneness with God and one another that exists within the Godhead, and that they behold His glory and experience the Father's eternal love for the Son.  Jesus prays that believers may see His glory and experience the Father's love that has existed since before the foundation of the world, creating the possibility of participating in the eternal joy of the Trinity itself. The love, unity, and delight of the Godhead becomes the model and promise for all believers. Cultivate your awareness of the eternal joy and love within the Trinity that you are invited to share and delight in. Scripture: John 17:20-26 Topics: Trinity, Unity, God's glory, Eternal love, Joy in God

John Piper examines God's sovereignty in tragedy through the lens of a 2001 incident where a Peruvian Air Force plane shot down a missionary aircraft, killing Veronica Bowers and her 7-month-old daughter Charity. Piper confronts the difficult theological question of how to affirm God's meticulous providence when innocent lives are lost in service to Christ. True hope in God's providence means trusting His sovereignty even when we cannot explain why He permits tragedy, and recognizing that many who follow Christ internationally will face suffering. The call of missions is beautiful but comes with a real and sometimes devastating cost. Examine your theology of God's providence—can you trust Him when His plan permits loss and suffering? Topics: God's providence, Suffering, Missions, Tragedy, Faith in hardship Scripture: James 4; Ephesians 1:11

Ajay Thomas preaches on the power of the gospel moving from head to heart. Through Ephesians 2:1-10, he shows how believers can move from knowing about salvation to truly feeling its transformative power. The gospel's victory is not just a mental assertion but a heart transformation that occurs when God's grace becomes personally real to us. Believers should examine whether they have truly allowed the gospel's victory to penetrate their hearts, not just their minds. Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10 Topics: Gospel, Heart transformation, Grace, Salvation, Faith

Afshin Ziafat opens CROSS CON26 by pressing the gospel into the center—its news so precious that Jesus says it is worth losing your life for, and so powerful that Satan works tirelessly to keep us blind to it. From 1 Thessalonians 1, Ephesians 2, and Romans 3, Afshin shows that we are dead and destined for wrath apart from Christ—but that "But God," in mercy, made a way for God to be just and the justifier through Jesus' finished work. The call is simple and weighty: repent, believe, and turn from idols to serve the living God—no matter the cost. Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1; Ephesians 2; Romans 3 Topics: Gospel, justification, repentance, assurance, Christian joy

Matt Bennett offers practical advice for those aspiring to serve in missions. He emphasizes the need for humility by submitting your aspirations to church elders, seeking mentorship, and serving locally. Rather than rushing into the field unprepared, he encourages aspiring missionaries to pursue discernment through the local church, develop a strong theological foundation, and gain strategic ministry experience.

The Nicene Creed, formulated at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, is a foundational statement of Christian faith, affirming the Trinity and the full divinity of Christ. It was written to refute the Arian heresy, declaring that the Son is "of the same substance" as the Father. For over 1,700 years, it has united believers across traditions, safeguarded orthodox theology, and provided a clear confession of faith. Today, the creed remains essential for defending biblical doctrine, fostering church unity, and grounding Christians in the unchanging truth of the gospel.

The panelists share how their church, Immanuel Baptist, actively reaches out to refugees and immigrants in their community, driven by a heart for the Great Commission. They describe the challenges of this ministry, such as cultural differences, lack of responsiveness to the gospel, and balancing family life. However, they also share encouraging stories of refugees coming to faith, church members stepping up to serve, and the joy of seeing God work. The panelists advise the audience to find their unique gifts and callings, build relationships, and persevere even when the work is difficult, remembering that the ultimate goal is to see people come to know Christ.

Ayman Ibrahim, born and raised in Egypt, shares his experiences of witnessing Muslims coming to Christ in Egypt, Dubai, and Lebanon. He emphasizes that the time is ripe for Muslim evangelism, as Muslims are questioning their faith more than ever before. He provides practical tips for engaging with Muslims, such as praying for them, being prepared to answer their questions, and building relationships with them. Ibrahim encourages the audience to seize this opportunity and be ambassadors of Christ to the Muslim community.

Horizons International is dedicated to reaching international students and refugees in the U.S., engaging Muslims worldwide, and equipping churches and student groups for ministry among these communities. Jim Rairick urges the audience to take action—get involved, connect with Horizons, and share the gospel with the 830,000 international students from the 10/40 window currently studying in the U.S. He highlights the need to cultivate a culture of evangelism in churches, break down racial and ethnic barriers, and develop sustainable support for international student ministry.

David Platt emphasizes the importance of God's Word over physical needs like oxygen, and encourages the audience to reorient their lives around receiving, remembering, and obeying the Word. He highlights the dangers of the "information age" and how easily we can become distracted by worldly information instead of immersing ourselves in Scripture. Platt provides three practical steps: receiving God's Word humbly and wholeheartedly, remembering it intentionally and continually (through meditation, memorization, and sharing), and obeying it immediately and gladly, as this leads to true blessing and life.

Keri Folmar addresses the issue of anxiety, particularly among college students. She shares practical tips to fight anxiety: 1) Know your God by spending time in His Word; 2) Take your troubles to the Lord in prayer; 3) Give thanks, even in the midst of difficulties; and 4) Surround yourself with people who can remind you to trust God. She emphasizes the importance of rooting oneself in God's sovereignty, love, and the truth of Scripture to overcome anxious thoughts.

Ryan Fullerton encourages the audience to cultivate a consistent prayer life by seeking a quiet, private space, shutting out distractions, and following the Lord's Prayer as a model. He stresses that the goal is not to empty the mind, but to focus on meditating on God's Word, while recognizing that God delights in our imperfect efforts. Fullerton also emphasizes the value of spontaneous prayer throughout the day and encourages using resources like Paul's prayers to be discipled in praying according to God's will.

Marshall Segal addresses four common lies that can hinder Bible reading: that the Bible is irrelevant, hard to understand, unhelpful in times of pain, or won't bring happiness. He refutes these misconceptions by emphasizing the Bible's power to provide wisdom, comfort, understanding, and joy. Segal encourages reading Scripture in community, persevering through tough passages, and engaging with the Word prayerfully, recognizing the spiritual battle against distractions and discouragement.

Ryan Fullerton emphasizes the importance of embracing silence and solitude in a world filled with noise and distraction. He discusses how the modern tendency to avoid silence stems from our inability to confront our guilty consciences, which the world tries to distract us from. Fullerton encourages the audience to listen to their consciences, which can lead them to the gospel and the righteousness of Christ. He also suggests that spending time alone with God, without external stimuli, can strengthen one's faith and provide refuge from the difficulties of the world.

Nina Buser shares her journey as a woman in missions, emphasizing the critical roles women play in reaching unreached people groups. Through her story of serving among tribes in Papua New Guinea, she highlights the necessity of women learning language and culture to disciple and teach other women, who men often cannot access due to cultural barriers. Ultimately, she encourages women to embrace the challenges of missions as a "chance to die" to self and gain eternal treasures in serving Christ.

Church planting among unreached language groups is a biblical model requiring sacrifice, commitment, and a deep understanding of language and culture. Missionaries must endure physical hardship, maintain spiritual health, and be prepared for challenges while establishing local churches that outlast their service. Senders support this work through prayer, practical assistance, and discerning God's call, trusting that the ultimate work is the Lord's.

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 foundations of Bible translation, urging participants to focus on guiding church plants through the translation process and to be open to revisions, as well as the incredible privilege of translating God's Word into a new language.

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 impactful ministry among those who have yet to hear the good news of Christ.

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 yet still struggling with sin as believers.

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 would die and rise again for salvation while addressing topics like the Trinity, biblical illiteracy, and Mosaic authorship.

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 and the word of God in missions. Her message encourages believers to embrace their identity in Christ and faithfully make disciples, whether at home or abroad.

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 Christ in one of the most dynamic cities in the Middle East.