CrossWay Church Sermon Podcast

Guest Pastor Josh Al Joani joins us this week and shares his personal testimony.

A psychologist at the University of Massachusetts ran a study where strangers had a simple ten-minute conversation. The average person said something that wasn't completely true three times — and most of them didn't even realize they were doing it. We have become so practiced at managing how others see us that bending the truth comes almost naturally. That's exactly the world Jesus is speaking into in Matthew 5:33–37. In this message from the Sermon on the Mount, Pastor Brad walks through Jesus's teaching on oaths and integrity — from the Old Testament command to honor vows made to God, to the elaborate loophole system the Pharisees had developed to avoid being held to their words, to Jesus's radical call: just let your yes mean yes and your no mean no. But this isn't just a sermon about keeping promises. It's about the deeper reason we don't — and why no amount of trying harder will fix it. Topics covered: Why the Pharisees' oath system was just a grown-up version of crossed fingers The two root causes of dishonesty: fear and desire for personal gain Why integrity is a gospel issue, not just a character issue How Jesus's death paid the price for every fudged yes and self-protective no

Jesus doesn't wait for the affair to happen. He goes further back — to the glance, the thought, the habit of the heart. In Matthew 5:27–32, Jesus redefines adultery not just as an action but as an orientation of the soul — and He calls us to a radical honesty about what we're really looking for in other people. In this sermon, Pastor Brad walks through three uncomfortable but freeing truths: lust begins in the heart long before any physical act; it requires urgent, practical attention — not willpower alone; and the covenant of marriage is something Jesus takes seriously enough to defend. But this isn't just a sermon about what we've done wrong. It's about a Savior who has never broken covenant with us — even when we've broken it with Him. Topics covered: What Jesus actually means by "looking lustfully" The difference between attraction and objectification Practical steps to address lust before it takes root What Jesus said about divorce — and what He didn't say How the gospel speaks to those carrying guilt from the past

What does Jesus really mean when he says "Do not murder"? In this sermon from Matthew 5:21–26, Pastor Brad digs beneath the surface of one of the most familiar commandments in Scripture — and what he finds is both convicting and hopeful. Jesus isn't just raising the bar on behavior. He's exposing the roots: the anger we've learned to manage, the contempt we've dressed up as discernment, the grudge we've carried so long it feels normal. And then he shows us the remedy — and it's more urgent and more practical than we might expect. In this message you'll discover: Why anger and contempt are on the same road as murder The difference between righteous anger and wounded ego Why broken relationships interrupt worship The crucial difference between forgiveness and reconciliation Why delay is the enemy of reconciliation How the gospel gives us the only motivation powerful enough to move us toward peace Whether you're carrying a broken relationship, an unresolved conflict, or a grudge you've never named out loud — this message is for you. If you want to learn more about forgiveness, check out our series Forgiveness: Letting Go of the Hurts We Carry 📖 Scripture: Matthew 5:21–26 | Ephesians 4:31–32 | Romans 5:6–8 | Romans 12:18

Did Jesus come to throw out the Old Testament? Some people think so. But in Matthew 5:17–20, Jesus sets the record straight — and what he says might surprise you. In this sermon from our series on the Sermon on the Mount, Pastor Brad explores one of the most misunderstood passages in all of Scripture. Jesus didn't come to tear down God's law. He came to fulfill it. And the righteousness he requires goes far deeper than anything we can manufacture on our own. In this message we cover: What Jesus meant when he said he came to "fulfill" the Law and the Prophets Why the Old Testament still matters for Christians today The difference between judicial, ceremonial, and moral law — and which one still binds us Why the Pharisees' righteousness wasn't enough — and why ours isn't either The gospel hope of Matthew 5: Jesus meets the standard we never could Whether you're new to faith or have been following Jesus for years, this message will deepen your understanding of the Bible, the gospel, and what it means to live as God's people. 📖 Scripture: Matthew 5:17–20 (NIV) 📍 Part of our ongoing series on the Sermon on the Mount

Are you living as salt and light in a world that desperately needs both? In this message from Matthew 5:13–16, we explore Jesus’ powerful declaration that God’s promises are being fulfilled — and we are part of the evidence. Salt and light aren’t just metaphors; they define the everyday mission of every follower of Christ. Discover what it means to preserve what is good, bring life to your community, and shine with a light that cannot be hidden. Jesus not only fulfills God’s promises — He invites us into His mission. In this sermon: Why salt and light arere powerful symbols in Jesus’ day How Christians are called to influence culture without losing their identity The danger of becoming “useless salt” Why your life is meant to point ultimately to God’s glory You were made for this. Now it’s time to go live it. Books mentioned in this sermon: Everyday Revolutionary by JD Greear: A great book that talks about how we can live as salt and light in the world today. Dominion by Tom Holland: Gives history of how Christianity shaped the US.

What does it actually mean to be blessed? In this sermon from Matthew 5:10–12, we discover that Jesus redefines blessing in a way that turns our expectations upside down. Being blessed doesn't mean life is comfortable — it means your life is secured by something no one can take away. We look honestly at what Jesus says his followers will face: persecution and insults. We ask the hard question — is this suffering for Christ, or is it something we brought on ourselves? And then we turn to three reasons we can genuinely rejoice even in the middle of it. Whether you're facing pushback for your faith right now or preparing for the cost of following Jesus, this message is for you. In this message, we discuss: Redefining "blessed" as spiritual wholeness rather than easy circumstances. Why following Jesus will inevitably cost us something. How to find reasons to rejoice when we are misunderstood or targeted for our faith. The security we have as citizens of heaven. 📖 Scripture: Matthew 5:10–12 📌 Key themes: Blessing, persecution, suffering, identity, heaven, the love of God

Why is it so hard to get along? Whether it’s drama at work, tension at the dinner table, or conflict in our community, most of us handle stress in one of two ways: we either run away (Peace Faking) or we charge in swinging (Peace Breaking). In this message, we explore Jesus’ call in the Beatitudes: "Blessed are the peacemakers." True peace isn't just the absence of an argument; it’s the presence of "Shalom"—a wholeness that only comes through Christ. What we’ll cover: Why "shallow peace" always fails us. How the Cross of Christ redefines how we handle being hurt. The "READ" method: A 4-step practical tool to manage your emotions in the heat of the moment. How to own your part in a conflict without losing your identity. If you’re tired of the cycle of conflict and want to learn how to build relationships that flourish, join us for this study of Matthew 5:9. These are the resources by Ken Sande that helped shape parts of this message (Reactions to conflict and READ). Resolving Everyday Conflict Peacemakers Relational Wisdom 360 Course

In Matthew 5:8, Jesus says the pure in heart will see God — but what does that actually mean? In this message we explore what the Bible really means by the "heart," why purity isn't about perfection, and what it looks like to pursue a pure heart in everyday life. We also look at what Jesus promises to those who do — both now and in eternity.

In a world that often demands "an eye for an eye," Jesus calls His followers to a radical alternative: Mercy. In today’s message, we dive deep into the fifth Beatitude found in Matthew 5:7: "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy." We explore what it truly means to be "blessed" (makarios) and why mercy is much more than just holding back a punch—it is the active, gracious pursuit of another person’s well-being, even when they don’t deserve it. In this sermon, we cover: ✅ The Meaning of Blessing: Why spiritual thriving is different from material prosperity. ✅ The Anatomy of Mercy: How mercy withholds judgment and extends unexpected blessings. ✅ The Barriers to Mercy: How resentment and envy harden our hearts and how to break free. ✅ Practical Steps: How to cultivate a merciful heart by looking at the cross of Christ. If you’ve ever struggled to forgive someone who hurt you, or if you find yourself trapped in the cycle of resentment, this message is for you.

Have you ever felt like your faith was walking in the wrong direction? In this message, we dive into one of the most beautiful and raw moments in the Gospels: the walk to Emmaus. We explore what happens when our "small" expectations of God are shattered so that a much larger, resurrection-sized hope can take their place. Whether you are currently in a season of doubt, recovering from a spiritual disappointment, or looking for the power to live out your calling, this study of Luke 24 shows us that Jesus isn't just a figure of history—He is the Sovereign Savior who pursues us even when we're walking away. In this sermon, we discuss: Why our "shattered hopes" are often the beginning of a deeper faith. How the Old Testament reveals the "Divine Necessity" of the Cross. Why the physical, bodily resurrection of Jesus changes everything about our future. How to move from being a discouraged observer to an empowered witness. Reflect & Connect: Which part of the Emmaus story resonates with you most right now? Let us know in the comments. If this message encouraged you, please consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who needs to hear that Jesus is walking with them today.

What are you truly hungry for? In this message from the Sermon on the Mount, we explore one of Jesus' most searching beatitudes: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." Jesus isn't describing a casual preference — He's describing a desperate, driving need. The question is whether our deepest hunger is aimed at the right thing. We'll unpack what it truly means to be blessed (makarios), what it looks like to hunger and thirst for righteousness in both its relational and moral dimensions, and how God promises to fill that hunger through justification, sanctification, and ultimately glorification. We'll also get practical — looking at how fasting, auditing our appetites, and practicing relational righteousness can help us grow in our hunger for God and the life He calls us to. 📖 Scripture: Matthew 5:6 🗂️ Topics covered: What does "blessed" really mean? The intensity of spiritual hunger and thirst Relational and moral righteousness Justification, sanctification, and glorification Practical steps to grow your hunger for God Whether you feel spiritually hungry or spiritually dry right now, this message is for you.

In a world that screams for us to promote ourselves, defend our rights, and "win" at any cost, Jesus offers a counter-cultural promise: "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." But what does it actually mean to be meek? Is it just being a "doormat," or is it something far more powerful? In this study of the third Beatitude, we explore why meekness isn't the absence of power, but power under the control of trust in God. The Secret of "Makarios": Why "blessed" is a joyful flourishing that grows beneath the surface of your life, even when you don't feel it. Meekness vs. Weakness: How meekness is rooted in our "vertical" relationship with God, allowing us to let go of our egos and the need to constantly justify ourselves. Inheriting the Earth: Why the meek are actually the ones who enjoy life now—because they aren't driven by fear, rivalry, or the need for control. The Model of Christ: How looking at Jesus’s strength and kindness on the cross empowers us to respond to others with patience and self-restraint.

We continue our sermon series in Matthew and look at the second Beatitude. in this sermon we will learn . . . 1️⃣ What it means to be blessed Many people think blessing means good circumstances or feeling happy. But the biblical word makarios points to a deeper, God-rooted kind of flourishing. 2️⃣ What Jesus means by mourning Jesus isn’t talking about mild sadness. He’s speaking about deep, genuine brokenness—over our sin and over the pain caused by a fallen world. 3️⃣ The comfort God promises God meets us in our grief, not just after it ends. Through Jesus, we find salvation, strength, growth, and a peace that surpasses understanding. 4️⃣ What we learn about grief as disciples Grief isn’t weakness. It’s part of following Jesus, growing spiritually, and becoming people who can comfort others with the comfort we receive.

Pastor Josh Van Til shares thoughts on the types of fears that we often struggle with and challenges us to think about how Jesus speaks against them.

What does it really mean to be blessed? In this sermon on Matthew 5:1–3, we dive into the opening of Jesus' famous Sermon on the Mount and discover that the "blessed life" has nothing to do with comfort or circumstance. The Greek word makarios points to something far richer — a deep, joyful flourishing that holds steady through anything life brings. We explore what Jesus means by "poor in spirit": not self-pity or low self-esteem, but a clear-eyed awareness of our sin, our limits, and our complete dependence on God. And we look at the stunning promise attached to it — that those who come to God this way receive nothing less than life in his kingdom. Whether you're new to the Sermon on the Mount or have read it a hundred times, this message will challenge you to examine where you're placing your confidence — and what it might look like to hold your life more openly before God.

In Matthew 4:18-25, we see two very different responses to Jesus. Large crowds gathered, drawn by His miracles and what He could do for them. But Jesus also called specific disciples - ordinary fishermen whom He promised to transform into fishers of men. This sermon explores the crucial difference between being part of the crowd and being truly called by Jesus. The crowds were often fickle, loving Jesus for what they could get from Him. But the disciples left everything immediately to follow Him, and Jesus transformed them completely. Which are you - crowd or called? You can attend church without truly being part of God's family. But Jesus is still calling imperfect people today, and His call demands a response. He promises to transform those who answer His call. Key Points: The crowd was drawn by what Jesus could do for them Jesus took the initiative to call ordinary fishermen Crowds gather, but disciples are called Crowds consume, but disciples sacrifice Crowds stay comfortable, but disciples are transformed Jesus is still calling and transforming believers today

Have you ever felt like you’re in a "flyover" season of life—stuck in a place that feels dark, insignificant, or overlooked? In this message, we dive into Matthew 4:12-17 to see why Jesus bypassed the religious and political power of Jerusalem to launch His ministry in the "backwater" region of Galilee. We explore how this wasn't an accident, but the fulfillment of an ancient promise: that a Great Light would dawn exactly where people felt the most hopeless. Whether you are walking through a season of spiritual darkness or simply wondering where God is at work, this study of Jesus’s first message—"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near"—offers a radical invitation to experience the transforming light of Christ right where you are. In this video, we discuss: Why God often chooses "insignificant" places to do His greatest work. The link between Jesus’s ministry and the prophecy of Isaiah 9. What "repentance" actually means (and why it’s a message of hope). How to find God’s light in your own seasons of darkness.

Step into Matthew 4:1–11 as we explore Jesus’ powerful battle in the wilderness. Led by the Holy Spirit, weakened from fasting, and confronted by Satan himself, Jesus shows us what it truly means to stand firm in faith. This message uncovers not only the nature of temptation but also how God equips us to overcome it. In this teaching, we look at each of the three temptations Jesus faced: 🔥 Temptation #1 — Stones into Bread Satan challenges Jesus to prove His identity and prioritize comfort over obedience. Jesus responds with Scripture, reminding us that God’s Word sustains us more than anything else. 🔥 Temptation #2 — Jump from the Temple Satan quotes Scripture out of context, tempting Jesus to test God and seek public spectacle. Jesus models discernment and humility, showing us how to recognize Scripture when it’s twisted. 🔥 Temptation #3 — A Shortcut to Power Satan offers Jesus earthly glory without the cross. Jesus rejects the easy path and declares that worship belongs to God alone. Along the way, we uncover essential truths for our own spiritual battles: The Devil is real and strategic. Scripture is our greatest defense. God may lead us into wilderness seasons—but never to abandon us. Temptation often disguises itself as a shortcut, a comfort, or even a spiritual-sounding idea. If you’re facing pressure, spiritual attack, confusion, or exhaustion, this passage speaks directly to you. Jesus shows us how to stand strong—anchored not in our own strength but in the Word of God.

This sermon explores the pivotal moment at the Jordan River where John the Baptist’s prophetic mission meets its ultimate fulfillment in the arrival of the Messiah. Though John initially resists baptizing the sinless Savior, Jesus insists on this act to fully identify with the humanity He came to redeem. The event serves as a stunning reveal of the Trinity in action, as the Father’s voice and the descending Spirit confirm Jesus’ identity as the promised King and suffering Servant. By submitting to baptism, Jesus sets the stage for His ultimate mission of forgiveness through the cross and resurrection. We conclude by challenging listeners to reflect on their own public identification with Christ and the assurance of their identity as children of God.