The Cross Church Messages

Speaker: Sam DraperSeries: Origin StoriesThis week's message, "What Feels Like Delay Is Often Preparation," reminds us that the seasons we often see as delays are actually God's training grounds. Looking at Exodus 16–17, we discover that Israel's time in the wilderness wasn't punishment—it was preparation. God used the wilderness to expose what was in their hearts, teach them to depend on Him daily, and reshape their identity into the people He created them to be. The message centers on three powerful truths:The wilderness exposes what's inside you. Pressure doesn't create bitterness, fear, or misplaced worship—it reveals what's already there so God can heal it.The wilderness teaches daily dependence. Just as God provided manna one day at a time, He invites us to trust Him for today's grace instead of worrying about tomorrow.The wilderness reshapes your identity. Through Christ—the true Bread of Life and the Rock who was struck for us—God replaces the labels of our past with the identity He has purchased for us through the cross. The big takeaway is this: God uses the wilderness to strip away what doesn't belong, shape us into who He's calling us to be, and feed us with everything we need in Christ. What feels like a delay may actually be God's preparation for what's ahead.

Speaker: Kris SegrestSeries: Origin StoriesThis powerful message takes us deep into Exodus 14, where the Israelites find themselves trapped between the Egyptian army and the Red Sea—a dead end that seemed like certain destruction. Yet this wasn't a mistake in God's navigation; it was an intentional setup for His glory. The central truth resonates through every verse: God is motivated by glory while we're motivated by ease. When we face impossible situations—whether financial crisis, relational breakdown, health challenges, or spiritual drought—we're confronted with a fundamental reality: if God doesn't come through, we're going to fall through. But here's the beauty: our dead ends don't mean it's the end. God works beneath the surface, building foundations in us that no one sees before He erects the visible miracles everyone will witness. The Israelites had known God as their liberator for only three weeks when they faced this crisis, yet many of us who've walked with Him for decades still respond with the same fear and complaint when trials come. The measure of our spiritual maturity isn't found in how we worship during victory, but in how we respond when we're backed against our own Red Sea. Will we move toward faith or fear? Will we trust that the same God who came through before will come through again?

Speaker: Kris SegrestSeries: Origin StoriesThis powerful message takes us deep into the story of the final plague in Egypt and the institution of Passover, drawing remarkable parallels between ancient Israel's deliverance and America's 250 years of freedom. At its heart, this teaching reveals three essential truths about God's character: He is mighty, demonstrating His power through the plagues; He is fair, holding sin accountable while providing a way of escape; and He is gracious, always offering redemption to those who seek Him. The blood on the doorposts becomes more than just a historical detail—it's a prophetic shadow pointing forward to Christ, the ultimate Passover Lamb. We're challenged to understand that being God's creation is different from being His children, a distinction that calls us to live differently in a culture that increasingly blurs spiritual lines. The message confronts us with an uncomfortable truth: if the church loses its distinctiveness and fails to take bold stands on biblical truth, our nation loses its moral compass. We're reminded that favor isn't the absence of hardship but the tangible evidence of God's hand upon our lives, demonstrated through His approval, blessing, and support that others can see. The call to 'Make America Godly Again' isn't political posturing but a spiritual imperative—a recognition that national morality cannot prevail without religious principles as its foundation.

Speaker: Kris SegrestSeries: Origin StoriesThis powerful exploration of Moses at the burning bush challenges us to examine whether we're truly ready to become answers to someone else's prayers. Drawing from Exodus 3, we're confronted with the reality that God never changes the world without first changing us. The message unpacks four essential qualities for those willing to be used by God: staying inquisitive about His character, placing our lives completely on the altar, understanding both God's terrible holiness and tender compassion, and eliminating our excuses. What's particularly striking is how Moses—at 80 years old, tending sheep in the desert—thought his best days were behind him. Yet God was preparing him to liberate two million people. This reminds us that our past failures, our current mundane circumstances, or our advanced age don't disqualify us from God's purposes. The burning bush wasn't in a temple or at a conference; it was in an ordinary field. God meets us in the everyday moments when we're willing to turn aside from our well-worn paths and pay attention. The challenge here cuts deep: Are we so captivated by lesser pursuits—bucket lists, experiences, comfort—that we've reduced our spiritual lives to familiar trails? Or are we willing to say 'send me' when God calls us to the hard things?

Series: Holy CommotionSpeaker: Kris SegrestThis powerful message confronts us with a sobering reality: wokeness leads to brokenness. Drawing from the short but potent book of Jude, we're challenged to examine the spiritual dangers facing our generation, particularly young adults transitioning into independence. The message identifies three critical roots of spiritual decline: progressive theology that treats Scripture as merely a starting point rather than unchanging truth, the prosperity gospel that uses faith for personal gain, and deconstructionism that tears down the foundations of belief we were raised with. Through the biblical examples of Cain, Balaam, and Korah, we see how moral compromise, greed, and division have plagued God's people throughout history. The warning is clear: in about 120 days, many graduates will face the ultimate test of whether their faith is truly their own or simply inherited. We're reminded that God doesn't change with cultural trends, and that true freedom comes not from throwing off biblical boundaries but from embracing them. The call is urgent: will we conform our lives to God's Word, or will we reshape God to fit our preferences? This isn't just about avoiding bad theology; it's about recognizing that churches are imperfect because they're filled with imperfect people, yet we must remain committed to the body of Christ rather than becoming victims of 'church hurt' who walk away entirely.

This powerful message takes us into the origin story of Moses, revealing a profound truth that echoes through eternity: our value is determined not by what we accomplish, but by whose we are. Through the dramatic account of a Hebrew baby hidden in a basket among the reeds, we discover that before Moses ever parted the Red Sea or led a nation, his worth was already settled in the eyes of his parents and ultimately in God's design. The sermon draws stunning parallels between Moses and Jesus—both targets of murderous kings, both preserved through divine intervention, both deliverers of God's people. We're challenged to see ourselves in this narrative: like Moses floating in that tar-covered basket, we too are protected by something far greater than our circumstances. The blood of Christ covers us just as that pitch sealed the basket against the dangerous waters. This isn't just ancient history; it's a direct confrontation with the lies many of us believe about ourselves—that we're mistakes, that we lack value, that our past defines our future. The message calls us to embrace our true identity as masterpieces created by God, protected by His hand, and destined for purposes beyond our imagination. When we understand our origin in Christ, everything changes—our self-perception, our mission, and our eternal significance.Learn more about us at thecross.comWatch more messages at thecross.com/watch

We often find ourselves chasing after things we believe will finally make us happy—a better job, a new relationship, a different city, more money. But what happens when we get those things and still feel empty? Luke 15's story of the prodigal son reveals a profound truth: the empty life always has an address. Whether we're running far from God in pursuit of worldly pleasures or staying close while secretly resenting our obedience, both paths lead to the same emptiness. The younger son squandered his inheritance in a distant country, ending up feeding pigs—the lowest place imaginable for a Jewish man. Yet his older brother, who never left home and followed all the rules, was equally lost. He worked not out of love for his father but for the rewards he expected to receive. The heart of this parable isn't really about either son—it's about the Father who runs toward both of them. When the younger son was still far off, the Father saw him and ran, covering his shame with a robe, restoring his identity with a ring, and placing sandals on his feet to declare him son, not servant. The Father interrupted the apology because forgiveness was already given. This is the scandalous grace we're invited into—not because we've rehearsed the perfect apology or earned enough spiritual points, but because the Father desperately wants relationship with us. The question we must ask ourselves is: are we chasing things that will never satisfy, or are we running home to the Father who is already running toward us?

Speaker: Sam DraperStand Alone MessageThis powerful message from Philippians 4 challenges us to examine whether we truly embrace transformation or simply settle for selective obedience. We're confronted with a penetrating truth: having access to the gospel isn't the same as living out its demands. Just as signing up for a gym membership doesn't automatically make us healthier without changing our entire lifestyle, claiming Christ without transformation leaves us spiritually stagnant. The passage addresses four critical areas where obedience matters most. First, we cannot stand firm in Christ while harboring unresolved conflict with others—division threatens the stability of the church and distorts the gospel message. Second, our anxiety reveals where we trust ourselves more than God, and we're called to replace worry with prayer and thanksgiving. Third, our thoughts aren't neutral—they're actively forming who we become, which means we must guard our minds intentionally. Finally, contentment isn't something we stumble upon; it's learned through disciplined dependence on Christ. This isn't about feeling better or finding quick fixes. It's about recognizing that if Jesus' blood is sufficient to cover our sins, it's sufficient to cover others' sins too, uniting us across every cultural and personal difference. The call is clear: stop waiting for perfect circumstances to find peace, and start surrendering control to the One who holds all things.

Speaker: Kris SegrestSeries: Holy CommotionThis powerful message from the book of Jude challenges us to examine whether we're truly living out our faith with the urgency it demands. The central question posed is profound: Are we simply going through the motions of Christianity, or are we actively 'faithing'—exercising our spiritual muscles in ways that stretch us beyond comfort? The sermon reminds us that God defines us before He deploys us, calling us beloved, called, and kept. But this identity comes with responsibility. We're challenged to build a life that lasts by strengthening four critical areas: faith, prayer, staying in God's love, and waiting for His mercy. The message confronts our tendency toward comfortable Christianity, asking pointed questions about where we're actually taking risks for the Kingdom. Are we content with our routines, or are we willing to step into uncomfortable places where God's glory isn't yet displayed? The call to 'keep on because He's keeping you' isn't passive—it's an active perseverance that requires us to reach the doubting with mercy, snatch the burning from the fire, and carefully engage with those dangerously close to destruction. This isn't about cultural wars or political sides; it's about the eternal battle between good and evil, and our generation's willingness to sacrifice for truth the way others are sacrificing for lies.

Speaker: Kris SegrestSeries: Holy CommotionThis powerful message on Mother's Day challenges us to examine what we're passing down to the next generation. Drawing from the book of Jude, we're confronted with a critical question: are we merely handing down family recipes and holiday traditions, or are we building a legacy of genuine faith? The sermon unpacks three biblical examples of failure—the Israelites who saw miracles but didn't believe, angels who rebelled against their divine purpose, and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah destroyed by immorality. These aren't just ancient stories; they're warnings about what happens when faith becomes decoration rather than foundation. We're reminded that 67% of people who leave church do so not because of hurt or disappointment, but because they simply stopped believing. This sobering statistic reveals the urgency of building authentic faith in our homes. The call is clear: we must break cycles of bondage—whether addiction, immorality, unbelief, or control—and intentionally construct new legacies of faith, obedience, and holiness. This requires naming our chains, bringing them to Jesus, and partnering with our faith family. Our children won't inherit faith by osmosis; they need to see us opening our Bibles at the kitchen table, exercising genuine repentance, and living out belief in everyday moments.

Speaker: Kris SegrestSeries: Holy Commotion

Series: Holy CommotionSpeaker: Kris SegrestIn a world drowning in tolerance, we're called to stand firm on truth. This powerful message from the book of Jude reminds us that before we can fight any battle, we must first understand who we are in Christ. Jude, Jesus's own brother who once thought Him crazy, became so transformed by the resurrection that he identified himself simply as a servant. His letter addresses three groups still present in churches today: the wise who align their lives with God's truth, the immature who are still growing, and the evil who manipulate faith for personal gain. The central revelation is this: God defines us before He deploys us. We are called, beloved, and kept for Jesus Christ. In a culture that tries to define us by beauty, brains, or bank accounts, we must anchor our identity in being divinely called out of darkness, deeply beloved beyond measure, and carefully kept for divine purpose. This isn't just theological theory—it's the antidote to the anxiety and depression epidemic plaguing our generation. When we truly grasp that we're numbered among God's hairs on our head and that His thoughts about us outnumber the ocean's sand, we gain the confidence to live without fear. Mercy gives us what we don't deserve, peace allows us to walk through battlefields unshaken, and love empowers us to give what we've received. The question isn't whether we'll face opposition for standing on truth—it's whether we know ourselves well enough to stand at all.

Series: Baptism WeekendSpeaker: Kris SegrestThis powerful message cuts straight to the heart of what it means to publicly identify with Christ through baptism. We're reminded that baptism isn't some magical ritual or ticket to heaven—it's the first step of obedience for those who've already placed their trust in Jesus. Drawing from Romans 6:3-4, we see how baptism symbolizes our complete identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Just as we were born into water in our mother's womb, we're symbolically reborn through the waters of baptism. The message challenges us to examine whether we've put our baptism on the right side of our salvation—have we been baptized after genuinely trusting Christ, or did we go through the motions before truly understanding what it meant? There's a beautiful honesty here about how we've evolved in communication from handwritten notes to smartphones, yet sometimes keep private the very things we should make most public. The example of Jesus being baptized by John wasn't because He needed cleansing from sin, but to leave us an example to follow. If we want to be like Jesus, we must walk in His steps. This isn't about denominational tradition—it's about scriptural obedience. The question confronts us directly: if we can't stand for Jesus in a friendly church environment, how will we represent Him in a hostile world?

Series: Stand AloneSpeaker: Kris SegrestThis powerful message reminds us of a profound spiritual pattern: the valleys often follow the mountaintops. Drawing from James 1:2, we're challenged to understand that trials aren't random interruptions to our faith journey—they're integral to it. The sermon explores three essential truths about the tests we face: they're inevitable, so we should expect them; they're purposeful, so we should embrace them; and they're temporary, so we should outlast them. What makes this perspective transformative is the recognition that we learn more through our trials than our triumphs. The pressure that feels unbearable is actually the force turning coal into diamond, weakness into resilience. Biblical examples like Paul's adversity, Joseph's pit-to-palace journey, and Elijah's fear after Mount Carmel's victory show us we're not alone in experiencing spiritual discouragement after great spiritual success. The enemy loves to undercut God's work in our lives, but we have an unshakable truth: Jesus walks with us through every valley. We never stand alone. This isn't just theological comfort—it's practical wisdom for navigating the tough weeks that inevitably come, reminding us that steadfastness isn't about avoiding the fire, but being forged within it.

Series: EasterSpeaker: Kris SegrestThis powerful Easter message centers on one of the most overlooked yet transformative moments in Scripture: the tearing of the temple curtain at Christ's death. We're reminded that this wasn't just symbolic—it was revolutionary. For thousands of years, humanity lived separated from God by a massive veil, four inches thick, sixty feet tall, and thirty feet wide. Only one priest, once a year, could enter God's presence, and even then with fear and trembling. But when Jesus breathed his last breath on the cross, that curtain was torn from top to bottom—not by human hands, but by divine power. This tearing signified three life-changing realities for us today: access has been granted to God's presence through Christ's blood; genuine change is possible because Christ now lives in us; and this truth cannot be contained. We're challenged to recognize that what seems commonplace to us—approaching God freely in prayer, worship, and relationship—would have been unimaginable to those who came before. The message confronts our tendency toward practical atheism, where we acknowledge God on Sundays but live the rest of the week as if He doesn't exist. We're invited to embrace the stunning reality that the same resurrection power that raised Christ from the dead now dwells within every believer, making us new creations from the inside out.

Series: Stand AloneSpeaker: Kris Segrest

Speaker: Renod BejjaniThis weekend, we were challenged with a powerful truth: there is a war happening all around us—not just cultural, political, or physical, but a spiritual battle for the human heart and soul.Through his personal story, our guest speaker shared how God can redeem even the deepest pain, transforming anger, trauma, and brokenness into healing, purpose, and mission. His journey reminded us that real transformation begins with a daily relationship with God—through prayer, His Word, and surrender.We were also reminded that Jesus didn’t save us to stay comfortable—He saved us to be sent. God has placed us in a unique moment where the nations are right around us, and every believer has a role to play. Sometimes, it starts with something simple: a conversation, an invitation, or bold obedience.This message calls us to step into our purpose, engage in the mission, and trust that God can use anyone to make an eternal impact.

Speaker: Sam DraperSeries: Turning Houses Into HomesThis powerful message confronts one of the most formidable enemies threatening our homes today: the worship of money. Drawing from Matthew 6:24, we're challenged with the stark reality that we cannot serve two masters—we must choose between God and money. The statistics are sobering: 40% of divorces result from financial issues, yet the problem isn't money itself but what happens when money takes the throne in our hearts. We're reminded that marriage, as instituted in Genesis 2:23-25, is a covenant of complete unity—one flesh, naked and unashamed. This unity must extend to our finances, eliminating the dangerous pattern of financial secrecy that breeds division. The wisdom of Proverbs 22:7 warns us that the borrower becomes slave to the lender, a particularly convicting truth for people whom God has redeemed from slavery. What makes this message so relevant is its practical honesty about the struggle between building our lives around God versus building them around wealth. When we refuse to surrender our worship at the altar of financial security, we discover that true peace comes not from our bank accounts but from the One who paid our ultimate debt through His blood on the cross.

Series: Turning Houses Into HomesSpeaker: Kris SegrestConflict is inevitable in our relationships, but destruction is optional. This powerful exploration of Ephesians 4:26—32 reveals a transformative truth: we must fight enmity, not make enemies.These aren't just relationship problems—they're spiritual issues that give the enemy a foothold in our homes. When we invite the Holy Spirit into our conflicts and extend the same grace we've received, our homes become places of redemption rather than battlegrounds.

Series: Turning Houses Into HomesSpeaker: Kris SegrestThis message challenges parents to rethink how they’re raising the next generation, asking a powerful question: are we shaping ornaments to protect or arrows to send? Drawing from Psalm 127, it calls families to intentionally disciple their children—preparing them for spiritual battle, grounding them in obedience and honor, and equipping them to live with purpose for God’s kingdom.

Series: Turning Houses Into HomesSpeaker: Kris SegrestThis sermon addresses the biblical model of womanhood and the traditional family structures. Pastor Kris examines the story of Jezebel from 1 Kings 21 as a cautionary example of a controlling, manipulative spirit that opposes God's design for women. He emphasizes that men and women are created equal in value but different in design—not competitors but completers of one another. The message challenges women to embrace biblical femininity characterized by submission to godly authority, honesty, and teachability, rather than control and manipulation. Pastor Kris also addresses how both genders can exhibit these negative traits and calls for a return to biblical patterns in marriage and family life, emphasizing that women have intrinsic value as image-bearers of God with unique gifts, including the ability to create life.

Series: Turning Houses Into HomesSpeaker: Kris SegrestKey Verses: Ephesians 5:25-28, 1 Timothy 3:4-5This sermon challenges men to embrace biblical masculinity by rejecting passivity and stepping into their God-given roles as spiritual leaders in their homes, churches, and communities. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 16:13-14, the pastor outlines five imperatives for men: be watchful, stand firm in faith, act like men, be strong, and let all be done in love. The message emphasizes that true manhood is not about physical strength or cultural stereotypes, but about taking responsibility, protecting one's family spiritually, standing for truth, and leading with sacrificial love. The sermon addresses contemporary challenges including the erosion of gender roles, the dangers of toxic empathy over biblical truth, and the need for men to actively disciple their families rather than abdicating leadership. It concludes by distinguishing biblical masculinity from worldly brutality, showing that strength without love is merely oppression, but strength guided by love can transform families, churches, and nations.

Series: Turning Houses Into HomesSpeaker: Kris SegrestWhat if the future of our nation doesn't rest in political halls or government institutions, but right inside our own homes? This powerful exploration challenges us to examine the very foundation upon which we're building our families. Drawing from Matthew 7:24-27, we're confronted with two stark choices: building our lives on the solid rock of Christ or the shifting sands of feelings, fantasy, finances, and fairness. The message cuts through cultural romanticism about marriage to reveal a profound truth—our homes aren't primarily about our personal happiness, but about displaying God's glory to a watching world. When people look at our marriages, they should see a living picture of Christ and His church. This isn't just about staying together; it's about being 'built to last' through four essential anchors: Christ-centered purpose, covenant commitment, sacrificial love, and gospel-fueled forgiveness. The Leaning Tower of Pisa serves as a sobering reminder that without the right foundation, even the most impressive structures will eventually crumble. The question we must ask ourselves is honest and urgent: What kind of foundation have we built our homes on? Because when the storms come—and they will come—only those anchored to the Rock will stand firm, impacting generations to come.

Series: Stand Alone MessageSpeaker: Sam Draper

Series: Tough Stuff on the Narrow WaySpeaker: Kris SegrestIn this message from Matthew 16:24, Pastor Kris unpacks Jesus’ clear and challenging call to true discipleship. Confronting the comfort-driven mindset often found in modern faith, the sermon invites believers to move beyond convenience and into authentic followership. Jesus’ words reveal that discipleship requires three intentional responses: denying self, taking up the cross, and following Him daily. The message highlights the tension between cultural Christianity and the radical commitment Jesus demands, reminding us that following Christ involves sacrifice, perseverance, and surrender. Ultimately, we’re encouraged with the promise that when we lay down our lives for Jesus, we discover the true and lasting life only He can give.

Series: Tough Stuff on the Narrow WayWhat does real discipleship look like when life feels heavy? Tough Stuff on the Narrow Way explores what it means to follow Jesus through anxiety, adversity, and the brokenness of our world. This series invites us into the sanctifying work that shapes true disciples of Christ. Join us as we commit to walking the narrow way together.Speaker: Dave Edwards

Series: Tough Stuff on the Narrow WayWhat does real discipleship look like when life feels heavy? Tough Stuff on the Narrow Way explores what it means to follow Jesus through anxiety, adversity, and the brokenness of our world. This series invites us into the sanctifying work that shapes true disciples of Christ. Join us as we commit to walking the narrow way together.Speaker: Kris Segrest

Series: Tough Stuff on the Narrow WayWhat does real discipleship look like when life feels heavy? Tough Stuff on the Narrow Way explores what it means to follow Jesus through anxiety, adversity, and the brokenness of our world. This series invites us into the sanctifying work that shapes true disciples of Christ. Join us as we commit to walking the narrow way together.Speaker: Kris Segret

Speaker: Kris Segrest

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Fuel

Sam Draper

3 Stages of Faith

Speaker: Kris Segrest

Speaker: Kris SegrestTopic: Friendship

Speaker: Sam Draper

Speaker: Kris SegrestValue: Excellence

Speaker: Kris SegrestAudacious

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Kris SegrestGenerosity

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Speaker: Kris Segrest

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector.

Sam Draper

Josiah Jones

Dave Edwards