Crosscreek Community Church

Heaven isn’t about escaping earth. It’s about God restoring everything and inviting you into a forever relationship with Him through Jesus. Main Ideas: When we realize we aren’t going to live forever, we start asking deeper questions. We don’t actually want the version of heaven we’ve been given. Heaven isn’t what most of us think… It’s better. At its core, heaven isn’t about location… it’s about relationship. Jesus is where heaven and earth collide. Heaven isn’t you becoming less human. It’s you becoming fully alive. We are beginning relationships that will last forever. You don’t earn heaven. You’re invited into it… Through Jesus. Eternal life doesn’t start when you die. It starts when you say yes to Jesus. Heaven isn’t about going somewhere… It’s about being with Someone, starting now. Invitation: Live like your future is already secure. Face one fear. Invest in one relationship. Take one step toward Jesus. —- 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2026-05-03.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/ #bible #biblestudy #christianity #christian #church #followingjesus #god #religion #questions #jesus #christ #jesuschrist #heaven

Some of the biggest doubts about the Bible can be answered when we explore what the Bible actually is. Main Ideas: What if your view of the Bible… isn’t actually based on what it is? What if the problem isn’t the Bible… but how we’ve been reading it? If you misunderstand what the Bible is… you will misunderstand what it says. The Bible is brutally honest about humanity. And humanity is often brutal. Understanding the Bible isn’t about picking what you like… it’s about understanding what actually applies. The Bible is accurate in what its authors intended to communicate to the people they were writing to. The Bible isn’t the starting point of faith. Jesus is. If you don’t know what to do with the Bible… start with Jesus. Invitation: Read the Book of John As you read, watch for one word: Believe. Ask yourself: “If this is true, what would it actually mean for me?” —- 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2026-04-26.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/ #bible #biblestudy #christianity #christian #church #followingjesus #god #religion #questions #jesus #christ #jesuschrist

What if your version of Jesus is wrong, and discovering who He really is could change everything about your life? Main Ideas: You can be completely wrong about Jesus… and still think you’re following Him. A Jesus who always agrees with you… isn’t the real Jesus. Many of us are following a version of Jesus we’ve never actually examined. If you want to know what God is like… Look at Jesus. Jesus didn’t just teach about God. He shows us what God is like in flesh and blood. Jesus is too big to be just part of your life… He’s the source of it and the reason for it. Jesus didn’t come to make your life slightly better. He came to bring you back to God. A safe Jesus will never change your life. We don’t get to redefine Jesus. We only get to respond to Him If Jesus really is who He says He is, then He’s not just someone to admire…He’s someone to follow. Invitation: Examine your version of Jesus Replace your version with the real Jesus Decide who you will follow. —- 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2026-04-19.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/ #bible #biblestudy #christianity #christian #church #followingjesus #god #religion #questions #jesus #christ #jesuschrist

Examining your beliefs can transform your faith, deepen your relationship with Jesus, and help you live a life that actually works. Main Ideas: Most of our beliefs weren’t chosen… they were inherited. Our beliefs shape our lives. A faith you never question… is a faith that never grows. Barrier #1: I don’t think I’m allowed to ask that. Questions aren’t a threat to faith… They are the starting point. Barrier #2: I’m afraid of what I might find. A faith that avoids hard questions doesn’t become stronger… It becomes more fragile. Barrier #3 I Already Know What I Believe. The moment you think you’ve arrived… is usually the moment you stop growing. When you come across a belief, ask three things: Why do I believe this? Is this actually true? What kind of life is this producing? If a belief makes you more like Jesus… hold onto it. If it makes you less like Jesus… question it. Invitation: Notice: Pay attention to a strong reaction you have Trace it: Ask “What belief is underneath this?” Question it: “Why do I believe this?” “Is this actually true?” “Does this look like Jesus?” —- 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2026-04-12.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/ #bible #biblestudy #christianity #christian #church #followingjesus #god #religion #questions #jesus #christ #jesuschrist

What if the resurrection of Jesus means nothing in your life is beyond restoration, and everything will be made right? Main Ideas: We don’t give up on life… we just settle for less. Jesus’ resurrection is a promise that God won’t leave anything dead, unfinished, or broken. Easter means death is dead. If it’s not made right yet… God’s not done yet. Because Jesus rose…The worst thing is never the last thing. —- 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2026-04-05.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/ #bible #biblestudy #christianity #christian #church #followingjesus #god #religion #questions #jesus #christ #jesuschrist #easter #resurrection

Jesus warns that not everyone who thinks they’re following Him actually is… here’s how to know for sure, according to Jesus himself. Main Ideas: “What Jesus would do” just looks like what we already wanted to do. The voice you follow shapes the life you build. We judge others by their worst actions and ourselves by our best intentions. Citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven don’t just avoid wrong… they initiate love. A voice can sound right… and still lead you wrong. Real truth doesn’t just sound right… it produces the right kind of life. Jesus didn’t come to be a consultant. He came to be King. Following Jesus isn’t what you say… it’s what you build your life on. Invitation: Ask Jesus for the courage to follow him on his terms. Choose one teaching from the Sermon on the Mount and actually practice it. —- 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2026-03-29.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/ #bible #biblestudy #christianity #christian #church #followingjesus #god #beatitudes #sermononthemount #religion #questions #jesus #christ #jesuschrist

With Jesus, we can overcome anxiety and rely on God instead of money or success. Main Ideas: No matter how much we secure… it never quite feels like enough. What we rely on to secure our future will either give us life… or steal it. The Way of Jesus replaces worry with trust by changing what we rely on. Treasure: What we rely on to give us the life we want. Your treasure trains your heart. Worry is the result of relying on the wrong treasure. Faith is a daily and practical reliance on the love, care, and power of God. When our reliance shifts from treasure to God, worry begins to lose its grip. Our worry reveals our reliance. When we rely on the love, care, and power of God… there’s nothing left to worry about. Invitation: ASK: What are my top 3 worries? READ: Philippians 4:6-7. Once a day this week. PRAY: With gratitude. —- 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2026-03-15.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/ #bible #biblestudy #christianity #christian #church #followingjesus #god #beatitudes #sermononthemount #religion #questions #jesus #christ #jesuschrist

Jesus frees us from performing for approval and invites us to live securely in the love of our Heavenly Father instead of striving to prove ourselves. Main Ideas: Approval is powerful. We feel pulled to prove ourselves… to others, to God, to ourselves. In the Kingdom of Heaven, we can stop living for approval… and start living from it. God is a loving, attentive, engaged Father who deeply cares for you personally. God isn’t impressed just because people are. God doesn’t want your religious performance… He wants your relationship. You can pray confidently… not because you have the right words, but because you belong to him. Forgiven people forgive. When you know you don’t have to prove anything to God anymore… you realize you don’t have to prove yourself to anyone else, either. You are already seen, accepted, and loved. And the proof is Jesus. Invitation: Read the Lord’s Prayer slowly each day Do one act of generosity that absolutely no one knows about. —- 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2026-03-08.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/ #bible #biblestudy #christianity #christian #church #followingjesus #god #beatitudes #sermononthemount #religion #questions #jesus #christ #jesuschrist

In a world fueled by outrage and division, Jesus invites us into a radically different way of living—one where love, not being right, has the final word. Main Ideas: We’ve accepted hostility as ordinary. A love-shaped heart doesn’t fuel conflict… it heals it. The Law of the Kingdom of Heaven is LOVE. Kingdom People care more about reconciliation than being right. Kingdom People see others as sacred, not objects The Kingdom of Heaven is not behavior modification. It’s heart transformation. In the Kingdom of Heaven, the question isn’t “Is it legal?” The question is “Is it loving?” Kingdom People don’t look for escape clauses. They look for ways to remain faithful. Kingdom People surrender the right to get even. Kingdom People surrender to the Spirit who forms the love of Jesus within them. In the Kingdom of Heaven, people are never obstacles… they’re the point. Invitation: Pray for the person you resent. And maybe… Have the conversation you’ve been avoiding. —- 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2026-03-01.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/ #bible #biblestudy #christianity #christian #church #followingjesus #god #beatitudes #sermononthemount #religion #questions #jesus #christ #jesuschrist

Jesus reveals that real, lasting change doesn’t come through outrage or withdrawal but through ordinary people living as salt and light… quietly embodying his Kingdom in everyday life. Main Ideas: We live in a culture of polarization and confusion. In the Kingdom of Heaven, identity comes before activity. When we follow Jesus, our lives shine the truth of who God is and what he is doing. Kingdom People are God’s gift to the world. Kingdom people exist to live lives that show who God really is. Small light still pushes back darkness. When we remember who we are in Jesus, the world around us begins to change. Invitation: Refuse to forget who you are. This week, begin your days by declaring, ‘I am salt. I am light. Not because I’m trying harder, but because I belong to Jesus.’ Then intentionally live it out. —- 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2026-02-22.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/ #bible #biblestudy #christianity #christian #church #followingjesus #god #beatitudes #sermononthemount #religion #questions #jesus #christ #jesuschrist

Jesus flips the world’s idea of winning, showing that true life, peace, and belonging come to those the world considers ‘losers’ in God’s Kingdom. Main Ideas: It feels like more people care about winning than about finding a way to live together. Jesus doesn’t step into our chaos with better arguments. He offers a better way to be human. The Kingdom of Heaven: God reigning as king in human hearts… restoring what humanity was always meant to be. Jesus isn’t against “winning.” He redefines it. The Kingdom belongs to people who know they need it. Jesus doesn’t offer “nice ethics.” He announces a rival Kingdom. What looks like losing in this world is often the clearest sign you belong to God’s Kingdom. The Jesus way transforms our view of God, the world, others, and ourselves. We are invited to experience the Kingdom of Heaven in our lives right now. Invitation: Read these verses (Matthew 5:1-12) each day. And ask: What one quality stands out to me? Where could I show that in a conversation or choice today? —- 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2026-02-15.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/ #bible #biblestudy #christianity #christian #church #followingjesus #god #beatitudes #sermononthemount #religion #questions #jesus #christ #jesuschrist

Growth isn’t about perfection or performance, but about pursuing Jesus from a place of acceptance, freedom, and joy. Main Ideas: There’s a real difference between “want to” work and “have to” work. Many of us feel the pressure to follow Jesus the ‘right’ way. real change flows from acceptance… not for it. Knowing Jesus is infinitely better than perfection. The pursuit of of God is the pursuit of joy. The point of following Jesus is Jesus. We don’t grow to be accepted; we grow because we already are. We don’t try harder to impress Jesus… we press on because Jesus already has us. Invitation: Once a day, pause and pray: “God, thank you for loving me… all of me.” And then ask, “What would it look like to enjoy you right now?” —- 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2026-01-25.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/

Jesus frees us from shame and condemnation, replaces fear with freedom, and gives us a new identity rooted in God’s unconditional love. Main Ideas: Our stories shape our identity and our life. Often, the stories that shape us the most are the ones forced on us. The Author of Life, is already at work, rewriting your story from the inside out. We can get stuck in the same broken story over and over. Jesus doesn’t erase our past chapters… he rewrites them into something beautiful. Jesus says you’re not just forgiven… You are rescued. The Holy Spirit of God is guiding you through your story, writing it one page at a time. Our setbacks and our struggles are real… but they are not our truest story. You don’t have to try harder because you’re already loved. Invitation: Catch the old voices and replace them with truth. “I am not condemned. I am God’s beloved child.” Pray: ‘Holy Spirit, help me see myself the way you do.’ —- 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2026-01-18.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/

Lasting spiritual change comes from identity in Jesus, not religious performance or self-improvement. Main Ideas: The push to improve can leave us feeling like we’re never enough. Our value is received, not achieved. Our place in God’s family was his idea, not our achievement. When we become children of God, our identity fundamentally changes. God adopted us because it was the thing that would make him the happiest. Following Jesus starts by receiving, not achieving Belief is choosing to be confident that God can and will do what he promised. You can stop chasing a better you and rest in who you already are in Jesus. Invitation: Remember who you are and speak your true name to yourself. I am a child of God. I have all I need in Jesus. I am chosen. I am adopted and accepted. I am saved, forgiven, and sealed. —- 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2026-01-11.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 | JOIN A GROUP → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#connect 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/

Jesus brings lasting peace (shalom), forgiveness, and freedom from sin—peace that goes beyond holiday cheer and transforms your life. —- Welcome to Crosscreek Community Church’s Podcast channel! Located in the Pacific Northwest, Crosscreek Community Church offers a welcoming online church community for those on a journey to discover their meaning in life, explore their doubts, ask questions, and discover more about God, Jesus, Christianity, the Bible, and more. —- Main Ideas: Christmas gifts are great, but they don’t usually last. Christmas is the promise of real lasting peace. We are imprisoned by sin, but the King came to set us free. Darkness can never extinguish the light, and death can never defeat life. Real peace is a gift. God loves you, and he’s inviting you into his family. Peace isn’t just a feeling. It’s a gift. And it’s yours to open this Christmas. —- 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2025-12-21.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 | JOIN A GROUP → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#connect 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/

Jesus brings true peace with God and with the people who drive you crazy, even in the midst of conflict, division, and holiday stress. —- Welcome to Crosscreek Community Church’s Podcast channel! Located in the Pacific Northwest, Crosscreek Community Church offers a welcoming online church community for those on a journey to discover their meaning in life, explore their doubts, ask questions, and discover more about God, Jesus, Christianity, the Bible, and more. —- Main Ideas: Sometimes it feels like life would be peaceful if it weren’t for all the people. Real peace comes from whole and healthy relationships. Jesus is the source of true peace Peace with each other begins with peace with God. Jesus tears down every wall we build to keep ourselves apart Loved and forgiven people love and forgive people. Peace is a gift. The closer we get to Jesus, the closer we get to each other. When we accept what Jesus has done for us, it sets us free to accept others… faults and all We experience God’s true peace when we offer it to each other. Invitation: Identify your THEM. Ask God to show you one thing he enjoys about THEM. Then thank him that he lived, died, and rose for THEM… and for YOU. Discussion Questions: What is your favorite part of the holidays? What is your least favorite? Why do you think relationships, especially with family, coworkers, or neighbors, so often disrupt our sense of peace? Read Ephesians 2:14. How do you think peace with God serve as the foundation for peace with others? How might viewing conflict as an opportunity for grace and peacemaking change your approach to relationships? Who is your “THEM” (someone you struggle to get along with) and how might Jesus’ love for them change your perspective? —- 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2025-12-14.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 | JOIN A GROUP → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#connect 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/

Jesus offers a deep, unshakeable peace you can feel even in life’s chaos, bringing wholeness, hope, and true peace this Christmas. —- Welcome to Crosscreek Community Church’s Podcast channel! Located in the Pacific Northwest, Crosscreek Community Church offers a welcoming online church community for those on a journey to discover their meaning in life, explore their doubts, ask questions, and discover more about God, Jesus, Christianity, the Bible, and more. —- Main Ideas: We long for peace in a chaotic world. We think of peace as the absence of trouble, but what if it’s the presence of something greater? The true peace of God is the wholeness of his people. Jesus is the Prince of Shalom who will bring shalom with no end Jesus doesn’t just give moments of calm… He brings true shalom Thankful prayer lets us be honest with God and experience his peace. God’s peace can outlast and overcome any chaos the world throws at you. Invitation: Ask God: “Where do I need your shalom right now?” Read Philippians 4:6-7 and thank him. Discussion Questions: When you think of “peace,” what picture or feeling comes to mind… and where do you think that expectation came from? Where do you feel the gap most between the “Christmas ideal” and your real life this time of year? Which title of Jesus in Isaiah 9 (Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace) resonates most with you right now, and why? What’s one area of your life right now where you need God’s shalom—not just an easier circumstance, but real wholeness? Who in your life might need the peace of Jesus right now, and how might God be inviting you to be a source of calm, encouragement, or presence for them? —- 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2025-12-07.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 | JOIN A GROUP → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#connect 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/

Even in the most ordinary moments, God is working behind the scenes. You are placed right where you are, right now, on purpose. —- Welcome to Crosscreek Community Church’s Podcast channel! Located in the Pacific Northwest, Crosscreek Community Church offers a welcoming online church community for those on a journey to discover their meaning in life, explore their doubts, ask questions, and discover more about God, Jesus, Christianity, the Bible, and more. —- This series: Faith in Real Life: Stories of Hope in a Messed-Up World Each week, keep asking: What did this person discover about God in their mess that changes how we see Him today? Main Ideas: We want significant lives, but most of life seems so insignificant. God created each of us on purpose for a purpose, Faith redefines significance. Sometimes God’s presence is most powerful in the silence. Even when we feel lost or insignificant, God is at work behind the scenes. It’s often in the very places that seem most ordinary that God works most powerfully. Faith is trusting God with your ordinary and your unknown. Faith redefines significance because with God, no act of love is wasted or unseen. God is always orchestrating for our good behind the scenes. Faith in real life makes every ordinary day significant. Invitation: Pray this every day this week: God, thank you for putting me right here right now. Show me my significance and show me my next step. Discussion Questions: Why do you think we often struggle to see significance in everyday tasks and routines? How does Esther’s story challenge the way we define “important” or “significant” in life? God’s name isn’t mentioned in Esther—yet his presence is felt. Can you think of ways God might be at work in ways we don’t notice? What might it look like to live each day with the belief that God can use your ordinary life for extraordinary purposes? How can your group pray with you this week? —- 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2025-11-23.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 | JOIN A GROUP → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#connect 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/

When God’s love feels unfair, real faith means trusting a love that reaches even the people we’d rather exclude. —- Welcome to Crosscreek Community Church’s Podcast channel! Located in the Pacific Northwest, Crosscreek Community Church offers a welcoming online church community for those on a journey to discover their meaning in life, explore their doubts, ask questions, and discover more about God, Jesus, Christianity, the Bible, and more. —- This series: Faith in Real Life: Stories of Hope in a Messed-Up World Each week, keep asking: What did this person discover about God in their mess that changes how we see Him today? Main Ideas: A life of faith is often a life of frustration. a lot of us feel like a “fair” God would love some people more than others. God’s love is offensively inclusive. God’s heart is always for people, whether they deserve it or not. We are often more eager to see God’s justice against our enemies than his mercy Our quest for justice can make us think we are holier than God. God’s love is often easier to receive than to give. Real faith is about learning to love others like God loves us. Real faith loves, and then leaves the results to God. God’s love isn’t something to hoard. It’s something to share. Invitation: Is there someone or even a group you avoid, judge, or struggle to love? Pray for them. Do something loving. Discussion Questions: What’s something in life right now that feels “unfair” to you? How do you usually respond to that? Why do you think we care so much about fairness, even though we know “life isn’t fair”? Read Luke 6:36. Why do you think mercy is so central to what it means to live out real faith? Jon said: “Real faith loves, and then leaves the results to God.” What would it look like for you to live that out this week? How can your group pray with you this week? —- 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2025-11-16.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 | JOIN A GROUP → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#connect 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/

In a world quick to draw lines and label outsiders, God who welcomes everyone in. Simple, everyday faith can turn feeling left out into finding your place in God’s family. —- Welcome to Crosscreek Community Church’s Podcast channel! Located in the Pacific Northwest, Crosscreek Community Church offers a welcoming online church community for those on a journey to discover their meaning in life, explore their doubts, ask questions, and discover more about God, Jesus, Christianity, the Bible, and more. —- This series: Faith in Real Life: Stories of Hope in a Messed-Up World Each week, keep asking: What did this person discover about God in their mess that changes how we see Him today? Main Ideas: We’ve all felt like an outsider at some point in our lives. We treat difference as a threat, Even the most ordinary faithfulness can be woven into God’s extraordinary story. Sometimes faith is loving well and not giving up… when you can’t see what’s next. Faith can also be simply doing the next right thing. Faith in action is following the heart of God in our everyday lives. God’s grace and love break through every human barrier! God’s heart has always been for people. There are no outsiders to him. God’s people are always called to see, love, and welcome the “outsider.” God’s story has always made space for outsiders Invitation: Purposely see someone this week. Discussion Questions: Why do you think people (including us) naturally create “in” and “out” groups? Who in your life has made you feel seen, welcomed, or included when you expected to be overlooked? Thinking through the story of Ruth, why do you think it’s significant that Ruth, an outsider, becomes part of Jesus’ family line? What’s one “next right thing” you could do this week to show someone God’s love or welcome? How can your group pray with you? —- 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2025-11-09.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 | JOIN A GROUP → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#connect 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/

God moves in powerful ways through ordinary people who take one real step of trust… proving that your past, doubts, or failures can’t disqualify you from His purpose. —- Welcome to Crosscreek Community Church’s Podcast channel! Located in the Pacific Northwest, Crosscreek Community Church offers a welcoming online church community for those on a journey to discover their meaning in life, explore their doubts, ask questions, and discover more about God, Jesus, Christianity, the Bible, and more. —- This series: Faith in Real Life: Stories of Hope in a Messed-Up World Each week, keep asking: What did this person discover about God in their mess that changes how we see Him today? Main Ideas: Faith can feel slippery… like trying to grab hold of fog. When ordinary people take one real step of trust, God moves. God’s heart is always to save people. It takes courage to do the right thing when we don’t know if it will work. Faith is acting in trust when you don’t have all the answers Faith is the tool God uses to craft amazing stories. Seeing ourselves as God sees us is an ongoing process. God’s story is bigger than your past or doubts. Invitation: Pick one area to really trust God Discussion Questions: Who’s someone whose faith inspires you, and what about their trust in God stands out to you? Why do you think faith can sometimes feel hard to hold onto or define in real life? What stood out to you most about Rahab and her faith? What might “taking one step of trust” look like in your life right now? How can your group pray with you this week? —- 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2025-11-02.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 | JOIN A GROUP → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#connect 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/

God can take the pain and heartbreak in your life and turn it into a powerful purpose that changes the world. —- Welcome to Crosscreek Community Church’s Podcast channel! Located in the Pacific Northwest, Crosscreek Community Church offers a welcoming online church community for those on a journey to discover their meaning in life, explore their doubts, ask questions, and discover more about God, Jesus, Christianity, the Bible, and more. —- This series: Faith in Real Life: Stories of Hope in a Messed-Up World Each week, keep asking: What did this person discover about God in their mess that changes how we see Him today? Main Ideas: The world will break your heart, and you can’t do anything about it. When we look at the mess of our lives and the world, it’s easy to wonder, “Has God forgotten us?” Even in silence, God is already at work. Sometimes in ways we never expect… sometimes through us. Our best intentions can create the worst outcomes. God’s silence isn’t absence… it’s preparation God’s way will always be more loving and amazing than our own. Your heartbreak can be where God’s healing begins. Invitation: Take your pain to Jesus Ask: What breaks your heart? God, what do you want me to do? Discussion Questions: What’s something happening in the world right now that breaks your heart, and why does it hit you so deeply? Read Exodus 2:11-12. Why do you think Moses’ heartbreak over injustice led him to act, but also led to failure? Read Exodus 3:9-12. What might God have been teaching Moses during his 40 years in the wilderness after his failed attempt to “fix” things? If God can turn Moses’ pain into purpose, what might He want to do through yours, and what’s one step you can take this week to trust Him with it? How can your group pray with you this week? —- 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2025-10-26.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 | JOIN A GROUP → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#connect 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/

When life feels chaotic and broken, God meets you right in the middle of your mess (even when it’s your fault), offering hope, grace, and a fresh start. —- Welcome to Crosscreek Community Church’s Podcast channel! Located in the Pacific Northwest, Crosscreek Community Church offers a welcoming online church community for those on a journey to discover their meaning in life, explore their doubts, ask questions, and discover more about God, Jesus, Christianity, the Bible, and more. —- This series: Faith in Real Life: Stories of Hope in a Messed-Up World Each week, keep asking: What did this person discover about God in their mess that changes how we see Him today? Main Ideas: Every one of us has felt forgotten by God at some point. God doesn’t wait for us to clean up our mess. He meets us in it. God shows up, not because we deserve it, but because of who he is. True transformation takes more than a single mountaintop moment. God comes to us right where we are, but refuses to leave us defined by our old failures. When we wrestle with God, we discover the strength of his love. Invitation: Wrestle with God. Tell him: “God, I’m wrestling with this… what do you want me to see/say/do?” —- 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2025-10-19.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 | JOIN A GROUP → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#connect 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/

Real transformation happens when we follow Jesus together. __________ Welcome to Crosscreek Community Church’s Podcast channel! Located in the Pacific Northwest, Crosscreek Community Church offers a welcoming online church community for those on a journey to discover their meaning in life, explore their doubts, ask questions, and discover more about God, Jesus, Christianity, the Bible, and more. __________ Series… Reclaiming the Ordinary: Simple Rhythms for a Meaningful Life. Main Points The weight of the division around us can be crushing. We’ve created rhythms of isolation. We reclaim unity by prioritizing a rhythm of community. Faith grows by regularly acting it out with other people. Real change happens when we follow Jesus together. Following Jesus is more about a rhythm of practiced community than personal development. We are committed to making our love stronger than our disagreements. The world doesn’t need perfect people, just ordinary people reclaiming ordinary lives… together. Invitation: This week purposely practice a rhythm of community. Discussion Questions: When you hear the word community, what comes to mind… positive or negative? Have you ever pulled away from people because of disagreement or division? What happened? Re-read Acts 2:42–47. What stands out to you about how the first Jesus Followers lived? What’s one “ordinary” way you could practice community this week… sharing a meal, praying with someone, or reaching out? How can your group pray with you this week? __________ 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2025-10-05.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 | JOIN A GROUP → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#connect 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/

Offering our ordinary lives to God and letting Him transform our minds turns everyday moments into sacred acts of worship and becomes his quiet way of changing the world. __________ Welcome to Crosscreek Community Church’s Podcast channel! Located in the Pacific Northwest, Crosscreek Community Church offers a welcoming online church community for those on a journey to discover their meaning in life, explore their doubts, ask questions, and discover more about God, Jesus, Christianity, the Bible, and more. __________ Series… Reclaiming the Ordinary: Simple Rhythms for a Meaningful Life. Main Ideas: There’s a large gap between what we think we should do and what we can do. Giving God the small parts of our lives allows him to do something big in our lives. Jesus gave his life for us so we can offer our ordinary lives to God God wants you, not just your stuff. We give God our ordinary by letting him transform us one thought at a time. When God is transforming us, even our most ordinary days become sacred. Jesus turns our ordinary moments into something extraordinary. Invitation: Begin each day by praying, “God, I give you this ordinary day. Please continue to transform my mind and my heart to look like yours.” __________ 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2025-09-28.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 | JOIN A GROUP → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#connect 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/

In a world shaped by outrage and division, staying connected to Jesus can transform your life with peace, joy, and lasting impact. __________ Welcome to Crosscreek Community Church’s Podcast channel! Located in the Pacific Northwest, Crosscreek Community Church offers a welcoming online church community for those on a journey to discover their meaning in life, explore their doubts, ask questions, and discover more about God, Jesus, Christianity, the Bible, and more. __________ Series… Reclaiming the Ordinary: Simple Rhythms for a Meaningful Life. Main Ideas: We’re formed by whatever we allow to inform us The voices and rhythms that shape you will determine the fruit of your life. Creating a rhythm of transformation will guide us to a life of love and peace. Jesus is the source of the life we were created to live. Pruning can hurt, but it’s always for a purpose: more fruit, more life. If we are connected to Jesus, we WILL bear fruit. We produce fruit by loving like Jesus would if he were living our lives. A world in chaos needs a people in rhythm with Jesus. Invitation: Evaluate your inputs and voices. [Use Philippians 4:8 as your guide.] Create a rhythm of being connected to Jesus [Take 5 minutes each day to the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7).] Allow Jesus’ Words to live in and through you. Ask What does Jesus’ love look like? Discussion Questions: When you think about your weekends, do they usually leave you rested or more drained? Why do you think that is? What makes rest so hard for you personally—guilt, distraction, busyness, expectations? Read Matthew 11:28. Jesus offers rest for our souls. How do you think that’s different from just taking a day off or a vacation? What’s one small, practical way you could begin to practice Sabbath rest—something that would restore you and connect you to God? How can your group pray with you this week? __________ 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2025-09-21.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 | JOIN A GROUP → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#connect 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/

God created us to have a rhythm of work and rest.  True refreshment and peace aren’t found in constant busyness but in trusting Jesus as the source of real Sabbath rest. __________ Welcome to Crosscreek Community Church’s Podcast channel! Located in the Pacific Northwest, Crosscreek Community Church offers a welcoming online church community for those on a journey to discover their meaning in life, explore their doubts, ask questions, and discover more about God, Jesus, Christianity, the Bible, and more. __________ Series… Reclaiming the Ordinary: Simple Rhythms for a Meaningful Life. Main Ideas: We try to rest, but it rarely refreshes us. Life works best when we follow the original rhythm. We were designed to have a rhythm of work. And work done well mirrors God. We were designed to have a rhythm of rest. And rest done well mirrors God. Without purposely resting and reflecting, work becomes a burden instead of a gift. Rest isn’t about what you do; it’s about who you trust. The ultimate and true rest is found in Jesus himself. Ordinary life becomes extraordinary when we rest in Jesus. Invitation: Set aside time each week to unplug, reflect, and reconnect with God and loved ones. Ask: Does this restore me? Does this connect me to God and others? Discussion Questions: When you think about your weekends, do they usually leave you rested or more drained? Why do you think that is? What makes rest so hard for you personally—guilt, distraction, busyness, expectations? Read Matthew 11:28. Jesus offers rest for our souls. How do you think that’s different from just taking a day off or a vacation? What’s one small, practical way you could begin to practice Sabbath rest—something that would restore you and connect you to God? How can your group pray with you this week? __________ 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2025-09-14.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 | JOIN A GROUP → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#connect 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/

God invites us to slow down, savor the ordinary, and find true contentment in Him instead of chasing busyness and burnout. __________ Welcome to Crosscreek Community Church’s Podcast channel! Located in the Pacific Northwest, Crosscreek Community Church offers a welcoming online church community for those on a journey to discover their meaning in life, explore their doubts, ask questions, and discover more about God, Jesus, Christianity, the Bible, and more. __________ Series… Reclaiming the Ordinary: Simple Rhythms for a Meaningful Life. Main Ideas: Our lives move so fast that the ordinary feels exhausting, not extraordinary. Our ordinary, busy lives are keeping us from enjoying true life. God is inviting us to find deep meaning in the everyday… not escape from it. Reclaiming the ordinary starts with accepting reality. Meaning isn’t found in escaping the ordinary, but by savoring it. The secret to contentment is gratitude. Enjoying God and his gifts puts us on the path to reclaiming the ordinary. Invitation: Every day, invite God into your ordinary by thanking him for and savoring the simple gifts he’s given you. Discussion Questions: Would you describe your current life as more rhythmic or more chaotic? Why? What kinds of things do you tend to say “yes” to that often leave you feeling drained? Reread Ecclesiates 2:22-25. What thoughts, questions, and/or ideas does this passage spur in you? What’s one small, ordinary gift from God you could start purposely savoring today? How can your group pray with you this week? __________ 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2025-09-07.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 | JOIN A GROUP → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#connect 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/

When success feels out of reach, Jesus calls us to something greater… faithfully showing up, trusting he’s with us, and believing he’s working in ways we can’t yet see. __________ Welcome to Crosscreek Community Church’s Podcast channel! Located in the Pacific Northwest, Crosscreek Community Church offers a welcoming online church community for those on a journey to discover their meaning in life, explore their doubts, ask questions, and discover more about God, Jesus, Christianity, the Bible, and more. __________ Main Ideas: Showing up is more powerful than success. Just because you’re not seeing the results you hoped for doesn’t mean what you’re doing doesn’t matter. Sometimes presence matters more than progress. Just b/c you don’t see it now doesn’t mean it’s not already happening. Real relationships, real healing, real life take time. You don’t have to be fearless… just faithful. Invitation: This week pray… “Jesus, thank you for being with me. Show me where I need to show up.” Discussion Questions: How would you personally define “success” in life? How has that definition changed over time? Why do you think we’re tempted to measure church success by numbers, buildings, or programs? Re-read Acts 18:9-10. How might it change our perspective if we measured “success” by faithfulness and showing up instead? What does “showing up” look like for you in your current season of life? How can your group pray with you this week? __________ 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2025-08-17-2.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 | JOIN A GROUP → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#connect 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/

When you’re tired, disappointed, or ready to quit, God doesn’t ask you to be impressive… just present. __________ Welcome to Crosscreek Community Church’s Podcast channel! Located in the Pacific Northwest, Crosscreek Community Church offers a welcoming online church community for those on a journey to discover their meaning in life, explore their doubts, ask questions, and discover more about God, Jesus, Christianity, the Bible, and more. __________ Main Ideas: What if unmet expectations free us to discover something better? Sometimes all we need is a nap and a snack. Crosscreek is not a machine to keep feeding. It’s a table to rest around. We usually find God showing up in the mundane, simple parts of everyday life. We’re no longer focused on how we’re perceived… we’re focused on who we’re inviting to the table. We don’t need fire from heaven. We need a whisper in the quiet… and the courage to keep loving. Invitation: Pick one day, or even just a morning or evening, this week to stop. Pray: God, meet me in the quiet. Help me hear your whisper. Then show up. Discussion Questions: What’s something you’ve quit in the past (a job, a hobby, a relationship)? Why did you quit? What expectations (about church, life, or faith) have you had that didn’t turn out like you hoped? Read 1 Kings 19:4–8. What stands out to you about Elijah’s state of mind in this moment? Why do you think God’s first response to Elijah’s despair was sleep and food instead of instruction or correction? What might it look like for you to rest in a healthy, intentional way this week? How can your group pray with you this week? __________ 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2025-08-17.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 | JOIN A GROUP → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#connect 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/

When religion leaves you feeling empty, Jesus offers something real, personal, and life-giving. __________ Welcome to Crosscreek Community Church’s Podcast channel! Located in the Pacific Northwest, Crosscreek Community Church offers a welcoming online church community for those on a journey to discover their meaning in life, explore their doubts, ask questions, and discover more about God, Jesus, Christianity, the Bible, and more. __________ Main Ideas: Many of us have been taught to treat faith like a vending machine. Religion, as most of us have experienced it, is empty and lifeless. Religion divides us into who is in and who is out. Jesus breaks down the cultural, racial, and religious walls we use to keep each other away. Religion creates shame. Jesus replaces it with dignity. Jesus doesn’t run from our mess… he offers to clean it. Religion tells us that if we just find the right formula, we’ll finally reach God. Jesus replaces religion with himself. We can’t reach God through religion because he has already reached us through Jesus. Religion says earn it. Jesus says enjoy it. Religion says perform. Jesus says come home. Invitation: Each morning this week… Remind yourself: I am seen, loved, and enjoyed. Ask yourself: Who around me needs to be seen, loved, and enjoyed? Discussion Questions: What part of the message or story stood out to you the most? Why do you think that is? In what ways have you been influenced by religion that told you who was “in” and who was “out”? Read John 4:21-24. What do you think it means to worship “in spirit and in truth”? What might that look like in your everyday life? What is one specific step you want to take this week to stop performing and start simply enjoying Jesus? How can your group pray with you this week? __________ 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2025-08-03.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 | JOIN A GROUP → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#connect 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/

What if the angry, disappointed God you were taught to fear was never real… and Jesus came to prove it? __________ Welcome to Crosscreek Community Church’s Podcast channel! Located in the Pacific Northwest, Crosscreek Community Church offers a welcoming online church community for those on a journey to discover their meaning in life, explore their doubts, ask questions, and discover more about God, Jesus, Christianity, the Bible, and more. __________ Main Ideas: Religion makes us feel we are always one sin away from being rejected. God isn’t waiting to reject us. He’s running to embrace us. Jesus embraces the people that religion rejects. Religion tells us our performance can purchase God’s love. Jesus illustrates that God’s love is for everyone. God is not waiting for perfection… just for us to take the first step home. God has never and will never give up on you. God isn’t interested in how well you perform your repentance… He just wants you home. There is nothing in your past, present, or future that disqualifies you from God’s immediate love and forgiveness. Experiencing forgiveness empowers you to offer forgiveness. Religion rejects and separates. Jesus forgives and restores. Invitation: Read Luke 15 at least 3 times this week. How have I been running? Who do I need to offer restoration to? Discussion Questions: Read Luke 15:11–24 together. What line or moment stood out to you in a fresh way this time? Why do you think religion often paints a picture of God as disappointed or distant? The father doesn’t wait for an apology, but he runs to embrace the son. Why is it so hard for us to believe that forgiveness can be given before we “earn it” or “deserve it”? What’s one step you can take this week to either come home to God or extend that same kind of forgiveness to someone else? How can your group pray with you this week? __________ 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2025-07-27.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 | JOIN A GROUP → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#connect 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/

Jesus challenged rule-based religion by putting people over rules, and proved that real faith is about love, not legalism. __________ Welcome to Crosscreek Community Church’s Podcast channel! Located in the Pacific Northwest, Crosscreek Community Church offers a welcoming online church community for those on a journey to discover their meaning in life, explore their doubts, ask questions, and discover more about God, Jesus, Christianity, the Bible, and more. __________ Main Ideas: Rules have a role, but when they become the goal, something is wrong. Too often, religious rules are used to control. Religious rule-keeping has often prioritized conformity over compassion. Jesus doesn’t love rules. He loves people. Knowing and following rules doesn’t make you godly. Treating people like God treats them makes you godly. Religion tends to prioritize rules over people. Jesus prioritizes people over everything. There is no rule more important than the person right in front of you. If the version of Christianity you’ve experienced doesn’t make you feel free… It’s not Christianity. The rules were never the point. The point has always been… people. Invitation: At least once a day every day this week, pray: Jesus, show me your love for me. And make me a person who prioritizes people over rules. Discussion Questions: What was your experience with rules growing up… at home, school, or church? Were they mostly helpful or harmful? How do you typically respond when someone breaks a rule you think is important? (Be honest!) Reread the story in Matthew 12:1-14. What stands out most to you? What do you think it means to follow Jesus instead of following rules? Is that freeing or scary… or both? How can your group pray with you this week? __________ 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2025-07-20.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 | JOIN A GROUP → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#connect 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/

Hurt by judgment? Jesus didn’t come to condemn you—he came to invite you into real love and freedom. __________ Welcome to Crosscreek Community Church’s Podcast channel! Located in the Pacific Northwest, Crosscreek Community Church offers a welcoming online church community for those on a journey to discover their meaning in life, explore their doubts, ask questions, and discover more about God, Jesus, Christianity, the Bible, and more. __________ Main Ideas: Religion often makes people judgmental Judgment doesn’t push people toward God—it pushes them away. Jesus didn’t change people through condemnation—He changed them through relationship. Jesus accepts the people religion rejects. Jesus identifies with the exact kind of people others spend their lives avoiding. At the root of judgmentalism is a feeling of superiority. Sin is breaking the law of love. God hates sin because he loves you. Jesus didn’t come to judge you. He came to restore you. It’s always better to be judged for who you accept than for who you reject. Invitation: Every day this week, write down and /or recite… I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifice. Then ask, “What does that look like for me today?” Discussion Questions: 1. Have you ever felt judged by someone because of your appearance, beliefs, or background? What impact did that have on you? 2. Read Matthew 9:9–13 together. What stands out or surprises you about Jesus’ interaction with Matthew? 3. Why do you think Jesus chose someone like Matthew to be one of his closest followers? 4. This week, how can you intentionally choose mercy over judgment in one specific relationship, situation, or conversation? 5. How can your group pray with you this week? __________ 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2025-07-13.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 | JOIN A GROUP → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#connect 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/

Jesus offers belonging over behavior, invitation over conformity. Following him has nothing to do with religion and everything to do with real love. __________ Welcome to Crosscreek Community Church’s Podcast channel! Located in the Pacific Northwest, Crosscreek Community Church offers a welcoming online church community for those on a journey to discover their meaning in life, explore their doubts, ask questions, and discover more about God, Jesus, Christianity, the Bible, and more. __________ Main Ideas: Most people have felt like they don’t belong at church. One of the most common issues people have with religion is its push for conformity. Jesus didn’t bring a new religion. He created something better. Jesus always starts in our real story. Faith doesn’t begin with certainty. It begins with openness. Jesus came looking for people religion left out. Following Jesus isn’t a position to earn it’s an invitation to accept. Following Jesus isn’t about rule-following. It’s about love, relationship, and a story bigger than your own. God knows everything about you, and you’re still invited Jesus invites all of us to something bigger than all of us.  Invitation: As you start your day every day this week… Pray: Jesus, let me see and accept your love for me. Help me show that love to others.  Discussion Questions: What part of this message stood out to you the most, and why? Have you ever felt the pressure to conform or “clean up” in order to belong in a community or church setting?  Read the passage again (Luke 5:1-11).  How do you think Jesus’ interaction with Simon is different from how religion typically responds to people’s flaws or unworthiness? How might your life look different if you lived each day believing: “With Jesus, I’m already loved. I’m already invited. I’m already free”? What’s one way you can live that out this week? How can your group pray with you this week? __________ 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2025-07-06.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 | JOIN A GROUP → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#connect 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/

Why does prayer feel weird, confusing, or even pointless—and what if Jesus meant it to be something simpler, more powerful, and more personal than we ever imagined? __________ Welcome to Crosscreek Community Church’s Podcast channel! Located in the Pacific Northwest, Crosscreek Community Church offers a welcoming online church community for those on a journey to discover their meaning in life, explore their doubts, ask questions, and discover more about God, Jesus, Christianity, the Bible, and more. __________ Main Points: If prayer is so powerful, why does it often feel so pointless? What if prayer isn’t a religious duty to get God’s attention…but an invitation that proves we already have it? Prayer is not a public show. We pray b/c we hope someone is listening. The point of prayer isn’t to get God’s attention. It’s to enjoy the fact that we already have it. Prayer is an opportunity to practice enjoying and trusting God. The reward of prayer isn’t stuff—it’s God. Prayer isn’t informing God. It’s trusting him. God wants our heart, not our performance. Prayer is powerful… because the point is God himself. Invitation: Practice Planned Prayer – PLAN a moment. – PAUSE in your day and talk to God. – PROCESS what you’re feeling. – PRAISE or thank him simply. Practice Spontaneous Prayer Discussion Questions: When you hear the word “prayer,” what thoughts, emotions, or memories come to mind? Have you ever felt intimidated or unsure about how to pray? Why do you think that is? Read Matthew 6:9-13. What line of this prayer stands out or resonates with you the most right now? Why? What small habit could help you move toward practicing prayer more consistently this week? How can your group pray with you this week? __________ 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2025-06-22.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 | JOIN A GROUP → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#connect 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/

Discover how to resist the lies, fear, and burnout of the world’s broken system by putting on the full armor of God and living a revolutionary lifestyle of faith, truth, and love—together. __________ Welcome to Crosscreek Community Church’s Podcast channel! Located in the Pacific Northwest, Crosscreek Community Church offers a welcoming online church community for those on a journey to discover their meaning in life, explore their doubts, ask questions, and discover more about God, Jesus, Christianity, the Bible, and more. __________ Main Points: We’re caught in a very real power struggle between good and evil. We can KNOW all about the system and still get trapped in it. Resistance is a lifestyle of revolution… together. The only way to resist the System is to rely on the power of God. We are in a daily spiritual battle. The enemy of God’s people is never people. We don’t fight for approval—we fight from it. Faith is hanging onto our loyalty to Jesus in the face of all our triumphs and tragedies. We resist by standing fully equipped in Jesus, inviting others to join us. We resist best when we do it together. Invitation: Read Ephesians 6:10-18 Envision putting on the armor. Pray: Help me stand firm in you and bring your light to others. Discussion Questions: What part of this message challenged or encouraged you the most? How would you describe “the System” in your own words? Where do you see it most in daily life? Read Ephesians 6:10-12. Why do you think it’s so easy to believe that other people are the enemy, rather than seeing the real spiritual battle? This week, how will you choose faith over fear, peace over panic, and love over control—specifically in one challenging situation? How can your group pray with you this week? __________ 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2025-06-15.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 | JOIN A GROUP → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#connect 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/

What if your most ordinary moments are actually how you challenge the system and reclaim your humanity? __________ Welcome to Crosscreek Community Church’s Podcast channel! Located in the Pacific Northwest, Crosscreek Community Church offers a welcoming online church community for those on a journey to discover their meaning in life, explore their doubts, ask questions, and discover more about God, Jesus, Christianity, the Bible, and more. __________ Our lives and what we do with them matter.  The System tells us if we don’t fight to matter more… we don’t really matter at all.  Resistance begins in our relationships.  A life of submission destroys the System from the inside out.  Every member of the family plays a role in resisting the System.  Families resist the System by submitting to each other. Mother Teresa: “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.” In the Jesus Way, work becomes worship. Holy Spirit-empowered submission is the only kind of power that transforms the world instead of adding to its pain. It’s in serving others that we finally discover who we really are   Invitation: Ask the Holy Spirit to fill and guide you daily Commit to submit: Use whatever influence you have to resist the System by submitting to others.    Discussion Questions: What stood out to, bothered, inspired, or confused you in this week’s message? What do you think is the difference between submission and being a doormat? How can you tell the difference in your own relationships? Read Ephesians 6:4. In your experience, what are some ways parents accidentally provoke their kids? OR Read Ephesians 6:5-8. How do you typically view your job? What changes when you begin to see your work as worship? What would it look like for you to submit in your job, family, or friendships this week—without losing your voice or value How can your group pray with you this week? __________ 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2025-06-08.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 | JOIN A GROUP → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#connect 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/

The Jesus Way redefines love, power, and submission. Resisting the world’s system starts by transforming our closest relationships. __________ Welcome to Crosscreek Community Church’s Podcast channel! Located in the Pacific Northwest, Crosscreek Community Church offers a welcoming online church community for those on a journey to discover their meaning in life, explore their doubts, ask questions, and discover more about God, Jesus, Christianity, the Bible, and more. __________ Main Points The system has created a broken humanity. At its core, resisting the system is about letting love revolutionize our everyday relationships. Resistance starts at home. Jesus Following relationships are founded on and steeped in mutual submission. Submission: Willingly giving all of me for what benefits you the most. Resistance isn’t about who’s in control, it’s about following Jesus’ example. The system teaches us to compete. Jesus teaches us to submit. Jesus Following relationships must be submission competitions. When Jesus Followers pursue submission, they reflect Jesus’ love to the world. The system is powerless in the face of quiet, sacrificial love. Invitation: Who in your life has been waiting for you to go first? Look for one way each day to quietly serve them. Discussion Questions: What part of this message challenged or surprised you the most? Why? Jon said, “The system teaches us to compete, but Jesus teaches us to submit.” What’s a way you’ve felt pressure to protect yourself, stay in control, or win in a relationship? Read Ephesians 5:21-25. What do you think is the difference between submission as described here and domination or being walked over? How would your home, workplace, or friendships change if everyone lived out a “submission competition”? What’s one way you model that this week? How can your group pray for you this week? __________ 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2025-06-01.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 | JOIN A GROUP → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#connect 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/

If love is the answer, why does the world still feel so broken? Discover how the way of Jesus offers a deeper, truer kind of love that can actually change us. __________ Welcome to Crosscreek Community Church’s Podcast channel! Located in the Pacific Northwest, Crosscreek Community Church offers a welcoming online church community for those on a journey to discover their meaning in life, explore their doubts, ask questions, and discover more about God, Jesus, Christianity, the Bible, and more. __________ Main Points We all say love matters—but our world is starving for it. The system of the world keeps us distracted and confused by counterfeit love To experience the life we’re looking for, we must choose to walk in the love of Jesus. Real love is sacrificial and unconditional. At its core, the system’s version of love is self-worship. Jesus’ love gives without limit. The system’s “love” takes without limit. Thankfulness dissolves self-worship. We resist the system by being filled with the Holy Spirit… together Allowing the Holy Spirit to fill us lets us enjoy God and share a life of love. Walking in love doesn’t always look impressive. But it always looks like Jesus The world is starving for love. Jesus is sending us to feed it. Invitation: Pray: Holy Spirit, I give you control. Today, show me how to walk in your love that shines to others. Discussion Questions: When you hear the phrase “all we need is love,” what comes to mind? Do you think it’s true? Why or why not? Why do you think it’s hard for us to believe that sacrificial love can actually make a difference? Read Ephesians 5:15-20. What’s do you think is the difference between being “spiritually hyped” and truly being filled with the Holy Spirit? Where in your life do you think the Holy Spirit is inviting you to walk in deeper love this week? How can your group pray with you this week? __________ 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2025-05-18.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 | JOIN A GROUP → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#connect 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/

In a world that dehumanizes us, the Holy Spirit makes us new and shows us how to resist by walking in radical love. __________ Welcome to Crosscreek Community Church’s Podcast channel! Located in the Pacific Northwest, Crosscreek Community Church offers a welcoming online church community for those on a journey to discover their meaning in life, explore their doubts, ask questions, and discover more about God, Jesus, Christianity, the Bible, and more. __________ Main Ideas: We all want to live like good humans, but we’re not sure how. We’re trapped in a system that is trying to un-human us. The system dehumanizes us. Jesus offers to restore our true humanity. When we live by the world’s system, we lose our humanity. Jesus didn’t come to make you more moral. He came to make you new. Jesus invites us to embrace a new identity. We resist the system by being something entirely other. We resist the system by choosing to walk in love daily. The world doesn’t need more Christians who believe in love. It needs new humans who actually walk in it. Invitation: Ask: Where am I still wearing the “old self?” Ask: What would walking in love look like? Then do it. Discussion Questions: What stood out to you in this week’s message? In what ways does our culture promote a version of “goodness” that is more about performance than transformation? Where have you felt pressure to appear good rather than be made new? What are your thoughts when you read Ephesians 5:1-2? How realistic does living your life this way feel right now? Is there an area of your life where it feels especially hard to “walk in love”? What might change if you approached it with Jesus’ mindset? How can your group pray with you this week? __________ 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2025-05-11.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 | JOIN A GROUP → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#connect 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/

In a divided culture, Jesus shows us how to resist with love and unity. __________ Welcome to Crosscreek Community Church’s Podcast channel! Located in the Pacific Northwest, Crosscreek Community Church offers a welcoming online church community for those on a journey to discover their meaning in life, explore their doubts, ask questions, and discover more about God, Jesus, Christianity, the Bible, and more. __________ Main Ideas: There’s a system of division in our world. We’re trapped between outrage and apathy. In a divided world, God has called us to resist the system of division… together. We resist the system by walking with a community rooted in God’s love. The Jesus Way is the exact opposite of what we’ve been told “works.” Pride always isolates. Humility always invites. Unity is created by the Holy Spirit. Our job is to maintain, preserve, and mature it. Unity starts when we say…. “You don’t have to think like me to walk with me.” The foundation of true unity is an identity in God and what he has done. Unity isn’t ignoring differences, it’s saying… This isn’t going to divide us. The system can’t silence love that refuses to leave the table. Invitation: Choose to recommit to unity within disagreement: – Ask: Who do I need to forgive… or stop writing off? – Commit to staying at the table. Discussion Questions: What stood out to you in this week’s message? Of the “outrage” or “apathy” responses mentioned in the sermon, which one are you more prone to—and why? Reread Ephesians 4:1-6. What do you think unity—not uniformity—looks like in real-life relationships, especially with those we disagree with? Who is one person in your life right now you tend to avoid because of disagreement—and what might it look like to pursue unity with them this week? How can your group pray with you this week? __________ 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2025-05-04.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 | JOIN A GROUP → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#connect 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/

Discover how God’s revolutionary love empowers you to resist the systems of this world and live the Jesus Way from the inside out. __________ Welcome to Crosscreek Community Church’s Podcast channel! Located in the Pacific Northwest, Crosscreek Community Church offers a welcoming online church community for those on a journey to discover their meaning in life, explore their doubts, ask questions, and discover more about God, Jesus, Christianity, the Bible, and more. __________ Main Ideas: There is a power system in our world that demands our allegiance. Resistance without roots is fury without transformation. Before we stand against the system, we need to be rooted in love. Living the Jesus way requires being filled by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit transforms us when we practice enjoying God’s love. We can practice enjoying God’s love by… – Reading his story and talking with him throughout the day – Walking with others – Thanking him for his gifts God’s love frees us, empowers us, and dares us to dream bigger dreams of resistance. Real resistance begins in love, is fueled by love, and ends in love. The most powerful way to resist the system is to live a life rooted in the love of God. Invitation: Take 5 minutes a day to practice enjoying God’s love by reading, praying, and meditating on Ephesians 3:16-21. Look for evidence of his love in your daily routine. Discussion Questions: Read Ephesians 3:16–21. What stands out to you? Why do you think Paul focuses on inner strength and love instead of praying for outward cultural change? Jon said we are transformed when we “practice enjoying God’s love.” How does that language strike you? What do you think it looks like to actually enjoy God’s love… not just believe in it? Think back over the past week. What’s one “proof” or “sighting” of God’s love that you might have missed but can now identify? What would change in your daily life if you truly believed God’s love for you is “too great to understand fully”? What is one “big prayer” you could start praying this week? (Think in terms of God’s kingdom, not just personal comfort.) How can your group pray with you? __________ 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2025-04-27.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 | JOIN A GROUP → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#connect 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/

Experience the true meaning of Easter as we explore how the cross of Jesus turned ultimate defeat into ultimate victory—and how that victory can transform your life today. __________ Welcome to Crosscreek Community Church’s Podcast channel! Located in the Pacific Northwest, Crosscreek Community Church offers a welcoming online church community for those on a journey to discover their meaning in life, explore their doubts, ask questions, and discover more about God, Jesus, Christianity, the Bible, and more. __________ Main Ideas: Easter is about victory. Jesus showed us what God’s love is really like The King who conquered the empire of sin and death wants you to know, love, and enjoy him personally and completely. Jesus is not inviting you to believe something. He’s inviting you to know HIM. Discussion Questions: Favorite thing(s) about Easter… Go! If someone asked you what Easter means to you, what would you say? Read Revelation 1:17-18. What stands out to you about Jesus’ victory statement? What are some practical, real-world ways you can live out, enjoy, and be shaped by Jesus’ victory this week? How can your group pray with you? __________ 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2025-04-20.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 | JOIN A GROUP → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#connect 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/

Is the world really going to end in fire and fear—or is Revelation actually a message of justice, hope, and the ultimate victory of Jesus over evil? __________ Welcome to Crosscreek Community Church’s Podcast channel! Located in the Pacific Northwest, Crosscreek Community Church offers a welcoming online church community for those on a journey to discover their meaning in life, explore their doubts, ask questions, and discover more about God, Jesus, Christianity, the Bible, and more. __________ Main Ideas: Revelation is often used to scare people into complying. Revelation shows us the “end of the world” is actually good news. In his love and justice, God will ultimately judge and destroy evil. The judgments of Revelation are God’s answer to the evil in the world. The depiction of God’s judgment is meant to give hope, not create fear. Through his death and resurrection, the Lamb completely wipes out all evil New Jerusalem is God living with his people in his kingdom forever. In the end, love and justice win. Revelation isn’t the story of the end of the world. It’s the story of the beginning of our forever world. Invitation: Ask: How can I bring New Jerusalem to my world now? Then do something! Discussion Questions: What were you taught or believed growing up about how the world would end? How did it affect you emotionally or spiritually? Read Revelation 21:1-7, 22-27, and 22:1-5. What stands out to you in these descriptions of the New Jerusalem? Revelation ends not with destruction but with renewal. How could that vision reshape the way we think about God’s plan for the world? What’s one practical way you can bring “New Jerusalem” into your world this week? How can your group pray with you this week? __________ 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2025-04-13.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 | JOIN A GROUP → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#connect 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/

Revelation reveals Jesus’ call to the Church to resist Babylon—not through force, but through faithful worship, courageous witness, and unwavering devotion to the Lamb. __________ Welcome to Crosscreek Community Church’s Podcast channel! Located in the Pacific Northwest, Crosscreek Community Church offers a welcoming online church community for those on a journey to discover their meaning in life, explore their doubts, ask questions, and discover more about God, Jesus, Christianity, the Bible, and more. __________ Main Ideas: There is a story that seems to be written in our DNA. Revelation was written to reveal the story of the universe. A story we all have a part in. Revelation is Jesus’ handbook on how to be his rebels in a world opposed to his kingdom. The dragon uses Babylon to infiltrate and dominate Jesus’ church. 4 ways Babylon infiltrates church communities. – Love becomes disordered. – Teachings become distorted. – Worship becomes corrupted. – Loyalty becomes divided. Worship shows us Babylon through God’s eyes and how to live as rebels inside Babylon Worship is a life that continually acknowledges, celebrates, and enjoys the goodness and greatness of God Worship doesn’t just resist Babylon… it lets us participate in destroying it. Invitation: For the next 7 days, read and meditate on a song of rebellious worship. Revelation 4:8-11, 5:9-14, 7:9-17, 11:15-18, 12:10-12, 15:1-4, 19:1-8 Pray: Jesus, use these songs to shape me into your reliant rebel. Discussion Questions: What stood out, bothered, confused, inspired, or challenged you in this week’s message? Which of the four ways Babylon infiltrates the church (refer back to notes) do you think is the biggest challenge for the American church today? Read one of the rebellious worship songs in Revelation. What stands out to you? What is something practical you can do this week to be a rebel against Babylon? __________ 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2025-04-06.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 | JOIN A GROUP → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#connect 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/

Revelation exposes the hidden forces of evil shaping our world and calls us to resist the seductive power of Babylon. __________ Welcome to Crosscreek Community Church’s Podcast channel! Located in the Pacific Northwest, Crosscreek Community Church offers a welcoming online church community for those on a journey to discover their meaning in life, explore their doubts, ask questions, and discover more about God, Jesus, Christianity, the Bible, and more. __________ Main Ideas: We are entangled in a system that, whether we realize it or not, continually produces hell on earth. Revelation shows us how to identify and resist the forces of Babylon. Jesus offers us a choice. We can either live in Babylon or the KoG. Babylon is any system that opposes God’s kingdom by luring people into idolatry, corruption, and injustice. 4 Characteristics of Babylon: – Wealth & Indulgence (Revelation 17:4) – Obsession with Power & Image (Revelation 17:15) – Pride & Self-Exaltation (Revelation 18:7) – Exploitation & Oppression (Revelation 18:11-13) The dragon, the beasts, and their empire of Babylon will be judged and destroyed. Babylon wants our loyalty. So does Jesus. One ends in destruction– the other in eternal life. Invitation: Read: Revelation 17 and 18 and reflect on the Characteristics of Babylon Pray: Jesus, open my eyes to the ways Babylon has shaped my thinking and desires. Ask: What is one way I can resist Babylon’s influence this week? Discussion Questions: What stood out, challenged, bothered, inspired, or confused you in this week’s message? In what ways do you see the characteristics of Babylon (wealth & indulgence, obsession with power & image, pride & self-exaltation, exploitation & oppression) influencing society today? Read Revelation 18:4. How can we recognize when we are being shaped by Babylon’s values rather than by Jesus’ kingdom? What is one specific way you can resist Babylon’s influence this week and live out the values of the Kingdom of God? How can your group pray with you this week? __________ 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2025-03-30.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 | JOIN A GROUP → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#connect 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/

Revelation pulls back the curtain to show us the real battle—the clash between the way of the Dragon (power and control) and the way of the Lamb (sacrificial love)—and challenges us to decide which path we will follow. __________ Welcome to Crosscreek Community Church’s Podcast channel! Located in the Pacific Northwest, Crosscreek Community Church offers a welcoming online church community for those on a journey to discover their meaning in life, explore their doubts, ask questions, and discover more about God, Jesus, Christianity, the Bible, and more. __________ Main Ideas: Many people fear that Xianity is under attack and fear makes us fight back There is a real war between the forces of God and the forces of evil. Satan’s goal is to bring chaos to the world and destroy God’s people. Satan uses willing leaders and the systems of the world to carry out his plans. Jesus Followers should always be ready to identify and disconnect from political powers that claim to be for or from God. Jesus brings God’s rescue, salvation, and justice not by “winning” but by losing his life. Jesus’ death shows the true meaning of power, judgment, and salvation. The people of God participate in the revolution of God by following the way of the Lamb. The Way of the Lamb is the only way to peace, justice, and ultimate victory. Invitation: Read: Philippians 2:3-11 Ask:  What am I following or relying on that doesn’t match this picture? Am I more concerned about winning or following the way of the Lamb?   Discussion Questions: What stood out, bothered, inspired, or confused you in this week’s message? Who or what do you tend to treat as “enemies” in your life? What would “winning” against them look like to you? Read Philippians 2:3-11. What would it look like to live as a follower of the Lamb in your job, relationships, and daily interactions? What fears might hold us back from fully embracing the way of the Lamb? How can your group pray with you this week? __________ 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2025-03-23.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 | JOIN A GROUP → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#connect 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/

In a world full of chaos, corruption, and uncertainty, the Book of Revelation is a call to resist the powers of the world, follow the way of the Lamb, and live for the true King. __________ Welcome to Crosscreek Community Church’s Podcast channel! Located in the Pacific Northwest, Crosscreek Community Church offers a welcoming online church community for those on a journey to discover their meaning in life, explore their doubts, ask questions, and discover more about God, Jesus, Christianity, the Bible, and more. __________ Main Ideas: It seems like an unseen force is creating chaos in our lives and world. Revelation pulls back the curtain to show us what’s really going on in our world. Revelation is the rebels’ handbook for the revolution of Jesus. The focus of Revelation is not the end of the world… it’s Jesus. Revelation isn’t a mystery to solve—it’s a mission to live out right now. Jesus is the faithful witness in a world of deception, lies, and corruption. Jesus is the firstborn from the dead. Jesus is the true King over all rulers. Following Jesus is an act of rebellion against corrupt, godless powers. The revolution of Jesus has already begun… will you take your place in it? Invitation: Read Revelation 1:4-8 Ask: – What empires are pulling for my allegiance? – Who or what is demanding my loyalty? Discussion Questions: When you look at the world today—wars, division, corruption—how does it make you feel? How do you typically respond to the chaos around you? The first-century Christians faced pressure to pledge allegiance to Rome. What are some modern “empires” that pull for our allegiance today? Re-read Revelation 1:5-8. How do you think this passage should shape how we view political leaders and global powers? Jon said, “Following Jesus is an act of rebellion against corrupt, godless powers.” What are some practical ways we can resist these powers while still being a light to those around us? How can your group pray with you this week? __________ 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2025-03-16.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 | JOIN A GROUP → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#connect 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/

We can stop trying so hard. We can plant small seeds of trust, love, and peace and let God grow them in unexpected ways. __________ Welcome to Crosscreek Community Church’s Podcast channel! Located in the Pacific Northwest, Crosscreek Community Church offers a welcoming online church community for those on a journey to discover their meaning in life, explore their doubts, ask questions, and discover more about God, Jesus, Christianity, the Bible, and more. __________ Main Ideas: We’re exhausted. The pressure to keep up and be more is ruining and ending our lives. We find the life we are looking for in the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God: God’s revolution breaking into our world. The Kingdom of God is not about trying harder… but purposely planting. The Kingdom of God starts small but grows exponentially. Every small seed has the potential to be a huge forest. When we plant seeds for the Kingdom of God, growth is inevitable. The most important growth is often unmeasurable. We can stop trying so hard because Jesus is enough. Invitation: Read Galatians 6:9 Pray: What and where can I plant today? Help me trust you with the growth. Remind yourself: “God grows what I plant.” Discussion Questions: Can you relate to the pressure of chasing a “perfect life”? What areas of your life have you felt the most pressure (career, family, appearance, faith, etc.)? What do you think the difference is between a healthy desire for growth and an obsessive chase for perfection? Read Psalm 63:1-8. How does this passage describe a deep enjoyment of God? What words or phrases stand out to you? What are some practical ways you can “enjoy God” more in your daily life? How can your group pray with you this week? __________ 📜 |TRANSCRIPT → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2025-03-09.pdf ✍️  | 5 DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE → https://substack.com/@crosscreeksalem 🍞 | GATHER TOGETHER → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#gather | 4:30pm on Sundays. 👋 | SAY HI → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/welcome/ 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 | JOIN A GROUP → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/#connect 🤝 | DONATE TO CROSSCREEK → https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/donate/