New to terms like "Reformed" or "election" or "sovereignty"? Here are a few places to start exploring. ...
Christ not only gives us the gift of salvation, he continues giving gifts. How can we receive with gratefulness the gift of the Spirit and his gifts? Here is some recommended reading. ...
For some people, sharing the gospel seems like an intimidating task. “Who do I share with? How will they respond? What do I share?” Pastor Todd shares 5 steps to being on mission that are attainable for everyone. Take heart Christian! Sharing the gospel is not as scary as you think. Take a look below and ask yourself, where am I at in these 5 steps? We encourage you to take practical steps in your everyday life to partner with the work God is doing around you....
Revelation tells one epic story from start to finish. It's a story of loss and sin and judgment. It's a story of renewal and salvation and glory. It's a story of dragons and beasts and lions and thrones. No summary is sufficient, but this is the song of the Lamb. ...
As our series in Revelation concludes here are some final thoughts on various end-time views as well as resources for further study. ...
On Sunday we talked about how when the accuser threatens us we respond with the blood of the lamb. As we connect our lives to the truths of the gospel we find a profound and unshakeable hope. ...
This church was known for suffering. Smyrna is the Greek word for myrrh, a flagrant perfume used in burial. Many believe that this church represents the martyrs of all the ages and the sweet-smelling fragrance of their faithfulness until death. There was no rebuke for this church and because they were faithful until death, their lampstand has never been removed. Christianity has never completely left this city. It is the only one of the seven cities still in flourishing condition....
What do we know about Ephesus? Paul spent between two to three years teaching in Ephesus (Acts 19:8-10). In his farewell letter to the Ephesian elders, he gives a clear warning to look out for "savage wolves" and men who would speak "perverse things.” Ephesus was once considered the most important Greek city and the most important trading center in the Mediterranean region. There were 14 temples dedicated to idolatrous pagan gods, but none rivaled the Temple of Artemis, the Greek goddess who was heartily worshiped by the Roman Empire during this time. ...
Want to learn more about Revelation? It’s a rich, beautiful, powerful book. Here are a few places to start in your journey in addition to our sermons on Sunday mornings and your study in Community Groups. ...
Why are we meeting off-site for Easter? Because we are one church, singing one song, about one Savior. ...
We understand that the church Jesus was building was a people for Himself. Sin created a chasm between us and a holy God. By God’s grace, that chasm has been closed! We’ve been justified by Christ’s death on the cross and are now part of His church because when God sees us, He sees Jesus’ righteousness. Our identity now becomes one who is a citizen of the Kingdom of God. The way we live must align with what God has called us to. Let’s take a look at how we live as members of Jesus’ church....
The news about Ukraine and Russia has been inescapable. The first war of this scale in decades. Many calls to prayer but…how are we to pray? What are we to pray for? ...
At the end of Ruth Chapter 3, it seems the stars are aligning for Boaz to redeem Ruth. Then Boaz says, “yet there is a redeemer nearer than I” and it seems a new character is going to swoop in and redeem Ruth. Chapter 3 leaves us on the edge of our seats wondering how things will play out for Ruth. Will Ruth be redeemed by this new character? What about Boaz? Today we are going to study how the kindness of God comes through a person, through Ruth’s redeemer. ...
In chapter 2, Ruth meets Boaz and the tides start to turn for Naomi and her view of God’s kindness. Up to this point, we noticed the work ethic displayed by Ruth. Her physical strength was not the only thing that was noticed by others. ...
The kindness of God is the theme that threads throughout the book of Ruth. We find ourselves during the time of the Judges where all did “what was right in their own eyes”. Chapter one introduces us to a family who leaves Bethlehem for Moab in search of food during a famine. Tragically the father and two sons die and we are now focused on two specific characters: Naomi and Ruth. Chapter one displays the kindness of God through an unlikely character, a Moabite woman named Ruth. Despite Naomi’s circumstances, God’s kindness can often be displayed in the mundane and routine places of life. Chapter two introduces a new character whom we can learn a lot from in our lives today. Let’s begin!...
Have you always wanted a way to represent the church with a shirt? Well now's your chance!...
In Romans 12, Paul echoes Jesus’ teachings and exhortations on Christian life and character from Matthew 5-7. And in Romans 13, he reinforces Jesus’ teaching in Mark 12:13-17, of God’s sovereign and preeminent rule over and in, human government....
On Sunday, our Worship Team will be leading us through arrangements of Psalms 150, 34, 130, and 103. A few of the songs will be new to the church so we've created a playlist with the music so that you can become familiar with it before Sunday....
I think I realized I might have a problem when the producer of a well-known show on MSNBC left a voicemail for our church trying to get me on the show that night. In 2016 I never would have said that I was too political, or that politics was an idol for me, or that politics had too great a place in my mind and heart. But that phone call, and what it brought out of me, changed my mind....
Pastor Ricky has identified 7 characteristics of the church in the city of Antioch, found in Acts 11-14, that are essential to building a church that is able to expand, grow, identify, and train leaders in order to advance the gospel into its community....
In 12 very short verses, with great skill and precision, Jesus summarizes God’s dealings and redemptive plan with His people... past, present, and future. ...
How Cross of Grace can be Praying for Afghanistan....
The account of Bartimaeus' healing is one that not only clearly reveals our Lord's power but also magnifies His character. In the previous verses in Mark 10, we find Jesus continuing to steadfastly 'march' to Jerusalem. In Luke 9, we read that he set His face to go to Jerusalem, knowing that there He would give His life by dying a horrible death for the sins of the world....
As you read through these selected scriptures allow the Holy Spirit to impact your heart with the truth that all of these commands are walked out in fellowship, in community with one another. God's will, His plan is for us to be discovering His truth together. ...
As we, as a local church, take up the call to 'Be the Church Again' let's continue to look to His word for our strength, encouragement, and inspiration. ...
The Triumphal Entry, Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem and Cleanses the Temple ...
This is an incredible encounter and one of the only recorded times Jesus invites Himself into someone's home. He is coming into Jericho on His way to Jerusalem and he sees Zacchaeus up in a tree....
Our Safety Committee would like to bring you an update on our rolling back of facemask requirements. ...
In John 11, Jesus confronts what Paul calls the last enemy, death (1 Corinthians 15:26). Jesus’ good friend Lazarus had been very sick. Jesus, who had been called to help him, arrives 'too late'. Lazarus had been dead for 4 days....
In Luke 16, Jesus continues His teaching; confronting the Pharisees and instructing His disciples. He teaches two parables concerning the faithful, righteous use of money, gives insight into the Law and His Kingdom, and makes a short but powerful statement about divorce, remarriage, and adultery....
By teaching these 3 parables in this chapter, Jesus demonstrates that God not only receives sinners, but He intentionally seeks them out! And that there is great rejoicing when even one sinner repents! ...
In John 10, Jesus continues to reveal more of His identity, His mission, and His motives....
In Luke 14, Jesus again confronts the hard hearts of the Pharisees. He also deals with pride, apathy, and lukewarm commitment disguised as busyness. He also teaches that those originally invited into the Kingdom will not respond (Israel), and therefore others (Gentiles) will be invited and will respond. He does this by way of parables, showing that His gospel is to be preached and shared with the poor, the lowly, the afflicted, not just the affluent, those of social status and the well-to-do, who many times will reject His message. The chapter ends with Jesus teaching about the very personal cost and evidence of following Him. ...
In Luke 13, Jesus continues His ministry, with His intention to go to Jerusalem one final time. (v. 22, 31-35). Also confirmed in Luke 9:51 where He 'set His face’ to go to Jerusalem....
In Luke 12:35-48, Jesus commands us to live a life ready, filled with faithful stewardship and service and prepared for His return. ...
In Luke 12, Jesus gives us some tremendous promises but also some very direct warnings and sobering teaching. This week we will cover verses 1-34. ...
The 9am and 11am services will have differences in restriction levels starting Sunday, February 21st. ...
In Luke 10, Jesus demonstrates and teaches the priority of: God's heart for the lost Team ministry Earnest prayer, asking the Father to provide workers for His ministry (laborers for the harvest) Focused ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit The necessity of God's power, will, and initiative to open blind eyes to see (reveal) Him Loving God completely Loving all people sincerely with hearts filled with mercy Devotion and worship, over well-intentioned service and busyness...
In John 8 we find Jesus' deep compassion for and forgiveness of a sinful woman. His bold assertions of Godly origin, character and attributes His clearest teaching on faith and belief in Him leading to eternal life and spiritual freedom from sin and death The Jews most troubling issue; questions about who Jesus was and who He claimed to be His most direct confrontation with and condemnation of the Jewish religious leaders His foretelling of His crucifixion His most direct claim of being God...
This week our scripture passage is John 7. In John 7, Jesus attends the seven-day Feast of Booths or Tabernacles, the longest Jewish festival. It was a celebration of God's provision for the Israelites in the wilderness and a celebration of the completion of the year's harvest. During the festival, there was a ceremonial water drawing commemorating the provision of water in the wilderness (Numbers 20:2-13) and a lamp lighting ritual. The first of these ceremonies provides the setting for Jesus' first proclamation in John 7:37-38, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink." The second, His declaration in John 8:12, "I am the Light of the world!"...
We belong to God. This Sunday we took this simple Scriptural truth and applied it to current challenges. This week take some time and see how Christians have expressed and applied this truth. ...
Want to grow in your faith in 2020? Join us in reading the Bible together in 2020. We'll get a little help with some free resources. ...
We want to encourage our whole church to spend time in the Word of God, with key passages and messages that can help inform our understanding of the world around us....
Ricky and Joe talk about the need for help in the areas of marriage and parenting during quarantine and offer a free resource from the church that can help! ...
The small book of Habbakuk transforms us from being a “What if?” people to being an “Even if” people. It takes us from being a worried people wondering what will happen next, to a people confident that even if the worst happens we are secure because God is in control. ...
In the midst of a very tumultuous season, our hearts can grow restless and our minds wander into all sorts of questions: "Will my family be ok? Will they be safe from the Coronavirus? Will I be able to keep my job? Are we going to be financially stable?" If we are not careful, our anxious hearts can lead us to doubts and fears. How then, are we to respond? Where do we go for comfort? ...
These are extraordinary times. It feels like everything in life has changed in just a few days -- everything from our workplace to getting groceries to visiting friends to plans to even gathering as a church. ...
Ricky shared a few challenges our church is facing regarding our volunteer base and the variety of factors that contribute to them. Our Kids Ministry is facing the most significant problem, so here is the appeal we believe we need to make right now: If your kids are benefitting from Kids Ministry, we are appealing for your help in the ministry. ...
When the gospel changes lives and brings people together it creates a gospel culture. It transforms our relationships, families, and churches. It creates a culture of unity, grace, love, and hope flowing from the gospel. Whether you've been a Christian for a month, a year, or a decade, this is a class worth taking. ...
Everyone needs care. Everyone is called to care for others. Join us for a sermon mini-series this January on why God has called us to care for people around us and how to do it well. Whether you're feeling fainthearted, stuck, or weak, God has help for you in his word. ...
Do you want to grow in your understanding of the Bible and theology so you can make an impact in your family, church, and world? Then consider joining us for this 12 month study program. ...
I'm so excited about parenting seminar coming up soon. We have a wonderful opportunity to learn from Bob Kauflin next month. Bob is a well-known writer and speaker but also someone my wife Jenn and I know personally and who is someone we want to emulate in this area. ...
This Sunday we’re going to take a short break and launch a five-week mini-series at Cross of Grace on our vision as a church. In the next few weeks, we want to layout where we think God is taking us as a church, what we long to see happen in our city, and how we want to live as a church community. ...
Pastoral resident Andres Contreras shares lessons his church learned during the worst period of violence in Juarez. He encourages us that God can and does work even through hard times to build his church and reach the lost. ...
At times like this fear and anxiety are near but the Lord is at hand. Because he is at hand we can pray. Here are six ways we can begin to pray for ourselves and our city. ...
It seems surreal that it was only a few days ago that a gunman opened fire in El Paso. On Monday I had to go back to the store. Next week our boys are going back to school. We are here for a reason as disciples of Jesus and one of our tasks is to love our neighbors well in a way that serves them and points them to Jesus. But how do we do that? ...
With Easter approaching, here are some easy ways to make your family celebrations Christ-centered to share the truth, hope, and joy we find in Him. ...
Playlists to pair up with our sermon series on Isaiah ...
We're about to embark on a one year journey through the book of Isaiah. Over the next year most of our preaching will focus on this book and even our worship and liturgy will be shaped by this book. Before we jump in, I want to answer a big question: "Why Spend a Year in Isaiah?"...
We all feel pressure to be perfect around the holidays, but none of us are. The good news is that Jesus' family is made of imperfect people like us. And as a result, we should invite in others and care for them the way Jesus has cared for us. ...
On March 4th we'll launch two services at 8:45am and 11am. There's a lot of change ahead but one thing that won't change at all. ...
On Sunday we looked at Jesus' promise to send the Helper, the Holy Spirit, to give us power to advance the gospels. One of the things you see when you read the gospels is that the Holy Spirit didn't suddenly "show up" after Jesus left but that Jesus did his ministry in the power of the Spirit. We encourage you to explore and meditate on these verses as you trace this theme in the gospels....
As we start our series on the Book of Proverbs for the summer we thought you'd enjoy this 4 minute animated introduction to the book. It's a great overview, and the art is great too. ...
Proverbs says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. This means that getting time with God is one of the most practical things we can possible do. Here are some suggestions. ...
The following was a reading Pastor Ricky Alcantar shared at our Good Friday service called "A Brief History of Death." "Death entered the world like a knife?- quick and silent and irreversible....
We believe that the words in the Bible are God's very words, breathed out by him (2 Tim 3:16), as carried along writers across the centuries (2 Peter 1) to tell one great story. Now is the perfect time to plan what you'll read in 2016....
As the Christmas season turns to a new year we want to make the best use of our time to live an intentional Christ-focused life (Ephesians 5:16). Here are a few suggestions to get you started....
Here is a prayer offered in light of Friday's tragedy in Paris and Sunday's message: The Lord reigns, let us rejoice, mourn, and long for his return. ...
Wondering whether to jump in to a community group this year? Here are four reasons why we think you should jump onboard. ...
Luke chapter 6 gives us a long block of Jesus’ teaching. Much of Jesus’ teaching is counter-cultural and counterintuitive. What Jesus teaches here is in line with the heart of the law to love God and love your neighbor, but Jesus applies it radically to situations like loving enemies and sharing with those in need....
Keep Reading As Luke shows us the early ministry of Jesus we see that Jesus does not do his ministry alone but forms a group of disciples. This story shows us how Jesus called Simon Peter. Jesus performs a miracle, but there is also a deeper purpose in the miracle. Jesus’ miracle illustrates what following Jesus will look like for Simon Peter. ...
Keep Reading As you may have heard the new city order today adds additional restrictions to various aspects of life in our city. I wanted to provide a short update on how we are responding as a church. ...
Keep Reading John’s gospel is structured differently than the other gospels and one of the ways it’s different is that John gives us a series of “signs” that unfold as we read the gospels. These “signs” help reveal not only Jesus’ power and identity but also reveal what he came to do on the earth. In this week's passage we see Jesus' first "sign" and it occurs at the begi...
Keep Reading After the longest of introductions to the person of Jesus, Luke now shows us the start of Jesus’ ministry. But before even ministering publicly Jesus faces a test: being tempted by the devil himself. This story is meant to echo two scenes from the Old Testament....
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