Cross of Grace Church: El Paso, TX

Resources on the Doctrine of Sovereign Grace

March 16, 2023 by Ricky Alcantar

New to terms like "Reformed" or "election" or "sovereignty"? Here are a few places to start exploring. ...

The Spirit and the Gifts are Ours -- Resource List

March 16, 2023 by Ricky Alcantar

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. ...

Keep Reading

5 Steps to Being on Mission

September 14, 2022 by Alec Shoffeitt

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....

Keep Reading

The Song of the Lamb (Summary of Revelation)

July 27, 2022 by Ricky Alcantar

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. ...

Keep Reading

Revelation Wrap Up & End-Time Views

July 27, 2022

As our series in Revelation concludes here are some final thoughts on various end-time views as well as resources for further study. ...

Keep Reading

Answering the Accuser

May 16, 2022 by Ricky Alcantar

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. ...

Keep Reading

Spring 2022 Bible Reading Plan - Letters to the 7 Churches: Smyrna

April 19, 2022

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....

Keep Reading

Spring 2022 Bible Reading Plan - Letters to the 7 Churches: Ephesus

April 5, 2022

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. ...

Keep Reading

Revelation Resources

March 26, 2022

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. ...

Keep Reading

Why Are We Meeting Off-Site for Easter??

March 18, 2022 by Ricky Alcantar

Why are we meeting off-site for Easter? Because we are one church, singing one song, about one Savior. ...

Keep Reading

Spring 2022 Bible Reading Plan - Building the Church

March 18, 2022

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....

Keep Reading

Prayer for Ukraine

March 2, 2022 by Ricky Alcantar

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? ...

Keep Reading

Spring 2022 Bible Reading Plan - Ruth, Part 4

March 2, 2022

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. ...

Keep Reading

Spring 2022 Bible Reading Plan - Ruth, Part 3

February 16, 2022

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. ...

Keep Reading

Spring 2022 Bible Reading Plan - Ruth, Part 2

February 3, 2022

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!...

Keep Reading

Spring 2022 Bible Reading Plan - Ruth, Part 1

January 21, 2022

Keep Reading

Get Your Official Church Merch!

October 15, 2021

Have you always wanted a way to represent the church with a shirt? Well now's your chance!...

Keep Reading

Fall 2021 Bible Reading Plan, Week 3 - Good News & Hope for the Condition & Priorities of our Hearts

October 5, 2021

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....

Keep Reading

October 3, 2021 Worship Playlist: The Psalms

September 29, 2021

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....

Keep Reading

King Jesus and the Idol of Politics

September 26, 2021 by Ricky Alcantar

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....

Keep Reading

Fall 2021 Bible Reading Plan, Week 1 - 7 Characteristics of the Antioch Church in Acts 11-14

September 15, 2021

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....

Keep Reading

Fall 2021 Bible Reading Plan, Week 2 - The Parable of the Wicked Tenants and The Owner’s Beloved Son

September 15, 2021

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. ...

Keep Reading

How Cross of Grace can be Praying for Afghanistan.

August 18, 2021 by Alec Shoffeitt

How Cross of Grace can be Praying for Afghanistan....

Keep Reading

Summer 2021 Bible Reading Plan, Week 4 - Mark 10:46-52

July 15, 2021

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....

Keep Reading

Summer 2021 Bible Reading Plan, Week 3 - Not 'Me' But 'We' - The 'One Anothers' of the New Testament

July 15, 2021

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. ...

Keep Reading

Summer 2021 Bible Reading Plan, Week 2 - Be The Church Again

June 16, 2021

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. ...

Keep Reading

Summer 2021 Bible Reading Plan, Week 1: Luke 19:28-48

June 4, 2021

The Triumphal Entry, Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem and Cleanses the Temple ...

Keep Reading

Spring 2021 Bible Reading Plan, Week 16: Luke 19:1-27 - Zacchaeus and The Parable of the Ten Minas

May 19, 2021

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....

Keep Reading

Spring 2021 Bible Reading Plan, Week 15: Luke 18 - A Persistent Widow, A Pharisee & A Tax Collector,

May 12, 2021

Keep Reading

Facemask Policy Changes

May 12, 2021 by Church Office

Our Safety Committee would like to bring you an update on our rolling back of facemask requirements. ...

Keep Reading

Spring 2021 Bible Reading Plan, Week 14: John 11 - 'I Am the Resurrection and the Life'

May 6, 2021

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....

Keep Reading

Spring 2021 Bible Reading Plan, Week 13: Luke 17 - Temptation, Forgiveness and Faith...

April 29, 2021

Keep Reading

Spring 2021 Bible Reading Plan, Week 12: Luke 16 -The Parables of a Dishonest Manager & Lazarus...

April 21, 2021

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....

Keep Reading

Spring 2021 Bible Reading Plan, Week 11: Luke 15 - The Lost Sheep, Lost Coin & Prodigal

April 13, 2021

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! ...

Keep Reading

Spring 2021 Bible Reading Plan, Week 10: John 10 - The Door, The Good Shepherd, One with the Father

April 6, 2021

In John 10, Jesus continues to reveal more of His identity, His mission, and His motives....

Keep Reading

Spring 2021 Bible Reading Plan, Week 9: Luke 14 - Prideful Hard Hearts & the Gospel of Mercy

April 6, 2021

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. ...

Keep Reading

Spring 2021 Bible Reading Plan, Week 8: Luke 13 - Continuing toward Jerusalem, The Narrow Door

March 23, 2021

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....

Keep Reading

Spring 2021 Bible Reading Plan, Week 7: John 9 - Jesus Heals a Man of Physical & Spiritual Blindness

March 10, 2021

Keep Reading

Spring 2021 Bible Reading Plan, Week 6: Luke 12:35-59 -Living Obedient, Ready & Expecting His Return

March 8, 2021

In Luke 12:35-48, Jesus commands us to live a life ready, filled with faithful stewardship and service and prepared for His return. ...

Keep Reading

Spring 2021 Bible Reading Plan, Week 5: Luke 12:1-34 - Living a Life Devoted to God and His Kingdom

March 3, 2021

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. ...

Keep Reading

Spring 2021 Bible Reading Plan, Week 4: Luke 11 - The Lord's Prayer, Blessings, Woes and Warning

February 22, 2021

Keep Reading

Important Safety Updates Starting Sunday, February 21st

February 19, 2021 by Ricky Alcantar

The 9am and 11am services will have differences in restriction levels starting Sunday, February 21st. ...

Keep Reading

Spring 2021 Bible Reading Plan, Week 3: Luke 10 - Spiritual Priorities

February 15, 2021

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...

Keep Reading

Spring 2021 Bible Reading Plan, Week 2: John 8

February 10, 2021

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...

Keep Reading

Spring 2021 Bible Reading Plan, Week 1: John 7

February 2, 2021

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!"...

Keep Reading

Our Hope in Life and Death

January 24, 2021 by Ricky Alcantar

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. ...

Keep Reading

Living on Purpose Devotional - Week 4: 1 Chronicles 16:24, Matthew 24:14

January 22, 2021 by Vincent Corpus

Keep Reading

Living on Purpose Devotional - Week 3: Romans 10:13-15, Mark 16:15-16

January 15, 2021 by Vincent Corpus

Keep Reading

Living on Purpose Devotional - Week 2: Acts 1:8, Acts 13:47

January 10, 2021 by Vincent Corpus

Keep Reading

Living on Purpose Devotional - Week 1: Matthew 28:18-20

January 8, 2021 by Vincent Corpus

Keep Reading

Into the Wilderness Devotional, Day 5: The Wilderness is Where God Refines Us and Purifies Us

August 28, 2020 by Ricky Alcantar

Keep Reading

Into the Wilderness Devotional, Day 2: The Wilderness is Where God Meets Us

August 26, 2020 by Ricky Alcantar

Keep Reading

Into the Wilderness Devotional, Day 3: The Wilderness is Where God Transforms His People

August 26, 2020 by Ricky Alcantar

Keep Reading

Into the Wilderness Devotional, Day 4: The Wilderness is Where God Teaches Us to Trust His Sustainin

August 26, 2020 by Ricky Alcantar

Keep Reading

Into the Wilderness Devotional, Day 1: The Wilderness Is Not Where We're Meant to Be

August 21, 2020 by Ricky Alcantar

Keep Reading

Into the Wilderness Devotional, Day 6: The Wilderness is Where God Prepares Us

August 21, 2020 by Ricky Alcantar

Keep Reading

Read the Bible With Us in 2020

June 29, 2020 by Ricky Alcantar

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. ...

Keep Reading

Resources on Justice, Racism, Unity, and Hope

June 12, 2020 by Ricky Alcantar

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....

Keep Reading

Marriage and Parenting in Quarantine is Tough, This Can Help

May 8, 2020

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! ...

Keep Reading

The Righteous Shall Live By Faith

April 26, 2020

Keep Reading

Even If... - Our sermon series on the book of Habbakuk

April 17, 2020 by Ricky Alcantar

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. ...

Keep Reading

Gospel Resources for the Midst of a Pandemic

March 31, 2020 by Andrés Contreras

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? ...

Keep Reading

Church Service Update

March 19, 2020 by Ricky Alcantar

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. ...

Keep Reading

Kids Ministry Update

March 11, 2020 by Ricky Alcantar

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. ...

Keep Reading

Gospel Culture 101 - An Invitation

February 17, 2020 by Ricky Alcantar

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. ...

Keep Reading

Who Cares? - A Sermon Mini-Series

January 15, 2020 by Ricky Alcantar

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. ...

Keep Reading

An Invitation to Our Emerging Leaders Course

December 4, 2019 by Andrés Contreras

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. ...

Keep Reading

Vision Homework, Week 3: Identity as Witnesses

October 5, 2019 by Andrés Contreras

Keep Reading

Vision Homework, Week 1: Identity as Disciples

October 2, 2019 by Andrés Contreras

Keep Reading

Vision Homework, Week 2: Identity as Family

October 2, 2019 by Andrés Contreras

Keep Reading

3 Reasons to Come to the Gospel Parenting Seminar

October 2, 2019 by Andrés Contreras

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. ...

Keep Reading

Our VISION as a Church

September 4, 2019 by Ricky Alcantar

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. ...

Keep Reading

God at Work in the Broken City

August 19, 2019

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. ...

Keep Reading

6 Ways to Pray for Our City After Tragedy

August 19, 2019

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. ...

Keep Reading

6 Ways to Love Your Neighbor in the Aftermath of the Shooting

August 7, 2019 by Ricky Alcantar

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? ...

Keep Reading

Quick Ideas for a Christ-Centered Easter

April 16, 2019

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. ...

Keep Reading

Soundtracks for our Isaiah Series

February 13, 2019 by Ricky Alcantar

Playlists to pair up with our sermon series on Isaiah ...

Keep Reading

Our 2019 Sermon Series on Isaiah

January 23, 2019 by Ricky Alcantar

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?"...

Keep Reading

Jesus Perfect Family Series (and 5 Ways to Apply It)

December 12, 2018 by Ricky Alcantar

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. ...

Keep Reading

Christmas Family Time Ideas

December 12, 2018 by Vincent Corpus

Keep Reading

Two Services One Mission

February 7, 2018 by Ricky Alcantar

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. ...

Keep Reading

Tracing the Theme of the Spirit in the Gospels & Acts

October 19, 2016 by Joe Alcantar

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....

Keep Reading

Parent Discipleship Resources

September 7, 2016 by Vincent Corpus

Helpful Resources for Family Devotionals...

Keep Reading

Watch a Great, 4 Minute Overview of Proverbs

May 6, 2016

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. ...

Keep Reading

The Beginning of Wisdom and the Bible on Your Shelf

May 4, 2016 by Ricky Alcantar

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. ...

Keep Reading

Good Friday Reading: A Brief History of Death

March 30, 2016

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....

Keep Reading

Make a Plan to Read the Bible in 2016

December 23, 2015 by Ricky Alcantar

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....

Keep Reading

Making the Most of the Season

December 15, 2015 by Ricky Alcantar

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....

Keep Reading

Praying for Paris & The Coming Kingdom

November 16, 2015 by Ricky Alcantar

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. ...

Keep Reading

Archives for February 2021

Categories

Archive

Tags

Authors