Advertise on podcast: Crosstowne Church - Sermons

In this powerful message from Crosstowne Church’s Rooted sermon series, Pastor Paul explores how to read the Bible with the right purpose: not simply to gain biblical knowledge or complete a daily reading plan, but to grow in a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. Using the analogy of America’s interstate highway system, he explains that Scripture is the map, but Jesus is the destination. The Bible reveals God’s character, corrects our misconceptions, and guides us toward the truth, but religious practices like Bible study, church attendance, serving, and communion are not substitutes for genuinely knowing Christ. Drawing from John 5:39, John 17:3, Psalm 119:105, and Philippians 3:8–9, Pastor Paul challenges believers to move beyond religious routines and pursue an ongoing, personal relationship with God. Whether you struggle with reading the Bible, have become comfortable in your spiritual habits, or have experienced hurt from the church, this message invites you to rediscover the purpose of Scripture and encounter Jesus in a deeper way. Don't just read more of the Bible—read it better. Read to know Jesus. For more information and resources, visit https://www.crosstownechurch.com/.

What does it mean to grow deeper in your relationship with Jesus? In this message from our Rooted series, we explore the transforming power of the Holy Spirit and how God moves us from glory to glory as we become more rooted and grounded in His love. Through John 14–16, 2 Corinthians 3, 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 8, and Ephesians 3, we discover how the Holy Spirit works in our lives by giving us godly wisdom, developing the fruit of the Spirit, equipping us with spiritual gifts, empowering us to experience new life in Christ, and strengthening us through life’s challenges. Following Jesus is more than a one-time decision—it’s a lifelong journey of spiritual growth and transformation. As the Holy Spirit works within us, the truth of Jesus becomes increasingly evident in how we think, love, serve, and respond to the world around us. Join us as we discover what it means to be rooted in Christ and reflect His glory in everyday life. For more information and resources, visit https://www.crosstownechurch.com/.

Why do we always feel like we need more, even when God has already given us so much? In this message from the Rooted series Pastor Paul explores the human struggle with comparison, dissatisfaction, and the constant feeling of not being enough. Looking at the fall of humanity in Genesis 1–3, the Israelites’ provision of manna in the wilderness, and Paul’s teaching in 2 Corinthians 3, this sermon reveals how the voice of lack can lead us away from trusting God and into endless striving. Discover how the gospel of Jesus Christ offers a better way: finding our identity, adequacy, and sufficiency in Christ rather than in our possessions, relationships, accomplishments, or approval from others. Whether you are struggling with insecurity, regret, comparison, or the pressure to achieve more, this message will encourage you to stop striving out of your lack and begin living out of the sufficiency of Christ. Learn how trusting God can bring lasting hope, joy, peace, and spiritual rest even when life is imperfect. Watch and discover how to find contentment in Christ, overcome the pressure of comparison, and rest in the truth that Jesus is enough. For more information and resources, visit https://www.crosstownechurch.com/.

In this message from the Rooted series, we explore what truly gives us distinction and identity. We often define ourselves by our accomplishments, careers, possessions, relationships, political beliefs, past mistakes, or the opinions of others—but these sources of identity are temporary and ultimately cannot give us lasting meaning. Instead, Scripture reveals that our greatest distinction comes from being known, sought, found, and called by God. Through Psalm 8, the story of Moses, and Jesus’ calling of Philip in John 1, this message challenges us to move beyond simply being created in God’s image and embrace the deeper identity of becoming a child of God through Jesus Christ. No matter what has happened in your past, your failures, losses, age, or circumstances do not have to define you. In Christ, you have a lasting identity, belonging, purpose, and hope. This message invites us to ask: What distinction are you living for, and what column do you want to be in? The emphasis on grounding identity in God rather than achievements or failures also echoes broader Christian teaching that our identity is most secure when rooted in being children of God. For more information and resources, visit https://www.crosstownechurch.com/.

What if the way you imagine God isn’t actually the way God has revealed Himself? In this message from the Rooted series, we explore what it means to move beyond our assumptions, experiences, and cultural ideas about God and discover who He truly is. Using the story of Moses at the burning bush, Scripture, and the person of Jesus, this message challenges us to “deauthorize” our own definitions of God and allow God to reveal Himself on His terms. Most importantly, we discover that Jesus is the exact representation of God’s nature and that the heart of the gospel is not simply being saved from hell or getting to heaven, but being reconciled to God Himself. As we learn to “turn aside” and seek God, we are invited to let the image of Christ reshape how we understand God, ourselves, and our relationship with Him. The message concludes with practical encouragement to practice “First Light” and read “a little John” each day as we grow deeper and become more rooted in our faith. For more information and resources, visit https://www.crosstownechurch.com/.

What if spiritual growth begins with something as simple as curiosity? We explore the story of Moses and the burning bush in Exodus 3 and discover what it means to “turn aside” and pay attention when God is revealing Himself to us. Just as roots grow beneath the surface before a plant can flourish above it, our relationship with God requires us to grow deeper in faith, practice what we profess, and remain open to what God wants to reveal. This message challenges us to stop treating God as a puzzle we have already solved and instead approach Him as a mystery we can continually discover. Learn how curiosity, prayer, and intentional moments with God can create spiritual “rooting moments” in everyday life—and discover the simple practice of First Light, turning to God before anything else captures our attention each morning. What might God reveal if you simply turned aside and said, “Here I am”? For more information and resources, visit https://www.crosstownechurch.com/.

What does it look like to be truly empowered by the Holy Spirit? In this message from the Animate series, Pastor Paul explores how the Holy Spirit works both in us and through us—transforming our character through the fruit of the Spirit and empowering us through spiritual gifts to make a difference in the world around us. We’re reminded that God doesn’t require perfection, impressive credentials, or a perfect past; He uses ordinary people who are willing to surrender and be led by His Spirit. From spiritual gifts like wisdom, prophecy, healing, faith, discernment, and encouragement to everyday moments of divine prompting, the Holy Spirit equips every believer for the common good and the work of God’s Kingdom. The goal isn’t spiritual hype or attention—it’s to glorify Jesus, become more like Him, and allow God to work through our lives. Whether you’re young or old, confident or struggling, your story isn’t over and your usefulness to God hasn’t ended. It can all begin with a simple prayer: “God, give me the desire to desire You.”

How do we hear from God? What does it actually look like to interact with the Holy Spirit in everyday life? As we continue in our Animate series, Staci explores what it means to walk with the Holy Spirit, hear God’s voice, and cultivate a deeper relationship with Him. She explains that the Holy Spirit is not simply a mystical force or feeling, but the third person of the Trinity who guides us into truth and helps us grow in our relationship with God. Through the analogy of learning to walk, Staci reminds us that spiritual growth takes practice—and when we stumble, we should focus on getting back up rather than condemning ourselves. This message also challenges us to set our minds on the Spirit, create space to hear from God, fill our minds with Scripture, and develop simple daily rhythms of prayer and spiritual reflection. Above all, we are reminded of God’s steadfast, unfailing love and His desire for fellowship with us. Whether you're learning how to hear God, seeking a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit, or simply longing for renewed spiritual strength, this message offers practical encouragement for your walk with Jesus. For more information and resources, visit https://www.crosstownechurch.com/.

What does it mean to truly be animated by the Holy Spirit? We explore the calling of every follower of Jesus to both become and do—to allow the Holy Spirit to transform who we are on the inside while empowering us to live out God’s mission on the outside. Through the story of Jesus choosing His disciples, Paul’s teaching in Ephesians 5, and the crossing of the Red Sea, we discover how the Holy Spirit gives us direction, strength, purpose, and transformation in the middle of life’s hardships. The fruit of the Spirit isn’t something we simply force ourselves to produce; it is the Spirit of God working within us to form the character of Christ. Whether you’re struggling with fear, anger, selfishness, broken relationships, or simply feeling like you’re paddling through life without direction, this message reminds us that God can make a way where we cannot. We are not called to become something and do nothing, nor are we called to do something without becoming something—we are called to live and walk by the Spirit. For more information and resources, visit https://www.crosstownechurch.com/.

Pastor Paul walks us through our exploration of the Valley of Dry Bones in Ezekiel 37 and what it means to experience true spiritual renewal through the Holy Spirit. What happens when life feels broken, hopeless, or completely dried up? Through the imagery of ruach Elohim—the breath and Spirit of God—we discover that God can bring hope, healing, restoration, and new life even to the places that seem beyond repair. We’re challenged to stop relying solely on self-improvement, optimism, or outward behavior modification and instead allow the Spirit of God to transform every layer of our lives, including our relationships, thoughts, struggles, ambitions, and faith. Discover how the power of the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, and the newness of life found in Jesus Christ can breathe life into your “dry bones” and help you truly come alive in Christ. For more information and resources, visit https://www.crosstownechurch.com/.

What is actually animating your life? Pastor Paul takes us into our new series Animate, and we consider who it’s possible to have constant movement, productivity, routines, relationships, and accomplishments while still lacking the deeper purpose and transformation God intends for us. We walk through Genesis, John 3, Ecclesiastes, and the biblical concept of ruach (Spirit/breath/wind), as we're challenged to recognize the difference between simply being alive and being animated by the presence of God. We’ll examine how ambition, fear, anger, jealousy, success, pleasure, shame, and other forces can become the things that drive us—and how Jesus, the “second Adam,” offers new life through the Holy Spirit. For more information and resources, visit https://www.crosstownechurch.com/.

What can Jesus do with an empty life? Pastor Paul explores the story of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana and reveals a deeper picture of how God transforms what seems empty, useless, broken, or impossible into something filled with His life and purpose. Just like the six empty ceremonial clay jars, we can find ourselves feeling empty, overlooked, stuck, or unable to fix the problems in our marriages, families, relationships, addictions, careers, and lives. But Jesus doesn’t ask us to manufacture our own transformation—He invites us to bring Him our emptiness and trust Him with the impossible. Pastor Paul connects the miracle at Cana with Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus about being born again, reminding us that success, possessions, accomplishments, religion, and simply being “filled” with the things of life can never satisfy our souls like Christ can. If you feel empty, stuck, or overwhelmed by something you cannot fix, this message is a reminder that Jesus can transform your empty clay vessel into a life filled with His grace, purpose, and hope. For more information and resources, visit https://www.crosstownechurch.com/.

Elder Chris McLain explores the powerful story of Jesus walking on water and Peter stepping out of the boat in Matthew 14. Through this incredible encounter, we see how Jesus demonstrates His complete sovereignty over creation, fear, suffering, and every obstacle we face. We’re challenged to recognize Jesus not simply as a teacher or companion, but as Lord over all—the great “I AM.” Chris examines Peter's bold decision to leave the safety of the boat, why his confidence began to waver when he shifted his focus from Jesus to the storm, and how our own confidence in Christ grows through proximity and perspective. Whether you're facing fear, uncertainty, suffering, a difficult diagnosis, unanswered prayer, or circumstances that seem impossible, this sermon encourages you to keep Jesus bigger than your problems, boldly approach God in prayer, and trust His sovereignty even when you don't understand what He is doing. If you've ever found yourself holding onto the boat instead of stepping out in faith, this message will challenge you to draw closer to Jesus, fix your eyes on Him, and confidently follow wherever He leads. For more information and resources, visit https://www.crosstownechurch.com/.

What do you do when the storms of life leave you feeling like you’re drowning? Pastor Bryan leads us as we explore Mark 4 and Psalm 23 to discover what it means to trust Jesus when life feels uncertain, chaotic, and overwhelming. The disciples learned that Jesus is more than a teacher or healer—He is the One who has authority over the wind and the sea. Through Psalm 23, we’re reminded that true peace doesn’t always mean the storm disappears; it means knowing who is with you in the storm. Whether you’re facing anxiety, financial struggles, marriage difficulties, parenting challenges, illness, or simply uncertainty about what comes next, you can have confidence in the Good Shepherd who leads, protects, and provides. Discover how faith in Jesus can give you peace, confidence, and hope—not because you know what tomorrow holds, but because you know who is in the boat with you. For more information and resources, visit https://www.crosstownechurch.com/.

Pastor Jake leads us as we explore Exodus 17 and discover how God's provision of water from the rock points directly to Jesus Christ, the true Rock and Living Water. Learn why the Israelites' thirst in the wilderness revealed a deeper spiritual need, how our own seasons of doubt and suffering expose the condition of our hearts, and why Jesus alone can satisfy the deepest thirst of the soul. Jake unpacks the connection between Exodus 17, 1 Corinthians 10, and John 7, revealing the gospel foreshadowed in the Old Testament and encouraging believers to trust God's faithfulness even in life's wilderness seasons. Whether you're struggling with grief, uncertainty, disappointment, or simply longing for spiritual renewal, this biblical teaching reminds us that Christ goes before us, never leaves us, and offers living water that never runs dry. For more information and resources, visit https://www.crosstownechurch.com/.