Advertise on podcast: Crosstowne Church - Sermons

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/.

Pastor Bryan explores the powerful story of Israel crossing the Red Sea and reveals how God not only delivered His people out of Egypt but also worked to remove the "Egypt" that remained in their hearts. Through Exodus 13–15, we examine why God sometimes leads us on difficult and unexpected paths, how fear and old patterns can keep us from trusting His promises, and why God often brings us to the end of ourselves so we can fully depend on Him. Whether you're facing uncertainty, spiritual battles, relationship struggles, financial challenges, or lingering lies from your past, this message offers biblical encouragement to trust God's faithfulness and remember that He has already won the ultimate victory through Jesus Christ. If you've ever felt trapped between a rock and a hard place, this sermon will remind you that God is present in the journey, fighting for you, and leading you toward freedom. For more information and resources, visit https://www.crosstownechurch.com/.

We step back “In the Water" as Pastor Paul leads us in exploring the powerful biblical symbolism of the Red Sea and the Jordan River. God uses these pivotal moments to move His people from slavery to liberty, wilderness to wisdom, and into the Promised Land. Paul unpacks how God's grace gives us freedom, His Word provides direction, and together they lead to a flourishing life. Whether you’re feeling trapped by fear, addiction, anxiety, broken relationships, or simply searching for God's purpose, this can encourage you to trust that no obstacle is too great for God to overcome. Learn why liberty without God's truth leads to destruction, law without grace becomes bondage, and lasting freedom is found only through Jesus Christ. For more information and resources, visit https://www.crosstownechurch.com/.

Pastor Paul launches us into our "In the Water" sermon series, we dive into Genesis 1 and discover how God brings order from chaos, purpose from brokenness, and hope for every season of life. We see that just as the Holy Spirit moved over the waters at creation, God is still moving today—bringing transformation to our hearts, our relationships, and our lives. Paul explores the powerful connection between Genesis 1 and Jesus' Parable of the Sower (Mark 4), revealing that spiritual growth depends not on the power of God's Word—which never fails—but on the condition of our hearts to receive it. If we’re searching for biblical encouragement, Christian teaching, hope in difficult seasons, or a deeper understanding of Scripture, we are challenged to surrender every area of our life to God and trust Him to create something beautiful from whatever "waters" we’re facing. For more information and resources, visit https://www.crosstownechurch.com/.

Pastor Paul wraps up our Own It series with Owning our Walk. Drawing from 2 Timothy 2:20–21, we explore what it means to become a vessel of honor—set apart, useful to God, and prepared for every good work. In a world shaped by shifting values, emotions, and cultural pressures, believers are called to make godly distinctions rooted in the truth of God's Word. And we discover how sanctification isn't just a theological concept but a daily practice of choosing holiness, renewing our mind, walking in obedience, and allowing the Holy Spirit to shape every area of our life. Whether you're navigating relationships, anxiety about the future, finances, marriage, parenting, or personal struggles, we can be encouraged to pursue a Christ-centered life marked by grace, conviction, and readiness for whatever God places before us. For more information and resources, visit https://www.crosstownechurch.com/.