King's Cross Church Cypress https://www.kingscrosscypress.org no en-us ℗ & © 2024 King's Cross Church: Cypress, TX Sermons from King's Cross Church: Cypress, TX King's Cross Church: Cypress, TX We’re a church in Houston, Texas, seeking to love God, love people, love Cypress. We’re a church in Houston, Texas, seeking to love God, love people, love Cypress. Dennis Hermerding dennis@kingscrosscypress.org Come and See His Death Come and See His Death https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2024-03-24/come-and-see-his-death Luke now presents us with a Jesus’s responses to all the things that are taking place as he comes to the end of his journey that began in Galilee and will end on a hill outside the gates of Jerusalem hanging upon a cross. It is to Jesus and his final moments of life that Luke draws us to Come and See. Luke now presents us with a Jesus’s responses to all the things that are taking place as he comes to the end of his journey that began in Galilee and will end on a hill outside the gates of Jerusalem hanging upon a cross. It is to Jesus and his final moments of life that Luke draws us to Come and See. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2024-03-24/444/come-and-see-his-death Sun, 24 Mar 2024 11:30:00 -0500 Come and See His Rejection Come and See His Rejection https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2024-03-17/come-and-see-his-rejection But how many of your plans include evil, failure and rejection? They are things to deal with and make plans to avoid but not things we cook into the plans. But what if problems were part of the plan? What if bad things, even evil, was part of the plan? What if failure was part of the plan? What if rejection were part of the plan? Luke invites us to Come and See this morning that evil is part of the plan. That failure is part of the plan. That even rejection is part of the plan. But how many of your plans include evil, failure and rejection? They are things to deal with and make plans to avoid but not things we cook into the plans. But what if problems were part of the plan? What if bad things, even evil, was part of the plan? What if failure was part of the plan? What if rejection were part of the plan? Luke invites us to Come and See this morning that evil is part of the plan. That failure is part of the plan. That even rejection is part of the plan. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2024-03-17/443/come-and-see-his-rejection Sun, 17 Mar 2024 11:30:00 -0500 Come and See His Prayer Come and See His Prayer https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2024-03-10/come-and-see-his-prayer Here on this evening Jesus was confronted acutely with the cost of our redemption and rescue. It was here on this evening that all of Redemptive History hung in the balance. All the OT promises, all the the things we are taught are ours in Christ were not yet secured. The real threat of being unjustified, with no hope of being sanctified or glorified all rested on the decision Jesus would make and it was in prayer that this battle was fought. So this morning we are asking how did Jesus secure our redemption and become our substitute? Here on this evening Jesus was confronted acutely with the cost of our redemption and rescue. It was here on this evening that all of Redemptive History hung in the balance. All the OT promises, all the the things we are taught are ours in Christ were not yet secured. The real threat of being unjustified, with no hope of being sanctified or glorified all rested on the decision Jesus would make and it was in prayer that this battle was fought. So this morning we are asking how did Jesus secure our redemption and become our substitute? https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2024-03-10/442/come-and-see-his-prayer Sun, 10 Mar 2024 11:30:00 -0600 Come and See His Supper Come and See His Supper https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2024-03-03/come-and-see-his-supper It is during this most important of meals that Jesus inaugurates his supper. Jesus is the Passover lamb who has come to take away the sin of the world and he leaves his followers with a meal to remind them of all that he is about to do and to spiritually nourish and encourage them and all who will follow him until he returns. So lets take some time to Come and See His Supper. It is during this most important of meals that Jesus inaugurates his supper. Jesus is the Passover lamb who has come to take away the sin of the world and he leaves his followers with a meal to remind them of all that he is about to do and to spiritually nourish and encourage them and all who will follow him until he returns. So lets take some time to Come and See His Supper. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2024-03-03/441/come-and-see-his-supper Sun, 3 Mar 2024 11:30:00 -0600 Come and See His Transfiguration Come and See His Transfiguration https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2024-02-25/come-and-see-his-transfiguration What is so powerful here in this passage is that Jesus as one who is fully God chooses to walk the road of his full humanity which has as its final destination of his earthly ministry suffering and a cross. Luke is not inviting us to choose Jesus over all other ways we might find fulfillment, wholeness or well-being. No Luke wants us to Come and See there is no other way. What is so powerful here in this passage is that Jesus as one who is fully God chooses to walk the road of his full humanity which has as its final destination of his earthly ministry suffering and a cross. Luke is not inviting us to choose Jesus over all other ways we might find fulfillment, wholeness or well-being. No Luke wants us to Come and See there is no other way. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2024-02-25/440/come-and-see-his-transfiguration Sun, 25 Feb 2024 11:30:00 -0600 Come And See His Power Come And See His Power https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2024-02-18/come-and-see-his-power What if Power and Love were united not just as a concept but in a person? What if their was someone who had infinite cosmic Power and eternal never-ending always and forever Love? What would that look like? Is that even possible? Luke invites each of us this morning to take a look at what happens when love combined with power comes to town. What if Power and Love were united not just as a concept but in a person? What if their was someone who had infinite cosmic Power and eternal never-ending always and forever Love? What would that look like? Is that even possible? Luke invites each of us this morning to take a look at what happens when love combined with power comes to town. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2024-02-18/439/come-and-see-his-power Sun, 18 Feb 2024 11:30:00 -0600 Come and See His Apostles Come and See His Apostles https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2024-02-11/come-and-see-his-apostles This morning our text is presenting to us some profound truths and understanding of how Jesus chose them and how that should shape us as well. So let’s Come and See Jesus’s Apostles… This morning our text is presenting to us some profound truths and understanding of how Jesus chose them and how that should shape us as well. So let’s Come and See Jesus’s Apostles… https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2024-02-11/438/come-and-see-his-apostles Sun, 11 Feb 2024 11:30:00 -0600 Come and See His Temptation Come and See His Temptation https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2024-02-04/come-and-see-his-temptation We're continuing our Come and See series going through Jesus's temptation give us hope when facing temptation in our own lives. We're continuing our Come and See series going through Jesus's temptation give us hope when facing temptation in our own lives. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2024-02-04/437/come-and-see-his-temptation Sun, 4 Feb 2024 11:30:00 -0600 Come and See His Roots Come and See His Roots https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2024-01-28/come-and-see-his-roots People have always been fascinated with their ancestry and often the ancestry of famous people. We often ask questions that surround our genealogy or roots when we ask people questions like… Where are you from? Who are your people? What’s your story? Who are your mom or dad?Luke is wanting us to see that Jesus has roots that are historical, theological and eschatological. This long list of names may not seem important but if we understand what Luke is saying this is not only a story about Jesus but a story we are invited into as well. Luke invites us to Come and See Jesus’s Roots. People have always been fascinated with their ancestry and often the ancestry of famous people. We often ask questions that surround our genealogy or roots when we ask people questions like… Where are you from? Who are your people? What’s your story? Who are your mom or dad?Luke is wanting us to see that Jesus has roots that are historical, theological and eschatological. This long list of names may not seem important but if we understand what Luke is saying this is not only a story about Jesus but a story we are invited into as well. Luke invites us to Come and See Jesus’s Roots. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2024-01-28/436/come-and-see-his-roots Sun, 28 Jan 2024 11:30:00 -0600 Come and See His Baptism Come and See His Baptism https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2024-01-21/come-and-see-his-baptism Luke tells us clearly what he is up to and in multiple places including the first 2 verses here in chapter 3 he is providing us with information that can be verified by outside sources. Luke himself is a highly educated man and was closely connected to many eyewitnesses of the matters upon which he is writing. I don’t know how you come to KXC this morning but I hope you will accept the invitation you are offered to for a few minutes Come and See Jesus’s Baptism… Luke tells us clearly what he is up to and in multiple places including the first 2 verses here in chapter 3 he is providing us with information that can be verified by outside sources. Luke himself is a highly educated man and was closely connected to many eyewitnesses of the matters upon which he is writing. I don’t know how you come to KXC this morning but I hope you will accept the invitation you are offered to for a few minutes Come and See Jesus’s Baptism… https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2024-01-21/435/come-and-see-his-baptism Sun, 21 Jan 2024 11:30:00 -0600 Come and See His Birth Come and See His Birth https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2024-01-14/come-and-see-his-birth Luke invites us all to Come and See who this person is and to learn about his life’s story. Here we will encounter skeptics, doubters and even those who are hostile to faith in the person of Jesus. But…we will also encounter those who respond in faith not because of what they see but they come and see because they have heard and believe. Our understanding of the world is driven by what we place our faith, belief and trust in.  Why would someone place their faith in Jesus? Come and See. Luke invites us all to Come and See who this person is and to learn about his life’s story. Here we will encounter skeptics, doubters and even those who are hostile to faith in the person of Jesus. But…we will also encounter those who respond in faith not because of what they see but they come and see because they have heard and believe. Our understanding of the world is driven by what we place our faith, belief and trust in.  Why would someone place their faith in Jesus? Come and See. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2024-01-14/434/come-and-see-his-birth Sun, 14 Jan 2024 11:30:00 -0600 Advent Renewal Advent Renewal https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-12-31/advent-renewal What God is telling us is that he is renewing everything so that we will recognize it but it will be like nothing we could have ever imagined. It will blow our minds and exceed every expectation. Let's look and see how. What God is telling us is that he is renewing everything so that we will recognize it but it will be like nothing we could have ever imagined. It will blow our minds and exceed every expectation. Let's look and see how. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-12-31/433/advent-renewal Sun, 31 Dec 2023 11:30:00 -0600 Advent Joy Advent Joy https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-12-24/advent-joy The Jesus story Bible reminds us that the Bible is first and foremost a story. Sally Lloyd-Jones writes “Its an adventure story about a young Hero who comes from a far country to win back his lost treasure. It s a love story about a brave Prince who leaves his palace, his throne —everything— to rescue the one he loves. It’s like the like the most wonderful of fairy tales that has come true in real life!” This may seem unbelievable but John writes these words and Jesus says they are faithful and true. This may seem a long way off but we are closer today than we were yesterday and tomorrow is not as far as it seems. So let’s look and see the joy that is ours now as we await the fullness of our joy that is to come. The Jesus story Bible reminds us that the Bible is first and foremost a story. Sally Lloyd-Jones writes “Its an adventure story about a young Hero who comes from a far country to win back his lost treasure. It s a love story about a brave Prince who leaves his palace, his throne —everything— to rescue the one he loves. It’s like the like the most wonderful of fairy tales that has come true in real life!” This may seem unbelievable but John writes these words and Jesus says they are faithful and true. This may seem a long way off but we are closer today than we were yesterday and tomorrow is not as far as it seems. So let’s look and see the joy that is ours now as we await the fullness of our joy that is to come. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-12-24/432/advent-joy Sun, 24 Dec 2023 11:30:00 -0600 Advent Hope Advent Hope https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-12-17/advent-hope Revelation 12 is telling us the dark is dark! Really Dark. But Advent is all about Hope in the darkness. And so it is vital that we remember the message that keeps getting told to us throughout this letter over and over again. JESUS HAS WON! JESUS IS WINNING! JESUS WILL WIN! Revelation 12 is telling us the dark is dark! Really Dark. But Advent is all about Hope in the darkness. And so it is vital that we remember the message that keeps getting told to us throughout this letter over and over again. JESUS HAS WON! JESUS IS WINNING! JESUS WILL WIN! https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-12-17/431/advent-hope Sun, 17 Dec 2023 11:30:00 -0600 Advent Peace Advent Peace https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-12-10/advent-peace John invites you this morning, as he wrote to churches struggling with similar issues, to enter into the dilemma, to see the Worthy One and join in the glorious response that comes from seeing the one who can give you and I and our world PEACE. John invites you this morning, as he wrote to churches struggling with similar issues, to enter into the dilemma, to see the Worthy One and join in the glorious response that comes from seeing the one who can give you and I and our world PEACE. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-12-10/430/advent-peace Sun, 10 Dec 2023 11:30:00 -0600 An Advent Vision An Advent Vision https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-12-03/an-advent-vision The Revelation is the perfect book to take a look at as we enter the Advent season. Advent is all about preparing and anticipating the coming of  Jesus and the book of Revelation is all about being prepared and understanding what we are in fact to anticipate concerning Jesus and his return. John was given a message that was not only for his own time but for ours as well. We are all invited to see and hear so lets do that this morning… The Revelation is the perfect book to take a look at as we enter the Advent season. Advent is all about preparing and anticipating the coming of  Jesus and the book of Revelation is all about being prepared and understanding what we are in fact to anticipate concerning Jesus and his return. John was given a message that was not only for his own time but for ours as well. We are all invited to see and hear so lets do that this morning… https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-12-03/429/an-advent-vision Sun, 3 Dec 2023 11:30:00 -0600 Real Love Real Love https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-11-26/real-love In a world filled with hurt, hate and indifference Paul tells us that in the midst of that we can find REAL LOVE. The kind of love which has power to change people. To make things in this world different. REAL LOVE can even roll back the effects of sin. How can we find REAL LOVE? Lets look and find out. In a world filled with hurt, hate and indifference Paul tells us that in the midst of that we can find REAL LOVE. The kind of love which has power to change people. To make things in this world different. REAL LOVE can even roll back the effects of sin. How can we find REAL LOVE? Lets look and find out. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-11-26/428/real-love Sun, 26 Nov 2023 11:30:00 -0600 The Church: a Kaleidoscope of God's Glory The Church: a Kaleidoscope of God's Glory https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-11-19/the-church-a-kaleidoscope-of-gods-glory The Church is central to God’s eternal plan and we do well this morning to see how this passage teaches us about the biblical centrality of the Church and the profound impact the Church and our church in particular can have in our community and in our present moment in history for the benefit of our community and the glory of God. When I read this passage I can’t help but think of a Kaleidoscope. Let’s find out why. The Church is central to God’s eternal plan and we do well this morning to see how this passage teaches us about the biblical centrality of the Church and the profound impact the Church and our church in particular can have in our community and in our present moment in history for the benefit of our community and the glory of God. When I read this passage I can’t help but think of a Kaleidoscope. Let’s find out why. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-11-19/427/the-church-a-kaleidoscope-of-gods-glory Sun, 19 Nov 2023 11:30:00 -0600 Humbly Vulnerable Humbly Vulnerable https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-10-29/humbly-vulnerable Jesus parable found in Luke 18 addresses how being vulnerable upends our fear of shame and being found out and opens us up to receive and express LOVE. Jesus parable found in Luke 18 addresses how being vulnerable upends our fear of shame and being found out and opens us up to receive and express LOVE. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-10-29/426/humbly-vulnerable Sun, 29 Oct 2023 11:30:00 -0500 Prodigal Jesus Prodigal Jesus https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-10-22/prodigal-jesus The term prodigal in that parable and in many other settings is not used complimentary but is a term used to describe someone who is wasteful, extravagant, excessive and even wasteful. The dictionary definition most often found is for one to be recklessly extravagant or giving on a lavish scale. Spending everything you have on what is perceived as wasteful. As we come to this passage this morning we are looking at another of our Core Values which is Risky Generosity. So the question we might ask this morning is. How Generous is your Jesus? The term prodigal in that parable and in many other settings is not used complimentary but is a term used to describe someone who is wasteful, extravagant, excessive and even wasteful. The dictionary definition most often found is for one to be recklessly extravagant or giving on a lavish scale. Spending everything you have on what is perceived as wasteful. As we come to this passage this morning we are looking at another of our Core Values which is Risky Generosity. So the question we might ask this morning is. How Generous is your Jesus? https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-10-22/424/prodigal-jesus Sun, 22 Oct 2023 11:30:00 -0500 Kingdom Focused Kingdom Focused https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-10-15/kingdom-focused When we come to a passage like the one we have here before us how we understand the Kingdom becomes vital since Jesus says that he came preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom and the plan from the beginning to the end of human history has God’s Kingdom as its ultimate destiny and final destination. The question is never are we to be concerned and focused on the Kingdom of God but rather what it is and how we can be a part of it. When we come to a passage like the one we have here before us how we understand the Kingdom becomes vital since Jesus says that he came preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom and the plan from the beginning to the end of human history has God’s Kingdom as its ultimate destiny and final destination. The question is never are we to be concerned and focused on the Kingdom of God but rather what it is and how we can be a part of it. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-10-15/425/kingdom-focused Sun, 15 Oct 2023 11:30:00 -0500 People of the Word People of the Word https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-10-08/people-of-the-word Today we are looking at the Bible our Holy Scripture and its role and impact in our lives as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that the Bible is the only faithful and true guide to instruct us in what we are to believe about God and how we are to live our lives. We believe that this book is unlike any other. We believe Everything we need to know about God and how to have a relationship with him and his people are contained within the pages of the Bible. Through them, God changes us, bringing healing to our brokenness and restoring our beauty and enabling human flourishing. Paul points us to the great treasure of the Bible and how it can impact us for life and godliness lets look and see. Today we are looking at the Bible our Holy Scripture and its role and impact in our lives as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that the Bible is the only faithful and true guide to instruct us in what we are to believe about God and how we are to live our lives. We believe that this book is unlike any other. We believe Everything we need to know about God and how to have a relationship with him and his people are contained within the pages of the Bible. Through them, God changes us, bringing healing to our brokenness and restoring our beauty and enabling human flourishing. Paul points us to the great treasure of the Bible and how it can impact us for life and godliness lets look and see. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-10-08/423/people-of-the-word Sun, 8 Oct 2023 11:30:00 -0500 Centrality of the Gospel Centrality of the Gospel https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-10-01/centrality-of-the-gospel If the Church is a community of Grace formed by the Gospel with a purpose not of self fulfillment but a to share life with others and seek to bring the reality of Jesus’ rule into the lives ourselves, our Church and our Community what will enable us to change and live that way? What is it that can enable us to not just go to Church but to actually be the Church? In a word it is the Gospel. If the Church is a community of Grace formed by the Gospel with a purpose not of self fulfillment but a to share life with others and seek to bring the reality of Jesus’ rule into the lives ourselves, our Church and our Community what will enable us to change and live that way? What is it that can enable us to not just go to Church but to actually be the Church? In a word it is the Gospel. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-10-01/422/centrality-of-the-gospel Sun, 1 Oct 2023 11:30:00 -0500 Love Cypress Love Cypress https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-09-24/love-cypress To be those who are called to Love God, Love People and Love the Place God has called us is critical in an age where deconstruction, anti-institution, cynicism and fear dominate our communities. Loving our place means we address these issues fueled by love from God for the well-being and flourishing of our communities by addressing the brokenness and celebrating and promoting the good. To be those who are called to Love God, Love People and Love the Place God has called us is critical in an age where deconstruction, anti-institution, cynicism and fear dominate our communities. Loving our place means we address these issues fueled by love from God for the well-being and flourishing of our communities by addressing the brokenness and celebrating and promoting the good. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-09-24/421/love-cypress Sun, 24 Sep 2023 11:30:00 -0500 Love People Love People https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-09-17/love-people As we think about Love for God we can’t linger long there without it leading us to love for people. And that is precisely because truly Loving God leads us to Love what he loves and the incredible good news for everyone in this room, in this community and in this world is that God loves people. So how can we love who God loves? Lets look and see. As we think about Love for God we can’t linger long there without it leading us to love for people. And that is precisely because truly Loving God leads us to Love what he loves and the incredible good news for everyone in this room, in this community and in this world is that God loves people. So how can we love who God loves? Lets look and see. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-09-17/420/love-people Sun, 17 Sep 2023 11:30:00 -0500 Love God Love God https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-09-10/love-god This Morning we begin our new series thinking about what is at the Heart of KXC. And we begin this morning thinking about LOVE. Here at KXC we talk about love quite a bit. It’s in our tag line and its rooted in our purpose. We are a community gathered together to see, celebrate and savor God’s big story in worship. To pray big prayer and to demonstrate the generosity of God’s grace all rooted in love for God! The question someone might rightly ask is why? This Morning we begin our new series thinking about what is at the Heart of KXC. And we begin this morning thinking about LOVE. Here at KXC we talk about love quite a bit. It’s in our tag line and its rooted in our purpose. We are a community gathered together to see, celebrate and savor God’s big story in worship. To pray big prayer and to demonstrate the generosity of God’s grace all rooted in love for God! The question someone might rightly ask is why? https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-09-10/419/love-god Sun, 10 Sep 2023 11:30:00 -0500 The Secure Heart The Secure Heart https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-09-03/the-secure-heart We live in a world that is anything but secure. We have seen natural disasters, foreign attacks, economic collapse, disease and ultimately death impact and affect our lives and those we value most. Is it possible with all this uncertainty to be secure? is it possible to have a heart that is content, confident and secure? We live in a world that is anything but secure. We have seen natural disasters, foreign attacks, economic collapse, disease and ultimately death impact and affect our lives and those we value most. Is it possible with all this uncertainty to be secure? is it possible to have a heart that is content, confident and secure? https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-09-03/418/the-secure-heart Sun, 3 Sep 2023 11:30:00 -0500 The Confident Heart The Confident Heart https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-08-27/the-confident-heart Confidence if it is placed in our selves, our connections, in wealth, power, position, popularity, influence, family are on shaky ground because they all can either let us down or be gone in a moment. So how can we gain and sustain confidence that will last? How we have a confidence that is unshakable and sustainable? The Psalmist having given us wisdom in gaining a heart of contentment now points us towards the means of unshakable confidence. Confidence if it is placed in our selves, our connections, in wealth, power, position, popularity, influence, family are on shaky ground because they all can either let us down or be gone in a moment. So how can we gain and sustain confidence that will last? How we have a confidence that is unshakable and sustainable? The Psalmist having given us wisdom in gaining a heart of contentment now points us towards the means of unshakable confidence. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-08-27/417/the-confident-heart Sun, 27 Aug 2023 11:30:00 -0500 The Content Heart The Content Heart https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-08-20/the-content-heart Do you think most people are content? Are you content? The answer for most of us is No. We are so often so hurried, so busy, always going, always pursuing what we believe will provide the good life, the happy life, the content life. We are looking for something to bring lasting and sustainable happiness, well-being and satisfaction. But what if we could truly find contentment? Would we really want it? Would we embrace it if it was offered to us? Psalm 24 offers us the access to contentment but in order to have it we must drop our old pursuits in order to embrace what is being offered. Do you think most people are content? Are you content? The answer for most of us is No. We are so often so hurried, so busy, always going, always pursuing what we believe will provide the good life, the happy life, the content life. We are looking for something to bring lasting and sustainable happiness, well-being and satisfaction. But what if we could truly find contentment? Would we really want it? Would we embrace it if it was offered to us? Psalm 24 offers us the access to contentment but in order to have it we must drop our old pursuits in order to embrace what is being offered. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-08-20/416/the-content-heart Sun, 20 Aug 2023 11:30:00 -0500 A People of the King A People of the King https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-08-13/a-people-of-the-king In the face of that chaos that seems to threaten so much, we are invited cling to Psalm 24’s promise that Yahweh is the king of glory over creation and the chaos that seeks to threaten it. So this morning we want to see what kind of King we are being offered and who this King is and how we might have him bring order, stability and renewal into our lives. In the face of that chaos that seems to threaten so much, we are invited cling to Psalm 24’s promise that Yahweh is the king of glory over creation and the chaos that seeks to threaten it. So this morning we want to see what kind of King we are being offered and who this King is and how we might have him bring order, stability and renewal into our lives. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-08-13/415/a-people-of-the-king Sun, 13 Aug 2023 11:30:00 -0500 Let Us Give Thanks to the Lord Let Us Give Thanks to the Lord https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-08-06/let-us-give-thanks-to-the-lord Psalm 100 Psalm 100 https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-08-06/414/let-us-give-thanks-to-the-lord Sun, 6 Aug 2023 11:30:00 -0500 The Greatest Story The Greatest Story https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-07-30/the-greatest-story Psalm 105 Psalm 105 https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-07-30/413/the-greatest-story Sun, 30 Jul 2023 11:30:00 -0500 A People of Worship A People of Worship https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-07-23/a-people-of-worship In this psalm we see the psalmist calling on worshipers to consider who we are worshiping and why we should worship him. We also see instruction in the manner and means of worship. Finally we are given direction to remember and enter the rest while time yet remains. In this psalm we see the psalmist calling on worshipers to consider who we are worshiping and why we should worship him. We also see instruction in the manner and means of worship. Finally we are given direction to remember and enter the rest while time yet remains. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-07-23/412/a-people-of-worship Sun, 23 Jul 2023 11:30:00 -0500 A People of Thanksgiving A People of Thanksgiving https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-07-16/a-people-of-thanksgiving While we often struggle to acknowledge our doubt and despair, as well as, enter into times and seasons of lament there is something we often lack even more as the proper response when rescue comes, when problems find resolution, when deep needs and desperate times are swallowed up by the Lord’s kind providence and gracious loving kindness. THAT IS A HEART FILLED WITH THANKFULNESS EXPRESSED IN THANKSGIVING! So when the rescue brought about by conviction, repentance and forgiveness along with renewal, resolution and restoration is experienced the only thing for the recipient of the Lord’s Covenant of Grace to do is respond with THANKFUL PRAISE. While we often struggle to acknowledge our doubt and despair, as well as, enter into times and seasons of lament there is something we often lack even more as the proper response when rescue comes, when problems find resolution, when deep needs and desperate times are swallowed up by the Lord’s kind providence and gracious loving kindness. THAT IS A HEART FILLED WITH THANKFULNESS EXPRESSED IN THANKSGIVING! So when the rescue brought about by conviction, repentance and forgiveness along with renewal, resolution and restoration is experienced the only thing for the recipient of the Lord’s Covenant of Grace to do is respond with THANKFUL PRAISE. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-07-16/411/a-people-of-thanksgiving Sun, 16 Jul 2023 11:30:00 -0500 A People of Lament A People of Lament https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-07-09/a-people-of-lament The Bible never shies away from addressing the reality that we live in a broken world that brings all kinds of wondrous things to rejoice and celebrate in but sadly also much that is tainted, twisted, bringing sadness, sorrow, pain and misery. And rather than only giving us the punch line or the resolution at the end our gracious Lord opens before us the problem, the process and the resolution. Yet, in this interim we find the need for and the examples of biblical Laments. We see both as individuals and as a corporate people we long to know “How Long O Lord?” The Bible never shies away from addressing the reality that we live in a broken world that brings all kinds of wondrous things to rejoice and celebrate in but sadly also much that is tainted, twisted, bringing sadness, sorrow, pain and misery. And rather than only giving us the punch line or the resolution at the end our gracious Lord opens before us the problem, the process and the resolution. Yet, in this interim we find the need for and the examples of biblical Laments. We see both as individuals and as a corporate people we long to know “How Long O Lord?” https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-07-09/410/a-people-of-lament Sun, 9 Jul 2023 11:30:00 -0500 A People of Justice A People of Justice https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-07-02/a-people-of-justice It is easy for us to ask questions and struggle with continuing in the path of the righteous when it seems it doesn’t matter. WE LONG TO SEE THE LORD SET THINGS RIGHT BUT IF WE ARE HONEST WE LONG TO SEE THE WICKED GET WHAT WE BELIEVE IS COMING TO THEM! As the New Humanity (all who have put their Faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ’s Justifying and Sanctifying work for us) we need Psalms like this to help us as we face the brokenness, evil and injustice in this fallen world. It is also vital for us to remember that God’s first concern is not what everyone else is doing but what the people he rescued, who have received his signs and seals and professed to be united to him by faith. It is easy for us to ask questions and struggle with continuing in the path of the righteous when it seems it doesn’t matter. WE LONG TO SEE THE LORD SET THINGS RIGHT BUT IF WE ARE HONEST WE LONG TO SEE THE WICKED GET WHAT WE BELIEVE IS COMING TO THEM! As the New Humanity (all who have put their Faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ’s Justifying and Sanctifying work for us) we need Psalms like this to help us as we face the brokenness, evil and injustice in this fallen world. It is also vital for us to remember that God’s first concern is not what everyone else is doing but what the people he rescued, who have received his signs and seals and professed to be united to him by faith. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-07-02/409/a-people-of-justice Sun, 2 Jul 2023 11:30:00 -0500 From the Heavens to the Heart From the Heavens to the Heart https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-06-25/from-the-heavens-to-the-heart Psalm 19 moves us from the glories of the heavens above to the renewing and reviving words of the Scriptures all with the goal of transforming the human heart. Psalm 19 moves us from the glories of the heavens above to the renewing and reviving words of the Scriptures all with the goal of transforming the human heart. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-06-25/408/from-the-heavens-to-the-heart Sun, 25 Jun 2023 11:30:00 -0500 The Blessed Man The Blessed Man https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-06-18/the-blessed-man https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-06-18/407/the-blessed-man Sun, 18 Jun 2023 11:30:00 -0500 Restoration for the Broken Heart Restoration for the Broken Heart https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-06-11/restoration-for-the-broken-heart We are starting a new series this summer in Psalms. We are starting a new series this summer in Psalms. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-06-11/406/restoration-for-the-broken-heart Sun, 11 Jun 2023 11:30:00 -0500 Steadfast Church Steadfast Church https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-06-04/steadfast-church Paul, is wrapping up his letter, but as he does so, he brings everything he has discussed including Love, Faith and Hope, Holiness, End Times, Eternal Destiny and Security and focuses them all on how a group drawn together by faith in the gospel of Jesus, made alive and set apart by the powerful working of the Holy Spirit and sent out on mission to fill the earth with the glory of God by making disciples are to conduct themselves so that the mission might be fulfilled! Whether you are a Seasoned Saint or newbie to the faith these words Paul sets before us are vital and instructive for us as a Church here in Cypress, TX 2023. So let’s lean in and see how we can grow and remain Steadfast as a Community of God’s people. Paul, is wrapping up his letter, but as he does so, he brings everything he has discussed including Love, Faith and Hope, Holiness, End Times, Eternal Destiny and Security and focuses them all on how a group drawn together by faith in the gospel of Jesus, made alive and set apart by the powerful working of the Holy Spirit and sent out on mission to fill the earth with the glory of God by making disciples are to conduct themselves so that the mission might be fulfilled! Whether you are a Seasoned Saint or newbie to the faith these words Paul sets before us are vital and instructive for us as a Church here in Cypress, TX 2023. So let’s lean in and see how we can grow and remain Steadfast as a Community of God’s people. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-06-04/405/steadfast-church Sun, 4 Jun 2023 11:30:00 -0500 Steadfast Faith Steadfast Faith https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-05-28/steadfast-faith We live in an age of presumptive faith that excuses our actions or a performative faith that rest on our actions. So what Paul says is profound and addresses us having a STEADFAST FAITH rather than a presumptive or performative faith. Paul had clearly taught and preached on this topic to the Thessalonians in his brief time with them and he didn’t shy away or use God’s love as an excuse for unrighteous living nor did he beat them down leaving them feeling hopeless. He instead showed them Love, Faith and Hope were all directly connected to what God had done, and was doing and what he would do in this Present Age and in the Age to Come. So Paul, having already shown us the value and beauty of a Steadfast Love and Hope turns to point us towards maintaining a STEADFAST FAITH. Let’s lean in and see how: We live in an age of presumptive faith that excuses our actions or a performative faith that rest on our actions. So what Paul says is profound and addresses us having a STEADFAST FAITH rather than a presumptive or performative faith. Paul had clearly taught and preached on this topic to the Thessalonians in his brief time with them and he didn’t shy away or use God’s love as an excuse for unrighteous living nor did he beat them down leaving them feeling hopeless. He instead showed them Love, Faith and Hope were all directly connected to what God had done, and was doing and what he would do in this Present Age and in the Age to Come. So Paul, having already shown us the value and beauty of a Steadfast Love and Hope turns to point us towards maintaining a STEADFAST FAITH. Let’s lean in and see how: https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-05-28/404/steadfast-faith Sun, 28 May 2023 11:30:00 -0500 Steadfast Love Steadfast Love https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-05-14/steadfast-love Jesus came into the world to rescue and redeem us out of bondage to these disordered loves and ways of living and he loved us so much and was so committed to us that he was willing to die to make this possible. Paul, as an ambassador of the Kingdom of Heaven had come to Thessalonica to bring the liberating message of the Gospel to establish a new people living in the new way to be human. Paul, focused from the beginning of the letter on the Love of God for those who had believed and now turns to call them to love God and others as they had been loved. Paul is calling them to a Steadfast love. How can we have this steadfast love? Let’s lean in and hear what Paul has to say. Jesus came into the world to rescue and redeem us out of bondage to these disordered loves and ways of living and he loved us so much and was so committed to us that he was willing to die to make this possible. Paul, as an ambassador of the Kingdom of Heaven had come to Thessalonica to bring the liberating message of the Gospel to establish a new people living in the new way to be human. Paul, focused from the beginning of the letter on the Love of God for those who had believed and now turns to call them to love God and others as they had been loved. Paul is calling them to a Steadfast love. How can we have this steadfast love? Let’s lean in and hear what Paul has to say. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-05-14/402/steadfast-love Sun, 14 May 2023 11:30:00 -0500 Steadfast Ministry Steadfast Ministry https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-05-07/steadfast-ministry As we know like running a marathon we can quickly burn out if we try to do everything at once or we try to focus on more things than what is required to run the race or fail to train, hydrate and nourish ourselves properly. In order to remain steadfast in our ministry as individuals and as a Church we must keep our eyes on the prize of Jesus and his Gospel being aware of the difficulties, dangers and even opposition we will face. Paul, here in I Thessalonians lays out for us both what is essential for us to do to be engaged in ministry but also what enables us to be effective and enduring in our ministry. In other words Paul shows us how to remain Steadfast. As we know like running a marathon we can quickly burn out if we try to do everything at once or we try to focus on more things than what is required to run the race or fail to train, hydrate and nourish ourselves properly. In order to remain steadfast in our ministry as individuals and as a Church we must keep our eyes on the prize of Jesus and his Gospel being aware of the difficulties, dangers and even opposition we will face. Paul, here in I Thessalonians lays out for us both what is essential for us to do to be engaged in ministry but also what enables us to be effective and enduring in our ministry. In other words Paul shows us how to remain Steadfast. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-05-07/401/steadfast-ministry Sun, 7 May 2023 11:30:00 -0500 Steadfast Integrity Steadfast Integrity https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-04-30/steadfast-integrity The good news is not only that Jesus has integrity for us but that the Gospel concerning him and his mission actually enables us to be reshaped and transformed more and more to be like him. Paul shows us how here in these verses lets see so we will be able to apply these things to our lives. The good news is not only that Jesus has integrity for us but that the Gospel concerning him and his mission actually enables us to be reshaped and transformed more and more to be like him. Paul shows us how here in these verses lets see so we will be able to apply these things to our lives. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-04-30/400/steadfast-integrity Sun, 30 Apr 2023 11:30:00 -0500 Steadfast Mission Steadfast Mission https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-04-23/steadfast-mission So this morning we come maybe asking what is this message that changed this group of people or as those who wonder how can I or our church be useful for the mission of God in the world. This is what Paul writes to encourage these new believers about. And if we are willing his message can help and encourage us as well. So this morning we come maybe asking what is this message that changed this group of people or as those who wonder how can I or our church be useful for the mission of God in the world. This is what Paul writes to encourage these new believers about. And if we are willing his message can help and encourage us as well. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-04-23/399/steadfast-mission Sun, 23 Apr 2023 11:30:00 -0500 The Glory of the Cross The Glory of the Cross https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-04-09/the-glory-of-the-cross On Easter Sunday the light dawns after the darkest night of all. Death is not the final world. And we see the glory of God shining brightly as we behold Jesus—the one who could not be contained by death. Listen to the rest of the story… On Easter Sunday the light dawns after the darkest night of all. Death is not the final world. And we see the glory of God shining brightly as we behold Jesus—the one who could not be contained by death. Listen to the rest of the story… https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-04-09/397/the-glory-of-the-cross Sun, 9 Apr 2023 11:30:00 -0500 The Call of the Cross The Call of the Cross https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-04-02/the-call-of-the-cross Jesus, calls us to see that he is indeed the Messiah, the promised King. However, as the King he must suffer and as the King he must go to the cross and if you want to be his follower you will have to go to the cross as well. If we want to walk the path of glory it leads to and through the cross. Jesus, calls us to see that he is indeed the Messiah, the promised King. However, as the King he must suffer and as the King he must go to the cross and if you want to be his follower you will have to go to the cross as well. If we want to walk the path of glory it leads to and through the cross. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-04-02/396/the-call-of-the-cross Sun, 2 Apr 2023 11:30:00 -0500 The Anguish of the Cross The Anguish of the Cross https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-03-26/the-anguish-of-the-cross As we come to “the passion” or suffering of Jesus we are given an in-depth view of the inner-workings of his human life.  We see the depth of his emotions, the intimate relationship he had with both his Father and his friends, an inside look at his prayer life, and his unyielding obedient submission to his Father’s will.   Here we come face to face with a man we can relate to, a man who can really understand us. Here we encounter someone who experienced the full expression of sin and death yet without sinning himself.   Here we see Jesus who though God became man to endure what we could not so that he might save us to the uttermost. And the question we should at some point be asking is Why? As we come to “the passion” or suffering of Jesus we are given an in-depth view of the inner-workings of his human life.  We see the depth of his emotions, the intimate relationship he had with both his Father and his friends, an inside look at his prayer life, and his unyielding obedient submission to his Father’s will.   Here we come face to face with a man we can relate to, a man who can really understand us. Here we encounter someone who experienced the full expression of sin and death yet without sinning himself.   Here we see Jesus who though God became man to endure what we could not so that he might save us to the uttermost. And the question we should at some point be asking is Why? https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-03-26/395/the-anguish-of-the-cross Sun, 26 Mar 2023 11:30:00 -0500 The Curse of the Cross The Curse of the Cross https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-03-19/the-curse-of-the-cross The cross was an electric chair, the cross didn’t mean that you were loved, it meant you were forsaken, the cross didn’t mean that you had won, it meant that you had lost. And that’s why it was a scandal for early Christians to speak about it in the ancient world. Yet it was this scandal of the cross that is the very means by which the godly one became godless to make we who were godless godly. The tree of Christ death becomes a tree of life for those who believe. The cross was an electric chair, the cross didn’t mean that you were loved, it meant you were forsaken, the cross didn’t mean that you had won, it meant that you had lost. And that’s why it was a scandal for early Christians to speak about it in the ancient world. Yet it was this scandal of the cross that is the very means by which the godly one became godless to make we who were godless godly. The tree of Christ death becomes a tree of life for those who believe. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-03-19/394/the-curse-of-the-cross Sun, 19 Mar 2023 11:30:00 -0500 The Power of the Cross The Power of the Cross https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-03-12/the-power-of-the-cross In our passages Paul is directing us to see that the only way to experience the power of God and see it effective in its proclamation is to be those who not only know the content of the message but those who can proclaim the message in power. Paul reminds us that our method of communicating is as vital as the content of our message. He urges us to know and speak the gospel as those who have been emptied of pride and humbly relying on the power of the crucified one. In our passages Paul is directing us to see that the only way to experience the power of God and see it effective in its proclamation is to be those who not only know the content of the message but those who can proclaim the message in power. Paul reminds us that our method of communicating is as vital as the content of our message. He urges us to know and speak the gospel as those who have been emptied of pride and humbly relying on the power of the crucified one. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-03-12/393/the-power-of-the-cross Sun, 12 Mar 2023 11:30:00 -0600 The Folly of the Cross The Folly of the Cross https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-03-05/the-folly-of-the-cross In 1 Cor. 1 Paul addressing deep division and divide loyalties talks about the foolishness of the cross, says that the power of the cross is demonstrated in it’s foolishness. In a time where Christianity feels increasingly impotent, many Christians today, much like the ancient Corinthians, want to make their faith palatable and workable in our modern world and busy lives. Paul reminds us of the secret to receiving the power of the cross lies in receiving its scandal, seeing its foolishness. Christianity that bears fruit in this world has, at its essence, the foolishness of the cross. In 1 Cor. 1 Paul addressing deep division and divide loyalties talks about the foolishness of the cross, says that the power of the cross is demonstrated in it’s foolishness. In a time where Christianity feels increasingly impotent, many Christians today, much like the ancient Corinthians, want to make their faith palatable and workable in our modern world and busy lives. Paul reminds us of the secret to receiving the power of the cross lies in receiving its scandal, seeing its foolishness. Christianity that bears fruit in this world has, at its essence, the foolishness of the cross. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-03-05/390/the-folly-of-the-cross Sun, 5 Mar 2023 11:30:00 -0600 Generational Blessing and Rest Generational Blessing and Rest https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-02-19/generational-blessing-and-rest Psalm 127 shows the futility of life and all that we build apart from God, it shows us that a life of meaning and purpose is one in which we partner with God in his work and mission in our world, and it shows us that ultimately it is God who gives us the gift of rest, who gives us hope for the future, and who is himself the antidote to the futility of life. Psalm 127 shows the futility of life and all that we build apart from God, it shows us that a life of meaning and purpose is one in which we partner with God in his work and mission in our world, and it shows us that ultimately it is God who gives us the gift of rest, who gives us hope for the future, and who is himself the antidote to the futility of life. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-02-19/392/generational-blessing-and-rest Sun, 19 Feb 2023 11:30:00 -0600 Cultivating Generational Hope Cultivating Generational Hope https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-02-12/cultivating-generational-hope In an effort to correct the wrongs of previous generations, American Gen Zers are coming of age in a world where embracing victimhood is supplanting developing resilience. The challenge is to grapple with the reality of victimhood without getting stuck in the scarcity mindset. Psalm 129 speaks poignantly to all of us who have experienced deep pain, disappointment or trauma, but especially to Gen Z, because it speaks to the reality of a world filled with affliction/trouble. In an effort to correct the wrongs of previous generations, American Gen Zers are coming of age in a world where embracing victimhood is supplanting developing resilience. The challenge is to grapple with the reality of victimhood without getting stuck in the scarcity mindset. Psalm 129 speaks poignantly to all of us who have experienced deep pain, disappointment or trauma, but especially to Gen Z, because it speaks to the reality of a world filled with affliction/trouble. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-02-12/391/cultivating-generational-hope Sun, 12 Feb 2023 11:30:00 -0600 Developing Generational Roots Developing Generational Roots https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-02-05/developing-generational-roots We all know root systems are vital for a tree to survive and the depths of the roots along with the soil the tree is planted in have serious effects on its ability to survive and what fruit it is able to produce.  Roots are important not only for trees, they are important for human beings. When we see bad behavior, bad thinking, bad community it will do us very little good to inspect the fruit for the problem. The problem is in the roots. We have to look at where the tree is planted and the resources the roots are drawing from. Today we are looking at Millenials and challenging them to develop deep roots to enable the Church to stay on Mission. We all know root systems are vital for a tree to survive and the depths of the roots along with the soil the tree is planted in have serious effects on its ability to survive and what fruit it is able to produce.  Roots are important not only for trees, they are important for human beings. When we see bad behavior, bad thinking, bad community it will do us very little good to inspect the fruit for the problem. The problem is in the roots. We have to look at where the tree is planted and the resources the roots are drawing from. Today we are looking at Millenials and challenging them to develop deep roots to enable the Church to stay on Mission. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-02-05/389/developing-generational-roots Sun, 5 Feb 2023 11:30:00 -0600 Reviving the Generations Reviving the Generations https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-01-29/reviving-the-generations The song was written to celebrate God’s Gracious Love and Faithfulness and to ask Him to restore His favor with God’s people.  Isn’t that what we long for God to be about in our time? You get out of step with God and you want to come back to God. You want to seek His purposes. You want God to show Himself. That’s what this psalm is all about. So as we approach this text we will look at it as  4 stanza of a Hymn or Song.  Let’s hear what the Lord is saying to us this morning.  The song was written to celebrate God’s Gracious Love and Faithfulness and to ask Him to restore His favor with God’s people.  Isn’t that what we long for God to be about in our time? You get out of step with God and you want to come back to God. You want to seek His purposes. You want God to show Himself. That’s what this psalm is all about. So as we approach this text we will look at it as  4 stanza of a Hymn or Song.  Let’s hear what the Lord is saying to us this morning.  https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-01-29/388/reviving-the-generations Sun, 29 Jan 2023 11:30:00 -0600 Preparing the Generations for Mission Preparing the Generations for Mission https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-01-22/preparing-the-generations-for-mission Our world says repay people according to the way they’ve treated you. The ethic of grace says someone has to dim the lights; someone has to stop the cycle of retribution. God calls his people to be agents of grace. Our world’s approach is work hard and take what you can get. But God calls us to the ethic of grace, to leverage what we have received for the sake of others, so generationally that means older generations don’t work hard, get to retirement, and then coast and complain about the way younger generations are ruining everything. It means the older generations leverage what they’ve received to invest in those coming after them. And so this Sunday we look at our next Generation which is the Baby Boomers. Our world says repay people according to the way they’ve treated you. The ethic of grace says someone has to dim the lights; someone has to stop the cycle of retribution. God calls his people to be agents of grace. Our world’s approach is work hard and take what you can get. But God calls us to the ethic of grace, to leverage what we have received for the sake of others, so generationally that means older generations don’t work hard, get to retirement, and then coast and complain about the way younger generations are ruining everything. It means the older generations leverage what they’ve received to invest in those coming after them. And so this Sunday we look at our next Generation which is the Baby Boomers. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-01-22/387/preparing-the-generations-for-mission Sun, 22 Jan 2023 11:30:00 -0600 A Place for the Old A Place for the Old https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-01-15/a-place-for-the-old Do you remember playing the game “Life Boat”? You know its when you have 12 people but there is only room for 8 and you have to decide who gets to stay in the life boat and who has to get out. Why am I talking to you about this game? Because it actually gets at the heart of our utilitarian or scarcity mindset that impacts even the Church: When it comes to people who are old or older many people think the old should be the first to go. Often the the truly old can think similar things. However, the Ethic of Grace leads us in a different direction: Grace pushes us away from the scarcity or utilitarian mindset and towards seeing how every one of us is a needed and valuable part of the body of Christ. So lets lean in this morning and see how the first generation we are looking at helps us in our quest to follow Jesus and be an active part of his mission. Do you remember playing the game “Life Boat”? You know its when you have 12 people but there is only room for 8 and you have to decide who gets to stay in the life boat and who has to get out. Why am I talking to you about this game? Because it actually gets at the heart of our utilitarian or scarcity mindset that impacts even the Church: When it comes to people who are old or older many people think the old should be the first to go. Often the the truly old can think similar things. However, the Ethic of Grace leads us in a different direction: Grace pushes us away from the scarcity or utilitarian mindset and towards seeing how every one of us is a needed and valuable part of the body of Christ. So lets lean in this morning and see how the first generation we are looking at helps us in our quest to follow Jesus and be an active part of his mission. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-01-15/386/a-place-for-the-old Sun, 15 Jan 2023 11:30:00 -0600 The Lens of Grace The Lens of Grace https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-01-08/the-lens-of-grace Do people experience our love and our joy before hearing our convictions and beliefs? Christians are called to be known for more than just meeting at a specific time or for things we are against. We want to be known for our comprehensive way of seeing and living life. We want people to see Jesus in us and hopefully for better or worse to say those people have been with Jesus. As we begin this new year and new semester looking I want us to consider how Jesus actually shapes us and forms us into people who live and love well. Do people experience our love and our joy before hearing our convictions and beliefs? Christians are called to be known for more than just meeting at a specific time or for things we are against. We want to be known for our comprehensive way of seeing and living life. We want people to see Jesus in us and hopefully for better or worse to say those people have been with Jesus. As we begin this new year and new semester looking I want us to consider how Jesus actually shapes us and forms us into people who live and love well. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-01-08/385/the-lens-of-grace Sun, 8 Jan 2023 11:30:00 -0600 God's Story Our Story God's Story Our Story https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-01-01/gods-story-our-story The whole earth be filled with the glory of the Lord is the calling and promise God gave at the beginning and will bring to fulfillment in the end. Join us as we explore this exciting passage to start off the New Year. The whole earth be filled with the glory of the Lord is the calling and promise God gave at the beginning and will bring to fulfillment in the end. Join us as we explore this exciting passage to start off the New Year. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2023-01-01/384/gods-story-our-story Sun, 1 Jan 2023 11:30:00 -0600 The Kingdom of Life The Kingdom of Life https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-12-18/the-kingdom-of-life When people attach the idea of fairy tales with the Bible they are often seeking to throw shade on our faith or discredit the historical reality of the Scriptures. But this morning, I'd like to make the connection of the Bible and our faith with what is at the heart of a fairy tale. That is a wondrous world where everything turns out with: The girl getting her prince charming, the kingdom being brought into a new era of flourishing that has never been known before. The King is good, kind, just, righteous and pure. There is no poverty or partiality. Everything is perfect! There is a sense in which the first words of any fairy tale are seen in the Bible. Once upon a time… a wondrous CREATOR made a perfect place with a perfect man and woman and they lived in harmony with the creator, all the animals and with nature itself but then… As we come to the final vision of the Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ, We see in these last words the same kind of ending as all of those cherished, but imaginary stories. You know the ending: “...and they lived...happily ever after.” And that is precisely what we find here in Revelation 21-22. Let’s Lean in and see. When people attach the idea of fairy tales with the Bible they are often seeking to throw shade on our faith or discredit the historical reality of the Scriptures. But this morning, I'd like to make the connection of the Bible and our faith with what is at the heart of a fairy tale. That is a wondrous world where everything turns out with: The girl getting her prince charming, the kingdom being brought into a new era of flourishing that has never been known before. The King is good, kind, just, righteous and pure. There is no poverty or partiality. Everything is perfect! There is a sense in which the first words of any fairy tale are seen in the Bible. Once upon a time… a wondrous CREATOR made a perfect place with a perfect man and woman and they lived in harmony with the creator, all the animals and with nature itself but then… As we come to the final vision of the Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ, We see in these last words the same kind of ending as all of those cherished, but imaginary stories. You know the ending: “...and they lived...happily ever after.” And that is precisely what we find here in Revelation 21-22. Let’s Lean in and see. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-12-18/383/the-kingdom-of-life Sun, 18 Dec 2022 11:30:00 -0600 The Great Sifting The Great Sifting https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-12-11/the-great-sifting The Bible talks about the ancient practice of sifting which was done to separate the desired product from the husks, stones, dirt, bugs and vermin all which contaminate the product. This is done so the final product was unpolluted and ready for the desired purpose and end. Jesus used this sifting imagery to describe the end of time in the Gospel of Matthew 13 and 25. All of this sifting is related to the end of the world as we know it and the final judgement. Here at the end of the Bible and the book of The Revelation we see this GREAT SIFTING which either brings us great encouragement or deep despair. The Bible talks about the ancient practice of sifting which was done to separate the desired product from the husks, stones, dirt, bugs and vermin all which contaminate the product. This is done so the final product was unpolluted and ready for the desired purpose and end. Jesus used this sifting imagery to describe the end of time in the Gospel of Matthew 13 and 25. All of this sifting is related to the end of the world as we know it and the final judgement. Here at the end of the Bible and the book of The Revelation we see this GREAT SIFTING which either brings us great encouragement or deep despair. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-12-11/382/the-great-sifting Sun, 11 Dec 2022 11:30:00 -0600 The Kingdom Responds The Kingdom Responds https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-12-04/the-kingdom-responds As we enter Advent it is once again important for us to remind ourselves the fundamental key to understanding the Bible is the person and work of Jesus or the Gospel. This is especially crucial to remember as we begin to explore The Revelation. Luke, Paul, Peter and John all focus us on this fact while expressing it in different ways. We of course know the Gospel is about redemption, rescue, reformation and renewal. What we must realize as critical is our minds need this desperately. It is in fact the word of God made flesh, crucified, dead and buried that saves our minds. So we want to come this morning to have our minds renewed and our hearts transformed by seeing and hearing what the Bible is telling us through the lens of the Gospel. As we enter Advent it is once again important for us to remind ourselves the fundamental key to understanding the Bible is the person and work of Jesus or the Gospel. This is especially crucial to remember as we begin to explore The Revelation. Luke, Paul, Peter and John all focus us on this fact while expressing it in different ways. We of course know the Gospel is about redemption, rescue, reformation and renewal. What we must realize as critical is our minds need this desperately. It is in fact the word of God made flesh, crucified, dead and buried that saves our minds. So we want to come this morning to have our minds renewed and our hearts transformed by seeing and hearing what the Bible is telling us through the lens of the Gospel. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-12-04/381/the-kingdom-responds Sun, 4 Dec 2022 11:30:00 -0600 The Kingdom of Love The Kingdom of Love https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-11-27/the-kingdom-of-love LOVE LEAVES A MARK ON YOU! We can trace love back in our lives to a particular person or group of people or we can trace back why we struggle with love in the same way. John draws us to look not to only to where love has been shown to us but for us to see where love ultimately comes from. John wants us to experience the Kingdom of Love so that we would be a reflection of the this kingdom to a world in need. LOVE LEAVES A MARK ON YOU! We can trace love back in our lives to a particular person or group of people or we can trace back why we struggle with love in the same way. John draws us to look not to only to where love has been shown to us but for us to see where love ultimately comes from. John wants us to experience the Kingdom of Love so that we would be a reflection of the this kingdom to a world in need. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-11-27/380/the-kingdom-of-love Sun, 27 Nov 2022 11:30:00 -0600 The Unified Kingdom The Unified Kingdom https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-11-20/the-unified-kingdom Our united love for one another is a direct reflection of who God is and what he has done. It is the outward expression of the inward reality that the Kingdom of Heaven has come and is growing. The real tragedy is that one of the biggest turns offs to many people who are leaving the Church or not interested in the Church is related to its apparent divisiveness and lack of love even for one another. So Paul now points us to the Unity that we have in Christ and how we can be about maintaining this Unity so that others might see and experience a taste of the love and unity of heaven. Our united love for one another is a direct reflection of who God is and what he has done. It is the outward expression of the inward reality that the Kingdom of Heaven has come and is growing. The real tragedy is that one of the biggest turns offs to many people who are leaving the Church or not interested in the Church is related to its apparent divisiveness and lack of love even for one another. So Paul now points us to the Unity that we have in Christ and how we can be about maintaining this Unity so that others might see and experience a taste of the love and unity of heaven. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-11-20/379/the-unified-kingdom Sun, 20 Nov 2022 11:30:00 -0600 The Proclaiming Kingdom The Proclaiming Kingdom https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-10-30/the-proclaiming-kingdom But an honest question is what does it look like to be part of the PROCLAIMING Kingdom? How are we live in this present age? What does it look like to be a proclaimer? We are called to be a WHOLE CHURCH proclaiming a WHOLE GOSPEL to the WHOLE WORLD. Luke in the book of Acts gives us a record of the PROCLAIMING Kingdom from the very beginning. Here we gain insight and examples of what it looks like to be a part of the present Kingdom age so lets look today and see how we can join in and be apart. This morning we are going to be looking at Paul’s time in Athens. This was not his most fruitful time of ministry but it is helpful for us as we think about living our lives in our present cultural moment. What is one thing that stood out to you from this week’s message? What do you think about us being called to be a WHOLE CHURCH proclaiming a WHOLE GOSPEL to the WHOLE WORLD? In what way did Paul demonstrate his conviction? How can jealousy be a good thing? How do we see the impact of Epicureanism and Stoicism in our present culture? What do you think about Paul being a contextualizing Proclaimer? Why is this so important? What are some dangers? What does Paul focus on in his message to the Athenians? How does Paul’s conclusion fit with what Jesus said while he was ministering while on earth? What are some reasons we may not be willing to be proclaimers of the Gospel? What can you take from this sermon to apply to your life? But an honest question is what does it look like to be part of the PROCLAIMING Kingdom? How are we live in this present age? What does it look like to be a proclaimer? We are called to be a WHOLE CHURCH proclaiming a WHOLE GOSPEL to the WHOLE WORLD. Luke in the book of Acts gives us a record of the PROCLAIMING Kingdom from the very beginning. Here we gain insight and examples of what it looks like to be a part of the present Kingdom age so lets look today and see how we can join in and be apart. This morning we are going to be looking at Paul’s time in Athens. This was not his most fruitful time of ministry but it is helpful for us as we think about living our lives in our present cultural moment. What is one thing that stood out to you from this week’s message? What do you think about us being called to be a WHOLE CHURCH proclaiming a WHOLE GOSPEL to the WHOLE WORLD? In what way did Paul demonstrate his conviction? How can jealousy be a good thing? How do we see the impact of Epicureanism and Stoicism in our present culture? What do you think about Paul being a contextualizing Proclaimer? Why is this so important? What are some dangers? What does Paul focus on in his message to the Athenians? How does Paul’s conclusion fit with what Jesus said while he was ministering while on earth? What are some reasons we may not be willing to be proclaimers of the Gospel? What can you take from this sermon to apply to your life? https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-10-30/378/the-proclaiming-kingdom Sun, 30 Oct 2022 11:30:00 -0500 The Spirit's Culture The Spirit's Culture https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-10-23/the-spirits-culture When the Gospel entered into the Roman Empire it was both transformative of those who were coming to faith and inclusive of any who would come. The goal was not to make them no longer part of the culture they were associated with but rather that their culture would now be lived out in light of the Gospel. The Gospel of Jesus does not assimilate you in but rather transforms you from the inside out. So that your whole way of operating is prioritized and seen not through the lens of who you and your culture were but through the lens of who you are becoming in Christ. The question for us to ask is what kind of culture do we want to see in ourselves and our Church? When the Gospel entered into the Roman Empire it was both transformative of those who were coming to faith and inclusive of any who would come. The goal was not to make them no longer part of the culture they were associated with but rather that their culture would now be lived out in light of the Gospel. The Gospel of Jesus does not assimilate you in but rather transforms you from the inside out. So that your whole way of operating is prioritized and seen not through the lens of who you and your culture were but through the lens of who you are becoming in Christ. The question for us to ask is what kind of culture do we want to see in ourselves and our Church? https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-10-23/377/the-spirits-culture Sun, 23 Oct 2022 11:30:00 -0500 The Mission of God The Mission of God https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-10-09/the-mission-of-god The mission of God on earth was to be seen with his people, being in the place he had prepared for them, living under his rule experiencing his blessings. So Jesus comes on that mission and through his life, death, resurrection and ascension he sets in motion the making of all things new! Reclamation, Restoration, Redemption, Reformation and Renewal are all words which express different facets of this beautiful gospel diamond of God’s mission for the sake of the world.Jesus at the end of his physical presence on earth speaks profound and powerful words that were not only radical at that time but are radical today. His words give us guidance and assurance for the mission to reach its ultimate conclusion and consummation. The mission of God on earth was to be seen with his people, being in the place he had prepared for them, living under his rule experiencing his blessings. So Jesus comes on that mission and through his life, death, resurrection and ascension he sets in motion the making of all things new! Reclamation, Restoration, Redemption, Reformation and Renewal are all words which express different facets of this beautiful gospel diamond of God’s mission for the sake of the world.Jesus at the end of his physical presence on earth speaks profound and powerful words that were not only radical at that time but are radical today. His words give us guidance and assurance for the mission to reach its ultimate conclusion and consummation. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-10-09/375/the-mission-of-god Sun, 9 Oct 2022 11:30:00 -0500 The Glorious Love Of Jesus The Glorious Love Of Jesus https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-10-02/the-glorious-love-of-jesus There are all kinds of frightening, painful, disappointing and disorienting things that occur in our lives. Break-ups, lost jobs, foreclosures, disease and illness and many others. One of the most profound realities of this is when a person dies. All the hopes and dreams of all those who are left behind bump up against the sovereign plans of a faithful God. How can we deal with the pain, the emptiness, the questioning, the helplessness, and the yearning for things to be different? All the dreams and great plans deep desires that we had have gone away in a moment. I want us this morning to look at this scene found in the Gospel of John and see how we are given encouragement, hope, comfort. There are all kinds of frightening, painful, disappointing and disorienting things that occur in our lives. Break-ups, lost jobs, foreclosures, disease and illness and many others. One of the most profound realities of this is when a person dies. All the hopes and dreams of all those who are left behind bump up against the sovereign plans of a faithful God. How can we deal with the pain, the emptiness, the questioning, the helplessness, and the yearning for things to be different? All the dreams and great plans deep desires that we had have gone away in a moment. I want us this morning to look at this scene found in the Gospel of John and see how we are given encouragement, hope, comfort. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-10-02/374/the-glorious-love-of-jesus Sun, 2 Oct 2022 11:30:00 -0500 The Good News The Good News https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-09-29/the-good-news Here in this first verse Mark tells that there is great, incredible and almost unbelievable news that God has come to bring about a New Creation and by bringing the ultimate King to renew all things. This new creation is not only restorative it actually is advancing the ultimate purpose of God’s Kingdom!This is a story of all who put their faith in Jesus are invited into. Let’s hear how it all began… Here in this first verse Mark tells that there is great, incredible and almost unbelievable news that God has come to bring about a New Creation and by bringing the ultimate King to renew all things. This new creation is not only restorative it actually is advancing the ultimate purpose of God’s Kingdom!This is a story of all who put their faith in Jesus are invited into. Let’s hear how it all began… https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-09-29/373/the-good-news Thu, 29 Sep 2022 11:30:00 -0500 The Last Word The Last Word https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-09-18/the-last-word Last words are often important not because they are always profound but they are the last things we hear from those we have known, loved, worked with and befriended. I’ve sat beside a good many bedsides as people drew near to death and heard peoples last words. Some said “I love you”, quoted a song, a poem or Scripture. As we come to the end of the OT prophets we are historically in the middle of what is happening with Israel and Nehemiah and it is the Lord’s Last word until the arrival of John the Baptist. Last words are often important not because they are always profound but they are the last things we hear from those we have known, loved, worked with and befriended. I’ve sat beside a good many bedsides as people drew near to death and heard peoples last words. Some said “I love you”, quoted a song, a poem or Scripture. As we come to the end of the OT prophets we are historically in the middle of what is happening with Israel and Nehemiah and it is the Lord’s Last word until the arrival of John the Baptist. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-09-18/372/the-last-word Sun, 18 Sep 2022 11:30:00 -0500 When Trouble Surrounds You When Trouble Surrounds You https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-09-11/when-trouble-surrounds-you Have you ever experienced opposition in your life? How about negativity or doubt? Have you ever felt like the world was against you and that those around you seemed to offer very little encouragement or maybe were discouraging. Maybe you have experienced like me maddening bad self-talk, internal monologue saying you can’t do it, its gonna fail, they are against you, why even try? Our passage this morning draws us to see that we are surrounded by trouble we don’t have to be overrun with fear and doubt or overwhelmed with the past or present difficulties and struggles. Have you ever experienced opposition in your life? How about negativity or doubt? Have you ever felt like the world was against you and that those around you seemed to offer very little encouragement or maybe were discouraging. Maybe you have experienced like me maddening bad self-talk, internal monologue saying you can’t do it, its gonna fail, they are against you, why even try? Our passage this morning draws us to see that we are surrounded by trouble we don’t have to be overrun with fear and doubt or overwhelmed with the past or present difficulties and struggles. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-09-11/371/when-trouble-surrounds-you Sun, 11 Sep 2022 11:30:00 -0500 The Big Reveal The Big Reveal https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-09-04/the-big-reveal Some of us love surprises and some of us don’t. Nevertheless, some of the best stories, movies and tv shows have some element of a big reveal. Think about game shows like the Price is Right or Let’s Make A Deal. Probably the most popular shows have been where either people or their homes go through a huge makeover and experience some kind of internal or external transformation. One show is even called “The Big Reveal” in which you were given glimpses from beginning until the end when the home was finally revealed and it was more awesome than anyone could have anticipated and everyone is shocked and surprised. The passage before us contains a Big Reveal. It has some surprising twists and irony but above all it points us to the reality that while God may seem silent he remains faithful to his promises and his people. Let’s look in and see how. Some of us love surprises and some of us don’t. Nevertheless, some of the best stories, movies and tv shows have some element of a big reveal. Think about game shows like the Price is Right or Let’s Make A Deal. Probably the most popular shows have been where either people or their homes go through a huge makeover and experience some kind of internal or external transformation. One show is even called “The Big Reveal” in which you were given glimpses from beginning until the end when the home was finally revealed and it was more awesome than anyone could have anticipated and everyone is shocked and surprised. The passage before us contains a Big Reveal. It has some surprising twists and irony but above all it points us to the reality that while God may seem silent he remains faithful to his promises and his people. Let’s look in and see how. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-09-04/369/the-big-reveal Sun, 4 Sep 2022 11:30:00 -0500 Where Shall I Go? Where Shall I Go? https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-08-28/where-shall-i-go Where is the first place when turn to when trouble comes? How far down the list does God come? How many other sources of comfort or refuge do we pursue before we look to him? Where is the first place when turn to when trouble comes? How far down the list does God come? How many other sources of comfort or refuge do we pursue before we look to him? https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-08-28/370/where-shall-i-go Sun, 28 Aug 2022 11:30:00 -0500 The Eyes Of Faith The Eyes Of Faith https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-08-21/the-eyes-of-faith We often fail to live in light of the unseen world that is all around us.This morning I want to leave us encouraged and full of HOPE and ASSURANCE not only of our eternal destiny. but also for our day to day lives which is where I believe we as God’s people here in Cypress often struggle. This passage before us offers us such Hope and Assurance so let’s take a few moments took look and see how. We often fail to live in light of the unseen world that is all around us.This morning I want to leave us encouraged and full of HOPE and ASSURANCE not only of our eternal destiny. but also for our day to day lives which is where I believe we as God’s people here in Cypress often struggle. This passage before us offers us such Hope and Assurance so let’s take a few moments took look and see how. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-08-21/368/the-eyes-of-faith Sun, 21 Aug 2022 11:30:00 -0500 Behold, My Servant Behold, My Servant https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-08-14/behold-my-servant Many of the Lord’s words were not only spoken they were written down for us so that we could know what the Lord was prophesying to us. While we tend to think about prophesying as relating to the future much of the prophesy recorded in Scripture is forth-telling and not fore-telling. The prophets were calling the King’s, Priests and the people to maintain Covenant fidelity or faithfulness. The themes of the prophets were Judgement, Hope, Reformation, Renewal and Restoration. These verses not only give us insight not only into salvation and world history but it can help us understand our own world and journey of faith. Let’s look and see how. Many of the Lord’s words were not only spoken they were written down for us so that we could know what the Lord was prophesying to us. While we tend to think about prophesying as relating to the future much of the prophesy recorded in Scripture is forth-telling and not fore-telling. The prophets were calling the King’s, Priests and the people to maintain Covenant fidelity or faithfulness. The themes of the prophets were Judgement, Hope, Reformation, Renewal and Restoration. These verses not only give us insight not only into salvation and world history but it can help us understand our own world and journey of faith. Let’s look and see how. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-08-14/367/behold-my-servant Sun, 14 Aug 2022 11:30:00 -0500 Balance Balance https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-08-07/balance In our present time we are trying to find balance as well. We try to juggle between work and play. School and Extra curricular activities. Personal time and Kids. Family responsibilities and Social responsibility. Just to name a few. The Bible also demonstrates a value of balance but that balance is different in both its origin aor desired end. Here in Micah 6:1-8 we are given a glimpse into how we can have a life of balance lets look and see how. In our present time we are trying to find balance as well. We try to juggle between work and play. School and Extra curricular activities. Personal time and Kids. Family responsibilities and Social responsibility. Just to name a few. The Bible also demonstrates a value of balance but that balance is different in both its origin aor desired end. Here in Micah 6:1-8 we are given a glimpse into how we can have a life of balance lets look and see how. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-08-07/366/balance Sun, 7 Aug 2022 11:30:00 -0500 A Broken Prophet and a Restoring Lord A Broken Prophet and a Restoring Lord https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-07-31/a-broken-prophet-and-a-restoring-lord He is the prophet called by God to prophecy to the Northern Kingdom ruled by Jezebel and Ahab. After the incredible sign of the Lord’s glory and powerMount Carmel Events. From that significant but momentary event Elijah looks to see revival but instead he sees the same ole reality. How was he to respond? How do you respond when disappointment, failure or even sin results from what you hoped would be so different? Let’s look and see what Yahweh wanted to show Elijah and what he wants to show us as well. He is the prophet called by God to prophecy to the Northern Kingdom ruled by Jezebel and Ahab. After the incredible sign of the Lord’s glory and powerMount Carmel Events. From that significant but momentary event Elijah looks to see revival but instead he sees the same ole reality. How was he to respond? How do you respond when disappointment, failure or even sin results from what you hoped would be so different? Let’s look and see what Yahweh wanted to show Elijah and what he wants to show us as well. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-07-31/365/a-broken-prophet-and-a-restoring-lord Sun, 31 Jul 2022 11:30:00 -0500 Perspective Perspective https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-07-24/perspective This morning I want to use the story of the three bricklayers to help us see what the Qohelet or the Teacher is seeking to do with the whole of Ecclesiastes focusing on this most well-known section. The Qohelet is seeking to give us perspective of life lived under the sun and a purpose to press on in the face of the seeming emptiness and frustration we often feel. This morning I want to use the story of the three bricklayers to help us see what the Qohelet or the Teacher is seeking to do with the whole of Ecclesiastes focusing on this most well-known section. The Qohelet is seeking to give us perspective of life lived under the sun and a purpose to press on in the face of the seeming emptiness and frustration we often feel. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-07-24/364/perspective Sun, 24 Jul 2022 11:30:00 -0500 Do You Wanna Be Happy? Do You Wanna Be Happy? https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-07-17/do-you-wanna-be-happy God has always desired that we seek the thing which will give us the most happiness. The Bible teaches this listen to Isaiah 52:7 “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” this and many of the saints of by gone times have promoted this but today it is often questioned or challenged. But God has always been about our holiness and our happiness. Let’s see how we could pursue this. God has always desired that we seek the thing which will give us the most happiness. The Bible teaches this listen to Isaiah 52:7 “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” this and many of the saints of by gone times have promoted this but today it is often questioned or challenged. But God has always been about our holiness and our happiness. Let’s see how we could pursue this. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-07-17/363/do-you-wanna-be-happy Sun, 17 Jul 2022 11:30:00 -0500 The Rise Of Wisdom The Rise Of Wisdom https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-06-19/the-rise-of-wisdom Solomon demonstrates for us three key components for gaining Wisdom which comes from God and this requires us to Look up, Look in and then to Look out. Let's lean in and see how we can apply this to our own lives. Solomon demonstrates for us three key components for gaining Wisdom which comes from God and this requires us to Look up, Look in and then to Look out. Let's lean in and see how we can apply this to our own lives. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-06-19/362/the-rise-of-wisdom Sun, 19 Jun 2022 11:30:00 -0500 The Joy of the Lord's Presence The Joy of the Lord's Presence https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-05-29/the-joy-of-the-lords-presence So often when we experience trauma and tragedy it can feel that the last thing we will ever experience again is joy. David and all the other Israelites saw Uzzah struck down and sadness and a sense of overwhelming angst came upon David. We left him in his questioning. “How can the Lord’s presence come to me?” Our text this morning gives us a beautiful answer to this question and draws us in to the see the great truth of Psalm 16 that at the Lord’s right are pleasures forevermore. So often when we experience trauma and tragedy it can feel that the last thing we will ever experience again is joy. David and all the other Israelites saw Uzzah struck down and sadness and a sense of overwhelming angst came upon David. We left him in his questioning. “How can the Lord’s presence come to me?” Our text this morning gives us a beautiful answer to this question and draws us in to the see the great truth of Psalm 16 that at the Lord’s right are pleasures forevermore. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-05-29/361/the-joy-of-the-lords-presence Sun, 29 May 2022 11:30:00 -0500 The Dilemma Of The Lord's Presence The Dilemma Of The Lord's Presence https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-05-22/the-dilemma-of-the-lords-presence What this passage shows us is that the Lord’s Presence challenges are presumptions, demonstrates to us our peril, and reminds us of its blessing. What this passage shows us is that the Lord’s Presence challenges are presumptions, demonstrates to us our peril, and reminds us of its blessing. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-05-22/360/the-dilemma-of-the-lords-presence Sun, 22 May 2022 11:30:00 -0500 A Relentless God And A Unfaithful People A Relentless God And A Unfaithful People https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-05-15/a-relentless-god-and-a-unfaithful-people As we continue our journey through the Gospel Story we arrive at the book of Judges. A huge theme in the book is idolatry or the worship of idols. In a real sense we can argue this is the story of the Bible. The Story of Humanity wrestling, grappling and struggling between True Faith and the worship of Idols. As we continue our journey through the Gospel Story we arrive at the book of Judges. A huge theme in the book is idolatry or the worship of idols. In a real sense we can argue this is the story of the Bible. The Story of Humanity wrestling, grappling and struggling between True Faith and the worship of Idols. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-05-15/359/a-relentless-god-and-a-unfaithful-people Sun, 15 May 2022 11:30:00 -0500 Grace In The Darkness Grace In The Darkness https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-05-08/grace-in-the-darkness What do you do when darkness comes into your life? How do you deal with the consequences of wrong choices, painful experiences, sickness, sadness and sorrow? Where do you look when despair and depression overwhelm you? What do you do when darkness comes into your life? How do you deal with the consequences of wrong choices, painful experiences, sickness, sadness and sorrow? Where do you look when despair and depression overwhelm you? https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-05-08/358/grace-in-the-darkness Sun, 8 May 2022 11:30:00 -0500 A Present and Future That Rests Upon Remembering A Present and Future That Rests Upon Remembering https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-05-01/a-present-and-future-that-rests-upon-remembering Remembering is an important part of human life. The God who made us invites us to identify ourselves as part of his story in the world, to respond to his call to action in this world and to remember both his past, present work in the world and his future promises. Remembering is an important part of human life. The God who made us invites us to identify ourselves as part of his story in the world, to respond to his call to action in this world and to remember both his past, present work in the world and his future promises. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-05-01/357/a-present-and-future-that-rests-upon-remembering Sun, 1 May 2022 11:30:00 -0500 If You Love Me... If You Love Me... https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-04-24/if-you-love-me I want you to think for a moment about love. Many people tend to think about love as an emotion but love is so much more. Love is action that is both passionate and compassionate. What are you willing to do for love? What have you been willing to do in the past because of love? I want you to think for a moment about love. Many people tend to think about love as an emotion but love is so much more. Love is action that is both passionate and compassionate. What are you willing to do for love? What have you been willing to do in the past because of love? https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-04-24/356/if-you-love-me Sun, 24 Apr 2022 11:30:00 -0500 Who Do You Think You Are? Who Do You Think You Are? https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-04-17/who-do-you-think-you-are People around this time of year often ask questions about who is Jesus? Its a good question to ask. Who do you think Jesus Is? What you believe about Jesus will shape what you believe about his life, death and resurrection. People around this time of year often ask questions about who is Jesus? Its a good question to ask. Who do you think Jesus Is? What you believe about Jesus will shape what you believe about his life, death and resurrection. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-04-17/355/who-do-you-think-you-are Sun, 17 Apr 2022 11:30:00 -0500 A Different Kind Of King A Different Kind Of King https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-04-10/a-different-kind-of-king Throughout his entire ministry, Jesus sought to be incognito. His identity as the Son of God, the Messiah, was hidden. It was intentional; Jesus wanted it that way. Yet on this day recorded in all four gospels he got noticed and not just by a few but by what seemed to everyone around to observe the whole of Jerusalem and the Judean Countryside surrounding the Holy City. John from the very beginning of His gospel has been preparing us for this sequence of events. His intention from the start is has been to tell us about the gospel/good news. This good news consists of the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of the God/Man Jesus Christ and the grand story of his coming to set things right. Throughout his entire ministry, Jesus sought to be incognito. His identity as the Son of God, the Messiah, was hidden. It was intentional; Jesus wanted it that way. Yet on this day recorded in all four gospels he got noticed and not just by a few but by what seemed to everyone around to observe the whole of Jerusalem and the Judean Countryside surrounding the Holy City. John from the very beginning of His gospel has been preparing us for this sequence of events. His intention from the start is has been to tell us about the gospel/good news. This good news consists of the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of the God/Man Jesus Christ and the grand story of his coming to set things right. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-04-10/354/a-different-kind-of-king Sun, 10 Apr 2022 11:30:00 -0500 Being A Holy Neighbor Being A Holy Neighbor https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-04-03/being-a-holy-neighbor Jesus declares the two greatest commandments are to Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and to love your neighbor as yourself. He gets the second part of that statement from this passage before us this morning. Those who Love God will in fact pursue holiness and in pursuing holiness will see that extending out to those not only within there own household but their community and even out into the world. So if we want to know about holiness then we need to consider what God is teaching us about it in the book of Leviticus. Leviticus is a book about holiness and holiness is of vital importance. Let's find how how. Jesus declares the two greatest commandments are to Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and to love your neighbor as yourself. He gets the second part of that statement from this passage before us this morning. Those who Love God will in fact pursue holiness and in pursuing holiness will see that extending out to those not only within there own household but their community and even out into the world. So if we want to know about holiness then we need to consider what God is teaching us about it in the book of Leviticus. Leviticus is a book about holiness and holiness is of vital importance. Let's find how how. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-04-03/353/being-a-holy-neighbor Sun, 3 Apr 2022 11:30:00 -0500 Heaven On Earth Heaven On Earth https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-03-27/heaven-on-earth Heaven is an important concept in our world. We write about it, we sing about it, we dream about it and we hope for it. When you hear the word Heaven what does it bring to your mind? Do you think about chubby little baby angels floating all around? Maybe a bright shining light, or a place where you will see friends and families who have died? Maybe you are immediately drawn to the visions John had in Revelation 4&5 of heaven at Creation and at the Ascension of Christ. Some of you are like me and your mind thinks about songs you love singing about heaven. Some from Church but others from R&B, Pop, Rock and Country music. In 1987 one such song was sung by Belinda Carlisle making a declaration “oooo Heaven is a place on earth.” Now while her declaration was not shaped in anyway by our text this morning she is still correct in her assertion that heaven is present on Earth. Let's find out how. Heaven is an important concept in our world. We write about it, we sing about it, we dream about it and we hope for it. When you hear the word Heaven what does it bring to your mind? Do you think about chubby little baby angels floating all around? Maybe a bright shining light, or a place where you will see friends and families who have died? Maybe you are immediately drawn to the visions John had in Revelation 4&5 of heaven at Creation and at the Ascension of Christ. Some of you are like me and your mind thinks about songs you love singing about heaven. Some from Church but others from R&B, Pop, Rock and Country music. In 1987 one such song was sung by Belinda Carlisle making a declaration “oooo Heaven is a place on earth.” Now while her declaration was not shaped in anyway by our text this morning she is still correct in her assertion that heaven is present on Earth. Let's find out how. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-03-27/352/heaven-on-earth Sun, 27 Mar 2022 11:30:00 -0500 The Passover The Passover https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-03-20/the-passover What we discover here in the Passover is not just an account of an incredible night in ancient Israel’s history but deep profound truths about God’s work of Salvation ultimately seen in Judgement, Sacrifice and Substitution accomplished by Jesus. What we discover here in the Passover is not just an account of an incredible night in ancient Israel’s history but deep profound truths about God’s work of Salvation ultimately seen in Judgement, Sacrifice and Substitution accomplished by Jesus. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-03-20/351/the-passover Sun, 20 Mar 2022 11:30:00 -0500 Moses the Savior is Born Moses the Savior is Born https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-03-13/moses-the-savior-is-born The Birth of a child is one of the most incredible events in life. Children bring a sense of hope, promise and expectation. As we look throughout the Scriptures we continuously see a huge part of God’s plan and promise is tied to the birth of child. Whether its the birth of Seth to Adam and Eve, the birth of Noah to Lamech and Mrs. Lamech or the coming of Isaac as the promise child to Abraham and Sarah this pattern is set and therefore as we read the Bible we should be on the look out for significant moments in God’s redemptive plan attached to the coming of a child. The Birth of a child is one of the most incredible events in life. Children bring a sense of hope, promise and expectation. As we look throughout the Scriptures we continuously see a huge part of God’s plan and promise is tied to the birth of child. Whether its the birth of Seth to Adam and Eve, the birth of Noah to Lamech and Mrs. Lamech or the coming of Isaac as the promise child to Abraham and Sarah this pattern is set and therefore as we read the Bible we should be on the look out for significant moments in God’s redemptive plan attached to the coming of a child. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-03-13/350/moses-the-savior-is-born Sun, 13 Mar 2022 11:30:00 -0600 God in the Whirlwind God in the Whirlwind https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-03-06/god-in-the-whirlwind The Purpose of the Book of Job is to address the problem of human suffering. More directly why do people suffer even when they follow God. No one knows exactly when Job was written but there is evidence within the book itself that Job lived during the time in world history that is described in the book of Genesis. Job is relevant at anytime but certainly it is relevant addressing faith and suffering between the promises that were made to Abraham and the Exodus of God’s people out of the bondage of suffering in Egypt according to the Sovereign decree. The Purpose of the Book of Job is to address the problem of human suffering. More directly why do people suffer even when they follow God. No one knows exactly when Job was written but there is evidence within the book itself that Job lived during the time in world history that is described in the book of Genesis. Job is relevant at anytime but certainly it is relevant addressing faith and suffering between the promises that were made to Abraham and the Exodus of God’s people out of the bondage of suffering in Egypt according to the Sovereign decree. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-03-06/349/god-in-the-whirlwind Sun, 6 Mar 2022 11:30:00 -0600 The Greatness of God The Greatness of God https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-02-27/the-greatness-of-god As we began this series we were presented with a world that showed the pattern of the kingdom which was God’s creative design for the world. We followed this with humanity’s destruction of this glorious Creation in the perished kingdom, with God’s call to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob we saw God laying the ground work through his Covenant promises in the promised Kingdom. Having left Jacob entering the promise land last we now arrive at the incredible story of his son Joseph. Joseph’s story is one of Jealousy, arrogance, suffering, injustice, betrayal, abandonment and lies. It is also a story of Hope, Redemption, Restoration and Renewal. As we began this series we were presented with a world that showed the pattern of the kingdom which was God’s creative design for the world. We followed this with humanity’s destruction of this glorious Creation in the perished kingdom, with God’s call to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob we saw God laying the ground work through his Covenant promises in the promised Kingdom. Having left Jacob entering the promise land last we now arrive at the incredible story of his son Joseph. Joseph’s story is one of Jealousy, arrogance, suffering, injustice, betrayal, abandonment and lies. It is also a story of Hope, Redemption, Restoration and Renewal. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-02-27/348/the-greatness-of-god Sun, 27 Feb 2022 11:30:00 -0600 Wrestling with God Wrestling with God https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-02-20/wrestling-with-god There are issues, hurts, pains, wrongs done, sins committed, evil propagated that cannot be left unaddressed and dealt with. While we may want to leave the past in the past the reality is that the past impacts our present and the future for ourselves and those who come after us. Genesis 32 brings us to where Jacob will have to confront his past and deal with his previous actions. Here we have a helpful set of verses that both reminds us of God’s determination to be with us and his willingness to meet us in our darkest and most difficult times. There are issues, hurts, pains, wrongs done, sins committed, evil propagated that cannot be left unaddressed and dealt with. While we may want to leave the past in the past the reality is that the past impacts our present and the future for ourselves and those who come after us. Genesis 32 brings us to where Jacob will have to confront his past and deal with his previous actions. Here we have a helpful set of verses that both reminds us of God’s determination to be with us and his willingness to meet us in our darkest and most difficult times. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-02-20/347/wrestling-with-god Sun, 20 Feb 2022 11:30:00 -0600 The Call Of Abraham The Call Of Abraham https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-02-13/the-call-of-abraham The promise looms in the background of God promising to send an offspring of the woman and in the midst of these tragic affairs we find out that it will be from the line of Noah’s son Shem that the promised one would come.But how will God bring about his plans? How will he fulfill his requirements of justice and yet show mercy? How will he be able to bring salvation to the many and not just to a few? The promise looms in the background of God promising to send an offspring of the woman and in the midst of these tragic affairs we find out that it will be from the line of Noah’s son Shem that the promised one would come.But how will God bring about his plans? How will he fulfill his requirements of justice and yet show mercy? How will he be able to bring salvation to the many and not just to a few? https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-02-13/346/the-call-of-abraham Sun, 13 Feb 2022 11:30:00 -0600 From Judgement to Redemption From Judgement to Redemption https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-02-06/from-judgement-to-redemption The Story of Noah is not a cool fairytale that gives us a great theme for our child’s nursery but a pivotal moment in the history of the World that not only points us back to the Creation of the world but points us forward to its ultimate renewal. As we continue in our series then, the flood narrative helps us gain a clearer picture of God’s character and Conduct towards humanity and the created world. The Story of Noah is not a cool fairytale that gives us a great theme for our child’s nursery but a pivotal moment in the history of the World that not only points us back to the Creation of the world but points us forward to its ultimate renewal. As we continue in our series then, the flood narrative helps us gain a clearer picture of God’s character and Conduct towards humanity and the created world. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-02-06/345/from-judgement-to-redemption Sun, 6 Feb 2022 11:30:00 -0600 From Dignity to Grace From Dignity to Grace https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-01-30/from-dignity-to-grace Human Dignity is a very important thing within our society and within the Scriptures. Here in the garden Adam and Eve were given a calling, a place, a vocation, and a community. They were also given a relationship with the one true God. This relationship was for them the core of their dignity. These other four things are important but to not esteem and delight in God is to not only lose that relationship but to lose the other things as well. Tragically Adam and Eve gave up their dignity in the garden so what was God going to do? How was he going to respond? Human Dignity is a very important thing within our society and within the Scriptures. Here in the garden Adam and Eve were given a calling, a place, a vocation, and a community. They were also given a relationship with the one true God. This relationship was for them the core of their dignity. These other four things are important but to not esteem and delight in God is to not only lose that relationship but to lose the other things as well. Tragically Adam and Eve gave up their dignity in the garden so what was God going to do? How was he going to respond? https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-01-30/344/from-dignity-to-grace Sun, 30 Jan 2022 11:30:00 -0600 Made for True Community Made for True Community https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-01-23/made-for-true-community Over the last few weeks we have been looking at the design and plan of God for his Creation and Kingdom. This week I want us to look at one more important part of the design and plan before moving forward to the next part of the Story. Having been through a pandemic where we have been far more isolated and hindered from connecting with people, developing a variety of relationships and in general being a part of the community we live in you would think that people were desperate to be gathering together. However, what we have seen is that the varied ideologies that are floating around, the growing commitment to individualism, privacy, and self-determination and the fear of harm verbally, socially and even physically have often produced the exact opposite. Over the last few weeks we have been looking at the design and plan of God for his Creation and Kingdom. This week I want us to look at one more important part of the design and plan before moving forward to the next part of the Story. Having been through a pandemic where we have been far more isolated and hindered from connecting with people, developing a variety of relationships and in general being a part of the community we live in you would think that people were desperate to be gathering together. However, what we have seen is that the varied ideologies that are floating around, the growing commitment to individualism, privacy, and self-determination and the fear of harm verbally, socially and even physically have often produced the exact opposite. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-01-23/343/made-for-true-community Sun, 23 Jan 2022 11:30:00 -0600 Designed to Flourish Designed to Flourish https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-01-16/designed-to-flourish So the question, as we continue in our series understanding the Gospel story, we need to know is what exactly is the Bible about? Why is this important? How does this help us understand God, our purpose and our world? Is there a discernible way, design or pattern that enables us to see how it all fits together? If there is what exactly is that design? So the question, as we continue in our series understanding the Gospel story, we need to know is what exactly is the Bible about? Why is this important? How does this help us understand God, our purpose and our world? Is there a discernible way, design or pattern that enables us to see how it all fits together? If there is what exactly is that design? https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-01-16/342/designed-to-flourish Sun, 16 Jan 2022 11:30:00 -0600 The Song of Creation The Song of Creation https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-01-09/the-song-of-creation The way we remember most effectively is in the form of stories and songs. Each of these mediums are powerful and shape us as individuals, families, communities, cultures and even a whole nation. Genesis 1 is a telling us an incredible story of a glorious God who created a world that was made to show his glory and allow his creation to pursue joy and happiness which can only be fully experienced by knowing the Creator. Its the story of a Loving Creator King who makes a beautiful garden for his people to live and love and celebrate the goodness of their King. The way we remember most effectively is in the form of stories and songs. Each of these mediums are powerful and shape us as individuals, families, communities, cultures and even a whole nation. Genesis 1 is a telling us an incredible story of a glorious God who created a world that was made to show his glory and allow his creation to pursue joy and happiness which can only be fully experienced by knowing the Creator. Its the story of a Loving Creator King who makes a beautiful garden for his people to live and love and celebrate the goodness of their King. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-01-09/341/the-song-of-creation Sun, 9 Jan 2022 11:30:00 -0600 In The Upper Room With Jesus In The Upper Room With Jesus https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-01-02/in-the-upper-room-with-jesus What would you say if you were seeing friends and family for the last time? What words would you want to leave with them? What knowledge and understanding would you think was of vital importance? What we find in here in Luke 24 is a record of some of Jesus’s final words to his closest friends and followers. What would you say if you were seeing friends and family for the last time? What words would you want to leave with them? What knowledge and understanding would you think was of vital importance? What we find in here in Luke 24 is a record of some of Jesus’s final words to his closest friends and followers. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2022-01-02/340/in-the-upper-room-with-jesus Sun, 2 Jan 2022 11:30:00 -0600 Mary Mary https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-12-26/mary Here in the Gospel of Luke we have the story of Mary right from her own mouth. Mary tells Luke that she was a girl interrupted right at the beginning of the rest of her life. How would you respond if God interrupted all your plans and dreams? Let’s look and learn how Mary responds. Here in the Gospel of Luke we have the story of Mary right from her own mouth. Mary tells Luke that she was a girl interrupted right at the beginning of the rest of her life. How would you respond if God interrupted all your plans and dreams? Let’s look and learn how Mary responds. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-12-26/339/mary Sun, 26 Dec 2021 11:30:00 -0600 The Wife of Uriah The Wife of Uriah https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-12-19/the-wife-of-uriah The wife of Uriah has received all kinds of attention over the years. She has been viewed at best as the women who caused David's downfall and at worse as the temptress who used her beauty to seduce a king. The biblical text paints a different picture for us of a young woman who is victimized by the abuse of power and position by the very one who should have been her defender and protector. Yet out of the sinful mess of Bathsheba's life God bring's not only a king but the Messiah. The wife of Uriah has received all kinds of attention over the years. She has been viewed at best as the women who caused David's downfall and at worse as the temptress who used her beauty to seduce a king. The biblical text paints a different picture for us of a young woman who is victimized by the abuse of power and position by the very one who should have been her defender and protector. Yet out of the sinful mess of Bathsheba's life God bring's not only a king but the Messiah. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-12-19/338/the-wife-of-uriah Sun, 19 Dec 2021 11:30:00 -0600 Ruth Ruth https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-12-12/ruth The whole book about Ruth is such a powerful story but this morning I want us to focus specifically on Ruth herself. She is the next mother that we find in Matthews genealogical list. So let’s take a look this morning at Ruth and see how we might see a way that we can take seriously the word of God, have hope in his promises and encouragement to live boldly trusting in his care and love. The whole book about Ruth is such a powerful story but this morning I want us to focus specifically on Ruth herself. She is the next mother that we find in Matthews genealogical list. So let’s take a look this morning at Ruth and see how we might see a way that we can take seriously the word of God, have hope in his promises and encouragement to live boldly trusting in his care and love. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-12-12/337/ruth Sun, 12 Dec 2021 11:30:00 -0600 Rahab Rahab https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-12-05/rahab So often when we come to passages like this we get so caught up with interest in the peripheral matters that we can miss the beauty, the glory and the goodness the biblical writer and God himself wants us to focus our hearts and minds on and apply in our daily lives. So lets look and see what God wants us to learn and apply concerning Rahab. So often when we come to passages like this we get so caught up with interest in the peripheral matters that we can miss the beauty, the glory and the goodness the biblical writer and God himself wants us to focus our hearts and minds on and apply in our daily lives. So lets look and see what God wants us to learn and apply concerning Rahab. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-12-05/336/rahab Sun, 5 Dec 2021 11:30:00 -0600 Tamar Tamar https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-11-28/tamar The first woman listed in Matthew's genealogy is Tamar. Her inclusion on the surface is quite perplexing. She is a gentile, a widow, she plays the role of a prostitute to get pregnant and yet she is included here as someone who was of great importance to the birth of Jesus. The first woman listed in Matthew's genealogy is Tamar. Her inclusion on the surface is quite perplexing. She is a gentile, a widow, she plays the role of a prostitute to get pregnant and yet she is included here as someone who was of great importance to the birth of Jesus. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-11-28/335/tamar Sun, 28 Nov 2021 11:30:00 -0600 Risky Faith Risky Faith https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-11-07/risky-faith In one sense all for all of us life itself is risky. Just getting out of bed, getting in your car, going to the gym, playing sports, going on vacation or posting on social media… ok the last one was a joke or was it? But lets be honest with ourselves this morning. Most of our lives are lived in RISK MANAGEMENT MODE…especially when it comes to faith. We are all about faith as long as it doesn’t cost me to much, hurt me to much, interfere with my weekend plans or life plans to much, doesn’t my firmly held view on politics, culture, science or socio-economics. So what are we to do with the reality that God frequently and often leads his people to take great risks resulting in great reward. LETS TAKE A LOOK. In one sense all for all of us life itself is risky. Just getting out of bed, getting in your car, going to the gym, playing sports, going on vacation or posting on social media… ok the last one was a joke or was it? But lets be honest with ourselves this morning. Most of our lives are lived in RISK MANAGEMENT MODE…especially when it comes to faith. We are all about faith as long as it doesn’t cost me to much, hurt me to much, interfere with my weekend plans or life plans to much, doesn’t my firmly held view on politics, culture, science or socio-economics. So what are we to do with the reality that God frequently and often leads his people to take great risks resulting in great reward. LETS TAKE A LOOK. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-11-07/334/risky-faith Sun, 7 Nov 2021 11:30:00 -0500 Clarity of Faith Clarity of Faith https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-10-31/clarity-of-faith What we are looking at here this morning a passage that is increasing our clarity not only on the person of Moses but on the greater one than Moses Jesus Christ himself. What we are looking at here this morning a passage that is increasing our clarity not only on the person of Moses but on the greater one than Moses Jesus Christ himself. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-10-31/333/clarity-of-faith Sun, 31 Oct 2021 11:30:00 -0500 Passing the Baton of Faith Passing the Baton of Faith https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-10-24/passing-the-baton-of-faith These verses focuses us not on the various events of the lives of these ancient men of faith but on their final acts at their deaths. They were finishing with their portion of the race. They were handing the baton over to the next runner, to let him run the course. But, in handing off the baton, their hearts were still in the race. They had a heart to see their descendants press on! We can join them in seeing this passed on to our children , friends and nieghbors. These verses focuses us not on the various events of the lives of these ancient men of faith but on their final acts at their deaths. They were finishing with their portion of the race. They were handing the baton over to the next runner, to let him run the course. But, in handing off the baton, their hearts were still in the race. They had a heart to see their descendants press on! We can join them in seeing this passed on to our children , friends and nieghbors. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-10-24/332/passing-the-baton-of-faith Sun, 24 Oct 2021 11:30:00 -0500 Anchored Faith Anchored Faith https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-10-17/anchored-faith How do you handle the ongoing, non-relenting stresses of your daily life? How do you respond when people or circumstances throw a complete monkey wrench into your plans? Where do you place your hope, your security, your life and even your soul? How do you handle the ongoing, non-relenting stresses of your daily life? How do you respond when people or circumstances throw a complete monkey wrench into your plans? Where do you place your hope, your security, your life and even your soul? https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-10-17/331/anchored-faith Sun, 17 Oct 2021 11:30:00 -0500 Bona Fide Faith Bona Fide Faith https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-10-10/bona-fide-faith We all look for something or someone who is real, authentic and genuine this is what it means to be Bona Fide. The writer of Hebrews in these short verses describes and encourages us with some the qualities that make up a Bona Fide Faith. We all look for something or someone who is real, authentic and genuine this is what it means to be Bona Fide. The writer of Hebrews in these short verses describes and encourages us with some the qualities that make up a Bona Fide Faith. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-10-10/330/bona-fide-faith Sun, 10 Oct 2021 11:30:00 -0500 Faith Acts Faith Acts https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-10-03/faith-acts Faith is not just belief in a set of ideas or doctrines it is action. True Faith Steps Out in obedience, Looks out past the present circumstances and Holds out knowing that God will keep his word and accomplish what he has promised. Faith is not just belief in a set of ideas or doctrines it is action. True Faith Steps Out in obedience, Looks out past the present circumstances and Holds out knowing that God will keep his word and accomplish what he has promised. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-10-03/329/faith-acts Sun, 3 Oct 2021 11:30:00 -0500 How Can We Please God? How Can We Please God? https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-09-19/how-can-we-please-god What if it was possible to know exactly what God is pleased by and what if was possible for us to actually please God? What if you could actually have a real expectation not only that God might show you grace and mercy but that he delights to do so! You might be asking what is it that allows a person like me to be able to please God. The answer is simple. It is FAITH. But its not just any ole faith or just faith in faith. Its a focused faith in the God who has revealed himself throughout the history of the world and most fully in there person of Jesus. This morning we have the privilege to lean in and learn about this kind of Faith and 3 individuals who not only pleased God but have been remembered for doing so. What if it was possible to know exactly what God is pleased by and what if was possible for us to actually please God? What if you could actually have a real expectation not only that God might show you grace and mercy but that he delights to do so! You might be asking what is it that allows a person like me to be able to please God. The answer is simple. It is FAITH. But its not just any ole faith or just faith in faith. Its a focused faith in the God who has revealed himself throughout the history of the world and most fully in there person of Jesus. This morning we have the privilege to lean in and learn about this kind of Faith and 3 individuals who not only pleased God but have been remembered for doing so. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-09-19/328/how-can-we-please-god Sun, 19 Sep 2021 11:30:00 -0500 Faith Is... Faith Is... https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-09-12/faith-is We have all seen when people are faced with oppression, disillusionment and discouragement that doubt can begin to creep in and obscure the once clear guiding light, now hidden away by the waves and the mist of the ocean of our lives.  Have you ever felt that way?  Have you ever felt disillusioned or discouraged about your faith, the Church, about other people, maybe even about God?  If you were given the opportunity, to encourage a group of people dealing with such discouragement what would you tell them?  What could possibly give them or you hope when you are experiencing these kinds of things? It is into this kind of situation that the author of the letter to the Hebrews had to wrestle with while writing this profound letter of encouragement.  In a sense the entire letter to the Hebrews is an attempt to offer hope to a disillusioned and discouraged group of Christians. We have all seen when people are faced with oppression, disillusionment and discouragement that doubt can begin to creep in and obscure the once clear guiding light, now hidden away by the waves and the mist of the ocean of our lives.  Have you ever felt that way?  Have you ever felt disillusioned or discouraged about your faith, the Church, about other people, maybe even about God?  If you were given the opportunity, to encourage a group of people dealing with such discouragement what would you tell them?  What could possibly give them or you hope when you are experiencing these kinds of things? It is into this kind of situation that the author of the letter to the Hebrews had to wrestle with while writing this profound letter of encouragement.  In a sense the entire letter to the Hebrews is an attempt to offer hope to a disillusioned and discouraged group of Christians. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-09-12/327/faith-is Sun, 12 Sep 2021 11:30:00 -0500 The People of Gratitude and Praise The People of Gratitude and Praise https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-09-05/the-people-of-gratitude-and-praise The psalmist of 146 calls us to intense praise, to exam the realities of trusting in fallen humanity, and the wisdom of Trusting in Yahweh which leads us to conclude with Praise. This passage is not only about Worship it is about the Transformation of the world. This passage doesn’t just call us to worship it invites us to receive the blessings that can only come from the Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer and King. The psalmist of 146 calls us to intense praise, to exam the realities of trusting in fallen humanity, and the wisdom of Trusting in Yahweh which leads us to conclude with Praise. This passage is not only about Worship it is about the Transformation of the world. This passage doesn’t just call us to worship it invites us to receive the blessings that can only come from the Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer and King. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-09-05/326/the-people-of-gratitude-and-praise Sun, 5 Sep 2021 11:30:00 -0500 The Transforming Heart The Transforming Heart https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-08-29/the-transforming-heart Psalm 111 is transformative because it focuses the reader and the hearer on the goodness of God displayed in his works of Creation and Redemption. This Reorients the human soul to see God for who he truly is and to live for the good of the world in the light of God and the world that is coming. Psalm 111 is transformative because it focuses the reader and the hearer on the goodness of God displayed in his works of Creation and Redemption. This Reorients the human soul to see God for who he truly is and to live for the good of the world in the light of God and the world that is coming. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-08-29/325/the-transforming-heart Sun, 29 Aug 2021 11:30:00 -0500 The Fruit Of Tears The Fruit Of Tears https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-08-22/the-fruit-of-tears This Psalm is written in the midst of the of longing, in the midst of tears. So what can come from thinking about the past? What good can possibly come from crying? From shedding tears? We all know the saying there is no use in crying over spilt milk. And yet Psalm 126 seems to challenge the ideas that tears are wasted that remembering is pointless. So what possible good can come from tears? This Psalm is written in the midst of the of longing, in the midst of tears. So what can come from thinking about the past? What good can possibly come from crying? From shedding tears? We all know the saying there is no use in crying over spilt milk. And yet Psalm 126 seems to challenge the ideas that tears are wasted that remembering is pointless. So what possible good can come from tears? https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-08-22/324/the-fruit-of-tears Sun, 22 Aug 2021 11:30:00 -0500 The Everlasting Kingdom The Everlasting Kingdom https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-08-15/the-everlasting-kingdom How many of you have heard or even thought of another person or group as being so focused on heaven or so focused on the world to come that they were of no real good to our present circumstances? You might have heard someone say that one is so heavenly minded they are of no earthly good. But what if it is the opposite? What if in reality it is those who actually see the glory of the world that is coming and live towards its reality here and now that are really of the most earthly good? If it was true how could we know? How many of you have heard or even thought of another person or group as being so focused on heaven or so focused on the world to come that they were of no real good to our present circumstances? You might have heard someone say that one is so heavenly minded they are of no earthly good. But what if it is the opposite? What if in reality it is those who actually see the glory of the world that is coming and live towards its reality here and now that are really of the most earthly good? If it was true how could we know? https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-08-15/323/the-everlasting-kingdom Sun, 15 Aug 2021 11:30:00 -0500 The Hospitable Kingdom The Hospitable Kingdom https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-08-08/the-hospitable-kingdom While most of us have not and by God’s Grace will not ever experience a WarZone from a military perspective all of us have experienced to some degree varies levels of hurt, pain and yes trauma. So The Psalmist offers us not a cure but rather a community with God at the center that offers a means to walking in renewed hope, restored belief and renewed spirituality. While most of us have not and by God’s Grace will not ever experience a WarZone from a military perspective all of us have experienced to some degree varies levels of hurt, pain and yes trauma. So The Psalmist offers us not a cure but rather a community with God at the center that offers a means to walking in renewed hope, restored belief and renewed spirituality. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-08-08/322/the-hospitable-kingdom Sun, 8 Aug 2021 11:30:00 -0500 The Comforting Shepherd The Comforting Shepherd https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-06-27/the-comforting-shepherd The Psalmist draws us in this verse not to focus on getting inside info or special training because honestly how can you really train for death. No he invites us to see that our real strength lies not in ourselves but in the Shepherd He has been there before, He knows the way, He is equipped to deal with whatever comes our way. So it is the Shepherds presence that leads to us experiencing comfort. The Psalmist draws us in this verse not to focus on getting inside info or special training because honestly how can you really train for death. No he invites us to see that our real strength lies not in ourselves but in the Shepherd He has been there before, He knows the way, He is equipped to deal with whatever comes our way. So it is the Shepherds presence that leads to us experiencing comfort. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-06-27/321/the-comforting-shepherd Sun, 27 Jun 2021 11:30:00 -0500 The Sanctifying Shepherd The Sanctifying Shepherd https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-06-20/the-sanctifying-shepherd So it is here that the Psalmist shows us that we are not only to experience the sanctifying freedom given to us by the Shepherd but we are to live it out in such a way that the realities of it begin to be seen in us and its effects are felt in the lives of those in our family, Church, community, society and beyond! So it is here that the Psalmist shows us that we are not only to experience the sanctifying freedom given to us by the Shepherd but we are to live it out in such a way that the realities of it begin to be seen in us and its effects are felt in the lives of those in our family, Church, community, society and beyond! https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-06-20/320/the-sanctifying-shepherd Sun, 20 Jun 2021 11:30:00 -0500 The Renewing Shepherd The Renewing Shepherd https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-06-13/the-renewing-shepherd The Lord is our Shepherd, we have everything we need. He enables us to rest in the green pastures of his grace and to be refreshed in the waters of the Holy Spirit who he has sent to dwell in us and unite us to him and to one another. The Lord is our Shepherd, we have everything we need. He enables us to rest in the green pastures of his grace and to be refreshed in the waters of the Holy Spirit who he has sent to dwell in us and unite us to him and to one another. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-06-13/319/the-renewing-shepherd Sun, 13 Jun 2021 11:30:00 -0500 The Trustworthy Shepherd The Trustworthy Shepherd https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-06-06/the-trustworthy-shepherd In a sense, the Psalms equip us to begin to think and believe the things which enable those behaviors. They help us take a step back and cultivate that heart, with certain dispositions, certain values, and certain expressions/sentiments that will ultimately produce certain behaviors. Psalm 23 embodies this whole idea. It captures our imagination and informs our souls. It provides both Spiritual refreshment but also nourishes us in the deepest recesses of our hearts and minds. The Shepherd imagery is one of the most ancient of any in any civilization. Here the Psalmist draws us to consider the comprehensive Trustworthiness of his Shepherd. In a sense, the Psalms equip us to begin to think and believe the things which enable those behaviors. They help us take a step back and cultivate that heart, with certain dispositions, certain values, and certain expressions/sentiments that will ultimately produce certain behaviors. Psalm 23 embodies this whole idea. It captures our imagination and informs our souls. It provides both Spiritual refreshment but also nourishes us in the deepest recesses of our hearts and minds. The Shepherd imagery is one of the most ancient of any in any civilization. Here the Psalmist draws us to consider the comprehensive Trustworthiness of his Shepherd. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-06-06/318/the-trustworthy-shepherd Sun, 6 Jun 2021 11:30:00 -0500 Building on the Rock Building on the Rock https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-05-30/building-on-the-rock Storms are going to come and in this parable Jesus is giving us some insight into how a kingdom person will be able to persevere even if the storm is divine in nature. This parable comes at the end of the Jesus’s sermon on the mount in Matthew and his sermon on the plain in Luke. Jesus throughout the sermon on the mount is drawing caparisons between people and how they are choosing to live their lives. Where their values are found, what they love, where they find hope and meaning. Jesus evaluates the different dynamics of living in relationship to the Kingdom of Heaven and offers both encouragement to everyone to enter into the kingdom and strong warnings to those who believe they can get in by other means than those prescribed by Jesus. Storms are going to come and in this parable Jesus is giving us some insight into how a kingdom person will be able to persevere even if the storm is divine in nature. This parable comes at the end of the Jesus’s sermon on the mount in Matthew and his sermon on the plain in Luke. Jesus throughout the sermon on the mount is drawing caparisons between people and how they are choosing to live their lives. Where their values are found, what they love, where they find hope and meaning. Jesus evaluates the different dynamics of living in relationship to the Kingdom of Heaven and offers both encouragement to everyone to enter into the kingdom and strong warnings to those who believe they can get in by other means than those prescribed by Jesus. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-05-30/317/building-on-the-rock Sun, 30 May 2021 11:30:00 -0500 The Value Of The Kingdom The Value Of The Kingdom https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-05-16/the-value-of-the-kingdom Jesus this morning offers to us two parables that are explicitly telling us that the Kingdom is worth the risk. That the Kingdom of God is of in-exhaustive and incomprehensible value. The Kingdom is available to all. Jesus this morning offers to us two parables that are explicitly telling us that the Kingdom is worth the risk. That the Kingdom of God is of in-exhaustive and incomprehensible value. The Kingdom is available to all. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-05-16/315/the-value-of-the-kingdom Sun, 16 May 2021 11:30:00 -0500 Lazarus and the Rich Man Lazarus and the Rich Man https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-04-25/lazarus-and-the-rich-man In this parable Jesus addresses the problem related to those who loved money and saw the favor of God in having position, power, possessions and privilege. These are things that money offers us in our world and it did in the time of Jesus as well. Jesus frequently talks about money and its ability when not seen in its proper context to control us, divide us and keep us from entering the Kingdom. So let’s hear what Jesus has to say to us. In this parable Jesus addresses the problem related to those who loved money and saw the favor of God in having position, power, possessions and privilege. These are things that money offers us in our world and it did in the time of Jesus as well. Jesus frequently talks about money and its ability when not seen in its proper context to control us, divide us and keep us from entering the Kingdom. So let’s hear what Jesus has to say to us. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-04-25/314/lazarus-and-the-rich-man Sun, 25 Apr 2021 11:30:00 -0500 Exalting Grace Exalting Grace https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-04-18/exalting-grace Jesus parable found in Luke 18 addresses how Grace upends superiority no matter how noble the ideals or the cause. While Jesus uses people that were clearly recognized in his own day we must be careful lest we miss the point being made because of perceived familiarity with the characters. Once again we see Jesus is flipping the script on his hearers and giving us Kingdom wisdom and insight. Jesus parable found in Luke 18 addresses how Grace upends superiority no matter how noble the ideals or the cause. While Jesus uses people that were clearly recognized in his own day we must be careful lest we miss the point being made because of perceived familiarity with the characters. Once again we see Jesus is flipping the script on his hearers and giving us Kingdom wisdom and insight. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-04-18/313/exalting-grace Sun, 18 Apr 2021 11:30:00 -0500 The Extravagant Kingdom The Extravagant Kingdom https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-04-11/the-extravagant-kingdom What happens when Jesus lets people who have opted in late receive the benefits of those who opted in early? How do you respond to Jesus generosity? How much to celebrate God's goodness and kindness to others? What happens when Jesus lets people who have opted in late receive the benefits of those who opted in early? How do you respond to Jesus generosity? How much to celebrate God's goodness and kindness to others? https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-04-11/312/the-extravagant-kingdom Sun, 11 Apr 2021 11:30:00 -0500 Resurrection Power Resurrection Power https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-04-04/resurrection-power This morning Paul is inviting us into the story of Jesus and also the story of people who having met him were changed. As we look at this passage maybe that’s a question you can ask. What would it look like if I could be the person I was truly made to be? What if my story was really meant to be part of a much bigger story? What if I was not made to burn out a short 70 yrs and then become fertilizer? What would that look like and how can this power to change come to me? This morning Paul is inviting us into the story of Jesus and also the story of people who having met him were changed. As we look at this passage maybe that’s a question you can ask. What would it look like if I could be the person I was truly made to be? What if my story was really meant to be part of a much bigger story? What if I was not made to burn out a short 70 yrs and then become fertilizer? What would that look like and how can this power to change come to me? https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-04-04/311/resurrection-power Sun, 4 Apr 2021 11:30:00 -0500 Tenants of Faith Tenants of Faith https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-03-28/tenants-of-faith As we look at this parable we have to see the grand sweep from the formation of Israel as the people of God up to this present moment as these leaders confront Jesus. Remember Jesus has already mourned more than once over the city of Jerusalem as the killer of the prophets and rejecter of God’s mercy and here he confronts them with the awful truth that awaits them. Will they listen? Will they be able to hear? Will they finally be willing to turn to God in truth faith? Let’s look and see? As we look at this parable we have to see the grand sweep from the formation of Israel as the people of God up to this present moment as these leaders confront Jesus. Remember Jesus has already mourned more than once over the city of Jerusalem as the killer of the prophets and rejecter of God’s mercy and here he confronts them with the awful truth that awaits them. Will they listen? Will they be able to hear? Will they finally be willing to turn to God in truth faith? Let’s look and see? https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-03-28/310/tenants-of-faith Sun, 28 Mar 2021 11:30:00 -0500 Who Is My Neighbor? Who Is My Neighbor? https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-03-21/who-is-my-neighbor Outcast, least of these, sick, sinner and dead. These are the ones Jesus came to rescue. In this passage Jesus surprises the lawyer and us with how we must see ourselves so that we can see Jesus. Outcast, least of these, sick, sinner and dead. These are the ones Jesus came to rescue. In this passage Jesus surprises the lawyer and us with how we must see ourselves so that we can see Jesus. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-03-21/309/who-is-my-neighbor Sun, 21 Mar 2021 11:30:00 -0500 The Seed of the Kingdom The Seed of the Kingdom https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-03-14/the-seed-of-the-kingdom Here in this passage Jesus is addressing some very important dynamics about the Kingdom’s growth and also addressing the question that plagued his followers and plagues us to this day. What do we do when it seems Jesus is not doing anything significant to enable the Kingdom to grow? We begin to think is he really there? Have we believed in vain? What are we supposed to be doing to make the Kingdom grow? Should we take control and bring it by force? These are not just ancient questions they are relevant to us in our present day. Let’s look and see how. Here in this passage Jesus is addressing some very important dynamics about the Kingdom’s growth and also addressing the question that plagued his followers and plagues us to this day. What do we do when it seems Jesus is not doing anything significant to enable the Kingdom to grow? We begin to think is he really there? Have we believed in vain? What are we supposed to be doing to make the Kingdom grow? Should we take control and bring it by force? These are not just ancient questions they are relevant to us in our present day. Let’s look and see how. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-03-14/308/the-seed-of-the-kingdom Sun, 14 Mar 2021 11:30:00 -0600 Return On Investment Return On Investment https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-03-07/return-on-investment While this parable discusses the the reality of judgement in the future the focus is not on fear of the immediate or impending return but on the mercy and grace of the Kingdom and the call to live fruitfully in response to the gospel until the Lord returns. While this parable discusses the the reality of judgement in the future the focus is not on fear of the immediate or impending return but on the mercy and grace of the Kingdom and the call to live fruitfully in response to the gospel until the Lord returns. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-03-07/307/return-on-investment Sun, 7 Mar 2021 11:30:00 -0600 The Seeker The Seeker https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-02-28/the-seeker The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who leaves 99 sheep to go after one who has gone astray? How can this make sense? What kind of Shepherd is Jesus? The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who leaves 99 sheep to go after one who has gone astray? How can this make sense? What kind of Shepherd is Jesus? https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-02-28/306/the-seeker Sun, 28 Feb 2021 11:30:00 -0600 Kingdom Insight Kingdom Insight https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-02-14/kingdom-insight The parable of the sower gives us insight into God’s Kingdom along with the power it possesses and the way it advances. The parable of the sower gives us insight into God’s Kingdom along with the power it possesses and the way it advances. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-02-14/305/kingdom-insight Sun, 14 Feb 2021 11:30:00 -0600 Powerful Destiny Powerful Destiny https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-02-07/powerful-destiny There are so many questions that surround what happens after we die. Where do we go? What happens to our souls? What happens to our bodies? Is death the end? Do we do anything after we die? But the real question should be what does Life after Life after Death look like? That is really at the heart of what Paul and in fact all the NT writers are getting at as they write about the resurrection. Let's see how this empowers us to live! There are so many questions that surround what happens after we die. Where do we go? What happens to our souls? What happens to our bodies? Is death the end? Do we do anything after we die? But the real question should be what does Life after Life after Death look like? That is really at the heart of what Paul and in fact all the NT writers are getting at as they write about the resurrection. Let's see how this empowers us to live! https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-02-07/304/powerful-destiny Sun, 7 Feb 2021 11:30:00 -0600 Powerful Wisdom Powerful Wisdom https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-01-31/powerful-wisdom The Wisdom the world gives may answer how to navigate life in this sinful broken world but it does not deal with how the world became broken or the sinful realities that plague us as a society and individually. Paul says to answer these things God did what seems unthinkable, unplausable and even foolish. This morning we lean in to gain what only God can give. Powerful Life Transforming Wisdom. The Wisdom the world gives may answer how to navigate life in this sinful broken world but it does not deal with how the world became broken or the sinful realities that plague us as a society and individually. Paul says to answer these things God did what seems unthinkable, unplausable and even foolish. This morning we lean in to gain what only God can give. Powerful Life Transforming Wisdom. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-01-31/303/powerful-wisdom Sun, 31 Jan 2021 11:30:00 -0600 Powerful Love Powerful Love https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-01-24/powerful-love There is nothing more powerful than love and we all know it. We all have stories around love being experienced and love being rejected or withheld. Love is as vital to us as the air we breathe or the food we eat. This morning we look at the powerful reality of Love. There is nothing more powerful than love and we all know it. We all have stories around love being experienced and love being rejected or withheld. Love is as vital to us as the air we breathe or the food we eat. This morning we look at the powerful reality of Love. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-01-24/302/powerful-love Sun, 24 Jan 2021 11:30:00 -0600 Powerful Grace Powerful Grace https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-01-17/powerful-grace Rather than weakness limiting us it is actually the very thing that God uses to unleash the power of Grace in Paul’s life and God is able to unleash it in ours as well. Rather than weakness limiting us it is actually the very thing that God uses to unleash the power of Grace in Paul’s life and God is able to unleash it in ours as well. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-01-17/301/powerful-grace Sun, 17 Jan 2021 11:30:00 -0600 Powerful Faith Powerful Faith https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-01-10/powerful-faith Powerful, life giving, life transforming faith connects us to God, gives us access to his amazing grace, prepares us for times of suffering and equips us for life and service. Powerful, life giving, life transforming faith connects us to God, gives us access to his amazing grace, prepares us for times of suffering and equips us for life and service. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-01-10/300/powerful-faith Sun, 10 Jan 2021 11:30:00 -0600 Responding To Jesus Responding To Jesus https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-01-03/responding-to-jesus I once again re-read this passage this year, There are a number of things we could focus on but this year I want us to focus on how we can respond to Jesus as we encounter him in our own lives. There are 3 very different responses to Jesus in this passage that we can see in our own lives and in the lives of those we interact with. Let’s have a look at them… I once again re-read this passage this year, There are a number of things we could focus on but this year I want us to focus on how we can respond to Jesus as we encounter him in our own lives. There are 3 very different responses to Jesus in this passage that we can see in our own lives and in the lives of those we interact with. Let’s have a look at them… https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2021-01-03/299/responding-to-jesus Sun, 3 Jan 2021 11:30:00 -0600 The Arrival Of Light The Arrival Of Light https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2020-12-27/the-arrival-of-light We all know that when you walk in to a dark room the way to solve the problem of being unable to see is to turn on the light and that is exactly what Isaiah is telling us needs to happen here and yet humanity has continued to sink deeper and deeper into darkness looking more to themselves and seeking to solve the dilemma without any reference to God. The result of all the effort has only been to deepen the gloom. To increase the despair and anguish. So how can the Light be turned on for people everywhere? What should we expect from this light? What effect should it have on us? We all know that when you walk in to a dark room the way to solve the problem of being unable to see is to turn on the light and that is exactly what Isaiah is telling us needs to happen here and yet humanity has continued to sink deeper and deeper into darkness looking more to themselves and seeking to solve the dilemma without any reference to God. The result of all the effort has only been to deepen the gloom. To increase the despair and anguish. So how can the Light be turned on for people everywhere? What should we expect from this light? What effect should it have on us? https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2020-12-27/298/the-arrival-of-light Sun, 27 Dec 2020 11:30:00 -0600 The Arrival Of Love The Arrival Of Love https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2020-12-20/the-arrival-of-love As we come to the end of chapter 42 any thinking person has to conclude that chapter 43 must begin with the conjunction “and”. There is no way that any of us could anticipate the conjunction “but”. However, what we see before us in this passage is a display that the Lord has every right to destroy but instead he created and formed, He has every right to hate but instead he redeems and adopts, He has every reason to abandon but he ransoms and unites. As we come to the end of chapter 42 any thinking person has to conclude that chapter 43 must begin with the conjunction “and”. There is no way that any of us could anticipate the conjunction “but”. However, what we see before us in this passage is a display that the Lord has every right to destroy but instead he created and formed, He has every right to hate but instead he redeems and adopts, He has every reason to abandon but he ransoms and unites. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2020-12-20/297/the-arrival-of-love Sun, 20 Dec 2020 11:30:00 -0600 The Arrival Of Joy The Arrival Of Joy https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2020-12-13/the-arrival-of-joy Isaiah offers us this poem from the Lord that presents us with something that both transcends our present struggles, fears and pains but also gives us a compelling reason to more than just survive in our present circumstances but actually transforms us to think, see and live a life filled with joy. Isaiah offers us this poem from the Lord that presents us with something that both transcends our present struggles, fears and pains but also gives us a compelling reason to more than just survive in our present circumstances but actually transforms us to think, see and live a life filled with joy. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2020-12-13/296/the-arrival-of-joy Sun, 13 Dec 2020 11:30:00 -0600 The Arrival Of Hope And Peace The Arrival Of Hope And Peace https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2020-12-06/the-arrival-of-hope-and-peace Is it possible that one person could be the world's greatest Hope and the only way Peace can be fully realized? Isaiah tells us its not only possible it has actually begun. Is it possible that one person could be the world's greatest Hope and the only way Peace can be fully realized? Isaiah tells us its not only possible it has actually begun. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2020-12-06/295/the-arrival-of-hope-and-peace Sun, 6 Dec 2020 11:30:00 -0600 Humble Faith Humble Faith https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2020-11-29/humble-faith Health is a significant issue in our culture and not without reason. Healthiness like Faithfulness is not characterized by knowledge but by desire, motivation, trust and obedience. Knowledge of course is required but knowledge without these other qualities is an accumulation of information, data and facts. It does not lead to change and transformation. Health is a significant issue in our culture and not without reason. Healthiness like Faithfulness is not characterized by knowledge but by desire, motivation, trust and obedience. Knowledge of course is required but knowledge without these other qualities is an accumulation of information, data and facts. It does not lead to change and transformation. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2020-11-29/294/humble-faith Sun, 29 Nov 2020 11:30:00 -0600 Suffering As Christians Suffering As Christians https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2020-11-22/suffering-as-christians Today’s passage from 1 Peter is not about the problem of suffering in general. It is not a reflection on why good people struggle with physical or mental illness or die in car accidents or have their lives overturned by natural disasters. This letter is words of a pastor seeking to give hope and reassurance for people who are facing abuse, social rejection, and public humiliation because they follow Jesus. Today’s passage from 1 Peter is not about the problem of suffering in general. It is not a reflection on why good people struggle with physical or mental illness or die in car accidents or have their lives overturned by natural disasters. This letter is words of a pastor seeking to give hope and reassurance for people who are facing abuse, social rejection, and public humiliation because they follow Jesus. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2020-11-22/293/suffering-as-christians Sun, 22 Nov 2020 11:30:00 -0600 Compelling Grace Compelling Grace https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2020-11-15/compelling-grace God has determined to love us, to save us, to gift us, to bless us as an act of his glorious grace. Grace Compels you first to see Jesus and then to see how he meets you, interrupts your destructive way of life and to put on love and live for God’s glory. God has determined to love us, to save us, to gift us, to bless us as an act of his glorious grace. Grace Compels you first to see Jesus and then to see how he meets you, interrupts your destructive way of life and to put on love and live for God’s glory. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2020-11-15/292/compelling-grace Sun, 15 Nov 2020 11:30:00 -0600 Suffering As Christ's People Suffering As Christ's People https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2020-11-08/suffering-as-christs-people In this passage before us Peter is making a transition from Gospel responsibilities to Gospel responses in the face of suffering. For the suffering person, this is a word of profound hope. And hopefully it will be helpful to us this morning as we see how Peter carefully leads us into the way of the Cross that ends in Glory but does not skip the reality of suffering. In this passage before us Peter is making a transition from Gospel responsibilities to Gospel responses in the face of suffering. For the suffering person, this is a word of profound hope. And hopefully it will be helpful to us this morning as we see how Peter carefully leads us into the way of the Cross that ends in Glory but does not skip the reality of suffering. https://www.kingscrosscypress.org/sermons/sermon/2020-11-08/291/suffering-as-christs-people Sun, 8 Nov 2020 11:30:00 -0600