Bring It On... I'm Ready (A New Year's Meditation)

How can a Christian look out upon this or any year with great confidence? By the rich promises and presence of God!

Psalm 44
Romans 8:26-39

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• Why does this passage help us look to the New Year?
• How do all things work together for good?
• Why is it important that God is for us?
• What train are we on?
• How does God even work trials and suffering for good?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Love Gives

True love gives to its beloved. Jesus gave everything for us and the impact of this on us, when we grasp it, will be immense.

Luke 2:1-21
2 Corinthians 8:9
John 1:1-2,15:12-14
Galatians 2:20

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• How was Jesus rich?
• In what way did He become poor?
• How are we poor?
• How has Jesus made us rich?
• What does it mean that love gives?
• How does all of this impact how we view Christmas?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

The Hypostatic Union or the One Christmas Gift Everyone in the World Needs

What does Hypostatic Union mean and why do I and all the people of the world need this reality in their lives??

Luke 1:26-38
Hebrews 2:14-18,4:14-16
John 1:1,1:14,6:62
Philippians 2:5-6,3:9
Acts 2:22,20:28
Romans 9:5,3:21-22
Galatians 4:4-5

The Son of God, the second person in the Holy Trinity, being very and eternal God, the brightness of the Father's glory, of one substance and equal with him who made the world, who upholdeth and governeth all things he hath made, did, when the fullness of time was come, take upon him man's nature, with all the essential properties and common infirmities thereof, yet without sin; being conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mary, the Holy Spirit coming down upon her: and the power of the Most High overshadowing her; and so was made of a woman of the tribe of Judah, of the seed of Abraham and David according to the scriptures; so that two whole, perfect, and distinct natures were inseparably joined together in one person, without conversion, composition, or confusion; which person is very God and very man, yet one Christ, the only mediator between God and man. The Baptist Confession of Faith 1689 (emphasis added)

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• What is the hypostatic union?
• How are the two natures of Christ illustrated by the relationship of body to soul?
• Why was it necessary for Jesus to take on humanity: in terms of forgiveness of sins, the gift of righteousness, His role as great high priest?
• Why could a mere man not do all of this?
• Why do you need this gift?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: What Do You Want More than Eternal Life?

Is there anything you want more than eternal life? Do you realize how dangerous that is? Jesus speaks a word of warning and hope to us all in this passage in Mark.

1 Timothy 6
Mark 10:17-31
Romans 3:9-12
Luke 12:32-34

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• What did the young man want more than eternal life?
• What are we tempted to put before God?
• Why are riches so dangerous?
• Why is it essential for us to realize that we cannot save ourselves and to come to God in our helplessness?
• Why did Jesus assure us that if we give up all, we will receive 100 fold?
• How does that work out?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: Children are VIPs and Role Models

In this text in Mark Jesus once again confuses the disciples by His actions and uses the event to teach them about the radical difference between His Kingdom and the world while also revealing stunning and glorious things about the nature of God Himself!

Psalm 113
Philippians 2:5-11
Mark 10:1-16,9:35,9:37,9:31

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• What does it mean the God is humble?
• Why is it so unusual, in one sense, that God is humble?
• Why is it not unusual and makes perfect sense?
• How did Jesus prove this in the text we studied today?
• Why are children VIPs and why are they role models?
• Why do we struggle with child-like faith?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

2 Corinthians: Security in Christ

We will continue our study of 2 Corinthians. Paul is in a very tense situation with people trying to undermine his relationship with the church. He deals with this matter with grace and with reminding us of some wonderful realities of how secure we are in Christ. Do you know how secure you are in Christ? Listen and gain hope and courage!!

2 Corinthians 1

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: I Love You... So Please Listen

In this section of Mark, Jesus gets very intense about a subject we refuse to consider in this secular culture. He loves us enough to speak important truths we all need to consider.

Matthew 25:31-46
Mark 9:38-50

Let us beware of the slightest inclination to stop and check others, merely because they do not choose to adopt our plans, or work by our side. We may think our fellow Christians mistaken in some points. We may fancy that more would be done for Christ, if they would join us, and if all worked in the same way. We may see many evils arising from religious dissensions and divisions. But all this must not prevent us rejoicing if the works of the devil are destroyed and souls are saved.
Is our neighbor warring against Satan? Is he really trying to labor for Christ? This is the grand question. Better a thousand times that the work should be done by other hands than not done at all. Happy is he who knows something of the spirit of Moses, when he said, "I wish that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his Spirit upon them all!" and of Paul, when he says, "If Christ is preached, I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice." (Numbers 11:29; Philippians 1:18.) J.C. Ryle The Gospel of Mark

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• Why did Jesus get so intense in this passage?
• What did He teach us about: excluding others, giving cups of water, causing someone to sin, cutting off things?
• How do we do this?
• Why is it not mean, but in fact, very loving when Jesus talks about the scary subject of hell?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: Servanthood is Greatness

Greatness is defined one way by the world and another way by Jesus in Mark. Are you great? Greatness is being a servant? Are you great?

John 13:1-15
Philippians 2:5-11
Mark 9:30-37

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• What is greatness to our culture?
• To Jesus?
• How does Jesus' teaching here change the way we look at ourselves, at others, the world's view of us?
• Who do you serve?
• Who do you not serve but should serve?
• What does this teaching about servanthood tell us about God Himself?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Love Your Enemies

Love your enemies is a simple directive, but extremely difficult for us humans to fulfill. It is easier to hold onto hate, revenge, and the desire for retaliation. Especially now when all our feelings are permanently displayed online for the world to see. Yet still Jesus says love your enemies!

Luke 10:25-37
Matthew 5:43-48

Chris Bowser
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: I Believe, Help My Unbelief

Here is a man from Mark we can all relate to: one who says "I believe, Lord, help my unbelief".

Mark 9:14-29,6:7
John 11:40

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• Why were the apostles not able to heal this young man?
• Why is the prayer "I believe, help my unbelief" one that we all can relate to?
• What was Jesus' response to such a prayer?
• How can we nurture a strong faith and resist unbelief?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

2 Corinthians: Why Does God Let Trials Happen to Us?

We all face trials, difficulties, painful experiences in life. God is in control... but why does He let these things happen? We will look at two very important reasons: first, God is using these events to let you experience Him in new and closer ways, and secondly, He is going to use you to comfort and encourage others. We will begin our study of the amazing book of 2 Corinthians. If that phrase doesn't mean anything to you, then join us to experience this book in a fresh way and see why it is truly amazing!!

2 Corinthians 1

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: True Motivation - What's Ahead!

Mark describes that Jesus was transfigured before some of His disciples. The implications are vastly far reaching and immensely encouraging to those who have chosen the pathway of discipleship.

2 Peter 1:16-21
Revelation 1:9-18
Mark 8:27-9:8
John 14:6,6:68
Acts 4:12
Romans 8:17-18

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• What does the word transfiguration mean?
• Why is the transfiguration so important?
• What does it teach us about Jesus?
• Why is it such an encouragement after what Jesus just called His disciples to in the context?
• Where are we heading?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Why Shouldn't I Sin?

If grace abounds then shouldn't I keep sinning so I can receive more grace? Paul might disagree.

Romans 6:1-14,5:6-10,5:20-21,6:15,6:19-23
Jude 1:4

Scott Graubard
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

The Mindset of a Super Conqueror: The Battle for the Mind

Do you ever wish you could turn off your mind? How about: do you ever struggle to get control of your thoughts and start thinking godly about something? We are all in a battle for the mind, with powerful forces at work from without and within that try to direct our thoughts (some for good and some for bad). In our The Mindset of a Super Conqueror series we are going to explore how to win the battle for the mind!

Handout

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: Ashamed? Of What?

Jesus is calling His disciples to follow Him down an unpopular road. In this pivotal passage from Mark He gives them reasons to NOT be ashamed of Him and His gospel. Powerful reasons.

Philippians 2:5-11
2 Thessalonians 1:3-12
Mark 8:27-38
2 Timothy 1:6-8,1:16-18,1:12
1 Peter 4:3-5
Romans 6:21,1:16
Hebrews 2:11,11:16

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• When do you feel the pressure to be ashamed of Christ or the gospel?
• What reasons does Jesus give to help us overcome this pressure?
• What if you have failed in this area in the past... is this a one and done?
• How did Paul try to encourage Timothy in all of this?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: Life is Short - Do NOT Have an Affair

What good does it do to gain the whole world and yet to lose your soul? What can compare with the soul and what will you sell it for? Jesus has a way of quickly getting us to ponder the most important matters of life and beyond in this passage from Mark.

Luke 16:19-31
Mark 8:27-38
Romans 8:17-18
Philippians 3:8

The whole world cannot make up to a man the loss of his soul. The possession of all the treasures that the world contains, would not compensate for eternal ruin. They would not satisfy us, and make us happy while we had them. They could only be enjoyed for a few years, at best, and must then be left for evermore. Of all unprofitable and foolish bargains that man can make, the worst is that of giving up his soul's salvation for the sake of this present world. It is a bargain of which thousands, like Esau, who sold his birth-right for a mess of pottage, have repented--but many, unhappily, like Esau, have repented too late.

Any man may lose his own soul. He cannot save it. Christ alone can do that. But he can lose it, and that in many different ways. He may murder it, by loving gin and cleaving to the world. He may poison it by choosing a religion of lies, and believing man-made superstitions. He may starve it, by neglecting all means of grace, and refusing to receive into his heart the Gospel. Many are the ways that lead to the pit. Whatever way a man takes, he, and he alone, is accountable for it. Weak, corrupt, fallen, impotent as human nature is, man has a mighty power of destroying, ruining, and losing his own soul.

Let these sayings of our Lord sink deep into our hearts. Words are inadequate to express their importance. May we remember them in the hour of temptation, when the soul seems a small and unimportant thing, and the world seems very bright and great. May we remember them in the hour of persecution, when we are tried by the fear of man, and half inclined to forsake Christ. In hours like these, let us call to mind this mighty question of our Lord, and repeat it to ourselves, "What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"

These words were meant to stir us up to exertion and self-denial. They ought to ring in our ears like a trumpet, every morning when we rise from our beds, and every night when we lie down. May they be deeply engraved in our memories, and never effaced by the devil and the world! J.C. Ryle The Gospel of Mark

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• What are the two roads laid out ahead of everyone?
• Which one does Jesus call us to take?
• What are the reasons He gives to encourage us onto the right one?
• What meaning does the title of this sermon have and why is that so opposite of how people think today?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

The Mindset of a Super-Conqueror: Contentment

We will continue our study The Mindset of a Super Conqueror by looking at contentment. We live in the Age of Discontent, as one modern author described it, and he was so right. Do you struggle with being content with your circumstances... your lot in life... your income level... looks... health or lack of health... or anything else? Guess what! There are powerful and talented people who are working night and day to keep you discontent so you will buy more stuff. We will go back to a Roman prison tonight and learn contentment from a prisoner!!!

Handout

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: The Hard Decision

We live in a fallen world; a world at war. Sin, Satan, a rebellious humankind, and a holy, loving God who is saving. That puts all of us in a hard place and in need to make hard decisions. In this text from Mark, Jesus presses us for an answer.

Mark 8:27-38
Romans 8:7
John 10:17
Galatians 2:20
1 Corinthians 1:18,4:9-10
Luke 14:26
Acts 20:22-24

Jesus stipulated that those who wish to follow him must be prepared to shift the center of gravity in their lives from a concern for self to reckless abandon to the will of God. The central thought in self-denial is a disowning of any claim that may be urged by the self, a sustained willingness to say 'No' to oneself in order to be able to say 'Yes' to God. This involves a radical denunciation of all self-idolatry and of every attempt to establish one's own life in accordance with the dictates of the self. This demand is reinforced and intensified by the horrifying image of a death march. Bearing the cross was not a Jewish metaphor, and Jesus' statement must have sounded repugnant to the crowd and the disciples alike. The saying evokes the picture of a condemned man going out to die who is forced to carry on his back the crossbeam upon which he is to be nailed at the place of execution. By the time Mark prepared his Gospel this had become cruel reality, both for Jesus and the Church. Jesus' words were a sober caution that the commitment for which he asked permitted no turning back, and if necessary, a willingness to submit to the cross in pursuance of the will of God. His followers must be prepared to die...Professor William Lane The Gospel of Mark

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• What is the situation we are in that requires us to make a hard decision?
• What is that decision?
• How do I renounce myself?
• What does that look like?
• Why does Jesus make such hard demands on us?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

The Mindset of a Super-Conqueror: Become a Rejoicer

Do you struggle with the blues at times? Depression? Feeling down? Angry? Complaining? How can you become a super-conqueror? What does the Word of God have to say to help us overcome??? As we continue to learn to have the Mindset of a Super-Conqueror... you will become a rejoicer in all circumstances!!!

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: Get Off the Fence

In this passage from Mark, Jesus is forcing the disciples off the fence and at the same time revealing some amazing things about His amazing love and willingness to sacrifice for us.

Matthew 4:8-10
Mark 8:27-38,6:14
Philippians 2:8
2 Corinthians 5:21

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• Why did Jesus ask the questions He asked in this text?
• Why were His words so shocking to the disciples?
• What was on Peters mind when he rebuked Jesus?
• What was on Jesus' mind when He rebuked Peter?
• Why was what Jesus did for us so great?
• Are we off the fence?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Discipleship

The church has one main task... make disciples. What does that mean? Who are the Paul's and the Timothy's in your life?

Romans 15:14
Hebrews 10:24-25
Matthew 28:18-20,10:24-25,23:8-10
Luke 9:23-26,14:25-27
Acts 6:1-2,6:7,9:1,9:19,9:25-26,11:25-26,11:29,16:1,16:3
1 Timothy 1:18,4:14-16,5:22-23,6:11-13
2 Timothy 1:4,1:6-8,1:13,2:15,2:22,3:10-11,2:1-2
Titus 2:3-5

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• What is the church supposed to be doing... according to Jesus?
• What is a disciple?
• How are disciples made?
• Who have been the Paul's in your life?
• Who are your Timothy's"?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: Making Progress?

Are you making progress in your faith? Does Jesus agree with your assessment? Mark tells us He challenged the disciples in this area and still does today.

Mark 7:31-8:26
1 Corinthians 1:22-23
2 Timothy 3:7-9
Romans 8:22-23
2 Corinthians 5:1-2
Ephesians 6:16

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• Why did Jesus heal these two men differently than most?
• What was Jesus' concern for the progress of the disciples' faith?
• How is our faith?
• Are we making progress?
• Are we making the connections?
• How can we nurture our faith?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

The Mindset of a Super-Conqueror: Conquering Worry and Anxiety

This is the start of a new series of Bible Studies called The Mindset of a Super-Conqueror. Paul talks of being more than conquerors in Romans 8. This borrows that concept for a topical study on overcoming areas we struggle with daily. The first session will be about... Conquering Worry and Anxiety. We all struggle at times with worry and have a hard time trusting God. This study will show us the biblical teaching on how to conquer our worries!!

Handout

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: That Stubborn Mom... What a Blessing!

What can a frantic mom described in Mark teach us about prayer? Much because Jesus commended her faith and she saw her daughter delivered!! Are we good intercessors? Do we know what it truly means to be persistent in prayer?

Matthew 15:15-28,10:5-6,28:19-20
Mark 7:24-30,6:30-34
Romans 8:34
John 4:22
Acts 1:8,11:17-18,13:46
Isaiah 62:6-7
James 1:6-8

In the first place, this passage is meant to encourage us to pray for others. The woman who came to our Lord, in the history now before us, must doubtless have been in deep affliction. She saw a beloved child possessed by an unclean spirit. She saw her in a condition in which no teaching could reach the mind, and no medicine could heal the body - a condition only one degree better than death itself. She hears of Jesus, and beseeches Him to "cast the demon out of her daughter." She prays for one who could not pray for herself, and never rests until her prayer is granted. By prayer she obtains the cure which no human means could obtain. Through the prayer of the mother, the daughter is healed. On her own behalf that daughter did not speak a word; but her mother spoke for her to the Lord, and did not speak in vain. Hopeless and desperate as her case appeared, she had a praying mother, and where there is a praying mother there is always hope.

The truth here taught is one of deep importance. The case here recorded is one that does not stand alone. Few duties are so strongly recommended by Scriptural example, as the duty of intercessory prayer. There is a long catalogue of instances in Scripture, which show the benefits that may be conferred on others by praying for them. The nobleman's son at Capernaum - the centurion's servant - the daughter of Jairus, are all striking examples. Incredible as it may seem, God is pleased to do great things for souls, when friends and relations are moved to pray for them. "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." (James 5:16)

Fathers and mothers are especially bound to remember the case of this woman. They cannot give their children new hearts. They can give them Christian education, and show them the way of life; but they cannot give them a will to choose Christ's service, and a heart to love God. Yet there is one thing they can always do - they can pray for them. They can pray for the conversion of profligate sons, who will have their own way, and run greedily into sin. They can pray for the conversion of worldly daughters, who set their affections on things below, and love pleasure more than God. Such prayers are heard on high. Such prayers will often bring down blessings. Never, never let us forget that the children for whom many prayers have been offered, seldom finally perish. Let us pray more for our sons and daughters. Even when they will not let us speak to them about religion, they cannot prevent us speaking for them to God. J.C. Ryle Expository Thoughts on the Gospels

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• Why was this woman so distraught?
• Why did Jesus treat her with what seems to be a lack of concern and compassion?
• Why did He reach out to Jews first?
• What does she teach us about prayer?
• About persistent prayer?
• About believing prayer?
• Why does God like us to be persistent?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Life of Daniel: Angel Battle

Daniel's final vision is of angels doing battle; then the book closes. What is going on in this book and around us today that makes this man's message so important to us? We will conclude our study of Daniel assessing how his life and ours have so many similarities... living for God in a hostile climate.

Daniel 12

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: Made In...?

From all ages there has been man made religion and it's opposite God revealed religion. Which do you subscribe to? How can you know the difference? What would Jesus say about the religious options open to us today? His words in Mark should make it clear.

Mark 7:1-23

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• Why does Jesus warn so strongly against man-made religion?
• What is man-made religion?
• How does it differ from God revealed religion?
• What are some of the major ways we make up our own religion today?
• What would Jesus' response be to it?
• What did Jesus think were the real issues in this text?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Life of Daniel: Antichrist

Antichrist... The word evokes powerful responses... some think of scary and bizarre movies, some cringe in superstition, and some laugh. None of these were Daniel's, Jesus', Paul's, or John's response. Yet, they all soberly taught on the subject. John even tells us that antichrists will be present in each generation. Who are the antichrists of today? How are we taught to prepare to meet these forces in the Word of God? Will they culminate in one final Antichrist? How should we respond?

Daniel 11

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: Keep Rowing and Trusting

What makes you scream like a little girl? Seeing a ghost? Facing a terrifying storm? Or something more routine like finding a mouse? Mark tells us the disciples screamed when they saw Jesus walking on the water. Where was their trust and why were their hearts hardened?

Mark 6:30-56,1:35
Matthew 6:6
John 20:29

We do not obey God properly and substantially unless we simply follow whatever He commands even though it conflicts with our ideas. God always has the best reason for His purpose, but He often hides it from us for a time so that we may learn not to be wise in ourselves but to depend entirely on His will. John Calvin

Now by going up the mountain He was seeking the possibility of praying free from all interruption. We know how easily warmth in prayer can be quenched or at least cooled by the least distractions. He wished to warn us by His example to be careful to use all the helps that will disengage our minds from the snares of the world, so that we may be carried up to heaven. The most important thing is solitude. Those who set themselves to pray with God as their only witness will be more watchful, will pour forth their hear into His bosom, will examine themselves more carefully, and, knowing that they have to do with God, will rise above themselves. John Calvin

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• Why did Jesus spend so much time in prayer?
• Why did He often get alone to pray?
• Why are the disciples described as having hard hearts?
• How should they have responded?
• In what ways do we respond to circumstances in life with hard hearts?
• How can we do it differently?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

The Holiness of God: Part 5

When one grasps the fact that God is holy in all that means it leads to a question: Why would such a God move to save us? And the answer to that question leads to wonder, love, and praise!

2 Samuel 7
Habakkuk 1:13
2 Corinthians 5:21
Hebrews 10:19-23

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• What does it mean that God is holy?
• How does God look upon all sin, including our own?
• Why is it astounding that God moved to save us?
• How did David respond to God's goodness toward him, and what should we learn from that?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Peeking Into God's Photo Album

If God kept a photo album of humanity's important memorable moments, what pictures would He be able to show you?

Romans 3:19-26,7:21-24,6:22
Psalm 51:5
Ephesians 2:13
Revelation 16:19
Hosea 1:2,3:1-3
Colossians 1:22

Scott Graubard
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Life of Daniel: A Look Behind the Curtain

When you watch or read the news, you are only getting a small part of every story. The reason for this is that there are things happening in the invisible/spiritual realm that the reporter cannot see. Daniel is given a look behind this curtain in Chapter 10... a chance to see the spiritual forces at war while the nations war and oppress on earth. It is a fascinating look which helps equip us to understand our world. These are the topics we will be looking at and then we will discuss how one is helped to survive and triumph in this battle.

Daniel 10

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

The Holiness of God: Part 4

God is Holy. Then He says... "Be holy for I am Holy". What does that mean for us? What is holiness?

1 Peter 1:13-19
Leviticus 11:44-45,19:2-3
2 Corinthians 7:1
Hebrews 12:14-17
Colossians 3:1-13
Romans 13:8
Micah 6:8
Titus 2:14

A Quick Comparison of Religion and the Gospel Tim Keller

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• Why does God want us to be holy?
• What does it mean to be holy?
• How do we become holy?
• Why is this NOT earning our salvation?
• Do we find holiness desireable?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

The Holiness of God: Part 3

God is holy... separate and above us. He is to be treated as special... with deep reverence, worshipful respect, even fear. How does that work our in our lives personally and as a church? These practical applications of the holiness of God will be our focus.

Exodus 30:22-38,20:7
Romans 11:22,11:33
Leviticus 10:1-7
2 Samuel 6:1-15
1 Chronicles 15:11-15
Acts 5:1-14
1 Corinthians 11:17-34
Isaiah 57:15
Micah 6:8

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• What does the Bible mean when it refers to God as both severe and good?
• How did God reveal to us that He should be treated as special?
• Why is this not God being egotistical but is right and good?
• What are ways in which people today disrespect God?
• How do we disrespect God?
• What is our hope of being welcomed by this God whom we have no right to approach on our own?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Life of Daniel: Graphic Visions

Daniel has visions as God reveals to him future events. They are graphic and leave Daniel shook up. What do they refer to, and how do they speak to us today, as well? These are some of the questions we will be exploring in this Bible Study session.

Daniel 8

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

The Holiness of God: Part 2

God's holiness includes the idea of His moral purity. The moral excellence of God has huge implications for all people, and shines an amazing amount of light on the wonder of the cross and of salvation.

Luke 5:1-11
Matthew 8:20-22,8:27-29
Job 34:10
Habakkuk 1:13
Malachi 3:2
Hebrews 10:19-23
Isaiah 6:1-8
Revelation 6:15-17

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• What does it mean that God's holiness can be called His Moral Excellence?
• What was Isaiah's first impression when he saw God?
• Why does God get angry at little sins?
• Why does the holiness of God make sense of the cross?
• How does it make the cross and the benefits of the cross so glorious?
• How can we boldly approach a throne that Isaiah feared?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

The Holiness of God: Part 1

The Holiness of God is such an important doctrine and reality to understand. It will help us all appreciate God's specialness and majesty as well as how wonderful it is that He has provided a way for mere creatures to come to Him and be adopted by Him.

Exodus 19:10-24,15:11,3:2-6,20:18-21,33:17-23
Psalm 50,104:1
1 Samuel 2:2
Hosea 11:9
Revelation 15:4
Judges 13:22

From this it already appears that it is not correct to think of holiness primarily as a moral or religious quality, as is generally done. Its fundamental idea is that of a position or relationship existing between God and some person or thing.

It is this holiness of God which Otto, in his important work on Das Heilige,... includes such ideas as "absolute unapproachability" and "absolute overpoweringness" or "aweful majesty". It awakens in a man a sense of absolute nothingness, a "creature-consciousness" or "creature-feeling" leading to absolute self-abasement.

...the response to it: "Mere awe, mere need of shelter from the 'tremendum', has here been elevated to the feeling that man in his 'profaneness' is not worthy to stand in the presence of the Holy One, and that his entire personal unworthiness might defile even holiness itself." Louis Berkhof Systematic Theology

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• Why is it so important to understand God's Holiness?
• What significance is the fact that the basic idea of holiness is to separate?
• Why is God's holiness also understood as God's specialness and His aboveness?
• How did God teach these things to Moses and the people of Israel at the burning bush, at Mt. Sinai and when Moses saw God pass by?
• What are the implications of all of this for us?
• What will it be like to see God for the believer?
• For the unbeliever?
• For you?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: Mission Impossible

To the exhausted disciples feeding the large, hungry crowd surely seemed like mission impossible, but Mark says to the exhausted Jesus it was still mission compassion, providing a glimpse into the Kingdom of God.

John 6:1-15
Mark 6:30-42
Philippians 4:19
1 Corinthians 3:9,3:6
Isaiah 25:6-9

Finally, let us mark the feelings of our Lord Jesus Christ towards the people who came together to Him. We read that He "was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep without a shepherd." They were destitute of teachers. They had no guides but the blind Scribes and Pharisees. They had no spiritual food but man-made traditions. Thousands of immortal souls stood before our Lord, ignorant, helpless, and on the highroad to ruin. It touched the gracious heart of our Lord Jesus Christ. He was "moved with compassion toward them. He began to teach them many things."

Let us never forget that our Lord is the same yesterday, today and forever. He never changes. High in heaven, at God's right hand, He still looks with compassion on the children of men. He still pities the ignorant, and them that are out of the way. His is still willing to "teach them many things." Special as His love is towards His own sheep who hear His voice, He still has a mighty general love toward all mankind-a love of real pity, a love of compassion. We must not overlook this. It is a poor theology which teaches that Christ cares for none except believers. There is warrant in Scripture for telling the chief of sinners, that Jesus pities them, and cares for their souls, that Jesus is willing to save them, and invites them to believe and be saved.

Let us ask ourselves, as we leave the passage, whether we know anything of the mind of Christ? Are we, like Him, tenderly concerned about the souls of the unconverted? Do we, like Him, feel deep compassion for all who are yet as sheep without a shepherd? Do we care about the impenitent and ungodly near our own doors? Do we use very means to spread the Gospel in the world? These are serious questions, and demand a serious reply. The man who cares nothing for the souls of other people is not like Jesus Christ. It may well be doubted whether he is converted himself, and knows the value of his own soul. J.C. Ryle

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Do You Also Want to Go Away?

Do some life experiences make you wonder if you want to continue your relationship with God? Significant loss often makes us want to turn away in our walk with Christ. How can we faithfully continue on the path? In those low times Jesus asks Do you also want to go away or will you continue on?

John 6:30-69,6:1-21
Deuteronomy 8:2
Job 1:8-11
Romans 11:33-36
Proverbs 3:5-6
2 Corinthians 4:8

Scott Graubard
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: The Heavy Ones

People today demand that their preacher be funny, cool, and very uplifting. Not too heavy... or negative... and certainly not to warn or condemn. Would Jesus have fit in that mold? How about John the Baptist or the Apostles? Why were they so heavy all the time? Here are some heavy words from Mark.

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• Why would Jesus, the apostles, and John the Baptist seem too heavy to people today?
• Why would they be under pressure to lighten up?
• Why would they refuse to... what are the truths behind their attitude?
• How are we dealing with those truths in our lives?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: On Being Misunderstood... Yet Pressing Forward

Mark describes Jesus' return to his hometown. Jesus had a complicated relationship with His earthly family... and He said we would too. How did Jesus relate to them and how should we?

Mark 6:1-6,3:20,3:31-33,1:21-22,5:42
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
Isaiah 53:2
John 7:1-5
1 Peter 4:3-5
Matthew 10:16-17,10:21-22,10:32-39

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• Why is a prophet without honor only in his or her family?
• What makes the relationship with one's family complicated for the Christian?
• How did Jesus warn us of this?
• How did Jesus experience this in His own life?
• How are we suppose to treat our families?
• When must we go on without them, or stop and have them go on without us?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Who Is This Jesus?

Jesus has been assigned a lot of names in the Bible to describe his nature. Let's see if we can use some of them to find out who He is.

John 1:14-51
1 John 1:9

Scott Graubard
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: The Relentless Pursuit

Mark tells us of a woman who pursued Jesus with a determination that she could be healed with one touch of His cloak. There is much for us to learn from her and about Jesus who embodies in Himself even now all we need for salvation and life.

Leviticus 15:19-33
Mark 5:24-34,4:31
Romans 11:33

Faith brings an empty hand, receives everything, and can give nothing in return. No grace is so important to the Christian's own soul. By faith we begin. By faith we live. By faith we stand. We walk by faith and not by sight. By faith we overcome. By faith we have peace. By faith we enter into rest. No grace should be the subject of so much self-inquiry. We should often ask ourselves, Do I really believe? Is my faith true, genuine, and the gift of God? J.C. Ryle

There is a lesson here which all true Christians would do well to remember. We are not to be ashamed to confess Christ before men, and to let others know what He has done for our souls. If we have found peace through His blood, and been renewed by His Spirit, we must not shrink from avowing it, on every proper occasion. It is not necessary to blow a trumpet in the streets, and force our experience on everybody's notice. All that is required is a willingness to acknowledge Christ as our Master, without flinching from the ridicule or persecution which by so doing we may bring on ourselves. More than this is not required; but less than this ought not to content us. If we are ashamed of Jesus before men, He will one day be ashamed of us before His Father and the angels. J.C. Ryle

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• What excuses could this woman have given to not get up and go to Jesus?
• When the Bible says that living faith acts/does things... how was this shone in her life?
• What does this passage teach us about Jesus... specifically, what does it mean that He embodies in Himself all we need for salvation and everlasting life?
• Why is faith easy in one sense, and how is that illustrated in this event?
• How is faith hard... and how is it illustrated?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Why Do You Worry?

Everybody has some worries. It's in our nature. The Bible tells us not to worry! How can we get there?

Psalm 37
Matthew 6:25-34,8:23-27,10:29
Philippians 4:6
Genesis 50:19-20
Romans 8:28
1 John 3:1

Scott Graubard
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: Stop Fearing, Only Believe

"Stop fearing, only believe"... those are Jesus' words to a man who just lost his only daughter. How do we do this... how does our faith in Jesus alter our emotional state? These are the questions explored in this sermon from the book of Mark.

Mark 5:21-43
John 11:21
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
Psalm 68:5-6
Isaiah 46:4

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• Why was Jairus conflicted about going to see Jesus?
• What motivated him to go?
• How does this kind of thing happen still today for people?
• What does this passage teach about Jesus?
• Why did He want this miracle to be kept secret?
• How can we stop fearing and only believe?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: Demons, Pigs, and an Amazing Savior

After studying this text in Mark we should never be intimidated by the world or the principalities and powers again... they are the ones who are intimidated by this amazing Savior. Here is real hope for us all!

Mark 5:1-20,1:11,1:24,1:34,3:11-12,4:41
James 2:19
Luke 8:31

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• How would this man have appeared if you saw him?
• What did the demons do to his personality?
• What was the demons response when they saw Jesus?
• Why did they respond this way?
• Why did Jesus not just run from this man?
• What does this account tell us about Jesus?
• How can what we learn about Jesus from this story help us as we believe in Him today?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Life of Daniel: Colored Pictures

What do we do when we are reading our Bibles and suddenly we are reading about: a Lion with eagle wings, a Bear chewing on ribs, a Leopard with 4 wings and 4 heads and a Little Horn on a beast that uproots other horns and speaks pompous words??? Well, that is part of a vision Daniel sees, and then it is interpreted for him. We will not only study these mysteries and learn how to interpret such passages... but we will also see how these images are powerful statements of truth that help us understand the chaotic world and have peace and confidence in God who is clearly in control!!

Daniel 7

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: Stormy Seas... Great Savior

A huge, dangerous storm... a sleeping Savior... panicked sailors... an awake Savior who rebukes the elements... wow, Mark has much here for us to grasp and believe and act on!!

Mark 4:35-41
John 1:1,1:14

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• What does the fact that Jesus was sleeping tell us about His person?
• How did this storm affect the disciples' faith?
• What does the fact that Jesus commanded the elements... and they listened... tell us about His person?
• Is it always wrong to have fears?
• Does this always mean I have no faith?
• Why did Jesus question the disciples about their fears and lack of faith?
• What can we take away from this event as we face storms?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Life of Daniel: Lessons from the Lion's Den

Daniel and the Lion's Den is the most familiar story in the book of Daniel. What is not so commonly known is the incredible pressure Daniel was under by people who were envious of him. This is office politics and backbiting taken to an ultimate degree that includes possible execution. Daniel once again shows us how to live godly and even peaceful lives in the midst of a hostile world. Does your world turn mean sometimes? Do people turn on you while all you are trying to do is to quietly be faithful to God? Daniel will teach us much on how to live for God in the face of such challenges.

Daniel 6

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: The Master Plan to Take Over the World

What was Jesus' plan, as described by Mark, to take over the world... and why does that look so different than the schemes of people, politicians and even the American church? How can I do my part Jesus' way?

Mark 4:21-34,4:3,4:9,4:12,4:15-16,4:18,4:20
Matthew 20:21,5:16
John 4:25
Luke 24:21,23:42,3:7-9
Acts 1:6
1 Corinthians 3:7-8

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• What were the Jewish expectations for the coming of the Kingdom?
• How did Jesus have to adjust those expectations?
• What is the plan of Jesus to take over the world with His Kingdom?
• How can each individual Christian do his or her part?
• How are you doing your part?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: What Kind of Soil Are You?

A bunch of life-giving seed... four types of soils and incredibly high stakes. Through Mark, Jesus is earnestly warning... Listen up carefully and consider.. Which soil are you?

Mark 3:31-4:20,3:21,3:6-7
2 Corinthians 4:3-4
Matthew 11:25-30
Colossians 2:6-7

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• What are the four types of soils?
• What is the seed?
• What happens when the seed falls on each of the soils?
• Which soil do you think you are?
• Do the others in your family agree with you?
• Why did Jesus think it was so important to hear these parables?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Resurrection, Really!

We Christians make a huge counter cultural claim: a man who was dead three days rose again and is still alive and that man was the Son of God. And we have proof!!

Luke 23:50-24:12,24:33-47
Matthew 28:4,12:38-40
1 Corinthians 15:6,15:20-26
Romans 1:3-4,4:24-25
Hebrews 9:27
2 Peter 1:16
Acts 1:8,1:21-23,2:30-33,3:13-16,3:19-21,4:1-3,4:9-10,4:13,4:19-21,4:33,5:17-18,5:28-32,5:41,17:31

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• What is the historical evidence for the resurrection?
• Why were the actions of Christ's enemies actually helpful in proving His resurrection?
• What is the significance of the actions and convictions of the apostles after the resurrection?
• What is the significance of the resurrection for us today and in the future?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Life of Daniel: How To Lose the Fear of Man

We have been studying in the book of Daniel how God has been patiently humbling the great king of Babylon. God has been revealing much about His greatness and man's smallness. Now, in this chapter, another arrogant king takes the stage, but this time things turn out very different. Daniel is an older man now; he has seen so much, and he no longer seems to fear anyone at all, no matter how powerful. How to lose the fear of man is one of the lessons here.

Daniel 5

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: Freeing Captives

Who is Jesus... a demonic deceiver or a mighty one who had bound Satan and is plundering his kingdom? How can people get so confused about Him? Let's see what Mark has to say about it.

Ephesians 6:10-20,1:15-23
Mark 3:13-30
Matthew 12:27-28
Hebrews 6:4-6
1 John 5:16

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• What was the mistaken view of Jesus that the Scribes had?
• How could they be so wrong?
• What did Jesus say about their accusation?
• What is the practical implications of the fact that He has bound Satan and is plundering His kingdom?
• What does that look like today?
• What is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit?
• What if I am afraid I did this?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Life of Daniel: Is Your God Big Enough?

How big, powerful, and supreme is God in your thinking? Big enough?? If God is so great, is that reflected in the way we worship, obey, trust? One of the fullest and most graphic descriptions of the Sovereignty of God is given through the lips of one of the greatest kings to ever walk on the earth. But, it took a lot of dramatic humbling to get him to acknowledge the God Alone is God!! We will study this amazing passage from Daniel.

Daniel 4

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: What Are We Doing Here?

What an amazing passage of Scripture from Mark, the religious folks plotting to destroy Jesus, the demons falling at His feet calling Him the Son of God, and Jesus revealing what true religion is really all about.

Leviticus 24:5-9
1 Samuel 21:1-6
Mark 2:18-3:12
Luke 18:11-13
Matthew 6:16-18
James 1:28

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• How did the religious folks respond to Jesus?
• Why do you think they did that?
• What was Jesus' message to the people of His day and ours through this passage of Scripture?
• Why did Jesus think it was so important to read the Bible?
• How can we avoid becoming a Pharisee?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Life of Daniel: Can We Be More Courageous?

How can we be more courageous as Christians? How can we be bolder in our witness? This is what we will be discussing as we continue our study of Daniel. We will examine the courage of three men who were facing being burned to death... and how they approached this challenge.

Daniel 3

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: Matthew's Party

How do feel about the people who collect our taxes? Nobody really likes to pay taxes, but would you seriously equate tax collectors with robbers and murderers? Mark describes Jesus' call of Levi the tax collector as an example of how we should interact with those we dislike. God loves the unlovable.

John 8:1-12
Luke 19:1-10,5:28-29
Mark 2:13-17,1:16
1 Corinthians 15:33
2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

The Left-Handed Savior

Some think being left-handed is a handicap, yet most left-handers think it is an asset. Let's learn about a left-handed savior.

Psalm 2
Judges 2:11-23,3:12-30
Joshua 6:26
Revelation 11:15

Scott Graubard
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: Sins Forgiven... A Big Deal

Jesus delays healing a paralytic while he forgives his sins. That is not what the man wanted... he wanted to walk. What is Jesus teaching here in Mark about what is most important?

Daniel 7:9-14
Mark 1:45-2:12,1:1,1:11

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• What does it mean that Jesus saw their faith?
• Why did Jesus not heal the man first and then forgive his sins?
• How were the scribes sort of right and also very wrong?
• How do people today want Jesus' blessings but are not really concerned about having their sins forgiven?
• Why is having our sins forgiven the most important thing?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: But Are You Willing?

Mark describes a man with leprosy who believed Jesus was powerful but wondered if He was willing to help Him. How many people find themselves in that situation?

Leviticus 13:38-46,14:1-20
Mark 1:40-45
John 14:6

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• Why would it have been hard for the sick man to come to Jesus?
• Why is Jesus so willing to help?
• Why did the man have no questions about Jesus' ability?
• Why do we desperately need Jesus?
• Will He treat us differently than this man?
• What would it be like to see this healing?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: The King, the Kingdom, Prayer, and Preaching

Mark tells us that Jesus heals an entire town... why, what is this revealing about Him and the Kingdom He is bringing? Why did He spend so much time in private prayer? We will explore our Lord's life and seek answers to these questions.

Mark 1:21-39,1:1,1:7-8,1:13,1:15
1 Corinthians 9:5-6,1:20-21
1 Timothy 5:23
Revelation 21:1-5
Acts 6:4
Romans 10:13-15

Every fact in our Lord's life on earth, and every word which fell from His lips, ought to be deeply interesting to a true Christian. We see a fact and a saying in the passage we have just read, which deserve close attention.

We see, for one thing, an example of our Lord Jesus Christ's habits about private prayer. We are told, that "in the morning, rising up a great while before day, He went out and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed."

We shall find the same thing often recorded of our Lord in the Gospel history. When He was baptized, we are told that He was "praying." (Luke 3:21) When He was transfigured, we are told, that "as He prayed, the form of His face was altered." (Luke 9:29) Before He chose the twelve apostles, we are told that "He continued all night in prayer to God." (Luke 6:12) When all men spoke well of Him, and would sincerely have made Him a King, we are told that "He went up into a mountain alone to pray." (Mark 14:23) When tempted in the garden of Gethsemane, He said, "Sit here, while I pray." (Mark 14:34) In short, our Lord prayed always, and did not faint. Sinless as He was, He set us an example of diligent communion with His Father. His Godhead did not render Him independent of the use of all means as a man. His very perfection was a perfection kept up through the exercise of prayer.

We ought to see in all this the immense importance of private devotion. If He who was "holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners," thus prayed continually, how much more ought we who are compassed with infirmity? If He found it needful to offer up supplications with strong crying and tears, how much more needful is it for us, who in many things daily offend?

What shall we say to those who never pray at all, in the face of such a passage as this? There are many such, it may be feared, in the list of baptized people--many who rise up in the morning without prayer, and without prayer lie down at night--many who never speak one word to God. Are they Christians? It is impossible to say so. A praying Master, like Jesus, can have no prayerless servants. The Spirit of adoption will always make a man call upon God. To be prayerless is to be Christless, Godless, and in the high road to destruction.

What shall we say to those who pray, yet give but little time to their prayers? We are obliged to say that they show at present very little of the mind of Christ. Asking little, they must expect to have little. Seeking little, they cannot be surprised if they possess little. It will always be found that when prayers are few, grace, strength, peace, and hope are small.

We shall do well to watch our habits of prayer with a holy watchfulness. Here is the pulse of our Christianity. Here is the true test of our state before God. Here true religion begins in the soul, when it does begin. Here it decays and goes backward, when a man backslides from God. Let us walk in the steps of our blessed Master in this respect as well as in every other. Like Him, let us be diligent in our private devotion. Let us know what it is to "depart into solitary places and pray."

We see, for another thing, in this passage, a remarkable saying of our Lord as to the purpose for which He came into the world. We find Him saying, "let us go into the next towns, that I may PREACH there also--for that is why I have come."

The meaning of these words is plain and unmistakable. Our Lord declares that He came on earth to be a preacher and a teacher. He came to fulfill the prophetical office, to be the "prophet greater than Moses," who had been so long foretold. (Deutoronomy 18:15) He left the glory which He had from all eternity with the Father, to do the work of an evangelist. He came down to earth to show to man the way of peace, to proclaim deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind. One principal part of His work on earth, was to go up and down and publish glad tidings, to offer healing to the broken-hearted, light to those who sat in darkness, and pardon to the chief of sinners. He says, "That is why I have come."

We ought to observe here, what infinite honor the Lord Jesus puts on the office of the preacher. It is an office which the eternal Son of God Himself undertook. He might have spent his earthly ministry in instituting and keeping up ceremonies, like Aaron. He might have ruled and reigned as a king, like David. But He chose a different calling. Until the time when He died as a sacrifice for our sins, His daily, and almost hourly work was to preach. He says, "That is why I have come."

Let us never be moved by those who cry down the preacher's office, and tell us that sacraments and other ordinances are of more importance than sermons. Let us give to every part of God's public worship its proper place and honor, but let us beware of placing any part of it above preaching. By preaching, the Church of Christ was first gathered together and founded, and by preaching, it has ever been maintained in health and prosperity. By preaching, sinners are awakened. By preaching, inquirers are led on. By preaching, saints are built up. By preaching, Christianity is being carried to the heathen world. There are many now who sneer at missionaries, and mock at those who go out into the high-ways of our own land, to preach to crowds in the open air. But such persons would do well to pause, and consider calmly what they are doing. The very work which they ridicule is the work which turned the world upside down, and cast heathenism to the ground. Above all, it is the very work which Christ Himself undertook. The King of kings and Lord of lords Himself was once a preacher. For three long years He went to and fro proclaiming the Gospel. Sometimes we see Him in a house, sometimes on the mountain side, sometimes in a Jewish synagogue, sometimes in a boat on the sea. But the great work He took up was always one and the same. He came always preaching and teaching. He says, "That is why I have come."

Let us leave the passage with a solemn resolution never to "despise prophesying." (1 Thessalonians 5:20) The minister we hear may not be highly gifted. The sermons that we listen to may be weak and poor. But after all, preaching is God's grand ordinance for converting and saving souls. The faithful preacher of the Gospel is handling the very weapon which the Son of God was not ashamed to employ. This is the work of which Christ has said, "That is why I have come." J.C. Ryle

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• What is the significance of Jesus' miracles?
• What do they tell us about the Kingdom of God which Jesus proclaimed?
• Why did Jesus pray so much?
• Why should I pattern my life after His in this area?
• Why did Jesus emphasize preaching?
• Why is this important to me?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: Who Is Jesus of Nazareth?

Who is Jesus of Nazareth and why is this important to each one of us? Mark is bold in his proclamation of who Jesus is and then he challenges us to listen to many voices in history (including a demon) to understand the greatness of Jesus.

Mark 1:1-28
John 5:17-18,3:16-17
James 2:19
Acts 17:30-31

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• Why is it important to remember that these are historical accounts in Mark?
• What does each of these voices say about Jesus: Mark, John the Baptist, God the Father, the demon?
• Why does the demon know so much but not believe?
• What is your relationship with Jesus?
• Why can no one say they have no relationship with Jesus?
• Why is Jesus such a great hope for sinners?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Life of Daniel: Good Dream or Nightmare?

Christians can get very discouraged as we see the world turning away from God and darkness seems to deepen all around us. But in a similar dark time God gave an earthly monarch a dream that shook him up and that is a message of hope and warning to the whole world for all time. Do you need hope?

Daniel 2
Mark 1:14-15
Revelation 11:15,21:1-8

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• What was Daniel's first move when faced with this crisis?
• Why is this so important?
• What did this dream reveal about all earthly kingdoms?
• Why was this important for both Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar to hear?
• Why is it important of us to hear?
• What did the dream reveal about the Kingdom of God?
• Why is this important for all of us?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

No Condemnation

Romans 5:12-21,8:1-4,6:1,4:1,1:2-3,6:23
Genesis 2:15-17,15:7-12,15:17-18
Deuteronomy 6:4-5,28:15-19

Scott Graubard
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Life of Daniel: Dare to Be a Daniel

We live in a culture that is growing increasingly hostile to Christianity. How should one function in such an environment? Daniel is a good model for us to turn to because he was faced with a similar situation all of his adult life. This study will begin to look at his life with a view to how we can be faithful in trying times.

Daniel 1

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• Why was the position Daniel put in so potentially dangerous for him?
• What are some of the godly characteristics Daniel showed as a young man?
• Why is it so hard to take a stand like he did?
• Why was it so important for him and the others to take that stand so soon after they arrived in Babylon?
• How is Daniel's situation similar to ours as Christians today?
• What lessons should we learn from his life?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA