Colossians: Check Out Those People... Wow!!

Paul clearly tells us in Colossians that Christ will present the believers holy, blameless, and above reproach... how can that be? How can I be there?

Colossians 1:9-23,1:2,1:4,1:26
Ephesians 5:25-27,1:3-4
Habakkuk 1:13
Romans 8:33-34
Jude 1:24-25
Philippians 2:14-15
1 Peter 1:15-16

Sermon discussion topics for parents to use with their children:

• What are some of the amazing aspects of the fact that God wants to be reconciled with us?
• How are the saved people going to appear before God?
• Why will no one dare to question how these people can be holy, blameless and above reproach?
• What will these people feel like as they stand there?
• Will you be one of them?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

The Gospel in the Old Testament: As Far as the East Is from the West

We learn from the Old Testament that sin is erased through sacrifice and atonement. But the ritual must be repeated. Guilt is painful and crippling.... and in Christ alone can guilt be truly and completely taken away... literally taken away... permanently... and that is Good News!!!

Leviticus 16:1-28
John 1:29
Hebrews 9:22,9:28,13:11-12
Matthew 20:28,26:28
1 Peter 1:18-19
Psalm 103:11-12
Isaiah 43:25
Jeremiah 31:34

Sermon discussion topics for parents to use with their children:

• Why did the people of the Old Testament place their hands on their sacrifices?
• What was the scapegoat, and what was its purpose?
• How does all of the Old Testament teaching on sacrifices help us better understand Jesus and what He did for us?
• How does He help us deal properly with guilt?
• What should be said to a person who says, "I know God has forgiven me, but I cannot forgive myself."?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

The Gospel in the Old Testament: The High Priest

In the Old Testament we clearly find the warning to never attempt to approach God alone... that is deadly. But when the ultimate High Priest is present you are called to approach boldly and full of assurance!!!

Exodus 29:1-28,28:1-38
Hebrews 9:23-24,5:1,9:22,9:11-12,8:1-2,2:17-18,4:15-16,7:22-28,10:19-22
John 5:39
Luke 24:44-45

Sermon discussion topics for parents to use with their children:

• How was Aaron prepared to be the High Priest in terms of his clothes and sacrifices?
• Why was this significant, and how did it point to Christ?
• How is Jesus the ultimate and great High Priest in terms of: His person as God and Man, His sinlessness, His eternality, His sympathy, and the fact that He is both Priest and Sacrifice?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

The Gospel in the Old Testament: Passover

As we continue to look at the gospel through the words of the Old Testament we arrive at Passover. How scary, yet how safe, to be indoors and behind the blood during that first Passover. How wonderfully God points to the true passing over we experience through the blood of Jesus... the Lamb of God... who is also Son of God!

Exodus 11:4-12:30,3:13-15,5:1-2,9:13-17,9:27-35,10:27-29
Genesis 49:8-12
Revelation 5:5
John 1:29,19:35-36
1 Thessalonians 1:10
Galatians 2:20
1 Corinthians 5:6-8

I AM THAT I AM. — It is generally assumed that this is given to Moses as the full name of God. But perhaps it is rather a deep and mysterious statement of His nature. "I am that which I am." My nature, cannot be declared in words, cannot be conceived of by human thought. I exist in such a way that my whole inscrutable nature is implied in my existence. I exist, as nothing else does — necessarily, eternally, really. If I am to give myself a name expressive of my nature, so far as language can be, let me be called "I AM." Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

Sermon discussion topics for parents to use with their children:

• Who hardened Pharaoh's heart and why?
• What would it be like to experience that first Passover night?
• What purpose did the blood have that night?
• How did this prepare the people for the coming of Jesus?
• Why is it important that God sees the blood and also that we know we are behind the blood?
• How can this make us bold for the future?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

A Prayer of God's Peace, God's Work

This simple prayer reveals a lot about God and our relationship with Him.

Hebrews 13,2:3,3:12,4:7,6:1,12:24
Philippians 4:7,3:12
Acts 11:36,4:28
Romans 5:1
John 10:11
Titus 2:13
Jeremiah 13:31
Ephesians 2:10

Yes, blood is always a ghastly and a terrible thing. It is so, I suppose, because we recognize in it the destruction of life. Is it not so, also, - though we may not be able to define the emotion, - because we are compelled, in our consciences, to admit the effect of sin, and we are staggered as we see what our sin has done. All through the great school of the Jewish law, blood was constantly used to instruct the Israelite in the guilt of sin, and in the greatness of the atonement necessary for putting it away. Charles Spurgeon The Blood of the Testament

This is an "everlasting one"; it commenced from everlasting, as appears from the everlasting love of God, which is the rise and foundation of it; from the counsels of God of old, which issued in it; from Christ's being set up from everlasting, as the Mediator of it; from the promises of it which were made before the world began; and from the spiritual blessings of grace in it, which were given to God's elect in Christ before the foundation of it: moreover, it will endure for ever; nor will it be succeeded by any other covenant: and the blood of Christ may be called the blood of it, because the shedding of it is a principal article in it; by it the covenant is ratified and confirmed; and all the blessings of it come through it, as redemption, peace, pardon, justification, and even admission into heaven itself; and Christ, through it, was brought again from the dead, because by it he fulfilled his covenant engagements, satisfied divine justice, and abolished sin, yea, death itself. John Gill John Gill's Exposition of the Bible

Sermon discussion topics for parents to use with their children:

• Why does the author offer this prayer?
• How do we obtain God's peace?
• How powerful is God?
• Why was it necessary for the shedding of blood?
• Why is God considered a covenantal God?
• What heart aches have you experienced that drew you closer to God?
• How may God be working in you through your difficulties to fit you perfectly together to do His will?

Matt Courtney
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Irrepressible Wonder and Praise (Part II)

As we continue to look at the irrepressible wonder and praise caused by the incarnate Christ, we see that God's Son is special to Him... He is called the Son of His love. That being so, the rescue mission He sent Him on is amazing!

Colossians 1:9-23,2:9
Deuteronomy 21:15-17
Psalm 89:27
Romans 14:5-6

Sermon discussion topics for parents to use with their children:

• Why does God the Father love His Son?
• How does He honor His Son?
• What does it mean that Jesus is the firstborn over creation and the new creation?
• Why can Jesus coming to earth be referred to as a rescue mission?
• What significance does this have for you and me personally?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: David's Son... David's Lord

In this passage from Mark, Jesus said Messiah will be David's Son and David's Lord. We greatly need Him as both and in this message we will explore why.

Psalm 110
Mark 12:35-37,11:27-28,12:14,12:18,12:28
Isaiah 11:1,9:6-7
Jeremiah 30:9,33:15
John 1:1,1:14
Romans 1:1-4
Acts 17:31

Now it is for the abundant consolation of the saints, that their own Redeemer is appointed to be their judge; that the same person who spilled His blood for them hath the determination of their state left with Him; so that they not doubt but that they shall have what He was at so much cost to procure.
What matter of joy to them will it be at the last day, to lift up their eyes, and behold the person in whom they have trusted for salvation, to whom they fled for refuge, upon whom they have built as their foundation for eternity, and whose voice they have often heard, inviting them to Himself for protection safety, coming to judge them. Jonathon Edwards The Final Judgment

Sermon discussion topics for parents to use with their children:

• Why is Jesus called David's son and David's Lord?
• Why do we need Him... as the human race; as individuals?
• Why do we need Him as David's son?
• Why do we need Him as David's Lord?

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

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 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

Appreciating Salvation: Redemption

We cannot fully appreciate salvation until we grasp the deep significance of the concept of Redemption. The rescue mission Jesus accomplished has profound implications on how we view God, ourselves, and life itself. What an amazing thing it is to be redeemed!!

Romans 3:21-26,6:23,7:14,6:16-18,8:23,8:31-35
Ephesians 1:7
Colossians 1:14
1 Peter 1:18-19
Hebrews 2:14-15
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Titus 2:14
Matthew 20:28

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• What did the word redeemed mean to the people in the first century?
• What was the Kinsman-Redeemer?
• How has God redeemed us?
• What were we held captive to?
• What does it mean I was bought with a price?
• How should that affect us??

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Appreciating Salvation: Propitiation

We will more deeply appreciate our salvation when we understand why Jesus is called our propitiation. These important words shed a world of light on how good God has been in providing such a rich salvation.

Romans 1:18,1:32,3:9,3:19,3:21-26,5:9
Genesis 9:5-6
Hebrews 2:17,2:14
1 John 2:1-2,4:9-10
1 Thessalonians 1:10

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• What does propitiation mean?
• Why can God not just forgive us of our sin... why did Jesus have to die?
• How is Jesus our propitiation?
• What are the implications for us when we sin that Jesus is our propitiation?
• Why is it important that God sent the propitiation and how does this make the God of the Bible so different than the old Greek gods?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

1 Peter: Precious Blood

Peter says the blood of Christ is precious...more precious than gold and silver. The angels and saints in heaven as well as God the Father Himself certainly see the blood as precious. Do you? This sermon examines the preciousness of Christ's blood.

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Hebrews 9:1-15
1 Peter 1:13-21,1:7
Matthew 20:28

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• If you died tonight and God said "why should I let you into heaven?" what would you say?
• Why is the blood of Jesus precious?
• Why do we need His blood?
• Why will the blood be precious to us on Judgment Day?
• Why will it be precious when we are in heaven?
• Is the blood precious to you now?
• Why should this precious blood motivate us to live holy lives?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

The Doctrine of Justification (Part II)

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Leviticus 25:47-55
Luke 18:9-14
Romans 3:19-26,4:4-5
Deuteronomy 25:1
Proverbs 17:15

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Luke: Keeping It Real

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Luke 12:46-13:9,3:7-9
John 9:2-3
Matthew 7:17-23

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Crucified for Me

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Matthew 20:25-28
John 15:13
1 John 3:16
Galatians 2:20
1 Timothy 1:15
Romans 5:7-8

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA