2 Corinthians: Being in the World But Not of the World

It is complex at times to know how to live a holy life in this world. God calls us to be holy but what does that mean? How do I interact with this world and its people, ideas and technology? Should we break all contact like the Amish... is that the only way? But what did Jesus mean by being in the world but not of the world? Paul and the Corinthians were struggling with these issues as well and in our study of 2 Corinthians, we will learn from their experience and wisdom.

2 Corinthians 6

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: The Suffering Savior

Jesus suffered for us in so many ways even before the actual cross, as Mark describes this final week our hearts are moved at the love of such a willing and determined Savior.

Mark 14:43-72
Philippians 2:3-11
Galatians 2:20

Sermon discussion topics for parents to use with their children:

• In what ways did Jesus suffer in the passage today?
• Why are these events made more dramatic because of who He is as the Son of God?
• How does knowing about Jesus' suffering for us supposed to impact our lives?
• How does it affect how we approach Him now with these problems in our lives?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

2 Corinthians: Invitation to Reconciliation

We are studying the book of 2 Corinthians and will thrill to hear that God invites all to be reconciled to Him... what an invitation and honor!!

2 Corithians 5:11-21

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Insignificant... Beloved... Significant

Sadly the prevailing worldview of our culture today has no answer to the problem of insignificance... but thankfully Christianity does, and in a glorious manner!

Psalm 8
Isaiah 40
John 14:1-3,17:24

Sermon discussion topics for parents to use with their children:

• In what ways are we insignificant?
• In what ways are we Beloved?
• In what ways does God's love make us significant?
• Why do secular people have no answers to the problem of insignificance?
• How does Christianity provide the answer?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Disobedience, Repentance, Promise, and Hope

The Ancient Jews had a physical temple that was the center of their hope and worship. That building was destroyed and rebuilt several times and now only a remnant of the ruins remains. Our hope is in the permanent temple living in the body of Jesus Christ.

Acts 7:44-50
John 2:16-22
Haggai 1-2
Amos 4:12-13
Hebrews 12:25-28
Revelation 21:22-27

Sermon discussion topics for parents to use with their children:

• Why was it important for the Jews to rebuild the temple?
• Where is the temple now?
• Will there be a temple when we get to Heaven?

Paul Sereda
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: Watch and Pray

Concluding our discussion of the Gethsemane scene from Mark, Jesus commands the disciples to watch and pray... then He models it for them as a wonderful High Priest.

Mark 14:27-32,13:33-37,13:50
Romans 8:31-39
Hebrews 7:24-25
1 Corinthians 16:13
1 Thessalonians 5:6
1 Peter 5:8-9
Colossians 4:2
Psalm 103:8,103:14

Sermon discussion topics for parents to use with their children:

• What did Jesus encourage His disciples to do in light of the coming trial they would face?
• How did He model this for them?
• What do we learn about Him as our High Priest?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: Not My Will... Yours (Part II)

In order to say "Not My will but Yours" in this emotional passage from Mark, Jesus had to act in a radical obedience and trust. In this we should be moved to love Him and to imitate Him.

Mark 14:32-42
2 Corinthians 12:1-10
John 6:38,4:34,10:17-18
Philippians 2:8
Job 1:20-22,2:9-10
1 John 4:9-10
Romans 8:31-32

Sermon discussion topics for parents to use with their children:

• What does this text show us about Jesus' obedience?
• What can we learn from His example?
• What does it show about His trust?
• What can we learn from His example in this, as well?
• Have you ever been faced with trusting God when you didn't understand what He was doing?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: Not My Will... Yours (Part I)

As we continue in Mark, Jesus shows His humanity and His supreme love to His Father as He wrestles in Gethsemane.

Mark 14:32-42
2 Corinthians 5:21
Matthew 20:28
John 15:13
Luke 12:4-5
Galatians 2:20

Sermon discussion topics for parents to use with their children:

• How does the scene in Gethsemane highlight Jesus' humanity?
• Why was He so upset when others have faced death so bravely?
• What does it mean to face the wrath of God?
• Why was it so important for us, that He submitted to God's will?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: Rescuing Losers

Judas betrays, all the disciples will deny and forsake... Jesus' amazing response: I'll give my body and blood!!! Mark describes this amazing scene.

Mark 14:10-31,14:1-2
Genesis 3:1-5
Romans 3:10-12,1:21

Sermon discussion topics for parents to use with their children:

• Who were the losers in this text?
• Why were they losers?
• What does their example teach us about ourselves?
• What is our response to losers?
• What was Jesus' response?
• How should we respond to God's call to us by sending His Son?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

He Is Willing to Cleanse If There Is Faith to Come

Leprosy brought with it exclusion, separation, and shame. It was essentially incurable. Yet the Old Testament detailed a means to be reinstated to society if the priest declares the leper clean. Our sinful hearts are a lot like leprosy and separate us from God. Our High Priest Jesus is willing to cleanse our hearts if we are faithful to come to Him for healing.

Mark 1:40-45
Leviticus 13:45-46

Sean Byham
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Which Group of MANY Am I In?

This is aimed at everyone who has been a part of any church for any length of time, including our church. There is surely a comfort zone inside the doors of any church: you meet friends and develop relationships, you can even serve in the local church and this all can give us a false sense of assurance of our relationship with the Lord. In this sermon God will direct us to examine ourselves, test ourselves, make sure we indeed are savingly joined to the Lord Jesus, or convict us that we are not on that narrow way and hear the Savior calling us to repentance and a genuine relationship with Him.

2 Corinthians 13:5,5:17,5:15
2 Peter 1:10,1:2
Ephesians 5:6
2 Timothy 3:13,3:1-5
James 1:26
Matthew 7:21-23,25:1-12,26:26-28
Hebrews 4:12-13
Romans 1:16
1 Thessalonians 1:5
Ezekiel 36:25-27
Galatians 5:16-17,5:19-21

David Ruhl
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Against Anger and Vengeance

Jesus' new normal changed how we should deal with anger, revenge, and retaliation.

2 Chronicles 24:20-22
Acts 7:59-60
Romans 12:14-21,5:6-10
Matthew 5:10-12,5:14,5:38-42,23:34-35
Psalm 137:7-9
Luke 6:27-28

Sermon discussion topics for parents to use with their children:

• Give an Old Testament example of how God's people sought revenge.
• Give a New Testament example of how God's people are to seek revenge.
• What changed?
• What did Paul mean by Heap coals of fire on your enemy's head?

Scott Graubard
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Appreciating God's Gift

God gave His Son... some do not grasp the magnitude of this gift.

Luke 12:13-31
John 3:16
Mark 8:36
Hebrews 9:27
Romans 3:19,3:23,8:31-32

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• Why was Marigold not happy with her incredible gift?
• What lessons do we draw from this in terms of God's gift?
• What are some of the reasons why we so need God's gift?
• What is God's gift?
• How does He meet our most important needs?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Where Is God When It Hurts?

Troubles, difficult times, hurts, challenges... everyone has them. But why? What do they mean? Why does it seem like God is so far away when troubles come? Let's turn to Scripture and learn where to turn in our times of need.

Psalm 73
2 Corinthians 4:8
Isaiah 55:8-9
Hebrews 12:15
Ecclesiastes 1:12-14
Matthew 5:10-13,7:13-14
Acts 5:40-41

Sermon discussion topics for parents to use with their children:

• What or who is the proper focus of Scripture?
• How does this truth affect your understanding of why we go through difficult times?
• How does Satan work in your hardship?
• Where does the Psalmist tell us to go when facing trouble?
• From where do we find meaning in our circumstances?
• Why does one protect himself from bitterness?
• How does one protect himself from bitterness?

Scott Graubard
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: Plotters, Betrayer, Worshipper - Why Such Extreme Responses to Jesus?

Why did peoples' response to Jesus always seem so extreme? This passage from Mark highlights some extreme opposites. How do you respond to the person of Jesus Christ?

Deuteronomy 15:1-18
Mark 14:1-11
John 12:6

Sermon discussion topics for parents to use with their children:

• How many responses to Jesus are there in this passage?
• Why are they so intense?
• Why did this woman waste all that money on Jesus?
• What does this teach us?
• Why did the leaders and Judas do what they did?
• What do all of them think about it now?
• How do you and I respond to Jesus?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: Preparing for the Future

As we face an uncertain future and growing hostility to Christianity, Jesus' words in Mark to His disciples soon before His death have much instruction and encouragement.

Mark 13
Matthew 24:3
Acts 9:15-16
Philippians 2:12-13

Sermon discussion topics for parents to use with their children:

• How do Jesus' words in this passage help us plan for the future?
• What are some of the things we are to watch for?
• What are our responsibilities, and what is God's part in this passage and in our lives?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Wanted! Good Dads

Where have all the Dads gone? What role has society, selfishness, and materialism hurt us? How can we get Dads back?

Isaiah 3-4
Ephesians 5:22-6:4
1 Corinthians 16:13,11:7
2 Samuel 10:12
1 Timothy 5:8

Sermon discussion topics for parents to use with their children:

• Why are Dads so important?
• Where are the Dads today... why do we seem to lack good Dads in our culture?
• What is masculinity and how is it different from machismo?
• What is the role of men in a society?
• How does this apply to Dads?
• Why is having a good Dad important to ones understanding of God?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: My Heroes Have Always Been... Widows

What is True Religion? Mark contrasts Scribes and a Widow to help us know the real thing.

James 1:21-27
1 Timothy 5:1-16
Mark 12:38-44,11:27,12:28,12:32,12:35
1 Corinthians 11:31,15:58
Matthew 10:42

The scribe was distinguished by his linen robe, a long white mantle reaching to the feet and provided with a long fringe. White linen clothes were regarded as a mark of distinction, so that men of eminence (priests, Levites, scribes) or those who wished to parade their position, wore white and left bright colors to the common people. By the majority of the people the scribes were venerated with unbounded respect and awe. Their words were considered to possess sovereign authority. When a scribe passed by on the street or in the bazaar people rose respectfully. Only tradesmen at their work were exempted from this display of deference. The scribe was greeted with titles of deepest respect: "Rabbi," "Father," "Master," and there is evidence that in the first century A.D. the designation "Rabbi" was undergoing a transition from its former status as a general title of honor to one reserved exclusively for ordained scribes. When the important men of Jerusalem gave a feast they considered it an ornament to the feast to have a distinguished scribe and his pupils there. The highest places were assigned to them, and the scribe was given precedence in honor over the aged, and even over parents. In the synagogues as well the seat of honor was reserved for him; he sat at the front with his back to the chest containing the Torah, in full view of the congregation.William L Lane The Gospel of Mark

Sermon discussion topics for parents to use with their children:

• What is true religion according to the Bible?
• Why did Jesus say the Scribes were in danger?
• How did this widow show true religion?
• How can we give more money than Bill Gates?

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

Trusting God When You Don't Understand What He is Doing

It is hard to trust God when we do not know what He is doing or why. But we are called to trust Him and in this message we explore how that is done.

Job 1:1-2:10
Proverbs 3:5-6
Romans 8:31-32,8:28

God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sov’reign will.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flow’r.

Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.
William Cowper God Moves in a Mysterious Way

One of the most difficult things to do when the road is rough or when the billows are passing over us is to feel that God still loves us. It is the last thing we can accept. But we are not called to feel; we are called to believe. In his book In Their Afflictions, Murdock Campbell tells of a minister in the north of Scotland who suddenly list his spiritually-minded wife. As he prayed that night in the presence of friends he said, "if an angel from heaven told me that this would work for my good I would not believe him but because of thy Word says it I must believe it." We are to measure God's love not by His providence but by His promise. "When we cannot trace God's hand we can trust God's heart', says C.H. Spurgeon. When providences are dark it is difficult to read them. It is the Word that tells us how to view them. John J. Murray Behind a Frowning Providence

There is much that remains a mystery and for which there is no immediate answer. This lies at the very crux of the matter. It may seem a strange paradox but it was when Job was willing not to understand that he began to understand. And why should this not be so? God is God and man is man. It is in keeping with the greatness of God. In a sermon entitled Dark Providences Made Clear in Due Time, Ralph Erskine explains God's purpose in dark providences thus: "It is to discover Himself in a way suitable to Himself and His glorious perfections and to show that His thoughts are not our thoughts nor His ways our ways. If He should work according to our thoughts and imaginations how would it appear that He is Jehovah, a sovereign God that acts like Himself. God owes us no explanations. We owe Him implicit trust and obedience. It is not easy to trust God when He appears to be silent, as He was with Job, but trust we must." John J. Murray Behind a Frowning Providence

Dr. Ronald Dunn has these wise words to say on the problem of the silence of God in suffering: "I think this is the hardest part of all. You can take just about anything, if you know why. Everywhere I go, every meeting, I'm asked... 'Why?'... I'm going to tell you something: God will very seldom answer your question of Why. It is not that there are no answers, it's just that you and I probably wouldn't be able to comprehend the answer if God were to tell us, and besides that, we have to learn to trust Him without knowing why. We ask Him questions. What we're usually doing is saying, 'Lord explain yourself', calling God into account."John J. Murray Behind a Frowning Providence

People are usually more anxious to get rid of the problem than they are to find the purpose of God in it. "Afflictions" says Matthew Henry "are continued no longer than till they have done their work." It is also our responsibility to pray that our afflictions will be sanctified to us. In his book Why Us Warren Wiersbe speaks of a friend who found herself in a sea of troubles. Attempting to encourage her one day he said "I want you to know that we are praying for you." "I appreciate that", she replied, "What are you praying to God to do?" Wiersbe found himself struggling for an answer and mentioned some things. "Thank you", she said, "but please pray for one more request. Pray that I won't waste all this suffering." John J. Murray Behind a Frowning Providence

I had a million questions to ask God; but when I met Him they all fled my mind and it didn't seem to matter. Christopher Morley

Sermon discussion topics for parents to use with their children:

• Why is it hard to trust another?
• Why is it hard to trust God?
• How do people prove themselves trustworthy?
• How has God?
• Why should we not lean on our own understanding?
• What should we lean on?
• What are the implications of the phrase We are not called to feel; we are called to believe?
• Why is it easy to trust God?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA