CROSS Conference Podcast

As Jesus faces his impending death, he humbly washes his disciples' feet, demonstrating the depth of his love and the true nature of servanthood. This act challenges the disciples' self-centered attitudes and calls them to a life of sacrificial love for God and others. Mez McConnell exhorts the audience to consider how the love of Christ should compel them to go to the "least, the last, and the lost" with the gospel, even if it means forsaking their own dreams and comforts. The ultimate question posed is: "Why are you here?" - is it to pursue your own agenda, or to wholeheartedly serve the one who loved you to the end?

The local church is essential for missions - it is the beginning and end of missions. Missionaries should not operate independently of the local church, but rather be recognized and sent by their church. The church provides accountability, discipleship, and community for new believers, which is crucial, especially for those from non-Christian backgrounds. Missions is about planting and strengthening local churches, not just individual evangelism. Whether the missionary is a man or a woman, the importance of the local church remains the same. The church is God's plan for evangelism and for displaying His manifold wisdom to the world.

Trip Lee emphasizes the importance of the church, stating that it is not optional but essential for following Jesus and holding onto hope. He encourages the audience to hold on to their confession of hope, watch out for one another, and gather together regularly, as these are crucial for persevering in the faith. Trip argues that the church is not a mere "pep rally" but a community that sustains and strengthens believers, and that neglecting the church is a mistake that can have serious consequences for one's spiritual life.

In this panel, John Piper emphasizes God's sustaining grace in keeping believers faithful through prayer, the Word, and corporate worship. He shares his personal journey of relying on God's grace in difficult seasons and urges believers to cultivate habits that keep them rooted in their faith. Piper stresses the urgency of global missions, the centrality of a "big God theology," and the call for the church to embrace risk for the sake of God's glory and the salvation of the unreached.

John Musyimi exposits 1 Kings 10 by introducing the Queen of Sheba's awe of King Solomon as a prelude to highlighting the unmatched glory of King Jesus. He emphasizes the Queen's journey to witness Solomon's wisdom and grandeur, leading to her transformation into a worshiper of Yahweh. Drawing from Matthew 12:42, Musyimi contrasts Solomon's limited magnificence with Jesus' infinite supremacy, declaring Him the ultimate King. The message crescendos with Jesus' eternal dominion, universal fame, and unparalleled wisdom that far outshines even the glory of Solomon.

Holiness is not optional for the Christian life; it is essential, as Hebrews 12 reminds us that "without holiness, no one will see the Lord." This panel explores how the gospel both saves us by grace and calls us to a radical, Spirit-empowered pursuit of holiness that cuts out sin at its root. With insights from Kevin DeYoung, Rosaria Butterfield, and Garrett Kell, the discussion addresses how to live in the tension of being fully justified in Christ while striving for the holiness that reflects Him. Ultimately, it's a call to pursue a life of godliness with joy, knowing that Jesus is worth it.

This message from Luke 18 challenges us with the question: Is Jesus worth it? Through the story of the rich young ruler, we see how Jesus exposes our hearts, calling us to surrender everything for the treasure of knowing and following Him. The ruler's tragic decision to walk away reveals the grip of idols that blind us to Jesus' infinite worth. Will we trust Him, letting go of what the world offers, to embrace the life only He can give?

In this breakout, Rosaria Butterfield discusses the topics of homosexuality, transgenderism, and the Christian response to these issues through the lens of repentance and gospel truth. She challenges common misconceptions and cultural narratives, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and repenting from sin as defined by Scripture, not societal standards.

In this breakout, David Mathis looks at the profound relationship Jesus had with Scripture, exploring how the fully human and fully divine Jesus came to know and embody the words of God with such authority and depth. This talk is not just about learning Scripture, but living it—highlighting the practices of memorization and meditation as vital to a vibrant Christian life.

In this episode, David Mathis explores the vital yet often overlooked aspects of pace and pattern in our spiritual lives. Drawing on the life of Jesus, he discusses the transformative power of balancing engagement with retreat, and the significance of taking time to commune with God amidst the busyness of modern life.