Cross of Grace Church Sermons

In this message from 1 Samuel 12, Pastor Ricky unpacks Samuel’s powerful challenge to a nation caught between God’s way and their own. Like Israel, he shows how our natural inclinations often work against God’s direction, yet surrendering to Him leads to true peace and flourishing. This message invites us to release our grip on “our way” and embrace the path God has lovingly designed for our good through Christ.

In this powerful sermon exploring 1 Samuel 10-11, Pastor Ricky illuminates how Saul's journey from cowardice to courage mirrors our own struggles with fulfilling God's calling. He reveals that God's call isn't just for "special" vocations - it encompasses our roles as Christians, family members, workers, and community members. Just as Saul finally stepped into his calling with God's help, we too can find courage to fulfill our God-given roles, knowing that Christ goes before us as our perfect example, substitute for our failures, and ultimate victor.

In Sal's powerful exposition of Isaiah 55:1-13, he unveils God's extraordinary invitation to feast without cost at His table. Drawing on powerful imagery of spiritual thirst and abundance, this message reveals how God's ways of grace upend our assumptions about earning His favor. Whether you're spiritually hungry or wondering if there's more to life, this sermon illuminates the transformative power of accepting God's invitation.

In this message from 1 Samuel 4-6, Pastor Ricky unpacks how Israel’s attempts to control God through the Ark of the Covenant revealed His true nature—holy, sovereign, and deeply committed to His people. We’re reminded that God can’t be used, ignored, or defeated, yet He still shows mercy to His people through Christ. This message invites us to stop trying to get God on our side and instead join His, finding both reverence and confidence in who He is.

Have you ever experienced the deafening silence of God's voice growing dim in your life? In this stirring message from 1 Samuel 3, Daniel unveils the stark reality of a time when "the word of the Lord was rare" – not because God had stopped speaking, but because His people had stopped listening. Daniel skillfully connects this ancient narrative to our modern struggle to prioritize God's Word amidst life's busyness, offering practical wisdom for all of us to recognize and respond to God's voice.

In this powerful message from 1 Samuel 2, Pastor Ricky explores how the tragic fall of Eli’s house reveals our own vulnerability to spiritual decline. He shows that our greatest danger isn’t dramatic rebellion but subtle shifts in what we value most, causing everything else to slide toward destruction. Yet hope breaks through in Jesus Christ, our perfect High Priest, who extends His hand to catch any who will call upon Him.

Sal unpacks Hannah's prophetic song from 1 Samuel 2:1-10—a divine song that reveals God's pattern of exalting the humble and bringing down the proud. He helps us see that true strength comes not from our own abilities or status, but through complete dependence on our holy God, who consistently displays His power through human weakness. This message shows us how just as Hannah's personal story of barrenness-to-blessing foreshadowed greater reversals to come, our own struggles become platforms for God to demonstrate His glory when we surrender them to Him.

What if the key to transforming your life isn’t found in grand gestures, but in a simple turning of the heart? In this powerful message from 1 Samuel 1, Pastor Ricky shows how even the smallest act of turning to God can change everything. In a world of endless options and quick fixes, he reveals that true transformation begins by surrendering to God as King and aligning our deepest desires with His purposes.

Have you ever wondered what true friendship looks like through God's eyes? Drawing from John 15:12-17, Pastor Chuck unveils how God designed friendship as more than just companionship—it's a divine gift reflecting His own relational nature, bringing diverse people into deep community. Whether you're seeking deeper relationships or wondering how to navigate difficult ones, this urgent call to action offers practical wisdom and challenges us to pursue lasting biblical friendships that honor God.

Will our eulogy reflect mere accomplishments, or will it tell of a life marked by love for Christ and His church? In this message from John 17, Pastor Ricky reveals Jesus’ intimate prayer before the cross—a prayer that unveils Christ’s deepest desires for His followers: that we would know God, grow in genuine community, and live on mission. This inspiring message outlines practical daily rhythms to align our lives with Christ’s priorities, making each day count for what will truly last.