Crossbridge Weekend Messages

Grief is the feeling that accompanies all loss in life, whether big or small. We may think that as the Son of God, Jesus somehow floats above grief or is immune to grief. Wes explains that because Jesus has gone through and experienced grief, he can give us a game plan for how to handle it and the strength needed to make it through.

Most of us think that Jesus is offended by sinners. The Scriptures portray a God who actually went out of his way to befriend them. James Bryant explains how Jesus shows us he is a friend to sinners... and why it matters.

Discussion Questions:

1. Is there an office of Jesus (king, prophet, priest) that means something to you right now? Why?

2. Is there an office you would like to know more about? What one? Why?

3. How does understanding these offices affect your desire for relationship with Jesus?

Many of us are familiar with the idea that Jesus is holy. But what does that actually mean and why does it even matter for our lives?

Discussion Questions:

1. When you hear the word "holy," what comes to mind? Why?

2. Are there some ways in which Jesus is holy that you had never thought of before?

3. Why is it important to you, personally, that Jesus is holy?

It can feel at times like Christians are purposely creating barriers to God. Jesus stands steadfastly in opposition to anything that prevents people from finding God.

Discussion Questions:

1. Are you creating barriers or building bridges?

2. When you see others creating barriers, what do you typically do?

3. Who was the best "bridge builder" or "barrier remover" you have ever personally known? What made them so effective?

Our view of God shapes not just our approach to life; it shapes us. Jesus being God means that when we look at him, we can have a clearer view of what life looks like with the Father.

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think of when you think of God?

2. Do you think that our view of God influences how we live our lives? Why or why not? If yes, how?

3. What part of God do you think Jesus might be trying to personally communicate and demonstrate to you?

"I don't believe the Bible" is a pretty common objection to Christianity. But is that statement actually a well-founded belief or just a smokescreen that gets thrown up to avoid giving consideration to the Bible's demands on my life? CB leadership team member Jason Fudge shares some reasons why we can believe the Bible is more than a fairy tale, but a historical reality that demands attention in my life.

Discussion Questions:

1. What did you think of the Bible as you grew up? What role does it play in your life now? What would you do if you couldn't read the Bible anymore?

2. Which parts of the Bible are easiest for you to follow? Which parts are hard for you to submit to?

3. Read Matthew 5:17-20. What are some practical implications of Jesus' view of Scripture?

Suffering and hardship have been a part of life since, well... life. Why can we continue to believe in a good God in the midst of suffering? And what good can come about from suffering and hardship in our lives?

Discussion Questions:

1. Talk about some times in your life where you experienced hurt, pain, or suffering, only to eventually see it play a redemptive purpose. What happened?

2. Wes said that our protest at suffering reveals, in part, our sense of entitlement to a suffering-free life. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

3. Does it change things at all for you to know that Jesus himself also experienced suffering? Why or why not? How can you draw off of his experience?

The value of Christianity as a belief system hinges on a simple question: Did Jesus really rise from the dead? John King explains his three reasons for why we can believe that Jesus has truly resurrected.

Discussion Questions:

1. Which of the eyewitness accounts is your favorite? Why?

2. How has your life been impacted by the resurrection of Jesus?

3. If a good friend asked why you believe in the resurrection, what would be your response?

Sadly, when we experience hurt at the hands of God's community today, we are in a long line of people experiencing the same. Wes walks through three things that he believes Jesus would say to us when we experience pain at the hands of those who carry Jesus' name.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is one of your favorite memories about church? What is your least favorite?

2. Jesus has compassion on those who are "harassed" and "helpless" (Matthew 9:36). How does the knowledge that Jesus has compassion for you help you to process hurt?

3. Where are the places in our church or in the church in general where you think reform is needed? What can you do to help?

We often see doubt as the enemy of faith. But faith isn't a resolute feeling, it's a confidence that is just enough to take action.

Discussion Questions:

1. If you grew up in church or going to a youth group, do you feel like it was a place that was safe for doubts? Why or why not?

2. Wes said that faith is confidence enough to rely on God. What do you think is different about this definition of faith versus how we typically think about faith?

3. Do you feel like you struggle with doubts? What? What kind of doubt do you think is common for you?