crosswise

Scripture is full of directives from the Lord to avoid specific behaviors and even certain thoughts. But did you know that the most common thing Jesus tells us not to do involves a feeling? That can be incredibly tough for us to not only wrap our minds around but actually put into practice. Feelings come so naturally and sometimes without warning or justification, which makes controlling them seem impossible. In the final episode of the Forbidden Series, Ciara and Jessi explain how we can avoid allowing ourselves to fall into the sin of fear and why this sin is taken so seriously by God.

R.C. Sproul - How to Deal With Anxiety - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voO_V17rPgo&t=103s

Heidelberg Catechism - https://www.crcna.org/welcome/beliefs/confessions/heidelberg-catechism

How do you talk about other people? Have you ever been slanderous, assumed the worst in someone, been a gossip or misrepresented someone's position? Of course you have, we all have. But did you know that scripture actually commands us to avoid such talk? In this special episode of crosswise, Jessi flies solo while Ciara recovers in the hospital from pregnancy complications, and takes a deep dive into the Ninth Commandment, which is so much richer than what we all know as "thou shalt not lie."

This is a must listen if you have ever wondered how to handle misrepresentations against you or others, how to take on conspiracy theories on the internet, and how social media can be a compelling place to fall into the sin of bearing false witness against others.

Westminster Larger Catechism, Questions 143-154 https://reformedforum.org/podcasts/larger-catechism-questions-141-150/

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn "Live Not By Lies" https://www.orthodoxytoday.org/articles/SolhenitsynLies.php

Pastor James Coates - Sermon on Romans 13
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dh6nXD4Rtg0

Few, if any, sins are as applauded, celebrated, and accepted as same-sex relationships. But, the Bible is clear - homosexuality is a sin. Ciara and Jessi explain how we know this is true, and more importantly, why is isn't unloving to say so. In fact, telling someone they are in sin is the most loving thing we can do for our neighbor. The controversial conversation continues in this week's episode of crosswise.

Disclaimer: While, there is no explicit conversation or material in this episode, please be aware of the sensitive and adult subject matter and use discretion while listening with children.

RESOURCES:

Love The Body by Nancy Pearcey: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Thy-Body-Answering-Questions/dp/0801075726/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=love+thy+body&qid=1613279310&sr=8-1

Same Sex Controversy by James White and Jeffrey Niell: https://www.amazon.com/Same-Sex-Controversy-Clarifying-Homosexuality/dp/0764225243/ref=sr_1_1?crid=BB9PMQB9F24R&dchild=1&keywords=same+sex+controversy&qid=1613279267&sprefix=same+sex+contro%2Caps%2C205&sr=8-1

Max Lucado Contoversy:
https://www.dailywire.com/news/dangerous-theology-national-cathedral-faces-blowback-for-allowing-guest-preacher-who-opposes-homosexuality

https://www.dailywire.com/news/max-lucado-apologizes-for-hurting-lgbt-community-amid-outrage-following-sermon-at-national-cathedral

Resources from James White:
The Revisionist History of Homosexuality in the Bible Debunked: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Y-zDJPg9Vc&t=2883s
James White Responds to Matthew Vines: https://www.monergism.com/response-matthew-vines-40-questions
"Gay Christianity" Refuted: https://www.aomin.org/aoblog/the-dividing-line/gay-christianity-refuted/

Voddie Baucham Addresses Arguments by Christians for Homosexuality: https://youtu.be/loSWMYTd9B8

RC Sproul sermon on Romans 7 mentioned in the episode: https://www.ligonier.org/learn/sermons/sins-advantage-law/

Interview with Jen Hatmaker: https://religionnews.com/2016/10/25/the-politics-of-jen-hatmaker-trump-black-lives-matter-gay-marriage-and-more/

The world says that for women to be equal to men, we must be able to do all the things, and have all the same roles, as men can. But is that what God has said about women? Is it possible that His role for women in His church is complete and perfect even though it isn't the same as men? Ciara and Jessi say "Yes!" and walk through all the reasons we can know we are meant for different callings in the church body, why that is the case, and they debunk many common egalitarian arguments that try to say otherwise. Prepare to have your feathers ruffled, but walk away equipped to defend the complementarian position just as Paul has done. 

In the first episode of a series discussing practices explicitly prohibited in scripture, Ciara and Jessi review the dangers of trying to talk to the dead, explain what kinds of practices count as communicating with those who have passed, and call out the teachings of so-called "Christian" churches or denominations that are in clear violation of God's warning of seeking guidance from those who have died. You may be surprised to learn how seemingly harmless activity can quickly become sinful attempts to turn away from the promises of Christ.

VeggieTales has been a staple in Christian homes and Evangelical churches for decades. The storytelling is endearing and the lessons are great for our kids to hear, but have Bob and Larry been missing the mark this whole time? In this episode, Ciara and Jessi dissect the moralism, "me-ology," and missed opportunities in VeggieTales, and explore how this actually provides parents with a great chance to point our children to the One who it's really all about.


Links and resources mentioned in this episode:

Three-fold Use of the Law: https://www.ligonier.org/blog/threefold-use-law/

American Gospel film: https://youtu.be/ocHm18wUAGU

Matt Chandler sermon "God is for God": https://youtu.be/9yqQuTT1S40

"Only Jesus" by Shai Linne: https://youtu.be/umNoOvMOnIw

Contemporary Christian Music has crept its way in mainstream radio so much so that many of the biggest names in the industry are well known by even those who don't call themselves believers. But is that a good thing? Why is their music so popular outside Christian circles and should that give us concern when we hear catchy songs in our churches. Ciara and Jessi take a look at some of the most well-known and successful CCM artists and songs over the last few years and hold the lyrics up to scripture, which should be our final authority, not Billboard. 

Disney/Pixar attempt a search for the answers to "life's most important questions." Did they find the answers, what does scripture have to say about those answers, and how should we walk our kids through finding those answers. In this episode, Ciara and Jessi examine the concept of worldview and how to ensure that as Christians, we are preparing our kids for the onslaught of secular teaching and the Godless culture they are growing up in. 

The New Year is a great time to examine ways in which we can make meaningful improvements in our life. We should also remain prayerful and vigilant when considering which resolutions we will take on. In this episode, Ciara and Jessi examine the process of making New Year's resolutions in general, and then examine some popular trends that Christian women may be thinking about making a part of their 2021. 

In this episode, Ciara and Jessi wrap up their discussion about how crosswise came together, getting personal with their testimonies and sharing how they each misunderstood what the gospel and being saved really meant - But God stepped in.