What if the hardest parts of life aren’t just obstacles to survive—but opportunities to see God at work?

In this message from our SET APART series, we continue through 1 Peter as we explore how our new identity in Christ reshapes everything—how we suffer, how we think, and how we live. Peter reminds believers that perspective matters, and that truth—not circumstances—must shape the way we see the world.

Written to Christians facing real hardship, this passage shows us that faith in Jesus doesn’t remove trials, but it reframes them with hope, purpose, and eternal perspective. Because of our new birth in Christ, we don’t just endure life—we live it differently.

In 1 Peter 1:6–16, Peter teaches that when we truly believe who we are in Christ, it transforms:

*How we suffer – Trials are temporary and purposeful, refining our faith.

*How we think – Salvation realigns our perspective and fuels our hope.

*How we live – Holiness becomes our response to grace, not a requirement to earn it.

Our identity as God’s set-apart people leads to lives marked by readiness, obedience, and godliness—all rooted in the finished work of Jesus.

Key Takeaways

*Perspective shapes practice—what we believe drives how we live.

*God uses trials to strengthen genuine faith, not destroy it.

*Salvation is something we live from, not something we strive for.

*Holy living requires intentional readiness and rejecting old patterns.

*Being set apart means reflecting God’s character in all we do.

Take a moment to reflect: Does the way you’re living reflect the new life you’ve been given in Christ?

Whether you’re walking through suffering, wrestling with doubt, or learning what it means to follow Jesus, God invites you to trust Him, take Him at His Word, and live a SET APART life shaped by grace and truth.

If you’re exploring faith or ready to take your next step with Jesus, we’d love to walk with you.

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A new year feels like a fresh start… but what if the real reset you need isn’t a new habit—it’s a renewed identity? In 1 Peter, God calls His people “elect exiles”—chosen by Him, living in a world that isn’t home.

Welcome to Week 1 of Set Apart, our series through 1 Peter. In this message, Senior Minister Adam Woods opens 2026 by reminding us that spiritual maturity doesn’t start with trying harder—it starts with remembering who we are in Christ.

Peter wrote to believers facing hostility and pressure, and he begins with hope: you are chosen, set apart, and secure—not because of your strength, but because of God’s mercy and power. From new birth and living hope to an inheritance that can’t be lost, this passage shows us how to live faithfully as outsiders in a world that isn’t our home.

Key Takeaways

*Your identity comes before your activity: you can’t live “set apart” until you remember you are set apart.

*Christians are elect exiles—chosen by God, but not at home in this world.

*God’s work involves the whole Trinity: chosen by the Father, sanctified by the Spirit, obedient to the Son.

*In Christ we have new birth and a living hope rooted in the resurrection of Jesus.

*Our future is a guaranteed inheritance—it cannot perish, spoil, or fade.

*Our present is secure: through faith we are shielded by God’s power until salvation is revealed.

If you’ve never been made new in Christ, there’s no better way to begin the year. If you want to talk about baptism or next steps, reach out or come connect with us at a service. And if you’re already in Christ—let this be your reminder: you have been set apart, not set aside.

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If peace is what your heart has been searching for, Christmas announces a name who can actually give it: Jesus—the Prince of Peace.

In the final message of our All I Want for Christmas series, Austin Garrett invites us to face an honest question our world is asking more than ever: Is peace possible? After a terrifying moment in Hawaii when everything felt out of control, Austin connects that same “spinning world” feeling to the deeper ache so many of us carry—stress, anxiety, uncertainty, and the craving for stability.

Rooted in Isaiah 9:6, this sermon unpacks what Scripture means when it calls Jesus the Prince of Peace—and why “peace” in the Bible isn’t just calm circumstances, but shalom: restoration to the way things ought to be. Austin walks through four foundational truths: peace is Jesus’ identity, His specialty, our stability, and found in Him exclusively. From Genesis to Luke 8 to John 14 and Philippians 4, we see that Jesus brings peace into storms, over evil, through suffering, and even in the deepest places of the human heart.

And there’s more: Austin closes with the powerful reality that ultimate peace includes a clear conscience before God—a peace made possible through Jesus’ death and resurrection and received through baptism (1 Peter 3:21–22). If you’ve ever wondered, “Are God and I good?”—Jesus offers a real, lasting answer.

If you’re searching for peace—real peace—don’t keep chasing what can’t satisfy. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and He invites you to come to Him.

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What if Christmas isn’t just a peaceful manger scene—but the moment a war was declared… and already won?

On Christmas Eve, Adam Woods invites us to see the Christmas story through a different perspective—one that goes beyond the familiar nativity and into the unseen spiritual reality behind it.

Most of us picture Christmas as warm, quiet, and sentimental. But Scripture reveals something much bigger. Drawing from Revelation 12, this message shows that Christmas is not merely the birth of a baby—it is the arrival of a King who came to win a war. A cosmic conflict between good and evil unfolds behind the scenes, and Jesus enters the world not as a fragile life coach, but as a conquering Savior determined to destroy the works of the enemy and rescue humanity.

In a world that still feels dark, tense, and broken, this message reminds us that the outcome is already decided. Evil does not get the final word. Jesus does. Christmas declares that hope is real, forgiveness is available, and victory belongs to the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Key Takeaways

* Christmas is bigger than a manger—it’s the moment God stepped into a spiritual war.

* Jesus didn’t come to make life comfortable; He came to defeat sin, death, and the enemy.

* The conflict we see in the world reflects a deeper spiritual battle—but the victory is already secured.

* The enemy loses. Christ reigns. And one day, all things will be made new.

* Christmas invites every person to decide: whose side are you on?

If life feels heavy, confusing, or dark right now, you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place. Christmas reminds us that when there seems to be no way, God makes a way.

Jesus didn’t just come to win the war—He came to win your heart.

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#AllIWantForChristmas #ADifferentPerspective #ChristmasEveMessage #Revelation12 #TheCrossingDE #KingOfKings #HopeAtChristmas

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What if everything your heart longs for this Christmas—provision, rest, security, and salvation—was already found in Jesus?

In this message from the All I Want for Christmas series, Adam Woods invites us to slow down and reflect on one of the most meaningful titles given to Jesus in Isaiah 9:6: Everlasting Father.

While the title may feel confusing at first, it reveals the tender, enduring, fatherly care of the Messiah toward His people. A good father provides—and Jesus does so perfectly and forever. In this sermon, we explore four life-giving gifts our Everlasting Father provides for His children: nourishment for our souls, rest for the weary, security in an uncertain world, and salvation we could never earn on our own.

Through Scripture, story, and the reminder of Christmas’s deeper meaning, we’re invited to stop feeding on what cannot sustain us and come to Jesus—hungry, weary, anxious, and dependent—trusting that our Everlasting Father is present, faithful, and always enough.

Key Takeaways

*Jesus is our nourishment — the Bread of Life and Living Water who truly satisfies our souls.

* Jesus provides lasting rest — not just relief from busyness, but soul-deep peace in the midst of chaos.

* Jesus is our security — faithful, trustworthy, and present even in life’s most frightening moments.

* Jesus brings salvation — stepping into our helplessness to rescue us from sin and death.

* Because He is everlasting, His provision never runs out and His care never changes.

Whether you’re joining us for the first time or continuing your Christmas journey with us, we invite you to lean in and receive what only Jesus can provide.

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#AllIWantForChristmas #EverlastingFather #Isaiah96 #ChristmasSermon #TheCrossingDE #JesusOurProvider #HopeAtChristmas

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Christmas declares a bold truth: the baby in the manger is not weak or ordinary—He is the Mighty God.

Summary Isaiah 9:6 gives us one of the clearest and most powerful declarations about who Jesus is: “He will be called… Mighty God.” In this message from the All I Want for Christmas series, we slow down and sit with that title—because understanding it changes everything. Christmas is not just the arrival of a child; it’s the arrival of God in the flesh, stepping into our world with unmatched power, authority, and love.

Through the lens of Scripture and a practical Bible-study framework (Context, Content, Conviction, and Conclusion), this sermon unpacks the meaning of El Gibbor—a Hebrew phrase that emphasizes strength, victory, and omnipotence. Jesus is revealed as the Mighty God who conquers darkness, breaks bondage, heals wounds, and brings lasting hope. His identity is affirmed by prophecy, proven through miracles, declared by His disciples, and confirmed by His resurrection.

The message closes with a personal and deeply challenging question: Will you call Jesus your Mighty God? Not just in words, but in how you live, trust, and surrender. This Christmas, the greatest gift is not simply knowing who Jesus is—but choosing to place your life fully under His mighty and loving reign.

Key Takeaways

*Jesus is not merely a teacher or example—He is Mighty God.

*El Gibbor declares God’s unmatched strength, power, and authority.

*The incarnation proves that God came near to rescue and redeem.

*If Jesus is Mighty God, our response must be worship, surrender, and obedience.

*Calling Jesus Mighty God means trusting Him with every area of life.

If this message helped deepen your understanding of who Jesus truly is, subscribe for more biblical teaching from The Crossing DE.Join us in person this Christmas season or learn more at thecrossingde.com—we’d love to worship with you.

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What if the one thing you want most this Christmas is actually something your soul has needed all along?

In this message from our Christmas series All I Want for Christmas, we look at the first title given to Jesus in Isaiah 9:6—Wonderful Counselor—and discover why God sent someone not just to save us, but to guide us. Long before the first Christmas morning, God knew we would need wise counsel, supernatural guidance, and Someone who understands us completely. Jesus steps into our world to be exactly that.

Adam shares five powerful qualities that make Jesus the Wonderful Counselor—He listens, He understands your full story, He tells you the truth you need with grace, He always has your best interest in mind, and He gives clear direction for your life. In a season that often magnifies loneliness, fear, or uncertainty, this message reminds us that we don’t have to navigate life alone. The Counselor has come near—and He invites us to bring Him the very places we’ve been trying to manage on our own.

Whether you’re walking through stress, grief, difficult relationships, or simply feel the weight of the holiday season, Jesus meets you with compassion and wisdom. Christmas is God coming down to eye-level—entering our world, sharing our wounds, and saying, “Same, same… I am with you.” If you’ve ever wished for someone to advise you, this sermon will help you see how Jesus is ready to step into that place today.

Key Takeaways

*Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor who listens fully and hears every prayer.

*He understands your story completely—your past, your pain, and your hidden struggles.

*A true Counselor speaks truth with grace, guiding us toward freedom—not comfort.

*Jesus always has your best interest in mind and offers rest, mercy, and hope.

*The Wonderful Counselor gives clear direction—but we must be willing to listen and follow.

If this message encouraged you, make sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs hope today.

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#WonderfulCounselor #AllIWantForChristmas #TheCrossingDE #JesusOurCounselor #Isaiah96 #ChristmasAtTheCrossing #BUILD #HopeInJesus

What if the strength you’ve been searching for has been available all along—hidden in the joy of the Lord?

As we close out our BUILD series on this special Family Fusion Sunday, Student Minister Austin walks us through the final chapter of Nehemiah’s story and the powerful declaration found in Nehemiah 8:10: “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” In a world that feels heavy, hurried, and often overwhelming, this message invites us to rediscover the refuge, confidence, and security that true joy brings.

Austin recaps the entire journey of Nehemiah—from cupbearer to city builder—and shows how God’s faithfulness carried His people through opposition, exhaustion, and discouragement. But when the people heard the Word of God and realized the weight of their own sin, Nehemiah didn’t leave them in sorrow. Instead, he called them to celebrate—because joy is not a feeling, it’s a foundation. It’s the steady strength that comes from remembering who God is and what He has done.

In this message, we’re reminded that joy is more than emotion—it’s a way of life rooted in the gospel. By asking five simple questions (Who? What? When? Where? Why?), we can trace God’s hand in our story and rediscover the joy that carries us through guilt, loneliness, conflict, insecurity, and every challenge we face. Just as David proclaims in Psalm 16, God fills us with joy in His presence and gives us the security we deeply long for.

Key Takeaways:

*The joy of the Lord is your strength—a refuge, fortress, and source of stability when life feels overwhelming.

*Joy isn’t about circumstances; it’s about remembering what Jesus has done before and what He continues to do now.

*Asking “Who? What? When? Where? Why?” helps us recall God’s faithfulness and recenter our lives on joy.

*Nehemiah shows us that God’s Word leads us not to despair, but to celebration and renewed purpose.

*True joy fuels perseverance, unity, generosity, and spiritual strength no matter our age or stage of life.

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#TheCrossingDE #BuildSeries #FamilyFusionSunday #Nehemiah #JoyOfTheLord #BibleTeaching #ChristianEncouragement #SermonRecap

What if the greatest impact you could make for God’s Kingdom is already sitting in your hands—you just haven’t realized it yet?

In this week’s message, Adam Woods walks us through Nehemiah 5 and challenges us with a life-changing truth: it’s not what you have that matters most—it’s what you do with what God has entrusted to you. Through the inspiring story of Katie Davis, an 18-year-old who left a life of comfort to build a home for vulnerable children in Uganda, we’re reminded that God uses ordinary people with willing hearts to build extraordinary things for His Kingdom.

As we continue our BUILD series, we see Nehemiah confront a crisis not from external enemies, but from within God’s own people. Greed, scarcity, and self-preservation were tearing the community apart. Yet Nehemiah models a leadership rooted in reverence for God, radical generosity, and righteous action. Scripture teaches us that God blesses His principles, not our preferences—and when we walk in the fear of the Lord, we learn to steward our lives, resources, and influence with wisdom.

Today’s message leads us to a powerful question: What do you have? Whether it’s finances, time, abilities, compassion, or influence, God has already placed something in your hands. And when you surrender it back to Him, He turns provision into purpose. As our church family steps into BUILD Commitment Sunday, we are invited to partner with God in creating places where the broken are restored, the lonely find belonging, and heaven touches earth.

 Key Takeaways:

*What you have isn’t as important as what you do with what you have. Stewardship is about purpose, not amount.

*Scarcity is a mindset, not a financial condition. Generosity begins when we recognize God as our provider.

*The fear of the Lord leads to wisdom. Reverence for God shapes how we manage our resources and treat others.

*God builds His Kingdom through people who offer what’s in their hands. Your obedience becomes someone else’s blessing.

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#TheCrossingDE #BuildSeries #Nehemiah5 #KingdomBuilders #Generosity #FaithInAction #BiblicalTeaching #Stewardship

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When ordinary people step out in faith, God does extraordinary things.

In this week’s message, COME, LET US BUILD, we continue our journey through the book of Nehemiah—discovering what happens when God’s people rise up together for a Kingdom-sized vision. Nehemiah wasn’t a warrior or a builder. He was a cupbearer—an ordinary man whose heart was moved by the burden God placed on him. Yet through prayer, courage, and God’s gracious hand, he stepped into an impossible mission: rebuilding the broken walls of Jerusalem.

In Nehemiah 2:10–3:32, Adam Woods walks us through the steps Nehemiah took before construction ever began. Nehemiah understood the situation, shared the vision, led with faith, responded with faith, and invited the people to rise up and work. And just like then, stepping into God’s vision today still invites opposition—but it also invites opportunity for God to move powerfully through His people.

This message also connects Nehemiah’s story to our season as a church family. The Lord has continued to grow The Crossing, and we are stepping into BUILD—a faith-filled initiative to expand our space so we can make room for the people God keeps sending. Just as leaders went first in Nehemiah 3, our leaders have already committed to leading the way. Now, every one of us has the chance to rise up and take our place on the wall. It’s not equal giving, but equal sacrifice—and God takes whatever we offer and multiplies it for His glory.

 Key Takeaways:

*Whenever we step out in faith for God’s Kingdom, opposition will come—but it will not win.

*Understanding the situation is the first step toward stepping faithfully into God's vision.

*God’s gracious hand empowers us to do what we could never do on our own.

*Leaders go first and God invites every one of His people to participate in the work.

*We BUILD so people can find and follow Jesus; the “Sheep Gate” is always the main thing.

If this message encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with a friend. Join us in person at The Crossing or learn more about our BUILD initiative at thecrossingde.com.

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#LetUsBuild #Nehemiah #TheCrossingDE #FaithInAction #KingdomBuilders #ChurchOnline #BibleTeaching #BuildTheChurch #Build

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