1) Be contagiously kind like Christ “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9) “Cast your bread upon the waters for you will find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, or even to eight, for you know not what disaster may happen on earth.” (Ecclesiastes 11:1-2) This passage in Ecclesiastes stresses the importance of the principle of doing as much good as you can, knowing two things: The results are in God’s h...
Nov 30, 2021•50 min
Ecclesiastes 9:1-10 In Ecclesiastes we found a guy named Solomon who was faced with the monotony of life who tried to find meaning in all of those things and more, and as we’ve seen, in the end he concludes that everything is meaningless. 1) DEATH CAN MAKE LIFE MEANINGLESS This passage (vs. 1-6) is the crescendo for Solomon’s point about the meaninglessness of life. Solomon reflects and sees the reality of death in this cursed world. He sees how the righteous and the wise and their actions are i...
Nov 29, 2021•39 min
Ecclesiastes 8:10-15 The book of Ecclesiastes meets people right where they are. Someone has said, “Most people aren’t all that concerned about heaven or hell. They just want to know how to hack it on Monday.” That’s what Ecclesiastes does—it helps people make sense of the stuff that doesn’t make sense. In Ecclesiastes 8, we find two specific perplexities that have plagued humanity from the beginning. 1) Why do good things happen to bad people? 2) What do bad things happen to good people? 1) Why...
Nov 17, 2021•29 min
Ecclesiastes 7:2-6 God desires two specific things for every man, woman, boy, and girl—two things: (1) God wants everyone to be saved and (2) God wants everyone to be a growing follower of Jesus. God desires for everyone to be saved. (1 Timothy 2:4 | John 3:16 | 2 Peter 1:5-8) As we all know, Solomon was no stranger to the finer things in life, and yet—because he walked away from God right when he was at the top of his game—he learned much of his wisdom the hard way. 1) The Brevity of Life (v. 2...
Nov 10, 2021•30 min
Ecclesiastes 5:10-20 As a young man and then as a man in middle age, Solomon pursued all manner of things to mind-numbing excess . . . (1 Kings 10:14 - 24) Today we’re going to drill down on one particular issue that Solomon wrestled with—we’re going to talk about “Gold Gone Wild.” 1) Myths About Money (vv. 10-17) There are a lot of myths about money out there today—assumptions that people make about wealth. But there’s nothing new about any of these myths. And if anyone was ever qualified to ex...
Nov 02, 2021•31 min
We’re continuing our teaching series in the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, where Solomon the King is reflecting on life—both life in general and his life in particular. Today we’ve come to Ecclesiastes, Chapter 5—which, in my opinion, might have been the hardest part of Ecclesiastes for Solomon to write. Why? Because this passage talks about enjoying and practicing the presence of God . . . and Solomon blew it . . . he missed it. When we talk about the “presence” of God, we can talk of eith...
Oct 26, 2021•33 min
(Ecclesiastes 3:1-15) Ecclesiastes is part of the Old Testament that is known as “wisdom literature.” The other books known as “wisdom literature” include Psalms, Job, Proverbs, and Song of Solomon. These books, in different ways, reflect on life and especially the relationship between God’s wisdom and human experience. In the book of Ecclesiastes, we see the importance of gratitude, and understanding the goodness and purposes of God, because only in and through those things will we find ultimat...
Oct 18, 2021•38 min
“Meaning(less)” Ecclesiastes 1:1-2:26 This week we kick-off a new series, “Meaning(less)” a study of the book of Ecclesiastes. In case you didn’t know, the book of Ecclesiastes was written by King Solomon who himself was the son of King David. This book is known for tackling some of life’s greatest questions. We’re going to spend most of today looking at the first two chapters . . . Ultimately, Solomon concluded that only God can provide a coherent set of meaningful answers to life’s greatest qu...
Oct 13, 2021•30 min
Today, as we continue our series, “We are Crossgate”, I want to talk about some of the way we are intentional in reaching the next generation for Jesus Christ. Across the board, in nearly every study, Generation Z has three things mentioned that they hold in high priority: Stability, Passion and Purpose. 1) Intentional Stability The next generation longs for stability and it is easy to understand why in these difficult times. The key here is helping people see and know that the most stable place...
Sep 30, 2021•33 min
Matthew 20:20-28; 1 Peter 5:1-3 We’re right in the middle of our September teaching series simply entitled, “We are Crossgate.” At Crossgate Church, we have a definition of a disciple that goes like this: “A disciple is a growing follower of Jesus, who lives and loves like Jesus and leads others to follow him.” If we’re going to “live and love like Jesus,” then that means we should also L-E-A-D . . . lead like Jesus in whatever context he has placed us. If you’re a parent . . . lead like Jesus. ...
Sep 22, 2021•39 min
Mark 12:28-31; Proverbs 11:24-25 Today, as we say once again, “We Are Crossgate,” we’re going to highlight our “generosity” priority. You know, we have seven priorities at Crossgate—glory, truth, love, prayer, community, generosity, and reach. Notice that this definition of generosity flows out of a love for God. It’s about an others-centered compassion that’s grounded in a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ. Notice also that it’s comprehensive—time, talents, and treasure—that is, it’s not j...
Sep 14, 2021•48 min
Luke 10:25-37 Today we begin a new sermon series entitled, “We Are Crossgate.” Have you noticed that we all want to know who or what is the greatest? It even goes back to the time of Jesus, when a Jewish scribe/lawyer asked by far the ‘greatest of all time’/The GOAT question of Jesus. The question was this, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Let’s look at Jesus’s response, “What is written in the law? How do you understand it?” The scribe answered, “Love the Lord your God with al...
Sep 07, 2021•37 min
We’re wrapping up our “Reach” teaching series today. This has been a great series with an emphasis on an outward focus on our neighbors and the nations fueled by a genuine and powerful filling of the Holy Spirit. 1) God’s Heart for the Nations God has a heart for the nations that stretches from one end if the Bible to the other: John 3:16 – “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Revelation 7:9-10 – “Afte...
Sep 01, 2021•37 min
“Reaching Our Neighbors” Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19; Luke 14:23 Acts 1:8 – “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” We’re continuing our “Reach” teaching series where we’re highlighting our REACH priority at Crossgate Church. Our purpose is to make “more and better disciples for Jesus Christ.” And during the month of August especially, we’re asking ourselves this question: “H...
Aug 24, 2021•41 min
Have you ever heard of the witness protection program? Well, this morning I want to talk to you about the witness PROJECTION program. Rather than hiding and concealing a witness from the world, that’s where God projects a witness into the world based on what they’ve seen, heard, and experienced in Jesus Christ—God takes them and projects them into the world. (Acts 1:8) Last week we talked about the power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Jesus’ followers. Without that power there is no mission ...
Aug 17, 2021•38 min
Today's Scripture is Acts 1:4-8 We’re continuing our teaching series entitled “Reach,” where we better understand God’s mandate for us to reach our neighbors and the nations with the Gospel. Today we’re going to talk about the Holy Spirit and how he fills followers of Jesus with the presence of God, the power of God, and the purpose of God. 1) God’s Presence in Us (v. 5) Joel 2:28-29 – “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters...
Aug 09, 2021•39 min
At Crossgate Church, we have seven priorities. Here they are: glory, truth, love, prayer, community, generosity, and reach Today we start a new series entitled, “Reach”. Reach includes an outward focus whereby we pursue and accomplish the purpose of our church which is to “Make more and better disciples for Jesus Christ.” In order to make “more disciples,” we’ve got to look beyond and go beyond these walls. Let’s look at the life of Jesus to see how he accomplished His mission. (Matthew – Chapte...
Aug 02, 2021•39 min
(Nehemiah Chapter 12 Verses 27-43) Today we’re wrapping up our series through the Old Testament book of Nehemiah entitled “The Road to Revival.” We are finishing up our series by looking at the culmination of the urban renewal project that Nehemiah led in Jerusalem and the impact this had on the people of Jerusalem. The first thing we notice is that the people gathered for the dedication of this project, but most importantly to worship God together. 1. Revival Worship Gathers (vv. 27-30) At this...
Jul 27, 2021•33 min
We are—and have been, for the last six weeks—on the road to revival, a season of getting desperate for more of God in our lives and a much greater sensitivity to his presence in our church. But here is a quick question, "When you are on the road to revival, how do you maintain momentum?" Well, when you first experience revival, it’s possible to exist on emotion for a short season—so today we’re going to study Nehemiah 9 and learn how to maintain momentum on the road to revival. The first thing w...
Jul 20, 2021•32 min
"The Road to Revival is Built on the Bible" Most of us would nod our heads in agreement when we hear someone talk about the importance of foundations. Whether it is the foundation of a house, or a skyscraper the integrity of the foundation is key. "No one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians, Chapter 3, Verse 11) The Bible is the foundation to the road to revival . . . and specifically, built on obedience to God's Word. Here are three progres...
Jul 13, 2021•39 min
Continuing our series, “The Road to Revival” today we are looking at the sixth chapter in the book of Nehemiah. Today we are looking at how to stay focused on the road to revival when the enemy seeks to distract us from our faith journey. Main Point: Distracted driving can take us on the wrong path. The Enemy’s Plan: Distraction, Deception, Destroy If the enemy can’t have you then his next goal is to make sure you are distracted, the last thing he wants is for you to be dedicated and focused. Ou...
Jul 05, 2021•35 min
Today we are continuing our series, “The Road To Revival”. Previous teachings in this series have illustrated that the road to revival is paved with prayer. But there are other components that are essential as we seek to deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ. We have learned about the importance of testimonies and recognizing what God is doing in our lives now, we have also talked about the importance of overcoming the barriers that the enemy, the world, and our flesh will put in our path to...
Jun 29, 2021•41 min
We invite you to join us as we continue in our series, “The Road to Revival”. We have already determined that the road to revival is paved with prayer. But what else can we expect as we start our journey toward greater dependence upon God? Today’s teaching service, “Breaking Down Barricades on the Road to Revival”. Our scripture verse today is Nehemiah 4: 1-15. 1) Strategies of Barricades – Let’s look at some of the barricades that we can expect. A) Criticism from the world (Nehemiah 4:1-3) – We...
Jun 21, 2021•42 min
We are on the road to revival at Crossgate Church through our teaching series in the Old Testament book of Nehemiah. Last week, we said that “the road to revival is paved with prayer.” We said that revival happens when we sincerely and desperately want more of God in our lives. Revival happen when we seek God more for who He is rather than what He does for us. We also established that revival is primarily about (1) Jesus followers crying out for more of God, (2) repenting of personal, secret sin...
Jun 14, 2021•40 min
We invite you to join us as we begin a new teaching series from the Old Testament book of Nehemiah entitled, “The Road to Revival.” If you’re new to Crossgate, we want you to know that we have seven priorities—glory, truth, love, prayer, community, generosity, and reach. For the next few weeks we are going to focus on the priority of prayer. In the book of Nehemiah, we learn about the importance that he put on prayer. Nehemiah recognized that revival began when he wanted more of who God is rathe...
Jun 07, 2021•31 min
We invite you to join us as Pastor Phil shares from his heart some thoughts about Memorial Day. 1) National Freedom Is Not Free I want us to consider this truth, that “freedom isn’t free.” National freedom isn’t free. Spiritual freedom isn’t free. John 12:24 – “Jesus said, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.’” Here’s an ironic paradox about death: “Death, as terrible as it is, in some cases, br...
Jun 05, 2021•26 min
Pastor Phil, Pastor Rob, and Mark Cramer, one of Crossgate's Elders, answer your questions on the Genesis series. These questions cover a far range of topics and tackle some of the hot topics of interest in our today's culture. Pastor Phil references a previous service which can viewed here: https://vimeo.com/426017768
May 24, 2021•46 min
“In the Beginning: Gender, Sexuality, and Identity” Two important things to remember as we navigate this message: 1) How I express what I believe is just as important as what I believe. 2) People may disagree with my position, but I pray that I never give them a reason to disagree with my disposition. Our main scripture for this teaching is found in Genesis - Chapter 1, Verses 26-28. I - Our Cultural Reality - Most everyone would agree that we live in a world that increasingly embraces anything ...
May 18, 2021•47 min
In this message, Pastor Phil discusses marriage, and what a God-designed, God-ordained, unshakeable, unbreakable authentic marriage looks like. 1) The Heavenly Origin of Marriage - In Genesis 2, verses 18 - 25, God declared that it was not good for man to be alone, and He created for man a woman, a partner for life. 2) The Obvious Need for Marriage - After God assigned Adam the job of naming all the animals, it was apparent to Adam that all the animals had partners but that he was alone. God was...
May 10, 2021•44 min
Our teaching today is about the “Sabbath principle.” Even though the term Sabbath sounds almost archaic in our culture but if we are honest with ourselves, we need to obey this principle now more than ever. Check out this quote, “The American dream – the belief that hard work always guarantees upward mobility – has for more than a century made the U.S. obsessed with material success and the exhaustive striving required to earn it.” (Derek Thompson – The Atlantic) The Sabbath precedent (Genesis 2...
May 03, 2021•39 min
