CROSS Conference Podcast

Kyle Claunch explores the doctrine of the Trinity and how God can be eternally one God yet three distinct persons. A seminary professor and longtime pastor, Claunch uses Isaiah's throne vision to frame this foundational Christian doctrine.

The Trinity isn't merely abstract theology but a doctrine that enhances worship, strengthens discipleship, and increases our capacity to make disciples. Understanding that we serve "one true and living God who exists eternally as three distinct persons" transforms how we approach our faith.

Deepen your understanding of the Trinity to strengthen your worship and discipleship of others.

Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-5
Topics: Trinity, Christian theology, God's nature, Worship, Discipleship

David Mathis explores why physical exercise matters for Christians in light of God's sovereignty and the gospel. He introduces Adoniram Judson, one of America's most significant figures, who was the nation's first commissioned missionary and spent nearly 40 years in Burma.

Judson's life demonstrates how physical health and endurance enabled him to persevere in missionary work and kingdom purpose. Mathis connects the physical discipline of exercise to the broader spiritual realities of God's rule over all things.

Steward your physical body as part of your overall commitment to God's purposes in the world.

Topics: Christian exercise, Physical health, Missions, Endurance, Stewardship

Andy Davis teaches on Scripture memorization using the Sermon on the Mount as his foundation. He explores the contrast between building on rock versus sand those who hear Jesus' words and practice them versus those who don't.

Through the parable of two builders, Davis demonstrates that putting God's Word into practice creates a stable spiritual foundation that withstands life's pressures, while neglecting practice leads to spiritual collapse.

Begin memorizing Scripture today as the first step toward building an unshakeable spiritual foundation.

Scripture: Matthew 7
Topics: Scripture memorization, Spiritual maturity, God's Word, Discipleship, Foundations

Tilly Dillehay examines how envy corrupts joy in seasons of others' success. Witnessing her sisters' stunning musical talent for the first time as a college sophomore, Dillehay faced a complex emotional moment despite having her own musical aspirations.

Envy can masquerade as other emotions, even sisterly admiration, yet it poisons authentic joy in others' gifts. Recognizing and rejecting envy allows believers to celebrate God's diverse grace distributed throughout their community.

When tempted toward envy over others' talents or success, deliberately choose rejoicing and gratitude for how God distributes His gifts.

Scripture: Exodus 34; Psalm 8; Psalm 19; Isaiah 6; Genesis 2
Topics: Envy, Joy, Comparison, Contentment, Community

Jonathan Leeman contrasts two paradigms for conducting missions work. As President of Nine Marks, Leeman critiques movement-driven missions while advocating for church-centered missions as more biblically grounded.

Two dominant paradigms compete within evangelical missions: movement-driven (emphasizing flexibility and speed) and church-centered (emphasizing ecclesiology and accountability). Church-centered missions proves more sustainable and biblically faithful.

Evaluate your mission involvement through the lens of church health and accountability rather than movement metrics alone.

Topics: Missions, Church, Ecclesiology, Missions Strategy, Ministry Paradigms