For many, the idea of following Jesus sounds about as interesting as doing our taxes or freshman algebra. But Jesus’ first followers got in trouble for having too much fun. What have we missed? Maybe we need to rethink what the life of a Jesus Follower actually looks like.

Episode Breakdown:
0:00 What’s your opinion of “Christians?”
1:00 A lil’ bit about what this is
2:30 Freedom, w/ Jon
24:00 Deep thoughts & giveaways
28:20 dem outtakes

🔔  Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast or the YouTube channel 😊  https://bit.ly/yourcrosscreek

💬 Ask a question! https://bit.ly/wlcmccc

Let us know you’re here! || Read Transcript || Discussion Questions || For Kids

▶ June 13 #forSalem June Opportunity: Woodmansee Park Day!
June 13, 1-3pm Woodmansee Park in South Salem. Details & RSVP on the web. https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/party

▶ P A R T Y ! ! !
Our next Outdoor Party! June 27, 4:30pm. Yard games, music, dinner! Woot! find out more at https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/party/

▶ #SalemOregon #local Giveaways (Happening on our Social Media later this week or email to enter!)
– Enter to win this week on Social Media- Donatello’s Pizza: https://www.facebook.com/DonatellosSalem/
– Last week’s giveaway: Gilgamesh Brewing https://www.facebook.com/gilgameshbrewing

▶ Suggested Bible Readings:
Acts 15:1-35 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+15%3A1-35&version=NLT
Romans 8:1-4 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A1-4&version=NLT
Galatians 3:1-14 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+3%3A1-14&version=NLT
Hebrews 8 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+8&version=NLT

▶ Additional Resources:
Irresistible- Andy Stanley https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/irresistible-faith-our-chance-to-change-the-world–again_andy-stanley/14571262

▶ Music we listened to making this episode:
Joy to the Word: Three Dog Night- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSDp4zTiLEo
Phantom of the Opera Song: Me First and the Gimme Gimmes- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8epSdXPco0
What if I Stumble: DC Talk- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ0ApcY1KBY

▶ Donate to Crosscreek & keep a good thing goin’ 🙂

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. How have you seen God working in your individual and community life this week?
2. What do you think someone could lose and gain from following Jesus, or what could/have you, if you are ready to share?
3. Pre-read Galatians 5. What’s something that stands out to you about the freedom in Christ described here?
4. What’s your next step in freely following Jesus? How can your group pray for you this week?

We often assume Jesus is FOR what we are FOR and AGAINST what we are AGAINST. But what if we are wrong? What if Jesus has a purpose better and bigger than our personal agendas?

Episode Breakdown:
0:35 Shalom & Greetings
1:45 Trade, w/ Jon
27:45 A bad Dad joke and some news
33:00 The actual flippity flip

🔔  Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast or the YouTube channel 😊  https://bit.ly/yourcrosscreek

💬 Ask a question! https://bit.ly/wlcmccc

Let us know you’re here! || Read Transcript || Discussion Questions || For Kids

▶ Upcoming #salemoregon Parties
Potluck & Music night: July 11, 4:30pm @ Gateway CC 922 Hylo Road SE, Salem, OR 97306
Baptism & Picnic: July 25, 4:30pm @ Minto Brown Island Park Shelter (email us if you’re interested in baptism info@yourcrosscreek.com)

▶ #SalemOregon #local Giveaways (Happening on our Social Media later this week or email to enter!)
– Enter to win this week on Social Media- Shades of Brew https://www.shadesofbrew.com/
– Last week’s giveaway- Furbish https://www.facebook.com/furbishsalem/

▶ Suggested Bible Readings:
Romans 12:1-2 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A1-2&version=NLT
Proverbs 3:5-6 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%203%3A5-6&version=NLT

▶ Wallpaper from this episode: https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/luke22-42-wallpaper.jpeg

▶ Additional Resources:
Visioneering- Andy Stanley: https://www.amazon.com/Visioneering-Discovering-Maintaining-Personal-Vision/dp/159052456X

▶ Music we listened to making this episode:
Muse- Time is Running Out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzpGk44UXKQ
The Spinners- Rubberband Man: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzpGk44UXKQ
Josh Garrels- Fear Thy Not: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvIGgVjDJJE

▶ Donate to Crosscreek & keep a good thing goin’ 🙂

▶ The bible we used in the Scripture section: NLT Life Application Study Bible
https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/nlt-life-application-study-bible-third-edition-hardcover/20777487/#isbn=1496433823

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. How has God been working in your life and world this past week?
2. What are some important dreams/passions in your life? Why do you think these are important to you?
3. Read Luke 22:42. How does Jesus’ prayer relate to where you are at in your life currently?
4. What’s an agenda of yours that might need to be traded for Jesus’ purpose for you? How can your group pray for you in that this week?

Following Jesus should make Christians the happiest and most humble people in the world. Then why does it seem that they always are fighting each other and society? Maybe it’s time to rethink what it means to follow Jesus in the 21st century and rediscover what actually made the first Jesus Followers so different and inviting.

Episode Breakdown:
0:30 Headbands Welcome
1:45 Superiority Complex, w/ Jon
28:45 Big things this weekend!
34:05 Hi Mom!

🔔  Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast or the YouTube channel 😊  https://bit.ly/yourcrosscreek

💬 Ask a question! https://bit.ly/wlcmccc

Let us know you’re here! || Read Transcript || Discussion Questions || For Kids

▶ Upcoming #salemoregon Gatherings
Park Picnic: July 25, 4:30pm @ Woodmansee Park, South Salem
Coming up in August: August 8th & August 25th – Stay Tuned!

▶ #SalemOregon #local Giveaways (Happening on our Social Media later this week or email to enter!)
– Enter to win this week on Social Media– Welcome to Salem, Tokyroll! https://tokyroll.com/
– Last week’s giveaway- Roth’s Groceries https://www.roths.com/

▶ Suggested Bible Readings:
Philippians 2:3-11 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%202%3A3-11&version=NLT
Matthew 5:14-16 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%205%3A14-16&version=NLT
Ephesians 2:8-10 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2%3A8-10&version=NLT

▶ Additional Resources:
In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership, Henri Nouwen- https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/in-the-name-of-jesus-reflections-on-christian-leadership_henri-jm-nouwen/

▶ Music we listened to making this episode:
Nowhere Generation- Rise Against: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75S5PDXTEVQ
Jack Johnson- Mudfootball: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aTEqqa7LjU
Typhoons- Royal Blood: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9SQ2xfHEiM

▶ Donate to Crosscreek & keep a good thing goin’ 🙂

▶ The bible we used in the Scripture section: NLT Life Application Study Bible
https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/nlt-life-application-study-bible-third-edition-hardcover/20777487/#isbn=1496433823

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. How have you seen God working in your life and sphere of influence this past week?
2. Who is someone you or others generally consider “great?” What makes them stand out? How would they compare to Jesus’ definition of great?
3. Read Philippians 2:1-11. What would be the difficulties and benefits from thinking and living this way daily? 
4. Who has God put in your life for you to serve? What steps can you take to start/continue serving them and how can your group pray with you in that?

When we read the historical accounts of the first Jesus Followers there seems to be a vast difference between what we see in them and what we see in our current American Church. Why is that? What made a group of persecuted Jesus Followers who were on the run for their lives such an effective force for change in their world? What have we missed in our current view of the Church?

Episode Breakdown:
1:00 Backyard Hello
3:00 The Church’s Problem w/ Jon
23:00 Challenge, Giveaways, and Knight Rider

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast or the YouTube channel 😊  https://bit.ly/yourcrosscreek

Let us know you’re here! || Read Transcript || Discussion Questions || Ask a Question || For Kids

▶ #forSalem May Challenge: Meals FOR Teachers (Teacher Appreciation)
–Buy a meal for a teacher AND support a local restaurant.–
HOW: Pick a teacher… either of a family member or just from your neighborhood’s school (google is your friend here). Teacher emails are easy to find on school websites! What a surprise it would be to get a thank-you in what has been a pretty interesting and trying year!
🆒 Here’s a list of some #salemoregon restaurants who have egift card options. (You can also just go directly to your favorite spot’s website to see if they have them available!) https://www.giftly.com/restaurant-gift-cards/salem-or

▶ Upcoming Outdoor Party! WEDNESDAY May 23, 4:30pm. RSVP Here.

▶ #SalemOregon #local Giveaways (Happening on Social Media later this week)
– Enter to win this week: Shaka Brah
– This week’s winner: Ankeny Vineyard

▶ Suggested Bible Readings:
Acts 1-12

▶ Additional Resources:
Future Church- Will Mancini and Corey Hartman https://www.amazon.com/Future-Church-Seven-Laws-Growth/dp/1540900614
Irresistible- Andy Stanley https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/irresistible-faith-our-chance-to-change-the-world–again_andy-stanley/
Evangelism in the Early Church- Michael Green https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/evangelism-in-the-early-church_michael-green/

▶ Music we listened to making this episode:
Heart Songs- Weezer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SS6HBXHS0Ok
Mack the Knife- Bobby Darin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iooViITRp9M
Wait for It – Hamilton Soundtrack: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZH8TyHUzRQ

▶ Donate to Crosscreek & keep a good thing goin’ 🙂

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. How have you seen God working this week?
2. What stood out to you most in this week’s message? Were there any portions that were confusing or bothersome? Discuss reactions and highlights together.
3. Read Matthew 28:18-20. What is your first reaction to the “Great Commission?” What might it practically look like for this to be a guide for both your personal life and the overall life of the Church?
4. As you consider Jesus’ command to his followers, how can your group pray for you this week?

Crosscreek’s mission is to invite our neighbors to discover, enjoy, and share the life Jesus offers… together. What does that actually mean and what role do we all have to play in this mission?

Episode Breakdown:
0:30 Liz & Monica say hello
1:30 Life on Purpose, w/ Jon
23:40 Do you feel alone?
28:20 Questions & Outtakes

🔔  Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast or the YouTube channel 😊  https://bit.ly/yourcrosscreek

Let us know you’re here! || Read Transcript || Discussion Questions || Ask a Question || For Kids

▶ June 13 #forSalem June Opportunity: Woodmansee Park Day!
June 13, 1-3pm Woodmansee Park in South Salem. Details & RSVP on the web. https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/party

▶ Our next Outdoor Party! June 27, 4:30 pm.

▶ #SalemOregon #local Giveaways (Happening on Social Media later this week)
– Enter to win this week: Manna Japanese Comfort Food
– This week’s winner: Tacos Del Sur

▶ Suggested Bible Readings:
John 10:1-11
Galatians 5
Philippians 1

▶ Additional Resources:
Future Church– Will Mancini and Corey Hartman
Irresistible– Andy Stanley
Crosscreek’s Jesus vs. Religion Series

▶ Music we listened to making this episode:
The Greatest Show– The Greatest Showman Cast
How Far I’ll Go– Auli’i Cravalho
Happy– Pharrell Williams

▶ Donate to Crosscreek & keep a good thing goin’ 🙂

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. How have you seen God working in your life and “neighborhood” this past week?
2. How do you understand the “WHAT” of our mission? What are you still wondering?
3. Read John 10:1-11. What are your initial thoughts/questions about the life Jesus offers? If you’ve experienced this life, what are some examples you would use to describe it from your own experience?
4. Who is in your “neighborhood” that you can discover/enjoy/share Jesus’ life with? How can your group pray for you in that this week?

How is Crosscreek going to be a community that invites our neighbors to discover, enjoy, and share the life Jesus offers… together? The key to all of it is YOU.

Episode Breakdown:
0:30 Hiiieeee
2:30 ‘Here We Go… Together,’ w/ Jon
35:30 GIFs & Winning
39:00 Alwayz Bloopin’

🔔  Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast or the YouTube channel 😊  https://bit.ly/yourcrosscreek

Let us know you’re here! || Read Transcript || Discussion Questions || Ask a Question || For Kids

▶ June 13 #forSalem June Opportunity: Woodmansee Park Day!
June 13, 1-3pm Woodmansee Park in South Salem. Details & RSVP on the web. https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/party

▶ Our next Outdoor Party! June 27, 4:30 pm.

▶ #SalemOregon #local Giveaways (Happening on Social Media later this week)
– Enter to win this week: Xicha
– This week’s winner:  Manna Japanese Comfort Food

▶ Suggested Bible Readings:
Romans 12 
1 Corinthians 12:12-31

▶ Additional Resources:
Future Church– Will Mancini and Corey Hartman
Irresistible– Andy Stanley
Crosscreek’s Jesus vs. Religion Series

▶ Music we listened to making this episode:
Now We are Free– 2Cellos
Sleep Now in the Fire– Rage Against the Machine
Soul’s Anthem (It Is Well)- Tori Kelly

▶ Donate to Crosscreek & keep a good thing goin’ 🙂

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. How has God worked in your life and community this week?
2. What stands out to you most in Crosscreek’s way of being the Church/Ekklesia?  What questions or concerns do you have about this approach? 
3. Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-21. What does being “Christ’s ambassador” mean and look like to you?
4. What’s your next step? How can your group pray for you in that this week?