CrossWay Church Sermon Podcast

Matthew 5:7: Blessed are the merciful (4-12-26)

podcast@crosswaychurchwa.com (CrossWay Church Battle Ground WA) — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 13:56:42 +0000

In a world that often demands "an eye for an eye," Jesus calls His followers to a radical alternative: Mercy.

In today’s message, we dive deep into the fifth Beatitude found in Matthew 5:7: "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy." We explore what it truly means to be "blessed" (makarios) and why mercy is much more than just holding back a punch—it is the active, gracious pursuit of another person’s well-being, even when they don’t deserve it.

In this sermon, we cover:

✅ The Meaning of Blessing: Why spiritual thriving is different from material prosperity.

✅ The Anatomy of Mercy: How mercy withholds judgment and extends unexpected blessings.

✅ The Barriers to Mercy: How resentment and envy harden our hearts and how to break free.

✅ Practical Steps: How to cultivate a merciful heart by looking at the cross of Christ.

If you’ve ever struggled to forgive someone who hurt you, or if you find yourself trapped in the cycle of resentment, this message is for you.

Luke 24:13-49: When Hope Walks Beside You (4-5-26)

podcast@crosswaychurchwa.com (CrossWay Church Battle Ground WA) — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 11:41:05 +0000

Have you ever felt like your faith was walking in the wrong direction? In this message, we dive into one of the most beautiful and raw moments in the Gospels: the walk to Emmaus. We explore what happens when our "small" expectations of God are shattered so that a much larger, resurrection-sized hope can take their place. Whether you are currently in a season of doubt, recovering from a spiritual disappointment, or looking for the power to live out your calling, this study of Luke 24 shows us that Jesus isn't just a figure of history—He is the Sovereign Savior who pursues us even when we're walking away. In this sermon, we discuss:

Why our "shattered hopes" are often the beginning of a deeper faith.
How the Old Testament reveals the "Divine Necessity" of the Cross.
Why the physical, bodily resurrection of Jesus changes everything about our future.
How to move from being a discouraged observer to an empowered witness.

Reflect & Connect: Which part of the Emmaus story resonates with you most right now? Let us know in the comments. If this message encouraged you, please consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who needs to hear that Jesus is walking with them today.

Matthew 5:6: Hungering for the right things (3-22-26)

podcast@crosswaychurchwa.com (CrossWay Church Battle Ground WA) — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 10:01:06 +0000

What are you truly hungry for? In this message from the Sermon on the Mount, we explore one of Jesus' most searching beatitudes: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." Jesus isn't describing a casual preference — He's describing a desperate, driving need. The question is whether our deepest hunger is aimed at the right thing. We'll unpack what it truly means to be blessed (makarios), what it looks like to hunger and thirst for righteousness in both its relational and moral dimensions, and how God promises to fill that hunger through justification, sanctification, and ultimately glorification. We'll also get practical — looking at how fasting, auditing our appetites, and practicing relational righteousness can help us grow in our hunger for God and the life He calls us to. 📖 Scripture: Matthew 5:6 🗂️ Topics covered:

What does "blessed" really mean?
The intensity of spiritual hunger and thirst
Relational and moral righteousness
Justification, sanctification, and glorification
Practical steps to grow your hunger for God

Whether you feel spiritually hungry or spiritually dry right now, this message is for you.

Matthew 5:5: Blessed are the meek (3-15-26)

podcast@crosswaychurchwa.com (CrossWay Church Battle Ground WA) — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 08:37:35 +0000

In a world that screams for us to promote ourselves, defend our rights, and "win" at any cost, Jesus offers a counter-cultural promise: "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."

But what does it actually mean to be meek? Is it just being a "doormat," or is it something far more powerful? In this study of the third Beatitude, we explore why meekness isn't the absence of power, but power under the control of trust in God.

The Secret of "Makarios": Why "blessed" is a joyful flourishing that grows beneath the surface of your life, even when you don't feel it.
Meekness vs. Weakness: How meekness is rooted in our "vertical" relationship with God, allowing us to let go of our egos and the need to constantly justify ourselves.
Inheriting the Earth: Why the meek are actually the ones who enjoy life now—because they aren't driven by fear, rivalry, or the need for control.
The Model of Christ: How looking at Jesus’s strength and kindness on the cross empowers us to respond to others with patience and self-restraint.

Matthew 5:4: Blessed are the brokenhearted (3-8-26)

podcast@crosswaychurchwa.com (CrossWay Church Battle Ground WA) — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 14:01:13 +0000

We continue our sermon series in Matthew and look at the second Beatitude. in this sermon we will learn . . . 1️⃣ What it means to be blessed Many people think blessing means good circumstances or feeling happy. But the biblical word makarios points to a deeper, God-rooted kind of flourishing. 2️⃣ What Jesus means by mourning Jesus isn’t talking about mild sadness. He’s speaking about deep, genuine brokenness—over our sin and over the pain caused by a fallen world. 3️⃣ The comfort God promises God meets us in our grief, not just after it ends. Through Jesus, we find salvation, strength, growth, and a peace that surpasses understanding. 4️⃣ What we learn about grief as disciples Grief isn’t weakness. It’s part of following Jesus, growing spiritually, and becoming people who can comfort others with the comfort we receive.

Luke 12:1-12: Fearing The One Who Says Fear Not (3-1-26) – Josh VanTil

podcast@crosswaychurchwa.com (CrossWay Church Battle Ground WA) — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 13:12:43 +0000

Pastor Josh Van Til shares thoughts on the types of fears that we often struggle with and challenges us to think about how Jesus speaks against them.

Matthew 5:1-3: Blessed are Poor in Spirit (2-22-26)

podcast@crosswaychurchwa.com (CrossWay Church Battle Ground WA) — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 14:59:17 +0000

What does it really mean to be blessed? In this sermon on Matthew 5:1–3, we dive into the opening of Jesus' famous Sermon on the Mount and discover that the "blessed life" has nothing to do with comfort or circumstance. The Greek word makarios points to something far richer — a deep, joyful flourishing that holds steady through anything life brings. We explore what Jesus means by "poor in spirit": not self-pity or low self-esteem, but a clear-eyed awareness of our sin, our limits, and our complete dependence on God. And we look at the stunning promise attached to it — that those who come to God this way receive nothing less than life in his kingdom. Whether you're new to the Sermon on the Mount or have read it a hundred times, this message will challenge you to examine where you're placing your confidence — and what it might look like to hold your life more openly before God.

Matthew 4:18-25: More Than a Fan (2-15-26)

podcast@crosswaychurchwa.com (CrossWay Church Battle Ground WA) — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 16:38:11 +0000

In Matthew 4:18-25, we see two very different responses to Jesus. Large crowds gathered, drawn by His miracles and what He could do for them. But Jesus also called specific disciples - ordinary fishermen whom He promised to transform into fishers of men. This sermon explores the crucial difference between being part of the crowd and being truly called by Jesus. The crowds were often fickle, loving Jesus for what they could get from Him. But the disciples left everything immediately to follow Him, and Jesus transformed them completely. Which are you - crowd or called? You can attend church without truly being part of God's family. But Jesus is still calling imperfect people today, and His call demands a response. He promises to transform those who answer His call. Key Points:

The crowd was drawn by what Jesus could do for them
Jesus took the initiative to call ordinary fishermen
Crowds gather, but disciples are called
Crowds consume, but disciples sacrifice
Crowds stay comfortable, but disciples are transformed
Jesus is still calling and transforming believers today

Matthew 4:12-17: Jesus’s Light in Unlikely Places (2-8-26)

podcast@crosswaychurchwa.com (CrossWay Church Battle Ground WA) — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 11:56:17 +0000

Have you ever felt like you’re in a "flyover" season of life—stuck in a place that feels dark, insignificant, or overlooked? In this message, we dive into Matthew 4:12-17 to see why Jesus bypassed the religious and political power of Jerusalem to launch His ministry in the "backwater" region of Galilee. We explore how this wasn't an accident, but the fulfillment of an ancient promise: that a Great Light would dawn exactly where people felt the most hopeless. Whether you are walking through a season of spiritual darkness or simply wondering where God is at work, this study of Jesus’s first message—"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near"—offers a radical invitation to experience the transforming light of Christ right where you are. In this video, we discuss:

Why God often chooses "insignificant" places to do His greatest work.
The link between Jesus’s ministry and the prophecy of Isaiah 9.
What "repentance" actually means (and why it’s a message of hope).
How to find God’s light in your own seasons of darkness.

Matthew 4:1-11: The Temptation of Jesus (2-2-26)

podcast@crosswaychurchwa.com (CrossWay Church Battle Ground WA) — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 14:03:15 +0000

Step into Matthew 4:1–11 as we explore Jesus’ powerful battle in the wilderness. Led by the Holy Spirit, weakened from fasting, and confronted by Satan himself, Jesus shows us what it truly means to stand firm in faith. This message uncovers not only the nature of temptation but also how God equips us to overcome it. In this teaching, we look at each of the three temptations Jesus faced: 🔥 Temptation #1 — Stones into Bread Satan challenges Jesus to prove His identity and prioritize comfort over obedience. Jesus responds with Scripture, reminding us that God’s Word sustains us more than anything else. 🔥 Temptation #2 — Jump from the Temple Satan quotes Scripture out of context, tempting Jesus to test God and seek public spectacle. Jesus models discernment and humility, showing us how to recognize Scripture when it’s twisted. 🔥 Temptation #3 — A Shortcut to Power Satan offers Jesus earthly glory without the cross. Jesus rejects the easy path and declares that worship belongs to God alone. Along the way, we uncover essential truths for our own spiritual battles: The Devil is real and strategic. Scripture is our greatest defense. God may lead us into wilderness seasons—but never to abandon us. Temptation often disguises itself as a shortcut, a comfort, or even a spiritual-sounding idea. If you’re facing pressure, spiritual attack, confusion, or exhaustion, this passage speaks directly to you. Jesus shows us how to stand strong—anchored not in our own strength but in the Word of God.