So We Speak

Jerusalem: City of Jesus

In the New Testament, Jerusalem reaches its peak. Herod constructs a temple that is one of the greatest buildings in the world. Through Jesus, God returns to Jerusalem, but he brings an unwelcome message. When the temple is destroyed, the nature of Jerusalem is changed forever, but it remains among the world's most important cities to this day. 

Jerusalem: City of David

The city of Jerusalem didn't start with the Jews. It was an ancient city in Canaan, possibly the home of Melchizedek, and David had to conquer the city to make it his capital. Soon, it became the center of Israel and God's dwelling on earth. 

C.S. Lewis's Oxford with Dr. Simon Horobin

When we think of Oxford, we think of C.S. Lewis. During his 30 years at Magdalen College, Oxford, Lewis was profoundly shaped by his environment and relationships. In C. S. Lewis's Oxford, Dr. Simon Horobin, who is also a fellow of Magdalen College, walks through Oxford with an eye for C.S. Lewis, The Chronicles of Narnia, and more. 

#Blessed? Divine Blessing and the Fullness of Life with Dr. Rusty Osborne

Should we ask God for blessings? In Divine Blessing and the Fullness of Life in the Presence of God, Dr. Rusty Osborne traces the theme of blessing through the Bible, avoiding the perils of the prosperity and poverty gospels, to a true picture of the blessed life in the presence of God. 

The Making of the American Mind with Dr. Matthew Spalding

Nearly 50 years after he penned the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson wrote, "This was the object of the Declaration of Independence, not to find out new principles, or new arguments, never before thought of… it was intended to be an expression of the American mind, and to give to that expression the proper tone and spirit called for by the occasion." What was he trying to express?

Dr. Matthew Spalding traces the big ideas of the Declaration in his book The Making of the American Mind, including the role of faith and revelation. In this interview, Cole and Dr. Spalding discuss the ideas of liberty, rights, and the theology of the Declaration 250 years later. 

Cities of the Bible: Megiddo

The city of Megiddo is more commonly known as the place of Armageddon, the final battle at the end of time. But there's a rich biblical history of Megiddo that may explain why it is mentioned in Revelation 16. Cole and Terry trace the story of this city from 3,000 BC through the end times, and discuss God's history of rescuing his people from overwhelming opposition. 

The Gospels: Reflecting on the Story of Jesus with Dr. Jerry Pattengale

The Gospels are more than just historical accounts; they are invitations to come to know Jesus Christ. In a new book, The Gospels: A Historical and Cultural Journey, Dr. Jerry Pattengale presents the life of Jesus through art, beauty, and the simple message of the Gospel. 

Cities of the Bible: Sodom and Gomorrah

Sodom and Gomorrah are universally known for their wickedness and fiery destruction. Though they are destroyed in Genesis, they take on a symbolic life in the Bible as emblems of human wickedness. Where do they appear in the Bible? Do we know where these cities are today? Recent archaeology has revealed the astonishing fate of Sodom, just as it happened in the Bible. 

The Last Supper and the Final Exodus: Maundy Thursday with Terry Feix

Jesus gathered his disciples for a final meal. As they shared the Passover supper, Jesus explained the new covenant he was making with them, one of his broken body and shed blood. In doing so, Jesus was going back to the first pages of the Bible and fulfilling a promise made long ago with Abraham. As we share this meal, we are heirs to the promises, experiencing all God accomplished through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

To listen to this message live, go to Crossings.church! 

Did Jesus Descend Into Hell? Holy Saturday with Dr. Matthew Emerson

What happened between Good Friday and Easter Sunday? The Apostle's Creed says Jesus descended into Hell before he rose again. But what does that mean? How could this neglected doctrine help us better understand all that Jesus did for us during Holy Week? 

For more, check out Matthew Emerson's book, He Descended to the Dead!