This exploration of Jesus' teaching on prayer challenges us to move beyond the vending machine approach to spirituality. When Jesus says 'ask, seek, knock,' we often hear a transactional promise—do this, get that. But the deeper translation reveals something more profound: 'keep on asking, keep on seeking, keep on knocking.' Prayer isn't a one-time transaction but an ongoing process of engagement with the divine. The sermon unpacks how our prayers often mirror our consumer society, where we expect immediate results and feel disappointed when God doesn't deliver like Amazon Prime. Yet when we examine what we're actually praying for—from parking spots to perfect children—we discover something important: our prayers reveal who we are, what we value, and where we need to grow. The invitation isn't to pray less, but to pray more deeply, recognizing that prayer is both a mirror reflecting our own hearts and a quest that transforms us. We're encouraged to pray however we need to, getting our concerns out into the open, while also examining whether our language about God aligns with what we actually believe about divine love and presence.

Where do you cast your "pearls"? In this teaching, we remember that we holy and beloved, invited to do all the good that we can with all that we are. Supporting CrossWalk supports doing much good in the world on many levels. Will you consider supporting CrossWalk with greater generosity than you are currently?

Jesus instructed his followers not to judge others. How's that going for you? In this teaching we examine the difference between judging and offering constructive criticism and the messiness every human being brings to the equation.

Hear first account experience from one who lived with a Palestinian family in the West Bank.

In our exploration of worry, we discover that it's not inherently bad - it can motivate us and protect us. However, Jesus teaches us in Matthew 6 to 'seek first the kingdom of God' instead of worrying about our daily needs. This isn't a call to ignore real-world concerns, but rather an invitation to ground ourselves in a deeper reality. The kingdom of God isn't a distant realm, but a present reality of love that we're already immersed in. By prioritizing this ultimate reality, we can find peace that surpasses understanding, even in the face of life's challenges. This shift in perspective can transform how we view ourselves, others, and the world around us.

In this powerful message offered by Rev. Dr. Angela Barker-Jackson, we're invited to explore the profound concept of welcoming strangers, rooted in Leviticus 19:34. This scripture challenges us to treat strangers as natives and love them as ourselves, reminding us of our own history as strangers. The sermon beautifully connects this ancient text to Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing that holiness is not just an idea, but an active engagement with the world. We're called to embody God's holy character in all spheres of life, creating ripples of change from the inside out. The message encourages us to start by welcoming the stranger within ourselves, those parts we've yet to fully accept or understand. By doing so, we open ourselves to truly welcoming others, expanding our circles of connection and love. This practice of 'revolutionary love' has the power to transform not just individuals, but entire communities and even nations. As we face the chaos of our world, we're reminded that by holding the center together, rooted in God's love, we can create lasting change and pursue God's shalom.

Today, we delve into the profound teachings of Matthew 6:22-23, exploring the concept of the 'eye as the lamp of the body.' This scripture challenges us to examine our spiritual vision and how it impacts our entire being. Are we seeing the world through eyes of generosity and abundance, or through a lens of scarcity and greed? The passage connects deeply with Jesus' warning that we cannot serve both God and wealth, reminding us that our perspective on material possessions can blind us to spiritual truths. As we reflect on this, we're invited to consider: How might our own privileges or financial status create blind spots in our faith journey? By cultivating a 'healthy eye,' we open ourselves to see God's abundance and the needs of others more clearly, potentially transforming not just our own lives, but the world around us.

Consumerism can be exhilarating, but it can also leave us in a perpetual state of never feeling satisfied, in competition with our neighbors, and a little light in our wallet. The Way of Jesus, however, does the opposite, yielding a rewarding life filled with the fruit of the Spirit of God that never runs out. Choose the Way!