We work so hard to have control over everything, sometimes even trying to control God is our own lives. Usually just reminds us we aren't in control at all. And thats exactly where God wants us. In fact the only control God wants us to have is self-control.

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Acts 7:57–58

Acts 8:1–3

Acts 9:1–2

Acts 9:3–6

Acts 20:20

Romans 7:24

1 Timothy 1:15

Romans 8:1

Psalm 46:1

Hebrews 6:18–20 MSG

After the wilderness season, there is a decision to make. Jesus does not simply call us out of hardship, He calls us into discipleship. “Take IT Up” challenges believers to understand what it truly means to take up their cross daily.

The cross is not comfort. It is surrender. It is dying to self, rejecting the patterns of this world, and living transformed by Christ. Because Jesus said “It is finished,” our salvation is secured by grace through faith. But discipleship requires obedience. It requires denying ourselves, taking up the cross, and following Him fully.

This sermon will walk us through the finished work of Christ, the gift of salvation, and the daily responsibility of the believer to live crucified with Christ. Leaving the wilderness means stepping into identity, surrender, and active faith. The question is not whether Jesus carried His cross. The question is whether we will carry ours.

Matthew 16:24 (ESV)

Luke 9:23 (NIV)

Matthew 16:24–27 (NIV)

Matthew 16:24 (NKJV)

John 19:30

Romans 3:23–25

Romans 6:23

Romans 10:9–10

Romans 5:8

1 Peter 3:18

Colossians 2:13–14

John 3:36

John 6:40

John 3:17–18

Matthew 16:24 (Step 1 emphasis)

Romans 12:2

Galatians 2:20

Ephesians 4:22–24

Matthew 16:24 (Step 1 & Step 2 emphasis)

Matthew 16:24 (Step 1, Step 2 & Step 3 emphasis)

John 20:24–27

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The wilderness was training. Now the battle begins.

God has brought us into the Promise through Christ and empowered us with the Holy Spirit. But living in the Promise does not mean the absence of opposition. It means advancing the Kingdom.

Our enemy is not flesh and blood. The battle is spiritual. And the weapon is not force, revenge, or pride. It is love.

Jesus set the example by laying down His life, and He calls us to do the same. When we return love for evil, we disrupt the system of this world and advance the Kingdom of God.

This is what the wilderness prepared us for.

Be strong. Be courageous. Advance in love.

Ephesians 6:10–12

John 15:13

Matthew 5:38–48

1 Corinthians 12

1 Corinthians 12:31

1 Corinthians 13:1–8

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God doesn’t just bring us out of bondage. He prepares our hearts to walk into the promise. Through Joshua and the finished work of Jesus, we see how God removes shame, restores identity, and empowers us to walk by the Spirit.

Joshua 5:1

Joshua 5:2–3

Joshua 5:8–9

Joshua 5:9 (NLT)

Joshua 5:10–12

Joshua 1:5–9

Romans 2:28–29

Colossians 2:9–15

Psalm 18:2

Mark 16:1–4

Galatians 5:16–18

Deuteronomy

Jeremiah

You were created for more than surviving. You were created to thrive.

This women’s gathering is centered on discovering and understanding your identity in Christ. Jesus knows you by name and calls you His own (John 10:3). You are intentionally created with purpose (Ephesians 2:10), deeply loved, and free from fear because of His perfect love (1 John 4:18).

Through teaching, prayer, and community, we’ll learn how to silence lies, receive God’s wisdom (James 1:5), and walk in obedience to who God says we are (Luke 6:46). This is a space to experience healing, encouragement, and renewal as we grow in loving God with our whole hearts (Matthew 22:37).

Come be reminded of the truth:You are known. You are chosen. You were created to thrive.

John 10:3

Ephesians 2:10

1 John 4:18

James 1:15-17

Isaiah 53:4

James 1:5

Matthew 3:14

Luke 6:46

James 5:16

Zephaniah 3:17

Matthew 22:37

The wilderness is not punishment. It is preparation.

Throughout Scripture, God uses the wilderness to teach, test, and train His people for what’s coming next. Israel was prepared for the Promised Land. David was prepared to be king. Jesus was prepared for ministry.

In this message, we look at how Jesus faced temptation in the wilderness and modeled obedience, self-control, and reliance on God’s Word. We’ll explore how unchecked power leads to destruction, how temptation exposes our weaknesses, and how the Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome.

The wilderness reveals where we’re weak, but it also shows us what God is preparing us for. The question is not if you’re being prepared, but for what.

Where is God calling you out of… and into?

Matthew 4:1–4 (NIV)

Matthew 4:5–11 (NIV)

John 6:38 (NIV)

1 Corinthians 10:1–13 (NIV)

Galatians 5:22–25 (NIV)

1 John 2:15–17 (NIV)

Matthew 3:11–17 (NIV)

Thank you for tuning into Cross Point Church Podcast. Please stay connected with us through social media or our YouTube channel this week for any info we might be passing along. Also, please send us a direct message on the CPC FB page for any further needs or requests.

https://www.facebook.com/cpcavamo

Our in person services are Sundays at 9 AM. We pray you can join us or continue to tune in here each week. Make sure to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE so you always get the latest sermon updates. Have the best day! Giving can be done online, mail, or delivered in person.

Online: https://cpcava.org/give

Mail: PO Box 1378 Ava, Missouri 65608

Church Copyright License #11082140

Church Streaming & Podcast License #CSPL021002

Thank you for tuning into Cross Point Church Podcast. Please stay connected with us through social media or our YouTube channel this week for any info we might be passing along. Also, please send us a direct message on the CPC FB page for any further needs or requests.

https://www.facebook.com/cpcavamo

Our in person services are Sundays at 9 AM. We pray you can join us or continue to tune in here each week. Make sure to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE so you always get the latest sermon updates. Have the best day! Giving can be done online, mail, or delivered in person.

Online: https://cpcava.org/give

Mail: PO Box 1378 Ava, Missouri 65608

Church Copyright License #11082140

Church Streaming & Podcast License #CSPL021002