https://www.crosslifefamilyworship.org/, https://giv.li/8nhidb

Cross-Life Family Worship, 8250 Ferguson Road, Dallas, TX (2026)

02/03/2026

Pride Goeth Before Destruction

Scripture References
Galatians 6:4; 2 Corinthians 7:4; Proverbs 16:18; Proverbs 16:25; Proverbs 6:16-19; Ezekiel 28:13-17; 1 Peter 5:5-6; Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 10:4; Psalm 1; Daniel 4:28-33; Acts 12:20-23; 1 Samuel 15; Philippians 2:5-8; Philippians 4:19; Exodus 20:3; Revelation 22:13

Introduction
• Pastor Ajay asked for prayer so his words would remain God’s Word, not personal opinion.
• Seed imagery: God’s Word is always good seed; the congregation’s hearts must be “good ground.”
• Theme launched from Proverbs 16:18—commonly quoted but often misunderstood. The message aims to unpack why pride specifically precedes destruction.
• Warning: a “heavy” word, yet ending with hope.

Key Points / Exposition
1. Two Forms of Pride
• Commendable pride: a humble sense of satisfaction in work well done (Gal 6:4) or joy in others’ growth (2 Cor 7:4).
• Condemned pride: self-righteousness, arrogance, haughtiness—“the kind God hates.” This is today’s focus.

2. God’s Ranking of Sin
• Proverbs 6:16-19 lists seven abominations; the first ingredient—“a proud look”—shows God’s foremost hatred of pride.
• Analogy of food labels: first ingredient = dominant component. Likewise, pride tops God’s hate-list.

3. Pride’s Downward Spiral
A. Reason 1—It Keeps Us in Sin
• Pride blocks confession, repentance and reconciliation; therefore it prolongs wrongdoing until it destroys.
• Examples: lying, stealing or even murder can be forgiven and healed once confessed, but pride prevents the turning point.
B. Reason 2—God Actively Resists the Proud
• 1 Peter 5:5-6: God “sets Himself in opposition” to proud people, withholding grace they desperately need.
• Without divine presence there is no lasting success, peace or fruitfulness (Phil 4:19).

4. Biblical Portraits of Pride’s Fall
• Lucifer (Ezek 28:13-17): the model of beauty, music and jewels corrupted by self-exaltation, cast down.
• Nebuchadnezzar (Dan 4:28-33): royal pride led to madness until he acknowledged God.
• Herod (Acts 12:20-23): accepted worship as a god and was struck down.
• Saul (1 Sam 15): clung to self-importance, lost throne and anointing.

5. Pride Becomes Idolatry
• Exodus 20:3 prohibits any god before Yahweh, including one’s self.
• When self occupies the throne, true God is dethroned—idolatry by self-exaltation.

6. The Cure: Humility
• Antidote prescribed: “Be clothed with humility” (1 Pet 5:5-6).
• Voluntary lowering positions us under God’s mighty hand; in due time He exalts, and His exaltation lasts.
• Christ’s model (Phil 2:5-8): left heaven, took servant form, died in obedience. Followers are to adopt this mindset—serve first, reputation second.
• Practical vignette: humble employee who admits breaking dishes receives grace and longevity; able worker full of pride is replaceable.

Major Lessons & Revelations
• Pride’s greatest danger is not the initial sin but its power to cement us in rebellion.
• Divine resistance is a real, active force set against arrogance.
• Humility is not weakness; it is the doorway to God’s grace, promotion and sustained fruit.
• Everyone eventually fulfills God’s purpose—either willingly like obedient servants or reluctantly like Jonah.

Practical Application
1. Daily Heart Check: ask the Holy Spirit to expose hidden pride before decisions are made.
2. Confession Rhythm: quickly admit faults to God and affected people; refuse delay.
3. Service Habit: perform unseen acts ↗ of service each day—hold doors, give preference, volunteer.
4. Accountability Partner: invite a mature believer to confront any signs of self-exaltation.
5. Scripture Meditation: replace self-focus with daily meditation on God’s Word (Psalm 1).

Conclusion & Call to Response
The longer we cling to pride, the closer we drift toward destruction. God will never surrender His will to ours. Therefore, the invitation is clear: surrender pride today, humble yourself under His mighty hand, and receive grace, restoration, and exaltation in His timing.

Prayer
“Father, in the matchless name of Jesus, thank You for the blood that paid for every blessing. We surrender our pride, lay down self-rule, and ask for Your presence to fill every part of our lives. Clothe us with humility, grant us grace, and lead us in lifelong victory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

01/31/2026

Cross-Life Family and Guests: It’s all about JESUS.

Sunday, February 1, 2026

Join us in person or live online Sunday at 1:30 pm for Worship and The Word. Our Worship and Lead Pastor, Ajay Torres, will not only be leading us into worship, but bringing us the word.

Pride Goeth Before Destruction

Proverbs 16:16, 25
1 Peter 5:5-6 KJV

01/27/2026

Is It Okay to Be a Solo Christian?

Scripture References
Philippians 4:19; Matthew 12:46-50; John 13:34-35; Matthew 28:19-20; Titus 2:1-5; Mark 6:7; Ecclesiastes 4:9-10; Hebrews 3:12-13; Matthew 18:20

Introduction
• Service moved online due to a Dallas ice storm; Pastor Ajay greets regular members and online visitors.
• Reminder that the Bible is the believer’s foundation of truth.
• Invitation to like / subscribe so more can be reached with weekly messages.
• Today’s question: “Is it okay to be a solo Christian?”: many claim they can love and serve God without the church. The sermon examines Scripture’s answer.

Key Points / Exposition
1. Jesus Redefines Family (Matthew 12:46-50)
• Jesus calls those who do the Father’s will His real “mother and brothers.”
• Church = family reunion: mutual care, gifts, fellowship.
• Warning: Some receive benefits then leave when their personal needs change—contrary to family loyalty.

2. The Non-Optional Command to Love One Another (John 13:34-35)
• Christ’s “new commandment” demands active, sacrificial love among believers.
• Love is verified by deeds, not words; it is the church’s primary witness to the world.
• Solo living makes obedience impossible: “I love my church—I just never show it” equals relational failure.

3. The Great Commission Requires Partnership (Matthew 28:19-20)
• Teaching, baptizing, discipling all nations is impossible in isolation.
• Jesus promises His continual presence as we go together, not as lone agents.

4. Generational Discipleship (Titus 2:1-5)
• Older men & women are commanded to train younger believers in doctrine, character, home life.
• Isolation robs both generations of growth; knowledge flows where proximity exists.

5. Biblical Working Model: Two by Two (Mark 6:7; Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)
• Jesus never sent disciples out alone.
• Two produce greater reward, lift one another after falls; the lone worker has no helper.
• Spiritual accountability protects against temptation and discouragement.

6. The Peril of Hardened Hearts (Hebrews 3:12-13)
• Withdrawing breeds unbelief; sin’s deceit hardens the heart.
• Ongoing daily encouragement within community is God’s safeguard against spiritual callousness.

7. Power in Gathered Presence (Matthew 18:20)
• Where even two or three assemble in Christ’s name, He is tangibly present.
• His presence supplies every need: provision (Phil 4:19), healing, peace, deliverance—benefits unavailable to the intentionally absent.

Major Lessons & Revelations
• Christian life is designed for interdependence; isolation opposes God’s blueprint.
• Love demonstrated in community is the church’s evangelistic proof.
• Spiritual formation, ministry effectiveness, and protection all flourish in fellowship.
• God’s manifest presence uniquely inhabits corporate gatherings.

Practical Application
• Re-evaluate current church involvement; confess and repent of voluntary isolation.
• Re-engage a local body: attend services, prayer meetings, small groups.
• Serve: bring a gift, meet a need, volunteer talents weekly.
• Seek a mentor / be a mentor (Titus 2 model).
• Partner for outreach: invite someone to join you in sharing the gospel.
• Resolve offenses; place pride and hurt “in the capable hands of God,” then return to fellowship.

Conclusion & Call to Response
• Christ is returning soon; both personal households and God’s house must be in order.
• Choose today to abandon the solo mindset, rejoin the family, love and serve actively so the world may know we are His disciples.

Prayer
• Thanksgiving for technology enabling worship despite weather.
• Petition that the preached seed falls on good ground, unhindered by Satan.
• Request for God’s presence to draw isolated believers back into community, heal offenses, and empower mutual love.
• Prayer offered in Jesus’ name, trusting the Holy Spirit to apply truth to every listener.

01/25/2026

Cross-Life Family and Guests: It’s all about JESUS.

Sunday, January 25, 2026

Due to an ice storm we are experiencing here in Dallas, we will NOT be meeting in person. Please join us online for a Word of Encouragement.

Is It Okay To Be A Solo-Christian?

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Hebrews 3:12-13

Give on
Zelle: [email protected]
Givelify: https://giv.li/uiw1so
Website: https://www.crosslifefamilyworship.org

01/19/2026

What Is Your Superpower?

Scripture References

Proverbs 16:25; Proverbs 3:5-6; Acts 17:28; John 15:5; Philippians 4:13; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; Isaiah 40:31; Ephesians 6:10-11 , 16; Isaiah 54:17; John 11:25-26; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Philippians 1:9-10; Hebrews 4:12; 1 Chronicles 29:10-13

Introduction

The sermon challenges the modern fascination with “superpowers.” Culture urges us to celebrate personal independence, yet Scripture insists true power comes only from God. Pastor Ajay contrasts human self-reliance with the Bible’s call to trust, abide, and receive supernatural enablement from the Holy Spirit.

Key Points / Exposition

1. The Illusion of Independence

• Proverbs 16:25 warns that self-directed paths lead to death—plans, dreams, and relationships “die” when Christ is excluded.

• Proverbs 3:5-6 calls believers to acknowledge God “in all your ways” and reject the myth that autonomy is a strength.

• Personal anecdote: a disciple prospered while receiving counsel but stumbled the moment he ignored godly advice.

2. The True Source of Power: Union with Christ

• Acts 17:28—our very existence is “in Him.”

• John 15:5—apart from the Vine we “can do nothing.”

• Philippians 4:13 supplies the inverse promise: “I can do all things through Christ.”

3. Kingdom Impact Is Normal Christianity

• Jesus always left communities changed—healings, forgiveness, social barriers broken.

• Believers are expected to mirror that impact: neighborhoods, workplaces, and families should feel the presence of Christ through us.

4. Spiritual Gifts: God’s Supernatural Powers (1 Cor 12:1-11)

• Nine gifts named: wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, diverse tongues, interpretation of tongues.

• All come from “the same Spirit”; no class, fee, or human certification can confer them.

• Misuses addressed: paid prophecy courses, “certified prayer technicians,” and prideful exclusivity.

5. Cultural Superpowers Re-imagined in Scripture

a. Flight - Isaiah 40:31: those who wait on the Lord “mount up with wings like eagles.”

b. Superhuman Strength - Ephesians 6:10-11: be “strong in the Lord” and put on His armor.

c. Fire Resistance - Ephesians 6:16/Isaiah 54:17: the shield of faith quenches fiery darts; no weapon prospers.

d. Immortality - John 11:25-26; 1 Thess 4:16-17: believers shall never die and will meet the Lord forever.

e. Mind Reading / Discernment - 1 Cor 12:10; Philippians 1:9-10; Hebrews 4:12: the Word and Spirit expose thoughts and intentions.

6. Accessing the Gifts

1. Surrender fully to Jesus—salvation plus lordship.

2. Immerse in Scripture—daily meditation sharpens discernment.

3. Remain faithful and available—God entrusts gifts to those He can use at any moment.

7. Availability Illustrated

• Restroom encounter: a Spirit-given word of knowledge exposed hidden sin and called a stranger to repentance—possible only because the preacher was available.

Major Lessons & Revelations

• Independence is a counterfeit power; divine dependence is real strength.

• Spiritual gifts are for service, not self-promotion.

• Waiting on God transforms ordinary believers into extraordinary witnesses.

• Discernment protects the church from deception and guides wise living.

• Every believer may operate in any gift as the Spirit wills.

Practical Application

• Begin each decision with prayer and Scripture; refuse impulse purchases or relationships without God’s “authorization.”

• Identify one neighbor or coworker to intentionally bless this week.

• Pray specifically for the gift of discernment; journal situations where God grants insight.

• Daily “suit up” with Ephesians 6 armor—declare each piece in prayer.

• Schedule consistent Bible-reading time; let Hebrews 4:12 do its discerning work.

Conclusion & Call to Response

God Himself is the believer’s superpower. Recognize His hand as the source of greatness, victory, and majesty (1 Chron 29:10-13). Surrender, stay in His Word, and remain faithful and available so His supernatural power can flow through you to a needy world.

Prayer

“Father, in Jesus’ mighty name, bless the hearing and doing of Your Word. Bind the enemy from stealing the seed. Grant us grace, mercy, and help. Fill us with Your Spirit, distribute Your gifts, and make us vessels of impact for Your glory. Amen.”

01/18/2026

Cross-Life Family and Guests: It’s all about JESUS.

Sunday, January 18, 2026

Join us in person or live online Sunday at 1:30 pm for Worship and The Word. Our Worship and Lead Pastor, Ajay Torres, will not only be leading us into worship, but bringing us the word.

What Is Your Superpower?

Acts 17:28
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
John 15:5

Give on
Zelle: [email protected]
Givelify: https://giv.li/uiw1so

01/13/2026

How Do People Know and Recognize You as a Christian
Known by His Logo—Living Recognizably Christian

Scripture References
Ephesians 4:29; 1 Corinthians 10:31-33; Philippians 4:13; Isaiah 41:10; Romans 8:28; Hebrews 10:25; Ephesians 6:18; Matthew 18:19-20; Exodus 20:13; Ephesians 5:25, 31; Genesis 1:1; Philippians 1:21; Ephesians 5:20; Matthew 5:14-16

Introduction
• Pastor Ajay opened with the question: “How do people know and recognize you as a Christian—do you stand out or blend in?”
• Everyday logos and slogans (Burger King, Lone Star Park, Home Depot, McDonald’s) illustrate how identity is instantly communicated; likewise, believers should be identifiable “from a distance” before speaking a word.
• Listeners warned: some will hear only with ears (unchanged), some will be offended by truth, but others will be transformed.

Key Points / Exposition
1. A Visible “Logo”: Christian Identity Before Words
• Our conduct should broadcast Christ as clearly as corporate colors—people should anticipate “Christ inside” when they see us.
• World often tells who belongs to it by dress, jokes, language, priorities; Christians must display a contrasting, holy witness.

2. Guarded Speech & Holy Conduct
• Ephesians 4:29 calls for speech that edifies and ministers grace; profanity cancels credibility.
• 1 Corinthians 10:31-33 urges every action to glorify God while avoiding offense that might block someone’s salvation.
• Believers remember God sovereignly places neighbors and co-workers—our witness is not random but divinely orchestrated.

3. Fellowship, Prayer, Word—Three Recognizable Habits
• Fellowship: Acts-patterned gatherings for worship and encouragement (Hebrews 10:25). Post-2020 “couch-church” neglects a 2,000-year norm.
• Prayer: Ephesians 6:18 —“praying always…in the Spirit.” Power in corporate agreement (Matthew 18:19-20). CrossLife’s daily 7 a.m. call & Wednesday meeting modeled.
• Scripture: Christians treat the Bible as inspired, shaping values on life (Exodus 20:13), marriage (Ephesians 5:25, 31). Regular reading replaces people-pleasing with God-pleasing.

4. Life Verses—Personal “Slogans” that Brand the Believer
• Like corporate taglines, a life verse keeps purpose visible. Examples given:
• Philippians 4:13—confidence amid difficulty.
• Isaiah 41:10—strength in storms.
• Romans 8:28—hope in uncertainty.
• Choosing a verse reminds the heart daily who we are in Christ.

5. Verses That Shape Legacy & Future
1. Philippians 1:21—“For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
• Every decision—time, money, companions—filtered through Christ’s honor.
• Fearless of death because it equals ultimate profit.
2. Ephesians 5:20—“Giving thanks always for all things.”
• A thankful spirit replaces complaining; such people are life-giving to be around.
3. 1 Corinthians 10:31—“Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
• Spirit of excellence in menial tasks draws notice and may open promotion; work is worship.

6. You Are the Light for a Dying World
• Humanity’s candles are unlit until touched by Christ’s flame.
• Matthew 5:14-16 commands believers to shine publicly, not hide the light.
• The new day, new week, and new year are “second chances” to rebuild reputation on Scripture, not culture.

Major Lessons & Revelations
• Christian identity is meant to be instantly recognizable, not secret.
• Holiness in speech, action, fellowship, prayer, and Scripture intake forms the believer’s “brand.”
• A chosen life verse anchors daily living and leaves a godly memorial after death.
• Excellence and gratitude glorify God and attract the lost.
• Every believer is strategically placed as light for those blinded by the deceiver.

Practical Application
1. Select or revisit a life verse; write it where you’ll see it daily.
2. Audit recent speech—replace any corrupt words with grace-giving language.
3. Schedule corporate worship and prayer; commit to show up and strengthen others.
4. Approach each task, however small, as service rendered directly to Jesus.
5. Keep a gratitude journal, noting “all things” for which to thank God.
6. Intentionally share your “light” this week—offer prayer, testimony, or help to someone near you.

Conclusion & Call to Response
The Lord grants a fresh start today. Lay past failures aside, adopt Scripture-centered living, and let your unmistakable “logo” of Christ-likeness shine so brightly that the lost are drawn to glorify the Father.

01/11/2026

Cross-Life Family and Guests: It’s all about JESUS.

Sunday, January 11, 2026

Join us in person or live online Sunday at 1:30 pm for Worship and The Word. Our Worship and Lead Pastor, Ajay Torres, will not only be leading us into worship, but bringing us the word.

How Do People Know And Recognize You As A Christian?

Matthew 5:16
Philippians 1:21

01/05/2026

Well Done: The Call to Good Stewardship

Scripture References
Genesis 1:1; Matthew 25:14-30; 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 Samuel 16; Luke 16:1-14; Luke 19:11-27; Hebrews 10:24-25; John 3:16; John 14:1-3; Proverbs 18:24

Introduction
• Pastor Ajay opens the new year reminding us that everything originates with God the Creator (Genesis 1:1).
• “Steward,” “manager,” and “guardian” are used interchangeably to frame the believer’s role over time, money, health, relationships, talents, church life, and salvation.
• Motto introduced: “Maintenance is better than repair,” setting the tone for proactive, faithful stewardship.

Key Points / Exposition
1. God Owns, We Manage
• Because God created heaven and earth, nothing we “have” is truly ours.
• Mental shift required: from ownership to guardianship.
• Maintenance principle applied to finances, health, vehicles, homes, relationships, gifts, and salvation.
2. Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)
• Cultural note: a single talent equaled ~75-100 lbs of gold/silver.
• Distribution “according to ability” affirms God’s justice, not favoritism.
• Outcomes:
• Five talents → ten; commended, “Well done… ruler over many.”
• Two talents → four; identical commendation.
• One talent buried; branded “wicked and slothful,” cast out.
• Core lesson: faithfulness with few precedes rulership over much; fear (2 Tim 1:7) paralyzes fruitfulness.
3. Fear vs. Faithful Action
• Fear identified as a spirit “not from God”; it excuses disobedience and leads to loss.
• Contrast of industrious servants with the “slothful” one (illustrated by the South American sloth anecdote).
4. Broader Stewardship—Time & Gifts
• From Genesis onward every human receives a measure of time and resources to develop for God’s glory.
• Fruit—not mere activity—is the desired return (personal story: mentoring worship team produced no fruit because recipients had no investment).
• 1 Samuel 16 example: David’s years of harp practice became deliverance for King Saul.
5. Parable of the Unjust Steward (Luke 16:1-14)
• Summary: steward cheats to secure future favor; Jesus’ takeaways (vv. 10-13):
• Faithful in little = faithful in much; unjust in little = unjust in much.
• Money (mammon) is a test; if mishandled, true riches won’t be entrusted.
• Loyalty conflict: “You cannot serve God and mammon.”
• Application to modern life: treating rentals, employers, or borrowed items poorly disqualifies us for our own.
6. Parable of the Minas (Luke 19:11-27)
• Ten servants each receive one mina (≈100 days’ wages).
• Returns of 10× and 5× rewarded with rulership over cities; the idle servant loses even the original sum.
• Reinforces accountability and proportional reward.
7. Practical Arenas of Stewardship
A. Employment - workplace is mission field; witness of “Michael at Verizon” highlighted.
B. Church - Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts regular gathering for mutual edification; online viewing is for the bedridden, deployed, or hospitalized.
C. Finances - God (El-Roi, “the God who sees”) observes spending habits; lavish purchases while “broke” reveal mis-management.
D. Friendships - cultivate closeness with Jesus first; pray for discernment because many are loyal only to their need. (Proverbs 18:24)
E. Testimony - must not be buried; used to multiply faith in others.

Major Lessons & Revelations
• Ownership is divine; stewardship is human responsibility.
• Fruitfulness, not mere preservation, pleases God.
• Fear, laziness, and self-service incur loss; faith, diligence, and generosity invite increase.
• Kingdom promotion hinges on proven faithfulness in small, everyday matters.
• True church growth is measured by spiritual maturity, not attendance figures.

Practical Application
1. Conduct a personal inventory of God-given resources (time, health, finances, relationships, skills).
2. Draft a maintenance plan—schedule regular check-ups: budget reviews, health routines, relationship investments, spiritual disciplines.
3. Tithe talents: volunteer, mentor, serve where your gifts meet others’ needs.
4. Treat anything borrowed or rented (job, apartment, equipment) better than if it were yours.
5. Set a monthly “fruit audit”: identify concrete outcomes you can offer back to God.
6. Strengthen daily friendship with Jesus—prayer and Scripture before social media or leisure.
7. Pray for discernment when forming new partnerships or friendships.

Conclusion & Call to Response
The Master is returning (John 14:1-3). What we do with the “few things” now determines future rulership and eternal fellowship. The congregation is urged to repent of mis-management, embrace proactive stewardship, and labor for fruit that merits the commendation, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

01/04/2026

Cross-Life Family and Guests: It’s all about JESUS.

Sunday, January 4, 2026

Join us in person or live online Sunday at 1:30 pm for Worship and The Word. Our Worship and Lead Pastor, Ajay Torres, will not only be leading us into worship, but bringing us the word.

Well Done

Matthew 25:14-30
Luke 16:1-14
John 14:1-3

itsallaboutJesus TheWord sundayservice crosslifefw january4 dallastexas livestreaming

12/29/2025

The Light Of The World

Scripture References
Luke 2:10-11; 1 John 4:19-21; Isaiah 9:6; Psalm 43:5; Psalm 43:4; Nehemiah 8:10; Isaiah 9:2; John 8:12; Matthew 5:14-16; Psalm 119:105

Introduction
Pastor Ajay recapped the first four Sundays of Advent—Love, Peace, Hope, and Joy—before unveiling today’s fifth-Sunday focus: Jesus Christ as the Light of the World and our call to carry that light. Each week’s theme points to one central mandate: don’t keep the good news to yourself—share it.

Key Points / Exposition
1. Share God’s Love
• Luke 2:10-11 records the angels’ “good tidings of great joy” announcing a Savior. God’s love is proven by sending His Son.
• 1 John 4:19-21 outlines our twofold response: love God back and love fellow believers. Claiming love for God while hating a brother makes one a liar.
• Practical testimony: a simple “Jesus loves you” and a small tip at McDonald’s moved a young woman to tears—evidence that people crave tangible reminders of divine love.

2. Share God’s Peace
• True peace is “peace with God while on earth,” not the elusive “peace on earth.”
• Isaiah 9:6 identifies Jesus as “Prince of Peace.” Because of salvation we enjoy a settled heart amid trials.
• Everyone you meet—cashiers, mechanics, family—longs for peace in mind, home, and finances. We possess it; therefore, distribute it.

3. Share God’s Hope
• Hope endures “as long as there’s life and breath.” Only the dead are hopeless.
• Illustration: a young, gifted NFL player with wealth and fame took his life—worldly assets did not supply hope.
• Psalm 43:5 shows David dialoguing with his soul—casting down discouragement by anchoring hope in God. Our hope source is God alone, never success or popularity.

4. Share God’s Joy
• Joy erupted at Christ’s birth, but continues through salvation’s unfolding.
• Psalm 43:4 names God “my exceeding joy.”
• Nehemiah 8:10 consoles weeping Israelites: “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Joy strengthens exhausted hearts and must be offered to joy-starved people.

5. Carry and Radiate Christ’s Light
• Isaiah 9:2 foretold a light shining on those in darkness.
• Jesus affirms in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world.”
• Hand-off of mission: Matthew 5:14-16—“You are the light of the world…let your light so shine.” We don’t hide a lamp; we elevate it for all to see good works and glorify the Father.
• Light’s triple symbolism used:
• Beauty - festive decorations, city skylines.
• Safety - lighthouses, flashlights
• Hope - distant city lights signaling “almost home.”
• God’s presence, favor, and blessings on us are for His glory, never for personal status; response: “To God be the glory.”
• Psalm 119:105 stresses self-illumination first: Scripture is our lamp and light. As flight attendants advise, secure your own oxygen mask (Word intake) before helping others.

Major Lessons & Revelations
• Christ alone is the source of love, peace, hope, joy, and light.
• Believers are conduits; withholding the gospel contradicts its purpose.
• Genuine Christian witness is validated by visible acts of compassion and constant Scripture saturation.
• God’s gifts manifest for His glory, not our recognition.

Practical Application
• Verbally tell someone each day: “Jesus loves you.”
• Keep gospel bracelets/tracts in pocket; hand them out during errands.
• In conversation, redirect anxious or hopeless friends to the Prince of Peace and Source of Hope.
• Use personal testimonies (e.g., tip-and-blessing moments) to illustrate God’s tangible care.
• Schedule daily Bible reading to “secure your own mask” and maintain a lit path.
• When complimented on your radiance, immediately testify: “To God be the glory.”

Conclusion & Call to Response
Christmas good news isn’t confined to December 25th; it is merely the beginning. The congregation is exhorted to live as illuminated witnesses—sharing divine love, peace, hope, joy, and light year-round.

Prayer
“Father, thank You for being our love, our hope, our joy, our peace, and our light. Make us faithful carriers of these gifts, shining for Your glory and leading those in darkness to Your marvelous light. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

12/27/2025

Cross-Life Family and Guests: It’s all about JESUS.

Sunday, December 28, 2025

Join us in person or live online Sunday at 1:30 pm for Worship and The Word. Our Worship and Lead Pastor, Ajay Torres, will not only be leading us into worship, but bringing us the word.

The Light Of The World
Advent Week 5

Isaiah 9:2
John 8:12
Matthew 5:14-16

isaiah9 john8 matthew5 kjv itsallaboutJesus TheWord sundayservice crosslifefw december28 dallastexas livestreaming

Cross-Life Family Worship

02/03/2026

01/31/2026

01/27/2026

01/25/2026

01/19/2026

01/18/2026

01/13/2026

01/11/2026

01/05/2026

01/04/2026

12/29/2025

12/27/2025

Address

Opening Hours

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category