Building Beyond: The Burden

Building Beyond: A Faith That Overcomes

Cross Church is continuing its Beyond vision—believing God to transform families, restore marriages, and impact the community. This week’s message, “A Faith That Overcomes,” looks at Nehemiah’s response to Jerusalem’s brokenness. Though comfortable as a cupbearer, Nehemiah was moved to weep, fast, and pray—a reminder that true faith begins with a burden that leads to action. Overcoming faith requires: 1. Starting with the Word—faith grows when God’s promises are hidden in our hearts. 2. Expecting resistance—opposition is normal, but faith grows stronger when pushed against. 3. Declaring faith boldly—Nehemiah refused distractions, staying focused on the work (“I am carrying on a great project and cannot come down”). 4. Remembering faith is contagious—one person’s belief strengthens an entire community. 5. Building and battling simultaneously—like the builders in Nehemiah 4, faith works with one hand and fights discouragement with the other. The call is simple: let faith push you beyond comfort. Pray, listen, and ask God what step of faith He’s asking you to take toward the Beyond Initiative. When we do what we can, God does what only He can. Want EXTRA on this message? Check out Pastor Josh's podcast, ⁠Extra Mayo.⁠ [https://crossatlanta.com/podcasts/] Want a day by day look into God's Word? Check out the ⁠Daily Dose Podcast. [https://crossatlanta.com/podcasts/]

Building Beyond: The Burden

Building Beyond – The Burden Welcome to a new series at Cross Church – Building Beyond – where we will be looking at the great works God called Nehemiah to do, and believing that he has likewise called us to Build Beyond. The story of Nehemiah begins with a broken heart. Though living in comfort as the king’s cupbearer in Persia, Nehemiah became deeply burdened when he heard that Jerusalem’s walls lay in ruins. His response—mourning, fasting, and praying—reveals a heart moved by what moves God. This is where building begins: awareness that leads to burden, and burden that leads to action. Nehemiah’s journey teaches that vision from God is always bigger than us. Like him, we live in a world where “the walls are down”—families fractured, faith fading, hope lost. God calls us not just to notice, but to care, to carry a holy discontent that refuses to stay comfortable. Building beyond ourselves starts with three steps: 1. Become aware – Ask honest questions and see the brokenness around you. 2. Get a burden – Let what breaks God’s heart break yours. 3. Move to action – Pray, plan, and step out in obedience even without all the answers. Our prayer: “Lord, make me aware—and don’t let me be comfortable until I join You in the rebuild.” As Cross Church moves forward in the Beyond Initiative, we’re asking God to make us burden-bearers who act for what moves His heart—people. Want EXTRA on this message? Check out Pastor Josh's podcast, Extra Mayo. [https://crossatlanta.com/podcasts/] Want a day by day look into God's Word? Check out the Daily Dose Podcast. [https://crossatlanta.com/podcasts/]

Psalms 23: Chased Back Home

Psalms 23: Chased Back Home | Pastor Josh Mayo In the finale of our Psalm 23 series, Pastor Josh Mayo unpacks the final verse of one of Scripture’s most loved chapters: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” This closing message, Chased Back Home, captures the relentless pursuit of God’s goodness and mercy — not trailing behind us passively, but chasing us down with covenant love. It’s a reminder that the Shepherd who walked us through valleys and set tables before enemies is the same One preparing a home for us. Bottom Line: Home isn’t a place — it’s a Person. The Shepherd became the Groom to bring you home. Key Takeaways: -When Life Feels Unsure, Faith Says “Surely”: Faith isn’t denial of uncertainty; it’s defiant confidence in a faithful Shepherd. -Goodness and Mercy Are Who God Is: Tov (goodness) reflects God’s creative nature to bless; ḥesed (mercy) reveals His covenant love that stays. -Mercy Doesn’t Trail — It Chases: The Hebrew word radaph means to pursue or chase — God’s love doesn’t lag behind you; it hunts you down with grace. -The First Mile Is a Liar: Early steps of faith can feel uncertain, but the Shepherd’s faithfulness outlasts every false start. -Don’t Just Visit His Presence — Dwell There: Where you dwell determines what develops. Lasting peace is found by abiding, not just arriving. -The Good Shepherd Became the Groom: Jesus left the Father’s house to prepare a place for you. The story that began with a Shepherd ends with a wedding — love bringing you home forever. Scriptures Mentioned: Psalm 23:1–6 | John 15:4–5 | John 14:2 | Revelation 21:3–4 Want to here a little EXTRA? Check out the Extra Mayo Podcast. [https://crossatlanta.com/podcasts/] Dive deeper into God's word with Pastor Josh with the Daily Dose Podcast. [https://crossatlanta.com/podcasts/]

Psalms 23: Overflowing Anointing

Psalms 23: Overflowing Anointing | Pastor Cornelius Fisher In this message, Pastor Cornelius Fisher explores Psalm 23:5 — “You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” Drawing from the shepherd’s world that inspired David, Pastor Cornelius unpacks how the Shepherd’s anointing brings protection, peace, and power in the middle of life’s irritations and attacks. Just as a shepherd covers his sheep with oil to heal and guard against flies and infection, our God covers our minds and hearts with His Spirit to guard us from anxiety, criticism, and fear. The anointing doesn’t just shield you — it fills and overflows to transform everything around you. Bottom Line:The God who anoints you to protect you also anoints you to elevate you. He still anoints, still fills, and still overflows. Key Takeaways: -The Shepherd’s Oil Has Purpose: David understood firsthand the daily need for oil — to protect, heal, and soothe the sheep. God does the same for us through His Spirit. -The Battle Begins in the Mind: The enemy targets our thoughts because if he can infect our thinking, he can influence our walk. -Anxiety, Worry, and Fear Are the Flies: God may not remove every irritation, but He equips us with the anointing to endure and overcome them. -The Anointing Breaks the Yoke: God’s Spirit doesn’t just comfort — it destroys what burdens and binds us (Isaiah 10:27). -The Anointing Empowers Purpose: The same Spirit that rested on Jesus rests on us to bring freedom, healing, and overflow (Luke 4:18). -Overflow Is the Goal: When God anoints you, it’s not meant to stay contained — His presence pours out to bless others. Scriptures Mentioned: Psalm 23:5 | Romans 12:2 | Isaiah 10:27 | Luke 4:18

Psalms 23: Preparing a Place

Psalm 23:5 — Home: Preparing a Place | Pastor Josh Mayo This week we’re unpacking Psalm 23:5 — “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” Even when life surrounds you with pressure, the Good Shepherd prepares a place of peace, provision, and belonging. The table isn’t escape from struggle—it’s victory in the middle of it. Main Topics Covered: -The mountain table — where God’s presence meets our surrender. -The Shepherd removes predator and poison before we ever arrive. -The table teaches trust when fear surrounds us. -The table represents adoption and victory—we sit as sons and daughters, not guests. -Sometimes the table we resist is the very one where God wants to restore us. Practical Life Applications: -Stop running from pressure; sit where the Shepherd sets the table. -Feast on peace, not fear. -Remember: your enemies can watch, but they can’t win. Passages Mentioned: Psalm 23:5 | Genesis 8:4 | Genesis 22:14 | Exodus 19:20 | 1 Kings 18:30–39 | Luke 23:33 | Psalm 124 | 2 Samuel 9 | Romans 8:15–17 Check out our other podcasts: Daily Dose and Extra Mayo [https://crossatlanta.com/podcasts/]