Shows
The Middle CrossSunday Sermon | Holding Fast: Defining Love | 1 Jn. 2:15-17 Pt. 2Sunday April 23rd, 2023. From the pulpit at New Vision Baptist Church. 2023-04-2545 minThe Middle CrossSunday Sermon | Holding Fast: Don't Get Distracted | 1 Jn. 2:15-17 Pt. 1Sunday April 16th, 2023. From the pulpit at New Vision Baptist Church. 2023-04-2538 minThe Middle CrossSunday Sermon | Holding Fast: The Christian Pilgrimage | 1 Jn. 2:12-14Sunday April 9th, 2023. From the pulpit at New Vision Baptist Church. 2023-04-2548 minThe Middle CrossEp. 29: Why are there so few men in church? | Interview with Robert Cale Pt. 2Mark, Robert, and J.P. discuss an often ignored topic in this episode. There's so few men in the modern church, and it's a problem. But why? They discuss masculinity and dive into the scriptures to assess the state of men and the church. Listen and be blessed.
Books mentioned:
Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Don Whitney- https://a.co/d/9JSQGS0
Disciplines of a Godly Man by R. Kent Hughes- https://a.co/d/gxUGE8N
It's Good to be a Man by Foster & Tennant...2023-04-2453 minThe Middle CrossEp. 28: The Power of the Gospel | Interview with Robert Cale Pt. 1Mark & J.P. sit down with a man who has witnessed the power of God to transform. The man, the myth, the legend, Robert Cale tells the story him coming to the end of himself and submitting to Christ. He reminds us that all glory goes to God and that grace is sufficient to cover all our sin. Listen and be blessed.
Contact us at themiddlecross1@gmail.com2023-04-2429 minThe Middle CrossEp. 27: Finding "the one" and other advice for young menIf you've ever heard, "Bro, I think she might be the one," then you should listen to this episode. Mark & J.P. discuss relationships and address the young men in particular. Should you be looking for "the one" you should marry? Or does "a one" become "the one" at the altar according to God's sovereign decree? Ultimately, the answer points to Christ and his Bride & God and his sovereign love.
Contact us at themiddlecross1@gmail.com2023-04-1538 minThe Middle CrossSunday Sermon | Holding Fast: The Light of Love | 1 Jn. 2:7-11From J.P.'s series on John's letters at New Vision Baptist Church.
Contact us at themiddlecross1@gmail.com2023-04-0442 minThe Middle CrossEp. 26: What is faithful ministry? Pt. 2We live in an age that loves hype and optics. Unfortunately, that love has spilled over into our expectations of ministry. Eugene Peterson describes it as "long obedience in the same direction." Part 2 covers 6 characteristics of ministers that Paul gives to Timothy in 2 Tim. 2. There's far more to faithful ministry than what Mark & J.P. can cover in this episode, but there is always more to come.
2023-03-2435 minThe Middle CrossEp. 25: Bridging the gap between God's truth and your lifeIn this episode mark and J.P. take a step back and discuss what The Middle Cross podcast is about. It's easy for us to slip into a lifestyle that is Christian in name and knowledge alone. But God is real, his Son is incarnate, and what we believe shows in how we live. Listen as Mark and J.P. break down the gap between Bible knowledge and the everyday Christian life.
Contact us: themiddlecross1@gmail.com2023-03-1828 minThe Middle CrossEpisode #24: How to fight idolatryIn this episode J.P. discusses the issue of idolatry and how we can fight it. When most Christians think of idolatry they think about little idols or things that we may spend to much time on here or there. The biggest fight in this age is against the idol of "self." Exodus 32 helps us understand that fight.
Contact us at themiddlecross1@gmail.com. 2023-03-1124 minThe Middle CrossEpisode #23: Revival & Revivalism Pt. 3Mark & J.P. continue their discussion regarding revival and revivalism. It's good to be cautiously optimistic when you hear of the "spirit of revival" moving. In this episode Mark & J.P. try to explain real revival and what it looks like.
We'd love to hear from you. Reach us at themiddlecross1@gmail.com.2023-03-0651 minThe Middle CrossEpisode #22: Revival & Revivalism Pt. 2Mark & J.P. continue their discussion regarding revival and revivalism. It's good to be cautiously optimistic when you hear of the "spirit of revival" moving. In this episode Mark & J.P. try to explain real revival and what it looks like.
We'd love to hear from you. Reach us at themiddlecross1@gmail.com.2023-03-0632 minThe Middle CrossEpisode #21: Revival & Revivalism Pt. 1Why do we crave revival? We may truly desire that God would work in our lives and the people around us. But it could be that we crave the mountain top high but are fearful of obedience in the valley. In this episode Mark & J.P. discuss coming off the mountain into the valley and whether revival is something we should chase down or wait on God to bring. 2023-02-2441 minThe Middle CrossEpisode #20: What is faithful ministry? Pt. 1We live in an age that loves hype and optics. Unfortunately, that love has spilled over into our expectations of ministry. Eugene Peterson describes it as "long obedience in the same direction." There's far more to faithful ministry than what Mark & J.P. can cover in this episode, but there is always more to come. 2023-02-2129 minThe Middle CrossDevotional: Looking to the Light | John 1:6-13This is the next segment in Mark & J.P.'s devotional series. Jesus is the light of the world and the only light by witch we have life. Listen and let the word renew your mind and refresh your heart. 2023-02-1025 minThe Middle CrossEpisode #19: How to deal with doubting God's love with Ben Cowell & Brennan KressIn the latest episode J.P. sits down with Ben and Brennan to discuss the topic of doubt. It's easy to get stuck in a rut of doubting God's love. Does he care for me anymore? Am I saved? Can I lose my salvation? The guys answer all those questions and more according to the Bible in this episode. Listen and be encouraged. 2023-02-081h 03The Middle CrossNehemiah: Joy Up in the Air | Neh. 12:27-43From the pulpit at New Vision Baptist Church2023-01-3137 minThe Middle CrossEpisode 18: How to evangelize your kids with Ben CowellJ.P. and Ben sit down to discuss how to evangelize and disciple your kids. The gospel and the word should saturate our homes, but it must saturate our hearts first. Our guest Ben Cowell is the Pastor at Brownsville Baptist Church, and he offers some keen insight on the subject both as a dad and as an experienced youth pastor.
Check out Ben's book recommendation, Family Worship: In the Bible, In History, and In Your Home by Donald Whitney. 2023-01-2830 minThe Middle CrossNehemiah: And Who Are You? | From Neh. 11-12:26From the pulpit at New Vision Baptist Church on January 22nd, 2023. 2023-01-2438 minThe Middle CrossDevotional: Who is Jesus? Jn. 1:1-5Mark & J.P. spend some time in John and take a look at the identity of Christ as John explains it. Listen to this devotional and enjoy a time in the Word this week. 2023-01-2030 minThe Middle CrossDevotional: Truth & Love from Acts 15This is the first installment of Mark & J.P.'s weekly devotional series. Start the week off with God's word. 2023-01-1631 minThe Middle CrossNehemiah: The Cost of Obedience | Neh. 10:28-39Listen to J.P. continue his series in Nehemiah from the pulpit at New Vision Baptist Church. 2023-01-0944 minThe Middle CrossEpisode #17: Discipline & MasculinityMark & J.P. discuss the importance of discipline in the Christian life. It's no news that masculinity has been thrown under the bus by the culture. Some influencers have stood up and given a voice to men, but local men must lead the way in order to train the next generation. There's a lot of good sources on living a disciplined life, but the reality is that all such wisdom begins with God. Mark & J.P. start in Proverbs 6. Let's put off laziness and put on discipline. 2023-01-0650 minThe Middle CrossEpisode #16: How Not to Live Like a Practical AtheistMark & J.P. discuss what it looks like to live like God's not real. It's easier to fall into than you might think. We like to create a gap between the reality of God's word and the application of it in our lives. Let's shrink the gap and asses where we are in our walk with God as we start this new year. 2023-01-0226 min
The Middle CrossEpisode #15: Living For God in a New YearMark and JP discuss dealing with people pleasing and how to live for God in the new year. 2022-12-2930 min
The Middle CrossEpisode #14: A Year in ReviewMark and J.P. take a look at 2022 and talk about what God's been up to in their lives. 2022-12-2029 min
The Middle CrossNehemiah: Let the Lion Out | Neh. 8:9-18From the pulpit at New Vision Baptist Church with J.P. Barden2022-11-2246 min
The Middle CrossEpisode #12: Why join a church? And hot topics with our guest Cameron the "Tennessee Electrician"Mark and J.P. welcome Cameron the "Tennessee Electrician" on and discuss the impact of being a part of a solid Bible believing church. Listen to the later half to hear Mark, Cameron, and J.P. discuss difficult topics and a culture that's gone off the rails. 2022-11-221h 18
The Middle CrossNehemiah: A Word Centered People Pt. 1 | Neh. 7-8From the pulpit at New Vision Baptist Church. 2022-11-1544 minThe Middle CrossEpisode #11: Finding a Rhythm of RestRest is important to the Christian and non-Christian alike, but what pattern for life does the Bible establish? What is rest anyway? Mark & J.P. discuss rest and more in this episode. 2022-11-1529 minThe Middle CrossNehemiah: Hard Pressed but Not Crushed | Neh. 6:1-19From the Pulpit at New Vision Baptist Church2022-11-0746 minThe Middle CrossNehemiah: The Straw & the Camel's Back | Neh. 5:1-19From the Pulpit at New Vision Baptist Church 2022-11-0743 minThe Middle CrossEpisode #7: Our All-Knowing, Sovereign GodMark and J.P. discuss the omniscience of God and why it should cause us to worship. God is not just more than we are he is altogether above us and yet reaches down in his grace to us. Listen and be reminded of the goodness of God. 2022-10-1931 minThe Middle CrossEpisode #6: Should Christians celebrate Halloween?Mark and J.P. discuss Halloween, costumes, and Fall Fests on this weeks episode. Is it ok for Christians to celebrate Halloween? What is it in the first place? 2022-10-1032 minThe Middle CrossEpisode #5: Interview with Benjamin CowellIn this episode J.P. interviews Benjamin Cowell, the new Pastor at Brownsville Baptist Church. He gives us a sense of the direction of his ministry and how God led him to Brownsville, TN. And we talk about a few fun pastoral things along the way.2022-10-0432 minThe Middle CrossEpisode #4: Wisdom for the UnwedMark and J.P. discuss another not so comfortable topic. Is it wrong for unwed Christians to live together? The short answer is yes, but there may be more to it than you think. Listen as Mark and J.P. explain why living wisely as unwed Christians spills over as lasting joy in marriage. 2022-09-2633 minThe Middle CrossNehemiah: God's Work, God's Way, and God's People | Neh. 1:1-11Listen as J.P. starts a news series in the OT book of Nehemiah. 2022-09-2644 minThe Middle CrossGod Above All: Our All-Creative God | Ps. 139:13-24Here's J.P.'s last sermon in the God Above all series. 2022-09-1935 minThe Middle CrossEpisode #3: Gay Pride, Drag Queens, & the GospelIs homosexuality a sin? Can we live and let live as Christians? If not, then what do? Listen and see what the Bible says about it.2022-09-1732 minThe Middle CrossGod Above All: Our Ever-Present God | Ps. 139:7-12From the pulpit at New Vision Baptist Church. 2022-09-1233 minThe Middle CrossEpisode #2: Ministry Realities & Gospel SufficiencyBrennon Kress joins us in this episode. He serves as pastor at Harmony Baptist Church in Haywood County. He and J.P. discuss the best and hardest parts of serving as young men in ministry.2022-09-0730 minThe Middle CrossGod Above All: Our All-Seeing God | Ps. 139:1-6There is no God like our God. He is the Alpha & the Omega, the beginning and the end. He is worthy of all praise and glory. Here's a message from J.P. at New Vision Baptist Church on the omniscience of God. 2022-09-0532 minThe Middle CrossGrace & Peace: Love Incorruptible | Eph. 6:21-24Here's the conclusion to J.P.'s series through Ephesians. Paul sums up the thrust of the letter in his benediction. Go in gospel peace, gospel love, and gospel grace. 2022-08-2938 minThe Middle CrossEpisode #1: Why do bad things happen to good people?This is the first episode to air on the Brownsville Radio @ 95.3. We are happy to join the Haywood Baptist Hour at 8am Sunday mornings!
In this episode Mark & J.P. discuss the question at hand and ask another one in its place. Why do good things happen to bad people? And why did such a bad thing have to happen to Jesus for a bad person like me?
2022-08-2930 minThe Middle CrossGrace & Peace: The Gospel Fight | Eph. 6:10-20A message from J.P. at New Vision Baptist Church.
We're usually at least relatively aware of our surroundings, but how aware are we of the spiritual fight in this life? 2022-08-2247 minThe Middle CrossGrace & Peace: The Gospel at Work | Eph. 6:5-9We sometimes limit the gospel to the privacy of our hearts, but the reality is that the gospel shapes more than that. It effects your work, too. Listen to J.P. as he explains why the gospel matters in the workplace. 2022-08-1537 minThe Middle CrossGrace & Peace: The Gospel and the Household | Eph. 6:1-4Listen as J.P. preaches from Ephesians on Paul's instructions to parents. 2022-08-0847 minThe Middle CrossGrace & Peace: The Gospel and Marriage | Eph. 5:31-33J.P. finishes up the marriage series in Ephesians. The foundation of marriage is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Have you submitted your life to the Bridegroom? Consider the powerful image of marriage in the Bible as you listen to this message. 2022-08-0340 minThe Middle CrossGrace & Peace: A Word for Husbands | Eph. 5:25-30J.P. continues his series through Ephesians and focuses in on husbands in this message. 2022-08-0344 minThe Middle CrossGrace & Peace: A Word to Wives | Eph. 5:22-24The gospel story shapes every part of our life story. It shapes our marriages, as well. Listen to a sermon from J.P. as he preaches a series through the Epistle to the Ephesians. 2022-07-1847 minThe Middle CrossGrace & Peace: An Intro to Marriage | Eph. 5:22-33What is marriage and why is it so hard? Listen to J.P. as he preaches from Eph. 5:22-33 on marriage. 2022-07-1440 min
The Middle CrossHow do I study the Bible?In this episode JP and Mark give some practical tips to help you study your Bible. 2022-03-3029 min