Three Crosses Church

We explore the mission of the church, and how Jesus defines that mission as making disciples. Looking at Matthew 28, Acts 1, and Ephesians 4, we see that the church is sent to bring people to Christ and grow them in obedience, and is equipped by the Holy Spirit for that task.

We explore the Bible’s vision of the church as God’s people gathered around Christ. From the heavenly gathering of believers across all ages to the local church gathered each week, we consider how Christ shapes our identity, worship, and character.

Tom Richards shows how faith is formed and strengthened. By tracing the recurring patterns of “Go and Tell” and “Come and See” through John 1:35–51, he explains how testimony leads people to Christ and how a deeper encounter with Jesus grows their faith. The sermon culminates in Jesus’ promise that Nathanael will see “greater things,” revealing Christ as God’s presence and greatest self-revelation. 

In this episode of Behind the Sermon, we become detectives as we investigate a surprising question from John 1:43, Who found Philip? As we follow the clues through the passage, this small detail opens up a fresh perspective on how Jesus’ first followers came to him and on the important role witnesses play in John’s Gospel.

Tom Richards shows how John the Baptist identifies Jesus as God’s promised Messiah and suffering servant—not through guesswork, but through compelling evidence God himself provided. Exploring the titles “Lamb of God” and “God’s Chosen One,” this sermon reveals why John’s testimony demands a response and what it means to follow a Saviour whose path to glory runs through suffering.

In this episode of Behind the Sermon, we explore the fascinating world of textural criticism, a journey that explores the text of John’s Gospel, the surprising identity of Jesus, and Isaiah’s suffering servant.

Tom Richards shows how John the Baptist points beyond himself to Jesus Christ, the greater prophet, the promised Messiah, and the fulfilment of God’s plan. From Moses to Elijah to Christ, this sermon traces the great prophetic sweep of Scripture and calls us to behold the greatness of Jesus.

In this episode of Behind the Sermon, we tackle a misunderstood phrase in John’s Gospel: ‘the Jews.’ Why does John speak this way when Jesus, John the Baptist, and the disciples are all Jewish themselves? As we explore the priests, Levites, Pharisees, and the tension surrounding John the Baptist’s ministry, we begin to uncover a deeper question about authority, identity, and what it means to belong to the people of God.

Tom Richards shows that Jesus Christ is God’s greatest revelation – greater than John the Baptist and greater than the law – the one and only Son. This revelation eclipses all others, as grace surpassing previous grace.

In this episode of Behind the Sermon, we take a closer look at a debated phrase in John’s Gospel: “grace in place of grace” or “grace upon grace.” What seems like a minor translation difference opens up a much bigger question about the law and the fullness of God’s grace revealed in Christ.