Praxis

Crosspoint Community Church
  • 5.0 (27)
  • CHRISTIANITY
Praxis

Praxis is a podcast where we explore how to practice and actually embody the way of Jesus and live on mission by joining God’s work in the world. Praxis is recorded and produced by Crosspoint Community Church in Oconomowoc, WI. Find out more on our website: crosspointwi.com/praxis

  1. The Lenses We Live By

    JUN 30

    The Lenses We Live By

    Send us a text What if the way Jesus saw the world could transform how you live your everyday life? In this illuminating conversation, we unpack the concept of mental models—those invisible frameworks that shape everything from how we parent and lead to how we interpret Scripture and engage in mission. Think of mental models like prescription glasses. While rarely noticed, they constantly filter how we see reality. Where do these frameworks come from? Our first formation in family, personal experiences that shape our beliefs, education that trains our thinking, and the cultural waters we swim in all contribute to our unique set of lenses. These mental models are neither inherently good nor bad—they're simply the tools our brains use to make sense of a complex world. The question becomes: are they accurate and life-giving? What makes this conversation particularly powerful is realizing that Jesus was consistently in the business of disrupting flawed mental models. He challenged how people viewed God, showing Him as an intimate Father rather than just a distant deity. He transformed perceptions of the marginalized, treating each person as an image-bearer. He inverted models of power, demonstrating that true leadership comes through service. Join us as we preview our exciting new series exploring the mental models behind Jesus' approach to missional discipleship—convictions like "God's presence precedes our participation," "God is like Jesus," and "God cares about who we are, not just what we do." Through examining and updating our mental models, we can align our thinking more closely with Christ and participate more fully in His mission. How might your life change if you could see the world through Jesus' eyes? Listen now and begin the journey of transformation.

    1h 12m
  2. Kingdom Aikido: Jesus' Way Toward Loving Enemies

    JUN 9

    Kingdom Aikido: Jesus' Way Toward Loving Enemies

    Send us a text What does it truly mean to love your enemies in the way of Jesus? This question isn't just theological theory—it's a practical challenge we face whenever someone wrongs or mistreats us. In this powerful conclusion to our forgiveness series, we explore what might be Jesus's most radical teaching: not just breaking free from cycles of enemy-making, but actively loving those who harm us. Most people naturally default to either fight (retaliation) or flight (passive submission) when wronged. Jesus offers a stunning third way—what we're calling "Kingdom Aikido"—that refuses to mirror evil while still actively resisting it. By examining Jesus's teaching in Matthew 5:38-48 through its historical context, we discover that "turn the other cheek" wasn't advocating doormat Christianity, but a creative nonviolent resistance that exposes injustice while preserving human dignity. Through compelling examples and personal stories, we unpack four essential components of this approach: refusing to respond in kind, reclaiming your agency, holding up a mirror to injustice, and inviting the wrongdoer to repent. This isn't just about theoretical ethics—it's about practical wisdom for transforming conflicts in our families, workplaces, and communities. What might change if we approached challenging relationships not with passive resignation or aggressive hostility, but with the creative, dignity-affirming resistance Jesus modeled? Loving enemies isn't easy, but it's at the heart of the gospel. After all, "we love God only as much as we love our worst enemy." Join us as we explore what it means to follow Jesus in the radical art of turning enemies into friends.

    1h 26m
  3. Forgiveness vs. Reconciliation: What's the Difference?

    MAY 19

    Forgiveness vs. Reconciliation: What's the Difference?

    Send us a text The journey from forgiveness to reconciliation is one of the most challenging paths in Christian discipleship. While many believers embrace God's forgiveness and understand the importance of forgiving others, the question of what comes next often leaves us confused, frustrated, or even stuck. In this episode, we unpack a powerful distinction that clarifies the forgiveness process: "Forgiveness is a solo, reconciliation is a duet." Through the inspiring story of Elizabeth Elliott, who forgave and lived among the indigenous people who killed her missionary husband, we witness the transformative power of extending grace beyond our human capacity. But what happens when forgiveness doesn't lead to reconciliation? Must we always return to relationship with those who've hurt us? We explore the nuanced spectrum of reconciliation—from simple cordial peace to full relational restoration—and the wisdom required to discern what's appropriate in each situation. When trust has been broken, particularly in cases of abuse or serious harm, reconciliation may look very different than simply returning to how things were. At the heart of genuine reconciliation is a mutual commitment to acknowledging reality. Without both parties willing to face the truth of what happened, reconciliation becomes impossible or unsafe. Yet even when perspectives differ, grace can cover the gaps when hearts are open. For those navigating this difficult terrain, we offer practical guidance on setting healthy boundaries, clarifying your needs, and communicating respectfully during the recalibration process. Whether you're seeking reconciliation with someone who's not ready or discerning how to respond to someone who wants to reconnect with you, these practices can help you embody both grace and wisdom. Ready to deepen your understanding of forgiveness and reconciliation in your own relationships? Listen now, and discover how to practice the way of Jesus even in your most challenging relationships.

    1h 14m
  4. Choosing to Forgive

    APR 28

    Choosing to Forgive

    Send us a text What does it actually look like to forgive someone who's hurt you deeply? After acknowledging the pain and choosing to move toward forgiveness, how do you actually release the debt and free yourself from resentment? In this episode, we dive into the mechanics of forgiveness – the practical steps of extending forgiveness to others even when our emotions haven't caught up with our decision. We unpack the difference between verbally declaring forgiveness and truly embodying it through our actions. While saying "I forgive you" matters, what follows matters more. Through personal stories – including Mac's struggle to forgive Josie for breaking his precious vintage Coleman lantern – we illustrate how forgiveness often involves an internal battle between what we know is right and what our emotions are demanding. We share practical exercises for releasing wrongdoing, from writing letters of forgiveness to symbolic acts like releasing hurts down an imaginary river. The benefits of forgiveness extend far beyond spiritual alignment. Research increasingly shows that holding onto bitterness keeps our bodies in chronic stress, while forgiveness brings mental, emotional, and physical healing. When we forgive, we not only free ourselves but potentially inspire others around us to do the same. Ready to experience the freedom that comes from genuinely forgiving others? Listen now, and take your next step toward embodying the forgiveness Jesus modeled for us.

    1h 6m
  5. Learning to Lament

    APR 10

    Learning to Lament

    Send us a text We explore how naming and lamenting the impact of wrongful actions in Jesus's presence serves as the first step toward engaging in cruciform forgiveness. Developing this essential spiritual practice helps us move from bitterness to freedom. • Why facing reality is essential for true forgiveness • The cycle of enemy-making that traps us in unforgiveness • How acknowledging pain allows healing rather than keeping us stuck • Biblical examples of lament from David to Jesus himself • The danger of spiritual bypassing when we minimize hurt • How Jesus meets us in our pain when we invite him into our lament • Personal examples of Jesus bringing healing through reimagining painful experiences • The importance of growing our pain tolerance to increase emotional maturity Take time this week to identify a wrong you've experienced, journal what happened, write a prayer of lament, and ask Jesus to speak to your pain. You can find resources for writing your own lament at on our website. Writing A Lament Resource Flywheel of Unforgiveness Illustration

    1h 18m
  6. The Forgiveness of Jesus

    MAR 20

    The Forgiveness of Jesus

    Send us a text What does it truly mean to forgive like Jesus? This transformative episode dives deep into the heart of Christian forgiveness by examining both Jesus' teachings and his lived example. Through powerful stories like Corrie Ten Boom confronting her Nazi prison guard and Jesus forgiving from the cross, we discover how forgiveness breaks the destructive cycle of enemy-making that traps so many of us. When someone wrongs us, we often respond by ruminating on the hurt, hardening our hearts, and eventually seeking revenge. But Jesus offers a radical alternative. From his teachings on unlimited forgiveness to his practice of forgiving even those who betrayed him, Jesus demonstrates that forgiveness isn't just something we do for others—it's essential for our own spiritual freedom. The conversation reveals how our ability to forgive others directly connects to our experience of God's forgiveness. As N.T. Wright notes, "Failure to forgive isn't failing to live up to a moral teaching—it's cutting off the branch you're sitting on." Through practical steps like confession, Scripture memorization, and imaginative engagement with gospel stories, we learn how to break free from resentment and become conduits of God's transformative love. Whether you're struggling to forgive a small slight or facing the seemingly impossible task of forgiving a profound hurt, this episode offers both the theological foundation and practical wisdom to begin your journey toward freedom. Between any wrong done to us and our response lies a choice—and choosing forgiveness opens us to experience the full depth of God's love flowing through us to others.

    1h 20m
  7. Breaking the Cycle of Enemy-Making

    FEB 24

    Breaking the Cycle of Enemy-Making

    Send us a text Forgiveness is a journey that challenges us to confront our own hearts while navigating the complexities of relationships. Understanding the cycle of enemy-making reveals how ruminating on wrongs can harden our hearts and distort our perceptions of others. By intentionally practicing forgiveness, we reclaim our agency and foster deeper connections rooted in love and mercy. In this episode we will: Explore the definition and significance of forgiveness Understand the cycle of enemy-making and its components Learn how ruminating affects our hearts and perceptions Differentiate between real and imagined wrongs Discover passive and active forms of revenge in relationships Reclaim your agency to break free from unforgiveness Practical steps to address lingering resentments and forgive

    1h 15m
  8. Redefining Forgiveness

    FEB 3

    Redefining Forgiveness

    Send us a text Ever struggled to forgive someone, even when you know it's the right thing to do? That's a journey we're all familiar with, and in this episode, we seek to unravel the complexities of forgiveness and share insights that could transform your perspective. Throughout our conversation, we tackle the misconceptions surrounding forgiveness. We delve into the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation, exploring why letting go of bitterness is a personal decision, while rebuilding trust requires mutual effort. With personal stories, theological insights, and the wisdom of figures like Martin Luther King Jr., we challenge the notion that forgiveness is a sign of weakness. Instead, we present it as a profound act of strength and liberation, capable of opening doors to healing and growth in both personal relationships and broader societal contexts. This episode seeks to redefine forgiveness by examining its spiritual and emotional dimensions. It’s not about ignoring or excusing harm, but about acknowledging the truth and choosing to release resentment. By discussing how forgiveness aligns with redemption and underscores the importance of boundaries, we highlight that it doesn’t erase the memory of wrongdoing but cancels the emotional debt without removing accountability. Join us as we explore how the act of forgiveness can be a powerful tool for personal transformation and a catalyst for hope in our everyday lives.

    1h 11m
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Trailer

5
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

Praxis is a podcast where we explore how to practice and actually embody the way of Jesus and live on mission by joining God’s work in the world. Praxis is recorded and produced by Crosspoint Community Church in Oconomowoc, WI. Find out more on our website: crosspointwi.com/praxis

Information

  • Creator
    Crosspoint Community Church
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Praxis
  • Show Website
    Praxis

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