Stephanie- Leadership
2024 began with the regular routines: filling in the church calendar, discerning the Word for the year (thanks Linda K.), and starting a reading plan. Alex asked the team, “Can we have 2 words? I think our word is ‘Missional Imagination.’ By the way, here’s a book on prayer.” God planted a seed at our first LT meeting that has been growing since.
Encouraged by our reading, the team started praying bold, imaginative, and specific prayers. As a team, we have been learning what it means to listen and discern God’s will in prayer together. God is transforming the leadership into a PRAYING team.

​And His church at Crossroads is becoming a PRAYING Church. We don’t have a prayer team because our church IS the prayer team. Whether it’s Sunday mornings together, or Saturday walks around the neighborhood, Crossroads is growing as a PRAYING church.

Greg- Financial
In His Word, God has given us all pretty clear guidance on how to seek, hear and understand His will. Through prayer, sometimes including fasting, studying His Word, and listening to Godly wisdom of mentors, leaders and other pillars of the church, leaning in and moving forward with prudent action in line with what we are hearing — AND ALWAYS IN UNITY!
​
So it should be no surprise that we have heard bits and pieces from Him over the past year or so as we have sought his will via the above means. And from time to time - and most recently, I believe - He has “congealed” many of those bits — some small and some large — into another prudent action plan for us. You may ask - what, Greg, does all that have to do with finances? I have seen God work through His people called to this, His church we call Crossroads in unbelievable ways in the past year.

When I did not think it was possible, in at least three areas I have seen God miraculously provide the financial resources needed to accomplish His mission for us:

1. Campus Use Permit Update: Sustained/increased provision of money and skilled labor by our campus partners and our congregation to complete the groundwork for future growth of Hope Academy for Dyslexics. This is still a work in progress, but the Crossroads share of these expenses were provided for and spent in the period ending in December 2023

2. Building The Dream capital improvement campaign: Again, sustained/increased provision by our faithful congregation partnering with our campus partners (reduced cost/donated labor and materials) to complete our urgent roof replacement, as well as painting in the kitchen and education wing. And we’re just getting started on the projects - GO GOD!)

3. Staff growth: Most recently I believe God has spoken to us through His faithful congregation via new pledges to our General fund. We now have almost all of what is needed to fund the monthly cost of bringing on a critically needed member to our staff at a time when we are seeing growth and diversity in our ministries. GOD has known this all along, and has watched our faithful seeking of His plans for us and calling to serve this community where He has planted us.
Every time I consider these I get goose-bumps, and sometimes even tears of joy! I hope you  can clearly see, that time and again, God has honored our UNIFIED efforts to seek His plans (and timing) for ministry at Crossroads.

Cheryl- Care
Crossroads Care Team provides an opportunity to demonstrate our love, compassion and mercy for one another while meeting each other’s needs. We serve in the areas of care, hospitality, benevolence and special church events. Various areas of responsibility might include caring for others through calls, cards, visits, preparing and delivering meals, providing transportation, and helping with errands. Crossroads major events are also coordinated through the Care Team.

This last year we cared for new moms, those with health issues and/or family needs. We continued to reach out and make connections through calls, visits and church events. God blessed us with new families at Crossroads, allowing us to make connections and share the love of Jesus. Our involvement with various community organizations – Options Health, Hands and Feet, Children of Faith also increased as we served alongside them.
The Care Team is currently developing plans to train and equip successors to serve on the team. We encourage and mentor others to serve with us. If you are interested in serving, contact Cheryl Summers, Care Team leader, for additional information..

Kathy- Admin
In the unity of purpose felt on the Leadership Team. We are being asked time and again to take a leap of faith where we feel God leading us. The leaps are sometimes scary, but if we are faithful, God will also be faithful.
As far as the Office Team, we answer the phones, email and greet visitors as they come in the door. We keep congregation information up to date, we prepare materials for the sermons and we copy forms for meetings. There’s always something to do. God is good!

Wayne- Worship
This quarter the crossroads, tech and praise team has experienced the dividends of the new praise team leadership that has been in place since January. Perhaps it just took time to gel. Perhaps we individually needed to grow into a unit. Perhaps it was the additional time we would spend in prayer prior to rehearsals and worship services. Perhaps it was the joys and sorrows we weekly shared with each other.

It was certainly evident in the way everyone would pitch in after rehearsal and after service to put all the equipment away. It was evident when any one of us would walk in the door and all the others would shout out "How are you doing with that issue, that hurt, that thing we've been praying for?" I can say for sure that the praise team has experienced a musical miracle. The one where in the middle of a song one or more of us will realize that we are making beautiful music. We are doing the thing that we oh so long to do and it sounds beautiful. It sounds beautiful to us and we are hopeful that It sounds beautiful to God & you.

Having experienced that miracle once, twice or multiple times has fostered confidence & growth. We have grown to trust each other to trust ourselves to let go and let God's spirit guide the music. Dare I say that we have jointly grown in our relationship with & in our service to God.

Perhaps you, the Crossroads congregation have also seen glimpses of it. If not, it is our prayer that you will.

Wayne (Yes we have two Waynes ;) )- Facilities
I love seeing people connect with each other at the BBQs, Potlucks, and at church. Crossroads is such a warm and welcoming place where everyone can feel at home. It’s great seeing the new faces at church and that more people are coming to church. It is a blessing that we are growing as a church, and we are seeing new families being part of our wonderful community. The generosity of this community is amazing. The building the dream campaign has been a success and because of it we are able to update our facility, put a new roof on the building, and make our campus even better than it was before. Crossroads is a special place with so many special people.

 Sermon Reflections from United in Love | Alex Hardt | February 11,2024  
 
Pastor Alex continued this week teaching us about the concepts of Rhythms- those things we do to keep ourselves connected to God.  As we saw with prayer the connectedness is doable and needs to be exercised daily, weekly, yearly = all the time.

This week Pastor Alex focused on the fact that to stay connected to God we need to stay connected to each other in a loving way.  Love is an intangible thing as it needs to take the form of words and deeds.  It needs to be shown.  Christ showed His love for us as described in Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”   He also expressed his love while here on earth by healing, casting out demons, befriending the friendless, serving, feeding, etc.  His love took action and it was felt by everyone who came into contact with Him.  God’s love towards is was sacrificial, John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”   God showed his love for us by sending Jesus to die on the cross and raising him from the dead. 

What about your love is genuine, sacrificial, kind, serving or helping?   When you see others, do you look for ways to bring them to Christ?  What about your Christian friends?  Do you look for ways to show them Christ’s love?  Christ healed- who can you heal with words of kindness or a loving deed?  Christ cast out demons- who do you know that needs to know of the love of God and be free of their demons?  Can you talk to them or pray for/with them?   Christ befriended the friendless- who do you know that needs a friend?  Christ served others- do you have a group where you can serve in his name?  Christ fed many- who do you know that needs physical food like a meal or an invite to lunch.  Who do you know that needs spiritual food from God’s Word?  Do you have a verse, a word of encouragement or prayer to give to them?   Authentic love in Christ is transforming and His Holy Spirit will motivate us to be more and more like Jesus as we walk with Him each day.

Being connected to God through and for others means we actually have to join in, be there, stand with other physically, hold hands, pray together, speak, eat and enjoy one another’s company.  In Acts 14:27-28 Paul tells what he did upon returning to Antioch from his trip. “ On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.”   Paul was excited to tell other believers of the work God was doing in the world.  In Acts 12:5 we hear about the church praying for Peter’s freedom “So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.”  In Acts 2:41-43 we see the church being about supporting one another “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.”   In each of these scenes in Acts we see the church being together and connecting. 

Are you part of our gatherings?  Do you want to learn about our missionaries and pray for them?  Do you join with our 24 hours of prayer as we lift Crossroads and each one of us before God’s throne?  Do you regularly come to worship?  How about a home group or bible study group, are you there? Do you join in social events to break bread and visit with one another?  Without these actions, we can’t be invested in each other’s lives.   Christ desires that we connect with one another to uplift and encourage each other in our walk with Him.  Remember Christ’s words in Matthew 18:20 “ For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”  When we gather with others, acknowledging Him in our hearts and lives, He promises to be there in our midst.  You would not want to miss out- join us to connect.

Linda
​
MESSAGE LINK
Click Here to View the Message on Youtube
Our Sunday service is online and in-person at 11:00am.
​Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass.  

Sermon Reflections from God's Love and Worldly Love | Alex Hardt | October 22, 2023

Pastor Alex began his message with examples of statements that are untrue but are commonly accepted as truth or possible truth.  Now we have Google and can check things almost instantly when one is in doubt.  The Apostle John was concerned about believers being led astray and deceived by conflicting messages.  He wanted the believers then and now to be able to discern truth from falsehood in regard to God.  

He tells us in verse 1 to test the messages and messengers, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. “   He wanted believers informed and not swayed by false messages and messengers.  He had a fool proof method of detection. 
Verses 2-3  “ This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.” 

Putting it in today’s language one needs to ask, Does the message or messenger acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior?  Is their message all about Jesus and his work on the cross or something else?  Do they say Jesus rose from the dead?  Do they say Jesus redeemed us through his blood and restored our relationship with God or is something else involved we have to work for?  If their answers do not center of Jesus and his work on the cross and resurrection from the dead, they are not from or of God.  We have to know the source of our truth.  We need to know about God and his plan of salvation through Jesus.  Our faith needs to be placed in Jesus and his redemptive work on the cross and resurrection from the dead alone. 

Knowing that God is our source of love and truth, will lead us. We can speak from God’s perspective when we focus on Him and trust unswervingly in His omniscience.  God knows all and has it covered. 

Verse 4 should help us solidify our godly perspective “ You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”   We don’t need to worry about the world’s opinions.  Our focus and listening ear should be towards God knowing for certain He hears, loves and cares for us!  Listening to God, we will be able to hear His truth and know what is right.    Someone may ask, how do you know?  I love Romans 8:16 “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”  As a believer, when I say that I believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit dwelling within me affirms that it is truth.  If I tried to say that as an unbeliever, there would be no confirmation within my soul as it would be a lie.

Knowing we belong to Jesus, leads us to love others.  Without Jesus, we would not have that desire. 1 John 4:7-8 “ Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”  Knowing God lead us to love others- to demonstrate His love to the world.  What kind of love is this?  John tells us of the sacrificial love of God in verses 9-10 “9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”  In verse 11, God calls us to a higher level of love for each other, “ Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”   Where is God calling you to love sacrificially?  Who is He asking you to love even though you don’t really want to?  I can’t imagine God wanted to send Jesus to his death for our sins, but He did it because he loved us so much.

John 3:16 states this perfectly, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”   God wants us to be with him eternally!  God wants us filled with His love and loving others!

John adds in an additional caveat for loving God. In verse 16b-18 “God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”   If we have God’s love within us and act in love towards others, we can live in confidence and eternal hope.  We do not need to fear the future or be anxious about our sins and punishment.  In God’s love there is no fear as He has washed our sins away and covered us with His love.  We will be held accountable for our actions and words but there is no death penalty as faith in Jesus had rendered us ‘not guilty’.  Take these verses to heart. 

Romans 10:9-10 “ If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” 

And Ephesians 2:8 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—“  

Ephesians 1:7 “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” 

Colossians 1:13-14“ For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”  

The Bible is filled with the truth of God’s love towards us and the forgiveness, restoration and redemption for all eternity.  Read it and claim it for yourself. 

Have a blessed week walking in His love.

Linda

MESSAGE LINK
Click Here to View the Message on Youtube
Our Sunday service is online and in-person at 11:00am.
​Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass.

Sermon Reflections from Love and Hatred | Alex Hardt | October 8, 2023
 
Pastor Alex spoke candidly about the world’s pressures upon us to choose its ways over God’s.  Our sin nature predisposes us towards that, but our Spiritual nature from God moves us towards Him in spite of our propensity to sin.  We are reminded of Jesus’ words of promise in 1 John 4:4 “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”  We are comforted by this truth for we know that we will be victorious in Him. 

Our text for today was 1 John 2 and begins with obedience in the face of sin.  John acknowledges that we all sin and comforts us with the truth of Jesus’ forgiveness.  “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”   John hopes that by leaning into Jesus we can avoid sin, but he assures us that we bear Jesus’ righteousness though faith.  This truth can and does comfort us.   John then tells us how to focus on being obedient to God in the face of all the adversity in which we live daily.  

*If we have come to know Jesus, we’ll work to keep his commandments (3)
*Obedience to God’s word brings God’s love to completion in us (5)
*Knowing Jesus gives us the desire to live and be more like Him(6)
*Living in Jesus’ light means setting aside hatred for others, exchanging darkness for light (9)
*Hatred for others, or yourself, creates a darkness which will surround you and cause you to be blind to Jesus and what He desires for your life. (11)

By being Obedient to God’s Ways and Word, we show our love for God.  The proof of our love is in how we act and speak.   How does this challenge you to better align your actions to God’s Word?   Do you see a need to know more about His ways so you can better show Jesus to those around you?  Join a home group- a bible study and dive into His Word with fellow believers.   See the Church Website for groups and when they meet.

In 1 John 2:15-17, John specifically talks about avoiding the world’s influence in our lives.   “ Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” 

John warns us not to put our love efforts into loving the world.  Because if we do, we are committing ourselves to many undesirable things that are opposed to God and His ways.  He names pride, lust, fleshly pursuits which would include craving physical pleasures, power, greed, advancement, achievements for self-gain, etc.    Many of these can start out harmless enough but when fueled with pride, greed, lust and envy they become perverted.  We do need to work hard and take pride in our work and achievements, but not be filled with boasting, self-love and entitlement.  John also reminds us that the worldly things are just that, worldly and will only endure for the here and now.  They are temporal and NOT eternal.  Only things done for God will stand for all time.

Lastly, John warns us of opposition we will face from without.  Before the opposition has been within our own character.  This opposition in the form of antichrists which are very real and powerful.  Verse 22-23 “Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist—denying the Father and the Son. 23 No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.”  Each one of us faces antichrists in our lives.  John classifies anyone who denies Jesus is an anti-(against) Christ.  We need to be watchful and aware of those in our lives that oppose us because we love Jesus and desire to live like Him. Jesus prayed for us as He knew we would face opposition. 

John 17:20-21 “ My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”  Paul warned of spiritual opposition in Ephesian 6:12 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”  James encourages us in James 4:7-8 “ Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you.”  

Pastor Alex concluded with the fact that Satan with all his worldly enticements opposes Jesus with His love assurance, protection, eternal life, hope and guidance and are competing for our love.  The choice is up to us. God created us with free will and we have to choose.  Not choosing is denial.  There is no fence sitting.  Why wait?  Walk with Jesus and taste of His eternal love, commitment, guidance, protection through His indwelling Holy Spirit.  Be assured that those God who answer God’s call He will equip and empower to follow His Son!

Linda

​MESSAGE LINK
Click Here to View the Message on Youtube
Our Sunday service is online and in-person at 11:00am.
​Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass.

Sermon Reflections from Divine Connections | Joselin Hernandez | September 10, 2023

Have you visited the grocery store, coffee shop, or gas station this week? Chances are, you've stepped out of your room or bed at some point during your week. And what happens when you do? You encounter people. What if we viewed every interaction as an opportunity to share the Gospel? Millions of people haven't yet come to know Jesus, our Lord and Savior, but we can make a difference one person at a time. Maybe striking up a conversation with the barista at your favorite local café could eventually lead to a chance to share the Gospel with them. Or perhaps taking your dog on your usual route each day could provide an opening to impact someone's life.

The truth is, we can't predict the impact we might have on someone's life with just one encounter. Often, it feels easier to remain silent about our faith to avoid offending anyone. But what if the person you encounter is the one whom God has placed in your path to lead to Christ? Would you feel regretful if you missed the opportunity to bring them into God's kingdom? Perhaps the initial conversation won't immediately lead to their conversion, but you could plant a seed, offer them a starting point, and help them experience Christ's love.

Throughout the scriptures, we see ordinary individuals called by God to share His message of goodness. When they obeyed, something extraordinary often occurred: those they shared God's message with came to know Him.

Reflect on your own faith journey—did someone introduce you to Jesus? Was it a friend, family member, or perhaps a stranger who handed you a pamphlet or offered a prayer? Maybe it happened while you were on a sports team, at work, or at camp, and someone had the courage to discuss Jesus with you. The pivotal point wasn't necessarily your immediate decision to follow Jesus; it was that someone recognized your worth and importance and decided to share the most significant news in human history with you—that Jesus was a manifestation of God's love, and His love was meant for you. What could be more crucial than that? It's easy to talk about our favorite sports teams, jobs, or coffee orders, but imagine if we focused our conversations on Jesus instead. What if we shared something that could genuinely shape, mold, and transform lives?

In one Bible story, this is precisely what happened. Philip, prompted by God, approached a eunuch who was already a believer but didn't fully comprehend his faith. Philip didn't hesitate to engage in conversation, and as a result, the eunuch gained a clear understanding of his beliefs. Not every experience will mirror Philip's, but in all our interactions, we have the opportunity to make God known.

So, what will you choose to do—conceal your faith or share the greatest news ever?

MESSAGE LINK
Click Here to View the Message on Youtube
Our Sunday service is online and in-person at 11:00am.
​Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass.

Sermon Reflections from Transform Through Others | Damon Hopkins | August 20, 2023
 
After hearing Damon’s impassioned sermon about sharing Christ with others, I asked myself what did I learn or experience that I want and need to share this week?   Damon’s premise was – if I love the Lord, then I should be compelled by my love for Him and excited to share it with anyone and everyone I meet.  Many of us are so worried about the circumstances, is it the right time?, will it be received? is it the right place to share?, that we decide the answer is No- it is not the right time, place or people and say nothing.  

As Damon pointed out saying nothing is not an option!  We are commanded by Christ to go and share.  Matthew 28:18-20 “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  Jesus did not say, do you want to?, He said, Go and do it!   He seeks to reassure us that He will be with us and empower us though His Holy Spirit all the way! 

So again, what did I learn that I can share?  I learned anew that it is my privilege to share God’s love with others.  I have His Spirit living inside me and I feel His love and care every day.  Why wouldn’t I want to share that with someone so they can feel loved and cared for by the Lord Almighty?  As I was reading in Psalms this morning Psalm 107:1-3 jumped out at me. 

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    his love endures forever.
2 Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story--
    those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,
3 those he gathered from the lands,
    from east and west, from north and south.

Those of us who know Christ as our Savior are redeemed.  He bought us back from the pathway to death and gave us life through our faith in Jesus’ work on the cross.  We need to tell our story-how we came to faith, what God is doing in our lives, the benefits we see each day in walking with Jesus.  God is good and works in my life each and every day.  I need to look around, see Him and His work in my life, and talk about it to others. Say So!

Another thing I learned was from Ezekiel 33:1-6 “The word of the Lord came to me: 2 “Son of man, speak to your people and say to them: ‘When I bring the sword against a land, and the people of the land choose one of their men and make him their watchman, 3 and he sees the sword coming against the land and blows the trumpet to warn the people, 4 then if anyone hears the trumpet but does not heed the warning and the sword comes and takes their life, their blood will be on their own head. 5 Since they heard the sound of the trumpet but did not heed the warning, their blood will be on their own head. If they had heeded the warning, they would have saved themselves. 6 But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone’s life, that person’s life will be taken because of their sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood.’  Believers are put in this world as watchmen, like Ezekiel was.  We are to watch and warn others about the coming destruction.  God’s judgement on sin. 

​Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  If they listen and heed our warning, praise God!  If they do not, then the consequences are on them.  However, verse 6 says, it is our responsibility as God’s watchmen to warn others and if we do not we will be held accountable.  That is a sobering thought, Jesus asks us to tell others about His plan of Salvation and if we remain silent and do not speak of Him we will be held accountable.  Damon reminded us of this with his life verse: Matthew 10:32-33 “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.  Sobering words.
I am convicted anew of the truth our memory verses hold for us. 

​Philippians 2:1-2.  Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.  If we experience Christ in our lives tell others, say so!

Thanks Damon for the challenge to speak up and speak out about our love for Christ.  It is a command and good to be reminded it is a privilege with benefits. 
Linda

MESSAGE LINK
Click Here to View the Message on Youtube
Our Sunday service is online and in-person at 11:00am.
​Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass.

SUSermon Reflections from Transform For Mission | Alex Hardt | August 6, 2023

Pastor Alex sought to answer the basic questions we all have: Who am I? Where do I belong?  Why am I here?   When we succeed in answering these questions basic to life, we become more self-assured, hopeful and motivated.  We can all agree that without the answers to these questions we will be doubting life, drifting, not connected and without purpose.  Those without Christ seek answers in the world with things, people, projects, education, etc.  Those with Christ know He holds the answer to each questions providing us with hope, motivation and value.

Pastor Alex began with Who am I?   He wanted us to see how God sees us and gives us value. Our identity and our value is given to us by God.   God was intentional in our design and loves us even when we do not love Him!  I particularly liked Ephesians 1:4-6 “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.”  We are loved and valued by God and He made a way for us, sinful man, to be blameless in His sight through Jesus. Our value and identity come though Jesus as God loved us so much He made the ultimate sacrifice in sending His Son to redeem us. “ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  John 3:16.   God’s motivation was LOVE.  He desires a relationship with us and He made a way for that to happen. My heart is always gladdened when I read Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in his: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”   God loved and valued me even before I came to Him.   How wonderful is that?!!!

Next, Pastor Alex tackled the question of Worth with the concept of where do I fit in?  Where is my place in this world?  Where do I belong?   Our worth comes from God.   We are His treasured possession as proclaimed in Exodus 19:5 “Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine,”   How does that make you feel?  The God of the Universe loves and treasures you!  Jesus also spoke of his family and our adoption into His family. Romans 8:15 tells us that we belong to Him and can call God our Father.  “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”  We are adopted into His family.    Mark 3:34-35 “ Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”  Each and every believer Jesus considers His brother and sister.  How much more valued can we get?  Belonging to the King is a special place and honor. Galatians 4:6 tells us how we can know for sure we belong to Him. “Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.”  His Spirit within us is our proof.  I claim the truth of Romans 8:16 “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”  Praise God we can know and feel His presence in our lives and know for certain we are loved by Him!

Lastly, Pastor Alex answered the question, Why am I here?   The basic answer is God created us for a purpose to glorify Him and for His pleasure.  His pleasure will bring us pleasure too. His purposes will give meaning and definition to our lives.  One of my favorite scriptures I claim is Jeremiah 29:11-12   “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.”   We are made for relationship with him.  He promises direction, a listening ear, hope, a future and plans that are for my benefit.   There are multiple scriptures that guide us in seeing God has a plan and a purpose for which we were made.  Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.’  God has a purpose and plan for all things.  Colossians 1:16  “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.“  This gives me comfort in knowing God has a plan for our world and nothing happens without His allowing it. 

We know that God has a plan and purpose for us but how do we know what that is? 1 Peter 4:10 gives us a glimpse into this. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”   We are to use our gifts given though the Spirit in addition to His Word as 2 Timothy 3:16-17 suggests. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”   He has good works for us to do that will benefit the body of Christ. “  How personally are we to take this work God has for us.  Here is Paul’s perspective in  Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”   How serious are you about serving, using your God given gifts, studying the Word for direction and guidance and prayer?
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Blessings as you ponder life’s questions and the answers God gives through Jesus.  Comb the scriptures and you will see abundant proof of His LOVE, Your WORTH in Him and Your PURPOSE! 
Linda
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