Crossing Community Church

"Justification" is one of those theological terms that many don't understand or believe it has any impact on their daily life. But it is huge! It has tremendous impact on our lives!! Today, Pastor Tim explained what it means to be justified before God and how it takes away all the feelings of condemnation and guilt. 

Romans 3:23 tells us "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." In this Olympic season it's easy to think of missing the mark and falling short of Olympic glory. But what does it mean to fall short of God's glory. This Sunday, Pastor Tim spoke about what it means that all of us have "missed the mark" and fallen short and how Jesus was the answer to that problem for mankind. 

The parable of the Prodigal Son is well known. It's rich with lessons to be learned and insight to be gained. This Sunday, Pastor Tim drew our attention from the older and younger son and directed it on the father and how the father of the parable is a shadow of our Heavenly Father. 

This week, Joel Van Sant spoke from Psalm 110 about the finished work of Christ and its implications for the Christian life. We have a Savior who has completed the work of salvation and has defeated sin and death. Even at this moment the Father is making all of the enemies of Christ, His footstool. All of these facts should bring us peace, hope, and comfort today and into the future. 

This morning, Joe Darrow joined us and spoke honestly and candidly about the loss of his wife, the season of life he is in and how scripture informs the decisions he is making these days. His comments are a challenge to all of us, regardless of where we are in life. 

Unloved. Unwanted. Left out. 
Those are a few of the emotions Todd Domke felt as a child growing up in a broken home. The desire for the kind of 'normal' other children had left him asking, "Why can't I have a father like other kids?" This sense of being unwanted caused him to question God's fairness. 
It was in college that someone invited him to a bible study where he learned that he was very much wanted by a God that loved him. 
Todd went from feeling unwanted to being adopted into the family of God, being totally wanted and overwhelmingly loved. Enjoy his honest and encouraging story. 

There are many Christians that go through life disappointed and discouraged about their spiritual life. They are convinced that God is not happy with them or that they must do more to gain His approval. But none of that is true! From the moment we place our faith in Jesus, we have His full approval and favor. We can never lose it or gain more of it. Understanding that should give us great freedom!!

This morning Pastor Tim was joined by Lucasse Henrilus, our missionary from Haiti as well as Scott Brubaker, one of our Elders, to give a report on the outreach ministries of our church. 

The cares of this world weigh heavy on us! It's not uncommon to become overwhelmed with the issues of our daily lives. But thank God that He is aware of that and His Word gives us guidance on how to manage these issues in our life.

This Sunday, Dan Marzari used three passages that give us a clear picture of how we are to think about and respond to worry. 

The one distinguishing aspect of Christianity over all other religions of the world is grace.  All other religions teach that man must earn the approval of God. But Christianity dares to offer God's grace -- His unmerited favor -- unconditionally! 

This week Scott Brubaker did a fantastic job of highlighting the often overlooked and misunderstood grace of God. Please take the time to listen!