Crossing Community Church

Isn't it hard to realize that we are too often a 'hearer' more than we are a 'doer'? The way to know if we are doing God's Word is to spend time "looking intently into the perfect Law" and allowing it to reveal those deeply hidden prejudices and hatreds that we find it hard to realize or to wrestle with and overcome. God's Word is that mirror of our heart that we all need to see how sinful we are -- but also to see how graceful Jesus is!

This week we were honored to have Mitch Forman with us in our service. Mitch serves with Chosen People Ministries. His teaching was more than great insights into John 3. It was great insights on having a discussion with your Jewish friends about spiritual issues. 

Everyone is tempted. But not everyone understands where temptation comes from and how it effects the life of a Christian. James points the blame for temptation at our hearts, at our desires that hook our hearts then drag us away into sin. James states that God does not tempt, instead he is the Father of Lights who gives perfect gifts. He gives the perfect gift in his son Jesus. And we are the showcase, the first fruits, of all the glorious attributes of Jesus!

In our passage today James refers to different stations in life to help his readers grasp that God has a perspective that they need to understand and embrace. He addresses the poor man and the rich man, helping them to see and understand that while in this world their lives are very different but before the Cross they are on equal footing. Jesus sees them the same way -- as men who have been cleansed by the blood of Christ, who have equal blessings in Him. These blessings help us not to see the situation as it is, but as God sees it!

This week, in our testimony series, Bruce Gurney shared his story. As you listen to his story you'll hear three things that Bruce has tried to pursue in his life: eager to serve, available to serve and obedient. Bruce honestly shares how God has moved in his life in many different seasons of ministry. And in each season he had a desire to apply his faith in any situation he was in. Enjoy Bruce's story!

As we explore James 1:5-8 we learn a lot about the character and nature of God -- that he is generous, to all, without judgement and the only way to interact with him is by unswerving faith. All of that is demonstrated as he offers wisdom to his children. 

As we begin a study of the book of James, we immediately are challenged in the first four verses, "Consider it all joy, my brothers, when we encounter various trials." These words immediately challenges us to reflect on what is important to us and what is the purpose of trials. What we learn is that when we oppose the trials in our life, we are actually opposing spiritual growth in our life!

It was great to have Greg Shipley in the pulpit this Sunday. He chose to address ten great reminders about life with God. Some of them were, "All things work together for good—but maybe not for your good." "Nothing you do makes a difference—and everything you do makes a difference." "Things turn out the way God wants them—not the way you want them" There were several others and all of them are worth considering in your walk with the Lord!

The average American lives 78 years. And those years pass by in a hurry. This week Pastor Tim spoke addressed that as he looked at how quickly life passes by and the urgency that should create in our lives. He used the short life of the early American missionary, David Brainerd, to illustrate the huge impact one can have when they understand the brevity, urgency and tyranny of time. Brainerd was only a Christian for eight years and only in ministry for four years yet his life has been an example and inspiration to many of the giants of our faith. 

Jonah is one of those Old Testament minor prophets that many don't think has much to offer the modern day reader of today. But it does! Matter of fact it has much to say to us today. This week Pastor Tim uses the book of Jonah to challenge us about our personal walk with Christ. How committed are we really to being true disciples of Jesus? Do we seek his purpose and plan for our life before we seek our comfort? Our does our comfort come first?

(This week our sermon follows the testimony of one of our church family members. So you'll hear that being references as you begin listening.)