Crossroads Church of God, Lima OH

“The point of trying to understand the cross better is not so that we can congratulate ourselves for having solved an intellectual crossword puzzle, but so that God’s power and wisdom may work in us, through us, and out into the world that still regards Jesus’s crucifixion as weakness and folly.”

- NT Wright, The Day the Revolution Began

Romans 3:21-26 NIV

Romans 3:25 NIV

Cornelius: transmit hope

• Life well-lived is on mission

Acts 10:1-8 NIV

• God is already moving

Acts 10:9-23 NIV

• Need for prayerful discernment
• God calls us out of comfort zone

Acts 10:34-35,42-43 NIV

• Share what you know
• Trust the Holy Spirit

Acts 10:43-48 NIV

Hannah: a Daring Woman

1 Samuel 1:1-18 NIV  

• Prayer is the key to the heart of God

  • Persistence in prayer

  • Prioritize the glory of God

  • Provides strength to live by faith

Priscilla: Partnership in ministry

Acts 18:1-4, 18-28 NIV

Mutual Partnership

Romans 16:3-4 NIV

Original intent: gifted for purpose

Romans 12:6-8 NIV

Gospel brings hope and healing

Galatians 3:26-28 NIV

Use your gifts!

1 Corinthians 12:4-7 NIV

Luke 21:1-4 NIV

“Mostly, I wish I did not have to think about money at all. But I must somehow come to terms with the Bible's very strong statements about money.” - Philip Yancey,  Money: Confronting the Power of a Modern Idol

• Living with open hands
• Giving is the character of God
• Guards against love of money

1 Timothy 6:10 NIV

• Giving is a matter of the heart

2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV

ACTS 8:26-40 NIV

• Proximity

   • Physical

   • Conversational

• Vulnerability

• Worship

Cloud of Witnesses

Stories of Faith: Barnabas

Hebrews 12:1-2a

Acts 4:36-37

• Small things add up
• Life of encouragement
  • Generosity

Acts 9:26-28

• Welcome
• Second Chances

Acts 15:36-40

• Small things add up
• Life of encouragement
  • Generosity
  • Welcome
  • Second Chances

Proverbs 29:18

Philippians 3:1-11

• What are we here for?
• To know Jesus

Philippians 3:12-16

• What are we supposed to do?
• Pursue union with Jesus

Galations 2:20

Philippians 3:17-4:1

• To What End?
• Until our world looks like heaven.

Peace Among Us

Luke 2:14 NIV

Isaiah 9:6-7 NIV

• Jesus carries the weight
• Jesus' rule does not end
• Jesus is for us
• Peace comes through obedience
• Peace comes through learned trust

Peace on Earth

Luke 2:8-20 NIV

• Peace overshadows chaos

Matthew 6:25-26, 33 NIV

• Peace of God is surprising

• Peace must be received

  • Create margin

  • Agent of peace in world