There is something so powerful about watching God work. Whether we find ourselves in awe of a brilliant sunset or overwhelmed holding a newborn child, God’s handiwork is glorious. God is always creative and creating. We see a powerful version of this as we watch God’s work during the formative years of the church of Jesus Christ. We are excited to begin our journey through the Acts of the Apostles. We begin the journey with Jesus’ ascension to heaven.

It’s a brand new year! We often use a new calendar year to begin new habits and rhythms to become the people Jesus created us to be. The same is true here at Crossroads. We love to explore the new things that Jesus has for us as we enter a new year. We are excited to share the unique things that Jesus has for us in this weekend’s vision message as we continue to simply respond to Jesus together!

Christmas is all about the presence of God. For many people, God seems distant and unapproachable. We might think that our issues and problems are not worth God’s time and energy. Yet, the good news of Jesus Christ tells us the exact opposite is true. God is not distant. God has come down to earth. Not only is God approachable, but He took the first step by joining us at street level where we live. This is the amazing message of Christmas that we celebrate!

We live in a culture that loves displays of power. Whether it is a strong nation flexing its power or a tremendous athlete accomplishing something spectacular, we are enamored with power. But in Christ, God has displayed power in a very unique way. Rather than making an ostentatious display of power, God works in power through the gospel of Jesus. As we continue to prepare our hearts for Christmas, we will look at the power of God.

It’s been said that life without purpose is pointless. Purpose is what gives meaning to our lives. This meaning leads us into action as we move through the world. Since we each have only one life to live on this side of eternity, it is so important that we live with purpose. It is God’s will that our purpose for ourselves aligns with God’s purpose for our lives. God’s word teaches us some amazing things about the purpose of God.

There are countless definitions for the word 'peace' but when we look at the biblical definition of peace, it means the absence of war. When Jesus was born, the angels didn’t just sing about peace, they proclaimed it upon the earth. As Jesus lived, ministered, and taught, His followers uncovered that the peace promised with this King runs counter-culturally. His peace causes the weary soul to rejoice, His peace helps us overcome fear, His peace is a promised gift to all who call Him their Savior. Join us today as we look at the Peace of God and what it means for believers in Christ.

God has always been calling people. God knows that humanity is prone to wander from the God who created us, loves us, and wants to work in our lives in beautiful ways. God is always seeking people who are willing to journey through life following Him. As we begin our Christmas series “Down to Earth,” we will start by looking at the people of God and how God touches people through other people.

Jesus said that we are more blessed to give than to receive. But for many people, we actually think the opposite. We desire things and make little room in our lives for generosity. And we wonder why things don’t make us happy. As we close out our series in the book of Philippians, we see the great joy of generosity.

As followers of Jesus, we must constantly be reminded… of everything! We must be reminded that life on this side of eternity is temporary. We must be reminded who we are. Even if we live a good and long life, a hundred years is quite short in comparison to eternity with God. There is a longing in the soul of the Christian for our forever home. That home is heaven, where there is fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore. Join us as we explore the joy of remembrance.

As we continue our study in the book of Philippians, today we uncover how pursuing Christlikeness was not only one of the most defining elements of spiritual growth for the Apostle Paul, but it was the main passion of his life. Though our world offers many ways to receive an external reward, followers of Jesus know that true fulfillment can only be found in Christ. May this message awaken an ability within you to lay aside all distractions and find the joy of pressing forward with one singular focus: to pursue Christ and to know Him.