There is something unthinkable about the cross.A prophecy come true according to God's purpose and plan for our salvation. (Psalm 22:14-18 NLT)So close to the cross, yet so far from Christ. (John 19:23-24 NLT)

The Cross matters.There is something undeniable about the cross.The Power of the cross brings comfort to a condemed criminal (Luke 23:39-43)The power of the cross convinces a callous soldier of the truth (Mark 15:39)The power of the cross gives clarity to a confused Pharisee. (John 19:38-39)HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED THE UNDENIABLE POWER OF THE CROSS?

There is something unbearable about the cross.Jesus despaired in the darkness of loneliness when He became our substitute. (Matt 27:46, Gal. 3:13)Jesus agonized from the distance of loneliness when He became the scapegoat for our sin. (Matt. 27:46, 2 Cor. 5:21)Jesus took rejection so we could have acceptance with God.

There is something unexplainable about the cross.1 Cor. 15:3Luke 23:32-38Jesus offers grace, not retaliation. (1 Peter 2:23)Jesus offers forgiveness, not revenge. (Luke 23:34a)The cross of Christ is the substance and symbol of hope for a lost and hurting people.

Community is a sense of belonging.Relationships are the building blocks of the kingdom. (Romans 12:5)Building community is learning to lean on each other.1. Radical community operates in humility toward each other. (Eph. 4:2, Phil. 2:3-4)2. Radical community is supportive in times of need. (Gal. 6:2)3. Radical community acts with courtesy and respect. (Rom. 14:1)4. Radical community speaks the truth in love. (Prov. 28:23)You can lean on me.

The story of Cain in Genesis 4 could easily be mistaken as a story about God's wrath and judgment, but it's actually filled with grace and mercy. This morning, Eric shows us the danger of missing the grace of God that is right in front of us.

Community can make a difference.Community must care. (Luke 5:17-19)C = Concern - for a person's spiritual conditionA = Available - willing to be an instrument of graceR = Resourceful - what one can't do, many can! Be creative.E = Enthusiastic - excited about what Jesus can do.Community enjoys the difference. (Luke 5:20-26)

Community is a sense of belonging.Relationships are the building blocks for the Kindom of God. (Romans 12:5)1. Radical community requires fequency. (Heb. 10:25)2. Radical community takes authenticity. (Romans 12:9)3. Radical community builds on mutuality. (Romans 1:12)Be benneficial to each other. (1 Thess. 5:14b)Who is better because of you?

If the world is willing to go all in on a gamble, believers should be willing to go all in on God.Invest beyond life here and you will never outlive what you give.Make it a priority to invest in God's kingdom causes. (Matthew 6:33, 20-21)1. Make the most of time.2. Give out of grace.Make it a purpose to invest in people for God's Glory. (Matthew 5:16)1. Motivate with your spiritual gift. (Romans 12:6-8)2. Give love and grace. (Romans 12:10)For the believer, it is all in or nothing!

If the world is willing to go all in on a gamble, believers should be willing to go all in on God.We need to be willing to rub shoulders with people.We are ambassadors of God's grace, offering a place in God's Kingdom. (2 Cor. 5:20; 1 Tim. 1:15-16)We are messengers of hope, sharing a message of love and forgiveness. (2 Cor. 5:21)1. Family2. Friends3. Co-Workers4. Neighbors5. Sports BuddiesIdentify and interact.