Here's the Point from CrossPoint Christian Church in Whittier, CA

Loving like Jesus is no easy task and Jesus tried to instill this concept in his disciples. But they were human just like we are and sometimes did not get it. Our human-ness means that we struggle to love, accept, value and trust others like Jesus does. Loving like Jesus means that we must accept others like Jesus accepts us and love those we consider “unlovable” or who we think are hard to love. While we claim to know and understand the word of God, we often find ourselves failing to love like Jesus loves us. Challenge yourself to exhibit and build the love that Jesus did. The struggle is real!

In Mark 12:30-31 in response to a query about the greatest commandment, Jesus responded , ..."you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this, You will love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these.” In his response, our Lord laid out how we should love. In part one of this six-week series, the laws of love are outlined. The best use of life is love; the best expression of love and; the best time to love. How do your love? Reach out to your family this week and show them how you love!

Do you believe in God's promises? As Christians, we often want the prize or the winnings at once; or we want to know the outcome of the journey in advance. However, that's generally not how God works. How do we stay focused on God's promises as we navigate the Christian life? Jeff explains "sizzle reels" in this inspiring message about following Jesus and holding on to God while staying on mission through tough times and uncertainty. Check out Hebrews 11! Jeff Walling is Pepperdine University Director, Youth Leadership Initiatives, (Christian Education Sunday).

In 1 Corinthians 16:13-14, Paul exhorts the believers to stay awake, stand firm in faith, be brave, be strong, and to do everything in love—letting it be their greatest aim. What does that mean for our relationships? Sometimes we struggle to love as Jesus did and as Paul encouraged simply because we don’t fully understand the concepts involved in loving relationships. Is loving about the warm, fuzzy feelings we have toward those to whom we’re attracted? What is love and is it more than a feeling? This message puts forth the questions that we need to ask ourselves during the upcoming church-wide study, “40 Days of Love” that begins on January 31.

What is your vision for CrossPoint’s ministry? The book of Nehemiah details Nehemiah's determination to rebuild Jerusalem after its destruction. He envisioned the completion. He understood the value of that vision and he was driven to take steps to make it happen. CrossPoint envisions strengthening our community of believers—fostering growth and full engagement in the life of the congregation. We can reach the greater Whittier area with the gospel and bring others to the knowledge of Jesus Christ--but we must have the vision and work to achieve it.

As you reflect on the past year, how would you categorize your spiritual life? Were you apathetic, inconsistent, or spiritually consumed. Chances are that, if you are like most Christians, your spiritual life probably waivered between the first two. Let’s face it—our spiritual life is filtered through our human-ness and life’s distractions. Maybe we should try something different in the new year. Matthew 6:33 lets us know what our overarching goal must be--seeking the kingdom of God first! What can you do differently for your spiritual health? This message offers some things you can do. No, it’s not all-encompassing, but when you strive to truly seek God first, your answer might be different this time next year!

The apostle Paul often uses sports terminology to emphasize the rigor in which Christians should strive for the goal of knowing Christ and being Christ-like. He writes to the church in Philippi (Philippians 3:12-4) about striving to know Christ. Mike uses this passage to identify three things Christians should know and understand about pressing on to reach "the prize" or the goal of knowing Christ. First, know the goal or prize; second, understand the prerequisites and third, understand the procedures.

Jesucristo no empezo en Navidad,El siempre a existido, toda la biblia habla de El por medio de los profetas,apostoles aun por Dios Padre.