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

This Sunday morning service was dedicated to raising awareness and support for our mission at the Madarapakkam Church of Christ in India. Joann and David Duran shared news, pictures and stories from their recent trip to this mission which cares for poor, needy and disabled children, provides free medical service to the poor, develops preachers, and plants churches in surrounding villages.

Saul was Israel’s first king. Young, tall, handsome and a warrior to boot! His story evolves in an atmosphere of distorted views of God’s purpose. Samuel was the prophet who anointed Saul. However, Samuel learned at the feet of Eli, whose sons treated offerings to God with contempt. When Samuel tried to advise Israel, they refused to listen. "No!" they said. "We want a king over us" (1 Samuel 8:19-20). Israel got their king and all seemed to be working out, but of course distortion raised its head once again and you can guess what happened next...

El profeta Samuel sirve como un puente entre el tiempo de los jueces y los reyes en Israel. El pueblo judio rechazo a Dios como su unico rey y pidio un rey humano como las otras naciones tenian. Dios les dio a Saul, el primer rey de Israel, el cual fracazo. Jesuscristo es el Rey de Reyes. El merece y demanda ser nuestro Rey y Señor. Quien es tu rey? Quien tiene tu lealtad? A quien le das lo mejor de ti? En quien confias y a quien obedeces?

1 Samuel, Proverbios 3:5-8, Filipenses 2:8-11, Lucas 14:25-27

Have you ever been the new kid? You may have been nervous about fitting in and finding friends, but you encountered that one person who helped you learn the ropes in the new environment. Imagine the faith of Ruth as she set out on the journey with her mother-in-law to a new environment where she was going to be the “new kid.” Her mother-in-law, Naomi tried to send her back to her own family, but she wanted to go on to Bethlehem. Little did she know that this journey would bring salvation for the world!

La Fe de Una Mujer ExtranjeraLa historia de Rut es una magnifica hisoria que muestra la soverania de Dios y la compasion de Dios hacia gente que parece ser insignificante durante tiempos que no parecen ser importantes. Asi como Rut es redimida por Booz, nosotros somos redimidos por Cristo, nuestro Salvador. Rut mustra gran fe y un caracter extraordinario, el cual Dios recompenza de una manera maravillosa.Rut 1-4, Salmos 34:18, Efesios 1:3-7, 2:11-13, 4:1-6

The Bible is full of stories about how God works in the lives of humans. Gideon's life is a classic example of how God can prepare us to be used in a significant way even when we are doubtful. Gideon had doubts that he could be useful in God’s plan. Like Moses he kept pushing back, making excuses, and questioning. Does that sound familiar? How often do we resist the will of God and make excuses? Once Gideon got over his doubt, he was used in ways that he probably never imagined. Using the example of how God worked with Gideon, know that you will be tested, but that God will empower you to face and overcome your battles.

As Israel traveled toward the Promised Land, they encountered cities to be conquered. Before the battles to occupy these cities began, Joshua told the Israelites to “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” (Joshua 3:5). One of those cities was Jericho, a city that had upped its security because they had gotten word of Israel’s reputation and the things that God had done. Israel didn’t know how things would unfold, but Joshua gave them particular instructions. We don’t always know how things will unfold in our lives when we are faced with life’s challenges, but as in the case of Joshua and Israel, perhaps we should ask ourselves: Am I courageous? Do I believe in God’s promises when I can’t see the future? Have I met the real Jesus? And do I believe that all things are possible with God? Yes, we sometimes have our doubts, but we must keep growing and believe that the Lord will do amazing things among us!

Los cuarenta años que el pueblo de Israel anduvo vagando por el desierto fue el resultado del juicio de Dios hacia una gente incredula, rebelde y mal agradecida. Aun asi miramos la misericordia, paciencia, amor y gracia de nuestro bendito Dios hacia ellos y hacia nosotros. Aprendamos de los errores de otros para escapar penalidades y disfrutar bendiciones. Hebreos 12:1-2, 10:32-39, 1 Pedro 1:3-9, Santiago 1:2-5

As Israel wandered about the Sinai desert, they began to lodge complaints about the journey and blame Moses for the situation. They complained about the general hardships of the trip, the food, about the leader, and probably other complaints too numerous to mention. In their complaining they ended up taking a wrong turn and thus delaying their journey to the Promised Land. Sometimes we experience delays in our journey, but what to do while waiting? 1) Don’t fear and think that God has deserted you. God is there. 2) Don’t fret—trust God’s timing. Remember your timing and God’s timing is probably different. 3) Don’t faint and give up—pray and be persistent. 4) Don’t forget—remember God’s promises