CrossPoint Fellowship Messages

Whoever said “words could never hurt me” was a liar. The tongue can give life or it can take it away. Inside of the church, just because we can say something doesn't mean we should, and how we say it matters.Know when to speak.Think about what you say.You can be right and wrong at the same time.Seek forgiveness.James 3:1-8, Proverbs 17:28, Psalm 19:14, Matthew 15:16-20, Colossians 4:5-6, Proverbs 16:24

Successful churches are characterized by servitude. They not only serve the Lord wholeheartedly, but they also serve their communities. Importantly, they also serve each other. We have to be able to put others first, otherwise we foster a community of consumerism.We are all slaves to sin. But through Christ, we can choose to be subject to him, making us slaves to righteousness.This is calling us to snuff out the fire of self-centeredness.To serve Christ is to serve others.Greatness in the world is to be served. Greatness in the kingdom of God is to serve others.What we do for others we ultimately do for the Lord.You won't serve those you despise.

The greatest danger to churches today is an unwillingness to have tough conversations with each other. The Devil's greatest tool is division. If he can cause churches to fight amongst themselves, they will fail.Communication's greatest gift is its ability to resolve conflict and build connections that aren't easily destroyed. “Excellent communication doesn't just happen naturally. It is a product of process, skill, climate, relationship, and hard work.” - Pat McMillanIf you have a problem with a brother or sister in Christ, the only person you should discuss that problem with, to begin with, is them. If you haven't given your brother or sister a chance to correct their ills, don't expect your pastor to do it for you. Communication is a matter of correction, not a seed of animosity.Our communication must be grounded in love.We must remember that the goal of our communication is restoration.Matthew 18:15-16, Ephesians 4:26-27, Proverbs 10:12 

Churches that pray are powerful churches. Prayer changes things. It strengthens relationships and builds a connection with the Almighty. If we want to be successful as a church by any of the metrics that actually matter, we must be characterized by prayer.Prayer is the means by which God fulfills his will among his people. Suffering that leads to prayer, that leads to grace, leads to the glory of God.Prayer encourages confession and brings healing.We can't experience healing, or expect our offering to be received while harboring ill will for our brothers and sisters. Our lives should have clear evidence of a pattern of prayer2 Corinthians 2:11, 2 Corinthians 4:15, James 5:16, Matthew 5:23-26, Romans 12:12, Acts 1:14, Acts 2:12, Acts 6:4

When it comes to our interactions with others, we must approach one another with a spirit of grace. This means we assume the best in one another, we are quick to forgive, and we don't hold grudges.Approaching each other with a spirit of grace starts with assuming the best in one another.When we assume the worst in others, we break the bonds of fellowship, destroy trust and crush our own confidence.It's easy to have a spirit of grace with others when you view yourself in the correct light.Matthew 22:36-40, Luke 6:36-37, Matthew 7:1-5

What takes place at the end of Judges is horrible. But debauchery is all that exists when we leave God out of the equation.The greatest defense of the existence of God is the propensity to create idols for ourselves.We reach peace once - that god is the one true God.When we unplug from God, we turn to idol worship.When your gods are taken from you, all you have is nothing.But there is nothing that can take God from you.I'm not a fan of "hellfire and brimstone" but I believe strongly in truth and immovable moral standards.Judges 17:1-5, Judges 18:22-26, Judges 21:25

Throughout Judges we have looked at temporary judge after temporary judge. These were imperfect saviors but Jesus was the perfect Savior. Today, on Easter, we look at what makes him so.Jesus is the perfect Savior because He was both human and divine. A real sacrifice exchanges something of equal value. Human life for human life. A divine sacrifice allows for the Son of God to reconcile all human life.Jesus is the perfect Savior because He was the perfect sacrifice. Jesus is Savior because He completes the process of salvation. It's not just that Christ has allowed you to be forgiven, but that God sees you as blameless and whole because of what He's done.

Samson was physically strong but spiritually weak. He was a personification of the nation of Israel and his failures led to his demise.We can't let our lust override the law. As parents, we can raise our children, try to lead them, and still watch them fail.God uses our mistakes for His mission.We can't lead others down a sinful path despite our struggles.A lack of wise decision-making leads to a troublesome life.Poor decision-making is aided by an unchecked anger and the consequences can be earth-shattering.If we don't learn from our mistakes, we are doomed to repeat them.

Samson is the most famous of all the Judges but he started out like we all do, a baby full of promise.God's faithfulness persists beyond our foolishness.God uses the ordinary to bring about the extraordinary.We must do what we can to prevent corrupting what has been gifted from and ordained to the Lord.As parents, we must seek guidance from the Lord, control what's in our control, and trust God with the rest.We all need people to bring us back to the ground, who speak wisdom and knowledge, people who we will listen to.

After yet another rebellion, the people found themselves in need of a leader. Jephthah stood up to fight for his brothers even after they had rejected him.Repentance requires actions and humility. And words alone mean very little. When you repent, you need to act and be humble. You are at the other party's mercy. What they need from you, you do. If you aren't willing to repent, you are sorry about your circumstances, not that you caused them. Your past does not disqualify you from serving God, even if you find yourself rejected by man. It's a blessing from God to be able to overlook how you've been hurt to serve others who need you.

Abimelech was the son of Gideon. The problem was he had 70 brothers standing in the way of what he wanted, so he killed them. This section of Judges shows us that we can't escape the consequences of our actions.Be wary of those who want to lead you and be careful what you wish for.We must weigh advice based on its merit and not on its deliverer. Our God is a God of justice and there is no escaping consequences for your actions.

Midian was a mighty enemy, but Gideon served a mighty God. Gideon's mighty God was greater than the enemy. It's not about what we face that seems impossible - it's about who faces the impossible with us.Your odds might not be great but they are never zero with God. God knows what you need when you need it.We must remember our place in the big picture of life.We can give God glory and still lead others astray.

God calls Gideon a mighty warrior, not because of anything he had done but because of what God planned to do through him. Gideon only needed to accept his calling and approach it with courage.Sometimes, God makes us deal with uncomfortable circumstances to call our attention to how we caused them.To pretend that God would work through self-inflicted wounds throughout Scripture - but not do so today - is dishonest.God isn't above helping correct what we corrupted. There is a striking contrast between how we see ourselves vs. how God sees us - and His opinion is the one that matters.Knowing that God is capable means that it isn't sinful to feel like you need reassurance that you are His chosen vessel.

The story of Deborah and Barak shows us that being a leader is dependent on one's willingness to lead. Deborah stole Barak's glory, because he lacked faith he could do it alone.Our voice should be one of encouragement and accountability.Deborah and Barak teach us that the greatest and best among us aren't self-sufficient but recognize their need for others. Sometimes, people must be reminded that God is on their side and their success is a matter of faith.If you aren't willing to accept God's blessing, he will bestow it on someone else.

The people failed God and found themselves in hot water. But after crying out to God, He sent help. Then, the people repaid him by repeating their mistakes.A successful Christian walk requires us to identify strong leadership and heed its wisdom.Not adhering to Biblical leadership has consequences.Deliverance follows repentance.Deliverance is temporary without perseverance.God calls specific people to specific tasks because of their specific giftings. Sometimes when God calls you to something, you gotta deal with some dung.

Judges 1-2 tells the story of Israel's failure to keep God's commands and His continued providence despite their failures. It shows us that God is just and gives us many chances to get it right.God doesn't take away without providing a way forward.There is no aimlessness inside the will of God. Even wandering in the desert has a purpose.There is strength in numbers but that relationship should be mutually beneficial. Fear isn't an excuse to ignore the will of God. God isn't afraid to let us experience the natural consequences of our actions. God's promises to you will come to fruition.

Money is a touchy subject, but money is needed for the existence of the Church. We need goods. We need to give. We must. When we give everything to God, everything is God's. And that includes our bank accounts.Serving God with our money starts in the same place that serving God in any capacity does.Our PrioritiesWealth is not evil. The love of wealth is evil.Signs that you have a healthy relationship with money:1) Your decision-making process when it comes to spending starts with prayer and thoughtful consideration.2) You are a good steward of what's been entrusted to you. You can't give to God what you have to give to a debtor.3) You give from a place of love not a compulsion.4) You have found contentment in the right things.

Each of us has been given a spiritual gift to use in elevating and supporting other saints. I'm not even sure it has to be known to be used, but it's a mistake to think you don't have one. This week we discuss how we use those things to improve the family of God.God in his abundant grace, has gifted you with the ability to serve your brothers and sisters in Christ. As we use our gifts, it must always be in the service of others, viewing people in the same light as we do our gifts, equals.John Doe came to know Jesus because Jane Doe was willing to take out the trash.The aim of our spiritual gifts is to love others.

All of us have been blessed with abilities that not everyone has. How can we use those talents to serve God? By using them to serve others.You were uniquely created and gifted to serve others.As important as having talent is the willingness to use it in the service of God and the education of others. Our service bears witness to gifts instilled in us by the Father and it brings Him glory.

We are called to be good stewards of all God has given us. It starts with 168 hours a week. Take away 56 hours for sleep. That's 112 hours remaining. How we steward our time is extremely important.Seeking first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness is about viewing all choices through his character and trusting the outcome of the decision that is made. Being mission minded with our time leads us to be kingdom focused with our priorities. Recognizing that our time is precious and understanding its value should give us a desire to spend it wisely. Using our time wisely is ensuring that we are prepared when the opportunity to be missional arrives so that we never miss the chance to show others the love of Christ. Service, Witness, Encouragement, Life Change.A pitcher does not refill itself but must be topped off to find itself useful again.

Before we can give anything to God, we must give everything to God. A cheerful giver doesn't give out of compulsion, but out of their love for Christ. He must have all of us.Before we can give anything to God, we must give everything to God.Discipleship comes at a cost.The cost of our discipleship is whatever belongs to our earthly nature.What is anything compared to the gift that is Christ Jesus?All good things outside of Christ aren't good.Why Missions? To be an expression of God's love to the world around us. Being missional comes down to giving the totality of ourselves.

Jesus epitomizes Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. All of these things have been realized through him by his birth, life, death, and resurrection.Jesus is the fulfillment of promises made to Abraham. Jesus is the fulfillment of Jacob's final words to his son Judah. Jesus fulfills the promise from God, through Nathan that Messiah would come from David's line.Not only is Christ the fulfillment of old testament promise, but he is the introduction of a new promise. Jesus was the greatest sign God had to offer and the needed proof for those who struggle with faith.

On Christmas Eve, we're focusing on how God's love is unique. It's unlike any other kind of love in the world.God's love is not deserved.God's love came at a high price.God's commands give us joy through life, peace with God, hope for a future, won by the love which we don't deserve. God's love is the greatest love that has ever been shown.God's love is willingly given.

Joy is a God-given gift. It's something that extends far beyond choice. Ultimately, joy is what God wants for us.Christ being a part of our world is the greatest reason for joy.God's ability to supply us with abounding grace directly relates to Christ's work on the cross and correlates to our willingness to abound in good works. We have security in Christ.In the Commandments, the sinner sees restriction but the saved see freedom. 

We are called to be people of peace. After all, Christ is the Prince of Peace. It's our job to pursue peace and perpetrate peace in the world. This isn't always easy but it is necessary. Realizing the hope we have in Jesus allows us to find peace that is beyond the understanding of others.The only way to experience true peace is by accepting the free gift of grace from the shedding of Christ's blood. Each of us is searching for that missing peace. It turns out that Jesus is the missing piece, in our search for missing peace. This is why Christ came. If we are his people, we must be characterized by peace. 

We hope for a lot of things. I hope the Chiefs win. I hope that shirt goes on sale. I hope I get a raise. Hope used in this way is fleeting and frail. The hope of the Bible is foundational and life-altering. This is the hope we have in Jesus. This is the hope secured for us by Jesus.Biblical God-inspired hope, which is what we have in Christ, is an expectation, not a wish. Jesus was born to die, and his destruction is the security of hope. You've sinned, Jesus saves, Your faith guarantees it.

As Christians, gratitude should permeate our lives.Christians should be characterized by their expressions of gratitude.Our goal is to be distinct from non-Christians.  Joy and happiness are not equal. Happiness is a measure of outer contentment. Joy is a measure of inner peace.Christians avoid needless conflict with this world.Joy is the pathway to peace.

Learning to be grateful when things don't go our way.Few things make those without faith more angry than seeing those with faith remain faithful in the midst of trials. Choosing gratitude over grumbling is a matter of perspective. Pure gratitude doesn't just say “thank you for the strength during my trial”, but “thank you for the strength from my trial.”It allows us to look for the lesson rather than just desiring for the pain to lessen. Good doesn't exist outside of the blessing of God.

This week kicks off a new series on giving thanks. What are some of the basics of gratefulness?Our reason for gratefulness can be firmly found in the sacrifice of Christ.We all have something to be thankful for.God's love endures where human love ends.Gratitude is a choice solidified by habit.Christians should be characterized by their expressions of gratitude.

We claim to be "one nation under God" and yet our nation doesn't reflect the fruits of the Spirit. How do we influence our nation to be a beacon for the Gospel and not continue down the road of pride and sin?As Christians, we need to be praying for our Nation!We are called to be change in the world.We have a responsibility to represent Jesus in the political arena.I will not excuse myself from the truth that my greatest responsibility isn't to help win an election but to help win souls. 

Just as Paul used his Roman citizenship to further the Gospel, how can we use our American citizenship to further the Gospel?Find common ground with the people you are speaking to. Be an upstanding citizen. Let the Gospel be the offense. 

We are called to be citizens of Heaven, to transcend our Earthly citizenship.  What does that mean for us today, especially with how politically charged our nation has become?  How do we live in a way that puts our Heavenly citizenship above our status as Americans?

Chapter 9 and 10 show the natural response to the Goodness of God - celebration. We must celebrate the goodness of God and praise him for all he has done.You need not worry about what the enemy has planned for you. Just have faith that the reverse is going to occur. God influences others through your trials and impending victories.Motivation matters. Success is rooted in the Why. It's important to remember all that has been accomplished on our behalf.If God doesn't get praise for the good things in your life, then he doesn't deserve your anger either. 

Esther continues to lay herself at the king's feet, this time for the rescue of the Jews. In Chapter 8 we see that God not only hears his people, and spares his people, but blesses his people.This is God at work to bring about the redemption of his people. that God's redemption isn't simply about removing bad but replacing it with better.In this moment, we see that faith builds.Occasionally, we must participate in our own deliverance.The proper response to witnessing the work of God is to rejoice.

Haman's evil deeds are brought to light. God's people will not be wiped out by the evil plans of others. Haman brought his destruction on himself, and again we see God's work from the beginning.Esther shows us the way in which we should approach the Lord - with humility and hope.God sees, he hears, and he moves.A lack of appreciation for our blessings leads to our destruction. Someone out there is praying for the family you take for granted. The home you wish was bigger. The job that pays your bills. We cannot let our sinful nature outweigh our blessings.What the enemy means for evil, God uses for good.

Mordecai saved the king and Haman wanted to kill Mordecai. This chapter shows us the difference between those that seek to bring glory to themselves versus those who seek to serve the greater good. The invisible providence of God is at work when the rest of the world is sleeping.I don't believe in coincidence, luck, or happy accidents. I do subscribe to a powerful God of purpose.Hello Big Head, welcome hot coals.

Esther risks her life to save others. But throughout the entirety of this book, we see God preparing her for this moment. And so it shouldn't be any surprise that it works in her favor.This moment shows both the continued providence of God as well as the power of prayer and fasting. While we may be fearful of approaching earthly kings, we never have to be afraid of approaching God. While earthly kings often withhold good fortune in favor of self-preservation and glorification, we serve a God who delights in answering prayers.What man so often plans to show his own might, God uses instead to glorify himself. Men can scheme and plan and prepare all day long, but the Lord has the final say in all.

Mordecai becomes the villain but, because of God's providence, he has an opportunity to rescue his people. He just Needs Esther to speak to the king, which could cost her her life.It's okay to grieve for what's been lost, even if it was given away for the right reasons. Grief without a plan leads to aimless wandering instead of purposeful progression.Sometimes fear gets in the way of you taking necessary risks. It's important to surround yourself with people who will tell you hard truths. Hard truths without unwavering support are cruelties.

They say if you live long enough, you either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain. Mordecai manages to experience both happenings in very quick succession. This passage shows us that you can do the right thing and have very different outcomes for your actions.Time reveals that God has Mordecai in this position as part of his larger providence for the remnant.It is naive to think that standing firm in our faith won't at some point cost us.Haman's inability to be satisfied is ultimately his downfall.

Esther, in a series of fortunate events, finds herself in the favor of Hegai, leader of the harem. She shows through these events her God-given ability to listen to wisdom which leads to her being chosen as the new queen, ultimately saving her people.When our tempers control us, regret can't take away the damage we cause.Good men raise good children.Blessing comes from inner beauty.Real wisdom and our ability to listen to the experience of others are related.Stop telling God that He can't use you because of your past decisions and stop letting others tell you the same.

The king is a jerk and Vashti wasn't willing to play his game. While she is punished, the Bible doesn't speak against her actions. Still, this moment is used by God to rescue his people.Riches, wealth, and status don't make a man.God's purpose was being fulfilled through earthly failure. Sometimes justified actions are met with unjust consequences. Godly male authority in the home is based on servant leadership, not brash decrees.

Noble women focus on eternal things, seek to serve the eternal king, and live with the goal of pleasing him.Noble women seek to serve others as a service to the Lord.Noble women are Christ-Centered, not self-centered. Noble women do not concern themselves with earthly outcomes in favor of heavenly outcomes. Noble women let the true Gospel rule their lives and will let it be the offense.Noble women serve others out of reverence for Jesus.

Noble women are constantly aware of pride and selfishness and strive to think of others more.Noble women understand that humility only adds to their strengths and is in no way a weakness. Noble women understand that God is in control so they don't need the credit. Noble women understand that God values their humility more than their accomplishments.Noble women have the same mindset as Jesus, which elevates others above themselves.The biggest struggle women tend to have when it comes to selfishness is not being selfish enough.In order to look after others, you need to look after yourself. 

Bodies deteriorate, persons develop. Invest in that which lasts. Women must understand that their worth is not tied in any way, shape or form to their bodies.Beauty and physical charm aren't bad, but they fade. Noble women are judged by that which is eternal, not that which is temporary. Noble women don't let the world set beauty standards on their behalf. Bodies deteriorate, persons develop. Noble women invest in that which lasts and understand that their worth is not tied in any way, shape or form to their bodies. Years can steal the physical but not the internal. The Lord is looking at your heart. It's not the right aesthetic that God is after but the right Spirit.

The noble woman speaks faithfully, loving others with Godly wisdom, boldness, and kindness as a faithful “completer” of others.Noble women deliver wisdom for the betterment of others.A faithful speaker understands that the truth ultimately causes less harm than appeasing others.One of the greatest things that a wife can do for her husband is tell him the truth.Your words are powerful and important, but be careful of the fruit they bear.

A woman of noble character rejects the lies that satisfaction comes from anything or anyone other than God.A Noble Woman's worth is solidified by her character.Character is defined as the mental and moral qualities distinctive of an individual.Noble woman of high character have one main thing in common, they are God seekers. Your identity should flow through God the Father and Christ the Son.When we seek God first, the significance of the anxiety inducing questions fades in light of his glory and everything finds a way of taking care of itself. A woman of noble character, wherever she is found to be, has immeasurable worth.

Men of God live differently than the rest of the world. Live open-handed. Do for one what you cannot do for all. Be kind and put yourself in someone else's shoes before casting judgment. Pass the praise around. Seek opportunities to share admiration for others.Charity, mercy, and kindness make a man far more than self-reliance and cold-heartedness. Men of God live open-handed.Men of God treasure people more than treasure.Men of God will trade being uncomfortable in this world for the comforts of eternity.

Know and grow yourself, attend to weaknesses that are present and learn from mistakes. Also, count your blessings. Expect nothing and be thankful for everything. A man who continually repeats the same errors does a truly disgusting thing. When it comes to matters of faith, men of God avoid returning to a life before Christ.When we recognize what God has done for us, it encourages us to maintain our progress. There is no reason for a regenerated believer to yield to temptation.

Men respect their leaders and consider advice from the experienced. They face anxiety purposefully fearing only a future of regret. A lack of seeking counsel isn't about self-reliance but a lack of respect for what others have to offer.Seeking counsel gives us a different perspective. Seeking counsel instills confidence in us. Seeking counsel helps us avoid failure.Pride is evil because it prevents us from hearing the wisdom of others. It takes courage to step out and ask for help and to listen to others.Anxiety however can become an idol when we worship at its feet and let it dictate and determine our approach to life. 

Men shoulder blame and carry the burdens of those who are weak. Men also create paths rather than follow them. Don't allow yourself to be dismayed by critics - know who you are.We have a duty to protect and serve those who are weaker than us. In order to share in another's burdens, we must have a heart for their healing.It's not just the ability to bear someone else's burdens - it's about having the strength to share ours as well. Our strength is fortified by our confidence in who we are.For a man of God, confidence stems from following Christ.For the man of God, confidence stems from being a man who chases after God. 

Boys live, men sacrifice. Deliver on your commitments even if it isn't fun for you. It's important that as men we are measured in action and control our emotions and question our instincts.Men sacrifice and deliver on their commitments even if it isn't self-serving. Ensuring that we take care of our responsibilities is motivated by a love that puts others first and by the love we desire.Hampton Keathley says, “This type of love is a ministry and not a manipulation.” Men of God deliver on their commitments because of their love for God. You will hate every job you ever do until your attitude derives from your purpose and your purpose is to serve the Lord. A disciplined man of God is the ruler of his emotions. He is not controlled by the moment, nor does he act out because of his frustration. He measures each and every action in light of the consequences.Discipline ensures that we receive the most out of every blessing.