Crossroads Church of God, Lima OH

If the resurrection is true, Jesus is worthy of our full devotion.Revelation 5 NIVOur Actions               A Humble Life               A Generous Life               A Compassionate Life Our Verbal Witness               Songs of Adoration               Words of Encouragement               Point others to Jesus

John 14:1-3, 27 NIV“God's plan for heaven is a resurrected life in a resurrected body, with the resurrected Christ on a resurrected earth.” – Randy Alcorn, Heaven“As He spoke, He no longer looked to them like a lion; but the things that began to happen after that were so great and beautiful that I cannot write them. And for us this the end of all the stories, and we can most truly say that they all lived happily ever after. But for them it was only the beginning of the real story. All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and the title page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story which no one on earth has read: which goes on forever: in which every chapter is better than the one before.” – CS Lewis, The Last BattleRevelation 21:1-6 NIVWhat is missing?               No more sea               No more decay               No more templeRomans 6:5 NIV What is there?               Intimate presence of God               Us, in resurrected bodies               New city               Purpose in the present

Importance of ApprenticeshipInroads to the communityA place to experience belonging Invitation to be involved…               Attendance               Invitation               Giving

Hebrews 4:12 NIVMatthew 22:37-40 NIVMatthew 5:19a NIVMatthew 4:4 NIVScripture is ReliableWhat Jesus said about Scripture:               Primacy of loving God               Scripture is authoritative               Scripture guides us to life               Scripture points to JesusJohn 5:39-40 NIVThe best way to hear God speak is to spend regular time reading, studying and meditating on His Word.  God speaks through the Bible in clear, understandable language.  The first step in knowing God's will for your life is to carefully obey every revelation of His that you find in the Bible. – Henry BlackabyWhat Jesus believed about Scripture:               God's speech to us               It is alive and active               Scripture is transformativeThings to take with us:               Pray the Psalms (see journal)               Dwell App               Approach Scripture with humility

John 14:2-11, 16-18, 26-27 NIVMatthew 7:24-27 NIVJesus' Words Are TrustworthyIf the resurrection is real...We can trust what Jesus claimed about himself.We can also trust what Jesus taught about abundant life.We can not only trust what Jesus claimed about himself.We can not only trust what Jesus taught about abundant life.We can act on what Jesus taught.If the resurrection is real (and it is)THENWe can not only trust what Jesus claimed about himself.We can not only trust what Jesus taught about abundant life.We CAN put his teaching into practice

2 Corinthians 4:14-18 NIV…"Until our thoughts of God have found every visible thing and event glorious with his presence, the word of Jesus has not yet fully seized us.” - Dallas WillardHope For NewnessGoodness of God's presenceFoundation of hopeLife of joyRomans 8:11 NIVPractices to live as resurrection people            Count your blessings            Pray the Psalms            Practice rejoicing 

 John 20:19-23 NIVThe resurrection means the worst thing is never the last thing - Frederick BuechnerJohn 20:24-29 NIVEaster: He is RisenJesus meets disciples in their fear            Establishes peace             Gives power            Life of purposeOld patterns remainGod is patient with our doubts

John 6:66-69 NIVJohn 12:12-18 NIVJames 1:20 ESVPalm SundayJesus' entrance into JerusalemContrasting KingsWho was in the crowd?            Joyful            Curious            Angry            Fearful

1 John 5:6-13 NIV1 Peter 1:18-19 NIV1 John 5:11-13Psalm 19:7-9 NIVGod's “Bottom Line” (1 John 5)Testimony about JesusTest/VerdictTakeawaysGuard your life with JesusPractice believing God's promisesPrepare today for eternity

1 John 4:7-16 NIV1 John 4:9-10 NIV1 John 4:11-12 NIV God is the source of loveLove is revealed in ChristLove of God takes initiativeLove of God is transformativeWe reflect God's love

 1 John 4:18 NIV1 John 3:1-3 NIV Romans 8:38-39 NIV 1 John 3:11 John 3:2b NIVHow Great the Father's Love (1 John 3:1-3)               Love of God is Incredible (3:1a)               Love of God is Consequential (3:1b)               Love of God is Eternal (3:2)               Love of God is Practical (3:3)

1 John 2:3-6 NIV1 John 2:9-11a NIV1 John 2:15-17 NIV1 John 2:28 NRSVFreedom through Obedience (1 John 2)Obedience is an issue of trust               love one another               live for God's glory --- not yours               persevere in faithTrustworthiness of GodKeep Christ before us always

Fellowship1 John 1:1-10 1 John 1:1-4 NIV 1 John 1:5 NIV1 John 1:7 NIV1 John 1:8-10 NIVLife with God: a dynamic relationship with the Trinity made apparent in our everyday living        Way of the Cross        God is Light         Walk in the Light         Honest Vulnerability

John 13:34-35 NIVColossians 3:12-14 NIVMatthew 6:14-15 NIVLuke 7:36-48 NIVForgive One AnotherGaze at the beauty of JesusSee the humanity not just sinBegin small

Hebrews 10:24-25 NIVMatthew 5:46 NIV2 Corinthians 7:5-6 NIVColossians 2:1-2 NIVEncourage One Another            Truths of the Kingdom of God             Hands and feet and presence of Jesus              By urging to remain true to the Gospel

1 Peter 4:7-9 NIV John 4:4-10 NIVOffer Hospitality (1 Peter 4:9, John 4)NoticeProximityRealInvite

John 13:34-35 NRSVRomans 12:10 NIVPhilippians 2:1-8 NIV“Not all of us can do great things, but we can all to small things with great love.” - Mother Theresa of CalcuttaHONOR/SERVE ONE ANOTHERChrist first honored usWay we follow JesusTake role of a servant               Pray a blessing               Listen with curiosity               Serve in the mundane

Love One AnotherJohn 13:34-35 NIVAgape love is God's characteristic1 John 4:7-8 NIV…Agape love is God's characteristicAgape love is unconditionalJohn 3:16 NIVAgape love is God's characteristicAgape love is unconditionalAgape love is other-centeredActs 2:42-47 NIVPractices to engage…               Regular attendance               Prayer lines               Practice of First Thoughts               Daily recall the love of God over you

Walk in communityGalatians 6:1-2 NLTWalk in communityBrokenness grows in hidingEveryone needs counseling          Peer – Pastoral – ProfessionalHealing comes from JesusJames 5:13-16 NIV

One generation commends your works to another;    they tell of your mighty acts.Psalm 145:4 NIV You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.  Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.  Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor's crown except by competing according to the rules.  The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.  Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.2 Timothy 2:1-7 Mentoring OthersRelationally connected to one another (v.1)Strong in grace (v.1)Giving space for others to lead (v.2)Intentionality and effort (v.6)

Be a Blessing[The church] is not meant to call men [and women] out of the world and into a safe religious enclave but to call them out in order to send them back as agents of God's kingship.  - Leslie Newbigin “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” -  John 20:21 NIVWe are a sent peopleSent in service of God and othersFor the glory of GodCultivates Christlikeness  “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.  Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.  For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” - Mark 10:42-45 NIV

Colossians 1:15-20 NIVMark 1:15 NIVAvailability of life with GodMark 10:17-22 NIVAvailability of life with GodApprenticeship to JesusSurrender to JesusThe aim isn't to get what [we] need from God but to become something for God.  … You weren't meant to stay the person you are right now; you were meant for something more. … It's worth being, and becoming, that person. (Mindy Caliguire, Discovering Soul Care)Availability of life with GodApprenticeship to JesusSurrender to JesusAll this is graceEphesians 2:8-9 NIV 

SIMEON'S SONGMusic Video: https://youtu.be/s8jObvpFbPM?si=cEyj6BuYr9ryLrLFIsaiah 40:31 NIVLuke 2:25-32 NIVGalatians 4:4-5 NIVIsaiah 53:5 NIVWaiting with active confidence in GodWait by faithWait by the SpiritWait for ChristIn Christ the promises of God are fulfilledLiving in our placeDying in our place

ELIZABETH'S SONGLuke 1:39-45 NIVJoyful FriendshipCelebrationLuke 1:42AcceptanceLuke 1:43EncouragementLuke 1:45Zephaniah 3:16-17 NIVPalms Up/Palms Down

Luke 1:46-56 NRSVMagnifies the LordResizes herselfLuke 1:47-49 NRSVRecognizes God's mercyLuke 1:49-50 NRSVReorients her vision

ZECHARIAH'S SONGLuke 1:68-79Proverbs 3:5-6 NRSVExpectation vs. ExpectancyLuke 1:5-7 NIV Luke 1:18 NIVExpectancyListen/Look for GodLuke 1:68-79 NIVExpectancyListen/Look for GodPrioritize the Praise of GodCentered on the Promise of GodAdvent Prayer for the week:God, give us eyes to see what you might do…Give us ears to hear what you promise…Give us an imagination to watch you at work and deepen our confidence to walk in service to you…

Colossians Review:SUPREMACY OF CHRISTFREEDOM IN OUR UNION WITH CHRISTAVOID LEGALISM and arroganceLIVE HOLY AND RIGHTEOUSLYIMPORTANCE OF RENEWING OUR MINDlife patterned after Jesus = eternally good TRANSFORMATION REQUIRES INTENTIONALITY Notes:Diligent in prayerColossians 4:2-4 NIVEngagement with cultureColossians 4:5-6 NIVComfort one anotherColossians 4:10-12 NIVFueled by the grace of GodColossians 4:18 NIV

Matthew 20:25-28 NIVColossians 3:17 NIVColossians 3:18-4:1 NIVA new vision of power: not so with you...To the vulnerable: restored dignity“Paul made decision makers of people who were forbidden to make decisions.” - Quote by Richard Foster, Celebration of DisciplineTo those in power: honor and loveDo not be harshDo not embitter/discourageChoose to love/serveDo what is right/fair

Colossians 1:9b-10 NIVColossians 3:1-17 NIVCooperative Work       Human side of Holiness               Stop believing wrong things                Myth of willpower                Myth of impossibility                Myth of immediacy        Human side of Holiness (continued)                 Old patterns destroy us                 Importance of replacementColossians 3:1-2 NIV                 Disciple our minds                 MemorizationColossians 3:16 NIV                 Gathering

Colossians 3:17 NIVColossians 2:8-23 NIV     A Simple Faith           Danger of Elitism (v. 16-19)Hebrews 4:14-16 NIV                 People of Welcome           Danger of Legalism (v. 20-23)                 People of Humility

Colossians 4:12-13 NLT     We advocate for each other     We encourage each otherColossians 2:2 NLTColossians 4:7-8 NLT      We are knit together in loveColossians 2:2-3 NLT      We have confidence in ChristColossians 1:26-27 NLT     Christ is among usColossians 2:4 NLTColossians 2:5-6 NLTColossians 2:6-7 NLT

Jesus Christ is…          Sufficient in all thingsColossians 1:15-20 NIV           Supreme over all things            Sustaining all thingsColossians 1:17            Savior of all who turn to HimColossians 1:21-23 NIV

Gospel has GLOBAL impactColossians 1:3-6 NIVA vibrant faith in ChristLife modeled after LoveColossians 1:4 NIVHope for a transformed worldPosture of prayerColossians 1:9 NIV

Mathew 6:25-26, 33 NRSV If what we have we receive as a gift, and if what we have is to be cared for by God, and if what we have is available to others, then we will possess freedom from anxiety. This is the inward reality of simplicity. However, if what we have we believe we have got, and if what we have we believe we must hold on to, and if what we have is not available to others, then we will live in anxiety. Such persons will never know simplicity regardless of the contortions they may put themselves through in order to live ‘the simple life.'                                             - Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline Simplicity of Speech   Not having the last word   Disciplined Listening Simplicity of Consumption   Avoid impulse purchases   Consider sharing Simplicity of Schedule   Pray about obligations   Have an ‘off-season' Simplicity leads to generosity.Generosity leads to abundance.

When our innate human restlessness collides with the digital age, the result is a culture-wide crisis of emotional unhealth and spiritual death. - John Mark Comer, Ruthless Elimination of HurryGod has made us for himself and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in God. - Saint Augustine, ConfessionsGenesis 2:2-3 ESVExperiencing Sabbath -As Rest-As Resistance -As WorshipIn sabbath we are commanded to stop in order to worship and enjoy God in an undistracted way. - Eugene Peterson -As Enjoyment -As a Community

Hurry is the great enemy of the spiritual life in our day.  You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life. - Dallas WillardOur primary task in solitude is to keep the eyes of our mind and heart on Him who is our Divine Savior. - Henri Nouwen, Way of the HeartAffirms our belovedness• Deepens life with God• Prepares us for trialsActs 17:28• Makes compassion possibleSolitude leads to the awareness of the dead person in our own house and keeps us from making judgments about other people's sins.  In this way real forgiveness becomes possible. - Henri Nouwen, Way of the Heart• Start small• Quiet Yourself• Read Scripture• Ask Questions• Breath Prayer My life in Your Hands

You must arrange your life so that you are experiencing deep contentment, joy and confidence in your everyday life with Jesus. - Dallas WillardFor many of us the great danger is not that we will renounce our faith. It is that we will become so distracted and rushed and preoccupied that we will settle for a mediocre version of it. We will just skim our lives instead of actually living them. - John Ortberg, Life You've Always WantedUntil our thoughts of God have found every visible thing and event glorious with his presence, the word of Jesus has not yet fully seized us. - Dallas Willard, Divine ConspiracyGenesis 28:10-17 NIVS - L - O - WPsalm 46:10 NIVS - Stop and sitL - Limit technologyPsalm 16: 8 ESVObserve closelyPainting of Jacob's Ladder by Ioannis Katsaras Bequest (18th Century)W - Walk with Jesus

“Hurry is the great enemy of the spiritual life in our day. You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life.” - Dallas WillardJohn 10:10 NIVFalse Narratives  I am what I do  I have to do it allSecret of the Easy YokeMatthew 11:28-30 NIVSet as a priority  Seek to be interruptible  Prayer of surrenderMay the Lord grant me the gift of his Spirit that I may know Christ and make him known; and through him, at all times and in all places give thanks to the Lord and glorify his name. - Amen

Sharing their experiences about their recent Honduras trip.

Baptism - One Service

Ten CommandmentsExodus 20:17 NIVEnd where they beganCoveting is idolatryColossians 3:5 ESVMark 10:18-22 ESVAntidote for covetousness: filled by GodEphesians 3:16-19 ESVSeek first the Kingdom of GodIn CommunityFeast on the goodness of GodPractice of generosity

Romans 13:8, 10 NRSVExodus 20:16 NRSVUntruth destroys communityEphesians 4:29 NIVEstablished from the character of GodGod is thoroughly truthful in all thingsHOW?Discipline of silenceDiscipline of ‘plugging your ears'Discipline of grace

Exodus 20:15Mark 11:15-17Klepto: secretive or subtle“Think with me for a moment about some of the crafty acts that we tolerate in our day. What does Jesus call such acts? What about using phones and social media excessively during work time? Is that not stealing? What about employees, who have contracted to do so many hours of work for so much pay, that are leaving early, extending breaks, or allowing personal tasks to invade times that they work from home?”“Is that not stealing? What about illegal streaming, downloading, and all the other opportunities the internet has appointed us? Are those not robbing the creators of their fair pay? Such crafty ways to get something for nothing! What about plagiarism, using another persons work without acknowledging it?”“That You May Live” Pg. 163Human ConditionEntitlementGreedMatthew 6:21ControlHuman Condition > Jesus' InvitationEntitlement > GenerosityProverbs 11:24-25Greed > ContentmentPhilippians 4:12-13Control > TrustProverbs 3:5-6

Exodus 20:14 NIVMatthew 5:27-28 NIVVertical RelationshipAgainst the character of GodJames 4:4 NIVSymptom of a greater desirePsalm 42:1-2 NIVHorizontal RelationshipsFreedomFlourishingJohn 8:1-11 NIVConfession

Romans 13:8-10 ESVLove is the fulfillment of the LawExodus 20:13 ESVLife is sacredJohn 10:10 NIVThere are no ordinary people. You Have near talked with a mere mortal… Next to the blessed sacrament itself, your neighbor is the holist object presented to your senses. - CS Lewis, Weight of GloryMatthew 5:21-22 ESVUnresolved anger is poisonousEphesians 4:26-27 NIVPractice of ‘first thoughts'

Exodus 20:12 NIVMark 12:30-31 NRSVHonor your father and motherRespectObedienceLuke 2:51 NRSVCareProtecting their reputationProvide for themJohn 19:26-28 NRSVEphesians 6:1-2 NRSVHonor your childrenRespectSeek God's willPrioritize your life with God

Exodus 20:8-11 NIVWired for rhythmReminder of worth/valueMeant for GodThe Sabbath is not just a ‘day off'. We can take a day off and not experience the Sabbath. We are commanded to stop in order to intentionally worship and enjoy God in an undistracted way.  - Eugene Peterson, Working the AnglesKeeping the commandment…Mark 2:27-28 NIVDesireDecideChangeI must restructure my activities so that I can set aside the day with the great Lover of my soul. If I have so many commitments that I cannot change the routine, I can be sure that at least one of them is not the will of God for my life. For God will not lead us into so many commitments that we can no longer enter into the Holy day. - Marva Dawn, Keeping the Sabbath WhollySeekCelebrate 

Exodus 3:7 (NIV)Exodus 3:7 (KJBV)God Almighty – Genesis 17:1El-Shaddai“I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Issac and the God of Jacob.” – Exodus 3:5-6“God of my master Abraham” – Genesis 24:12“The God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac” – Genesis 28:13“Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, ‘What is his name?'Then what shall I tell them?”God said to Moses, “I am who I am.This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I amhas sent me to you.'” God also said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘TheLord,the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.' “This is my nameforever, the name you shall call me from generation to generation.”                                                                                                                            Exodus 3:13-15“I AM” / Yahweh – Exodus 3:13-15Immanuel – Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23“I Am” – John 8:58Question: How do we misuse and empty God's name, making it of no value? Answer #1: When we treat God's name like a magical formula. (Matthew 5:33-37)Instead Do This: Pronounce His name with care and wisdom. (Colossians 3:17) Answer #2: When we don't live in a way that shows we belong to Him.Instead Do This: Live a life consistent with who God is. (John 14:21a / John 15:8 / Matthew 25:35-36) Answer #3: When we throw God's name around “carelessly, thoughtlessly or flippantly.”“No using the name ofGod, your God, in curses or silly banter;Godwon't put up with the irreverent use of his name.” (The Message)Instead Do This: Treat God's name with honor and reverence. “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”Luke 6:45 NIV

Gathering together, with Special Guests: Mike & Elizabeth Rumschlag

Exodus 20:4-6 NIVIdol worship obstructs our relationshipGod is HolyGod is personalQuote by JI Packer: “[T]he heart of the objection to images is that they inevitably conceal most, if not all, of the truth about the personal nature and character of the diving Being whom they represent.”God is presentJohn 4:21-24 NIVRole of the arts/creationKeeping the commandment…Embrace mysteryCenter on JesusColossians 1:15 NIVHebrews 1:3 NIVQuote by Brian Zahnd: “God is like Jesus. God has always been like Jesus. There has never been a time when God was not like Jesus. We have not always known what God is like; but now we do.”

Exodus 20:1-5a, 7-10a, 12-17 NRSVNo other ‘gods' before MeWe were made for GodExodus 20:5 NIVHow can we live for God alone?Admit and ownAsk soul-searching questionDeal with it aggressivelyPractice of abstaining/fasting1 Peter 2:11 NIVMatthew 6:33 NIV