Podcasts about community church

Ask for HELP.MALE ANSWER SYNDROMEWhen a man doesn't know the answer instead of just saying, “I don't know,” he starts faking it as if he does.Our desire to be viewed as SUPERMAN has become our KRYPTONITE.Proverbs 13:10 Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.Asking for help isnt WEAK, it may be the STRONGEST thing you will ever do.Proverbs 15:22 Plans fail for lack of advice; but many advisors bring success.Exodus 18:7 So moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. They greeted each other and then went into the tent.Exodus 18:8 Moses told his father-in-law about everything the Lord had done to Pharoah and the Egyptians…Exodus 18:13 The very next day Moses took his seat to serve as judge for the people, and they stood around him from morning till evening.Exodus 18:14 When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people,he said, “What is this you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge, while all these people stand around you from morning till evening?”Exodus 18:15-16 Moses answered him, “Because the people come to me to seek God's will. Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me, and I decide between the parties and inform them of God's decrees and instructions.”Exodus 18:17-18 Moses' father-in-law replied, “What you are doing is not good.You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work istoo heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.When you won't ask for help, you don't just wear yourself out. You wear out everyone else around you.Exodus 18:19 Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God bewith you. You must be the people's representative before God and bring their disputes to him.Exodus 18:24 Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said.Exodus 18:27 “Then Moses sent his father-in-law on his way,”1. You may be one piece of advice away from a better future.2. Asking for help isn't ADMITTING failure, it's pursuing SUCCESS.3. The QUALITY OF PEOPLE you surround yourself with will determine the QUALITY OF ADVICE you get.5 Requirements for Getting Wise Advice1. Follower of JESUS.2. Choose EXPERIENCE over influence.3. Ask people that KNOW you the best and LOVE you the most.4. Ask MORE than one person.5. Ask someone you know will LIKELY DISAGREE with you.4. Asking for help INVITES the POWER of God.Psalm 121:1-2 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

Join Pastor Marco from the Community Church of Devore in California as he begins a study through the Old Testament looking at spiritual warfare of the enemy, it's effects and resolutions. This study is scheduled for 12 weeks. This week, Pastor Marco teaches from Joshual 1.

This week on Church in Action, we are continuing our series about church culture shifts specifically around building a church culture that makes disciples who make disciples. Pastor Tim Bushfield, of Community Church of East Gloucester, is joining us to share his experiences.Follow Us!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visionnewenglandFacebook: https://facebook.com/visionnewenglandWebsite: https://www.visionnewengland.org

MERIMNAO: root word is the idea of your MIND BEING DIVIDED in 100 different directions.Matthew 6:25a “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life…“The presence of anxiety is unavoidable, but the prison of anxiety is optional.”—Max LucadoMatthew 6:25b what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?The root issue of anxiety is our desire for CONTROL.At the core of anxiety is the DESIRE to CONTROL that which WE CAN'T CONTROL.Where are you trying to be in control?Matthew 6:26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? What you are trying to CONTROL the MOST reveals where you TRUST GOD the LEAST.Where you TRUST God the LEAST is what you will WORRY about MOST.HENCE: What you WORRY about the most often reveals where you TRUST God the least.Matthew 6:27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?Worry never helps SOLVE tomorrow's problems, it only ROBS today of its joy.Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.“No man ever sank under the burden of the day. It is when tomorrow's burden is added to the burden of today, that the weight is more than a man can bear.”—George Macdonald.Matthew 6:31-32 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?' or ‘What shall we drink?' or ‘What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.Our WEAK SPOT with worry is often a STRONGHOLD where we haven't put God first.Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.1. What are you trying to CONTROL the most?2. How can you start PUTTING GOD FIRST in that area of your life today?Our weak spot with worry is often a stronghold where we have not put God first.

Join Pastor Marco from the Community Church of Devore in California as he begins a study through the Old Testament looking at spiritual warfare of the enemy, it's effects and resolutions. This study is scheduled for 12 weeks. This week, Pastor Marco teaches from Exodus 17.

I'm Fine - Week 4 - The Handwriting On The Wall - September 28, 2025| Crossland Community Church

Is Jesus coming back soon? Perry Stone unpacks four significant recent events that point to the nearness of Christ's return. This urgent message will stir your heart and prepare you for the days ahead.

In this powerful message, Perry Stone shares biblical insight on enduring trials and overcoming life's greatest tests. If you've ever asked, “How much more can I take?”, this word will strengthen your faith and remind you of God's sustaining power.

Discover how blessings and spiritual warfare are often connected in this eye-opening teaching from Perry Stone. Learn how to recognize the enemy's schemes and walk in victory as God pours out His blessings over your life.

Don't miss this week's message with Lead Pastor, Jeff Evans

Exodus 13:17–18a When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea.Deuteronomy 8:2 Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.HUMBLE - Posture of Preparation Luke 16:10a – Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much. TEST - Potential for Promotion James 1:2–3  “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseveranceOBEDIENCE - Proves our Priorities John 14:15  “If you love me, keep (obey) my commands.”

Happiness isn't found in money, power, pleasure, or prestige—it's found in God alone. Jesus reminds us: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Matthew 6:21 (NIV) The world tells us to measure happiness by what we own, achieve, or enjoy. But those things fade. God calls us to set our hearts on Him, the One who never fails, the wellspring of lasting joy and peace. When our treasure is in Christ, our hearts are steady, our perspective shifts, and our lives overflow with meaning greater than ourselves. If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================ This Week's Scripture: // Matthew 16:24-26 (NIV) // Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?

I'm Fine! - Week 3 - My Own Worst Enemy! - September 21, 2025 | Crossland Community Church

This is the second sermon in our sermon series entitled Hebrews: Jesus Is greater. For more information about Northfield Community Church in Northfield, MN, go to our website - northfieldcc.org.

This is the third sermon in our sermon series entitled Hebrews: Jesus Is greater. For more information about Northfield Community Church in Northfield, MN, go to our website - northfieldcc.org.

Life, Culture and Current Events from a Biblical Perspective with guest host, Tosh Sturgess.Your support sends the gospel to every corner of Australia through broadcast, online and print media: https://vision.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Check out this week's message by Women's Ministry Director and Teaching Pastor, Teresa Breeding. 

I'm Fine - Week 2 - Meet Me On The Mountain - September 14, 2025| Crossland Community Church

Happiness is not found in the noise of the world, but in the quiet strength of family and the bond with true friends. In good times they celebrate with us, and in hard times they hold us up. As Proverbs 17:17 reminds us: "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” Let's be intentional in treasuring our relationships, standing by the people who stand by us. That is where happiness and resilience begin. If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================ This Week's Scripture: // Ecclesiastes 4:8-9 (NIV) // There was a man all alone;     he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil,     yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. “For whom am I toiling,” he asked,     “and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?” This too is meaningless—     a miserable business! Two are better than one,     because they have a good return for their labor.

Don't miss this week's message by Lead Pastor, Jeff Evans. 

How does one of the greatest men of God crater so quickly?I Kings 18:46 The power of the Lord came on Elijah and, tucking his cloak intohis belt, he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.I Kings 19:3 Elijah was afraid and ran for his life.Elijah didn't stop believing in God.Elijah stopped connecting with God's people.I Kings 19:3-4 When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servantthere, while he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness. He came to abroom bush,  sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have hadenough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” I Kings 19:9 And the word of the Lord came to him: “What are you doing here,Elijah?”I Kings 19:10 He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty.The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put yourprophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left,I Kings 18:12b-13 Yet I your servant have worshiped the Lord since my youth.Haven't you heard, my lord, what I did while Jezebel was killing the prophets ofthe Lord? I hid a hundred of the Lord's prophets in two caves, fifty in each, andsupplied them with food and water. 3 Reasons We Isolate1. We grow comfortable with ISOLATION and being ALONE.God may PREPARE you in solitude, but He will SUSTAIN you in community.The root cause of most issues in our life a lack of a strong CHRISTIANCOMMUNITY.Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 ‘Two are better than one, because they have a good return fortheir labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyonewho falls and has no one to help them up.'Hebrews 10:24–25 ‘And let us consider how we may spur one another on towardlove and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit ofdoing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Dayapproaching.'CONNECT GROUP QR code slide on screen2. We believe the LIE that no one can RELATE to my situation.Your feelings are REAL, but they are not always RIGHT.1 Corinthians 10:13 ‘No temptation has overtaken you except what is common tomankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you canbear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you canendure it.'James 5:17 ‘Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that itwould not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.'3. We forget how many PEOPLE God has FOR US.I Kings 19:13 Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah.”I Kings 19:14 “I am the only one left.”1 Kings 19:15 “The Lord said to him, ‘Go back the way you came,I Kings 19:18 Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have notbowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.'”Proverbs 27:17 ‘As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.'Galatians 6:2 ‘Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the lawof Christ.'1 Kings 19:11–12 “The Lord said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain in thepresence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.' Then a great and powerfulwind tore through the mountains and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but theLord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lordwas not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was notin the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.”

I'm Fine! - Week 1 - Meet Me On The Mountain - September 7, 2025| Crossland Community Church

Work in Hong Kong can feel overwhelming—long hours, crowded commutes, constant pressure. Yet from the very beginning, God showed us that work was meant to be meaningful, not draining. Genesis 2:15 says, “The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” Work was part of God's good design—a way to bring life, nurture, and joy. True happiness isn't just about achieving more, but about finding purpose in the tasks God has entrusted to us. If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================ This Week's Scripture: // Genesis 2:15 (NIV) // The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.

This is the first sermon in our sermon series entitled Hebrews: Jesus Is greater. For more information about Northfield Community Church in Northfield, MN, go to our website - northfieldcc.org.

Don't miss this week's message by Teaching Pastor and Youth Leader, Sam Pharris. 

Exodus 20:3 “You must not have any other god but me.”Matthew 22:37 Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all you heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.idols made of gold and clay and silverAn IDOL is anything YOU VALUE more than God.IDOL: anything you seek to GIVE YOU what only God can.Colossians 3:5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don't be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Idols are not always BAD THINGS.Idols are often GOOD THINGS we put in GOD'S PLACE.Satan will do EVERYTHING to get you to put ANYTHING in God's place. False gods always PROMISE what only the true God can PROVIDE.It's time to STOP WAVERING!I Kings 18:17-20 When he (Ahab) saw Elijah, he said to him, “Is that you, you troubler of Israel?” “I have not made trouble for Israel,” Elijah replied. “But you and your father's family have. You have abandoned the LORD's commands and have followed Baals. Now summon the people from all over Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel. And bring the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel's table.” So Ahab sent word throughout all Israel and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel.ONE is always a MAJORITY with God. I Kings 18:21a Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you WAVER between two opinions?”When you RIDE THE FENCE with God, all you end up with is a SPLINTERED LIFE.I Kings 18:21b “If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.”“If you're going to be saved, be saved all the way!”—Charles SpurgeonI Kings 18:21c But the people said nothing.I Kings 18:24 Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the Lord. The god who answers by fire—he is God.”I Kings 18:24b Then all the people said, “What you say is good.”I Kings 18:26-29 So they took the bull given them and prepared it. Then they called on the name of Baal from morning till noon. “Baal, answer us!” they shouted. But there was no response; no one answered. And they danced around the altar they had made. At noon Elijah began to taunt them. “Shout louder!” he said. “Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened.” So they shouted louder and slashed themselves with swords and spears, as was their custom, until their blood flowed. Midday passed, and they continued their frantic prophesying until the time for the evening sacrifice.  But there was no response, no one answered, no one paid attention.I Kings 18:36-38 At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. I Kings 18:39 When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The Lord—he is God! The Lord—he is God!”It's time to STOP WAVERING!

King's Speech - Week 4 - Wise Contributor - August 31, 2025 | Crossland Community Church

Happiness is so much deeper than just a fleeting feeling—it's a fullness of life that goes beyond what circumstances can take away. Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10 NIV) While challenges and uncertainties can dim our mood, remember that the life He offers is unshakeable—a wholeness no busy schedule, changing weather, nor tough news can steal away. If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================ This Week's Scripture: // Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV) // I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Don't miss this week's message with Lead Pastor, Jeff Evans. 

This is a standalone sermon preached by Zach Simmons, our College Ministry Pastor. For more information about Northfield Community Church, please go to northfieldcc.org.

I Kings 17:1 Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.”Before God can do something big THROUGH YOU, he often times needs to work ON YOU.God will often humble you PRIVATELY before using you PUBLICLY.Usually this happens during a painful season of WAITING.I Kings 17:2-3 Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah: “Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan.”KERITH: Hebrew—“Cut off” or “Cut down”“It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until he has hurt him deeply.”—A.W. TozerDuring your WAITING, God wants to develop your DEPENDENCE on Him.I Kings 17:4-6 “You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there.” So he did what the Lord had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.If DEPENDENCE is the goal, WEAKNESS is an advantage. 2 Corinthians 12:9 Each time he (GOD) said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.Matthew 6:33 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Finally, God will call you to radical OBEDIENCE.I Kings 17:7-9 Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. Then the word of the Lord came to him: “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.”I Kings 17:9 “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.”I Kings 17:10 So he went to Zarephath.What has God been preparing you for that you need to STAND UP, MOVE and be RADICALLY OBEDIENT to?Successful people do CONSISTENTLY what average people do OCCASIONALLY. 

Doubting? In a city like Hong Kong, with so much change and uncertainty all around, questions are only natural. Jude 22 says, “Be merciful to those who doubt…” Let's create space for honest conversations, gentle compassion, and faith that welcomes questions. Mercy is a gift we can give each other—especially in seasons of doubt. If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================ This Week's Scripture: // Matthew 14:22-33 (NIV) // Jesus Walks on the Water Immediately he made the disciples get into a boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

King's Speech - Week 3 - Highest Priority - August 25, 2025| Crossland Community Church

This is the twelfth sermon in our sermon series entitled The Life of Joseph. For more information about Northfield Community Church in Northfield, MN, go to our website - northfieldcc.org.

Don't miss this week's message with Women's Ministry Director, Teresa Breeding. 

Matthew 18:15 NIV “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. Matthew 18:19-20 NIV “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”POINT 1: VALUESJoshua 24:15 NIV But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”POINT 2: VOLUME Joshua 6:10 NIV But Joshua had commanded the army, “Do not give a war cry, do not raise your voices, do not say a word until the day I tell you to shout. Then shout!”Galatians 5:22 NIV But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. POINT 3: VOW Joshua 1:3-7 NIV I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. 4 Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. 5 No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. 7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.Joshua 26:15 NIV But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Genesis 12:7-7 NIV Abram traveled through the land as far as the site of the great tree of Moreh at Shechem. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. 7 The LORD appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring[a] I will give this land.” So he built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him. Ecclesiastes 5:4-6 NIV When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. 5 It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it. 6 Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, “My vow was a mistake.” Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands? Matthew 18:19-20 AMP “Again I say to you, that if two [a]believers on earth agree [that is, are of one mind, in harmony] about anything that they ask [within the will of God], it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in My name [meeting together as My followers], I am there among them.”

In ancient times, the city gate was the place where justice was done, decisions made, and strangers welcomed or turned away. Today, our “gates” are less visible but just as real: the doorways of our workplaces, our communities, and even the screens where we decide whether to scroll past or stop and listen. Proverbs 21:3 (ESV) teaches us, “To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” In Hong Kong, we know what it feels like to live in a city of gates with our crowded streets, MTR turnstiles, estate entrances, and invisible social boundaries. Yet the question remains: Who is at your gate? If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================ This Week's Scripture: // Luke 16:19-31 (NIV) // The Rich Man and Lazarus “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.' “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.' “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.' “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.' “‘No, father Abraham,' he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.' “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'”

The King's Speech - Week 2 - The Missing Link! - August 17, 2025 - | Crossland Community Church

This is the eleventh sermon in our sermon series entitled The Life of Joseph. For more information about Northfield Community Church in Northfield, MN, go to our website - northfieldcc.org.

This is the tenth sermon in our sermon series entitled The Life of Joseph. For more information about Northfield Community Church in Northfield, MN, go to our website - northfieldcc.org.

Jonah and the whale.Jonah and the big fish.Jonah 1:1-3 The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: “Go to the greatcity of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up beforeme.” But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went downto Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he wentaboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord.Jonah 1:1 The word of the Lord came to Jonah…Hebrews 4:12-13 MSG His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon's scalpel, cuttingthrough everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey.Nothing and no one can resist God's Word. We can't get away from it—no matterwhat.1. God's WORD doesn't always align with my COMFORT.Jonah 1:2 GO to the great city of Nineveh and preach…GO—move in a DIFFERENT DIRECTION from where you are.Our COMFORT is often the enemy of our PROGRESS.Gath-Hepher: “winepress on the watering hole”2. There is always a boat ready to take you in the WRONG DIRECTION.Jonah 1:3 But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He wentdown to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare,he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord.Jonah 1:5 But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deepsleep.Jonah 1:4 Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent stormarose that the ship threatened to break up.3. When you are RUNNING, God will often allow a STORM to WAKE youup.Where are you running from God?

At Redeemer, our pathway is how we seek to embody our vision and mission, or in other words, put it into practice. We desire every person to enter into intentional apprenticeship to Jesus, to be in a diverse, loving community, and to live in Wichita as witnesses. “The Church exists for nothing else but to draw men and women into Christ, to make them little Christs. If they are not doing that, all the cathedrals, clergy, missions, sermons, even the Bible itself, are simply a waste of time. God became man for no other purpose.” – CS Lewis At Redeemer, we take seriously Jesus' call to “Go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Apprenticeship to Jesus is not a one time decision, but a lifelong journey of following Jesus as our master-teacher. Since the goal of the Christian life is maturity in Jesus, apprenticeship must be deep and holistic, transforming the spiritual, physical, emotional, social, and vocational parts of men and women. Apprenticeship to Jesus is learning to practice the way of Jesus in our homes, relationships, neighborhoods, and jobs. We believe Christlikeness is cultivated as we implement spiritual practices, live in community with other believers, and submit to the Word and the Spirit. We agree with Dallas Willard who said, “that the gospel is opposed to earning, not effort.” As we move towards cultivating a life of loving God and people, we trust Christ will mature us into his likeness. https://redeemerwichita.church/

King's Speech - Week 1 - Wise Up! August 10,2025 - | Crossland Community Church

Matthew 3:17 This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.Matthew 4:1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted bythe devil.1 John 2:16 The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.I Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common tomankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you canbear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you canendure it.3 TEMPTATIONS OF EVERY LEADER1. The DESIRE for INSTANT GRATIFICATION.Matthew 4:3–4 The tempter came to Him and said, 'If you are the Son of God, tellthese stones to become bread.' Jesus answered, 'It is written: Man shall not live onbread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'“Appetites are never fully and finally satisfied.”—Andy StanleyMatthew 4:4 Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes fromthe mouth of God.When your SPIRIT is full, your FLESH stops calling the shots.2. The TEMPTATION of MORE.Matthew 4:8–10 Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showedHim all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 'All this I will give you,' hesaid, 'if you will bow down and worship me.' Jesus said to him, 'Away from me,Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.'Matthew 4:10 Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.3. The ADDICTION of VALIDATION.Matthew 4:5–7 Then the devil took Him to the holy city and had Him stand on thehighest point of the temple. 'If you are the Son of God,' he said, 'throw yourselfdown. For it is written: He will command His angels concerning you... Jesusanswered him, 'It is also written: Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'Matthew 4:7 Do not put the Lord your God to the test.Insecure leaders chase APPLAUSE. Secure leaders chase OBEDIENCE.1 Corinthians 10:13b God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond whatyou can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out.

Where It All Began - Week 9 - Promises, Promises! - August 3, 2025 | Crossland Community Church

YOU Are The FIRST And Most Important Person You Will Ever LEAD!Is Your INNER World Large Enough To Sustain Your OUTER World?Matthew 6:1-4 “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, tobe seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you asthe hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have gloryfrom men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do acharitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, thatyour charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret willHimself reward you openly.Matthew 6:5-6 “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For theylove to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that theymay be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you,when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to yourFather who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will rewardyou openly.Matthew 6:16-18 “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with asad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to befasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast,anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to befasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees insecret will reward you openly.Leadership BEGINS With What YOU Do PRIVATELY.# 1: The DEVELOPER — God REVEALS What's In YouProverbs 20:5 (ESV) “The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water, but a man ofunderstanding will draw it out.”2Psalm 139:23–24 “Search me, O God, and know my heart… see if there is anyoffensive way in me.”# 2: The Stop Bath — God SLOWS You Down To FORM YouIsaiah 40:31 (NIV) “But those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength...”“Be still and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10#3 The FIXER — God SETS In Place What He Has Done In You“After you have suffered a little while, God will restore you and make youstrong, firm, and steadfast.” — 1 Peter 5:10

Where It All Began - Week 8 - Bricks And Mortar - July 27, 2025 | Crossland Community Church

“Nothing so conclusively proves one's ability to lead others as what he does fromday to day to lead himself.” – Thomas J. Watson Sr.HEALTHY HABITS serve as pulleys to lighten your load and INCREASEyour leadership capacity.1. EXCEPTIONAL leaders continually model HUMILITY.Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comeswisdom."People would rather follow a leader who is always real rather than alwaysright.”—Craig Groeschel2 Corinthians 12:9-10 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for mypower is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladlyabout my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, forChrist's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, indifficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.2. Exceptional leaders learn how to HANDLE CRITICISM.Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.Mark 15:1-5 Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, theteachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, made their plans. So they boundJesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate. “Are you the king of theJews?” asked Pilate. “You have said so,” Jesus replied.   The chief priests accusedhim of many things. So again Pilate asked him, “Aren't you going to answer? Seehow many things they are accusing you of.” But Jesus still made no reply, andPilate was amazed.Sometimes as a leader you RESPOND to criticism, and other times you justABSORB IT.Psalm 18:1-2 GNTD How I love you, LORD! You are my defender. The LORD ismy protector; he is my strong fortress. My God is my protection, and with him Iam safe. He protects me like a shield; he defends me and keeps me safe.3. Exceptional leaders allow GOD to LEAD THEM.The leader who ADVANCES in the future is the one who RETREATS toGod's word.Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will giveyou rest.

Where It All Began - Week 8 - Unforgettable - July 20, 2025 | Crossland Community Church