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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/

Jesus' invitation to Philip—“Follow me” (John 1:43)—is still for us today. In a city that never stops moving, His call is simple: “Come and see.” Amid changing headlines and daily rush, Jesus invites you into hope, purpose, and connection. Whether you're facing new beginnings or uncertainties, His invitation stands. Will you come and see what He has in store for you? Join us as we hear from guest speaker Patricia Lau on how all are invited. 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 6:19-25 (NIV) // Treasures in heaven ‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ‘The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy,[b] your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! ‘No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. Do not worry ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, 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?

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.

Jesus' invitation to Philip—“Follow me” (John 1:43)—is still for us today. In a city that never stops moving, His call is simple: “Come and see.” Amid changing headlines and daily rush, Jesus invites you into hope, purpose, and connection. Whether you're facing new beginnings or uncertainties, His invitation stands. Will you come and see what He has in store for you? Join us as we hear from guest speaker Patricia Lau on how all are invited. 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: // John 1:35–51 (NIV) // John's disciples follow Jesus The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God!' When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning round, Jesus saw them following and asked, ‘What do you want?'They said, ‘Rabbi' (which means ‘Teacher'), ‘where are you staying?' ‘Come,' he replied, ‘and you will see. 'So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus.  The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, ‘We have found the Messiah' (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas' (which, when translated, is Peter). Jesus calls Philip and Nathanael The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, ‘Follow me.' Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. Philip found Nathanael and told him, ‘We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote – Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.' ‘Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?' Nathanael asked. ‘Come and see,' said Philip. When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, ‘Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.' ‘How do you know me?' Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, ‘I saw you while you were still under the fig-tree before Philip called you.' Then Nathanael declared, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.' Jesus said, ‘You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig-tree. You will see greater things than that.' He then added, ‘Very truly I tell you, you will see “heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on” the Son of Man.'

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

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

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

This is the seventh sermon in our sermon series, entitled The Life of Joseph. For more information about Northfield Community Church in Northfield MN go to our website at Northfield CC.ORG.

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

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

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/  

Our city is bustling, and sometimes the noise of all that is happening can drown out what our souls really crave: meaning, peace, and hope. In times of uncertainty and change, let's pause to remember that true satisfaction is found not just in what we achieve, but in drawing close to God. Join us today as we seek what truly sustains 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: // Luke 4:1-13 (NIV) // Jesus is tested in the wilderness Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. The devil said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.' Jesus answered, ‘It is written: “Man shall not live on bread alone.”' The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, ‘I will give you all their authority and splendour; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours.' Jesus answered, ‘It is written: “Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.”' The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. ‘If you are the Son of God,' he said, ‘throw yourself down from here. For it is written: ‘“He will command his angels concerning you     to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands,     so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”' Jesus answered, ‘It is said: “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”' When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time. Jesus rejected at Nazareth Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside.

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

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/

Amidst Hong Kong's summer festivals, bustling events, city celebrations, and sometimes random weather, finding a quiet moment feels rare. Yet in the midst of all the noise, God invites us to a sacred pause. When the world feels overwhelming, take time to sit in quiet. God meets us there. Join us this Sunday as we explore the power of silence together. 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: // 1 Kings 19:11-12 (NRSV) // Elijah Meets God at Horeb He said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind, and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake, and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire, and after the fire a sound of sheer silence.

This week at Community Church we highlight the Courage Triathalon and Courage Worldwide and Randy Robbins continues our series in 1 Corinthians!

This week at Community Church we take a few moments to highlight the Summer Lunch Program and Pastor Rick continues our series in 1 Corinthians! 

Quilts--for those who need, for those who celebrate, for funding future projects—are created by a group of women of the former Boyertown Mennonite Church, now also the home of the 2/42 Community Church. Edith Freed and Gerry Grabias shared a bit of history of the church and the dozens of women who meet bi-weekly as a group...and in-between on their own, their involvement over the years, their knowledge of the art, and their shared mission to serve others, donate to those in need, and enjoy the bonds that evolve from working together.

Preachers and Preaching in the Pikes Peak Region invites back Pastor Eric Carpenter of Springs Community Church. You have driven past the “church on the hill” at Woodmen and Lexington thousands of times – hear what God is doing at Springs Community Church! Jeff Anderson and Pastor Eric talk about the history of SCC including outreaches to children, spiritual formation, and outreach that flows out of spiritual depth. www.springsco.churchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Followers of Jesus should be the BEST LEADERS on the planet.Jesus is the GREATEST LEADERSHIP MODEL of all time.Leadership is INFLUENCEIf leadership is influence, then no one has influenced our world more thanJESUS.The HEART of a LEADER.Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows fromit.WHATHOWWHY1. RESPONSIBILITY Based leadership-you feel responsible to SERVEand CARE for the people you lead.2. REWARDS based leadership-you want to be rewarded by the PERKSand POWER of leading.When you BEND down to SERVE, God will LIFT you up to LEAD.Matthew 20:20-27 Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Jesus with her sonsand, kneeling down, asked a favor of him. “What is it you want?” he asked. Shesaid, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the otherat your left in your kingdom.”   “You don't know what you are asking,” Jesus saidto them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” “We can,” they answered.Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right orleft is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have beenprepared by my Father.” When the ten heard about this, they were indignant withthe two brothers.   Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers ofthe Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority overthem. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you mustbe your servant,   and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—SERVANT-focused on doing things for others rather than for oneself.SLAVE-someone bound to obey their master's commands and teaching.If you lead for ANY reason other than to SERVE OTHERS, you will never bea GREAT LEADER.It is impossible to LEAD like Jesus if you won't SERVE like Jesus.Matthew 20:28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, andto give his life as a ransom for many.”Servant Leader vs Reward Centered Leader1. Servant leaders are always trying to make OTHER PEOPLE look good.Reward centered leaders don't want OTHERS to look good, onlyTHEMSELVES.2. Servant Leaders find their approval in one place: GOD.Reward centered leaders believe:My PERFORMANCE + the APPROVAL of others = SELF-WORTH3. Servant leaders LOVE hard or negative feedback because it allows them toIMPROVE for the benefit of others.Reward centered leaders DESPISE hard or negative feedback because it is allABOUT THEM.So what keeps us from being a servant leader?- PRIDE- FEARProverbs 29:25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts inthe Lord is kept safe.When you BEND DOWN to serve, God can LIFT YOU UP to LEAD.

The Greatest Leadership Myth in the world today: INDIVIDUALSaccomplish great things.Nothing of SIGNIFICANCE has ever been achieved by an INDIVIDUALacting alone.Below the surface, what seem like SOLO ACTS, are always TEAMEFFORTS.MYTH: INDIVIDUALS accomplish great things.TRUTH: TEAMS accomplish great things.“It takes 10 hands to score a basket.”—John WoodenYou can't accomplish anything of SIGNIFICANCE without a TEAM.Luke 6:12-13 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, andspent the night praying to God.   When morning came, he called his disciples tohim and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles:3 Leadership Lessons From Jesus On Teamwork1. Very few things are as IMPORTANT as the TEAM you SURROUNDYOURSELF with.Vision Caster, Theologian, Teacher/Communicator, Manager, Teambuilder,Creative, Writer, Recruiter, Conflict Arbitrator, Musician, Counselor, FinancialExpert, Construction, Real Estate, Audio/Visual, Graphic Design, (knoweverything about) Kids, Students, College, Adults, Special Needs, Seniors, FoodService, Funerals, Weddings, Social Media, Marketing, Crisis Management,Human Resources, Legal, Web Design, Development, SecurityGod's DREAM for you will be determined by the STRENGTH of the TEAMaround you.2. When choosing a team, prioritize TEAMWORK over TALENT every time.Luke 6:14-16 Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John,Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who wascalled the Zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.Acts 4:13   When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that theywere unschooled, ordinary men…“Talent wins games, teamwork wins championships.”—Michael JordanActs 4:13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they wereunschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these menhad been with Jesus.3. Jesus prioritized INVESTING IN and EMPOWERING His team.Matthew 10:1 Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authorityto cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness.AUTHORITY—the power or right to make decisions.If you want things done RIGHT, you have to do it YOURSELF“It is amazing what you can accomplish if you don't care who gets thecredit.”—Harry TrumanYou can't accomplish anything of significance without a TEAM.Do you have the RIGHT TEAM around you?

Where It All Began - Week 7 -  Widespread Panic - July 13, 2025 | Crossland Community Church

We are bringing back one of my fav guests for a repeat convo :) Sandra Stanley is a wife, mother, author, and the co founder of Northpoint Ministries (where MY church Buckhead Church is based out of!).In this episode we talk all things:Raising kids to develop their own faithBeing a model of faith for your childrenMaintaining a personal relationship with God when ministry is your job I pray this blesses you friend!

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/

Where It All Began - Week 5 - Making Matters Worse - June 29, 2025 | Crossland Community Church

Where It All Began - Week 6 - Blatant Inconsistencies - July 6, 2025| Crossland Community Church

Then another message came to me from the LORD: 2 “Why do you quote this proverb concerning the land of Israel: ‘The parents have eaten sour grapes, but their children's mouths pucker at the taste'? 3 As surely as I live, says the Sovereign LORD, you will not quote this proverb anymore in Israel. 4 For all people are mine to judge—both parents and children alike. And this is my rule: The person who sins is the one who will die. EZEKIEL 18:1-4 NLT 14 “But suppose that sinful son, in turn, has a son who sees his father's wickedness and decides against that kind of life. 15 This son refuses to worship idols on the mountains and does not commit adultery. 16 He does not exploit the poor, but instead is fair to debtors and does not rob them. He gives food to the hungry and provides clothes for the needy. 17 He helps the poor,[a] does not lend money at interest, and obeys all my regulations and decrees. Such a person will not die because of his father's sins; he will surely live. 18 But the father will die for his many sins—for being cruel, robbing people, and doing what was clearly wrong among his people. EZEKIEL 18:14-18 NLT 1. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR PRESENT a. CREATE HEALTHY DISCIPLINES i. WHAT AM I DOING DAILY? ii. TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR PRESENT IS ACTUALLY TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR FUTURE b. CREATE HEALTHY BOUNDARIES i. WHO AM I SURROUNDING MYSELF WITH? ii. “Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.” Proverbs 13:20 NLT iii. WHAT AM I SURROUNDING MYSELF WITH? iv. 23 You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. 1 Corinthians 10:23 NLT v. BOUNDARIES AREN'T FOR YOUR RESTRICTION, THEIR FOR YOUR PROTECTION. 2. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR PAST a. HAVEN'T SEEN MY DAD IN 4 YEARS (STORY) i. TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR PAST IS ACTUALLY TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR FUTURE! ii. YOU MUST FORGIVE OTHERS iii. YOU MUST FORGIVE YOURSELF iv. YOU MUST REPENT AND GO ASK FOR FORGIVENESS

This weekend, we're celebrating what God is doing in our community and taking time to appreciate the people He's doing it through.In this special online service, you'll hear two interviews with people from our team, plus a behind-the-scenes, mic'd up moment from a Sunday morning. It's real, fun, and a reminder that church is more than a service—it's a community.Thanks for being part of it.

Matthew 16:17-19 ESV And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in Heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”Matthew 16:21-22 NIVFrom that time Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” Matthew 16:23 ESVBut he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man. Matthew 16:24 NIVThen Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. DENY YOURSELFTAKE UP YOUR CROSS FOLLOW ME

In this insightful episode of Simple Faith, Pastor Rusty George is joined by Dave Dummitt, an innovative church leader and former Senior Pastor of Willow Creek Community Church. With decades of experience leading thriving churches like 2|42 Community Church—one of the fastest-growing in the country—Dave brings a wealth of wisdom to the conversation.Together, Rusty and Dave dive into a topic every leader, pastor, and believer grapples with: criticism. In a world full of opinions, how do we know which voices to pay attention to and which to tune out? Dave shares personal experiences from his journey in ministry, offering practical tools for discerning feedback, protecting your calling, and leading with clarity and confidence.Whether you're leading a church, a team, or simply trying to live out your faith in a noisy world, this episode will encourage you to develop the spiritual and emotional maturity to handle critique—and grow because of it.Dave Dummitt Social Media:Instagram: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.instagram.com/davedummitt/%3Fhl%3Den&ved=2ahUKEwiXqNWj5IqOAxUu4ckDHRG7Cj8QFnoECBYQAQ&usg=AOvVaw11SkxJ9iISTp6KvLxjB_yEDave's Sermon on Conflict: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DCi5n2EuV5RA&ved=2ahUKEwiXqNWj5IqOAxUu4ckDHRG7Cj8QtwJ6BAgxEAI&usg=AOvVaw32Xa3hTHHLnabgjaArkRWi