Celebrating God's Faithfulness and Community Impact
Summary
This morning, we gathered to celebrate the goodness and faithfulness of God. We began with a heartfelt prayer, thanking Jesus for His presence and asking Him to draw us closer to Him. We acknowledged that everything we do is for His glory and not for ourselves. We then honored our veterans, recognizing the sacrifices they made for our country. We prayed for their families, asking God to comfort them in their grief and to reveal His heart to them.
Today was a special day at Crossroads as it was Celebration Sunday. We shared stories and testimonies of how Jesus is working in our lives, homes, neighborhoods, city, and world. We emphasized the importance of remembering God's heart, character, faithfulness, and works. We acknowledged that while we often focus on the hard things in life, the power of the gospel gives us hope even in difficult times.
We celebrated the multiplication of our life groups, which have grown and spread across various neighborhoods. These groups represent people who have committed to following Jesus together, knitting their lives together, and growing spiritually. We prayed for these groups, asking God to bless them and draw more people to Himself through them.
We also welcomed new members to our church family. These individuals have engaged in our Discover class, joined life groups, and are actively serving in various ministries. We prayed for them, thanking God for bringing them to our community and asking Him to bless their involvement in our church.
We heard a powerful testimony from Amber, who shared her story of forgiveness and reconciliation. She emphasized the importance of going to Jesus in prayer and seeking His perspective in difficult relationships. We took a moment to reflect on our own lives, asking Jesus to show us if there is anyone we need to forgive and to give us the courage to do so.
We highlighted the importance of the Word of God in our lives, noting that it is not just a segment of our service but a vital part of everything we do. We acknowledged that the Word of God is living and active, helping us to know God and to connect with one another.
We then turned our attention to our foster and adopt ministry, led by Alex Wallendorf. We recognized the importance of caring for orphans and widows, as emphasized in both the Old and New Testaments. We prayed for Alex and her family, thanking God for their heart and leadership in this ministry.
We also celebrated our missions work, particularly our team currently in Kiev, Ukraine. We acknowledged that God is a global God, and we are privileged to be included in His work around the world. We encouraged everyone to stay engaged with our missions efforts through prayer, giving, and participation.
Finally, we concluded our service with baptisms, celebrating the new life in Christ of several individuals. We witnessed the powerful symbol of baptism, representing the transformation from spiritual death to spiritual life. We rejoiced with each person as they publicly declared their faith in Jesus and their commitment to follow Him.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Power of Community and Life Groups:
Life groups are essential for spiritual growth and community. They provide a space where individuals can be known, prayed for, and discipled. When we are known, we can grow spiritually and be more like Jesus. This growth allows us to be included in what God is doing in the world. Life groups represent a unique expression of the family of God, where we can bear with one another through hard times and celebrate together in the good times. [16:23]
2. The Importance of Forgiveness:
Forgiveness is a crucial aspect of our spiritual journey. Unforgiveness can bind us and hold us back from experiencing the fullness of God's grace. By following Amber's example of going to Jesus in prayer and seeking His perspective, we can find the courage to forgive and break the chains of bitterness and resentment. This act of forgiveness brings freedom and aligns us with God's heart. [41:08]
3. The Living and Active Word of God:
The Word of God is not just a segment of our service but a vital part of everything we do. It helps us to know God, not just know about Him. The Bible is living and active, cutting through the things that keep us from enjoying and following Jesus. It is essential for our spiritual growth and connection with one another. We need to receive it each day and allow it to transform our lives. [44:15]
4. Caring for Orphans and Widows:
As a church, we are called to care for orphans and widows, those who cannot help themselves. This is a theme emphasized throughout the Bible, from the Old Testament prophets to the New Testament teachings of Jesus. Our foster and adopt ministry is a practical way to live out this calling. By supporting and participating in this ministry, we can make a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable children and families. [45:40]
5. The Global Mission of God:
God is a global God, and His mission extends beyond our local context. We are privileged to be included in His work around the world. Our missions efforts, such as the team in Kiev, Ukraine, remind us of the importance of spreading the gospel and making disciples of all nations. By staying engaged through prayer, giving, and participation, we can be a part of God's global mission and see His kingdom expand. [53:41]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[12:14] - Opening Prayer
[13:08] - Honoring Veterans
[14:54] - Celebration Sunday Introduction
[16:23] - Life Group Multiplication
[19:15] - Praying for Life Groups
[20:49] - New Members Introduction
[25:00] - Parents Discipling Children
[34:40] - Story of Forgiveness and Reconciliation
[41:08] - Reflecting on Forgiveness
[44:15] - Importance of the Word of God
[45:40] - Foster and Adopt Ministry
[53:41] - Global Mission and Ukraine Team
[56:00] - Missions and Engagement
[57:20] - Baptisms
[01:14:22] - Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 - "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many."
2. Colossians 3:12-13 - "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."
3. James 1:27 - "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are some of the key characteristics of a life group as described in the sermon? ([16:23])
2. How did Amber's story illustrate the importance of forgiveness? ([35:36])
3. What role does the Word of God play in the life of the church according to the sermon? ([44:15])
4. How does the church's foster and adopt ministry align with biblical teachings? ([45:40])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. In what ways do life groups help individuals grow spiritually and become more like Jesus? ([16:23])
2. How can forgiveness, as discussed in Amber's story, bring freedom and align us with God's heart? ([35:36])
3. Why is it important to view the Word of God as living and active in our daily lives? ([44:15])
4. How does caring for orphans and widows reflect the heart of God and fulfill our calling as a church? ([45:40])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own experience with life groups. How have they helped you grow spiritually? If you are not part of one, what steps can you take to join or start a life group? ([16:23])
2. Is there someone in your life you need to forgive? What steps can you take this week to seek Jesus' perspective and find the courage to forgive them? ([35:36])
3. How can you make the Word of God a more integral part of your daily routine? What specific changes can you implement to ensure you are receiving and applying it each day? ([44:15])
4. In what ways can you support the foster and adopt ministry at your church? Are there specific actions you can take to help care for orphans and widows in your community? ([45:40])
5. How can you stay engaged with the global mission of God? What are some practical ways you can support missions through prayer, giving, or participation? ([53:41])
6. Baptism is a public declaration of faith. Have you been baptized? If not, what is holding you back? If you have, how can you support others in their journey towards baptism? ([57:20])
7. Think about a difficult relationship in your life. How can you apply the principles of forgiveness and reconciliation discussed in the sermon to improve that relationship? ([35:36])
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Community and Life Groups
Life groups are essential for spiritual growth and community. They provide a space where individuals can be known, prayed for, and discipled. When we are known, we can grow spiritually and be more like Jesus. This growth allows us to be included in what God is doing in the world. Life groups represent a unique expression of the family of God, where we can bear with one another through hard times and celebrate together in the good times. [16:23]
Bible Passage:
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:23-25, ESV)
Reflection:
Think about your current involvement in a community or life group. How can you be more intentional in encouraging and supporting others in your group this week?
Day 2: The Importance of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a crucial aspect of our spiritual journey. Unforgiveness can bind us and hold us back from experiencing the fullness of God's grace. By following Amber's example of going to Jesus in prayer and seeking His perspective, we can find the courage to forgive and break the chains of bitterness and resentment. This act of forgiveness brings freedom and aligns us with God's heart. [41:08]
Bible Passage:
"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32, ESV)
Reflection:
Think of someone in your life you need to forgive. Can you ask God to help you begin to extend His love and forgiveness to them today?
Day 3: The Living and Active Word of God
The Word of God is not just a segment of our service but a vital part of everything we do. It helps us to know God, not just know about Him. The Bible is living and active, cutting through the things that keep us from enjoying and following Jesus. It is essential for our spiritual growth and connection with one another. We need to receive it each day and allow it to transform our lives. [44:15]
Bible Passage:
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)
Reflection:
How can you make the Word of God a more integral part of your daily routine? What specific steps can you take to ensure you are engaging with Scripture regularly?
Day 4: Caring for Orphans and Widows
As a church, we are called to care for orphans and widows, those who cannot help themselves. This is a theme emphasized throughout the Bible, from the Old Testament prophets to the New Testament teachings of Jesus. Our foster and adopt ministry is a practical way to live out this calling. By supporting and participating in this ministry, we can make a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable children and families. [45:40]
Bible Passage:
"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." (James 1:27, ESV)
Reflection:
What is one practical way you can support or get involved in caring for orphans and widows in your community this week?
Day 5: The Global Mission of God
God is a global God, and His mission extends beyond our local context. We are privileged to be included in His work around the world. Our missions efforts, such as the team in Kiev, Ukraine, remind us of the importance of spreading the gospel and making disciples of all nations. By staying engaged through prayer, giving, and participation, we can be a part of God's global mission and see His kingdom expand. [53:41]
Bible Passage:
"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.'" (Mark 16:15-16, ESV)
Reflection:
How can you actively participate in God's global mission? Consider ways you can support missions through prayer, financial giving, or even going on a mission trip.
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "When you grow spiritually, you can be more like Jesus. You can be more like, you can be included in what he's doing in the world. Again, I really thought that was going to have an amen. You guys are awake or not? Come on, people. Here we go. Here's the thing. These life groups represent people, ordinary people, but said, we want to join together as the family of God to learn the ways of love in 1 Corinthians 12, 13, 14. We want to partner together to make disciples of all nations. We want to live out the one another's in scripture, together, even when it's hard. We want to bear with one another through the hard things and celebrate and champion each other in the good." [17:49]
2. "And I just want you to know how proud he is of you. And don't give up. Man, don't give up. There's some hard seasons, challenges, the world yelling at them. Don't give up. Keep layering that love on them. Just keep asking them questions. Keep taking them to Jesus in prayer. And loving them with Jesus' love. Every layer, every day matters. Just keep going." [35:36]
3. "I do want to highlight the Word of God. Sometimes we do a service like this and people are like, yeah, where's the sermon? When's the sermon? And I want to highlight the Word of God is a part of all we do. It's not just a segment. We started with honoring our veterans. That's a culture of honor. That's Jesus. We started with life group multiplication. That's actually, you know, the first part of the body is important. We honored the first member of the family of God. That's Acts 2, 42 to 47. We honored new members. That's 1 Corinthians 12. They join the family of God and each part of the body is important." [44:15]
4. "Hey, we've got a team right now in Kiev in the Ukraine. And you guys know it's a part of what we do in the summer, especially, but all through the year is send out teams, right? We want to make the disciples of all nations. And part of that is just getting to be included. All these stories are being included. You guys know the include me prayer, right? God, include me in what you're doing, wherever you go, wherever you are. And he's doing it. We're just getting to be a part, whether that's in your home as a parent, in a life group, in the community, or in the world." [53:41]
5. "This is a way to get those blinders off and see God working all around the world. Okay? It'll, encourage your heart. Like these stories are important. Like when you see that about Ukraine and the impact that that's having, that church has 400 people flocking to the church. Why? Because of the hard things that are going on. And they say, we need hope. And Pastor Sergei and his team have stepped in to say, it's in Jesus. And these people want it. They're hungry for it. And so we're, it's our joy to get to be included in showing them how to do this for themselves, how to enjoy Jesus for themselves through our core experiences, getting in the word and being together as the people of God." [56:00]
### Quotes for Members
1. "So this is our new life group. And our new life groups are multi-generational, which means we have different ages and stages all together. Love that. That's all a part of us being the family of God together. Okay. Okay. Holy frog. Holy frog. Where was I? New members. We're going to present some new members. Woo-woo. New members, if you're joining Crossbridge, come on down and come on up on the stage with me. We do this to celebrate the joining of these folks here at Crossbridge, and we're thrilled that they're a part. So we're going to honor them and pray for them as well. When we talk about these folks, these are folks that have come to our Discover class. They've engaged in Life Group. They're a part of the body. They're known, right? And they're walking in this. They've joined their family in their wagon to be a part of the family here at Crossbridge." [20:49]
2. "And I want to highlight the Word of God is to help us know God, not just know about God. And then the Bible also says that the Word of God is living and active, right? Sharper than that double-edged sword to cut through those things that keep us from enjoying and following Jesus and from connecting to one another. And we need it. We need it. And He knows it and we have the opportunity to receive it each and every day." [44:15]
3. "We have teams going out all over. Yeah. And they're going to be out in the middle of the summer. And we want to go. We always want to be a people that go. But we can also be a people that give. And I know many of you have. And people, all of us can pray. Our missions team has done a terrific job on the website, on our social media, on text groups where you can stay tracking with what God's doing. And parents, let me tell you, get your kids engaged in this. This is a way to get those blinders off and see God working all around the world. Okay? Yeah. This is a way to get those blinders off and see God working all around the world. Okay? It'll, encourage your heart." [56:00]
4. "So we're going to not a, not a duty, not an obligation, but a joy is to be baptized. And, and remember the water going, just because we go under the water, that doesn't save us. The water just makes us wet. But Jesus is the one that saves. And baptism is just a symbol, just a sign showing the power of God to save a person from spiritual death to spiritual life. So these that come are saying they've received it. They're his, and they're going to live for Jesus. But they're also saying that's a part of us, right? This is a communal celebration. Always was, always will be. So we're going to be excited with them as we do this, right?" [58:39]
5. "So, so first service, first service, I turned to Brian at the end. I go, hey, Brian, can today. We're doing it right here, right now. So here's the deal. Hopefully today, I don't know how you feel, but the joy of the Lord is here because he's smiling over every one of these stories, every one of these hearts, every one of these lives, and he's smiling over you. And he wants you to know him as that God who is smiling over you. And he wants you to know him as he is now. And I've got so happy to be here to know you, for you to know him. So let's sing with just the joy of the Lord as our strength, and let's just like erupt with this singing and this praise, because when we worship like that, man, it just goes all the way to heaven's ears." [01:15:55]
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