1. Act justly

3. Walk humblly with Him

]]> Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:58:45 -0500 http://crosspointebaptist.net/blog3/index.php?number=142#comment http://crosspointebaptist.net/blog3/index.php?number=141 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:48:48 -0500 http://crosspointebaptist.net/blog3/index.php?number=141#comment http://crosspointebaptist.net/blog3/index.php?number=140
]]> Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:03:17 -0400 http://crosspointebaptist.net/blog3/index.php?number=140#comment http://crosspointebaptist.net/blog3/index.php?number=139 Sat, 24 Oct 2009 11:45:36 -0400 http://crosspointebaptist.net/blog3/index.php?number=139#comment http://crosspointebaptist.net/blog3/index.php?number=138 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:24:00 -0400 http://crosspointebaptist.net/blog3/index.php?number=138#comment http://crosspointebaptist.net/blog3/index.php?number=137 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:13:03 -0400 http://crosspointebaptist.net/blog3/index.php?number=137#comment http://crosspointebaptist.net/blog3/index.php?number=136 CrossPointe Messages

The problem in Isaiah 58 is the people of God had external religion but did not have internal righteousness. They spent more time being together than taking care of people outside of their worship arenas.

I can't help but think we have the same problems. Christians tend to exist in holy huddles away from the community. Our calling and challenge is to build bridges to our communities and not walls from our communities. God has created us to serve. We grow spiritually when we look outward - at the needs of people instead of inward at our own needs.]]> Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:47:42 -0400 http://crosspointebaptist.net/blog3/index.php?number=136#comment http://crosspointebaptist.net/blog3/index.php?number=135 CrossPointe Messages You can also find them on I Tunes.

In this familiar passage Jesus teaches us that wise believers are those who not only hear the word, but also put it into practice. These wise men and women build a foundation for their lives that can withstand the storms that are going to come in our lives.

The Pharisees and Saducees knew the Word - they could quote it and they toted it all over the place! Many people today know the content of God's word, but they have yet to really apply it to their lives. The Great Commission teaches us not only to know the teachings of Jesus, but to live them out in our lives. A simple practice I have done for many years is to pick one application point from each day's reading of the Word and seek to live it out during that day. I would recommend it to you as a great way to get God's word into your daily lives. Happy foundation building.]]> Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:59:29 -0400 http://crosspointebaptist.net/blog3/index.php?number=135#comment http://crosspointebaptist.net/blog3/index.php?number=134 CrossPointe Messages You can also download them from I Tunes

We know from this passage that not everyone who claims to be a believer is actually a true follower of Christ. We are called to be discerning and to recognize the "fruit" of those who claim to be "prophets" or "teachers" for Christ. If their lifestyle does not match up with their teaching they are probably false. If they use manipulation or focused on money they are probably false. If they down play the cross of Christ and talk about "self esteem," "good works," or various ways to be right with God - their fruit reveals their falseness.

This passage is a wonderful reminder of grace. We are not right with God because of what we say ("Lord, Lord") or what we do ("prohecy, perform miracles or heal the sick") but rather becasue we are known by God. True followers of Jesus do the will of God, not because they are better than anyone else or because they are religious, but because they have surrendered to the One who then chooses to use us for His glory. Amazing Grace Indeed!]]> Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:04:34 -0400 http://crosspointebaptist.net/blog3/index.php?number=134#comment http://crosspointebaptist.net/blog3/index.php?number=133 CrossPointe Messages

While preparing Sunday's message I heard a Christian radio personality urge people to pray about all their diseases and problems. He constantly stated that "God obligates Himself to answer our prayers." Although, I like his confidence in God, I don't like the way he presents what prayer is.

We tend to think of prayer in terms of "getting what we ask for." God views it more as relationship and communication. Matthew 7:7-8 urges us to keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking. But remember, this is in the context of kingdom living. 6:33 tells us to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.

Let me encourage you to be committed to building your relationship with God. Spend time with God, listen to Him, talk to Him, seek Him in your daily activities. Let His agenda and His kingdom guide your life.]]> Thu, 10 Sep 2009 18:08:56 -0400 http://crosspointebaptist.net/blog3/index.php?number=133#comment http://crosspointebaptist.net/blog3/index.php?number=130 CrossPointe Messages You can also download them from I Tunes.

Jesus clearly tells us not to judge others in verse 1. That verse may be the best known and most misunderstood verse in the Bible. The command to "not judge" does not mean we do not point out sins in the lives of others. It simply means we do not make decisions about people's motives based on outward appearances.

Part of our Christian responsibilty is to help one another grow as faithful followers of Christ. One way we do that is to lovingly confront people who have acted in ways that bring reproach to the name of Christ and the church. It is not judging someone to point out their behavior or attitude needs some fine tuning.

Jesus wants us to be careful about writing people off because of the way they look or because we think we know their motives. We should work at guarding ourselves in that area. At the same time, we should not shirk from corrective confrontation in one another's lives. That is how we grow to be all that God has designed for us to be.]]> Sun, 06 Sep 2009 18:52:19 -0400 http://crosspointebaptist.net/blog3/index.php?number=130#comment http://crosspointebaptist.net/blog3/index.php?number=129
So let me encourage you to take time to recharge your batteries. Take some time to have fun. If you cannot afford a vacation, try a stay-cation. Just stay home and do a lot of fun stuff you normally don't do. When you are all finished you will feel better. You will have a new perspective and new energy to do what God wants you to do with your "regular life."]]> Mon, 20 Jul 2009 13:05:24 -0400 http://crosspointebaptist.net/blog3/index.php?number=129#comment http://crosspointebaptist.net/blog3/index.php?number=125
For me, coaching has always opened up the door for ministry in 3rd places. What about you? What are you interested in that could be used of God to help people discover the truth of Christ? What if all Christians began to intentionally chose to hang out in 3rd places in order to fulfill the Great Commission? Just something to think about.]]> Tue, 26 May 2009 14:47:11 -0400 http://crosspointebaptist.net/blog3/index.php?number=125#comment http://crosspointebaptist.net/blog3/index.php?number=123
We have become a culture that is more concerned with saving trees than saving babies. We are more interested in "not offending someone" than clearly and lovingly proclaiming absolute truth that can set people free. We desperately need to pray for a revival and a renewal. I hope you will join me this Thursday at the National Day of Prayer.]]> Mon, 04 May 2009 18:49:43 -0400 http://crosspointebaptist.net/blog3/index.php?number=123#comment http://crosspointebaptist.net/blog3/index.php?number=121
1. The Empty Tomb

2. The inability of the Jewish authorities to ever produce the body of Jesus

3. More than 500 witnesses to the Living Jesus after His death

4. The existence and growth of the Christian church in and around Jerusalem right after the death of Jesus

5. The refusual of 10 out of 11 disciples to recant their belief in the resurrected Jesus- even though it cost them their life.

6. The change in the day of worship from Saturday to Sunday, the day Jesus arose.

7. The changed lives of the followers of Jesus - both then and now.

Christianity, like all religions requires faith. However, it is not blind faith - there is plenty of evidence for the resurrection which is the cornerstone of our faith. It is not a leap into the dark to embrace Christ, but rather a step into the light. Would you allow God to open your eyes and change your life?]]> Mon, 13 Apr 2009 10:22:24 -0400 http://crosspointebaptist.net/blog3/index.php?number=121#comment http://crosspointebaptist.net/blog3/index.php?number=120
It is so easy to work too much or to place your family time behind your favorite hobby or daily activity. Stanley challenges us to see this from God's perspective. The book does not advocate really "cheating" on the job, but elevating your family so they know they are more important to you than a job.

Very few people come to the end of their careers wishing they spent more time at work. But many men and women realize too late that they loved their work more than their families. I would be happy to loan the book to anyone who would like to read it.]]> Tue, 07 Apr 2009 17:36:17 -0400 http://crosspointebaptist.net/blog3/index.php?number=120#comment http://crosspointebaptist.net/blog3/index.php?number=117
This weekend Sonya and I celebreate our 23rd wedding anniversary. What a great wife I have.

Last year was my 20th year of full time ministry. That means 4 weeks vacation instead of 3. Yay!

In November of this year I will have been a Christian for 30 years. I owe a big "thank you" to Ed Young, Tex Mitchell and the Church of the Open Door in Elyria, Ohio who were instrumental in bringing me to faith in Christ.]]> Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:26:50 -0400 http://crosspointebaptist.net/blog3/index.php?number=117#comment http://crosspointebaptist.net/blog3/index.php?number=115 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 22:49:45 -0500 http://crosspointebaptist.net/blog3/index.php?number=115#comment http://crosspointebaptist.net/blog3/index.php?number=112 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 14:58:06 -0500 http://crosspointebaptist.net/blog3/index.php?number=112#comment