TMG
Tom’s Midweek Greeting
Crossroads Community Church
Nevada MO
March 25, 2020
Hello, Crossroads Family!
It’s good to stay connected during these times of isolation and “distancing.” I’m glad for the technology that makes it possible! I’m glad for prayer and for the Spirit of God that make it possible!
We’ll have worship via Facebook Live this Sunday morning again! I’m looking forward to it! We’ll get the screen corrected so you’re not having to look at it sideways! Thanks for your patience! There are, amazingly, a lot of details involved in doing something as simple as this. Thanks to those who are helping to facilitate the service, and for the special ways all of you have reached out to each other over the past couple of weeks!
Please be in prayer for Gary Jones today. For one thing, it’s his birthday! Second, his daughter had a baby about a week ago and needed to spend a night, unexpectedly, in the hospital last night. Please pray for Gary and think about reaching out to him this week. If you don’t have Gary’s phone number, I’d be glad to provide it to you.
In Sunday’s sermon, we’ll take a look at the second part of Jesus’ trial, the part in which he’s brought before Pontius Pilate and Herod, governors of Judea and Galilee, respectively. We’ll explore what it means to be free, as we watch Barabbas be freed in place of the Lord Jesus. Actually, there are four main characters in this part of Jesus’ story, other than the Lord Himself – Pilate, Pilate’s wife, Herod, and Barabbas. Pilate raises the crucial question, “What shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” We’ll take a look at the four ways these main characters respond to that question and the consequences of each response.
Plan on joining us Sunday morning at 10:00. If you don’t have access to Facebook, or if you need a place to go to watch, please be sure to let me know (573-821-3565). I’ll be happy to help you be part of our worship service on Sunday! As was the case last Sunday, a bulletin will be available on the Crossroads Facebook page and at www.nevadacrossroadschurch.org.
Crossroads Announcements
No Home Group tonight. Be watching for information about Home Group activities in April. Thanks to Cris and Donna who have so generously opened their home for Home Group and other activities!
Friday Drop-by Prayer. If you’re free and feel up to it, stop by my house this Friday, 11 am – 1 pm, or 4-6 pm, for some prayer and conversation. 628 W. Arch Street. Thanks to those who stopped by last Friday, and who have shared prayer requests. It’s a worthy ministry to pray for one another.
Monday Facebook Bible Study. Join me for a new Bible Study on Facebook Live this Monday at 7 pm. This is another way we can stay connected and keep growing in the Lord during these unusual times. I hope you’ll plan to join me Monday!
Baptism. A baptism is tentatively planned for Sunday, April 5, if we are able to have use of the Y.
Easter Breakfast & Worship. A breakfast is being planned for Easter morning at 8:30, prior to worship. Again, plans are tentative. Lord willing, we’ll have a very special Easter Sunday in some way!
Thoughts on Fear
There is plenty of room for anxiety and fear these days: illness, interruption in routine, loss of income, separation. Fear and worry are areas of life the Lord helps us with. I’m reminded of the “Take courage” (“Do not fear”) commands of Jesus in the New Testament:
- to the paralytic in Matthew 9 — “Take courage! Your sins are forgiven!” — the Lord’s pardon
- to the woman with a hemorrhage in Matthew 9 — “Take courage! Your faith has made you well!” — the Lord’s power
- to the disciples in the boat in a storm, Matthew 14 — “Take courage! It is I! Do not be afraid!” — the Lord’s presence
- to the disciples in the Upper Room before the crucifixion, John 16 — “In this world you will have tribulation. But, take courage! I have overcome the world!” — the Lord’s peace
- to Paul, under arrest in Jerusalem, Acts 23 — “Take courage! As you have witnessed to My cause in Jerusalem, so you must also in Rome!” — the Lord’s promise to fulfill His purposes for our lives
A line from Martin Luther’s hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God,” should encourage us: “And though this world with devils filled should threaten to undo us, we will not fear for God has willed His truth to triumph through us.”
I hope you are experiencing the Lord’s peace today. If not, as part of your praying, simply ask the Father to supply it. Take Him at His word that He gives peace to His children. Take courage; the Lord will supply pardon, power, presence, peace, and purpose for your life!
I look forward to connecting with you this weekend!
— Tom
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