TMG
Tom’s Midweek Greeting
Crossroads Community Church
Nevada MO
September 21, 2018
www.nevadacrossroadschurch.org
Why did the Lord Jesus die?
The following answers to that question, taken from the New Testament, were part of a radio broadcast I listened to earlier this week. I think your spirit might be energized by reviewing the list. The Lord Jesus died for reasons beyond merely making it possible for us to avoid the punishment we deserve for our sins. Consider the following:
• 1 Thessalonians 5:10 – He died for us that we might live together with him (not just in heaven, but now!).
• 1 Timothy 2:6 – He gave himself as a ransom for all (i.e., to gain freedom for all humankind).
• Galatians 1:4 – He gave himself to rescue us from this present evil age.
• Romans 5:8-9 – His death on the cross was proof of his love for us. We are justified by his death.
• 2 Corinthians 5:15 – He died so that we might cease to live for ourselves.
• Romans 14:7-9 – He died so that we might belong to him. (Whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.)
• 1 Peter 2:21-25 – He bore our sins on the cross so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness.
• 1 John 3:5 – He died in order to take away our sins.
• 1 John 3:8 – He died in order to undo the devil’s work.
• 1 John 4:9 – He died in order to bring us life.
• 1 Peter 3:18 – He died in order to bring us to God.
• Titus 2:14 – He died to set us free from all wickedness, and to make us a pure people, marked out for himself, and eager to do good.
• Galatians 4:5 – He died in order that we might attain the status of sons and daughters of God.
The Lord Jesus did not merely die in order to save us from the punishment of our sins, but for so much more!
What good news! What magnificent truths and blessings are ours if we are trusting him personally as our Savior. This is the life we enjoy as his disciples.
Walking the Walls
What an interesting evening several of us spent together on Wednesday “walking the walls” with Joe Chenoweth’s vision-casting material from the book of Nehemiah.
In the 3+ years I’ve been at Crossroads, I don’t think we’ve ever had a “family” discussion where we talked in detail about why we do what we do at Crossroads,… and what we would like to do in the future. I thought the conversation itself was as valuable, or perhaps more valuable, than whatever the specific outcomes will be that come from it. Thanks to all who were willing to come, contribute, listen, and pray. Thanks to Joe for his time and energy facilitating discussion. Thanks to Cris and Donna, as always, for making their home available on Wednesday evenings. We will have another “Walk the Walls” session on Wednesday, October 10, at 7 pm. Please plan to come if you are able!
Even though Crossroads has been in Nevada for several years, this is a new stage in its history. You’re part of it, and I’m glad we have a chance this fall to inspect the “walls” of the church, and to dream about the future. I left Wednesday evening feeling that you are an amazing group of people. In fact, I saw in you some of the qualities I used to observe in overseas missionaries: self-initiators, independent, action-oriented, big-hearted servants of the Lord. Truly, for me it was reminiscent of times spent years ago with missionary colleagues. And I think that if the Lord has planted in you the heart of a missionary, that bodes well for Crossroads Church.
Here were some take-aways for me after I got home Wednesday night:
• Keep it simple. Ministry should not complicate our lives; rather, it should be a joy to serve people in and outside of the church.
• We can be more intentional about drawing other people in. I liked Joe’s four-sided diagram, “I do, you watch”; “I do, you help”; “You do, I help”; “You do, I cheer.”
• We are blessed to be part of a relationally-oriented church.
• We are “the church” wherever we go and in whatever we’re doing. “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father” (Colossians 3:17).
As an example of the relational quality of Crossroads Church, as I looked back at last Monday’s Men’s Fellowship & Bible Study time at Buzz’s Barbecue, I believe I can honestly say I have never participated in as honest a discussion of temptations men face as we had that evening. Though there were only five of us present, the discussion was honest and edifying. I think it’s representative of the relationships God is growing throughout the church.
Let’s continue to pray and listen. So much potential. Wisdom and grace needed.
A Shocking Situation
This Sunday we’ll move into 1 Corinthians 5 during the sermon time and address the problem of incest that was in the Corinthian Church. The Apostle Paul described it as an immorality of the type even pagans reject. Yet, there it was in the church. What was to be done about it? We’ll have a look at some of the purposes given in the Bible for human sexuality, and we’ll consider the Lord’s guidance for dealing with thorny situations such as this one in the church.
Adult Bible Study at 9:00
Youth Bible Study at 9:00
Good worship and fellowship at 10:00.
Osage Prairie YMCA, 500 W. Highland.
I hope to see you Sunday!
One of the men on Monday night encouraged me to take some “Tom time” soon. I’m planning to do that this Saturday. Unless you have an emergency situation, I probably won’t be checking my phone or email. Hoping to have a restful day and be ready for Sunday!
Thanks for the many ways you support and encourage me and my kids!
— Tom
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