Crossing to New Life

Hearing God’s Voice

bradrud — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 00:00:03 +0000

I have discovered in my own life that hearing the voice of God is a very different thing than ‘listening to’ the voice of God. To ‘hear’ is simply to acknowledge an awareness of sound, or, in this case, the spoken word. To ‘listen’ to what we’ve heard implies that we’ve taken the message to heart, that we’ve committed to obedience. How often do we intentionally walk into the very sin we wish to escape? Overeating, laziness, lust, gossip, boasting… so often the very thing we truly don’t want to do is the thing we are drawn towards again and again. The solution is simple, but it isn’t easy. We need to flee some kinds of temptation, pray for strength to withstand others, and in every case, commit to obeying God’s voice. Pray with me: “Lord, forgive me for not obeying you- for not truly listening to your voice. You know my weakness. You know my sin. Please forgive me… again. Please give me strength to overcome temptation, wisdom to know when to flee, and a heart that is committed to obedience. Help me, Lord, to experience the freedom that only comes from binding my heart to yours. Thank you Jesus. Amen.”

The Power of a Dream

bradrud — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 16:25:52 +0000

It’s so easy to let life’s busy-ness and obstacles get in the way of our dreams. I’ve had a lot of dreams- yet many times they simply faded away. How many years can a dream sit on the back burner? We all get one shot at life on this earth- make it count! I have never known a more talented, committed church family. Pursue your dreams!

ZOOM!!!!

bradrud — Wed, 19 May 2010 16:08:42 +0000

Life for many people is a frantic struggle to keep up! We hurry from one activity, event or responsibility to the next in a seemingly never-ending cycle. What’s the point? What are we gaining? What are we giving up? God changes people’s lives through us! He wants to use ME today… He wants to use YOU today… in the great mission- reaching out to others in the name of Christ. Invite someone to church TODAY! See you Sunday!

ZOOM!

bradrud — Mon, 10 May 2010 15:50:05 +0000

Mother’s Day has come and gone- we had a great family day- Laura’s a great mom! We are gearing up for our most intensive ‘missions’ season- summer. We have trips planned to Kokrine Hills, Tecate, and perhaps Kiana. Great opportunities also exist for high schoolers and young adults to serve as camp counselors, with commitments ranging from 2 weeks to 2 months. I would like to challenge all of you to participate more directly in “The Mission”- God will challenge you- change you- grow you- bless you. See you Sunday!

Empty

bradrud — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 01:46:22 +0000

So often in life that’s how we feel- empty. It may describe your energy level, your romantic life, your bank account, or life in general. Jesus came to show us the path to an abundant life. The key is to focus two directions: God…and…Others. But what do I find myself doing? I focus on my problems and my circumstance and my feelings. All the while, I am missing opportunities to love others for the simple joy of it. How about you? Let’s sing together- let’s serve together- let’s focus this week on making another person’s day better! God bless!

Travel

bradrud — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 13:18:30 +0000

Hello everyone! As many of you know, my family has been on a two week adventure in the lower 48. We flew to Atlanta, drove across 6 states to Branson, MO, and spent several days with my parents who drove down from MN. Next we drove 12 hours to eastern TN, where I preached at River Oaks CC in Maryville (outside Knoxville). I then flew from Knoxville to Minnesota, where I preached at the funeral of my great uncle, and then back to Knoxville the following day. This past Saturday we drove 6 hours to Huntersville, NC, where I met Pastor Dean Burris(with our Partner-in-Missions, Christ Community Church) and several members of his missions team. We worshipped there on Sunday morning, and then I met with Pastor Dean and the Senior Pastor on Monday. Yesterday we drove to Atlanta, and we will be flying back to Anchorage tonight! The kids have been through 10 states in 14 days! (I’ve been in 12!) In the midst of all of that, we had horseback riding, a college visit, Branson shows, a trip to Gatlinburgh, and three beautiful climbs in the mountains. I am excited to be back, and look forward to seeing all of you Sunday! God Bless! -Brad

Plans for Purpose

bradrud — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:37:08 +0000

Plans are good. We should plan (probably more than we do!). The problem with so many of our plans is that they are focused upon temporary things: job, money, education, opposite sex… on and on it goes. God wants each one of our lives to make an eternal difference in the world. We need to grab onto this truth and measure all of our plans against it. If your life is not making an eternal difference in the world, your death won’t make a difference either. Pursue the right things- pour your passion into reaching others for Christ. See you Sunday! -Brad

“Trading Up- Blindness for Sight”

bradrud — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:20:50 +0000

Everyone loves a good trade. “Intentional Blindness” is one of those traits Christians are called to ‘trade in’ for true sight. The Bible is not simply meant to INFORM- it’s meant to TRANSFORM (in other words- to change your life!!) What do I mean by ‘intentional blindness?’ Those are the areas in life that we know God speaks about, but we simply aren’t interested in what he has to say! For example- what are you allowing into your home that doesn’t belong there (on the internet, tv, music, liquor, bad language,etc.)? Satan intends to do all that he can to destroy your family, your life, your children. PURSUING truth and obedience through the Bible is the only solution to spiritual blindness! TO GAIN TRUE SIGHT, PURSUE THE LIGHT! I challenge you this week to seek an answer to every question or problem you face in God’s Word. Let me know what you find! See you next week! -Brad

Getting Set for Winter

bradrud — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:18:20 +0000

Amazing how quickly the time passes. I look in the mirror and wonder how it could be possible that I’ve spent nearly five decades on earth. As winter draws near, I check to make sure the studded tires are on, the firewood is stacked on the porch, meat is in the freezer (thanks Tim, Keith and Chuck!). The ‘dark season’ in Alaska is also dark emotionally for many people. Just as you prepare for winter, why not prepare spiritually for the season ahead? Start now on the Christmas letter/ mailings. Schedule holiday plans or social times with friends and family. Invest in a winter recreation- ski, snowshoe, skate, snowmobile, or, perhaps, some kind of indoor club or recreation. Begin making the changes now that will allow you to not simply survive the coming winter, but thrive. See you Sunday! -Pastor Brad

“Scarlet” Letters

bradrud — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:41:39 +0000

For centuries the Christian church has been guilty of ‘branding’ various groups as unwanted and unclean. It is so refreshing to see the God-ward changes in the Church (Big ‘C’) today: Recovery Ministries, Open Doors, Outreach, Compassion and Social Justice Ministries. Even though much is wrong with the Church (it’s filled with sinners like us), much is also right. Jesus is not here to condemn your old life, but to offer one that’s new. Think about it. We’d love to see you this week at The Crossing!