Easter 2009

I am fairly notorious for ability to misplace things.  One of the most common things I lose is keys- keys to my car, my office, my house- you name it.  This week’s message focused on things that are ‘Hidden’- specifically, the keys to fulfillment, peace and purpose.  We looked at Jesus’ parable about the kingdom of heaven being like a ‘treasure hidden in a field’ that is worth so much that we would JOYFULLY give all we own to obtain it.  Here’s a promise- if you’ll seek God’s hidden treasure, you WILL find it!  Easter was an incredible celebration at The Crossing.  Over 1200 people came together for a morning committed to worship and rejoicing!  Thirteen adults and numerous children prayed to become Christians in our Easter services!   Thank you, Lord, for using us!  See you next week! -Brad

“Seamless”

The Bible says we are to ‘clothe ourselves with Christ.’   We are to have faith that is perfect- “seamless.”  We can sum up what that looks like in two phrases:  Talk the Talk & Walk the Walk.  It is not enough to pray, study, attend church, read the Bible, and serve others.  Nor is it enough to simply share the gospel with others.  ‘Seamless’ faith has both ingredients.  This past weekend we had a mission team in Nome, at least 5 couples at a marriage retreat/conference, and almost 30 men at a Men’s Retreat.   We also had around 60 people who served in ministry at the church- people who are all both ‘talking it’ and ‘walking it.’  I encourage you to find a place to serve.  God will bless you for it!

“Knock-Offs’

There are a lot of different ideas out there about truth.  Some pursue it, some deny it, and some have no interest one way or the other.  It all boils down to a heart issue.  IF you are interested in the TRUTH, and IF you will seek the TRUTH, God promises you will find it.  Spend some time looking for answers to your current questions- (questions like: How can I improve my marriage?  How can I be a better parent?  How can I improve my financial situation?  How can I make and keep more friends?)  Did you know that the Bible answers all of those with specific advice?  But don’t forget the most important questions:  Is there life after death?  Did Jesus tell the truth?  Pick up a Bible and read the Book of John, asking God to reveal himself to you.  Here’s my rock-solid guarantee:  If you’ll read John with a tender, open heart, God will change your life.  Also, read Galatians through for each of the next four weeks- that’s where I’ll be preaching.  have a great week! -Brad

“Threads”

The Bible says we are to be ‘clothed’ with Christ.  I don’t know about you, but that’s a tall order.  We need to wake up every morning and ‘put Jesus on.’  Our thoughts, our attitudes, our expressions- none based upon how we ‘feel’ necessarily, but all based upon the incredible truth of what it means to be a child of God.  Read Galatians weekly over the next four weeks and ask God to show you how to ‘clothe yourself with Christ.’  Let me know what happens.  See you next week!

Building Bridges…

One of the great challenges we face is ‘creating space’ in our lives to simply enjoy the company of other people.  I encourage you to schedule time for friends, but also to include others who are ‘new’ to your circle.  ‘Building Bridges’ is all about creating pathways for hearts to come together.  Every man needs godly men in his circle of friends.  Every woman needs godly women in her circle of friends.  Build those bridges!  God will bless you for it!

Connect/Re-connect

There’s an old song that has a tag line that says, “Alone again…naturally.”  Sometimes we feel that way, but God is clear in his word that it is ‘not good for man to be alone.’  Get connected in a Small Group or Bible Study, or get connected in one of hundreds of service opportunities for you at The Crossing.  Life is meant to be shared!  God will bless you for it!  See you next week!  -Brad

All Things New

Well, 2009 is here whether you’re ready or not!  It came in with a chill (two weeks in the -10 to -28 range at our house), and has now been followed up by one of the most bizarre warm spells ever at +40!  I’m praying for three feet of snow!  Our ministry continues to see new faces, and I am pleased to say that we are reaching people of all ages and backgrounds!  Pray for our final concrete pour to go well for our first phase of construction on our BRIDGE Education Wing.  Then pray for God’s clear wisdom and for abundant finances to continue the work.  On another note, we are ramping up for another year of world-wide mission opportunities.  If you’d like to join a team to Africa, India, Mexico, or rural Alaska make sure to let us know.  God will bless you through the experience!  See you next week! -Brad

2008- What Happened?

What happened?  A lot!  We participated ‘hands-on’ in missions in three countries and once again ramped up our in-state ministry by sending people to half a dozen Alaska villages.  We began a number of new ministries at home, including ‘Crave’ for the post high school crowd (age 25 and under) and a monthly Friday night worship service called ‘Encounter.’   We saw well over 100 people saved in our local community this year, including five adults at our Christmas Eve service!  We added a second worship service, and have grown by over 100 people since this time last year!  In response to our growth (we had 211 in attendance in September 2002) we have completed major foundational work on a new Education Ministry Wing called ‘BRIDGE.’  We couldn’t have done it without joining together to pledge over $2 million above our regular giving for the next three years!  Wow!  Our Christian School ministry has grown from under 30 students year one to about 100 this year!  Pray for continued growth!  Pray for your pastors and leaders, your elders and deacons as we seek God’s timeline for continuing work on our BRIDGE facility.  Thanks for all that you do!  Let’s make the most of 2009!  God Bless! -Brad

Post- Uganda

We had an incredible two weeks in Uganda!  God used us to provide pure drinking water for thousands of people, and medical attention, school supplies and clothing to hundreds more!  We also ministered in a remote prison, and saw over half of the inmates receive new life through Jesus Christ in the two weeks we were there!

I came home to a still-growing church!  It is a real sign of health when the church grows while the pastor is away!  How much?  Between 3%-4% in a period of two weeks!  Wow!  Our new attendance standard is over 800 people on Sunday morning!  Four people (that we know of) were saved last week- God continues to use YOU to impact the lives of your friends and neighbors!

On another note, remember to be in prayer for our local, state and national elections, and remember to season your speech with grace and love (even when speaking of those you do NOT support).  God bless!

Two Services Already a Hit!!

We have prayed, waited, planned, waited, brainstormed, waited… and finally did it- two Sunday morning worship services are now happening at The Crossing!  Our first Sunday (August 24) was our highest attendance on record at over 730!  Labor Day weekend also had us over 700, but we were blown away by today’s total- 889!!!  People, because of you lives are being changed.  Just this morning we received word of a marriage that is being restored, requests for baptism and Membership 101, and dozens of prayer requests.  We’ve also received positive feedback regarding the ‘classic’ feel of worship during first service.  (By the way, first service attendance is up over 50% from two Sundays ago!)  We had almost the same number of people in first service today (228) as we had total in our first worship service in this building six years ago -235!  Thanks for being faithful to invite your friends!!!  See you next week!